

Real Money, Real Experts
AFCPE®
Real Money, Real Experts is a personal finance podcast written and produced by AFCPE®. With an audience of financial professionals, we strive to educate and entertain with a combination of expert tips, engaging interviews, and real-life storytelling. AFCPE® ensures the highest integrity of the financial counseling profession by certifying, connecting, and supporting diverse professionals. Our comprehensive program, the AFC® (Accredited Financial Counselor®), represent the gold standard of financial counseling certifications. And our membership community offers a place to share best practices, solve similar struggles, and access tools and resources that advance your career and enable you to better serve your clients.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Nov 9, 2021 • 26min
When I’m 65: Preparing to be a financial caregiver with AFC® Corey Carlisle
According to the US Census Bureau, one in five Americans will be aged 65 or older by the end of this decade. Unfortunately, this growing population is also most at risk for financial fraud and exploitation.Today on Real Money, Real Experts, co-hosts Rebecca Wiggins and Dr. Mary Bell Carlson are joined by AFC® Corey Carlisle, Senior Vice President at the American Bankers Association and Executive Director of the ABA Foundation. In this episode, Corey dives into what it means to become a financial caregiver for an older generation and how we can provide more resources and tools to support them as they serve this vulnerable population.Corey also gives us a sneak peek of his Symposium topic, discussing the need for financial inclusion for previously incarcerated citizens. If you’re interested in hearing more from Corey, don’t miss his panel discussion during the 2021 AFCPE Symposium happening November 15 - 19!Show Notes:00:52 Corey Introduction01:49 Corey’s Journey Into the Field02:44 The American Bankers Association04:46 Corey’s Journey towards the AFC®07:33 Financial Caregiving10:10 Be Aware – Scams Targeting the Elderly12:05 Having Those Tough Conversations with your Loved Ones16:32 Financial Wellbeing for Previously Incarcerated Citizens22:36 Corey’s Two Cents Show Note links:Connect with Corey!LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/coreycarlisleTwitter: @FinHealthCoreyResourcesaba.com/foundationaba.com/consumershttps://www.aba.com/advocacy/community-programs/finedlinkhttps://bankingjournal.aba.com/2018/11/a-financial-caregiver-chances-are-youll-be-one-or-youll-need-one/https://www.aba.com/advocacy/community-programs/safe-banking-for-seniorshttps://www.nia.nih.gov/https://www.consumerfinance.gov/consumer-tools/educator-tools/resources-for-older-adults/https://www.aba.com/banking-topics/operations/diversity-equity-inclusionhttps://joinbankon.org/ Want to get involved with AFCPE®?Here are a few places to start: Become a Member, Sign up for an Essentials Course, or Get AFC Certified today! Want to support the podcast? We love partnering with organizations that share our mission and values. Download our media kit.

Oct 26, 2021 • 33min
Accessibility, the path to AFC, and RV living with Melissa Mittelstaedt
What do RVs, sign language, and AFC® certification have in common? They’re all part of the journey for our latest podcast guest, Melissa Mittelstaedt.Melissa is a sign language interpreter, the founder of Money Coach, an AFCPE member, and an AFC candidate. On this episode of Real Money, Real Experts, Melissa dives into creating financial stability despite variable income, creating more accessible financial resources for our deaf and hard of hearing clients, and common advice she gives to women entrepreneurs chasing their dreams.Show Notes:00:52 Melissa Introduction01:14 Melissa’s Journey05:40 Running a Business, Supporting Dreams, Full Time RV Living09:59 Melissa’s Private Practice15:57 Lessons Learned18:40 Working with Clients that are Deaf or Hard of Hearing24:02 The Value of the AFC®27:32 Melissa’s Two CentsShow Note links:Contact Melissa:Website: https://www.melissamitt.com/aboutInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/_melissamitt/Mix Captions:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mixcaptionsTwitter: https://twitter.com/mixcaptions Want to get involved with AFCPE®?Here are a few places to start: Become a Member, Sign up for an Essentials Course, or Get AFC Certified today! Want to support the podcast? We love partnering with organizations that share our mission and values. Download our media kit.

Oct 12, 2021 • 43min
From the Vault: Jen Hemphill: Why Her Dinero Matters
In honor of Hispanic/Latinx Heritage Month, we are re-releasing our conversation with Jen Hemphill, AFC®, host of the Her Dinero Matters podcast. This blog post includes additional information on the unique barriers to financial well-being that members of the Latinx community may encounter as well as resources to use with your Latinx clients. In this episode of Real Money, Real Experts co-hosts Rebecca Wiggins and Dr. Mary Bell Carlson talk to award-winning podcaster and AFC® Jen Hemphill. Jen has devoted her career to helping women feel like the queen of their financial lives, and is committed to helping Latinas across the US find financial freedom.The three discuss Jen’s journey from military spouse to AFC®. Covering important topics like building a private practice, defining your niche, and having multiple streams of income, Jen openly shares her journey and the mistakes that she made along the way. Jen also touches on the important ways that culture impacts our money decisions. Tune in to learn more about Jen’s experiences, and to gain a new perspective to better support your clients.Show Notes:00:52 Jen Introduction05:09 Jen’s Journey to Personal Finance12:05 Building her Private Practice16:22 Finding your Niche19:14 Finances and the Latinx Community25:27 Growing your Business & Having Multiple Sources of Income32:54 Writing and Self-Publishing Her Dinero Matters 38:02 Your Two CentsShow Note Links:Get in Contact with Jen!Website: https://jenhemphill.com/Podcast: https://jenhemphill.com/her-dinero-matters-podcast/Twitter: https://twitter.com/jenhemphilllFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/moneywithjen/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jenhemphill/ & https://www.instagram.com/herdineromatters/Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenhemphill/ResourcesMoney as You Grow resource for parents: https://www.consumerfinance.gov/consumer-tools/money-as-you-grow/Her Dinero Matters: https://jenhemphill.com/bookResources for Inclusion of Latinx Community: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1zNIvlgiqgusYVlri9XRCW1GX5_j0mL7S/view?usp=sharingFINRA Foundation Military Spouse Fellowship for the AFC(R): https://www.afcpe.org/career-and-resource-center/finra-foundation-military-spouse-fellowship/AFCPE Membership:Want to get involved with AFCPE®?Here are a few places to start: Become a Member, Sign up for an Essentials Course, or Get AFC Certified today! Want to support the podcast? We love partnering with organizations that share our mission and values. Download our media kit.

Sep 24, 2021 • 34min
Under-banked and overlooked: Helping our vulnerable populations with Leigh Phillips
What does it truly mean to be unbanked or under-banked? What unexpected impacts can it have on the financial security of our clients?We dive into these questions on this eye-opening episode of Real Money, Real Experts with Leigh Phillips, President of SaverLife, a national nonprofit that helps working families achieve prosperity by taking small savings steps. From lack of access to emergency funds to predatory debt traps, Leigh shares the serious barriers to financial stability that come with being unbanked or under-banked and shines light on the steps AFCPE professionals can take to help.Don’t forget, SaverLife will be one of our keynote sessions at our upcoming 2021 AFCPE symposium, sharing powerful stories about the struggles and resilience of those hardest hit by the pandemic. If you enjoyed this episode, you don't want to miss it!Show Notes:00:52 Leigh Introduction01:40 Leigh’s Journey into the Field of Finance05:08 History of Bank on San Francisco08:43 Financial Implications of Being Unbanked or Underbanked11:12 Inspiring Individuals to Start Saving with SaverLife17:50 How just $100 in Savings can Change your Life22:26 Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic26:04 How AFCPE® Professionals Can Help28:48 Connect to SaverLife & Access Resources Show Note links:Get in contact with Leigh and SaverLife:Twitter: @wearesaverlife and @twoleighpLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/saverlifewww.SaverLife.org Resources:www.About.saverlife.org https://about.saverlife.org/research-posts/finrahttps://joinbankon.org/https://www.fdic.gov/analysis/household-survey/index.htmlhttps://cfefund.org/https://www.hardhit.org/https://www.hardhit.org/datawww.afcpe.org/career-and-resource-center/certification-scholarships/www.afcpe.org/symposium Want to get involved with AFCPE®?Here are a few places to start: Become a Member, Sign up for an Essentials Course, or Get AFC Certified today! Want to support the podcast? We love partnering with organizations that share our mission and values. Download our media kit.

Sep 22, 2021 • 29min
Real Money, Real Experts Live! Student Loan Planning with Ryan Law, CFP®, AFC®
Real Money, Real Experts welcomes Ryan Law, CFP®, AFC® for another Facebook Live! Student loan policies have gone through a lot of changes this past year. Check out this Real Money, Real Experts Live for and overview of these changes and what comes next for borrowers. Show Notes:00:02 Ryan Introduction01:00 COVID-19 Student Loan Updates02:20 Temporary Suspension of Federal Student Loan Payments & Debt Collections05:36 Temporary 0% Interest on all Federal Student Loans07:13 Getting Ready for Repayment08:45 BIG Update for Approximately 10 Million Borrowers10:40 Public Service Loan Forgiveness12:54 Have Loans with FedLoan or Granite? Take These Steps!14:18 Question from the Audience15:15 Avoiding Student Loan Scams & Reliable Forgiveness Programs21:27 AFCPE®’s College Finance Essentials Course24:59 Ryan’s Two Cents Show Notes Links:More about Ryan & how to contact him: Ryan H. Law Student Loan pageTo get more information on all student loans: Studentaid.govPublic Student Loan Forgiveness InformationFederal Student Loan ServicersRyan’s book: Student Loan Planning: A Borrower’s Guide to Understanding and Repaying Student LoansFor more information on College Finance Essentials, check out: https://www.afcpe.org/educati.../college-finance-essentials/ use code CFE2021 for 25%! This code expires December 31, 2021Want to get involved with AFCPE®?Here are a few places to start: Become a Member, Sign up for an Essentials Course, or Get AFC Certified today! Want to support the podcast? We love partnering with organizations that share our mission and values. Download our media kit.

Aug 31, 2021 • 40min
Financial Therapy & Healing Money Scripts with Dr. Brad Klontz
Today on Real Money, Real Experts, co-hosts Rebecca Wiggins and Dr. Mary Bell Carlson are joined by Dr. Brad Klontz, a financial planner, financial psychologist, and coauthor of six books on the psychology of money.In this episode, Dr. Klontz dives into the world of financial therapy, exploring its similarities and differences with financial coaching and counseling, and sharing the incredible impact it can have on our personal relationship with money. We learn about our individual, deep-rooted beliefs around money called “money scripts,” how they affect us, and how we can change them.Don’t forget, Dr. Klontz will be delivering keynote remarks at our upcoming 2021 AFCPE symposium. This episode is a must-listen, especially if you’ll be joining us in November! Show Notes:00:52 Brad introduction01:45 Brad’s introduction to the Field of Finance04:29 How Financial Therapy Differs from Counseling & Coaching08:51 Identifying and Working Through Money Scripts with your Clients15:48 Importance of Talking About Money with Children21:17 Intersectionality of Money Scripts26:18 It’s Unromantic, but Important – Talking about Money with your Partner Early34:47 Brad’s Two CentsShow Note links:Connect with Brad! @drbradklontz on all social media platformshttps://www.bradklontz.com/aboutwww.bradklontz.com/moneyscriptstestResourceswww.afcpe.org/career-and-resource-center/certification-scholarships/www.afcpe.org/symposium https://financialtherapyassociation.org/find-a-financial-therapist/ https://www.financialpsychologyinstitute.com/AFCPE Member DiscountsWant to get involved with AFCPE®?Here are a few places to start: Become a Member, Sign up for an Essentials Course, or Get AFC Certified today! Want to support the podcast? We love partnering with organizations that share our mission and values. Download our media kit.

Aug 13, 2021 • 26min
Origin Story: Understanding the History of Wealth and Equity with Edgar Villanueva
How has our history shaped our financial present? What is the origin of wealth? Co-hosts Rebecca Wiggins and Dr. Mary Bell Carlson discuss why these questions matter on this episode of Real Money, Real Experts with award-winning author Edgar Villanueva. Edgar is an enrolled member of the Lumbee tribe of North Carolina, the Principal of Decolonizing Wealth Project and Liberated Capital, and the author of the bestselling book Decolonizing Wealth.Pulling from his experience advising global organizations on advancing racial equity from within, Edgar explains financial counselors and advisors must not only understand our history and the origins of wealth, but must also ensure their services are open and accessible to clients from vastly different communities or backgrounds than their own. Show Notes:00:52 Edgar introduction3:09 Edgars Career Trajectory5:36 Principles of Decolonizing Wealth12:55 Doing the Work – Holistic Understanding of the Individual to Better Serve Clients15:51 Financial Challenges of the Native American Community22:45 Edgar’s Two Cents Show Note links:Connect with Edgar! Twitter: @VillanuevaEdgarInstagram: @VillanuevaEdgar Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DecolonizingWealth/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/decolonizing-wealth-project/ Decolonizing Wealth: https://decolonizingwealth.com/7 Steps to Healing: https://decolonizingwealth.com/7-steps-to-healing/Want to get involved with AFCPE®?Here are a few places to start: Become a Member, Sign up for an Essentials Course, or Get AFC Certified today! Want to support the podcast? We love partnering with organizations that share our mission and values. Download our media kit.

Aug 3, 2021 • 43min
Overcoming addiction and leading with empathy with Ambus Hunter IV, AFC® Candidate
From music education, to supply chain management, to overcoming a gambling addiction, Ambus Hunter’s path to becoming a financial counselor looks different from most.In this episode, you’ll hear co-hosts Rebecca Wiggins and Dr. Mary Bell Carlson chat with Accredited Financial Counselor® Candidate Ambus as he shares his story of struggling with, and triumphing over, a gambling addiction, and how it ultimately brought him to his private practice.Both vulnerable and authentic, Ambus discusses the importance of empathy and understanding within the financial coaching profession, the power of sharing our struggles, and the beauty in creating human connections. Show Notes:00:52 Ambus Introduction01:29 Ambus’ Journey to the Field of Finance14:03 Understanding and being Empathetic towards Gambling Addictions18:15 How Life Experiences Validate Your Practice22:59 Working with Clients with an Addiction27:27 They Journey towards the AFC®29:52 Ambus’ Private Practice32:34 Talking about Stocks and Investing as a Financial Counselor/Coach35:52 Get Registered to Give Investment Advice37:18 Ambus’ Two Cents Show Note links:Social MediaIG: @ambushunter Twitter: @ambusvhunterAmbus’s blog: www.ambushunter.com Ambus’ personal journey: https://www.ambushunter.com/how-gambling-away-my-savings-strengthened-my-relationship-with-money/National Gambling Helpline: https://www.ncpgambling.org/help-treatment/national-helpline-1-800-522-4700/Department of Health and Human Services - Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration: https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/national-helplineFrom the Ground Up: Starting a Private Practice and Navigating State Registrations: https://www.afcpe.org/real-money-real-experts-podcast/Want to get involved with AFCPE®?Here are a few places to start: Become a Member, Sign up for an Essentials Course, or Get AFC Certified today! Want to support the podcast? We love partnering with organizations that share our mission and values. Download our media kit.

Jul 20, 2021 • 27min
Exploring Transitions - A look at AFCPE® through the years and Changing Careers with Barbara O'Neill, AFC®
This week on Real Money, Real Experts, hosts Rebecca Wiggins and Dr. Mary Bell Carlson walk down memory lane with Dr. Barbara O'Neill, owner/CEO of Money Talk and Distinguished Professor Emeritus at Rutgers University. A long time member of AFCPE®, Dr. O'Neill talks to us about her favorite AFCPE moments and the growth of the organization through the years. Just as AFCPE has transitioned over the years, so has her professional career. Come learn about her exciting journey from Academia to Entrepreneurship and hear how she uses social media, professional connections and life lessons to build a successful private practice. Show Notes:00:52 Barb Intro02:04 Barb’s intro to the Field of Finance04:08 Stroll Down Memory Lane: AFCPE® in the early years08:09 Tips for your first AFCPE® Symposium09:17 Barb’s transition from Academia to Entrepreneurship12:39 Filling in the Cracks: Managing your Time as a Private Practitioner14:17 The Mary O’Neill Mini Grant: Origins and Impact in the Field18:26 Using Social Media to Build your Brand21:53 Barb’s Two Cents Show Note links:Contact Barb!Twitter: @moneytalk1LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/barbaraoneillmoneytalk/Small Steps Blog: https://moneytalk1.blogspot.com/2021/06/the-value-of-simple-process-steps.htmlMoney Talk Website: https://www.moneytalkbmo.com/Money Talk Blog: https://moneytalk1.blogspot.com/ResourcesRutgers Cooperative Extension Personal Finance Website: https://njaes.rutgers.edu/money/Amazon Website for Flipping a Switch Book: https://www.amazon.com/Flipping-Switch-Happiness-Financial-Security/dp/1620236869Military Families Learning Network Personal Finance Website: https://militaryfamilieslearningnetwork.org/personal-finance/Mary O’Neill Mini Grant: https://www.afcpe.org/career-and-resource-center/grants/Mary O’Neill Mini Grant Recipients: https:/www.afcpe.org/career-and-resource-center/mini-grant-recipients/Want to get involved with AFCPE®?Here are a few places to start: Become a Member, Sign up for an Essentials Course, or Get AFC Certified today! Want to support the podcast? We love partnering with organizations that share our mission and values. Download our media kit.

Jul 6, 2021 • 41min
Finding Your Niche: How to build your financial coaching business with Lacey Langford, AFC®
The power of failure, the unique financial struggles of military service members, finding your financial coaching niche — co-hosts Rebecca Wiggins and Dr. Mary Bell Carlson cover it all with guest Lacey Langford, AFC®.Lacey is the creator and host of the Military Money Show, a podcast that's dedicated to helping the military community make, save, and invest money wisely. She's also a veteran of the U.S. Air Force and the founder of Laceylangford.com, a personal finance blog and coaching practice specializing in the unique world of the United States Military.In this episode, Lacey talks about barriers that are actually business opportunities in disguise, her unconventional career journey to a career in helping military members, and her favorite resources for entrepreneurs. If you run your own financial business — or are thinking about taking the leap to start a private practice — you don’t want to miss this episode of Real Money, Real Experts. Show Notes:00:52 Lacey’s Introduction01:36 Lacey’s Journey to the Field and the AFC®05:27 Financial Challenges of Active-Duty Service Members07:56 Financial Challenges and Barriers of Active-Duty Military Spouses11:35 Resources for Service Members and Souses in Transition14:00 The Evolution of Lacey’s Private Practice17:06 The Power of Having a Niche20:04 Diversifying your Income24:53 Advice for Private Practitioners30:00 Resources for Entrepreneurs35:42 Lacey’s Two Cents Show Note links:Connect with Lacey!Website: https://laceylangford.com/Instagramː https://www.instagram.com/laceylangfordTwitterː https://twitter.com/FinanceLaceyLinkedInː https://www.linkedin.com/in/laceylangfordYouTubeː https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC0oGyS_Pwtig0iecEQ_PW2gFacebookː https://www.facebook.com/TheMilitaryMoneyExpertMilitary ResourcesVeterati: https://www.veterati.com/Military OneSource: https://www.militaryonesource.mil/Hiring Our Heroes: https://www.hiringourheroes.org/ Entrepreneurial ResourcesFinancial Coaching Business Builder: https://programs.laceylangford.com/courses/fcbbAirtable: https://airtable.com/ Calendly: https://calendly.com/ Grammarly: https://www.grammarly.com/Meet Edgar: https://meetedgar.com/HelloSign: https://www.hellosign.com/Thinkific: https://www.thinkific.com/Lead Pages: https://www.leadpages.com/Blue Host: https://www.bluehost.com/#Want to get involved with AFCPE®?Here are a few places to start: Become a Member, Sign up for an Essentials Course, or Get AFC Certified today! Want to support the podcast? We love partnering with organizations that share our mission and values. Download our media kit.


