

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

Mar 2, 2021 • 26min
DataPoints: The Psychology of Building Wealth
In this episode of Real Money, Real Experts, we get a deeper dive into the tools and resources developed by Dr. Sarah Fallaw, Co-Author of The Next Millionaire Next Door. Fallaw has spent her career rooted in data and furthered research based on her father's original best-selling book The Millionaire Next Door. The tools and research built by her company, DataPoints provide financial professionals with behavioral assessments to help clients understand their financial competencies. Listen along as Rebecca and Mary talk with Sarah on how to get research into practice. Show Notes:00:50 Sarah Intro03:03 Sarah's Road to the Field of Finance04:14 Understanding personalities of financial clients08:31 Focus on research to achieve results 13:27 Integrating tools and technology 14:24 Meeting Oprah17:50 Your Two CentsShow Note Links:DataPoints LLC: https://www.datapoints.com/Resources:The Next Millionaire Next Door:The Millionaire Next Door: https://www.amazon.com/Millionaire-Next-Door-Surprising-Americas/dp/1589795474Influence by Robert Cialdini: https://www.amazon.com/Influence-Psychology-Persuasion-Robert-Cialdini/dp/006124189XAFCPE Membership: https://www.afcpe.org/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.

Feb 15, 2021 • 27min
Get Involved: America Saves Week + Military Saves Month
It's America Saves Week! Leading up to America Saves Week (February 22nd- 26th) and Military Saves Month (April) Rebecca and Mary meet with Kia Young, Director of Communication for America Saves, and Lila Quintiliani, Senior Program Manager for Military Saves. The two guests share their path to saving and what they've learned along the way.Lila and Kia also share important resources for financial professionals and their clients. Whether it's getting involved during America Saves Week or Military Saves Month, the resources they share can be applied any time of year and tailored to fit each individual client's needs.Show Notes:00:50 Kia and Lila Intro 03:22 About America Saves 05:32 Financial Counselors and America Saves Week06:41 Military Saves 10:07 Why Automatic Save? 12:02 AFCPE + America/Military Saves 13:17 Town Hall Results 19:34 Your Two Cents Show Note Links:FINRA Spouse Fellowship: https://www.afcpe.org/career-and-resource-center/finra-foundation-military-spouse-fellowship/Military Saves: https://militarysaves.org/Military Saves Toolkit: https://militarysaves.org/organizations/military-saves-month/military-saves-month-2021-digital-toolkitAmerican Saves Week Digital Toolkit: https://americasavesweek.org/america-saves-week-digital-toolkit-2021/Tips For Spending Your Stimulus Check: https://americasaves.org/blog/1750-4-steps-to-spending-your-stimulus-check-wisely-when-you-don-t-have-an-emergency-fundSplit to save: https://splittosave.org/Resources:AFCPE Free Financial Coaching: https://www.afcpe.org/free-financial-counseling-or-coaching/AFCPE Membership: https://www.afcpe.org/membership/Find an AFC professional:https://www.afcpe.org/find-an-afcpe-certified-professional/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.

Feb 2, 2021 • 32min
Special Edition: John Sileo’s Key to Unlocking Cyber Security
Following up on last month's episode with Axton-Betz Hamilton, this special edition episode focuses on identity theft and cybersecurity. Cyber Security specialist John Sileo joins Real Money, Real Experts co-hosts Rebecca Wiggins and Dr. Mary Bell Carlson to talk about how he personally was a victim of identity theft and why he's so passionate about helping others.John is a Harvard graduate, award-winning author, and a nationally renowned speaker who's appeared on Rachel Ray, Anderson Cooper, Dr. Oz, and Fox and friends. He is also a frequent contributor to USA Today, The Washington Post, and Kiplinger. John is now the CEO of the Sileo Group, which is a high tech think tank. Show Notes:00:52 Intro John Sileo02:17 John's path to cybersecurity 04:43 Cybersecurity crimes in John's personal life15:06 Cybertheft effects on personal relationships17:10 Top tips to protect against identity theft20:53 Identify theft and the pandemic23:25 Identity theft insurance25:54 Tips for financial counselors and coaches27:59 Your Two Cents Show Note Links:Connect with John:Sileo.comFacebookLinkedInYoutubePassword Manager Options:https://1password.com/https://www.dashlane.com/Credit Freeze with all 3 credit bureaus: https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/0497-credit-freeze-faqsTurn on two-factor authentication for anything online if possible: financial, investment, email, etc.: https://www.investopedia.com/terms/t/twofactor-authentication-2fa.aspUse Password Managers:https://www.pcmag.com/picks/the-best-password-managers Recommend: https://www.dashlane.com, https://1password.com/ Credit Monitoring: https://www.annualcreditreport.comIdentity Theft Insurance: Can buy through your homeowner’s insurancehttps://www.ftc.gov/coronavirus/scams-consumer-advice AFCPE Membership: https://www.afcpe.org/membership/Find an AFC professional: https://www.afcpe.org/find-an-afcpe-certified-professional/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.

Jan 19, 2021 • 1h 1min
Facebook Live: Ask Us Anything
In this Facebook live recording, Real Money, Real Expert co-hosts Dr. Mary Bell Carlson and Rebecca Wiggins talk through highlights of past episodes and take listener questions live on Facebook.*Note this episode was pre-recorded during a live event on January 19th. 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.

Jan 4, 2021 • 28min
Supporting our Military Families During COVID
On this episode of Real Money, Real Experts co-hosts Rebecca Wiggins and Dr. Mary Bell Carlson talk with AFC® Meredith Lozar. Meredith has an extensive career working for Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society, Blue Star Families, National Military Family Association, and DOD Spouse Education and Career Opportunities. Currently, Meredith is the Director of Military Spouse Programs for Hiring our Heroes, and she is also the president for the AFCPE board of directors.The three discuss the financial impacts the Coronavirus has had on military spouses including a higher unemployment rate, historically lower savings, and childcare challenges. They look at what can be done to help with these issues and how the AFC® designation lends itself to being part of the solution. Show Notes:00:52 Intro Meredith Lozar01:40 COVID's impact on military families04:03 The AFC® as part of the solution05:47 The effect of childcare on military spouse employment08:05 how employment affects self-esteem/financial readiness09:12 US Chamber Foundation Study results10:23 Financially preparing for an emergency 16:35 Importance of volunteerism18:46 Financial Resources for military families20:14 Meredith’s Role as President23:01 Your Two Cents Show Note Links:Hiring our Heroes: https://www.hiringourheroes.org/Military Spouse Road Map: https://www.milspouseroadmap.org/Military Spouse Road Map Research: https://www.milspouseroadmap.org/research/#read-reportGetting the AFC® designation: https://www.afcpe.org/certification/accredited-financial-counselor/FINRA Foundation Military Spouse Fellowship: https://www.afcpe.org/career-and-resource-center/finra-foundation-military-spouse-fellowship/AFCPE Membership: https://www.afcpe.org/membership/Find a financial AFC professional for help: Find an AFC professional: https://www.afcpe.org/find-an-afcpe-certified-professional/Military One Source Financial & Legal Help: https://www.militaryonesource.mil/financial-legalWant 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.

Dec 22, 2020 • 37min
From Victim to Advocate: Axton Betz-Hamilton's Journey with Identity Theft
This week, Real Money, Real Experts welcomes Axton Betz-Hamilton, AFC®, Assistant Professor of Consumer Affairs at South Dakota State University, and author of "The Less People Know About Us."Co-hosts Rebecca Wiggins and Dr. Mary Bell Carlson talk to Axton about her personal experience with identity theft, specifically familial and child identity theft, how the law has changed to protect victims; and how financial counselors can better support those who have been affected. Show Notes:00:52 Intro Axton05:37 "The Less People Know About Us"11:18 The mental effects of identity theft14:20 What financial professionals should know18:70 Axton's personal experience with child identity theft24:40 Rebuilding after a two-decade crime31:30 Your Two CentsShow Note links:The Less People Know About Us book: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07NL6MD9X South Dakota State University’s Consumer Affairs program: https://www.sdstate.edu/consumer-sciences/consumer-affairs New York Times Book Review: https://www.nytimes.com/2019/10/15/books/review/the-less-people-know-about-us-axton-betz-hamilton.html NPR Book Review: https://www.npr.org/2019/10/20/771358674/in-the-less-people-know-about-us-a-mysterious-identity-theft-hits-close-to-home Identity Theft Resource Center: https://www.idtheftcenter.org/ Federal Trade Commission’s Report Identity Theft: https://www.identitytheft.gov/AFCPE Membership: https://www.afcpe.org/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.

Dec 8, 2020 • 42min
From the Ground Up: Starting a Private Practice and Navigating State Registrations
This week, Real Money, Real Experts welcomes Andrea Clark and Adrienne Ross, who are both owners of private practices, as well as members of the U.S. military community.Co-hosts Rebecca Wiggins and Dr. Mary Bell Carlson talk to Andrea and Adrienne about their complementary certifications, the complicated distinction between investment education and advice, registering as an RIA, and other important questions around compliance. Both Andrea and Adrienne offer a wealth of information for those interested in starting a private practice. Show Notes:00:52 Intro Adrienne and Andrea05:43 Creating a support system08:52 Working with the military community10:28 Compliance and registering as an RIA15:00 Education versus advice19:16 State by state registration requirements29:50 What Andrea & Adrienne wish they knew36:00 Your Two Cents38:00 Final notes about registrationsContact Your Regulator: https://www.nasaa.org/contact-your-regulator/Series 65 Study Guide: https://www.nasaa.org/exams/study-guides/series-65-study-guide/https://www.finra.org/registration-exams-ce/qualification-exams/series65 Starting a business: https://www.kitces.com/blog/financial-coaching-what-it-is-and-how-to-become-one/Registering a firm: https://www.kitces.com/blog/registered-investment-adviser-requirements-series-65-exam-timing/XYPN: https://www.xyplanningnetwork.com MFAA: http://militaryfinancialadvisors.orgTable Financial Planning: https://thetablefinancialplanning.com/Clear Insight Financial Planning: https://mycifp.com/ Garrett Planning Network: https://www.garrettplanningnetwork.com/AFCPE Membership: https://www.afcpe.org/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.

Nov 24, 2020 • 32min
Economic Self-Sufficiency: How Financial Professionals Support Individuals with Disabilities
This week, Real Money, Real Experts welcomes Michael Roush, Director of the Center for Disability Inclusive Community Development at the National Disability Institute. Co-hosts Rebecca Wiggins and Dr. Mary Bell Carlson talk to Michael about how financial coaches and counselors can best serve people in the disability community. *Show Notes*00:50 Intro Michael Roush05:10 Defining disability08:19 Accessibility vs. equity12:10 Why counsel individuals with disabilities14:55 Building awareness among coaches18:10 Impact of COVID-1921:12 Disability resources coaches should know about23:11 NDI & AFCPE® Financial Inclusion Essentials26:41 Your Two CentsShow Note links:National Disability Institute: www.nationaldisabilityinstitute.orgRace, Ethnicity, and Disability Brief - https://www.nationaldisabilityinstitute.org/reports/research-brief-race-ethnicity-and-disability/FDIC and Disability Unbanked and Underbanked Reporthttps://www.nationaldisabilityinstitute.org/reports/banking-status-and-financial-behaviors-2019/Financial Inclusion Essentials: https://www.afcpe.org/education-and-training/financial-inclusion-essentials/ Americans Disabilities Act from the Department of Justice: https://www.ada.gov/ABLE Accounts: https://www.ablenrc.org/ NDI’s information on ABLE Accounts: https://www.nationaldisabilityinstitute.org/financial-wellness/able-accounts/Virtual Financial Counseling/Coaching Initiative: https://www.yellowribbonnetwork.org/afcpecovid19 NDI’s Financial Resilience Center: https://www.nationaldisabilityinstitute.org/financial-resilience-center/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.

Nov 10, 2020 • 36min
Moving Students Out of the Red and Into the Black
This week, Real Money, Real Experts welcomes Shelby Henderson and Tiffany Murray from Texas Tech University's Red to Black® Peer to Peer Financial Coaching Program.Co-hosts Rebecca Wiggins and Dr. Mary Bell Carlson talk to Tiffany and Shelby about the effectiveness of peer-to-peer programs, and the ripple effect that financial knowledge can have.*Show Notes*00:45 Intro Tiffany and Shelby02:18 What is Red to Black®06:11 Shelby's background as a student07:58 Tiffany's career change12:04: Students' biggest financial challenges15:18 Knowledge Bowl17:11 How more universities can make it work22:06 Sitting for the AFC® as a student26:52 Student success stories30:19 Your Two Cents34:43 Reflecting on the ripple effectShow Links:Texas Tech University’s Red to Black program: http://www.depts.ttu.edu/r2b/Texas Tech’s Financial Planning Program: http://www.depts.ttu.edu/hs/pfp/Student Financial Literacy: Campus-Based Program Development by Drs. Dottie Durband and Sonya Britt Lutter: https://www.amazon.com/Student-Financial-Literacy-Campus-Based-Development/dp/1461435048Follow Red to Black on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/red-to-black/ AFCPE Symposium Registration: https://www.afcpe.org/symposium/ AFC Certification Overview & Registration: https://www.afcpe.org/certification/accredited-financial-counselor/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 27, 2020 • 40min
Recognizing the Issue of Intimate Partner Violence with Sonya Passi
This week, Real Money, Real Experts welcomes Sonya Passi, Founder and CEO of FreeFrom, focusing on financial security and freedom for survivors of gender-based violence.Co-hosts Rebecca Wiggins and Dr. Mary Bell Carlson talk to Sonya about the intricacies of gender-based and intimate partner violence, and how that impacts survivor's financial well-being.*Show Notes*00:45 Intro Sonya03:54 Prevalence of Intimate Partner Violence08:19 What Violence and Survivors Look Like11:04 Impact of COVID15:14 Violence & Finances17:06 About FreeFrom23:05 What Employers Can Do29:38 How Financial Coaches Can Confront Violence36:26 Your Two Cents39:07 SymposiumShow Notes:FreeFrom: https://www.freefrom.org/FreeFrom Safety Fund Report: https://bit.ly/Survivors-Know-BestWant 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.