Real Money, Real Experts

Step into the spotlight with us as we commemorate the 100th episode of Real Money, Real Experts. In this special episode, we reminisce on the trials, triumphs, and unforgettable moments that have defined our podcast journey and look ahead to the future. We pull back the curtain to give you a look at our podcast journey, answer listener questions, and share some of our favorite moments along the way. But this episode isn't just about us—it's about you, the people who have been the heartbeat of Real Money, Real Experts since its inception. As we take a trip down memory lane, we'll shine a spotlight on the incredible stories and connections that have been forged along the way, sharing intimate behind-the-scenes anecdotes that reveal the human side of our podcast.Show Notes:02:28 BTS of Rachael's first episode03:30 How Real Money, Real Experts came to fruition05:41 Reflecting on the real stories of Real Money, Real Experts09:02 Rachael & Mary's most memorable episodes 16:27 What the AFCPE community is saying20:43 Rachael & Mary's biggest gain in the journey so far27:16 The future of AFCPE and what's to come in the future33:03 Mary's 2 cents34:52 The future of Real Money, Real Experts36:58 Winner Reveal!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.

Join co-hosts Rachael Deleon and Dr. Mary Carlson as they welcome Lissa Prudencio, AFC®, Founder of Wealth for Women of Color. In our latest episode, Lissa shares the power of pivoting and reminds us that investing in ourselves can help change the world. You'll learn the secret to intentionality, how to avoid burnout, and the importance of putting yourself first in your financial wellness journey. Lissa is on a mission to empower women of color to break down financial barriers and build wealth.Show Notes: 02:58 Lissa's pivot from the corporate world to pursuing her passion04:34 The story behind Wealth for Women of Color06:44 How investing in your wealth will change the world 09:36 The importance of bridging the wealth gap together as a community 11:52 What led Lissa to the AFC19:33 Lissa's life lessons from burnout 25:38 The secret to intentionality 30:48 The instrumental impact of gratitude and empathy32:25 Lissa's 2 centsShow Note Links:https://www.youtube.com/wealthforwomenofcolor https://www.tiktok.com/@wealthforwomenofcolor https://instagram.com/wealthforwomenofcolor https://wealthforwomenofcolor.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.

Join co-hosts Rachael Deleon and Dr. Mary Carlson in this week's episode as they welcome Sara Lohse, AFC® and Founder of Favorite Daughter Media, to the conversation. Fueled by caffeine and unwavering passion, Sara is a master at blending storytelling and marketing to empower mission-driven brands to amplify their impact.In this fun conversation, Sara takes us on a journey into the heart of authentic storytelling. We talk about podcasting, thought leadership, and emphasizing the importance of leading with values and stories. Learn how you can harness the power of storytelling to connect with your audience on a deeper level, leaving a lasting impression and driving meaningful change. Show Notes: 02:28 Sara's perfect marriage between personal finance and marketing04:01 What led Sara to the AFC08:26 Sara's secret to podcasting10:34 The power of leading with value and stories 12:31 How to be a thought leader 14:12 Leaning into your authenticity is your strength 18:26 The power of consistency20:48 The art of storytelling 23:53 Sara's 2 centsShow Note Links: @favoritedaughtermedia (FB, Insta, LinkedIn)  @_saralohse (Twitter, Insta)  @saralohse (linkedin) https://favoritedaughtermedia.com/  Open This Book  Branded – Advice for podcast guest https://favoritedaughtermedia.com/services/branded-podcasts/ 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.

On this week's episode, co-hosts, Rachael Deleon and Dr. Mary Carlson, are joined by AFCPE Board Member and FINRA Foundation Fellow, Lynne Patterson, AFC. Lynne's expertise and passion for fostering collaboration and resilience stem from her deep military connections. As both a service member and a dependent she has moved an astounding 35 times, providing her with a unique lens into the challenges that military families face. On this episode, we dive into Lynne's unique professional journey, and we celebrate the transformative power of community and the tireless efforts of changemakers like Lynne who are creating a brighter, more inclusive future for all.Show Notes:  03:37 The challenges military spouses face 04:38 Lynne's journey to the AFC06:51 The magic behind the FINRA Foundation Fellowship 08:54 Building the bridge between military heroes and AFCPE 10:57 The importance of community empowerment11:40 Endless possibilities within the AFC designation13:41 Feeling at home with AFCPE16:19 The power of community with the AFCPE member exchange17:06 Lynne's 2 cents18:14 Lynne's MilMoneyCon presentation in AprilShow Note Links:See Lynne speak at MilMoneyCon this April  Linkedin 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.

Are you ready for it?Join hosts Rachael Deleon and Dr. Mary Carlson for an engaging episode featuring special guest Amanda Christensen, AFC, Extension Professor at Utah State University, and Founder of Utah Money Moms. In our latest episode, Amanda shares her passion for empowering women on their financial wellness journey and reminds us how cultivating community can inspire women to take control of their financial futures. You'll learn how to engage with your local cooperative extension, the power of PowerPay, and how the AFC has been so valuable to the work of a financial educator. Amanda is on a mission to transform lives with real-life money smarts.Show Notes: 03:04 What led Amanda to the world of extension06:46 Amanda's secret weapon to debt elimination09:29 Shaking off financial stress resources11:04 The Power Pay Money Master Course community 11:53 An inside look into Empowering Financial Wellness statewide program13:36 Diving into Utah Money Moms18:01 Amanda's journey to the AFC20:31 The path to the extension world 22:49 Amanda's final 2 centsShow Note Links: Power Pay Power Pay Money Master Online Course Finance Extension Empowering Financial Wellness Program Utah State Extension Resources Find your state's extension office Utah Money Moms InstagramUtah Money Moms Utah State University 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.

Join hosts Rachael Deleon and Dr. Mary Carlson in a captivating conversation with special guest Amy Smith, AFC, Founder of My BPD, My Money, and Member Engagement Coordinator for AFCPE. In this enlightening episode, Amy shares her inspiring journey to achieving the AFC certification, emphasizing the transformative power of vulnerability and authenticity. Discover how embracing her true self opened doors to countless opportunities, and learn invaluable insights on leveraging personal strengths for positive impact. Tune in for a dose of motivation and wisdom that will empower you to unlock your own potential and thrive.Show Notes:02:06 Amy's journey to the AFC03:08 Diving into her military background 04:16 What led Amy to AFCPE05:48 Utilizing SMART Goals to achieve her AFC certification  08:19 Building confidence to overcome imposter syndrome and test anxiety09:54  The importance of building community  within AFCPE13:03 Diversity in careers within the AFCPE community15:02 How embracing authenticity is your superpower 19:14 Amy's final 2 centsShow Note Links: WebsiteLinkedInInstagramReal Money, Real Experts Career Series (Episodes 44 – 51) AFCPE MembershipWant 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.

"If you want to be a CEO, you have to start thinking like a CEO."In this episode, hosts Rachael Deleon and Dr. Mary Carlson are joined by special guest Tiffany Grant, AFC and owner of Money Talk with Tiff. Tiffany, an award-winning financial literacy expert and educator, has empowered countless individuals and organizations to achieve financial success and well-being.Join us as Tiffany reveals her personal journey to obtaining the AFC certification and how embracing the CEO mindset transformed her approach to finances and life. From insightful strategies to practical tips, this episode offers invaluable wisdom for anyone striving to elevate their thinking and achieve their goals.Show Notes:2:10 What led Tiffany into the world of personal finance5:35 How she started her business7:27 Into Tiffany's private practice10:43 Successful techniques in working with clients13:56 Advice for professionals in the beginning stages17:19 How Tiffany organizes her time24:36 Unlocking the CEO mindset26:49 What brought her to the AFC and her current PhD studies31:31 Tiffany's final 2 centsShow Note Links:Connect with Tiffany on:FacebookTwitterInstagramLinkedinYoutubeHer personal website  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.

Brent Neiser has an incredible range of work and impact in the personal finance space. Every time we connect, we learn something new! Brent started his journey as a financial planner, but his heart for service led him to a rich career in financial education.On this episode, we learn how the AFCPE community has impacted his career, why he believes in the value of the AFC, and why he calls himself "Mr. Horizontal" - hint: it has to do with his curiosity and passion for a breadth of knowledge.Brent talks about his appointment as the Chair of the CFPB Advisory Board - a role in which he served three terms, including during the 2020 pandemic. And we learn all about his latest venture, "What's Next With Money" a free resource that he's excited to share with AFCPE Members.Show Notes:2:40 Brent's journey to personal finance8:30 Crossing paths with AFCPE14:00 His time as Chair with Consumer Financial Protection Bureau Board18:05 What's next with money?23:14 Brent's final 2 centsShow Note Links:YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/c/WhatsNextwithMoney Website: https://whatsnextwithmoney.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brentneiser/ Social Media: @brentneiser 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.

Markia Brown is an award-winning financial educator and content creator, an Accredited Financial Counselor, and an AFCPE member with a talent for making complex financial topics accessible, particularly to younger generations.Her mission focuses on uplifting underserved communities and offering them vital tools and education to achieve their definition of financial success. She believes that its not just about bridging gaps, but reshaping financial narratives for the better.On this episode, Markia shares her unique story, what led her to AFCPE, and the impact the AFC has made on her and on those she serves. From a commitment to share 365 days of credit tips to more than 1 million social media followers, we talk about the highs and lows of social influence, the importance of "trust, but verify", and how personal finance looks different for everyone - there are no absolutes. Show Notes:2:10 What led Markia to her work6:14 How she got big on TikTok9:43 Highs and lows of social media content creation14:08 Establishing authority in a world of misinformation16:22 Markia's journey to the AFC19:02 How the AFC enhanced what she already knew about money20:37 Markia's final 2 centsWebsite: https://www.themoneyplug.co/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/themoneyplug/ Social Media: @TheMoneyPlugWant 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.

Every December, Real Money, Real Experts takes a break to prepare for the year ahead. As we head into the busy holiday season, we're happy to re-share a fan favorite - our episode on empathy and the art of listening with Dr. Michael Thomas, AFC. Enjoy and happy holidays from Rachael, Mary, and the entire podcast crew!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.