Latina Financial Education, Investing & Wealth Building: MoneyChisme

Violeta Sandoval

Welcome to Money Chisme, the go-to show for Latinas ready to take control of their financial future! Whether you're learning about investing for beginners, building generational wealth, or launching a side hustle, this podcast is designed to empower our comunidad with the tools and strategies to thrive. I break down the essentials of personal finance, real estate investing, and entrepreneurship in the Latina community, helping you grow your money while staying connected to your roots. My mission is to close the racial wealth gap by sharing relatable success stories, practical advice, and wealth-building tips tailored for Latinas. Whether you're dreaming of financial independence or growing your business, we’ve got you covered. Tune in, level up, and let’s build the future we deserve—together!

  1. 4 days ago

    143. Investing Like a Mother: Ethical Wealth with Tina Berger

    Share Your Thoughts! If you've ever been told to "just put it in an index fund and forget it," this episode will make you rethink that advice completely. In this episode, Violeta sits down with Tina Berger, author of Invest Like a Mother and a former investment advisor and innovation strategist with more than 20 years of experience, to unpack a question most of us never ask: what are we actually funding when we invest? Tina opens up about starting her career with big financial goals and a 401(k) like everyone else, only to spend two decades inside massive corporations watching good social and environmental programs get quietly canceled the moment they underperformed against shareholder expectations. What she saw from the inside changed how she thinks about "good returns" forever. Tina shares the uncomfortable truth behind headlines like Oracle paying out $4.2 billion in dividends while taking on billions in debt to fund data centers, and Walmart employees relying on food stamps while the company books record profits. She calls this what it is: small investors funding wealth for the already-wealthy while quietly subsidizing the very companies that underpay them. From there, she gets into what she calls "investing like a mother," a mindset that isn't about being perfect or divesting from everything, but about staying intentional, understanding your impact, and asking what your community and future generations need, not just what your portfolio needs. Throughout the conversation, Tina and Violeta get into the tension so many of us feel once we become financially literate: wanting security for ourselves while realizing that security means nothing if the world around us isn't secure too. They talk about self-directed IRAs, community investment funds, becoming an angel investor, and simple, human ways to invest directly in people, like seller financing a first-time homebuyer, without needing a finance degree to do it. We cover: Why "set it and forget it" investing hides where your money is really goingHow companies like Oracle are turning shareholder profits into cash grabs for the already wealthyWhy big companies get punished by Wall Street for investing in employees, sustainability, or communitiesThe difference between a growth company and a dividend company, and how that's changed over timeWhy we're subsidizing the true cost of low wages, data centers, and corporate tax breaks as taxpayersWhat "investing like a mother" actually means, and why it isn't about being perfect or genderedHow to evaluate an investment beyond just "what's my return"Self-directed IRAs and how to use old 401(k) funds for real estate or other investmentsThe Magnolia Fund story: how a Houston community pooled resources to buy back their own commercial kitchenBecoming an angel investor and directly funding people and businesses you believe inHow seller financing can help someone become a first-time homeowner, without needing a bankWhy ethical real estate investing means fixing hazards like lead and asbestos instead of ignoring themHow awareness changes your risk tolerance, even if you don't overhaul your whole portfolioWhy financial security for yourself means little if the world around you isn't secure tooThis episode is a reminder that investing isn't just a personal finance decision, it's a relationship. Every dollar you invest creates an impact somewhere, and once you see that clearly, you can't unsee it. Tina's invitation isn't to sell everything and start over, it's to stay intentional, plant seeds where you can, and start asking better questions about what your money is really doing in the world. Mentioned in this episode: Invest Like a Mother by Tina Berger  Follow Tina Berger on TikTok  Magnolia Fund, Houston, TX  Support the show Sign Up for the MoneyChisme & Raíces Newsletter Resources: Start Investing with M1Finance or Fidelity Finance Books to Start Your Journey Open a High Yields Account Support/Apoya MoneyChisme Disclaimer: I’m not a financial advisor. The information contained in this video is for entertainment purposes only. Please consult a licensed professional before making any financial decisions. I shall not be held liable for any losses you may incur for information provided in this video. Please be careful! This video is for general information purposes only and is not financial advice. *Affiliate links: I may earn a small commission when you click on the links at no additional cost to you. This helps me provide you with free content, like this podcast! You can read my full disclaimer here: MoneyChisme Affiliate Links and Paid Advertisers Disclosure.

    143. Investing Like a Mother: Ethical Wealth with Tina Berger
  2. 1 Sept

    142. Why First Gen Guilt & Sacrifice feels so Heavy with Ingrid Morales

    Share Your Thoughts! If you've ever believed that once you land the "good job" and start saving, financial freedom will naturally follow, this episode is the reality check you need. In this episode, Lindsay and Violeta sit down with Ingrid Morales, a first-gen Latina from Colombia who built financial freedom from scratch, to talk honestly about what that journey actually costs. Ingrid opens up about growing up watching her mom live paycheck to paycheck, discovering that the personal finance books everyone recommends (like Rich Dad Poor Dad) assume you already have money to invest, and realizing that for first-gen Latinos, the path to wealth almost always starts with your own sacrifice, not inherited capital or connections. Ingrid shares the exact moment everything shifted for her: a COVID-era conversation with her mom that revealed her mom didn't have enough saved in her 401(k) to retire on. That realization sent her into what she calls her "Mulan moment," the sudden, heavy understanding that she was the only one her parents could call for help, and that she had to lock in immediately. From there, she talks candidly about wearing the same worn-out sneakers for years while quietly building an emergency fund for her parents, saying no to family trips and holidays to protect her savings, and having to explain to her own mother why she wasn't spending money the way she "should" be. Throughout the conversation, Ingrid, Lindsay, and Violeta get into the tension every first-gen Latina knows well: wanting to help your family right now versus building real, lasting stability so you can help them even more later. They talk about setting boundaries without guilt, bringing parents into the financial conversation with empathy instead of judgment, and why slow, steady growth beats chasing everything at once. We cover: Why personal finance books often assume a starting point most first-gen Latinos don't haveThe "Mulan moment" of realizing you're the only safety net your parents haveWhy stability has to come before investing, and how to know when you're actually ready to take risksThe difference between building stability for yourself versus carrying your entire family's stabilityHow to set financial boundaries with family without it feeling like abandonmentWhy saying no to trips, gifts, and spending in the short term can mean more support for your family long termHow to have the "money talk" with parents who see finances as tabooWhy sitting down with your parents to actually handle their accounts (Fidelity calls, mortgage paperwork) is its own form of sacrificeThe mindset shift from "working hard" to "working smart" and creatively growing something of your ownWhy patience and slow growth, not urgency, is what most successful investors actually recommendHow to reframe helping family as playing the long game instead of constant, immediate givingIngrid's mantra: "Less YOLO, más portafolio"This episode is a reminder that building wealth as a first-gen Latina rarely looks like the highlight reel. It looks like quiet sacrifice, hard conversations with parents, and boundaries that feel uncomfortable in the moment but protect your family's future. Financial freedom isn't just about the numbers, it's about being able to show up for the people who raised you, on your own terms and your own timeline. Mentioned in this episode: Links Mentioned: Free Latinas in Real Estate Community Learn more about Hustle With Ingrid (waitlist open now) Follow: Ingrid Morales_ on all platforms Support the show Sign Up for the MoneyChisme & Raíces Newsletter Resources: Start Investing with M1Finance or Fidelity Finance Books to Start Your Journey Open a High Yields Account Support/Apoya MoneyChisme Disclaimer: I’m not a financial advisor. The information contained in this video is for entertainment purposes only. Please consult a licensed professional before making any financial decisions. I shall not be held liable for any losses you may incur for information provided in this video. Please be careful! This video is for general information purposes only and is not financial advice. *Affiliate links: I may earn a small commission when you click on the links at no additional cost to you. This helps me provide you with free content, like this podcast! You can read my full disclaimer here: MoneyChisme Affiliate Links and Paid Advertisers Disclosure.

    142. Why First Gen Guilt & Sacrifice feels so Heavy with Ingrid Morales
  3. 11 Aug

    141. I Spent $6,500 on a Trip to Mexico: Vacation Budget Reality

    Share Your Thoughts! I am breaking down the real cost of a last minute family vacation to Mérida, Mexico, including flights, an Airbnb, excursions, food, souvenirs, airport transportation, and pet sitting. I also share the financial tradeoffs of celebrating a milestone birthday while juggling rental property expenses and other debt. If you are planning a Mexico trip and want a realistic look at what can get expensive fast, especially when plans change and you book close to departure. Key topics I share a  rough, honest vacation budget after overspending on my 40th birthday trip. The biggest expenses were flights, the Airbnb, and an unexpected extra night after a flight delay. I also cover how much an excursion cost that included Chichen Itza, a cenote, a meal with a Mayan family, and a stop in Izamal, plus extra entrance costs and food. Transportation lesson from the trip: taxis from the airport were far more expensive than Ubers, and airport pickup rules can be confusing. 00:00 — Overspending on vacation 01:57 — Turning 40 and choosing Mérida 03:20 — Family trip and extra day cost 04:35 — Flight costs and last-minute booking 06:02 — Hotel cancellation and Airbnb switch 07:28 — Airbnb review and heat in Mexico 08:52 — Chichen Itza excursion breakdown 10:26 — Uber vs airport taxi lesson 12:17 — Entrance fees and extra excursion costs 13:55 — Food and rooftop restaurant spending 15:23 — Souvenirs and artisan market finds 18:17 — Why handmade goods cost more 21:40 — Total trip cost estimate 22:55 — Thinking about buying property in Mexico 24:22 — Flight issue from passport name mismatch 26:32 — Missing the flight and extra hotel night 27:50 — Pet sitting and hidden vacation costs 28:47 — Final budgeting lessons Support the show Sign Up for the MoneyChisme & Raíces Newsletter Resources: Start Investing with M1Finance or Fidelity Finance Books to Start Your Journey Open a High Yields Account Support/Apoya MoneyChisme Disclaimer: I’m not a financial advisor. The information contained in this video is for entertainment purposes only. Please consult a licensed professional before making any financial decisions. I shall not be held liable for any losses you may incur for information provided in this video. Please be careful! This video is for general information purposes only and is not financial advice. *Affiliate links: I may earn a small commission when you click on the links at no additional cost to you. This helps me provide you with free content, like this podcast! You can read my full disclaimer here: MoneyChisme Affiliate Links and Paid Advertisers Disclosure.

  4. 4 Aug

    140. How I Quit My Job to Build my Own Business with Lindsay Barrientos

    Share Your Thoughts! Quit the 9-to-5 and build your dream career. Lynn shares her real story of leaving nursing to launch a telehealth practice in California. If you've ever dreamed of ditching stability for freedom and entrepreneurship but felt overwhelmed by legal, financial, and marketing challenges, this episode is your wake-up call. Lynn reveals the behind-the-scenes of her journey, from navigating California’s strict licensing laws and forming the right business structure to overcoming imposter syndrome and marketing herself confidently. You’ll discover: How to plan financially for a career shift, including setting up safety nets like savings, income buffers, and strategic investments Mindset shifts that help you embrace risk and overcome fears The importance of community, networking, and creating your own opportunities in the digital age This episode is perfect for career changers, Latina entrepreneurs, and anyone feeling stuck in a stability trap—ready to take control, plan smart, and unleash their true potential. Lindsay Barrientos is a nurse practitioner turned business owner, balancing her new practice and real estate portfolio, with a clear focus on helping others create financial and personal freedom. Her story proves that with strategic planning, legal knowledge, and mindset resilience, you can build a thriving, sustainable business from scratch. Whether you're contemplating your own career pivot or seeking insights into health entrepreneurship, this episode provides actionable advice to turn your dreams into reality. Sign up for telehealth (California Only!) https://www.guidancepsychiatryservices.com Support the show Sign Up for the MoneyChisme & Raíces Newsletter Resources: Start Investing with M1Finance or Fidelity Finance Books to Start Your Journey Open a High Yields Account Support/Apoya MoneyChisme Disclaimer: I’m not a financial advisor. The information contained in this video is for entertainment purposes only. Please consult a licensed professional before making any financial decisions. I shall not be held liable for any losses you may incur for information provided in this video. Please be careful! This video is for general information purposes only and is not financial advice. *Affiliate links: I may earn a small commission when you click on the links at no additional cost to you. This helps me provide you with free content, like this podcast! You can read my full disclaimer here: MoneyChisme Affiliate Links and Paid Advertisers Disclosure.

    140. How I Quit My Job to Build my Own Business with Lindsay Barrientos
  5. 28 Jul

    139. How I Redefined Success After Achieving Financial Freedom | Money Mindset Lessons at 40

    Share Your Thoughts! If you've ever felt like reaching financial freedom would automatically bring peace, only to realize you're still battling comparison, hustle culture, and the pressure to always be doing more, you're not alone. In this deeply personal birthday episode, Violeta reflects on turning 40 and the lessons she's carrying into the next decade of her life. While celebrating a milestone in Mérida, Mexico with her family, she shares how achieving financial freedom hasn't eliminated old habits—it has simply revealed new opportunities to redefine what success truly means. Drawing from her experiences as a real estate investor, entrepreneur, and creator of Money Chisme, Violeta opens up about leaving behind the constant pressure of social media, letting go of unrealistic timelines, and embracing a slower, more intentional way of living. She explains why building wealth isn't just about reaching financial milestones, but about creating a life that aligns with your values, gives you freedom, and allows you to be fully present for the people who matter most. Throughout the episode, she encourages listeners to stop measuring success against someone else's journey. Whether your goals take longer than expected, your business grows more slowly, or your priorities shift over time, your path is still valid. Violeta also shares her vision for the future—from investing in Mexico and supporting Latina entrepreneurs to giving back through affordable housing and community impact. We cover: Why financial freedom doesn't automatically free you from hustle cultureHow social media can quietly steal the freedom you've worked so hard to buildWhy slowing down is one of the greatest forms of successThe importance of defining success on your own terms instead of following someone else's timelineHow infertility, surrogacy, and life circumstances changed Violeta's investing journeyWhy being work-optional is a bigger win than chasing arbitrary millionaire milestonesHow she's reimagining Money Chisme to prioritize impact over endless growthWhy intentional business building creates more freedom than constant scalingThe mindset shifts she's leaving behind as she enters her 40sHer plans to become an angel investor supporting Latina entrepreneursWhy affordable housing and ethical real estate investing have become central to her missionHer vision for investing in both the United States and Mexico while creating a life rooted in flexibility, family, and purposeHow reflecting on your own definition of success can help you build a richer life—not just a bigger bank accountThis episode is a reminder that wealth isn't measured only by your net worth—it's measured by the life you're able to create. Financial freedom isn't the finish line; it's the opportunity to live more intentionally, pursue what truly matters, and build a legacy that extends far beyond money. Your timeline doesn't have to look like anyone else's to be successful. Mentioned in this episode: Free Latinas in Real Estate CommunityReal Estate Chisme PodcastSign up for the Money Chisme NewsletterCash Libre by Lucy (pre-order)Support the show Sign Up for the MoneyChisme & Raíces Newsletter Resources: Start Investing with M1Finance or Fidelity Finance Books to Start Your Journey Open a High Yields Account Support/Apoya MoneyChisme Disclaimer: I’m not a financial advisor. The information contained in this video is for entertainment purposes only. Please consult a licensed professional before making any financial decisions. I shall not be held liable for any losses you may incur for information provided in this video. Please be careful! This video is for general information purposes only and is not financial advice. *Affiliate links: I may earn a small commission when you click on the links at no additional cost to you. This helps me provide you with free content, like this podcast! You can read my full disclaimer here: MoneyChisme Affiliate Links and Paid Advertisers Disclosure.

  6. 21 Jul

    138. Why You're Jealous of Other People's Success—and How to Turn It Into Motivation

    Share Your Thoughts! If you've ever felt jealous watching someone else hit a financial milestone while you're still working toward your own goals, you're not alone. In this solo episode, Violeta opens up about something we don't talk about enough in personal finance: envidia (jealousy). She shares why feelings of envy don't make you a bad person—they're often a signal pointing toward a dream, desire, or goal you've been afraid to pursue or haven't given yourself permission to believe is possible. Drawing from her own experiences as an entrepreneur, content creator, and real estate investor, Violeta explains how she has learned to recognize jealousy without shame, uncover what it's trying to teach her, and transform comparison into action. From seeing creators go viral to navigating feelings around business growth and financial success, she shares practical mindset shifts that have helped her stay focused on her own journey instead of someone else's timeline. Throughout the episode, she encourages listeners to stop treating jealousy as something to suppress and instead use it as valuable information. By identifying the root of those emotions, challenging scarcity thinking, and taking small, intentional steps toward their own goals, listeners can turn comparison into motivation and continue building wealth with confidence. We cover: Why jealousy is a normal human emotion—not a character flawHow envy can reveal the financial goals and dreams you've been avoidingWhy comparing yourself to others often stems from scarcity mindsetHow childhood comparisons and cultural expectations can shape your relationship with successThe difference between admiring someone's success and feeling defeated by itHow Violeta processes feelings of envy in her own business and investing journeyWhy someone else's success doesn't take away your opportunitiesHow to use comparison as a learning tool instead of a source of discouragementThe importance of curating your social media feed to protect your mindsetWhy taking one small action is more powerful than endlessly comparing timelinesHow writing down your financial goals can keep you grounded in your own definition of successVioleta's "Envidia Reset" framework for turning jealousy into personal growth and financial actionThis episode is a reminder that jealousy isn't the enemy—staying stuck is. When you learn to acknowledge envy instead of hiding from it, you can uncover what's truly important to you, let go of comparison, and refocus your energy on building the life and financial future you want. Someone else's success isn't proof that you're behind—it's proof that your goals are possible too. Mentioned in this episode: Real Estate Chisme Podcast Sign up for Money Chisme NewsletterSupport the show Sign Up for the MoneyChisme & Raíces Newsletter Resources: Start Investing with M1Finance or Fidelity Finance Books to Start Your Journey Open a High Yields Account Support/Apoya MoneyChisme Disclaimer: I’m not a financial advisor. The information contained in this video is for entertainment purposes only. Please consult a licensed professional before making any financial decisions. I shall not be held liable for any losses you may incur for information provided in this video. Please be careful! This video is for general information purposes only and is not financial advice. *Affiliate links: I may earn a small commission when you click on the links at no additional cost to you. This helps me provide you with free content, like this podcast! You can read my full disclaimer here: MoneyChisme Affiliate Links and Paid Advertisers Disclosure.

  7. 14 Jul

    137. Why Pretty Websites Don’t Convert Visitors Into Clients With Gabby Teran

    Share Your Thoughts! A beautiful website is great—but if it doesn't clearly communicate who you help and guide visitors to take action, it's probably costing you clients. In this episode of Money Chisme, Violeta sits down with branding and website designer Gabriela Teran to discuss what every entrepreneur should know before creating or updating a website. From identifying your ideal client to improving your SEO, Gabriela shares practical strategies that help websites do more than just look good—they become powerful business tools. Drawing from over 10 years of experience helping women of color build brands and websites, Gabriela explains why clarity always beats complexity, how to create trust with potential clients, and the small website changes that can lead to more traffic and better conversions. Whether you're building your first website or refreshing an existing one, this conversation is packed with actionable tips you can implement right away. In This Episode, We Discuss: Why defining your ideal client is the foundation of an effective websiteHow your website copy should speak directly to your target audienceThe essential pages every business website should includeWhy your About page is one of your most important marketing toolsHow to build trust using testimonials, results, and social proofThe importance of keeping website copy short, clear, and easy to scanWhy displaying your pricing can improve conversionsHow your brand and website should evolve as your business growsCommon website mistakes that confuse visitorsSimple ways to increase website traffic without paying for adsWhy blogging is still one of the best long-term SEO strategiesEasy SEO practices every business owner should knowWhy you should replace Linktree with your own website links pageThe importance of connecting your Google Business Profile to your websiteNeed to create a brand and website you can feel proud of and convert your visitors into clients? Get in contact with Gaby. Gabriela@teranmediadesign.com Web: teranmediadesign.com Tiktok @teranmediadesign IG: @teranmediadesign Support the show Sign Up for the MoneyChisme & Raíces Newsletter Resources: Start Investing with M1Finance or Fidelity Finance Books to Start Your Journey Open a High Yields Account Support/Apoya MoneyChisme Disclaimer: I’m not a financial advisor. The information contained in this video is for entertainment purposes only. Please consult a licensed professional before making any financial decisions. I shall not be held liable for any losses you may incur for information provided in this video. Please be careful! This video is for general information purposes only and is not financial advice. *Affiliate links: I may earn a small commission when you click on the links at no additional cost to you. This helps me provide you with free content, like this podcast! You can read my full disclaimer here: MoneyChisme Affiliate Links and Paid Advertisers Disclosure.

    137. Why Pretty Websites Don’t Convert Visitors Into Clients With Gabby Teran
  8. 7 Jul

    136. Stop Taking Money Advice From People Who Aren't Building Wealth

    Share Your Thoughts! If you've been working hard on your financial goals but still feel like you're doing it alone, it may be time to take a closer look at the people you're surrounding yourself with. In this solo episode, Violeta explores how your relationships, friendships, and community can have a powerful impact on your financial journey. She explains why building intentional friendships with people who share your goals, values, and mindset can help you grow faster, stay motivated, and make decisions with greater confidence. Drawing from her own experiences—from hearing well-meaning but fear-driven advice from family members to intentionally seeking out like-minded Latinas and entrepreneurs—Violeta shares how expanding her circle expanded her vision. She discusses the difference between networking and building genuine relationships, why not every friend has to fill the same role, and how finding the right community can be the catalyst for your next financial breakthrough. Throughout the episode, she encourages listeners to audit their current circle, seek out communities that align with their goals, and remember that sometimes the biggest shift in your finances comes from changing your environment—not just your budget. We cover: Why your financial growth is influenced by the people you spend the most time withHow friends and family can unintentionally keep you in survival modeThe difference between networking and building meaningful friendshipsWhy expanding your circle can expand your financial mindsetHow financial anxiety from loved ones can impact your decision-makingWhy it's okay to have different friend groups for different seasons and goalsHow finding like-minded people helped Violeta grow as an investor, entrepreneur, and content creatorThe importance of seeking communities that encourage growth instead of fearHow intentional friendships can provide accountability, motivation, and valuable resourcesWhy your next financial breakthrough may come from being in a different room, not creating a better budgetQuestions to ask yourself when auditing your current circle and support systemHow to start building relationships with people who align with the future you're creatingThis episode is a reminder that you don't have to build wealth alone. The right community won't just cheer you on—they'll challenge you, inspire you, and help you see opportunities you may never have discovered on your own. Sometimes the fastest way to level up your finances is to surround yourself with people who already believe in the life you're trying to build. Mentioned in this episode: Free Latinas in Real Estate CommunityReal Estate Chisme PodcastBranding episode featuring Gabby Support the show Sign Up for the MoneyChisme & Raíces Newsletter Resources: Start Investing with M1Finance or Fidelity Finance Books to Start Your Journey Open a High Yields Account Support/Apoya MoneyChisme Disclaimer: I’m not a financial advisor. The information contained in this video is for entertainment purposes only. Please consult a licensed professional before making any financial decisions. I shall not be held liable for any losses you may incur for information provided in this video. Please be careful! This video is for general information purposes only and is not financial advice. *Affiliate links: I may earn a small commission when you click on the links at no additional cost to you. This helps me provide you with free content, like this podcast! You can read my full disclaimer here: MoneyChisme Affiliate Links and Paid Advertisers Disclosure.

About

Welcome to Money Chisme, the go-to show for Latinas ready to take control of their financial future! Whether you're learning about investing for beginners, building generational wealth, or launching a side hustle, this podcast is designed to empower our comunidad with the tools and strategies to thrive. I break down the essentials of personal finance, real estate investing, and entrepreneurship in the Latina community, helping you grow your money while staying connected to your roots. My mission is to close the racial wealth gap by sharing relatable success stories, practical advice, and wealth-building tips tailored for Latinas. Whether you're dreaming of financial independence or growing your business, we’ve got you covered. Tune in, level up, and let’s build the future we deserve—together!

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