Real Money, Real Experts

AFCPE®
  • 4.9 (34)
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Updated Biweekly

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.

  1. Advocacy Made Accessible: Using Your Voice for Financial Change with Lisa Whitley

    May 26

    Advocacy Made Accessible: Using Your Voice for Financial Change with Lisa Whitley

    In this episode of Real Money, Real Experts, hosts Dr. Brandy Baxter and Rachael DeLeon sit down with Lisa Whitley, accredited financial counselor, and founder of MoneyByLisa LLC, a Registered Investment Advisor domiciled in the District of Columbia.  Lisa shares her unique journey as a Foreign Service Officer with the United States Agency for International Development into financial counseling and advocacy work. Together, they explore how financial professionals can use their firsthand client experiences to influence policy, support financial wellness initiatives, and create meaningful change at the local, state, and federal levels. From affordability challenges and utility assistance programs to consumer protection and community advocacy, this conversation breaks down how advocacy doesn’t have to feel overwhelming — and why even one small step can make a lasting impact. Whether you’re passionate about policy or simply looking for ways to better support your clients, this episode is a reminder that your voice matters. Show Notes: 00:00 – Welcome back to Real Money, Real Experts 00:38 – Introducing guest Lisa Kirchenbauer 01:57 – Lisa’s journey into government relations and advocacy 03:15 – From Wall Street and United States Agency for International Development to financial counseling 04:40 – Why Lisa started her own firm, Money by Lisa 05:49 – What advocacy looks like in financial wellness 06:53 – Why advocacy can feel overwhelming — and how to simplify it 08:28 – Starting local: state and community-level advocacy 08:48 – The Association for Financial Counseling & Planning Education Advocacy Toolkit and practical resources 10:46 – Learning from other states and sharing solutions 11:35 – Why AFCs are subject matter experts in financial wellness 13:44 – Key policy issues impacting clients right now 16:08 – Practical first steps for getting involved in advocacy 17:48 – A real-world example of community advocacy creating policy change 19:49 – Lisa’s 2 Cents 20:59 – How the Government Relations Task Force supports the AFCPE community Show Note Links: Check out our Government Relations Advocacy Toolkit!   Follow MoneyByLisa on Facebook! Connect with Lisa on Linkedin! Learn more about MoneyByLisa! 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.

    25 min
  2. Beyond the Numbers: The Emotional Side of Financial Planning with Dr. Sonya Lutter

    May 12

    Beyond the Numbers: The Emotional Side of Financial Planning with Dr. Sonya Lutter

    In today's episode, Rachael and Brandy sit down with Dr. Sonya Lutter to explore the powerful connection between psychology, relationships, and financial decision-making. From financial stress and emotional spending to couples’ communication and the growing field of financial therapy, this conversation dives into the human side of money. Dr. Lutter shares how stress impacts our ability to make financial decisions, why money arguments carry so much emotional weight in relationships, and how financial professionals can better support clients through observation, communication, and empathy. The discussion also explores the differences between financial psychology, financial counseling, and financial therapy — and why understanding those distinctions matters in practice. Whether you’re a financial professional or simply curious about the emotional side of money, this episode offers valuable insights into how our thoughts, behaviors, and relationships shape financial wellness. Show Notes: 00:31 Meet Dr. Sonya Lutter 02:05 How Dr. Lutter Combined Psychology & Financial Planning 04:57 Financial Psychology vs. Financial Therapy Explained 10:30 Where Financial Professionals Draw the Line with Clients 11:12 The Importance of Family Systems & Financial Conversations 12:08 Katrina’s Story: Grief, Money & Emotional Decision-Making 16:18 How Financial Stress Impacts Decision-Making 17:14 Fight-or-Flight Responses During Money Conversations 19:28 Why Stressed Clients Struggle to Retain Financial Information 20:43 How Financial Professionals Can Better Support Stressed Clients 23:29 Why Money Carries Emotional Weight in Relationships 24:15 Why Couples Argue About Money More Than Anything Else 26:21 The Importance of Financial Communication in Marriage 27:52 Research on Joint Bank Accounts & Relationship Satisfaction 30:23 Cohabitation, Shared Finances & Wealth Building 31:44 Dr. Lutter’s “Two Cents” Advice for Couples & Financial Planning 34:02 Where to Connect with Dr. Sonya Lutter 34:12 Key Takeaways from the Conversation 36:45 Closing Thoughts & Outro Show Note Links: Become an ASFP Discover financial therapy certificate programs at Texas Tech  Meet Dr. Sonya Lutter Connect with Dr. Sonya Lutter  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.

    38 min
  3. Wearing the Investor Hat: Breaking the Biggest Money Myth with Jessica Perrone

    Apr 28

    Wearing the Investor Hat: Breaking the Biggest Money Myth with Jessica Perrone

    In this episode, we welcome Jessica Perrone, Accredited Financial Counselor (AFC®) and founder of HerFinIQ, to discuss how financial professionals can help clients confidently navigate the world of investing. With over 16 years of experience on Wall Street, Jessica shares her unconventional journey into finance and how it shaped her mission to make investing more accessible—particularly for women and underserved communities. She emphasizes the importance of education over advice, and how simplifying complex financial concepts can empower clients to take action. Jessica introduces practical frameworks, including her “financial ducks” approach—ensuring budgeting, saving, emergency funds, credit, and debt management are addressed before investing—and her “cereal box” analogy to help clients better understand investment accounts and assets. Throughout the conversation, we explore: Common misconceptions about investing, including the belief that you need significant capital to get startedThe importance of helping clients develop an “investor identity”How AFC® professionals can provide investment education without crossing into adviceStrategies for explaining risk and investment options in an approachable wayThe role of confidence and behavior in financial decision-makingJessica also highlights the growing need for accessible, accurate financial education in a landscape where misinformation is common. This episode reinforces the critical role AFC® professionals play in bridging knowledge gaps, building client confidence, and supporting informed financial decision-making. Show Notes: 01:10 Meet Jessica Perrone & HerFinIQ 03:40 Key money lessons: frugality, budgeting, resourcefulness & compassion 04:00 Breaking into Wall Street without a finance background 07:00 Why Jessica created HerFinIQ 10:30 Identity as an investor & why it matters 14:30 Why financial basics must come before investing (“financial ducks”) 16:15 Common misconceptions about investing 18:30 Barriers to entry & access to financial advisors 23:30 Building client confidence & asking the right questions 24:20 The role of confidence in financial decision-making 27:30 Understanding risk: stocks, ETFs & diversification 29:45 Jessica’s 2 Cents Show Note Links: https://www.herfiniq.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessicak/  https://www.facebook.com/HerFinIQ/  https://www.instagram.com/herfiniq  https://www.youtube.com/@herfiniq  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.

    35 min
  4. Beyond the Legal Battle: Navigating the Financial, Emotional, and Power Dynamics of Divorce with Gabriella Martinelli

    Apr 14

    Beyond the Legal Battle: Navigating the Financial, Emotional, and Power Dynamics of Divorce with Gabriella Martinelli

    Divorce isn’t just a legal process—it’s a high-stakes financial restructuring, often driven by emotion. In this powerful episode, Gabriella Martinelli, founder of Ever After Wealth, breaks down what really happens when money, identity, and life as you know it are all on the line. With over two decades of experience across both legal and financial spaces, Gabriella shares why traditional approaches fall short—and how financial professionals can better support clients during one of the most emotionally charged times in their lives. From uncovering the real reason behind financial decisions (hint: it’s not always about the numbers) to understanding how fear, urgency, and loss of control shape outcomes, this conversation challenges everything you think you know about divorce planning. You’ll walk away with a new perspective on: Why divorce is more than a legal event—it’s a complete financial resetHow emotions directly impact financial decision-makingThe power clients actually have (even when they feel powerless)Why asking better questions can change everythingWhether you’re a financial professional or someone navigating a major life transition, this episode is your reminder: the numbers matter—but the why behind them matters even more. Show Notes: 00:00 –Meet Gabriella Martinelli 02:30 – From legal career to divorce financial strategist 06:15 – Why she left wealth management to remain conflict-free 10:20 – Divorce as a “financial restructuring” (not just legal) 14:45 – The role of emotions in financial decision-making 19:30 – Advice for financial professionals working with divorce clients 24:10 – The “house story” & uncovering the real emotional driver 32:00 – How to ask better questions and reduce client overwhelm 36:45 – Navigating pressure, deadlines, and court timelines 43:20 – Where clients actually have power in the process 49:10 – Common emotional traps: “I want it all” vs. “I want nothing” 53:40 – Final takeaways for financial professionals 56:00 – How to connect with Gabriella + closing reflections Show Note Links: Listen to the Divorce and Money Podcast! Look into the Ever After Blog! Connect with Ever After on Instagram! Connect with Divorce and Money on Instagram! Connect with Gabriella on 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.

    34 min
  5. Innovating Financial Education: The Power of Financial Field Trips with Whitney Ramirez

    Mar 31

    Innovating Financial Education: The Power of Financial Field Trips with Whitney Ramirez

    In this episode of Real Money, Real Experts, co-hosts Rachael DeLeon and Dr. Brandy Baxter are joined by Whitney Ramirez, founder of Diapers to Deposits and Financial Field Trips, to discuss innovative approaches to financial education that move beyond traditional instruction. Whitney shares how her experiential learning model—“financial field trips”—helps learners apply financial concepts in real-world settings, from visiting banks and apartment complexes to exploring car dealerships. By meeting individuals where they are and building on their existing knowledge, her approach fosters deeper understanding, confidence, and long-term behavior change. We explore key concepts including the financial literacy vortex, the importance of application-based learning, and how educators, counselors, and financial professionals can better engage both youth and adult learners. This conversation offers practical insights for anyone looking to make financial education more impactful, relevant, and sustainable. Show Notes: 03:19 The Story Behind the LED Backpack & Standing Out 04:20 How Financial Field Trips Began 05:28 The FAST Framework Explained 07:01 Applying Financial Education in Real Life 11:13 How Behavior Change Happens 13:24 Why Financial Field Trips Work 15:25 Applying These Strategies with Adult Clients 18:03 Teaching Through Storytelling: The “Loan Shark” Lesson 20:23 Planting Seeds Early in Financial Education 21:08 Whitney’s 2 Cents Show Note Links: Learn more about D2D Youth Money Hub!  Connect with Whitney!  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.

    27 min
  6. Tax-Smart Ways to Donate to Charities with Dr. Barbara O’Neill

    Mar 17

    Tax-Smart Ways to Donate to Charities with Dr. Barbara O’Neill

    Hosts Dr. Brandy Baxter and Rachael DeLeon welcome longtime AFCPE member Dr. Barbara O’Neill to discuss changes in financial planning over 40 years, including increased automation and the uncertain readiness of AI, alongside AFCPE’s growing membership diversity.  O’Neill defines tax-smart charitable giving as aligning donations with income-tax benefits and highlights additional psychological benefits of philanthropy. She shares strategies including qualified charitable distributions from traditional IRAs, bunching deductions to exceed the standard deduction, donor-advised funds, and new 2026 charitable deductions for non-itemizers, while noting shifting tax rules for itemizers.  The conversation also covers older adults’ needs—lower risk, lower taxes, simplicity, reliable income, and “fun money”—popular later-life class topics, solopreneur advice, and the importance of making financial education simple and actionable.  Show Notes: 00:00 Meet our guest, Barbara O'Neill 02:16 How Finance Has Changed 03:08 AI and the Human Touch 05:48 Tax Smart Giving Basics 14:41 Keeping Up With Tax Law 15:37 Giving Tips for Young Adults 17:57 Older Adults Money Needs 27:10 Late Life Entrepreneurship 33:01 Barbara's Two Cents Show Note Links: Check out MoneyTalk! Connect with MoneyTalk on Twitter! Explore the MoneyTalk blog! Grab your copy of Barbara's book!   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.

    40 min
  7. Fixing More Than the Numbers: Counseling Strategies When Budgets Don't Do the Trick with Jayne Larson and Alicia Lawrence

    Mar 3

    Fixing More Than the Numbers: Counseling Strategies When Budgets Don't Do the Trick with Jayne Larson and Alicia Lawrence

    In this episode of Real Money, Real Experts, Dr. Brandy Baxter sits down with financial counselors Alicia Lawrence and Jayne Larson to explore why real financial change goes beyond the numbers. They discuss the power of motivational interviewing, empathy, and curiosity in helping clients uncover the “why” behind their money habits. From overcoming the fear of opening bills to negotiating more than 20 credit card accounts, this conversation highlights how mindset shifts—not just budgets—drive lasting progress. For financial professionals ready to focus less on spreadsheets and more on behavior, this episode offers practical insight into creating meaningful, sustainable change. Show Notes: 02:00 – Meet the guests: Alicia Lawrence & Jayne Larson 03:00 – Shifting from “what to do” to understanding the why behind money behaviors 05:00 – Motivational interviewing and the stages of change 08:00 – Emotional triggers, stress spending, and building client trust 09:30 – Measuring progress beyond the numbers (confidence, opening mail, mindset shifts) 11:00 – Client story: From avoiding bills to negotiating 20+ credit cards 14:00 – What sparked the mindset shift? 15:20 – Advice for financial professionals: leading with curiosity and empathy 19:00 – Reflection questions that spark behavior change 20:50 – Two Cents segment: Discomfort, flexibility, and sustainable planning 22:30 – How to connect + episode wrap-up Show Note Links: Learn more here! Learn more about the wages & inflation here! Learn more about the US Inflation Rates! Learn more about Jayne & Alicia's work here! Check out this resource!   Connect with Alicia!  Connect with Your Money Line on Instagram! Connect with Your Money Line on 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.

    25 min
  8. Rewired: 7 Steps to Help Clients Transform Their Relationship with Money with Ryan Law AFC®, CFP®

    Feb 17

    Rewired: 7 Steps to Help Clients Transform Their Relationship with Money with Ryan Law AFC®, CFP®

    In this episode of Real Money, Real Experts, we welcome back fan favorite Ryan Law, award-winning educator, author, and financial counselor, to share something a little different: his groundbreaking ReWired Framework. Ryan walks us through his seven-step process for identifying and transforming limiting beliefs—the inner work that often determines whether we achieve lasting success. From recognizing the beliefs that hold us back to experimenting with small, actionable steps, Ryan shows how rewiring our mindset can create real, sustainable change—not just in finances, but in all areas of life. Whether you’re a financial professional helping clients reach their goals or someone striving to make positive changes in your own life, this episode provides practical insights and strategies to start rewiring your brain for success. Show Notes: 02:09 Introduction to the ReWired Framework 04:59 Why knowledge and motivation alone aren’t enough for lasting chang 08:20 How beliefs drive behavior and why focusing on inner work is key 10:51 Step-by-step breakdown of the ReWired Framework (R–E–W–I–R–E–D) 18:25 The power of small, consistent steps to reinforce new beliefs 21:09 Documenting and reflecting for sustainable growth 24:03 How rewiring your brain applies to clients and your own life 25:26 Ryan’s 2 Cents Show Note Links: Connect with Ryan on Linkedin! Learn more about Sarah Newcomb! Check out Erika Wasserman! Learn more about Money Habitudes! Check out Klontz Money Script Inventory (KMSI)! Read Atomic Habits! Read Tiny Habits! 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.

    29 min
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4.9
out of 5
34 Ratings

About

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.

Information

  • Creator
    AFCPE®
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    152
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Real Money, Real Experts
  • Show Website
    Real Money, Real Experts

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