Conversations with Personal Finance Champions

Vince Shorb

In this series, host Vince Shorb engages with financial educators, coaches, content creators, and community leaders who are driving economic empowerment thro...

Episodes

  1. Jan 14

    Creating Impactful Financial Education Programs with Donna Cirillo

    In this episode, we sit down with Donna Cirillo, founder of Smart Money Changes Everything, to explore how she built a purpose-driven career in financial education that serves everyone from teens in libraries to adults rebuilding after major life transitions. Donna shares how her journey began in a high-pressure bank call center, where overwhelmed staff and frustrated customers pushed her to create her first informal financial training. That experience sparked a lifelong mission to teach money skills in practical, compassionate, and genuinely transformative ways. We unpack how Donna uses a clear program-implementation framework to tailor education for very different audiences. She explains how she identifies learner pain points, designs outcome-focused sessions, and documents results through assessments and storytelling - positioning herself as a trusted partner for organizations seeking more than a basic budgeting talk. Whether you're new to financial education or working to deepen your impact, Donna’s story demonstrates what becomes possible when empathy, curiosity, and professional standards come together. Her message is simple and powerful: with the right approach, smart money truly can change everything - for learners, families, and entire communities. Main Website https://smartmoneychangeseverything.com LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/donna-miano-cirillo/ Case Study Video https://smartmoneychangeseverything.com/case

    54 min

  2. 08/08/2025

    Building a Financial Education Legacy with Susan Doty

    In this episode, we’re joined by Susan Doty, Executive Director of the Center for Economic Education and Financial Literacy at the University of Texas at Tyler. With a career spanning over three decades, Susan brings a deep commitment to student outcomes and lasting systemic change. We explore her innovative First Responder Finance initiative—a three-tiered program offering for-credit certification to undergraduates, professional development for working adults, and community outreach through events like family nights and Girl Scout workshops. Susan shares how she built the program from scratch, highlighting the importance of stakeholder support, needs assessments, and strategic grant funding. What sets Susan apart is her use of economics as the foundation for teaching personal finance. Through her signature “Doty Mantra,” she frames financial decisions around opportunity cost and behavior change, helping learners build long-term financial wellness. The conversation also covers her efforts to influence legislation, strengthen teacher training, and support workforce development across fields like education, social work, law enforcement, and healthcare. Her goal: to embed personal finance into professional training nationwide. Whether you’re an educator, policymaker, or advocate, this episode delivers real-world strategies and inspiration. Susan’s message is powerful: “Education is the ultimate economic multiplier.” And she’s equipping a new generation to carry that mission forward. https://www.uttyler.edu/research/centers/economic-education-financial-literacy/ https://www.uttyler.edu/research/centers/economic-education-financial-literacy/about-the-director/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/susan-doty-947768125/

    51 min

  3. 06/17/2025

    Rachael Hanible – From Kitchen Table Talks to National Financial Educator Recognition

    In this inspiring episode, we sit down with  Rachael Hanible—author, speaker, Certified Financial Education Instructor, and recipient of the NFEC’s Financial Education Instructor of the Year Award. What began as informal kitchen table conversations with friends’ parents has grown into a national movement to empower individuals—from age 3 to 73—with financial knowledge and confidence.   Motivated by the lack of financial education in her childhood community, Rachael taught herself about money and spent two years offering free coaching to families. Over the past 12 years, she has educated thousands through her company, Missing Peace Financial Group, and launched Millionaires in Training, a program and curriculum designed to teach kids about budgeting, banking, credit, investing, and entrepreneurship.   Rachael shares how she built trust in underserved communities, scaled from one-on-one coaching to leading sessions in over 140 schools and nonprofits, and authored the bestselling children’s book Amber’s Magical Savings Box, which led to a sold-out Barnes & Noble tour.   Whether you’re just getting started or looking to expand your impact, Rachael’s journey offers real-world lessons, inspiration, and powerful takeaways.   https://www.rachaelhanible.com/   https://www.instagram.com/peptalks_/?hl=en   https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachael-hanible-a43115192/

    36 min

  4. 03/20/2025

    Elevating Community Banking: Ben Joergens on Bridging the Financial Education Gap

    Ben Joergens is a nationally recognized financial literacy advocate, community leader, and the Executive Director of Financial Empowerment at Old National Bank. With a career dedicated to bridging the financial knowledge gap, Ben has spearheaded initiatives that empower individuals and families to achieve long-term financial stability and success. In this episode, Ben shares his personal journey from his early career in banking to becoming a champion for financial education. He discusses Old National Bank’s commitment to community outreach, highlighting innovative programs that provide accessible, practical financial skills to underserved populations. Ben also explores the role of financial institutions in fostering economic empowerment and the importance of partnerships in advancing financial literacy at scale. His passion and leadership offer valuable insights for listeners looking to drive positive change through education, collaboration, and community engagement. Guest Links https://www.tiktok.com/discover/old-national-bank https://www.instagram.com/oldnationalbancorp/ https://www.oldnational.com/about-us/community/financial-education-courses/real-life-finance/ https://www.facebook.com/OldNationalBancorp/ https://rlf.buzzsprout.com/

    35 min

  5. 01/01/2025

    Building FinTech Solutions and Classroom Integration: Insights from SPENDiD Founder Craig Hill

    Craig is a FinTech leader with deep expertise in integrating technology into education and offering practical insights for those looking to enter the FinTech industry. With a career that began in the financial trenches of the steel industry and evolved into founding groundbreaking platforms like SPENDiD and MyBudgetReport, Craig has consistently championed financial health and wellness. In this episode, Craig shares his inspiring journey, discusses key trends shaping financial technology, and provides actionable advice for educators aiming to integrate tech into the classroom and entrepreneurs looking to build FinTech-based products. Whether you’re an aspiring FinTech innovator or a financial educator, this conversation is packed with insights you won’t want to miss. Guest Links https://spendid.io/ https://mybudgetreport.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/craig-t-hill/ https://www.financialeducatorscouncil.org/advisory-board-member-craig-hill/

    52 min

  6. 12/26/2024

    Building Networks and Advancing Financial Literacy: Boardroom Insights from Sonja Strzoda

    Sonja Strzoda brings over 25 years of expertise in global asset management and financial services, working with Boards, senior executives, and major investors throughout her impressive career. She currently serves on the Boards of WISE (Women Investing in Security and Education), NuVision Federal Credit Union, Knomee, and the California Financial Educators Council, where she plays a vital role in committees focused on governance, strategy, and financial oversight. In this episode, Sonja offers valuable insights into collaborating with financial education organizations, building networks within the financial literacy space, and joining advisory boards. Her extensive knowledge and experience make this a must-listen for anyone passionate about advancing financial education and creating meaningful impact. Guest Links https://www.linkedin.com/in/sonja-strzoda https://www.financialeducatorscouncil.org/advisory-board-member-sonja-strzoda/

    43 min

  7. 11/06/2024

    Preview Episode Introducing Conversations with Personal Finance Champions

    I’m excited to introduce this limited series featuring leaders in personal finance, including educators, coaches, fintech innovators, and content creators, all advancing financial wellness. We’ll explore how to scale financial initiatives, gain exposure, and address the business side of financial education. If you're passionate about improving financial literacy and want practical insights on building your program, join us for conversations about making a real impact.   Host - Vince Shorb, CEO National Financial Educators Council

    3 min

  8. 11/05/2024

    Building Impactful Content & Community: Insights from Clever Girl Finance Founder Bola Sokunbi

    Bola Sokunbi, founder of Clever Girl Finance, is a 5x bestselling author, speaker, and leader of one of the largest personal finance media and education platforms for women in the U.S. As a Certified Financial Education Instructor and finance expert, Bola provides unparalleled insight into crafting high-quality content that engages and builds thriving communities. In this episode, Bola shares her proven strategies for creating impactful content, gaining meaningful exposure, and cultivating a strong, connected audience. We’ll dive into her latest book, Clever Girl Finance Workbook: My Wealth Plan, and learn how she manages an enterprise that has made a positive impact on countless lives globally. For anyone seeking to enhance their content creation and audience engagement skills, Bola is the ideal guide. Guest Links https://www.clevergirlfinance.com/ https://www.clevergirlfinance.com/my-wealth-plan/ https://www.bolasokunbi.com/ https://www.financialeducatorscouncil.org/clever-girl-finance-distinguished-personal-finance-content/

    9 min

  9. 10/30/2024

    Creating Positive Outcomes for Kids: Ellis Cropper’s Financial Education Strategies and Advocacy

    Ellis Cropper is a leading advocate and educator in the elementary school financial literacy space. Retired Army Major Cropper, a Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC®) and Certified in Long-Term Care (CLTC®), has been a financial professional with New York Life since 2018. As an Massachusetts Financial Educators Council Advisory Board Member, he is leveraging his expertise to spearhead campaigns that bring financial education to his Worcester community and across Massachusetts. In this episode, Ellis shares strategies for creating positive outcomes in kids' financial education programs, along with insights from his extensive involvement in advocacy campaigns driving the financial literacy movement forward. With a rich blend of professional experience and a passion for community impact, Ellis provides actionable advice for advancing financial education and empowering the next generation. This inspiring conversation is a must-listen for educators, advocates, and anyone committed to building financial literacy in schools. Guest Links https://www.linkedin.com/in/elliscropper/ https://www.financialeducatorscouncil.org/community-champion-ellis-cropper/ https://ma.financialeducatorscouncil.org/massachusetts-financial-educators-council/

    1h 24m

  10. 10/24/2024

    LIFE Lessons: Bobby Kinzer’s Mission to Empower Communities Through Financial Enrichment

    Bobby P. Kinzer is the President of the Literacy Institute for Financial Enrichment, Inc. (LIFE) and a Certified Financial Education Instructor dedicated to teaching financial literacy and economic empowerment to youths, adults, and senior citizens. With nearly 31 years of service at the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC), Robert brings a wealth of experience in financial management, community affairs, and financial education. As a Senior Community Affairs Specialist, he traveled nationwide to promote financial education, engaging legislators, educators, and consumers while championing economic inclusion. In this episode, Robert shares his journey from professional basketball in Europe to a distinguished career in financial services and education. He offers practical strategies for promoting economic empowerment and invaluable insights for advancing financial literacy. Whether you’re an educator, policymaker, or simply passionate about financial education, this episode is packed with inspiration and actionable advice. Guest Links https://www.financialenrichment.org/ https://bobbykinzer.com/books/ https://www.financialeducatorscouncil.org/life/ https://www.financialeducatorscouncil.org/robert-kinzer/

    54 min

  11. 10/16/2024

    Empowering Lives Through Basketball and Financial Literacy: Evelyn Magley’s Vision

    Evelyn Magley is a history-making visionary, philanthropist, and the first woman to own a professional men’s sports league in the United States. As the owner and CEO of The Basketball League (TBL), she leads an organization that goes beyond professional basketball to provide affordable family entertainment, support local communities, and empower players through life skills education. In this episode, Evelyn shares her journey from mentoring children in inner-city programs to leading a national sports league with a mission to impact lives. She highlights her innovative TBL Financial Literacy Campaign, which trains players, teams, and executives to teach personal finance, and discusses the importance of financial education as a core life skill. Evelyn’s story is a testament to her commitment to sports, youth development, and community service, offering inspiration and actionable insights for listeners passionate about making a difference. Guest Links https://thebasketballleague.net/ https://thebasketballleague.net/news/the-basketball-league-and-national-financial-educators-council-team-unite-to-empower-players-and-communities-with-financial-literacy-education/ https://www.financialeducatorscouncil.org/tbl-financial-literacy/

    1h 4m
  • 11 Episodes

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In this series, host Vince Shorb engages with financial educators, coaches, content creators, and community leaders who are driving economic empowerment thro...

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