Wealth Para Todos: Financial Security through Self-Care

Rita Soledad Fernandez Paulino
  • 5.0 (18)
  • SELF-IMPROVEMENT
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

On this weekly podcast, I’ll teach you how to practice D.I.V.E.R.S.E. self-care daily, build financial literacy, review your finances with ease, and grow your income. Poco a poco, we’ll build financial security through self-care juntos!

  1. 3D AGO

    #58: How Personal Stress Can Disrupt Your Financial Habits (And How to Get Back on Track)

    Join the Waitlist for WPT Academy  Sign-up for Roth IRA Office Hours  In this deeply personal episode of Wealth Para Todos, host Rita-Soledad Fernandez Paulino (Soledad; they/them) — a queer Mexican-American money and self-care coach — shares a real-life update about navigating grief, health challenges, and political stress while continuing to build wealth. This episode was originally supposed to focus on financially preparing for a big move, but Soledad pivots to discuss something many people experience but rarely talk about: how life circumstances can disrupt our financial routines and make it harder to stay engaged with our money. If you’ve ever found yourself avoiding your finances, delaying a financial task, or feeling like you’ve fallen off track, this episode will remind you that you are not alone — and that temporary disruptions don’t mean financial failure. The Wealth-Building Cycle Soledad begins by revisiting their Wealth-Building Cycle framework, which includes four core practices that support long-term financial security: • Auditing your money thoughts — becoming aware of beliefs and emotions around dinero • Developing financial literacy — learning about credit, investing, taxes, and wealth strategies • Knowing your numbers — understanding income, spending, savings, investments, and debt • Increasing your income — building the skill of growing earnings over time Engaging in these practices helps individuals progress through the 10 Stages of Financial Security and ultimately move toward financial flexibility and early retirement con tiempo. When Life Makes Financial Habits Hard Soledad shares the personal challenges that have made it difficult to stay fully engaged in the wealth-building cycle recently, including: • The one-year anniversary of their grandmother Abue Ana’s death • Multiple additional family losses • Anxiety as a parent of a trans child during a political climate targeting trans communities • Stress related to ICE raids affecting immigrant communities • Trauma responses following a tio’s unexpected death • Months of insomnia and anxiety symptoms • Navigating celiac disease and IBS flare-ups • Discovering a pre-diabetes diagnosis after overdue annual lab work These challenges significantly impacted Soledad’s capacity to review finances, study investing, and stay consistent with financial routines. Returning to Self-Care Before Returning to Wealth Building Rather than forcing productivity during a difficult season, Soledad explains how they shifted their focus to D.I.V.E.R.S.E. Self-Care, their framework for maintaining both wellness and financial resilience. During times of high stress, they prioritized: • Restorative body self-care through Pilates, walking, and sleep support • Emotional self-care through therapy and embodiment coaching • Nutrition support to manage IBS and pre-diabetes • Starting medication for anxiety and insomnia This approach helped restore stability in their nervous system so they could eventually return to the wealth-building cycle with greater capacity. The Key Message Life disruptions — grief, illness, family stress, or political realities — can temporarily pull us out of our financial routines. But slowing down to care for your mental and physical health is not a failure. It’s often the exact support your body and mind need so you can re-enter the wealth-building cycle with strength. As Soledad reminds listeners: Wealth isn’t built through perfection. It’s built through returning to the cycle again and again. Episode Timestamps 00:00 — Welcome and Mission 00:21 — Why This Episode Changed Direction 01:09 — Recap of the Wealth-Building Cycle 02:59 — Grief, Politics, and Emotional Stress 04:57 — Trauma Responses and Sleep Changes 08:06 — Anxiety and Considering Medication 09:20 — IBS, Health Issues, and Reduced Capacity 10:14 — Discovering a Pre-Diabetes Diagnosis 12:08 — Rebuilding Health and Support Systems 14:47 — Prioritizing D.I.V.E.R.S.E. Self-Care 16:39 — Closing Encouragement and Podcast Disclaimer

    18 min

  2. MAR 8

    #57: How Teachers Can Get Their Student Loans Forgiven: 4 Programs Educators Should Know

    Sign-up for Roth IRA Office Hours  Join the Waitlist for WPT Academy Rita-Soledad Fernandez Paulino (they/them), a queer Mexican-American money and self-care coach and former public school math teacher, explains student loan forgiveness options for educators and how choosing the wrong program can cost time and money. They define Teacher Loan Forgiveness (up to $17,500 for highly qualified math/science/special education teachers or $5,000 for other subjects after five consecutive full-time years at qualifying low-income schools) and contrast it with Public Service Loan Forgiveness, which can forgive the remaining federal loan balance after 120 qualifying payments for eligible public-school employers. They also cover Perkins Loan Cancellation for pre-2017 Perkins loans (100% canceled over five years with specific annual percentages, including accrued interest) and state-based teacher repayment programs (examples: CA, TX, NY) that can stack with federal benefits. The episode’s key warning is that Teacher Loan Forgiveness years don’t count toward PSLF, potentially turning a 10-year path into 15 years, and listeners are advised to verify loan types, employer eligibility, and compare outcomes. 00:00 Welcome and Mission 00:21 Teacher Debt Overview 01:15 Why This Episode 01:36 Soledad’s Teacher Loan Story 04:16 Teacher Loan Forgiveness Basics 05:23 How Much Gets Forgiven 06:21 PSLF for Teachers 07:07 Perkins Cancellation Explained 09:49 State Repayment Programs 11:34 Biggest Forgiveness Mistake 12:49 Choosing the Right Strategy 13:51 Key Takeaways and Next Steps 15:25 Wrap Up and Disclaimer

    16 min

  3. MAR 1

    #56: Overwhelmed by Debt? Balance Transfers, Consolidation, Settlement & Bankruptcy Explained

    Sign-up for Roth IRA Office Hours  Join the Waitlist for WPT Academy  What should you do when your minimum debt payments are so high you can’t save, invest, or even cover basic needs without using more credit? In this compassionate, judgment-free episode, Rita-Soledad Fernández Paulino (they/them), queer Mexican-American money and self-care coach and host of the Wealth Para Todos Podcast, explains how to navigate overwhelming debt when payments start taking over your cash flow. Instead of framing debt as a personal failure, Soledad helps listeners understand that debt is often the result of income gaps, high cost of living, major life events, or simply not having cash when it was needed — not irresponsibility. They discuss why people commonly take on debt (student loans, medical bills, auto loans, mortgages, family obligations, divorce, funerals, relocation, and more), and how first- and second-generation wealth builders are often not taught how to use credit strategically. Soledad also shares their personal journey with credit building, student loans, car loans, becoming debt-free, and later taking on a large mortgage. To help reduce shame and avoidance, they introduce a powerful tool called the Minimum Income Audit, using the MIT Living Wage Calculator to determine whether debt stems from an income gap rather than overspending. Finally, this episode provides a clear comparison of the five most common debt relief strategies: Balance transfers Debt consolidation loans Debt management plans (DMPs) Debt settlement Bankruptcy For each option, Soledad explains: ✔ What it is ✔ How it works ✔ When it can help ✔ When it can be harmful ✔ Who it’s best suited for They also offer a practical, question-based decision framework to help listeners choose an option based on their payment status, credit score, repayment timeline, and level of financial hardship. If you’re feeling overwhelmed by debt, stuck making minimum payments, or unsure what your next step should be, this episode provides clarity, compassion, and real options — without shame. Episode Timestamps 00:00 — Welcome & Mission 00:21 — Reframing debt as a circumstance, not a character flaw 01:07 — Common life events that lead to debt 02:25 — Extreme teachings about credit and lack of financial literacy 03:12 — Soledad's Debt Journey 08:22 — Minimum Income Audit Using the MIT Living Wage Calculator to identify income gaps 10:02 — Emotions & Neutralizing Debt Shame 10:47 — Balance Transfer Basics 12:25 — Debt Consolidation & Debt Management Plans 14:06 — Debt Settlement & Bankruptcy 16:17 — How to Choose the Right Option for Your Situation 21:19 — Key Takeaways & Support 22:33 — Share & Join Wealth Para Todos Academy Waitlist 24:13 — Next Episode Preview & Disclaimer

    25 min

  4. FEB 22

    #55: Tax Basics Everyone Should Know: Filing Status, Tax Brackets, Deductions, Credits, etc.

    Sign-up for Roth IRA Office Hours  Book a 1:1 Coaching Discovery Call Taxes don’t just happen once a year — they shape your paycheck, side hustle income, investments, benefits, and long-term wealth. In this beginner-friendly episode, Rita-Soledad Fernández Paulino (they/them), queer Mexican-American money and self-care coach and founder of Wealth Para Todos, breaks down how taxes actually work in the United States so first- and second-generation wealth builders can stop guessing and start planning. If you’ve ever wondered why some people get large tax refunds while others owe money, what income must be reported, or how deductions and credits affect your tax bill, this episode provides a clear, compassionate foundation — no accounting background required. They explain who should file taxes (including people who may not be legally required but could receive refunds or refundable credits), how withholding and estimated tax payments determine whether you get a refund or a bill, and why refunds are not “free money” but the result of overpayment or tax credits. You’ll learn how filing status impacts your taxes — including single, married filing jointly, married filing separately, head of household, and qualifying surviving spouse — along with the 2025 standard deduction amounts (Single: $15,750; Married Filing Jointly: $31,500; Head of Household: $23,625). The episode also breaks down progressive tax brackets using a real example of a single filer with $50,000 in taxable income, showing how only portions of income are taxed at higher rates. Soledad clarifies the difference between gross income and taxable income and demonstrates how pre-tax retirement contributions can reduce the amount of income subject to tax. They compare the standard deduction versus itemized deductions and share a real-life example of itemizing due to significant mortgage interest ($50,127.44), property taxes (~$20,000), and charitable donations exceeding the standard deduction. You’ll also hear a clear explanation of deductions vs. tax credits — one of the most important concepts in tax planning. The episode covers common deductions and adjustments (such as student loan interest, IRA contributions, HSA contributions, and self-employed expenses) along with new or notable 2025 deductions, including qualified tips, overtime pay, passenger vehicle loan interest, and the enhanced senior deduction. Key tax credits discussed include: Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) Child Tax Credit Credit for Other Dependents Child and Dependent Care Credit Adoption Tax Credit American Opportunity Credit Lifetime Learning Credit Premium Tax Credit for health insurance Saver’s Credit for retirement contributions Clean energy and home improvement credits Soledad emphasizes that credits reduce your tax bill dollar-for-dollar and that some are refundable, meaning you may receive money back even if you owe little or no tax. The episode also covers what income must be reported to the IRS, including: W-2 wages and salaries Freelance or side hustle income (even without a 1099) Business profits Interest from savings accounts Dividends and capital gains Rental income Unemployment benefits Bonuses, prizes, and gambling winnings They highlight that passive income from high-yield savings accounts and taxable brokerage accounts is taxable — using an example of $50,000 earning 4% interest generating $2,000 in taxable income. Additional topics include: How to estimate whether you’ll receive a refund or owe taxes Ensuring proper withholding from paychecks Paying quarterly estimated taxes if self-employed Key deadlines (typically April 15) Extensions (more time to file, not more time to pay) Late filing penalties (up to 25% of unpaid taxes) IRS payment plans Federal vs. state taxes (including states with no income tax) Recordkeeping best practices for audits A real experience with an IRS audit that resulted in an additional refund Throughout the episode, Soledad reframes taxes as an essential part of financial planning and dinero self-care — a system that can be understood and navigated with the right support. They close by encouraging listeners to seek professional guidance when needed, share the episode with someone who was never taught about taxes, and sign up for their free monthly Roth IRA Office Hours (held every second Tuesday). 00:00 — 1-Year Podcast Anniversary + Gratitude Through a Tough Year 01:19 — Welcome & What You’ll Learn About Taxes Today 02:39 — Breaking the “Don’t Earn More” Tax Myth 04:06 — Filing, Withholding, Refunds vs. Owing 04:46 — Who Should File Even If Not Required 05:42 — Filing Status & Standard Deduction Basics 07:40 — Tax Brackets Explained (Progressive System) 09:23 — Gross vs. Taxable Income + Retirement Strategies 11:55 — Standard vs. Itemized Deductions 13:33 — Deductions vs. Credits 15:55 — Major Tax Credits to Know 18:25 — Passive Income & Reporting Requirements 20:15 — Planning Ahead: Withholding & Estimated Taxes 21:09 — Federal vs. State Taxes + Recordkeeping 22:40 — Key Takeaways & Support Options 24:37 — Educational Disclaimer

    25 min

  5. FEB 15

    #54: The Root Fear of Disappointment: How to Have Your Own Back During a Launch

    Sign-up for Roth IRA Office Hours  Book a 1:1 Coaching Discovery CallIn this episode of Wealth Para Todos, host Rita-Soledad Fernandez Paulino, a queer Mexican-American money and self-care coach, addresses the complexities of handling rapid business growth and financial expansion. Inspired by a coaching call with a client in an 'expansion season,' Soledad offers insights into how to launch initiatives and grow without burning out. Topics covered include managing nervous system responses to success, understanding and addressing fears around unmet expectations, and developing tools to maintain wellness during high-stress periods. The episode provides practical strategies such as journaling exercises, setting boundaries, financial planning, and prioritizing self-care. Soledad emphasizes the importance of being kind to oneself and maintaining a balanced pace of growth to avoid burnout and sustain long-term success. 00:00 Introduction to Wealth Para Todos 00:21 Understanding Expansion Seasons 01:32 Navigating Success and Anxiety 02:58 Personal Experiences with Launching 08:07 Managing Expectations and Self-Care 14:34 Practical Tools for Launch Days 18:21 Controlling Your Pace and Final Thoughts 21:57 Conclusion and Next Steps

    23 min

  6. FEB 8

    #53: 529 vs UGMA vs UTMA: How First-Gen Families Can Invest for Kids Without Sacrificing Their Own Security

    Sign-up for Roth IRA Office Hours  Book a 1:1 Coaching Discovery Call In this episode of Wealth Para Todos, host Rita-Soledad Fernandez Paulino, a queer Mexican-American money and self-care coach, addresses a listener's question about the best investment accounts for children, including 529 plans, UGMA, and UTMA accounts. They emphasize the importance of first ensuring personal financial stability before investing for children, highlighting the emotional, cultural, and ancestral factors that influence these financial decisions in first-gen and second-gen families. Soledad provides detailed explanations of the different types of accounts and steps to open and manage them. They also underscore the significance of financial education, advocating for teaching children money management skills rather than just passing down wealth. The episode concludes with reminders and encouragement for parents to invest from a place of abundance, not self-sacrifice, while taking care of their own wellness. 00:00 Introduction to Wealth Para Todos 00:23 Understanding the Emotional Weight of Investing for Children 02:07 Prioritizing Your Financial Security 05:22 Exploring 529 Plans 06:29 UGMA and UTMA Accounts Explained 08:47 Steps to Start Investing for Your Child 09:18 Teaching Financial Literacy to Your Children 10:38 Personal Insights and Future Goals 12:51 Final Thoughts and Encouragement 13:39 Podcast Wrap-Up and Call to Action

    15 min

  7. FEB 1

    #52: Financial Capacity Explained: How Life Seasons Impact Your Money & Wealth Building

    Sign-up for Roth IRA Office Hours  Book a 1:1 Coaching Discovery Call In this episode of Wealth Para Todos, host Rita-Soledad Fernandez Paulino, a queer Mexican-American money and self-care coach, discusses how Black, Indigenous people of color, women, and LGBTQ+ folks can build a financial plan to retire early without compromising their well-being. They introduce the concept of 'financial capacity,' which is determined by the life season one is in, rather than mere willpower. They break down the five life seasons—growth, recovery, expansion, survival, and transition—using personal anecdotes to illustrate each. Soledad emphasizes the importance of adjusting financial strategies to match one's current capacity, navigating life changes, and building financial security sustainably. Listeners are invited to join their Roth IRA office hours and apply for one-on-one coaching for personalized financial support. 00:00 Introduction to Wealth Para Todos 00:47 Understanding Financial Capacity 02:38 The Five Seasons of Financial Life 03:13 Survival Season: Navigating Crisis 05:02 Recovery Season: Healing and Rebuilding 07:11 Expansion Season: Embracing Growth 08:31 Transition Season: Adapting to Change 10:33 Growth Season: Building Systems and Stability 12:19 Avoiding Season Mismatch 13:43 Conclusion and Next Steps

    16 min

  8. JAN 25

    #51: How an Immigrant Single Mom Got on Track to Retire Early - Erika's Story

    Sign-up for Roth IRA Office Hours  Book a 1:1 Coaching Discovery Call In this episode of Wealth Para Todos, host Rita-Soledad Fernández Paulino sits down with longtime client and friend Erika Padilla, founder of Vive Poderosa, to share a grounded and powerful story of rebuilding financial security as an immigrant single mom. Erika shares what it was like immigrating from Mexico to Los Angeles at nine years old, growing up with financial scarcity, and working as an undocumented teenager to help support her family. She reflects on how those early experiences shaped her relationship with money, responsibility, and survival. The conversation also explores the turning point that came after leaving a 16-year relationship with no savings, no assets, and two daughters to provide for. Erika walks through how learning her numbers, paying off high-interest debt, building savings, and investing for retirement helped her move from financial instability to long-term security. Today, Erika is a business owner, consistently saving and investing, and on track to retire early—a reality she once thought was unattainable for someone from her background. This episode highlights what’s possible when first-generation wealth builders have access to education, support, and systems that honor both financial security and wellness. 00:00 Introduction to Wealth Para Todos 00:21 Meet Erika Padilla and her immigration story 01:23 Growing up with scarcity and early money lessons 02:34 Working as an undocumented teen and family responsibility 05:48 Leaving a long-term relationship and starting over financially 08:53 Building financial security: debt payoff, savings, and investing 14:04 Becoming a business owner and planning for early retirement 20:09 Final reflections and encouragement for first-gen wealth builders

    21 min
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On this weekly podcast, I’ll teach you how to practice D.I.V.E.R.S.E. self-care daily, build financial literacy, review your finances with ease, and grow your income. Poco a poco, we’ll build financial security through self-care juntos!

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