Financial Wellness at Work

Financial Finesse
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Produced by Financial Finesse, Financial Wellness at Work is where HR, benefits, and retirement industry leaders come to understand what's next in employee financial wellness and what it means for their organizations. Hosted by Julie Everett, MBA, CFP®, Financial Coach, each episode brings together the people building the future of the industry: executives and innovators who are shaping benefits strategy, driving program adoption, and using AI to scale personalized support, alongside the employees whose real-life financial transformations prove what's possible when financial wellness is done right.

  1. Aug 17

    Annual Enrollment = Annual Financial Reset

    What if annual enrollment wasn’t just another HR task, but an opportunity to give yourself a financial reset—and potentially even a raise? In this episode of Financial Wellness at Work, Julie Everett and Michael Rivera unpack how employees can make the most of their workplace benefits, from capturing the full 401(k) match and choosing the right healthcare coverage to protecting their income and loved ones with insurance. They also explore how small changes to everyday spending, emergency savings, debt, and automation can free up money and create greater financial peace of mind. The takeaway: don’t simply choose the same benefits you had last year, but be intentional, take a fresh look, and put your benefits and paycheck to work for you. Key Points From This Episode: Why annual enrollment can be a financial reset—and an opportunity to give yourself a raise.Michael’s take on why employees may be leaving money on the table.How reviewing everyday expenses can uncover money for savings and financial goals.Why prioritizing the full 401(k) employer match matters.How to choose healthcare coverage based on your needs—not simply last year’s plan.The importance of protecting your income, family, and financial future with the right insurance.Why reviewing beneficiaries should be part of your annual enrollment routine.How small changes, emergency savings, and automation can reduce financial stress.Michael’s advice: pay yourself first, start small, and take action today. Quotes: “Benefit selection doesn't have to be complicated, and you don't have to do it by yourself.” — Julie Everett [0:10:53] “Without Financial Finesse, I wouldn't be where I'm at. I was able to [build] my emergency fund, was able to work on my debt and things like that.” — Michael Rivera [0:13:12] “I always say pay yourself first. Even if it's a small amount, put a little bit away and you won't even realize it.” — Michael Rivera [0:14:34] “I would feel that I failed if my colleagues are not retiring with dignity. I want to make sure they're being taken care of, and I'm available for them.” — Michael Rivera [0:15:54] Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: Julie Everett on LinkedIn Financial Finesse Email Financial Finesse

    Annual Enrollment = Annual Financial Reset

  2. Jun 30

    The Retirement Readiness Gap: Can Plan Design Fix It?

    Financial Coach, Julie Everett hosts Ryan Campagna of Sentinel Group to unpack why only 13% of workers feel on track for retirement and nearly half fear outliving their savings. Ryan frames the issue as a readiness crisis driven by plan access, plan design, misconceptions, and lack of confidence, sharing examples of workers misreading Social Security “normal retirement age” and seeking a single “catch-up” investment.  They discuss best-in-class plan features—auto-enrollment, auto-escalation, QDIA/target date options, disciplined diversification, and re-enrollment to re-default nonparticipants—plus the importance of ongoing education and one-on-one support.  They also highlight overlooked topics like Social Security, Medicare, HSAs, and Roth contributions, warn against rigid or misleading social-media advice, and emphasize that saving more and taking action now beats waiting for a perfect plan. 00:00 Retirement Reality Check 00:54 Meet Ryan Campagna 02:19 Readiness Crisis Explained 06:08 Auto Features That Work 09:19 Catch Up in Midlife 12:38 Investing Myths and Basics 16:52 Best in Class Plan Design 27:42 Education That Reaches Everyone 35:11 Fixing the System at Work 42:38 Take Action This Week 44:42 Wrap Up and Next Steps

  3. May 15

    Pam Krueger on Financial Confidence, Advice vs. Sales, and Finding a Fiduciary Advisor

    If there’s a secret to managing money, it’s this: the small steps are the strategy. After spending over a decade seen on PBS, helping everyday investors make smarter decisions, award-winning financial analyst Pam Krueger built her own game-changing platform. Wealthramp matches investors with vetted, fee-only fiduciary financial advisors. Join us as Pam explains how time does the heavy lifting when we commit to taking the small steps that move us toward long-term financial security. We unpack building financial literacy from a young age, Pam’s experience launching an investor education television series built around real financial stories, and the critical difference between financial knowledge and financial advice. We also explore what estate planning actually means, the guiding principles every financial advisor should follow, why vetting the people you trust with your money is essential, how AI is helping improve financial education and outcomes, and why managing your finances should always be a collaborative relationship between you and your advisor. Thanks for listening!  Key Points From This Episode: Pam Krueger’s history as a financial analyst, public television host, and Wealthramp founder. The story behind her podcast, Friends Talk Money.Key financial advice that is applicable to anyone: get confident. How a step-by-step approach is the solution to every financial problem.Where Pam’s journey with financial literacy first began. Why children emulate what their parents do financially rather than what they are taught. Pam’s experience of starting a TV series that ran on over 250 PBS stations to showcase real financial stories.The difference between financial knowledge and financial advice.What estate planning actually is.A guiding principle for financial advisors.Why it is so important to vet who you take financial advice from.How AI is helping with education and setting people up for success. Why managing your money should be a collaboration with your practitioner.  Quotes: “Financial literacy is all about empowering and building wealth, but it’s also about reducing stress.” — Pam Krueger [0:06:14] “In this world of money, knowledge really is the power — it’s the superpower!” — Pam Krueger [0:06:23] “A financial advisor is not a transaction. If it’s done properly, and you have the right advisor, it’s your financial decision partner for the rest of your life if you want it.” — Pam Krueger [0:23:45] “I want people to not reach for help out of fear or out of weakness. I want people to reach out and stop and really take it slow.” — Pam Krueger [0:27:55] “Understand you’ve got to vet, vet, vet who are you going to listen to that’s going to give you advice.” — Pam Krueger [0:31:11] Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: Pam Krueger Pam Krueger on LinkedIn Pam Krueger on Instagram Wealthramp Friends Talk Money Podcast California Jumpstart Julie Everett on LinkedIn Financial Finesse Email Financial Finesse

    Pam Krueger on Financial Confidence, Advice vs. Sales, and Finding a Fiduciary Advisor

  4. Apr 12

    It's Not Too Late Too File Your Taxes!

    Host Julie Everett is joined by Financial Finesse coach Kari Cedegren and Jenell Koelblin, Site Coordinator - Lane County Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program (VITA), to answer common tax-season questions and outline practical steps to prepare. They explain VITA (IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) Program as a free tax prep and filing service for lower- and moderate-income households, seniors, people with disabilities, and limited English speakers, and describe volunteer training and certification. The conversation covers when to hire a tax professional (complex situations like rentals, stock options/AMT, multi-state filing), organizing documents, and the impact of changes like no tax on overtime and no tax on tips, plus refundable credits such as the child tax credit and EITC, and Oregon-specific credits including the kicker. They clarify that filing an extension gives more time to file but not to pay, discuss IRS payment plans and safe harbor rules, and emphasize filing even if you can’t pay to avoid penalties. 00:00 Tax Season Kickoff 00:44 Meet the Guests 01:39 VITA Explained 03:55 Who Qualifies 04:51 DIY or Hire Help 07:56 Free Filing Options 09:02 Get Your Docs Ready 09:45 New Tax Changes 12:05 Refundable Credits 16:14 Tips and Gig Work 18:29 Extensions Demystified 20:02 If You Owe Taxes 22:25 VITA Extensions Help 23:09 Key Takeaways Recap 26:00 Final Thoughts 28:54 Wrap Up and Thanks 29:47 Share and Subscribe Financial Finesse Julie Everett Kari Cedegren OSU VITA File Your Taxes for Free Free Tax Return Preparation

  5. Apr 2

    Majd Talks: Breaking Barriers in Soccer and Finance

    Growth is rarely a straight line, but for today’s guest, the path has been nothing short of vertical. Through her leadership role as Director of Growth at the U.S. Soccer Federation, Majd Steitieh initiated a huge shift in how soccer operates in the country. During this conversation, we talk about career evolution, organizational impact, and the grit that it takes to get there. Majd also shares how shifting her financial mindset has enabled her to sharpen her focus and take more meaningful ownership of her work. If there’s one thing to take away from this episode, it’s that growth doesn’t happen by accident; it happens by design, and the impact of Majd’s work is a great example of exactly how this works. Tune in to hear more! Key Points From This Episode: An introduction to our first repeat guest: Majd Steitieh.The U.S. Soccer Federation’s mission and what keeps Majd motivated.What her day-to-day work looks like and how she is building resources for young people.How she sees the work evolving over the next five years.Creating opportunities for existing talent who otherwise may not have had access to them.The most daunting aspects of working at U.S. Soccer.How gaining control over her financial wellness has allowed Majd to shift her focus.The power of a financial mindset shift: how it enables you to take ownership over your work. Quotes: “Sometimes cost, transportation, and access to clubs are barriers, and so we’ve taken soccer to where the kids already are, which is at school.” — Majd Steitieh [0:02:17] “What keeps me motivated is that same idea that soccer can genuinely be a force for good.” — Majd Steitieh [0:03:52] “While the day-to-day varies, the throughline is always the same: listen to the ecosystem, identify where the pathway can be stronger, and then build solutions that make it easier for more people to enter, stay, and grow within the game.” — Majd Steitieh [0:07:58] “Being financially fit isn’t just about stability, but it’s about unlocking the ability to show up fully in your life and in your work.” — Majd Steitieh [0:15:02] Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: Majd Steitieh on LinkedIn U.S. Soccer Julie Everett on LinkedIn Financial Finesse Email Financial Finesse

    Majd Talks: Breaking Barriers in Soccer and Finance

  6. Mar 16

    Women Who Talk Money: Celebrating International Women's Month

    What does leadership in financial wellness look like when people need more than the right numbers to make real change? In this International Women’s Month episode, we sit down with Liz Davidson, CEO of Financial Finesse, and Carolyn Fraser, Head of Internal Sales at Ascensus, to discuss the progress women have made in financial services and the responsibility that comes with representation. They unpack why financial wellness is tied to trust, behavior, and accountability, why outcomes matter more than simple metrics, and why the “how” of leadership shapes culture and client relationships. Liz and Carolyn also share insights on authenticity at work, finding environments where you can succeed without fitting into a mold, and the difference between mentorship and sponsorship when you are building a career. Tune in for a motivating discussion about building deeper professional relationships, staying grounded, and creating the kind of support that helps women thrive. Key Points From This Episode: Hear how financial wellness is determined by trust and leadership style.Discover the significance of the “how” in sales and client relationships.Find out how to balance authenticity with adaptation in the workplace.Unpack the misconception that women must fit a mold to succeed in finance.How to find leaders and workplaces that appreciate your unique gifts and talents.Learn about the difference between mentorship and sponsorship.What women need to consider when looking for mentorship or sponsorship.Investigate whether the financial sector has fully embraced women.Why building fewer but deeper relationships is better than traditional networking.Explore financial wellness trends in AI, longevity, and personalized experiences.Advice that they would give their younger selves, given what they know now.Final takeaways and how to build a career through mentorship and sponsorship. Quotes: “You are going to be much more successful really embracing who you truly are and what your unique gifts and talents are.” — Liz Davidson [0:11:57] “The cognitive load of having to constantly feel like you're putting on an act, I think, is exhausting to the person but also very expensive [for] the employer.” — Liz Davidson [0:13:02] “Who you know is still an important dynamic, I think, maybe now more than ever, and looking for people who can be the mentor [or] the sponsor.” — Carolyn Fraser [0:21:58] “It’s okay to change your path. You’re not failing if the thing that you thought you were going to do for the rest of your life is not what actually happens.” — Carolyn Fraser [0:29:53] Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: Liz Davidson on LinkedIn Carolyn Fraser on LinkedIn Ascensus Julie Everett on LinkedIn Financial Finesse Email Financial Finesse

    Women Who Talk Money: Celebrating International Women's Month

  7. Mar 2

    Markets in a Moment of Tension: What the Iran Escalation Means for Your Money

    Over the weekend, tensions escalated between Iran, Israel, and the United States and markets are reacting. In this episode, we step back from the headlines and focus on what actually matters for your financial life. What happens to oil prices during geopolitical conflict? Could gas and grocery costs rise again? What does short-term volatility really mean for your 401(k)? More importantly, how should you respond? We break down the potential ripple effects on inflation, energy markets, and equities. We outline practical steps you can take right now, from reviewing your emergency fund to avoiding panic-based decisions. Global events may be outside your control.  Your financial habits are not. This episode is your reminder to stay steady, stay strategic, and keep your long-term plan intact. Julie Everett, MBA, CFP® | LinkedIn Home - Financial Finesse Email Financial Finesse

  8. Feb 16

    Scaling Support: How AI Helps One Coach Empower Thousands of Employees

    In the finance world, AI can serve as a powerful bridge to scale financial coaching without replacing human connection. Join the conversation today on the Financial Wellness at Work podcast, as Julie Everett and Scott Stark discuss how AI-amplified financial coaching helps employees get the personalized guidance they need. They look at how they’re using AI in both their personal and professional lives, discuss the idea that AI might take the jobs of financial coaches, how Scott is leveraging AI to be a better coach, and the difference between general AI and purpose-built AI. To learn more about how employees can use AI safely, don’t miss out on this insightful episode!   Key Points From This Episode:  • How Scott is using AI in both his personal and professional life.  • They discuss the question: “Will AI take the jobs of financial coaches?”  • How he is leveraging AI to be a better financial coach.  • Purpose-built AI: looking at different sources AI pulls from and the importance of terminology. • The difference between general AIs and purpose-built AIs.  • How employees can use AI safely.  • The takeaway message from today’s episode.  Quotes:  “From my perspective, and the ways that I use [AI], and the ways that I've seen [AI being used],  it is not so much in replacing or eliminating things but in just enhancing them.” — Scott Stark  [0:03:26]  “[Our AI] gives us a lot more real-time information about what's on people's minds to enable us  to better help them improve their financial wellness.” — Scott Stark [0:10:11]  “We covered a really hot topic here today, but I think the message for employees and for HR  leaders is pretty simple: that AI is not a replacement for a human connection. It's going to be a  bridge that makes that connection possible at scale and really attainable for everybody.” — Julie  Everett [0:12:49]  Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:  Julie Everett on LinkedIn Scott Stark on LinkedIn Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses Aimee Financial Finesse Email Financial Finesse The State of Generative AI Adoption in 2025 | St. Louis Fed

    Scaling Support: How AI Helps One Coach Empower Thousands of Employees
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About

Produced by Financial Finesse, Financial Wellness at Work is where HR, benefits, and retirement industry leaders come to understand what's next in employee financial wellness and what it means for their organizations. Hosted by Julie Everett, MBA, CFP®, Financial Coach, each episode brings together the people building the future of the industry: executives and innovators who are shaping benefits strategy, driving program adoption, and using AI to scale personalized support, alongside the employees whose real-life financial transformations prove what's possible when financial wellness is done right.

Information

  • Creator
    Financial Finesse
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2026
  • Episodes
    36
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Financial Wellness at Work
  • Show Website
    Financial Wellness at Work

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