Get Ready: Before Life Happens Podcast

Tony Steuer

Get Ready: Before Life Happens brings together diverse voices, guides, and changemakers from around the world who are helping people and professionals navigate life’s what-ifs with clarity, integrity and confidence.  Hosted by Financial Readiness Advocate Tony Steuer, the show explores the insights, stories, and tools that strengthen financial readiness and reshape how we think about money, life, aging, caregiving, resilience, and purpose. Want more? Join The Get Ready Movement at www.tonysteuer.com [CLAIM:D51LCAQS]

  1. 1D AGO

    Scams, Digital Literacy, and How to Stay Safe With Your Money

    Send us Fan Mail Frances Yong, Founder of White Byte and anti-scam evangelist joined me on this episode of The Get Ready Money Podcast in collaboration with the Better Money with the MAIA’s podcast. We talked about digital financial literacy, fraud prevention, and how communities can work together to create a safer and more inclusive digital world. Key Takeaways 🔹 Reporting fraud quickly increases the chances of recovery 🔹 Digital financial literacy includes the ability to communicate and transact safely using technology 🔹 Scams can happen to anyone, regardless of age, background, or education 🔹 Seniors often engage with technology differently, which requires patience and understanding 🔹 Simple family check-ins can help spot red flags like unknown numbers or unfamiliar apps 🔹 Open, respectful conversations with parents and loved ones build awareness and trust 🔹 A safer digital ecosystem is a shared responsibility across families and communities 🔹 Digital literacy expands access to financial services and opportunities for marginalized groups This conversation is a reminder that readiness today includes digital awareness, community support, and ongoing conversations that help everyone feel safer and more confident online. Connect with Frances Yong: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/frances-yong-074703a8/Whitebyte Website: https://www.whitebyte.orgWhite Byte's LinkedIn page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/white-byte/?viewAsMember=true Resources mentioned: The Seven Habits of Highly Effective Scammers on the Get Ready Before Life Happens Podcast (watch or listen) Bio:  Frances Yong was a Fraud Risk and Cybercrime Risk professional, globally responsible for the learning strategy and frameworks for a Fortune500 multi-national bank. When her mother was scammed off her pension in 2021, she left her banking job and founded White Byte.   Through White Byte, Frances promotes cyber integrity and digital inclusion; sharing her professional knowledge with a wider audience and in a customised manner to make it relatable to less savvy communities. Her vision is a cyber space that is ethical and inclusive for all users to interact and transact safely in.   Frances won the Anti-Scam category in the 2025 Money Awareness and Inclusion Awards (MAIA). She is named one of Singapore's 100 Women in Tech, and honoured as MAIA’s 50 Changemakers to watch.  The Money Awareness and Inclusion Awards (the MAIAs) celebrate the increasingly important work being done to help people understand money better. Learn more: https://www.maiawards.org.    ☕ Support the Get Ready Movement. If these conversations help you think differently about money or prepare for life’s what-ifs, your support helps expand financial readiness education and keep this work accessible. 👉 Support here: http://www.buymeacoffee.com/tonysteuer The Get Ready Money Podcast and its guests do not provide investment advice. All content is for educational purposes. Guest opinions do not necessarily reflect the opinions of The Get Ready Money Podcast and Tony Steuer.

    36 min

  2. 5D AGO

    Why Slowing Down Leads to Better Money Decisions

    Send us Fan Mail On this episode of the Get Ready Before Life Happens Podcast, I spoke with Michael Ervolini, author and active management thought leader, about how behavior and emotions shape financial decision-making and why having a simple, intentional process matters more than chasing perfect outcomes. We explore how the unconscious mind influences choices, why emotions are not the enemy of good decisions, and how slowing down helps align actions with long-term intentions. Key Takeaways: 🔹 Slowing down creates space to understand why you want to take action 🔹 Emotions play a central role in every financial decision, they cannot be separated from logic 🔹 The unconscious mind strongly influences choices, often before we realize it 🔹 Awareness helps identify when emotions are supporting or undermining good decisions 🔹 A simple, repeatable process helps counter behavioral tendencies 🔹 Clear processes create consistency and a platform for learning and improvement 🔹 Not every money decision needs to maximize wealth to align with your intentions Connect with Michael Ervolini: Website (here)LinkedIn (here) Books:   Managing Equity Portfolios: A Behavioral Approach to Improving Skills and Investment Processes (Amazon)Skill Versus Luck: Taking the Guessing Out of Equity Fund Selection (Amazon)  Bio:  Michael Ervolini is a seasoned professional who now spends his time as a writer and thought leader on the topics of active fund management, behavioral finance, and decision making. Mike founded and was CEO of two fintech companies supporting institutional investors. His latest company, Cabot Investment Technology, Inc.,  was purchased by Factset Information Systems. His previous company, Charter Research LLC, was purchased by Standard And Poor’s/McGraw Hill, Inc.      Early in his career he held the positions of financial analyst, portfolio manager, and chief information officer (AEW Capital Management, L.P. and Latimer & Buck, Inc. (now a part of Franklin Templeton).    ☕ Support the Get Ready Movement. If these conversations help you think differently about money or prepare for life’s what-ifs, your support helps expand financial readiness education and keep this work accessible. 👉 Support (here) The Get Ready Money Podcast and its guests do not provide investment advice. All content is for educational purposes. Guest opinions do not necessarily reflect the opinions of The Get Ready Money Podcast and Tony Steuer.

    43 min

  3. MAR 24

    Digital Financial Literacy, Inclusion, and Peace

    Send us Fan Mail On this episode of The Get Ready Money Podcast, I spoke with Dr. Lalua Rahsiad, the Money Queen, author and podcast host, about digital financial literacy, inclusion, and building financial peace in a modern world. We explore how technology can empower underserved communities, why financial literacy must meet people where they are, and how redefining our relationship with money can lead to greater confidence and well-being. Key Takeaways 🔹 Financial peace starts with making peace with what you have 🔹 Focusing on what you can control reduces money anxiety 🔹 When problems stay hidden, you won’t get help 🔹 Strong financial communities are built by including everyone 🔹 Money influences nearly every part of our lives 🔹 Your money journey is personal, you don’t need validation from others 🔹 Prioritizing your own stability helps you better support others 🔹 Financial literacy efforts are stronger when advocates work together 🔹 Saving and investing are for everyone, not just the wealthy 🔹 Digital tools can expand access, especially since most people have a smartphone Connect with Dr. Lalua Rahsiad: LinkedInWebsiteMyCelik Network website Books: Money Moves At WorkMoney Minds for Teens, (releasing 2/2026)  Podcast: Money Talk Podcast  (YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@DrLaluaRahsiad ) (Spotify: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6BVBzG3IbCjTYyJKbDhHOZ?si=6d1b6454006448eb) Resources mentioned: The M.O.N.E.Y Q.U.E.E.N Movement: Dr Lalua Rahsiad’s Journey to Financial Literacy at Work Bio:  Dr. Lalua Rahsiad, affectionately known as the “Money Queen” is a distinguished advocate for financial literacy, sustainable finance and digital inclusion, with over 25 years of experience across academia and corporate sectors in Malaysia and the United Kingdom. Her expertise covers financial analysis, investment portfolio, behavioral finance, entrepreneurship and corporate leadership. A passionate philanthropist, she dedicates her efforts to advancing sustainable investment, financial wellness and social finance. She co-founded and leads Sustainable & Inclusive Finance (SIFU), a think tank driving financial inclusion and SDGs transformation through collaborations with universities, corporations and non-profit organizations.  ☕ Support the Get Ready Movement. If these conversations help you think differently about money or prepare for life’s what-ifs, your support helps expand financial readiness education and keep this work accessible. 👉 Support (here) The Get Ready Money Podcast and its guests do not provide investment advice. All content is for educational purposes. Guest opinions do not necessarily reflect the opinions of The Get Ready Money Podcast and Tony Steuer.

    45 min

  4. MAR 20

    How Women Can Reclaim Their Power and Confidence with Money

    Send us Fan Mail On this episode of Get Ready Before Life Happens, Tony sits down with Linda Grizely, creator of the MeMoney™ method and host of the Real Money, Real Life podcast, to explore how women can build a healthier, more empowered relationship with money. Linda shares why putting yourself last creates long-term stress, how fear around spending can actually be protective, and why reconnecting with your personal money patterns is the key to confidence. This conversation reframes money as a tool for self-trust, choice, and readiness rather than guilt or restriction. 🔑  Key Takeaways 🔹 Create a “me-money” bucket that gives you permission to spend on yourself.  🔹 Think about each choice you make when you spending money  🔹 Women should stop putting themselves last when it comes to money decisions.  🔹 Talking openly about money builds confidence and reduces shame.  🔹 Feeling fear around spending is normal and can be a healthy signal.  🔹 Let go of guilt so money supports your life instead of controlling it.  🔹 Have the courage to start over when your current approach no longer serves you.  🔹 Reconnect with your power by understanding how you personally relate to money. Tony’s Take When women give themselves permission to engage with money without guilt or shame, confidence grows and choices become clearer. Money works best when it supports who you are and the life you want to live. Connect with Linda Grizely: Website: https://www.LindaGriz.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/lindagrizelyFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/thelindagrizelyLinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/linda-grizelyTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/lindagrizelyX : https://x.com/LindaGrizely Podcast: The Real Money, Real Life Podcast (Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/real-money-real-life/id1831822405) (YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LindaGrizely)Resources:  What’s Your Money Personality Quiz: https://bit.ly/MonPersQuiz Bio:  Linda Grizely 🐻, CFP®, MSFS, CAP® turned Financial Educator and Speaker. Linda created the MeMoney™ Method, a mindset-first approach to personal finance that helps women trade guilt and shame for clarity and confidence, and stop putting themselves last. Linda is the host of the Real Money, Real Life Podcast.  Support the Get Ready Before Life Happens Podcast at www.buymeacoffee.com/tonysteuer If these conversations help you think differently about money or prepare for life’s financial what-ifs, please support the Get Ready Before Life Happens Podcast. Your support helps expand financial readiness education and resources. The Get Ready Money Podcast and its guests do not provide investment advice. All content is for educational purposes. Guest opinions do not necessarily reflect the opinions of The Get Ready Money Podcast and Tony Steuer.

    38 min

  5. MAR 17

    Why Defining “Enough” Changes How Women Think About Money

    Send a text What changes when women decide what “enough” really looks like? On this episode of The Get Ready Before Life Happens Podcast, Tony spoke with Melissa Joy, CFP®, President of Pearl Planning and host of the Women’s Money Wisdom podcast, to explore how defining “enough” can change the way women think about money. The conversation dives into why women are capable, confident decision-makers and how judgment-free financial conversations create trust Key Takeaways: 🔹 Communication is an essential skill, and human connection matters more than ever 🔹 Practice courageous authenticity  🔹 You don’t need to be perfect 🔹 Women are terrific with money 🔹 Removing judgment creates space for more open, honest financial conversations. 🔹 Advisors should ensure both partners are seen, heard, and included in every money conversation. 🔹 Caregiving for both children and aging parents has real financial and emotional impacts that must be acknowledged and planned for 🔹 Defining what “enough” looks like helps align money with a joyful life. Tony’s Take When women define what “enough” looks like, money stops being a source of pressure and becomes a tool for purpose, confidence, and joy. Connect with Melissa Joy: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissanjoyPearl Planning Website: https://pearlplan.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pearlplanningfinancial/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PearlPlanningWealthYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@pearlplanningfinancial Podcast: Women’s Money Wisdom Podcast: https://womensmoneywisdom.buzzsprout.com Resources mentioned: Invest for Better: https://investforbetter.org Bio:  Melissa Joy is a Certified Financial Planner® and founder of Pearl Planning, a wealth management firm located in Dexter, Michigan. Melissa is the host of a weekly podcast called “Women’s Money Wisdom” which is all about money talk for women. Support the Get Ready Movement at www.buymeacoffee.com/tonysteuer If these conversations help you think differently about money or prepare for life’s financial what-ifs, please support the Get Ready Movement. Your support helps expand financial readiness education and resources. The Get Ready Money Podcast and its guests do not provide investment advice. All content is for educational purposes. Guest opinions do not necessarily reflect the opinions of The Get Ready Money Podcast and Tony Steuer.

    43 min

  6. MAR 13

    How to Leave a Legacy That Lasts Beyond Money

    Send us Fan Mail On this episode of The Get Ready Before Life Happens Podcast, I spoke with Dr. Julia Myers, founder of Generational Wisdom about what it means to leave a legacy that lasts. Key Takeaways: 🔹 Wealth without wisdom is wasted 🔹 Delegated parenting is delegating your legacy, the world will teach your kids if you don’t  🔹 Go beyond your trust and will, and talk about your values  🔹 Create a written plan that defines your values and how they evolve over time 🔹 Be reflective and intentional with your spending, you can buy anything but not everything 🔹 It’s not taboo to talk about money 🔹 Remember that money is not the goal, it’s a vehicle Connect with Julia Myers: Website: https://juliamyers.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliamyers314/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/julia_myers_rxFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/juliamyersrx Resources mentioned: The 10-Minute Money Mindset Makeover: https://juliamyers.com/money Bio:  Dr. Julia Myers is an international speaker and the national expert on talking to kids about money. As founder of Generational Wisdom™ and mom of five, she empowers wealthy families to raise financially mature children without entitlement. The Get Ready Money Podcast and its guests do not provide investment advice. All content is for educational purposes. Guest opinions do not necessarily reflect the opinions of The Get Ready Money Podcast and Tony Steuer.

    42 min

  7. MAR 10

    How 250 Conversations Changed the Way I Think About Money

    Send us Fan Mail After 250 conversations with guests from around the world, one truth stands out: money works best when we start with people, not products. Episode 250 turns the tables. Guest host Faith Teope puts Tony Steuer in the hot seat to reflect on what he’s learned from more than 250 conversations with financial experts, advocates, and changemakers from around the world The result is a global, human-first look at money as a readiness mindset shaped by identity, access, emotion, and lived experience rather than a product perspective.  Key Takeaways 🔹 Money readiness starts with mindset and curiosity, not products. 🔹 Preparing before life happens creates flexibility and confidence. 🔹 Money conversations resonate globally across cultures. 🔹 Structural inequities shape financial outcomes, especially for women and caregivers. 🔹 Shame blocks progress, while listening creates trust. 🔹 Money decisions are deeply emotional and psychological. 🔹 The future of financial services is human, even as AI advances. 💭 Tony’s Take After 250 episodes, one truth stands out: everyone’s money journey is different, and real readiness comes from understanding people first,before products, plans, or tools. Final Thought If there’s one takeaway from this milestone episode, it’s this: anyone can do money, as long as they’re willing to stay curious, ask better questions, and prepare with intention. Connect with Faith Teope: Website: https://faithteope.comLinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/in/faithteopeYouTube: http://youtube.com/@faithteopeInstagram: http://instagram.com/faithteopeThreads: https://threads.net/faithteopeTwitter: http://twitter.com/thefaithteope Books:  The Monster Job Book - Faith Teope (Amazon) Bio:  Faith Teope is a multimedia journalist, children’s financial literacy author, and CEO of Leverage Retirement, a 40+ year-old TPA/Recordkeeper firm. She is known for being the host of the weekly podcast, Pull to Refresh: Where 401k experts get curious. Teope is the editor of The Naked Professional LinkedIn Newsletter and a contributor to Safe in Harm’s Way as a financial abuse advocate. Her new show, SAVVY, explores the systemic gaps in financial literacy and is scheduled to air in the fall of 2023. Teope's debut title is The Monster Job. The Get Ready Money Podcast and its guests do not provide investment advice. All content is for educational purposes. Guest opinions do not necessarily reflect the opinions of The Get Ready Money Podcast and Tony Steuer.

    34 min

  8. MAR 6

    Why Disability Insurance Is the Foundation of a Real Financial Plan

    Send us Fan Mail On this episode of The Get Ready Before Life Happens Podcast, Tony talks with Maxwell Schmitz, Disability Insurance Specialist and Co-Founder of Dingo Technologies, about why income protection is the core building block of a real financial plan. 🔑 Key Takeaways 🔹 Think about your future yet worth (money you’ll earn)  🔹 A financial plan without disability insurance is not a financial plan 🔹 We should reframe disability insurance as income protection   🔹 You are more likely to need disability insurance than homeowners and auto insurance 🔹 Understand the full spectrum of disabilities, they are not all total and permanent 🔹 Disability insurance replaces income loss, while health insurance covers medical expenses. 🔹 Financial planners have an obligation to include income protection in their planning process.  Connect with Maxwell Schmitz: LinkedIn:  (here)Dingo Technologies website: (here)Yetworth website: (here) Resources mentioned: Calculate your potential future earnings: whatsmyyetworth.com Bio:  Maxwell Schmitz, MSFS, CLTC is a third-generation DI specialist.  He is co-founder of Dingo Technologies, Inc. and President of Yetworth Insurance Solutions, a disability-focused insurance agency.  He also currently serves as President of the International DI Society, an association of the nation's top DI minds. Max also serves as the chair of his town's Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee. He is a sitting member on the board of The Plus Group, America's Premier Disability Insurance Marketing Organization. In his spare time he is also the father/coach of three energetic/athletic kids (ages 7, 5, and 3), husband to an amazing wife, and is a thru-hiking junkie. The Get Ready Money Podcast and its guests do not provide investment advice. All content is for educational purposes. Guest opinions do not necessarily reflect the opinions of The Get Ready Money Podcast and Tony Steuer.

    57 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
6 Ratings

About

Get Ready: Before Life Happens brings together diverse voices, guides, and changemakers from around the world who are helping people and professionals navigate life’s what-ifs with clarity, integrity and confidence.  Hosted by Financial Readiness Advocate Tony Steuer, the show explores the insights, stories, and tools that strengthen financial readiness and reshape how we think about money, life, aging, caregiving, resilience, and purpose. Want more? Join The Get Ready Movement at www.tonysteuer.com [CLAIM:D51LCAQS]

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