Real Money, Real Experts

AFCPE®
  • 4.9 (35)
  • 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. 2d ago

    Understanding Financial Stress, Anxiety & Burnout | Kristy Archuleta Ph.D., LMFT, CFT

    What happens when financial stress becomes more than just the numbers?  In this episode of Real Money, Real Experts, Rachael DeLeon and Dr. Brandy Baxter sit down with Dr. Kristy Archuleta, a pioneer in financial therapy and professor of financial planning at the University of Georgia. Kristy breaks down the important difference between financial stress and financial anxiety, how financial professionals can recognize when a client’s challenges go beyond the numbers, and when it may be time to refer a client to another professional. She also opens up about her own experience with burnout and the boundaries and community that helped her find her way back. Plus, Kristy shares how her background in marriage and family therapy shaped her work in financial planning—and why technical expertise alone isn't enough when we're working with people. Kristy will also be joining AFCPE as a keynote speaker at Symposium this November, where she’ll dive deeper into working with clients when you’re feeling overwhelmed and burned out yourself. Learn more about AFCPE® and AFC Certification.  🎧 Tune in to Real Money, Real Experts for practical insights on creating financial education programs that meet people where they are. Like, subscribe, and follow the show so you never miss a conversation with financial professionals making an impact in their communities. Show Notes: 00:00 — Welcome & Meet Dr. Kristy Archuleta 02:00 — What Does Burnout Look Like for Financial Professionals? 04:14 — Financial Stress vs. Financial Anxiety 06:16 — When It’s More Than the Numbers 08:08 — Knowing When to Make a Referral 12:15 — The Origins of Financial Therapy 16:34 — Managing Work, Family & Everything in Between 20:24 — “Farm Girl Therapy Time” 21:03 — Why Community Matters 23:09 —Kristy's 2 Cents Connect With Our Guest Reach out directly via email: karchuleta@uga.eduConnect on social media: Kristy Archuleta on LinkedinResource Mentioned: Burnout: The Secret to Unlocking the Stress Cycle by Nagoski and NagoskiResource Mentioned: UGA Financial PlanningListen on Your Favorite Platform Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: Real Money, Real Experts on Apple PodcastsListen on Spotify: Real Money, Real Experts on SpotifyListen on Amazon Music: Real Money, Real Experts on Amazon Music Listen on Cast Box: Real Money, Real Experts on CastboxAbout the Real Money, Real Experts Podcast Brought to you by AFCPE®, this podcast supports, educates, and connects financial professionals with actionable insights to advance their careers and better serve their communities.  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.

    Understanding Financial Stress, Anxiety & Burnout | Kristy Archuleta Ph.D., LMFT, CFT

  2. Sep 1

    Creating Client-Centered Programs That Empower Communities | Holly Zugay

    What does it take to make financial education truly meaningful and accessible?  In this episode of Real Money, Real Experts, Holly Zugay, CFP, AFC, shares her journey from chemistry to financial education and the lessons she’s learned working with diverse communities, including low-income families, veterans, homeowners facing foreclosure, and individuals transitioning from incarceration. Holly discusses how shame, stigma, and lack of confidence can create barriers to financial well-being, and why financial professionals need to move beyond the “ivory tower” approach. She shares practical strategies for building trust, creating participant-centered financial education programs, using activities to make financial topics engaging, and measuring success through meaningful behavior change. Holly also breaks down her Building Your Financial House program, including why she takes a long-term approach to financial education, addresses topics beyond budgeting and credit, and helps participants build confidence in their financial decisions. Learn more about AFCPE® and AFC Certification.  🎧 Tune in to Real Money, Real Experts for practical insights on creating financial education programs that meet people where they are. Like, subscribe, and follow the show so you never miss a conversation with financial professionals making an impact in their communities. Show Notes: 00:00 – Meet Holly Zugray: From Chemistry to Financial Education 02:00 – From Financial Planning to Community-Based Financial Education 04:00 – Breaking Down the Shame and Stigma Around Money 06:00 – Making Financial Education Participant-Centered 08:30 – Building Trust Through Vulnerability and Shared Experiences 11:00 – Creating a Safe Space for Financial Conversations 13:00 – How Communication Can Create Barriers for Clients 15:00 – Building Your Financial House: A Holistic Approach to Financial Wellness 20:00 – Why Financial Education Should Go Beyond Budgeting and Credit 25:00 – Designing Engaging Financial Education Programs 28:00 – Measuring Success Through Behavior Change 31:00 – What Financial Professionals Can Learn From Their Communities 34:00 – Walking in Your Clients’ Shoes Through Simulations 36:00 – Holly’s Advice: Slow and Steady Wins the Race 37:00 – Final Takeaways & How to Connect With Holly Connect With Our Guest  Visit her website to learn more: PA Housing Financial Agency Reach out directly via email: hzugay@phfa.orgConnect on social media: Holly Zugay on LinkedinResource mentioned: A Framework for Understanding Poverty (Ruby Payne, PhD.) Listen on Your Favorite Platform  Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: Real Money, Real Experts on Apple Podcasts Listen on Spotify: Real Money, Real Experts on SpotifyListen on Amazon Music: Real Money, Real Experts on Amazon Music Listen on Cast Box: Real Money, Real Experts on CastboxAbout the Real Money, Real Experts Podcast  Brought to you by AFCPE®, this podcast supports, educates, and connects financial professionals with actionable insights to advance their careers and better serve their communities.  #AFCPodcast #FinancialCounseling #FinancialTherapy #NeurodiversityInFinance #ADHDMoneyTips #InclusivePractice  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.

    Creating Client-Centered Programs That Empower Communities | Holly Zugay

  3. Aug 18

    Show Me Your Numbers, I'll Tell You Your Story with Simi Mandelbaum

    In this episode of Real Money, Real Experts, we’re joined by Simi Mandelbaum, a certified financial therapist, accredited financial counselor, certified financial behavior specialist, and founder and CEO of Prosper Financial Wellness. Simi shares how combining financial counseling, behavioral finance, and financial therapy can help clients transform not only their finances, but their relationship with money. Together, we explore how neurodivergence and different learning styles can impact financial behaviors, why traditional financial advice doesn’t work for everyone, and how financial professionals can create more inclusive and engaging experiences for their clients. Simi also shares practical strategies—from visual and tactile tools to gamifying financial goals—that can help clients better understand their money and build lasting financial confidence. Plus, Simi shares her “three cents” of advice, including how to create intentional space between wanting and buying, why every “yes” is also a “no,” and the importance of practicing compassion with ourselves and our clients. Show Notes: 00:00 Welcome Simi Mandelbaum 02:25 The “Financial Stew” Approach to Financial Wellness 03:35 Neurodivergence and Money Management 04:44 Supporting Neurodivergent Clients 08:03 Making Financial Education Tactile & Experiential 10:30 Why One-Size-Fits-All Financial Advice Doesn’t Work 13:08 How Emotions & Past Experiences Shape Financial Decisions 15:15 Creating a More Inclusive Financial Practice 18:40 The Power of Visual Reminders 19:33 From Financial Overwhelm to Financial Confidence 21:01 Supporting Different Learning Styles in Financial Services 22:12 Simi’s 3 Cents Show Note Links: Connect with Simi  ADD is awesome by Penn Holderness Do you have Financial Anxiety quiz Qubemoney   Amazon Fridge Thermometer  Ally Bank  Vertex Debt Reduction Calculator 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.

    Show Me Your Numbers, I'll Tell You Your Story with Simi Mandelbaum

  4. Aug 4

    More Personal Than Finance: Helping Veterans Build Financial Resilience with Dedrick Curtis

    Financial challenges are rarely just about numbers—they're about life, transitions, and the support people need along the way. In this episode of Real Money, Real Experts, hosts Rachael DeLeon and Dr. Brandy Baxter sit down with AFC®, CFP® Dedrick Curtis to discuss the unique financial realities facing veterans, military families, and caregivers. As Program Manager for the Veterans Benefits Banking Program and founder of Penny Earned Financial, Dedrick shares how behavioral finance, financial counseling, and financial planning work together to help people navigate everything from financial crises to long-term wealth building. Together, they explore the difference between financial counseling and financial planning, why collaboration among financial professionals leads to better client outcomes, and how empathy, trust, and financial education can empower individuals through every stage of their financial journey. Timestamps: 00:00 – Welcome & Guest Introduction 02:26 – What Is the Veterans Benefits Banking Program (VBBP)? 04:53 – The Biggest Financial Challenges Veterans Face Today 06:37 – Why Personal Finance Is More Personal Than Finance 08:25 – Financial Counseling vs. Financial Planning: What's the Difference? 11:50 – Financial Journeys Aren't Always Linear 12:18 – How Financial Counselors and Planners Can Better Collaborate 15:56 – Building Trust with Clients During Financial Stress 19:08 – Serving Veterans Through Specialized Financial Guidance 22:14 – How the Financial Industry Can Better Support Military Families 24:41 – Dedrick's Two Cents: Why More People Should Become Financial Counselors 26:24 – Where to Connect with Dedrick Curtis 27:59 – Key Takeaways: Meeting Clients Where They Are 30:31 – Closing Remarks Shownotes: Learn more about Veterans Banking! Military Financial Advisors Learn more about Penny Earned Financial! Connect with Dedrick!  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.

    More Personal Than Finance: Helping Veterans Build Financial Resilience with Dedrick Curtis

  5. Jul 21

    The Power of Saying Yes: Building a Career in Financial Well-Being with Jarod Taylor

    Career-defining opportunities often begin with a single "yes." In this episode, Jarod Taylor, AFC®, Director of Education and Community Engagement at AFCPE, reflects on his unexpected journey into the financial well-being profession, beginning during the 2008 housing crisis and evolving into a career dedicated to advancing financial education and supporting the next generation of Accredited Financial Counselors®. Jarod discusses the power of community within the profession, the evolving role of financial counselors in an AI-driven landscape, and why human-centered guidance remains essential to achieving lasting financial well-being. He also shares insights for those considering a career in financial counseling and offers a timely reminder that meaningful progress starts with taking the first step. Whether you're an aspiring financial counselor, an established practitioner, or simply passionate about expanding access to financial well-being, this conversation offers thoughtful insights on leadership, lifelong learning, and the impact of saying "yes" to new opportunities. Show Notes: 00:00 Meet Jarod Taylor, AFC® 02:34 Embracing a "Year of Yes" and trying new experiences 03:39 How the 2008 housing crisis launched Jarod's career 05:57 Personal finance lessons that shaped his professional journey 08:59 Eight years supporting AFC candidates and life-changing career stories 11:41 Stepping into the role of Director of Education & Community Engagement 14:45 AI, financial technology, and why human-centered counseling matters 18:53 The growing demand for financial counselors and career opportunities 19:46 Advice for those considering a career in financial counseling 21:10 What a bonsai class taught Jarod about personal finance 23:21 Jarod's 2 Cents Show Note Links: Connect with Jarod! We're celebrating one year of the AFC Learning System and the revamped Money Management Essentials with a special offer! Save 15% on either program with promo code ONEDERFUL15   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.

    The Power of Saying Yes: Building a Career in Financial Well-Being with Jarod Taylor

  6. Jul 7

    Do It Scared: Making Financial Guidance More Accessible for Everyone with Cynthia Hudson

    What if the best financial advice starts by asking one simple question: Why? In this episode of Real Money, Real Experts, hosts Rachael DeLeon and Dr. Brandy Baxter sit down with newly accredited AFC® Cynthia Hudson. Cynthia shares how her unconventional journey—from manufacturing floors to financial counseling—shaped her belief that lasting financial change happens when we address root causes instead of surface-level symptoms. Cynthia explores how disability, trauma, and lived experiences influence financial decision-making, and why creating accessible financial guidance doesn't just benefit people with disabilities—it creates better outcomes for everyone. Through powerful personal stories, she discusses navigating public benefit systems, overcoming self-doubt, and learning that curiosity and compassion are just as important as financial expertise. Whether you're a financial professional, educator, or coach, you'll walk away with practical strategies for meeting clients where they are, asking better questions, and building more inclusive financial conversations. In this episode, you'll learn: Why accessibility benefits every client—not just those with disabilitiesHow to uncover the root causes behind financial challengesThe role trauma and lived experiences play in financial decision-makingCommon pitfalls when advising clients receiving public benefitsHow curiosity can strengthen trust and improve client outcomesWhy Cynthia's personal motto is simple: Do it scared.Show Notes: 00:00 Welcome Cynthia Hudson, AFC® 02:00 From banking and manufacturing to financial counseling 05:00 Why solving the root cause matters more than treating financial symptoms 09:00 Disability, accessibility, and creating better financial outcomes 12:00 When good financial advice can unintentionally cause harm 13:00 Cynthia's personal experience navigating poverty and healthcare benefits 16:00 Practical ways financial professionals can make their services more accessible 19:00 Earning the AFC® without a traditional college path 22:00 Stepping outside your comfort zone and learning to "do it scared" 24:00 Bringing financial education into the workplace 27:00 Cynthia's 2 Cents Show Note Links: Connect with Cynthia on Linkedin! Read about "The Financial Health of People With Disabilities Key Obstacles and Opportunities" from NDI! 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.

    Do It Scared: Making Financial Guidance More Accessible for Everyone with Cynthia Hudson

  7. Jun 23

    The Wealth Within: How Self-Worth Shapes Net Worth with Justin Chastain, AFC®️(Re-Run)

    Editor's note: Real Money, Real Experts is on a mid-summer break. Please enjoy this episode re-run. We will be back with new episodes in July! What does it mean to build true wealth? In this episode of Real Money, Real Experts, we sit down with financial planner Justin Chastain, AFC®️ to explore the connection between self-worth and financial success, the emotional impact of money, and the power of authenticity in both personal and professional growth. Justin shares his personal experiences with grief and how it has shaped his financial philosophy, explaining why wealth is about more than just numbers—it’s about how money influences your life and the lives of those you care about. He also breaks down why patience is essential in building financial security and how leaning into your uniqueness can set you apart in any industry. Whether you're a business owner, an aspiring entrepreneur, or someone looking to improve your financial mindset, this episode is filled with powerful insights on achieving financial freedom and peace of mind. Tune in for an inspiring conversation on redefining wealth, investing in yourself, and staying true to who you are. Show Notes: 01:24 Justin's journey into the financial planning space 04:38 The AFC is they key to lifelong learning 07:33 How creating buckets of value influence our financial decisions 14:21 Why leaning into your uniqueness is your superpower  22:22 The secret behind building wealth for a business  27:41 What to look for in mentors & coaches 32:24 Justin's 2 cents Show Note Links: Connect with Justin on Linkedin! Connect with Justin on Instagram! 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.

    The Wealth Within: How Self-Worth Shapes Net Worth with Justin Chastain, AFC®️(Re-Run)

  8. Jun 9

    Money Roots and Financial Wellness: Understanding the Stories Behind Our Financial Decisions with Jack Howard

    In this episode of Real Money, Real Experts, hosts Rachael DeLeon and Brandy Baxter sit down with Jack Howard, Head of Money Wellness at Ally, to discuss the evolving landscape of financial wellness and the critical role that mindset, values, and personal experiences play in shaping financial behaviors. Drawing from both her personal and professional journey, Jack shares how her passion for financial education led her to develop innovative approaches that go beyond traditional financial literacy. The conversation explores the concept of "money roots"—the beliefs, experiences, and narratives that influence our financial decisions—as well as the impact of financial trauma, scarcity, and anxiety on long-term financial well-being. Listeners will gain insight into how understanding their money story, aligning financial decisions with personal values, and approaching money with greater self-awareness can lead to healthier financial habits and a more fulfilling relationship with money. The episode also examines how financial institutions and financial professionals are increasingly embracing a more human-centered approach to financial education and counseling. Show Notes: 02:27 Jack Howard's personal finance journey: From student debt to money wellness leadership 05:11 A day in the life of Ally's Head of Money Wellness 06:40 Why financial success is about more than financial skills 08:54 Overview of Ally's Money Roots program 10:56 Understanding money mindset, money stories, and personal values 12:33 How a trauma-informed approach changes financial conversations 14:14 Addressing shame, judgment, and fear around money 15:07 Common money mindset challenges: scarcity, anxiety, and avoidance 18:13 Breaking down barriers: How financial professionals can build trust 19:06 The power of vulnerability in financial education and counseling 20:22 The future of financial wellness and human-centered banking 21:51 Jack's 2 Cents Show Note Links: Connect with Jack on Instagram! Connect with Ally Bank on Instagram! Connect with Ally Bank on X! Connect with Ally Bank 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.

    Money Roots and Financial Wellness: Understanding the Stories Behind Our Financial Decisions with Jack Howard
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4.9
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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
    160
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Real Money, Real Experts
  • Show Website
    Real Money, Real Experts

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