Money O2

Erin Kuhn

Welcome to MONEY O2! Erin serves as the President of Qnity and speaks on stages to help people change their money story and find greater economic empowerment. You’ll hear how real people took a deep breath and changed their lives by changing the way they feel, act, and think about money. Before we can take action to change our financial reality, we need to be empowered to believe that change is even possible. Spoiler Alert: It's possible. If you love being inspired and learning about money through the power of stories, this podcast is for you. Follow @erinkuhnbhansali and Qnity: Qnity.com

  1. 11/10/2025

    EPISODE 52 | Carl Richards | Money, Meaning & “Profit = Permission”: Closing the Gap Between Knowing and Doing

    Welcome back to MONEYO2! In this conversation, I’m joined by Carl Richards—the creator of the Sketch Guy column, a CFP®, and bestselling author whose simple drawings help people see money more clearly. Carl’s story begins with an accidental entry into finance and evolves into a career dedicated to helping people talk honestly about money, align decisions with values, and take action. Carl and I explore how money acts like a mirror—revealing what we truly value through how we spend our time and money—and how real change happens when we move from “knowing” to doing. In this episode, Carl shares: The origin story behind his finance career and the Sketch Guy work that made money feel understandable Why money is a portal to what matters—and how to read your spending/time for clues about your values A kinder way to start money talks: give yourself permission to be clumsy, and don’t give yourself permission to quit “Profit = permission”—a mindset shift that turns profit into fuel to keep doing the work (plus his essay, “Cash Flow Love”) A real family moment: staying in a hard conversation with his kids about tradeoffs (tuition, trips, expectations) and finding pride in discipline The “Isn’t this enough?” question and the generational scripts and shame many of us carry about money His next book: a beautifully designed coffee-table project meant to spark everyday money conversations—on a salon counter, at a yoga studio, not just on CNBC Why this matters for students, educators, and leaders: Money touches every journey. These simple frameworks—naming values, talking openly, and treating profit as permission—help close the gap between what we know and what we do. 📣 I’d love to hear what resonated—DM me @erinkuhnbhansali or email erin.kuhn@qnityinc.com. Your feedback shapes future episodes and resources for schools and owners. To explore Carl’s work, check out The Behavior Gap and The One-Page Financial Plan, and follow him on Instagram @behaviorgap, and keep an eye out for his new design-forward book of sketches aimed at sparking real money conversations.  Thanks for listening—see you next time! Erin

    33 min
  2. 09/10/2025

    EPISODE 47 | Zachary (Zach) Foust | From “AI-Proof” Careers to Homeownership: Money, Housing & The Next Gen Reality

    Welcome back to MONEYO2! In this timely episode, I'm joined by real estate executive and ‘influencer Zachary (Zach) Foust @zachary.loft—a real estate executive turned influencer who's reshaping conversations around money, work, the economy, and housing. Zach's journey wasn't linear: after working in the prison system and navigating years of trial-and-error, he built a profitable business that now sells 100+ homes annually—and along the way, completely transformed his approach to money, discipline, and freedom. Zach and I dive deep into the real headwinds facing today's students and young professionals: a market where median income barely scratches what's needed to afford a home, and a "K-shaped economy" where newcomers feel locked out while others surge ahead. We also explore how content culture can derail sustainable career building—and reveal the mindset shifts that actually create forward momentum. In this episode, Zach opens up about: His transformation from prison system worker to leading real estate executive Why "American dirt" (housing) evolved into a financial asset class—and what this means for first-time buyers Practical strategies when traditional homebuying math doesn't work: partnering with family/friends, adjusting timelines, and focusing on what you can control His targeted advice for Gen Z and early-career professionals Daily disciplines that compound over time: consuming long-form, quality content and embracing the "investor, not consumer" mindset Why this matters for students, educators, and leaders: Money impacts every life journey, and today's economic landscape operates by different rules. Zach's refreshing candor and genuine passion for equipping the next generation with awareness of these NEW rules made this conversation especially meaningful. 📣 I'd love to hear what resonated with you—DM me anytime @erinkuhnbhansali or email erin.kuhn@qnityinc.com. Your feedback truly helps shape future episodes and student resources. Thanks for listening—see you next time! Erin

    39 min
  3. 08/18/2025

    EPISODE 45 | Rachel Wilkerson | From Financial Survival to Freedom: A Journey of Resilience and Empowerment

    Welcome back to MONEYO2! In this deeply personal episode, I’m joined by Rachel Wilkerson — our amazing partner coordinator at Qnity and a passionate advocate for financial wellness and literacy. Rachel’s journey is a testament to resilience: from navigating early motherhood and domestic violence to overcoming financial hardship and rebuilding her life with intentionality and courage. Rachel grew up in a family without financial education, faced the challenges of single motherhood, bankruptcy, and low credit scores, yet through determination and learning, she transformed her financial story. She’s also the founder of Rise, a nonprofit dedicated to empowering survivors through support, healing, and community connection. In this episode, Rachel opens up about: • Growing up without financial education and the impact on her family’s future • Navigating single motherhood, bankruptcy, and rebuilding credit • How teaching financial literacy to students changed her own money mindset • The power of starting small and staying consistent in your financial journey • Founding Rise — a nonprofit dedicated to supporting survivors with empowerment and healing • The deep connection between financial freedom, personal healing, and community impact Rachel’s vulnerability and resilience remind us all that financial freedom is possible — no matter where you start. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by money or unsure how to break the cycle, this episode is for you. I’d love to hear what moved or inspired you in this conversation — DM me anytime @erinkuhnbhansali or email me at erin.kuhn@qnityinc.com. Your feedback means the world. Follow Rachel on Instagram @rachelwilkerson to stay connected and inspired.Thanks for listening — see you next time! -Erin

    38 min
  4. 08/05/2025

    Episode 43 | Brian Feroldi | Why the Stock Market Goes Up (and Why You Should Care)

    Welcome back to MONEYO2! If the stock market feels like a confusing blur of charts, headlines, and buzzwords—this episode is for you. Today, I’m joined by Brian Feroldi, a financial educator, former contributor to The Motley Fool, and author of Why Does the Stock Market Go Up?—a book that breaks down investing.Brian believes that investing doesn’t have to be complicated. And in this conversation, he proves it. Whether you’re new to the market or simply want to better understand the terms you hear tossed around in the news (Dow? S&P 500? Bull market?), Brian shares what every long-term investor needs to know—and why understanding just a few simple principles can completely shift how you view money, risk, and building wealth. In this episode, Brian and I talk about: Why most business school grads still don’t understand the stock market (and how he learned the hard way)The most powerful advantages individual investors have over Wall StreetWhat makes the stock market go up—and what history tells us about its long-term trendThe difference between speculation and true investingHow patience, perspective, and simplicity can lead to more confident decisionsIf you’ve ever felt intimidated by investing, or you want a clearer picture of how to grow your wealth long-term—this is the episode to start with. Brian is here to demystify the market and remind us that you don’t need to be an expert—you just need to understand a few basics and stick with them. Thanks so much for tuning in. These conversations are a labor of love, and my hope is that they leave you feeling a little more empowered, curious, and clear. If something in this episode resonated with you,  I’d love to hear what clicked for you in this one—DM me @erinkuhnbhansali or email me at erin.kuhn@qnityinc.com To connect with Brian, visit www.brianferoldi.com, subscribe to his Long-Term Mindset newsletter, or follow him on YouTube and Twitter @BrianFeroldi See you next time! Erin

    25 min
  5. 07/14/2025

    Episode 42 | Jen Lyles | Addressing Financial Stress in Beauty School Students

    Welcome back to Season 3 of MONEYO2! In today’s episode, I’m joined by Jen Lyles from Beauty School Marketing Group for a powerful conversation about a challenge that’s impacting so many of our beauty and wellness students: financial stress. A recent Pivot Point study revealed that financial worries are the leading cause of mental and social health challenges among students. Many students are so burdened by financial stress that it either stops them from starting their education or keeps them from finishing. That’s why robust financial literacy programs are now essential for beauty schools. Jen and I dive into the root causes of student financial instability and share actionable strategies for beauty school administrators. You’ll learn how to address these challenges with empathy while creating effective financial education tailored for beauty students.In this episode, we discuss: How financial stress affects student performance, mental health, and school completion ratesThe essential components of an impactful financial literacy program designed specifically for beauty studentsProven strategies to help students budget, manage debt, and access financial resourcesTools and partnerships that schools can leverage to provide ongoing financial supportUnconventional approaches, including flexible schedules and teaching additional income streams, to better support students This episode is a must-listen for anyone involved in beauty education who wants to support students’ financial wellbeing and success. I’d love to hear what stood out to you! DM me @erinkuhnbhansali or email erin.kuhn@qnityinc.com. Your feedback means the world. To learn more about Jen Lyles and Beauty School Marketing Group, visit BeautySchoolsMarketingGroup. Thanks for tuning in — see you next time! Erin

    56 min
  6. 07/10/2025

    Episode 41 | Kate Bulger | Tackling Debt in a New Era of Financial Stress

    If you or someone you know is carrying debt—or quietly stressed about it—this episode is for you. Today’s guest, Kate Bulger, joins us from Money Management International (MMI), one of the nation’s leading nonprofit credit counseling agencies. Kate has worked in this space for over 20 years, and she’s sounding the alarm on something we all need to pay attention to: the debt crisis is hitting younger generations—and hard. Kate shares data and stories that hit close to home. From a 9% month-over-month jump in debt counseling requests, to a new “normal” of $30,000 in average unsecured debt, she walks us through what’s happening behind the scenes of today’s economy. And she does it with heart, humility, and a deep commitment to helping people take control of their financial futures. In this episode, we talk about: The emotional and financial toll of unsecured debt (mainly credit cards). Why Gen Z and Millennials are now carrying more debt earlier than any other generation before them. How to reduce shame and seek support when debt feels overwhelming. What MMI does—and why nonprofit financial counseling can be a game-changer. The real story behind rising debt levels (especially in months that used to be “quiet”) Practical advice for anyone trying to break the cycle and get a fresh start. This isn’t just a financial episode, it’s a human one. And if you’re someone who works with clients, leads a team, or simply wants to better understand the stress people are quietly carrying—this one matters. 📩 I’d love to hear what resonated with you—DM me on Instagram @erinkuhnbhansali or email me anytime at erin.kuhn@qnityinc.com To learn more about Kate or get support, visit www.moneymanagement.org. MMI is there to help—without judgment. Thanks for listening, and we’ll see you next time. Erin

    22 min

Trailer

5
out of 5
16 Ratings

About

Welcome to MONEY O2! Erin serves as the President of Qnity and speaks on stages to help people change their money story and find greater economic empowerment. You’ll hear how real people took a deep breath and changed their lives by changing the way they feel, act, and think about money. Before we can take action to change our financial reality, we need to be empowered to believe that change is even possible. Spoiler Alert: It's possible. If you love being inspired and learning about money through the power of stories, this podcast is for you. Follow @erinkuhnbhansali and Qnity: Qnity.com