Real Money, Real Experts

AFCPE®
  • 4.9 (34)
  • 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. Money Talks: How to Heal Your Financial Story with Erika Wasserman

    3D AGO

    Money Talks: How to Heal Your Financial Story with Erika Wasserman

    In this episode of Real Money, Real Experts, hosts Rachael DeLeon and Dr. Brandy Baxter sit down with Erika Wasserman, Certified Financial Therapist and author of Conversations with Your Financial Therapist: Stories and Scripts to Grow Your Financial Mindset. Erika shares how her personal journey—spanning a corporate career, global travel, motherhood, and personal transformation—shaped her holistic approach to financial well-being. Together, they unpack the emotional side of money—how values, relationships, and even shame influence the way we spend, save, and talk about finances. Erika offers practical tools for breaking money taboos, building confidence, and creating space for empathy in financial conversations. Whether you work directly with clients or are exploring your own relationship with money, this episode will inspire you to say yes to compassion and start the conversations that lead to financial clarity and confidence. Show Notes:  00:00 Welcome to Real Money, Real Experts 03:13 Erika’s Journey to Financial Therapy 05:08 Why Money Fights Aren’t About Money 06:58 Breaking the Cycle of Money Shame 09:24 The Power of Compassion in Financial Conversations 10:52 How to Start Difficult Money Conversations 13:36 Inside the Growing Field of Financial Therapy 15:40 Why Professionals Must Know Their Own Money Story 18:59 Erika’s Two Cents Show Note Links: Grab your copy of Erika's book! Connect with Erika on LinkedIn! Follow 'Your Financial Therapist' on Instagram Explore 'Your Financial Therapist' on Amazon! Check out 'Your Financial Therapist' website!  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.

    23 min
  2. The State of Financial Health in America with Lisa Berdie and Gary Mottola

    OCT 28

    The State of Financial Health in America with Lisa Berdie and Gary Mottola

    What does financial health really look like in America today — and how can we help households thrive in an increasingly complex financial world? In this episode of Real Money, Real Experts, hosts Rachael DeLeon and Dr. Brandy Baxter sit down with Lisa Berdie from the Financial Health Network and Dr. Gary Mottola from the Financial Investor Education Foundation (FINRA) to uncover the latest research on financial capability, resilience, and well-being. From the Financial Health Pulse to the National Financial Capability Study, they explore what drives financial health, how major life events like job loss or medical emergencies impact households, and what behaviors can help families build stability. Lisa and Gary also discuss systemic and structural barriers, trends in credit use, and practical steps financial counselors and educators can take to empower clients. Tune in for a deep dive into data, insights, and real-world strategies to help Americans navigate their financial lives with confidence and control. Show Notes:  02:46 Get To Know Lisa & Gary 06:49 The Importance of Collaboration in Financial Research 08:34 Surprising Findings from the 2024 National Financial Capability Study 09:28 What’s Driving Household Financial Health? 16:13 Can Households Keep Up with Financial Complexity? 20:00 Practical Steps to Strengthen Financial Health 27:28 Lisa & Gary's 2 Cents Show Note Links: Connect with Gary on Linkedin! Explore Gary's research on FINRA! Look into Financial Health Pulse 2025 U.S. Trends Report! Connect with Lisa 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.

    35 min
  3. Human Connection in a Disconnected World with Riaz Meghji

    OCT 14

    Human Connection in a Disconnected World with Riaz Meghji

    What do financial counseling, professional wrestling, and Hugh Jackman all have in common?  Human connection.  In this episode of Real Money, Real Experts, we sit down with international keynote speaker, author, and broadcaster Riaz Meghji to talk about why every conversation counts. With over 10,000 interviews under his belt—from celebrities to changemakers—Riaz has seen firsthand the power of meaningful dialogue. He shares how valuable vulnerability, curiosity over correction, and a beginner’s mindset can strengthen relationships and transform the way we connect with clients. We also explore the role of storytelling in financial counseling, why human connection matters more than ever in an age of polarization, and how financial professionals can make every conversation extraordinary. Show Notes:  02:00 The Fun Fact That Started It All 05:26 From Finance to Human Connection 08:12 Embracing the Beginner’s Mindset 10:21 The Power of Co-Creation 14:21 Value-Added Vulnerability 23:25 Vulnerability vs. Oversharing 24:14 Riaz's 2 Cents Show Note Links: Connect with Riaz on Linkedin! Connect with Riaz 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.

    32 min
  4. From Trauma to Healing: Redefining Money Stories with Rahkim Sabree, AFC®

    SEP 30

    From Trauma to Healing: Redefining Money Stories with Rahkim Sabree, AFC®

    In this episode of Real Money, Real Experts, hosts Rachael DeLeon and Dr. Brandy Baxter sit down with financial therapist, author, and AFC®, Rahkim Sabree, to explore the complex and deeply human realities of financial trauma. Rahkim breaks down the six sources of financial trauma, from generational cycles and workplace dynamics to systemic barriers and societal expectations. He shares how financial professionals can adopt a trauma-informed lens, why empathy and language are essential in client interactions, and the importance of shifting from shame-based approaches to healing-centered ones. The conversation also gives listeners a behind-the-scenes look into Rahkim’s upcoming book Overcoming Financial Trauma (Wiley, 2025). He reflects on how writing the book transformed his own money story, the healing he’s found in revisiting his past, and why the theme of healing will anchor his keynote at the AFCPE 2025 Symposium. Whether you’re a financial professional, a community leader, or someone working to redefine your own relationship with money, this episode will leave you with tools, language, and hope to build a healthier, more compassionate approach to financial wellness. Show Notes:  01:56 Get To Know Rahkim  02:25 Defining financial trauma 06:29 Who is impacted by financial trauma?  10:11 Becoming trauma-informed vs. trauma-responsive 24:10 The power of personal stories in healing 34:42 Empathy, bias, and client relationships 35:38 Looking ahead to Rahkim’s keynote at AFCPE Symposium 37:14 Rahkim's 2 Cents Show Note Links: Read Rahkim's Forbes Article! Connect with Rahkim on Linkedin!  Connect with Rahkim on Instagram!  Connect with Rahkim on Twitter!  Visit Rahkim's website!  Explore Rahkim's substack!  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.

    43 min
  5. Preparing to Pivot: Career Lessons with Jacquie Carroll, AFC®

    SEP 16

    Preparing to Pivot: Career Lessons with Jacquie Carroll, AFC®

    On this episode of Real Money, Real Experts, Rachael DeLeon and Dr. Brandy Baxter sit down with Dr. Jacquie Carroll—educator, researcher, speaker, and Accredited Financial Counselor®—to talk about the power of the pivot. Jacquie shares her non-linear career journey, from higher education and HR to financial counseling and now launching her own legacy project, GameKraft, a financial education game designed to help people learn in engaging, accessible ways. Together, they explore: Why pivots—both planned and unexpected—are essential to personal and professional growth.How AFCs can prepare clients for an ever-changing workforce.The importance of leaning into community, mentorship, and side hustles.Why success isn’t about a straight path, but about being ready when preparation meets opportunity.Whether you’re considering a career change, supporting clients through transitions, or just need inspiration to embrace the unexpected, this conversation is full of wisdom, encouragement, and practical takeaways. Show Notes:  2:15 Jacquie’s Early Career 6:40 Discovering Financial Counseling  12:05 Embracing Career Pivots  18:20 Building Community & Connection  24:45 The Birth of GameKraft  32:10 Legacy & Impact  38:00 Jacquie's 2 Cents Show Note Links: Learn more about Jacquie's journey! Connect with Jacquie on Linkedin! Learn about GameKraft! Jacquie's favorite resources! 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.

    28 min
  6. Counseling Families Through College Costs with Michelle Smoley, AFC®

    SEP 2

    Counseling Families Through College Costs with Michelle Smoley, AFC®

    In this episode of Real Money, Real Experts, we sit down with Michelle Smoley, AFC®, a seasoned financial counselor with over two decades of experience guiding families through the higher education journey. Michelle shares her expertise in helping clients navigate student loans, financial aid, and the often-complex decision-making process around college financing. From strategies for saving and borrowing wisely to addressing common misconceptions about financial aid, Michelle provides actionable insights for financial counselors and planners working with clients of all ages. Whether you’re counseling parents, students, or young adults preparing for college, this episode equips financial professionals with the knowledge and tools to provide informed, practical guidance.  Show Notes:  00:00 Welcome to Real Money, Real Experts 06:31 Michelle’s Journey into Financial Counseling 13:01 Key Trends in College Financing 23:01 Common Misconceptions About College Costs 30:01 Early Financial Education for Young Adults 53:31 Michelle’s 2 Cents Show Note Links: T. Rowe Price’s 12th Annual Parents, Kids, & Money Survey Michelle's favorite Private Lendor platform Find an AFC  Connect with Michelle 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.

    37 min
  7. Money with Meaning: Aligning Faith, Values, and Financial Fulfillment with Weslia Echols and Willa Williams

    AUG 19

    Money with Meaning: Aligning Faith, Values, and Financial Fulfillment with Weslia Echols and Willa Williams

    In this inspiring episode, Rachael and Brandy sit down with Weslia Echols and Willa Williams—better known as your favorite financial aunties. As co-founders of Trinity Financial Coaching and co-hosts of Wealth and Wisdom Together, they guide Christian professional women toward financial fulfillment through their signature Five Milestones framework. Wes and Willa share how their friendship blossomed into a thriving business, the importance of aligning money with values, and why meeting clients with empathy and without judgment is essential for lasting change. Show Notes:  00:00 Meet Weslia & Willa, your “financial aunties” 02:54 How they met and the five-year goal that came true 05:11 From student to business partner 07:26 The Five Milestones of Financial Fulfillment explained 09:53 What it’s like to run a business with your best friend 15:22 Becoming AFCs and the value of community 16:52 Navigating the intersection of faith and finances 20:43 Weslia & Willa’s 2 cents Show Note Links: Learn more about Trinity Financial Coaching! Connect with Weslia & Willa on Instagram!  Connect with Weslia & Willa on Youtube! Connect with Weslia & Willa on Facebook! 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.

    24 min
  8. Breaking It Down: Turning Financial Complexity into Clarity with Derek Brainard

    AUG 5

    Breaking It Down: Turning Financial Complexity into Clarity with Derek Brainard

    In this episode of Real Money, Real Experts, we’re joined by Derek Brainard, Director of Financial Education at AccessLex Institute, who shares how his background as a Navy trumpet player shaped his unique, down-to-earth approach to personal finance. From managing student loans to navigating economic uncertainty and the rise of AI, Derek offers insights for financial professionals looking to better support clients in a rapidly changing world. Tune in as we explore the importance of breaking down complexity into bite-sized steps, centering life goals in financial conversations, and staying curious as lifelong learners. Whether you're a seasoned AFC or just starting out, this episode is packed with practical wisdom — and a whole lot of #MoneyNerd energy. Show Notes:  01:30 Derek’s Journey: From Navy Musician to Financial Educator 05:00 Learning Through Struggle: Debt, Discovery, and AFCPE 08:30 Financial Fulfillment and Why Language Matters 12:00 Helping Clients Get Unstuck Through Bite-Sized Wins 15:00 The Coach Mindset: Listening, Not Just Advising 18:30 AI, Technology, and the Human Advantage 22:00 Student Loans and Economic Uncertainty: Meeting the Moment 26:00 Building the Toolkit: How Financial Pros Can Keep Growing 30:00 Derek's 2 Cents Show Note Links:  Connect with Derek on Linkedin!  Free 30-minute financial coaching service!   Check out AccessLex Tools & Resources!  Atomic Habits: Tiny Changes, Remarkable Results by James Clear  Home | Federal Student Aid  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.

    36 min
See All (138)

Trailer

4.9
out of 5
34 Ratings

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 - 2025
  • Episodes
    138
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025 Real Money, Real Experts
  • Show Website
    Real Money, Real Experts

You Might Also Like