Modern Financial Wellness

Hello everyone, Jim Grace here, host of Modern Financial Wellness. I’m excited to share the latest episode, which dives deep into the real story behind financial wellness, the power of education, and how changing your money mindset can truly transform lives and workplaces.In this episode, we go beyond the nuts and bolts of budgeting and saving. Today’s conversation centers on financial literacy as the critical foundation for achieving true financial well-being from breaking out of generational cycles and learning practical strategies, to transforming workplace cultures and empowering underserved communities. The heart of our discussion: how understanding our relationship with money and empowering others to do the same can change trajectories for individuals, families, and businesses alike.Joining me is Irma Neal, an incredible leader and changemaker. Irma is the founder of Onyx Rising, a change management and financial literacy firm specializing in DEI and leadership development. As a former deputy mayor of Indianapolis and director of human services, plus a certified financial coach and author of “Chaos Insights to Lead through the Storm,” Irma brings decades of wisdom and personal experience to the table. Her own journey from growing up in poverty to becoming a financial educator and advocate truly inspires.5 Key Takeaways1. Your Money Mindset Starts Early but It Can Change.Irma’s childhood experiences living in poverty and watching her parents’ approach to credit set early patterns, but her determination and curiosity led her to seek a different path. She began saving her lunch money as a teen and carried those habits throughout her life.2. Money Conversations Are Relationship Conversations.Irma and her late husband navigated the classic saver/spender dynamic, highlighting how important it is to talk openly and honestly about money with your partner ideally before tying the knot. Communication, compromise, and transparency are crucial.3. Employer-Sponsored Financial Education is Life-Changing.A company-paid session with a certified financial advisor at IBM was a game changer for Irma. That experience built loyalty and gave her the tools to grow true wealth over time, not just save. Employers have a pivotal role here combining benefits with real education can transform lives and improve retention.4. Mindset Before Mechanics: Changing Financial Trajectories.Onyx Rising’s programs start by helping participants envision the life they want and break down money myths, especially those reinforced by culture and social media. Tailoring education to where a person is in their journey, rather than a “one size fits all” approach, is critical for real, lasting change.5. Financial Well-being Equals Freedom and Security.To Irma, true financial well-being is about freedom to travel, to experience life, and to weather unexpected challenges (like the car that literally crashed into her house!). Preparation allows us not just to survive, but to thrive even through the storms life throws our way.If you’re an employee, check out the resources your company might already offer and be proactive about using them. Employers, consider integrating financial wellness programming to benefit both your people and your business.For more from Irma and Onyx Rising, including mindset quizzes and employer guides, head to onyx2rise.com. If you enjoyed our conversation, don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with someone on their financial wellness journey. Thanks for tuning in. I look forward to seeing you next time!

Welcome to Modern Financial Wellness! I’m your host, Jim Grace, and today I was thrilled to sit down with Christine Moriarty, CFP®, a seasoned financial planner, author, and keynote speaker, whose area of expertise is navigating money conversations for couples. With over 30 years in the industry, Christine has helped countless couples and individuals bring more peace and understanding to their financial lives.This episode is all about one of the most challenging—and rewarding—aspects of financial wellness: how couples can manage money together. Whether you’re newly dating, about to move in, getting married, or decades into your partnership, Christine and I discussed the dynamics that play out when two people try to merge not just their finances, but also their upbringing, values, and money habits.Christine brings a wealth of experience to this conversation. She’s spent decades coaching couples, teaching workshops, and writing about what it means to create “money peace.” Her perspective is informed not only by her professional background but also by her personal journey—observing healthy financial habits modeled by her parents and learning through her own marriage what works and what doesn’t. She is the author of Creating Your Money Peace and runs the site moneypeace.com.Key TakeawaysMoney Talks Need to Start Early (and Often): The best time for couples to begin talking openly about money is before moving in together or making big commitments. Start by sharing your financial backgrounds—how you grew up, your first money memories—before diving into the numbers.Appreciate, Don’t Judge, Your Differences: We all bring different values, habits, and anxieties around money to a relationship, often absorbed from our families. Rather than viewing differences as obstacles, see them as opportunities for deeper understanding.Systems Must Be Fluid: What “worked” for a couple for years can suddenly cause stress when life changes—think retirement, a new baby, or job changes. Regularly revisit your money systems, budgets, and roles so you can adapt together.It’s About Conscious Choices, Not Perfection: The goal isn’t to avoid all disagreements or to create a perfect budget. It’s to make conscious, intentional decisions together, understanding the “why” behind your money priorities.Regular Money Dates Change Everything: Inspired by Victoria Felton Collins’ Couples and Money, Christine encourages “money dates”—structured, time-limited conversations about finances. These create a safe space for ongoing, manageable discussions instead of high-stakes arguments.Money is never just about numbers—it’s about communication, values, and being willing to learn about yourself and your partner. It takes patience, baby steps, and sometimes help from professionals or good resources. I am grateful to Christine for sharing her hard-won wisdom and practical advice. If you want more on this topic, check out the resources above, and as always, feel free to reach out via modernfinancialwellness.com. And remember—give yourself some grace as you tackle money together!Thanks for listening. Until next time, stay well!

Hey everyone and welcome back to another episode of Modern Financial Wellness. This week, we're diving deep into one of the biggest and most stressful financial decisions families face: planning and paying for college. I’m thrilled to be joined by Jack Wang, a seasoned college financial aid advisor and host of the Smart College Buyer podcast. Jack brings a wealth of experience helping families navigate the complexities of the college process and is a constant source of practical, level-headed advice in an area often clouded by emotion and misinformation.Jack Wang is not just an expert in all things college finance—he’s a trusted guide for families caught in the whirlwind of applications, campus visits, financial aid forms, and difficult tradeoffs. He’s the host of the Smart College Buyer podcast and a regular contributor to national publications, known for his ability to break down the “nuts and bolts” of college planning while never losing sight of the emotional side of the process.This episode peels back the layers on college funding, exploring not just the technical strategies (though we get into plenty of those), but also the mindset and family dynamics that make this such a unique challenge. Jack and I tackled questions like: When should families start planning? How much does the “name” of a college matter? What steps can parents take to ensure both their child’s happiness and their own financial wellbeing? Throughout, we returned to the concept of “buying college” as an investment in a student’s future—and how to make sure it’s the right one.Key Takeaways:Start Early—Earlier Than You Think: Planning for college really begins freshman year of high school, not junior year. The financial aid “base year”—the time colleges review financial info—actually starts spring of the sophomore year, so early family conversations and financial maneuvers make a big difference.“Fit” Matters WAY More Than “Fame”: Chasing a big-name school for the prestige alone is a recipe for misery (and potentially wasted money). Students should prioritize campuses where they genuinely feel comfortable and can see themselves thriving—otherwise, costly transfers and “leakage” of time and money are likely.College Naming Doesn’t Guarantee Success: All the latest research shows that, aside from a few very narrow career tracks, the name on the college diploma doesn’t impact long-term career or financial outcomes. What matters is what students do at college—internships, research opportunities, networking, and “taking full advantage” of what’s available to them."Mental Accounting" Can Hurt Your Real-World Flexibility: Saving exclusively in a 529 plan may sound smart, but being too rigid about saving in one “silo” can limit your options later. Use multiple savings vehicles if possible, keep your eye on the big financial picture (retirement, emergencies, other kids), and aim for flexibility.Get Clear and Honest About Goals: Most couples don’t agree on what “paying for college” really means, or why it matters to them. Digging into your “why” (is it about ego, tradition, a sense of fairness?) and having open conversations—between parents, and with your kids—leads to healthier decisions, less stress, and increased alignment.Jack brought a much-needed combination of technical know-how and heart to the conversation. As we wrapped up, we agreed that while numbers matter, the real anchor in college planning is values. The better you know your own “why” and your child’s, the better decisions you’ll make—not just for the next four years, but for the future you’re all building together.If you’re starting this journey or feel overwhelmed by where to begin, I truly hope this episode provides both reassurance and actionable steps.Find the CodeSignal...

Welcome back to Modern Financial Wellness! I’m your host, Jim Grace. On today’s episode, I had the privilege of sitting down with Sun Yong Kim-Manzolini—a truly remarkable entrepreneur, author, and self-made millionaire. Her story is nothing short of extraordinary, taking us from her beginnings in a Korean orphanage, unable to walk, to building an amazing life of freedom, abundance, and purpose in the United States. If you’re looking for proof that adversity can be transformed into opportunity—and that transformation starts with mindset—you do not want to miss this episode.We unpacked Sun Yong’s powerful journey from her traumatic start in life, through her experience of adoption and assimilation into a new culture, to her years working a “dream job” that nevertheless left her financially stressed. Sun Yong candidly recounted how she broke free of the “broken system” of living paycheck to paycheck, why she pivoted into investing and options trading, and what it took for her to become a self-made millionaire. We also explored her mindset shifts, her approach to facing and overcoming fears, and her commitment to helping others reclaim their own power—both financially and personally.Other highlights included practical steps she took in her financial journey, the importance of goal-setting, her perspective on money as a tool rather than a source of happiness, and her advice for anyone looking to take control of their financial future.5 Key Takeaways:Your Past Does Not Define Your Future Sun Yong’s story is a real testament to the fact that regardless of your origin or circumstances, you can transform your life. Her journey from adversity to success is fuelled by her refusal to let her past hold her back.Mindset Is Everything From learning to walk or speak English to mastering new financial skills, Sun Yong emphasizes the importance of discipline, resilience, and proactive thinking. She highlights how crucial it is to take action despite fear or uncertainty.Financial Freedom Means Choices—Not Just Money For Sun Yong, true financial independence means having options: being able to take a vacation, spend time with family, help loved ones, and contribute to causes she cares about. Money is a tool for creating a richer and more meaningful life, not the end goal itself.Take Small, Consistent Steps Whether it was learning to walk, test-driving her dream convertible without yet having the money, or breaking financial goals into manageable targets, Sun Yong continually illustrates the power of breaking big dreams into actionable steps.Surround Yourself with Learning and Opportunity Sun Yong credits much of her growth to seeking out communities and resources—real estate seminars, trading groups, and mentorships—that taught her new skills. She reminds listeners that to create change, you have to go where opportunities are and put in the work to learn.Sun Yong’s journey is a masterclass in perseverance, gratitude, and intentional living. If you’re feeling stuck in your finances or in your mindset, her story will inspire you to take that first step—no matter how small—toward your own version of financial well-being.Thank you for tuning in! If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave us a review, and be sure to check out Sun Yong’s incredible resources if you want to learn more about developing your financial power and freedom.

Welcome back to Modern Financial Wellness! I'm your host, Jim Grace, and on today’s episode, I had the privilege of sitting down with Tim "Jai" Baker—wealth advisor, founder of Luminess Wealth, and author of “The Awakened Investor.” We explored not only the technical side of what makes up true wealth, but also dove deep into the intersection of finance, mindfulness, and personal transformation.Tim brings a truly holistic perspective to the financial world. With nearly four decades of experience as a wealth advisor, he’s founded multiple firms, including Luminess Wealth, and has recently authored “The Awakened Investor.” Tim’s journey—from a career on Wall Street, through personal tragedy, to deep spiritual exploration and founding a new kind of wealth management firm—shapes his philosophy that wealth isn’t just about money, but encompasses our well-being in multiple dimensions.This conversation is much more than a discussion about money or traditional financial planning. Tim shared his unique story of transformation, including how meditation began to shape his life, especially after the tragic loss of his daughter. We discussed why financial success doesn’t always lead to life satisfaction, the pitfalls of mainstream financial services (including the crucial distinction between “fiduciary” and “suitability” standards), and the importance of addressing one’s mindset and inherited beliefs around money.We also explored how the most effective wealth management considers a client’s entire well-being—drawing from Blue Zone research on longevity, examining family money scripts, and integrating mindfulness, health, and life satisfaction into financial planning. If you’re curious about the intersection of spirituality and personal finance, or want to understand why your financial journey is so entwined with your mindset and life story, this episode is for you.5 Key TakeawaysWealth is Holistic, Not Just Dollars and Cents: Tim emphasizes that true wealth is much broader than just financial assets—it includes health, relationships, environment, and personal fulfillment. This echoes the original etymology of "wealth," which referred to prosperity, well-being, and health, not just currency.Know Thyself: Mindset is Everything: Our deepest beliefs and attitudes about money are often formed in early childhood, and can drive financial decisions unconsciously for decades. Becoming aware of—and consciously reshaping—our money scripts and mindset is essential for both financial and personal progress.Not All Advisors Are Created Equal: The Importance of Fiduciary Duty: Tim explains the difference between “fee-only fiduciary” advisors and those who operate under the less stringent “suitability” standard. Only about 10% of advisors are true fiduciaries, committed to putting the client’s interests first.The Power of Daily Practice (and Teamwork): Just as true personal or spiritual development requires daily effort (think of Tiger Woods’ golf training, or regular meditation), financial growth needs consistent practice, regular reviews, and a cohesive team dedicated to your wellbeing—not just isolated experts.Transformation is a Journey, Not a Destination: Tim’s own experience—from Wall Street to spiritual retreats in India—underscores that awakening (whether financially or personally) is continual work. Setbacks and triggers are natural, and the goal isn’t perfection, but ongoing growth and alignment between our values, goals, and resources.Resources & Next StepsIf today’s conversation resonated with you, I highly recommend picking up Tim’s book, “The Awakened Investor” (available on Amazon in all formats,...

Welcome to another episode of Modern Financial Wellness, where we dive into the psychology of money to help you feel better about your finances. I'm your host, Jim Grace, CFP®, guiding you through today's discussion on understanding the emotional aspects of financial decisions, especially during retirement.I am thrilled to have Dan Haylett join us today. Dan is a multifaceted financial planner and the head of growth at TFP Financial Planning in the UK. He's also the mastermind behind "Humans versus Retirement," a podcast and content hub for anyone looking to live a retirement filled with purpose and experience true wealth. In today's episode, Dan and I explore the crucial transition into retirement and the psychological shift required to go from accumulating wealth to spending it. We dive into Dan's latest white paper, "The Skill of Spending Money in Retirement," and discuss how retirees can overcome the ingrained habit of saving to truly enjoy their retirement. We highlight how important it is to start planning for the second half of life and how retirees can embrace the opportunities and address the emotional barriers they face. Our conversation also underscores the importance of not just preparing financially for retirement but also considering the mental and emotional preparations needed to spend and enjoy your hard-earned money.5 Key Takeaways:The Fragile Decade: Dan emphasizes the importance of the five years leading up to and following retirement, referred to as the fragile decade. This period is critical for transitioning mindset and planning how to spend retirement savings effectively.Identity Shift: Retirement marks a significant shift in identity. Recognizing and preparing for this change is essential, as it involves moving from a mindset of saving and accumulating to one of spending and enjoying.The Human Element and Spending Habits: Our conversation highlights the fear many retirees have of running out of money, leading them to underspend. Dan argues for the importance of transitioning from a saving habit to a spending mindset, backed by evidence showing many retirees die with more money than they started with.Retirement Phases: We discuss the phases of retirement—exploring, nesting, and reflecting—that reflect changes in health, time, and financial needs. Understanding these phases helps retirees spend their money when it can provide the most benefit and joy.Creating Memories: Dan talks about "memory dividends," which are the lasting emotional returns of spending money on experiences that create memories with loved ones. This concept encourages retirees to use their financial resources to build experiences that enrich their lives.Thank you for joining us in this episode of Modern Financial Wellness. I hope today's conversation provides you with valuable insights into making the most of your retirement. Please remember to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast. Until next time, take care.

In this episode, I welcome Gordan Stein, author of "Cash Flow Cookbook: $2,000,000 of Financial Freedom in 60 Easy Recipes." Gordon shares his unique journey from a career in tech to becoming an author and speaker focused on personal finance. Our conversation centers around practical ways to improve cash flow without significant sacrifices. Gordon discusses how small changes in everyday expenses can accumulate into substantial savings over time, emphasizing the importance of mindset in achiev...

In this episode, I welcome back Jen Reid, but I also talk to Julie Costa to talk about their unique and reciprocal professional relationship that has profoundly influenced their personal and client journeys. Jen shares her path to recognizing and overcoming subconscious blocks through Julie's Anchored program, while Julie, in turn, became Jen's client, showcasing the value of mutual learning. We discuss their fascinating techniques like subconscious reprogramming, hypnosis, and NLP (neuro-li...