In this NGPF Podcast episode, Yanely Espinal interviews Sheena Allen, founder of CapWay, about her journey from growing up in Mississippi to leading a fintech innovation that enhances financial inclusion. She discusses the challenges and systemic barriers in creating financial solutions for underserved communities. The episode covers Sheena's early app development ventures, her use of technology to address banking deserts, and her commitment to supporting Black and Brown communities. Insights include the complexities of starting a tech company as a non-technical founder and the transformative potential of fintech in financial education and access.

In this NGPF Podcast episode, Tim Ranzetta welcomes Abby and Katie, co-founders of ClassBank, to discuss their journey from teachers to tech entrepreneurs. They explore how ClassBank, a platform designed to simulate real-world financial scenarios, enhances financial literacy by integrating a digital classroom economy. The co-founders share insights on the evolution of their product, its impact on students' financial understanding, and their future plans to expand and adapt their offerings based on educator feedback.

In this NGPF Podcast episode, Tim Ranzetta welcomes Professor Meir Statman of Santa Clara University, where they discuss his latest insights on behavioral finance. Drawing on a rich academic career and his recent book, “A Wealth of Well-Being: A Holistic Approach to Behavioral Finance,” Professor Statman explores the intersection of finance with personal well-being, offering nuanced perspectives on why understanding human behavior is crucial in finance. Through his engaging narrative, he highlights the transformative power of combining financial knowledge with life goals to enhance overall well-being.

In this NGPF Podcast episode, Tim Ranzetta is joined by Sonia Dalal (Director of Curriculum) and Amanda Volz (Director of Professional Development) from the NGPF Team. Sonia explores NGPF's expanded curriculum, focusing on the versatile semester course designed to empower educators and engage students. Amanda discusses innovative teaching strategies to keep finance lessons dynamic and interesting. Together, they offer valuable insights for educators looking to enrich their financial literacy programs.

In this NGPF Speaker Series episode, Yanely interviews Joe Lanza of Dow Jones about their new educational initiative with the Wall Street Journal, aiming to enhance financial literacy resources for educators. Joe shares his personal and professional journey in finance and details the specific tools and resources being offered by Dow Jones to support financial education. The discussion emphasizes the critical need for integrating financial literacy into current educational frameworks, highlighting the broader implications for teachers and students alike.

In this episode of the NGPF Podcast, Tim interviews Coach Matt Dougherty from Paul Smith's College, nestled in the Adirondacks. Coach Matt discusses his approach to integrating environmental education with athletics and the impact of coaching on student athletes. He explores the challenges of building a nationally recognized sports program and emphasizes the importance of belonging and resilience in athletic training. This episode offers insights into the parallels between effective coaching and teaching, highlighting transformational coaching experiences.

In this episode, host Tim Ranzetta welcomes Dylan Ingerman and Cole Mattox of First Generation Investors. They discuss their early financial experiences and the founding of their nonprofit, which educates high school students on investing and financial literacy. The episode highlights their program's approach to making financial concepts relatable through current events and the challenges of expanding their reach. They also share insights on the impact and importance of financial education for young people.

In this episode of the NGPF Speaker Series, Dina and Tony Isola tackle financial literacy with a focus on educators. They discuss psychological barriers to effective money management and share insights into teacher retirement planning. The Isolas highlight the risks of high-fee investment products and emphasize strategic investment approaches for those with pensions. Offering practical advice, they advocate for informed decision-making to ensure financial stability. This episode is essential for educators aiming to improve their financial literacy and investment strategies.

In this NGPF Podcast episode, Yanely welcomes Rod Griffin from Experian to discuss the significant changes in the credit industry since 2019, including the rise of "Buy Now, Pay Later" services. Rod shares insights from his career and personal experiences with credit management. The discussion covers strategies for building and maintaining credit health, the importance of financial education, and recent updates in credit reporting practices. This episode provides essential guidance for navigating credit complexities and improving financial literacy.

Mary Dyer discusses her role at the Finance Authority of Maine (FAME), focusing on financial literacy and student aid. She introduces 'Claim Your Future,' an educational tool that helps students explore the financial outcomes of different career and educational paths. Mary shares insights on integrating financial education into various learning environments, making this episode a valuable resource for educators aiming to enhance their financial literacy programs.

In this NGPF podcast episode, Yanely and Aaron explore the complexities of modern marital finances and the importance of prenuptial agreements. He explains how prenups can serve as vital tools for establishing clear financial boundaries and responsibilities in a marriage, ensuring that couples start their union with transparency and mutual understanding. Aaron's insights provide valuable guidance on navigating the often tricky intersection of love and finance.

Jaclyn Pinero, CEO of uAspire, joins us to explore college affordability and financial aid. Jaclyn discusses the challenges students face with financial aid applications, institutional aid, and scholarships. She highlights how uAspire aids in demystifying these processes for both students and educators, providing essential tools and training. This episode offers valuable insights for anyone seeking to understand and navigate the financial complexities of higher education.

In this episode of the NGPF Speaker Series, Matthew Meade shares his journey from New Jersey to Wall Street, highlighting his career development in finance. He emphasizes the importance of mentorship, authenticity, and continuous learning in the workplace. Matthew discusses how artificial intelligence is reshaping finance and provides advice for young people interested in the field, underscoring the importance of soft skills alongside technical expertise.  Join us as Matthew also touches on his experience with writing and self-publishing, encouraging a philosophy of lifelong learning and legacy building. 

In this NGPF podcast episode, Yanely Espinal talks with Lenworth Williamson, a former professional athlete and current leader at BUILD.org, who discusses his journey from athletics to empowering youth through entrepreneurship education. Raised by Jamaican immigrant parents, Len shares how his background shaped his approach to teaching and mentoring in urban public schools. He highlights the role of entrepreneurial skills in fostering student engagement and the critical importance of financial literacy. Discover Lenworth's impactful strategies for inspiring the next generation of leaders and entrepreneurs.

In this NGPF podcast episode, Tim Ranzetta talks with Brendan Duebner, who has transitioned from military service to pioneering financial education for military personnel through his initiative, Life Skills for Soldiers. Brendan shares insights from his journey and discusses the impact of financial readiness training on service members. This episode delves into the challenges and successes of embedding financial education within the military, highlighting Brendan's innovative approaches and his vision for empowering service members financially.

In this episode of the NGPF podcast, host Tim Ranzetta talks with Roy Stevens, author of the new book "The Sloth Investor: Simplifying Investing for All," about his investment strategy that emphasizes simplicity, low fees, and global diversification. Roy discusses his foundational principles, shaped by personal experiences and industry giants like Warren Buffett, advocating for a passive approach to investing. He addresses the psychological barriers and educational deficiencies that often impede effective investing. This conversation offers valuable insights for anyone looking to adopt a more deliberate and informed approach to their financial growth.

Special host Christian Sherill and Nicole Lin from Tyton Partners explore a study that quantifies the lifetime financial benefits of personal finance education, highlighting a potential $100,000 impact per student. Nicole discusses the methodology and findings of the study, emphasizing its practical implications for students' financial behaviors and decision-making. The conversation also covers regional variations in these benefits and their implications for educational policy. This episode is essential for educators and policymakers focused on the importance of financial literacy.

In this episode of the NGPF Podcast, Tim talks with Patrick Geddes, former Morningstar innovator and founder of Aperio. Patrick shares his journey from academia to finance, detailing his experiences as an "accidental entrepreneur" and discussing his book, "Transparent Investing." He explains the pitfalls of the investment industry and the importance of behavioral finance, emphasizing practical strategies for effective investing. This conversation offers essential insights for navigating the complexities of the investment world with clarity and confidence.

In this NGPF Podcast episode, co-founders Tim Ranzetta and Jessica Endlich discuss the impactful journey of Next Gen Personal Finance, alongside testimonials from Eastside College Preparatory School alumni – Jasmine, David, and Darius. They explore NGPF's influence on financial education, curriculum evolution, and future aspirations. This conversation highlights the organization's nationwide impact and upcoming challenges in enhancing financial literacy in the U.S.  

In this NGPF Podcast, Dr. Carly Urban, an Associate Professor of Economics at Montana State University, discusses her research on the impact of state policies on personal finance education in U.S. high schools. Over five years, she has analyzed how schools implement financial education, revealing variations in curriculum integration and access. Dr. Urban explores the effectiveness of standalone courses versus embedded content and highlights the challenges of ensuring educational consistency. Her findings underscore the importance of robust financial literacy programs and their potential benefits for students. Tune in to gain insights into the current state and future directions of financial education in schools.

In this NGPF Podcast episode, Dan Otter and Scott Dauenhauer of 403bwise discuss the challenges teachers face with 403B retirement plans, including high fees and poor investment options. The duo shares their advocacy journey to empower educators with better financial literacy and tools for improving retirement outcomes. They also explore state policies impacting financial education and offer practical advice for educators aiming to enhance their financial plans. Listen to this discussion to learn how educators can navigate and advocate for better retirement options.

In this episode, Karen Holland discusses her innovative platform, Gifting Sense, which equips young learners with the tools to make informed spending decisions. Karen, a former sovereign risk analyst, combines her financial expertise with her passion for education to help children understand the value of money through her "Does it Make Sense Score" calculator. The podcast explores how Gifting Sense promotes financial literacy by encouraging kids to critically assess their purchasing choices, significantly impacting their financial awareness and decision-making skills.  

This week’s podcast delves into the compelling story of a determined group of advocates from Wisconsin. This diverse group, including four teachers, one administrator, and a proactive student, share their multi-year efforts to embed financial literacy in the high school curriculum. Their story not only showcases the power of persistent advocacy and community engagement but also sets a model for similar educational reforms in other states. The episode offers insights into the strategies and personal commitments that drove this significant change.

Daniella Cardona, an undocumented high school student turned Vice President at the Royal Bank of Canada, shares an inspiring journey marked by resilience and an insightful dive into financial literacy. Daniela, who moved from Colombia to the U.S. at a young age, discusses her formative experiences with money, highlighting how early challenges shaped her savvy financial instincts and career trajectory. As the conversation unfolds, Daniela reflects on her path from being a lifeguard to breaking into the competitive world of investment banking, illustrating the significant role mentors played in her development. This episode not only explores Daniela's personal story and professional ascent but also serves as a beacon of motivation for educators and students navigating the complexities of financial education and career exploration.

Rishi, Founder of East Peasy Finance, recounts his early fascination with finance at six years old, and how it led to the creation of Easy Peasy Finance. This platform, where Rishi has produced over 700 videos, aims to demystify finance for kids and beginners through engaging and simplified content. He shares his content creation process, emphasizing the importance of making finance accessible and interesting. Rishi also touches on his entrepreneurial journey, the use of AI in financial education, his published books, and his aspiration to further financial literacy among youth. His dedication to finance, driven by passion rather than the pursuit of virality, showcases the importance of early financial education and the impact of following one's interests with commitment.

Sonia Castelan, a tax professional shares her journey from struggling with personal finances to becoming an expert in tax planning and preparation. Sonia details her transition from a corporate job to running her own tax business, emphasizing the importance of tax planning for entrepreneurs and individuals alike. She offers insights into common tax misconceptions, particularly around tax refunds and business expenses, and stresses the importance of education in navigating the tax system. Sonia's story of leveraging social media to educate and engage with her community, especially the Latino community, highlights her innovative approach to making tax information accessible and understandable. The conversation also touches on the impact of studying sociology on her career, her experiences with prestigious programs like the Cornell Women's Entrepreneurship Program, and the importance of work-life balance. This episode is a rich resource for educators looking to integrate tax education into their curriculum, providing practical insights and strategies for understanding and teaching about taxes.

JL Collins, a prominent figure in the Financial Independence, Retire Early (FIRE) movement, discusses the essence and appeal of financial independence (FI). Collins explains FI as living below one's means to achieve freedom from traditional employment, highlighting its growing popularity due to technological advancements and societal prosperity. He shares insights from his books, emphasizing the power of investing in low-cost index funds and the importance of a community in navigating the journey toward FI. Collins provides practical advice for achieving financial independence, advocating for consistent investment in broad-market index funds and underscoring the necessity of understanding one's investment strategy. Through personal stories and expert advice, the episode inspires listeners to pursue financial independence with informed conviction and community support.

Nadia and Nicole, The Wealth Twins, share their inspiring journey of growing up in a tough neighborhood in Queens, New York, and how they overcame financial struggles to pursue successful careers on Wall Street. They discuss their mission to teach personal finance and wealth-building principles to empower others, especially those from underprivileged backgrounds. The conversation covers topics such as savings strategies, investing fundamentals, overcoming financial obstacles, the importance of financial education, and practical tips for teachers to engage students in learning about money management and retirement planning.

In this podcast episode, Val Chapman, a finance professional, discusses mentoring elementary school students in Oakland, California. Val and her students from Franklin Elementary showcase their entrepreneurial ventures, including a comic book business, soap-making enterprise, snack business, investment portfolio, and sewing business. Through their stories, they demonstrate creativity, determination, and teamwork, highlighting the potential of early financial education. As the podcast episode  progresses, Val shares her vision of expanding the program to more schools and stresses the significance of extending financial education to high schools to equip students with vital skills for the future.

Jamila Souffrant, founder of Journey To Launch, joins us on the NGPF Podcast to discuss achieving financial independence. In this episode, Jamila shares her journey from corporate life to financial literacy advocate, offering actionable advice for managing finances, tackling debt, and pursuing financial freedom. Perfect for educators, students, and anyone aiming to improve their financial well-being, this talk is packed with strategies for balancing financial goals with life's joys. Tune in for an inspiring blend of personal stories and practical tips to kickstart your journey to financial empowerment.

This week we are joined by Paul Merriman, a nationally recognized expert on mutual funds, index investing, and asset allocation. In this conversation, Paul talks about investing with a long-term focus on retirement, the vital role of diversification in a healthy portfolio, and the concept of glide paths. Don’t miss out on this valuable conversation that will help you be more confident about Investing. 

Zoe Saunders from Marketplace by American Public Media delves into her journey on "Financially Inclined," a podcast tailored for high school audiences that merges financial literacy with engaging storytelling. Zoe shares her experiences from producing "This Is Uncomfortable" and the discussing the importance of breaking financial taboos and empowering youth with practical financial knowledge. The episode offers a glimpse into the creative process behind podcasting, with a special focus on an episode featuring tax accountant Duke Moore, showcasing how even complex financial topics can be made accessible and entertaining. This discussion is a must-listen for anyone interested in the intersection of finance, education, and media, promising to inspire and empower both educators and students.

Ron Lieber, a renowned New York Times columnist and author of "The Price You Pay for College," joins us on the NGPF Podcast to explore the evolving landscape of college finance, particularly focusing on the significant changes to the FAFSA process. With personal stakes in the game as he prepares to send his own child off to college, Ron provides an insider’s look at the implications of these changes for families navigating college affordability. This episode delves into the complexities of financial aid, the impact of FAFSA simplification, and strategies for educators and families to effectively manage these challenges. Engage with us for a critical discussion on financial literacy, college planning, and Ron’s advocacy for making informed financial decisions in the context of higher education.

Gordon Stein, author of "The Cashflow Cookbook", shares his journey from encountering a financial crisis at a senior position in his 40s to developing smart money-saving strategies without compromising lifestyle. His book, inspired by a unique blend of personal experiences and extensive reading, offers unconventional yet practical advice on financial management. Stein's approach, which focuses on optimizing rather than cutting expenses, is particularly compelling. He discusses everything from minor everyday savings to major financial decisions, providing insights into smart consumerism and the psychology of money. Whether it's negotiating cell phone bills or understanding the impact of credit scores, Stein's hacks are geared towards achieving financial wellness without sacrificing the joys of life. This episode is a treasure trove of wisdom for anyone looking to enhance their financial literacy and cultivate long-term, sustainable money habits.

Jason Brown, author of "IT IS POSSIBLE!: How I Earned Two Debt-Free Degrees...and How You Can, Too," discusses the student loan debt crisis. The conversation delves into various topics, including the historical context of the crisis, its connection to the Space Race, the escalating costs of college, and the vital role of financial literacy education. Jason Brown shares his journey and insights on navigating college expenses without succumbing to student loan debt. He explores practical tips for managing student loans, such as seeking scholarships, working during college, and taking advantage of employer tuition reimbursement programs. Overall, there is an emphasis on the need for a holistic understanding of education and career paths beyond traditional college routes to empower the next generation in making informed financial decisions.

Sheila Bair, former chair of the FDIC,  discusses her career path, including her background as a civil rights attorney and her transition into financial services. Bair emphasizes the need for students to make informed choices about their education and careers, noting the potential income limitations associated with certain degrees. She advocates for a balanced approach, combining financial education with consumer protection regulations. The conversation delves into Bair's efforts to engage students through her children's book series, "Money Tales," offering tips for teachers to boost classroom engagement in financial topics. She underscores the importance of understanding banking systems, interest rates, and long-term financial choices. The discussion concludes with insights into Bair's passion for children's literature and her commitment to providing resources and opportunities for financial education, including free book readings for schools.

Jim Wasserman shares his journey from law to teaching economics and media literacy. Initially drawn to teaching to prevent problems rather than just solving them, Wasserman discusses his approach to making economics relatable to students, moving beyond traditional textbook examples. He delves into his experience in consumer economics, highlighting the importance of decision-making skills in both financial and digital realms. Jim, along with his wife, a retired banker, authored a three-book series aimed at different educational levels, focusing on the 'rules of the game' in consumer economics and media literacy. The discussion also explores the challenges of navigating the online world, especially for younger generations, emphasizing the need for educators to stay updated with internet trends. Jim stresses the importance of teaching self-reflection, awareness of online manipulation, and personal responsibility in the digital age, reflecting on the impact of curated online lives on self-image and choices. 

John Pelletier, Director of the Center for Financial Literacy at Champlain College, delves into the current state of financial education in the United States, centering on Pelletier's recent research report that evaluates states based on their personal finance education policies. The discussion underscores the positive strides made by several states, with seven now earning an A grade, while highlighting the potential underestimation of progress as more states are in the process of implementing favorable laws. The bipartisan support for financial education, reflected in overwhelming approval of related bills, is noted, with Pelletier attributing accelerated legislation post-COVID to lawmakers recognizing constituents' financial struggles.The conversation also covers the economic benefits of financial literacy, ongoing initiatives to improve education in various states, and the influence of Pelletier's annual report on shaping state policies.

In this podcast episode, Daniel Hiebert, Associate Professor of Financial Planning at Minnesota State University, and his student Aidan Ryan discuss core financial planning principles, effective teaching strategies, and Aidan's unique perspective. Both share personal money memories, emphasizing experiences with savings accounts and challenges tied to family finances. Daniel underscores the experiential education focus in their CFP Board-certified program, aiming to graduate well-rounded candidates. The dialogue delves into the evolving financial planning landscape, discussing collaborative client-planner relationships and concluding with insights into the fiduciary standard and the importance of trust in client-advisor relationships.

Priscilla Guerra of Impact Early College High School (Baytown, TX) and Yra Climaco of Castiac High School (Castiac, CA) joins us on the NGPF Podcast as the National Grand Prize Winners of the 2023 Payback Challenge. Both winners discuss their lessons from playing Payback, emphasizing the importance of education, work-life balance, and financial consciousness in college. Tune in for an inspiring conversation with these exceptional students!

Rachel Labi, a student at Purdue University, entrepreneur, and Co-Founder of Building Financial Freedom, shares her journey through personal finance education, internships, and social entrepreneurship.

Caleb Silver, the editor-in-chief of Investopedia, leads the platform's adoption of a user-centric pull strategy, catering to 18 to 22 million monthly users actively seeking financial information. The platform houses a vast collection of continually updated content, with a focus on serving students and individuals with specific financial queries. Silver highlights the uniqueness of each user's search, emphasizing the platform's role in delivering an educational narrative about the world of money. Investopedia maintains around 40,000 articles and definitions, prioritizing content updates and the creation of new material. Silver discusses the current popularity of search terms, including bank failures, bonds, and discussions around the American dream, reflecting user sentiments. The conversation concludes with insights into Investopedia's widely used stock market simulator, a valuable tool for investment education.

Professor Hal Hershfield from UCLA's Anderson School of Management discusses key concepts from his book, "Your Future Self: How to Make Tomorrow Better Today." First, he recommends a departure from traditional goal-setting and the use of proxies. Instead, his primary focus is on narrowing the gap between our present and future selves, emphasizing health choices, prudent financial decisions for retirement, and commitment to financial and fitness goals. Hershfield addresses the challenge of forming an emotional connection with one's future self, proposing practical exercises like writing letters and using technology to evoke a vivid future self. He also introduces practical tools like commitment devices for better financial decision-making. Overall, Professor Hal Hershfield recommends reframing the way financial education is taught.

Today on the show, Yanley is joined by Greg Ratliff, a Vice President at the Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisor's New York Office with a main role of advising investors on portfolios to generate both social and financial returns. Working in the field of philanthropy for the last 35 years, he joins us on the show to talk about his passion for developing and executing coordinated grant and investment strategies that improve livelihoods for low-income and disadvantaged populations. Listen to this podcast to hear invaluable insights on how to pursue a career in philanthropy.

James Redelsheimer and Derek D'Angelo from the Foundation for Economic Education discuss their passion for and background in financial literacy as well as AI's role in teaching. Both educators turned curriculum developers begin by sharing their experiences advocating for personal finance education legislation in their respective states. They then emphasize the power of AI tools, particularly ChatGPT, in enhancing teaching efficiency. The educators showcase creative uses, like role-playing scenarios with historical figures or economists and aiding students in analyzing data or creating arguments. Despite the benefits, they also acknowledge the importance of carefully crafting prompts and remaining vigilant about potential inaccuracies in AI-generated content.

Cara Macksoud, the CEO of Money Habitudes, transitioned from being an ETF trader on Wall Street to becoming a passionate advocate for financial education. Her journey began when she worked with unbanked youth and discovered their mistrust of financial institutions, sparking her interest in financial literacy. Teaching these individuals the importance of banking and overcoming their resistance served as a valuable foundation for her work. Cara later acquired the Money Habitudes tool, aimed at uncovering financial behavior patterns and beliefs. Her journey highlights the significance of accessible and relatable financial education for people of all backgrounds and financial situations.

In this podcast episode, Crystina Cardozo, an educator and real estate investor, shares her journey into real estate investing and offers valuable insights into the world of short-term rentals. She discusses her experiences buying properties in the Poconos and expanding into other areas, highlighting the importance of developing systems and networking with other investors. Crystina also emphasizes the need to create an open dialogue about money, both with students and her own children, to foster financial literacy. 

Chris Corinthian's framework for minimizing student loan debt involves using tools like the Common App, College Board Scholarship Search, Scholly, and Google to discover scholarships tailored to one's interests and deadlines. He suggests students take advantage of local resources, such as alumni associations, to find scholarships that are often less competitive for local applicants. Chris also emphasizes the importance of continuously applying for scholarships throughout college, not just in high school, to maintain financial support and minimize the need for loans.

This podcast features Ted Daniels, a former U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development employee, who left his career to establish a nonprofit focused on financial education. His journey began with educating friends and family and expanded to colleges, where he observed improved student retention and graduation rates. Ted also touches on the Ambassador Program, which empowers college students to teach financial literacy, fostering a ripple effect of life skills improvement.