Next Gen Personal Finance

What if the most important thing you teach your students about money has nothing to do with budgets, credit scores, or compound interest? What if it starts with what they believe? In this special episode for teachers, Nir Eyal shares key ideas from his newest book, Beyond Belief. He connects these ideas to inner narratives students and teachers carry about money, time, and their own impact. Nir unpacks the science of how beliefs about money, potential, and about what's possible are formed early and shape everything that follows. Join us to explore how to help students notice and "stress-test" their beliefs against real-world examples, while also getting tools to examine assumptions about what's possible in your classroom and in your own financial life.

For over 12 years, Carly Urban has been researching one question: does financial education actually work? As a Professor of Economics at Montana State University, she's co-authored the most comprehensive meta-analysis of financial education ever conducted, examining 76 randomized controlled trials. Her findings debunk decades of faulty research and confirm what teachers want to hear—financial education improves financial behaviors in cost-effective ways. But the devil is in the details. Her research shows that standalone semester-long courses improve credit scores and financial well-being, while embedded approaches don't show the same effects. In this session, Carly will share what actually works in financial education, why quality implementation matters more than just having requirements on paper, and what her database of high school course offerings across America reveals about the state of financial literacy education nationwide.

Dr. Paris Woods is the bestselling author of The Black Girl's Guide to Financial Freedom. She is a lifelong educator and leading voice in economic mobility and financial empowerment who has been featured in Essence, CNN, and Insider, among others. Her forthcoming book The Student's Guide to Financial Freedom is a culturally grounded, peer-to-peer guide that empowers high school and college students to plan for lifelong financial independence. It especially speaks to first-gen, lower income students who are navigating systemic barriers and might not see themselves reflected in traditional money books. Dr. Woods shares how adults can be "money mentors" in their daily lives, help to set the next generation up for financial empowerment, and get better at building wealth themselves.

For decades, Pete Colhoun brought Wall Street to Main Street as a panelist on Wall Street Week with Louis Rukeyser, helping millions of Americans understand investing and the economy. With an MBA from Harvard and experience in senior management at T. Rowe Price and as a general partner at Emerging Growth Partners, he's spent a career making financial markets accessible to everyday investors. In this session, Pete will share lessons from his years helping democratize investment information, what he's learned about long-term investing through decades of market cycles, and why financial education matters for building wealth. He'll discuss his philanthropic work and what inspired his passion for ensuring everyone has access to quality financial knowledge—not just the wealthy. Perfect for teachers looking to connect students with the real-world perspective of someone who's lived through market history and believes everyone deserves to understand how money works.

Join us for a conversation with Christopher "Kit" Kauffman, NGPF Board Member and Adviser. He is a former attorney with a unique professional journey from corporate law to financial education advocacy. He will share insights on what motivates his passion for working with the NGPF Team on Mission2030 and why this is one of the top issues of concern to him in retirement. You'll gain perspective on how real-world financial experiences, whether in major court cases or everyday classrooms, can inspire students to think critically about saving, investing, and financial decision-making. Kit also offers advice for teachers seeking to connect personal finance to students' interests and real-world stories.

As Vice President of Education at the Tax Foundation, Zoe Callaway oversees TaxEDU, a tax literacy initiative born from a striking discovery: over half of Americans lack basic tax literacy, regardless of age, income, or education level. Even college graduates struggle to identify where the government raises most of its revenue. The consequences are real—people avoid earning more money because they misunderstand how tax brackets work, believing a raise will somehow leave them with less. In this session, Zoe will share what students most misunderstand about taxes, why the Tax Foundation launched its education program, and how teachers can help students grasp concepts that shape everything from their first paycheck to career decisions. Perfect for teachers looking for practical approaches to demystifying a system students will navigate their entire lives.

Ever wonder why some kids reach adulthood terrified of money while others handle it with confidence? In this episode, Yanely sits down with Steven Day, former high school teacher and author of Teach a Kid to Save: A Fun, Hands-On Approach to Building Smart Money Habits, to unpack how a simple "mini economy" at home or in the classroom can build lasting financial habits. Steven grew up inside one of these systems, since his dad literally wrote the book on it, and now runs one with his own four kids, complete with a seven-year-old who drives a hard bargain over the morning coffee. Along the way, he explains why a classroom economy should be a teaching tool rather than a behavior-control system, how cash-strapped teachers can run one for almost nothing, and why selling "privilege coupons" often beats stocking a store with more stuff. He also makes the case for starting early, tying money lessons to kids' real values and goals, and giving students the rare chance to experience money as producers and investors instead of just consumers. Packed with practical tips, free printable resources, and a few laugh-out-loud parenting moments, this conversation is a must-listen for any teacher or parent who wants to raise money-smart kids. Tune in and rethink what financial education can look like from the ground up.

Most teens treat credit as a "someday" problem, something for their "old" future selves. A bankruptcy attorney and a credit-scoring expert see exactly where that thinking leads. In this NGPF podcast episode Yanely has a conversation with CARE Chicago volunteers Gene Volchek and Jeff Schwartz, who share what thousands of classroom visits have taught them. From the misconceptions that trip students up most, and the analogies that finally make credit click (your adult report card, the three C's, the $1,000 laptop that costs $2,700), to how to teach this before the first card, not after the first mistake. If you teach personal finance, you'll leave with stories and strategies you can use in classroom right away!

In this NGPF Speaker Series episode, former FDIC Chair Sheila Bair joins Tim Ranzetta to celebrate the launch of her new book for teens, How Not to Lose a Million Dollars. Bair explains why she wrote the book, aiming to give young people practical, plain-language guidance on navigating the financial system, and shares her own story of racking up thousands in credit card interest as a young lawyer. The conversation covers the power of compound interest and opportunity cost, why broad-based index funds are the best starting point for new investors, and the growing threats of "finfluencers", gambling apps, and prediction markets. Bair and Ranzetta also dig into bigger-picture policy issues like housing affordability, non-bank financial risks, and the need for trusted, vetted financial education resources in schools. Teachers will especially appreciate the discussion of how to make these topics land with students, along with Bair's offer of free book donations to Title I schools and virtual classroom visits.

In this episode, Yanely Espinal sits down with veteran Bay Area economics teacher Judy Smith to explore how she integrates a mini-unit on economic inequality and solutions in personal finance within her economics course. Judy explains how, after 20 years of teaching, she shifted her focus from the "why" behind economic inequality to the "how" and the hope that empowers students to research and advocate for policy solutions like affordable housing, raising the minimum wage, and expanding child tax credits. This conversation covers the practical flow of her course, where seniors first complete a Civic Action Project in Government course and then a personal finance portfolio in Economics before diving into the inequality unit that wraps up the course. Judy shares how student choice and civic engagement drive deeper buy-in from students. Yanely and Judy also tackle tough questions about balancing personal responsibility with systemic awareness, navigating uncomfortable classroom conversations, and preparing for California's new standalone personal finance graduation requirement. You'll come away with actionable strategies, curated resources, and renewed motivation to bring conversations about economic equity into your own classroom.

In this episode, Mark Salisbury tackles one of the most misunderstood concepts in post-secondary planning: return on investment. He makes the case that ROI genuinely matters, then exposes the shaky data behind popular ROI rankings, using the University of Michigan's College Scorecard numbers to show how figures like "average annual cost" and "median earnings" are drawn from a small, unrepresentative slice of students. Mark pushes back on higher-ed marketing claims that tie ROI to brand-name alumni networks, and challenges the notion that a liberal arts education's payoff magically emerges decades later. Instead, he reframes ROI through a "play to keep playing" lens borrowed from Simon Sinek, arguing that the real return is whether an educational investment expands or constrains a student's future options. He closes with an invitation to use his grant-funded Pathways Planning and Insights program, a free resource designed to help parents navigate the financial side of post-secondary planning alongside their students.  

Higher ed finance expert, Mark Salisbury, pulls back the curtain on how the financial aid system really works and why it looks nothing like what most families expect. From the FAFSA to the CSS Profile, he explains how colleges use the data families voluntarily provide not to help them afford school, but to calculate the minimum discount needed to get them to enroll. He breaks down how institutional aid is front-loaded to attract freshmen while costs quietly balloon in later years, how the private scholarship industry profits off parental anxiety, and how misleading award letters use "magic math" and jargon to obscure the true price of attendance. Using real examples from schools like Howard University, DePaul, and Loyola Chicago, he shows exactly how these tactics play out in practice. The conversation also covers practical strategies families can use to fight back, including the importance of early planning, understanding who should and shouldn't rush to file the FAFSA, and why appealing your financial aid offer is one of the most powerful and underused tools available to consumers. Whether you're a parent, student, or school counselor, this episode is an essential primer on navigating one of the most lopsided marketplaces in America.

Higher education researcher and founder of Tuition Fit and Pathways, Mark Salisbury, explains how college pricing actually works behind the scenes. He debunks four common myths: that all colleges are too expensive, that in-state public universities are always the cheapest option, that net price figures are entirely accurate, and that financial aid is a limited resource. He outlines how colleges set sticker prices as messaging tools, use "financial aid optimization" (algorithmic discounting designed to extract the maximum each family will pay), and engage in what he calls surveillance pricing by monitoring demonstrated interest and FAFSA data. To conclude, he offers practical advice: focus on post-graduation outcomes rather than prestige, establish a price range early, use net price calculators and tools like Tuition Fit, and remember that people succeed at every price point.

In this episode of the NGPF podcast, investment expert Patrick Geddes pulls back the curtain on the investment industry, breaking down the difference between asset managers and wealth managers and explaining how each gets paid. Geddes walks listeners through the most important questions to ask a financial advisor, including how to identify hidden fees, understand fiduciary standards, and evaluate professional designations like CFP and CFA. He makes a compelling case for low-cost index fund investing, explaining how even a fee under 1% can cost an investor hundreds of thousands of dollars over time due to the power of compounding. The episode closes with an honest framework for deciding whether to hire an advisor or go the do-it-yourself route, empowering listeners to think of themselves first as consumers — not just investors.

In this episode of the NGPF podcast, investment professional Patrick Geddes walks listeners through the fundamentals of turning financial goals into actionable plans, covering topics like retirement planning, asset allocation, and how time horizons should shape investment decisions. He explains practical tools like the 4% withdrawal rule, walks through a concrete example of calculating how much a retiree will need in their portfolio, and discusses the pros and cons of target date funds. Patrick makes a strong case for low-cost, cap-weighted index funds over active management, arguing that the evidence in favor of indexing is overwhelming, and covers how to think about stock and bond selection across both taxable and tax-advantaged accounts. He also tackles the often-overlooked complexity of viewing your total portfolio across all accounts simultaneously, including a case study where listeners calculate a sample investor's true asset allocation. The episode wraps up with practical guidance on rebalancing, how often to check your accounts, and the importance of accounting for taxes when evaluating the real value of different account types.

In this episode of the NGPF podcast, investment expert Patrick Geddes breaks down two of the most fundamental concepts in personal finance, asset classes and asset allocation, in a way that's clear, engaging, and immediately usable in the classroom. Patrick argues that asset allocation is the single most important decision any investor makes, and walks listeners through the trade-offs between safer assets like cash and bonds and riskier ones like stocks and real estate, using relatable analogies that your students will actually remember. He dives deep into the tension between market risk and inflation risk, showing decades of real return data that make a compelling case for why long-term investors should embrace — not fear the stock market. The episode also tackles the active versus passive investing debate head-on, presenting overwhelming evidence that index funds outperform actively managed funds over time, and explaining the psychological biases that lead so many investors to make costly mistakes anyway. Whether you're introducing students to investing for the first time or helping them think more critically about financial decision-making, this episode gives you the data, the language, and the real-world examples to bring these concepts to life.

Investment expert Patrick Geddes cuts through the intimidation and jargon of investing to reveal what truly matters, and what you can safely ignore. Patrick makes the case that good habits, not brilliance, are the real secret to building wealth, using compelling stories like Grace Groner, who turned $180 into $7.2 million simply by buying and holding. He covers why starting early, staying invested through market downturns, and keeping fees low are far more powerful than trying to pick winning stocks or time the market. Patrick also challenges common myths, like the idea that good investing must be complicated, and he explains why boring index funds beat the vast majority of actively managed funds over the long run. Whether you're a seasoned investor or just getting started, this session offers a refreshingly honest, research-backed perspective that'll leave you feeling less intimidated about long-term investing!

In this episode, Tim interviews David Gardner, co-founder of The Motley Fool, about how to make investing approachable for younger learners. David shares the scrappy origin story behind The Motley Fool, two classroom-ready stories to hook teens on stock market basics, and practical ways that you can help your own students distinguish between investing behaviors and gambling behaviors. You'll also hear why investing is often under-taught, how teachers can build confidence to teach it, and you'll get a preview of the new interactive "Freedometer" tool being piloted with NGPF to strengthen stock market and investing instruction across the nation!

Yanely talks to Chad Mallo, a former loan officer turned award-winning educator, to unpack how early money memories, and a family's bill-paying routines, can shape lifelong financial habits. Chad shares what it really took to leave a two-decade banking career for the classroom, including the mindset shifts, sacrifices, and "am I truly helping people?" moment that changed everything. Together, they explore how teachers can build trust, make personal finance feel relevant in a cashless, app-driven world, and learn alongside students without "faking it." You'll hear practical strategies for creating a safe classroom culture, addressing the digital divide, and helping students talk about money even when it's taboo at home. Chad also highlights powerful success stories from student entrepreneurship competitions and a memorable example of differentiated assessment that helped a reluctant student demonstrate mastery.

Yanely chats with CFP and financial journalist Hanna Horvath to unpack why money struggles persist even when information is everywhere, and why the real missing piece is often psychology! Together, they explore "money scripts," financial anxiety, and the emotional triggers behind impulse spending and avoidance, offering educators a fresh lens for teaching personal finance beyond tactics and terminology. Hanna breaks down the generational pressures fueling stress for Millennials and Gen Z, from housing unaffordability to comparison culture and algorithm-driven status signaling. The conversation also digs into how fintech and AI can both support healthy habits and amplify predatory design, with practical red flags teachers can share to help students evaluate financial content on social media. You'll hear candid takes on buy now, pay later, the "casino economy," and the ways modern products make spending frictionless, and why values-based decision-making is a critical antidote. If you're looking for classroom-ready insights that connect behavioral science, media literacy, and real-world money challenges, this episode delivers plenty to discuss with your students.

Tim welcomes Ted Daniels, whose work has helped empower thousands of students through HBCUs and peer-to-peer, student ambassador programs. Ted shares the personal moments that sparked his mission, from balancing a family checkbook in high school to advising federal coworkers who didn't understand basic investing. Together, they dig into the topics students most want: value-based budgeting, improving credit, and learning how to invest without falling for get-rich-quick schemes. The conversation also tackles modern challenges like gambling, cryptocurrency hype, and how AI is shaping money management—while emphasizing that foundational financial knowledge is still essential. You'll hear practical strategies for teaching investing patiently, building wealth over time, and making smart financial habits easier by designing the right environment. The chat ends with inspiring outcomes, including evidence of measurable impact, real career success stories, and Daniels' award-winning children's book that helps families start money conversations early!

Tom Proulx shares the story of how he co-founded Intuit and created Quicken in his Stanford dorm room in 1983 after a chance meeting with Scott Cook outside the engineering library. Proulx explains how they revolutionized personal finance software by focusing on what customers actually wanted: to save time on tedious tasks like bill paying and check register maintenance, rather than adding complex features most people didn't use. The conversation offers valuable lessons for financial education teachers, particularly around entrepreneurship, where Proulx emphasizes that perseverance is the #1 trait for success and stresses the importance of deeply understanding your customer rather than building what you personally want. Proulx also discusses how Quicken evolved based on user research (discovering half their users ran small businesses led to QuickBooks), the 1993 IPO and TurboTax acquisition, and his vision for AI-powered financial tools that could help people automate finances and tackle credit card debt more effectively.

In this NGPF Speaker Series conversation, former New England Patriots COO Andy Wasynczuk shares how a chance connection led to a surprising career pivot into pro sports leadership. He connects early money lessons from his immigrant upbringing to real-world decisions behind running a team, from stadium financing to revenue strategy. Financial literacy educators will love the clear, classroom-ready explanation of salary cap management, contract structure, and how analytics helped drive a long-term turnaround. The discussion also tackles timely topics like NIL and the transfer portal, plus what agents do well and where players still face financial risks. He closes with thoughtful reflections on how AI can inform decisions while human judgment, trust, and accountability remain essential.

In this NGPF Speaker Series episode, Tim Ranzetta interviews high school junior Sid Tripathi, founder of the Dollar Investigators, a youth-led initiative teaching elementary students foundational money skills. Sid shares how family conversations about finances and early entrepreneurship shaped his "long game" mindset around saving, investing, and avoiding get-rich-quick thinking. He explains how his team brings concepts like needs versus wants, budgeting, banking, debt, and compound interest to younger learners through hands-on activities and roleplay. Tim and Sid also discuss what motivates students, how to make financial topics immediately relevant, and what Sid has observed about teen investing apps, sports betting, and crypto hype. The conversation highlights how student-led teaching can normalize money talk, build confidence, and plant early "seeds" of financial decision-making. Educators will leave with practical ideas for engaging lessons, inspiring youth leadership, and ways to scale financial literacy impact beyond a single classroom.

In this episode of the NGPF Speaker Series, former teacher Kathy Cuevas shares her career journey into education and the real-life experiences that shaped her approach to teaching—especially serving students with disabilities and students from low-income communities. She offers practical, classroom-tested advice for educators who are new to teaching personal finance, including how to get creative when resources are limited and how to seek support beyond your own school building. Kathy also walks listeners through hard-earned lessons from her own financial life. She talks about the mistakes, setbacks, and turning points that ultimately helped her retire with confidence. The conversation dives into teacher-specific retirement topics like 403(b) plans, real estate, and why building multiple streams of income can create flexibility in retirement. They also break down advanced strategies in accessible language, including Roth conversions, required minimum distributions, and how to think about risk over the long term. Overall, it's a candid, motivating conversation that encourages teachers to start planning early, keep learning, and build a retirement roadmap they can actually feel good about.

This episode of the NGPF podcast features Walter Green, founder of the Say It Now movement, who shares how expressing specific, heartfelt gratitude to people who have impacted our lives can strengthen relationships and create lasting meaning. Walter describes his personal "gratitude journey," including traveling to thank 44 people in person, and explains how that experience inspired a global initiative now reaching tens of thousands of schools worldwide. Yanely and Walter discuss why students and educators often get stuck in short-term stressors, and how intentional reflection and gratitude can help shift mindset, build connection, and support well-being. The conversation offers simple, classroom-friendly ways to bring the practice to students, such as writing letters, recording short messages, or making gratitude more routine without needing a special holiday. They also connect gratitude to life readiness, emphasizing that relationship-building is a key skill that supports long-term success, including financial and professional opportunities. Prospective listeners will leave with practical ideas and inspiring stories that can help students, and teachers, feel more connected, valued, and motivated.

In this episode, Yanely sits down with Certified Financial Planner Gloria Garcia Cisneros to break down what it really means to work with a fiduciary and how teachers can protect themselves from high-fee, commission-driven products often pushed in the 403(b) space. Gloria explains the key differences between independent advisory firms and broker-dealers, why "free" advice can still come with hidden costs, and the questions educators should ask about fees, incentives, and what is actually inside their retirement accounts. They also unpack how insurance products like annuities and permanent life insurance are sometimes marketed as "investments," why that can be risky, and how to spot red flags like guaranteed returns and salesy, one-size-fits-all pitches. Gloria shares her journey from first-generation immigrant to CFP and highlights why holistic financial planning goes beyond investments to include taxes, insurance, benefits, and long-term goals. The conversation ends with mindset shifts, like remembering that wealth is often what you don't see, and encouragement for teachers to build confidence, ask better questions, and stay on a steady path toward financial security.

This episode features Yanely interviewing Lizbet (@LizbetTalksMoney) about how she teaches her two young daughters practical money skills at home through a simple, repeatable allowance system. Lizbet recently grew an audience of hundreds of thousands of followers on TikTok and Instagram by sharing her parental-money strategies in a relatable, highly practical way. Lizbet explains why she treats school like a "job" (rather than paying for chores), how her kids split weekly cash into spending, saving, and investing, and how she keeps it hands-on so children stay connected to what money means. For teachers, the conversation is especially useful for parent engagement and real-life classroom connections, highlighting age-appropriate language for money concepts, how to build habits over time (starting simple and adding complexity later), and why home-based routines can reinforce what students learn at school. Lizbet also shares how she maintained this system while paying off significant debt, and why adults don't need to be "money experts" to start teaching financial literacy to the next generation.

In this NGPF Speaker Series episode, Tim interviews Keon Haley of FICO to unpack how credit scores work and how to teach them effectively. Keon shares his personal journey from limited financial conversations at home to discovering financial education's impact while working at a college Small Business Development Center, a passion that now drives his work at FICO's consumer credit education initiatives. They explore the 5 components of a FICO Score: payment history, credit utilization, length of credit history, new credit, and credit mix. Keon dispels myths about checking credit, joint scores, and rate shopping. They also discuss how credit reports influence more than borrowing, affecting rentals, insurance, and jobs. The episode concludes with audience Q&A on topics like buy now, pay later reporting, aging mortgages, and medical debt, with Keon highlighting FICO's free Score A Better Future tools and classroom-ready resources.  

In this episode, Yanely Espinal sits down with Philip Olson and Julia Lorenz-Olson, the creators and hosts of PBS's 2 Cents, to talk about what it takes to make personal finance education engaging, relevant, and truly useful for students. Philip and Julia share how their unconventional path—from theater backgrounds and early adulthood money lessons to launching their own financial planning firm—informs the way they approach financial storytelling on YouTube. They discuss how 2 Cents episodes are developed, from choosing timely "news and systems" topics versus practical "kitchen table" topics, to researching, scripting, and filming content designed to be accessible without oversimplifying. They close by reflecting on the changing landscape of public media funding, the role of AI in financial education and planning, and practical ways teachers can better capture student attention by giving them more voice in what they learn.

In this NGPF Podcast episode, Yanely interviews Jonathan Cohen about sports gambling in America. Jonathan unpacks how legalized sports betting exploded after the 2018 Supreme Court decision, and what that rapid expansion is doing to Americans' financial lives, mental health, and culture. He shares his research about why young men are disproportionately drawn in, how betting companies market to vulnerable audiences, and why gambling is uniquely recognized as a behavioral addiction. He also breaks down the jaw-dropping scale of legal sports wagering, explains where the money goes (and why states are so motivated to legalize it), and explores emerging threats like prediction markets and "gamified" investing apps that make betting even more accessible. The episode closes with practical, classroom-ready takeaways for educators, focused on harm reduction, teaching expected value, and adding "friction" to interrupt the cycle that keeps the house winning!

Tim Ranzetta interviews NerdWallet writer and personal finance expert Kate Ashford about entrepreneurship, financial education, and lessons from her career in journalism and freelancing. Kate shares early money memories, key insights she's gained from covering a wide range of personal finance topics, and practical advice for young entrepreneurs. From identifying a problem worth solving to funding a startup on a shoestring budget, the discussion explores business planning essentials. They discuss the evolving impact of AI, the importance of curiosity and communication skills, and why early jobs (even tough ones) can teach invaluable lessons. Kate offers guidance on mentorship, business structures, estate planning basics, and cultivating traits like perseverance, adaptability, and the "squeaky wheel" mindset. Packed with practical wisdom for educators and students alike, this conversation highlights what it really takes to build skills, start small, and stay flexible in a changing world.

In this episode, Yanely Espinal talks to Mellody Hobson, Co-CEO and President of Ariel Investments and New York Times bestselling author of Priceless Facts About Money. Melody shares the inspiration behind her new children's book, which she intentionally crafted as a "gateway" book that teaches adults through kids by making financial concepts fun, accessible, and rooted in real facts. She discusses her long-standing concern about America's financial literacy gap and explains how the pandemic finally gave her time to write the book. Drawing on examples like money slang, everyday decision-making, and historical origins of currency, Melody emphasizes that children are far more capable of learning complex financial ideas than adults often assume. She also highlights the importance of early exposure by describing the Ariel Community Academy model, where first graders receive real dollars to invest and learn financial concepts progressively through graduation. The conversation explores Melody's personal journey and how those experiences inform her mission to help the next generation build confidence and knowledge.

Tim Ranzetta talks to Lucretia Ryan, the founder of FinancialFreedomforwomen.org. She is a financial educator and writer focused on helping women make informed retirement and investment decisions without fees or commissions. Lucretia explains key Social Security concepts such as how benefits are earned based on contributions, the importance of choosing the optimal age to claim benefits, and dispels myths about Social Security running out. She covers the impact of laws like the Windfall Elimination Provision and the Social Security Fairness Act, especially for teachers in certain states. The podcast also clarifies spousal, divorced spouse, and survivor benefits, emphasizing maximizing payout by delaying claims until age 70 when possible. Throughout, Lucretia answers listener questions with clear examples to help listeners make educated decisions about Social Security.

Join Yanely and she interviews Kenny Johnson, YouTuber, investor, and founder of Kenny Finance. Kenny shares his journey from Detroit to Wall Street and why he's now focused on bringing financial literacy to classrooms across the country. With experience at top private equity firms like Blackstone and KKR, Kenny's mission is to make personal finance approachable, actionable, and relevant for the next generation!

This episode of the NGPF Speaker Series features personal finance educator Paul Merriman in conversation with Tim Ranzetta, delivering insights especially relevant to teachers. Paul shares practical, research-backed advice on helping students and young investors understand investing basics, with a spotlight on target date funds, index fund fees, and the behavioral pitfalls that commonly trip up new investors. Teachers will gain actionable strategies to help their students avoid common mistakes, appreciate the long-term value of low costs, and make investing approachable through concepts like dollar-cost averaging, diversification, and automated investing. The episode equips educators with memorable analogies, evidence-based recommendations, and free resources that can be used directly in the classroom to promote lifelong financial well-being.

This is an inspiring conversation in which Tim interviews Laura Levine, President & CEO of the Jumpstart Coalition. Laura reflects on more than 20 years of leading a national movement for financial literacy and shares how Jumpstart empowers educators, builds powerful state affiliate networks, and creates a community for educators across the country. From the National Educator Conference to Teen Teach-Ins, she highlights programs that bring financial education to life in schools across the country. Laura also shares the heart behind their “For Me, It's Personal” campaign. She says everyone has a money story to share! If you're a teacher who wants to feel connected, supported, and inspired, this is a conversation you won't want to miss.

In this podcast Yanely interviews Mykail James, MBA who is the co-author of Personal Finance for Teens (for Dummies). The conversation centers on empowering teens and young adults with personal finance literacy education, highlighting inclusive education, the evolving landscape of financial decision-making, and the role of technology and community in shaping money habits. Mykail emphasizes that younger generations are delaying traditional milestones like home buying or starting families, and grappling with anxiety about “what's next” after completing school.

Charles "Charley" D. Ellis is an American investment consultant. In 1972, Ellis founded Greenwich Associates, an international strategy consulting firm focused on financial institutions. Ellis is known for his philosophy of passive investing through index funds, as detailed in his book Winning the Loser's Game, one of 22 books he authored. This podcast features Charley in conversation with NGPF's co-founder, Tim Ranzetta. Charley shares decades of wisdom on personal finance, investing, and the evolution of financial markets. He candidly discusses how active investing has transformed into a highly professional and competitive field, the rise and benefits of indexing, and why low-cost index funds make investing simpler and more successful for most people. He also reflects on the legendary influence of leaders like Jack Bogle and Warren Buffett, revealing personal stories and lessons from their careers. Tune in for a rich blend of storytelling, expert guidance, and actionable takeaways that make investing approachable!

This episode features Saskatchewan teachers Cindy Lowe and Jill Labas, who share how they successfully advocated to make financial literacy a graduation requirement. It's Canada's first province to do so! From late‑night petitions and rallying community stakeholders to building province‑wide teacher training, their story shows how persistence, passion, and student voices can drive systemic change. You'll hear firsthand how they transformed classrooms into hubs of excitement, where students say it's the one class they know will matter every day of their lives. You'll also learn about the differences and overlaps between U.S. and Canadian personal finance education, as well as practical tips for making lessons engaging and relevant.

Discover how Gifted Savings is transforming the future of financial education for high school seniors by gifting them real investment portfolios and teaching essential money skills. Hear Josh Landay, Executive Director of Gifted Savings, share inspiring stories from students, explain how this innovative program builds confidence and financial empowerment, and explore plans for expansion to schools nationwide. Perfect for teachers who are passionate about giving their students a head start on building wealth and financial savvy!

Want your students to get excited about investing without chasing the riskiest trends? In this episode, NerdWallet's Sam Taube joins NGPF's Tim Ranzetta to share simple strategies for teaching investing with confidence. You'll hear how to use games, simulations, and real-life examples to make index funds and diversification come alive in your classroom. Sam also breaks down how to tackle FOMO, day-trading myths, and the lure of crypto with practical, student-friendly explanations. If you've ever wondered how to make the “boring” path of long-term wealth-building feel exciting, this conversation is a must-listen!

The team behind Arro is reimagining how young adults build credit, offering a modern alternative to traditional credit cards. Learn how their mission aligns with financial education by helping students establish healthy credit habits from the start!

This episode features Jeff Desjardins, founder of Visual Capitalist, which unpacks powerful data storytelling and key mega trends shaping our economy. From the impact of aging societies to the rapid rise of AI, Jeff shares insights that can enhance financial education. Discover practical tips for creating engaging infographics and learn how visualizing personal finance concepts can help students grasp complex topics easily. Educators looking to inspire and inform their classrooms won't want to miss this data-driven conversation!

In this NGPF Podcast episode, Tim Ranzetta sits down with Bill Bynum, CEO of Hope Credit Union, to explore how innovative banking solutions are transforming lives across the Deep South. Educators will hear firsthand stories on breaking down financial barriers, fostering dignity for underbanked communities, and empowering students through real-world financial education. Bill shares actionable insights on partnership, digital tools, and the power of community-driven banking—perfect for teachers wanting to deepen classroom impact.  

In this NGPF Podcast episode, Yanely welcomes Shang Saavedra, author of Wealth is a Mindset: Change Your Mind, Change Your Money, for an inspiring and candid conversation about her personal finance journey, the emotional side of money, and practical advice for educators and individuals seeking financial freedom.

In this NGPF Podcast episode, Wall Street Journal reporter Imani Moise breaks down the myths and realities of credit scores. She shares the story of Steve Michel, who spent five years mastering the credit score system to reach an 850. Imani discusses how credit scores are influenced, the rise of tools like Buy Now, Pay Later, and how financial education can help improve credit. This episode offers valuable insights into navigating the credit system and making informed financial decisions.

In this episode of the NGPF Speaker Series, Yanely welcomes Dr. Kim Harms, grief counselor and death doula, shares her unique perspective on end-of-life planning and legacy building. With decades of experience and a life shaped by personal loss, Dr. Harms discusses the importance of emotional and financial legacy planning. She also offers insights on how educators can introduce these sensitive topics to students, ensuring they understand the value of planning ahead. Tune in for practical advice and inspiring wisdom on preparing for life's inevitable transitions.

In this NGPF Podcast episode, Christian is joined by Professor Madelaine L'Esperance from the University of Alabama, who shares her team's research on the state of financial education in U.S. high schools. She discusses the Mapping Personal Finance Education Project, which analyzed over 10,000 course catalogs to assess access to personal finance courses. Professor L'Esperance highlights key findings, including the role of state policies in expanding financial education and the difference between standalone and embedded courses. Tune in to learn about the challenges and opportunities in improving financial literacy education for students.

In this NGPF Podcast episode, Yanely is joined by Kerry Woodward, an Executive Director at Philadelphia Financial Scholars. Kerry shares her unique journey from a successful career in finance to her work in urban education, where she's helping students and families gain financial empowerment. Philadelphia Financial Scholars partners with public schools to offer dedicated personal finance classes, while also extending workshops to families to promote financial literacy beyond the classroom. Kerry discusses the innovative approach her team uses to address the financial needs of underserved communities and how they're overcoming barriers to parental engagement. Tune in to learn how financial education can change lives and empower entire communities.

In this NGPF Podcast episode, Tim is joined by Lucretia Ryan, founder of FinancialFreedomForWomen.org, to dive deep into the complexities of Medicare. With years of experience helping women gain financial independence, Lucretia brings her expertise to the table, explaining the critical differences between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage. She breaks down the often-overlooked details, including hidden fees, prior authorizations, and how to make the best decision based on your health and future needs. Lucretia also offers resources to help you navigate retirement planning and avoid common financial pitfalls. Whether you're preparing for Medicare or helping a loved one, this episode provides valuable insights to make informed decisions.