Dollars and Dreams

Interview with Chandler Byrne: Investing, Financial Literacy, and the importance of Starting Early

On this episode of Dollars & Dreams, we sit down with Milton Academy senior Chandler Byrne, who is already making serious moves in the investing world, combining his love for tennis with his financial expertise to teach financial literacy to young, low-income athletes. We get into the reality of investing as a high schooler: Chandler shares his personal investing journey, how the fast-paced strategy of court sports translates to the stock market, and how he breaks down intimidating money concepts for his students. Whether you’re looking to make your very first investment, or you want to find ways to use your own skills to give back to the community, Chandler's insights prove that you don't have to wait until college to start building your future. In this episode, we cover: * How to filter out the hype and figure out what's actually worth investing in. * The unexpected ways being an athlete prepares you for the financial markets. * Chandler’s biggest early investing mistake and what he learned from it. * The absolute first step anyone should take to start investing today, even with limited funds.

Interview with Avaneesh Siruvuri: Breakthrough in Financial Literacy Education in India

In this episode, Avaneesh Siruvuri shares how an early interest in investing grew into a mission to expand financial literacy at Milton and in India. From launching Harkness-inspired economics discussions to creating a Middle School financial literacy program and leading workshops abroad, Avaneesh explains how conversation, curiosity, and real-world application can empower students to make smarter financial decisions across borders.

Interview with Luis Viceira: Making Sense of Money — Financial Strategies for Newcomers

In this episode of Dollars and Dreams, Adam sits down with Harvard Business School professor Luis Viceira to break down the financial basics every immigrant should know. From how credit scores work to the difference between 401(k)s and IRAs, Luis demystifies the U.S. financial system with clarity and care. He explains how newcomers can choose the right financial products, avoid hidden fees, and build smart investment strategies—no jargon, no pressure, just practical advice. Whether you’re new to the country or just new to managing money, this episode is your starter guide for financial literacy in America.

Interview with Riaz Cassum: Navigating Wealth, Work, and the American Dream

In this episode of Dollars and Dreams, Adam sits down with Riaz Cassum, a real estate finance executive who immigrated from Bombay to the U.S. with little more than ambition and curiosity. Riaz shares the early lessons he learned about money as a student navigating a foreign financial system, how cultural values shaped his view of saving and investing, and the turning points that led him to a global career in capital markets. It’s a conversation about calculated risks, generational mindset shifts, and the power of financial literacy to unlock opportunity.

Interview with Rana El Kaliouby: Her Story from Egypt to tech-CEO

In this episode of Dollars and Dreams, Adam interviews Egyptian-American tech entrepreneur Rana el Kaliouby about her journey from Cairo to MIT, from building emotion AI to building a life in America. But behind her success story is a financial learning curve. Rana opens up about the cultural mistrust of financial systems she inherited, her misunderstanding of 401(k)s, and how she nearly missed out on retirement savings entirely. From navigating complex systems to learning the value of asking questions, Rana shares what it takes to financially adapt—and thrive—as an immigrant.