Skip The Debt Trap | Robert Farrington | Growing Money with Sean Trace

Skip The Debt Trap | Robert Farrington | Growing Money with Sean Trace

I sat down with Robert Farrington, founder of The College Investor, and we went deep on something no one is being truly honest about: the real cost of a college degree.  Robert has spent nearly 20 years breaking down the intersection of education and money, and the clarity he brings to this conversation is something every student, parent, and young professional needs to hear.  We talked about why federal student loans are actually some of the most flexible debt available, yet most borrowers don't even know what options they have.  We broke down why master's degrees are the most financially dangerous education decision people are making right now, why the average borrower doesn't finish their degree, and why that's the most expensive outcome of all.  Are you still carrying student loan debt — and do you actually know all the repayment options available to you?

Luxury Trips, Tiny Price | Brandon Okamoto | Growing Money Podcast

In this episode of Growing Money with Sean Trace, I sit down with credit card points consultant and travel concierge Brandon Okamoto to uncover how everyday spending can unlock unforgettable travel experiences. Brandon began studying credit cards and travel rewards at just 15 years old, eventually learning how to book international flights and luxury vacations for a fraction of their normal cost. We discuss why earning points should never mean spending more money, how business owners may be leaving thousands of dollars in travel value unused, and why choosing the most popular premium credit card is not always the smartest strategy. Brandon also explains the difference between redeeming points through travel portals and transferring them directly to airline or hotel partners. Beyond credit card points, we explore the value of time, freedom, meaningful experiences, and building a business around work you genuinely enjoy.  This conversation proves that smart financial planning is not only about saving more, it is also about using what you already spend to experience more of life.

Is Your Advisor Biased? | Thomas J. Manetta | Growing Money with Sean Trace

In this episode of Growing Money with Sean Trace, I sit down with Thomas Manetta, a 35-year wealth management veteran and independent firm owner based in the San Francisco Bay Area.  Thomas pulls back the curtain on something most financial advisors won't admit - for decades, the industry was built on information asymmetry, incentive misalignment, and selling products that served the firm, not the client.  We get into why money feels so overwhelming for most families, how AI is reshaping financial services from the inside out, and what Thomas calls his three pillars: clarity, confidence, and care.  He also shares a deeply personal story about losing his mother at age seven and nearly burning himself out building his business, and why slowing down was the move that saved everything. When it comes to your finances, what's one area where you feel like you still don't have clarity?

Smart People Lose Money | Daniel M. Kopp | Growing Money with Sean Trace

I sat down with Daniel Kopp, CFP and founder of Wise Stewardship Financial Planning, for one of the most honest conversations I've had on this show about what financial planning actually means. Daniel specializes in two groups that most advisors overlook - active duty military families and young widows, and the way he approaches both completely reframes how I think about money.  We talked about why grief and financial anxiety are so deeply intertwined, how to slow down decision-making in the middle of a life crisis, and why the biggest financial mistakes people make have almost nothing to do with math.  What's one money belief you grew up with that you've had to completely unlearn as an adult?

Your Enough Number | Ohan Kayikchyan | Growing Money with Sean Trace

I sat down with Ohan Kayikchyan, Ph.D., founder and Chief Harmony Officer of Alohana Financial, for a conversation about money, meaning, purpose, and why so many people can look financially successful on paper but still feel burned out, stressed, or empty inside.  Ohan brings a unique perspective as a CFP professional, Ph.D. in economics, enrolled agent, and registered life planner, but what stood out most to me was how deeply he connects money back to life itself. We talked about why money should be treated as a tool, not the finish line, and how chasing “more” without knowing your values can leave you running in circles. We also got into fatherhood, legacy, death, burnout, consumerism, emotional spending, and what it really means to live in harmony with your finances. This episode is about financial peace, not just financial success. What does “enough” actually look like for you?