85. Journey of Resilience, Risk & Reinvention - Joseph Shalaby

What does true wealth really mean? with Mark Wade

What does true wealth really mean? In this episode of the Get Smart With Money Podcast, Dayna Hernandez sits down with Mark Wade, a financial advisor with nearly five decades of experience helping individuals and families build wealth, protect their assets, and create meaningful legacies. But Mark's story goes far beyond financial planning. Growing up in Newark, working multiple jobs through college, surviving stage 4 cancer, and overcoming a triple bypass gave him a unique perspective on money, success, and what truly matters in life. Together, Dayna and Mark discuss: • The biggest financial mistakes people make • Why wealth is about more than money • Building a legacy for future generations • How life-changing challenges reshape priorities • The connection between values and financial decisions • What successful families do differently when it comes to money • Why it's never too late to take control of your financial future This conversation is filled with practical wisdom, personal stories, and powerful reminders that money is simply a tool to help create the life and impact you want. Whether you're just beginning your financial journey or thinking about the legacy you'll leave behind, this episode offers valuable insights for every stage of life.  Listen now on the Get Smart With Money Podcast.

Stop Overpaying Taxes and Start Building Wealth

Michael Uadiale is not your typical CPA.With over 25 years of tax and financial expertise, Michael has helped clients collectively save more than $15 million in taxes while building smarter pathways toward long-term financial freedom.As the founder of SMEED CPA, a 7-figure firm and member of the Tax-Free Wealth Network, Michael specializes in helping entrepreneurs think differently about taxes, wealth creation, and business strategy.Beyond his CPA practice, Michael has built six successful businesses in industries including real estate, technology, and telehealth, giving him firsthand experience in what it actually takes to grow and protect wealth.In this episode we discuss:• Strategic tax reduction for entrepreneurs• How taxes impact long-term wealth building• Passive income and real estate strategies• Business entity structure mistakes• Asset protection and financial freedom• How entrepreneurs should think differently about moneyIf you want to stop simply earning money and start keeping more of it, this episode is for you.🎙 Get Smart With Money Podcast

85. Journey of Resilience, Risk & Reinvention - Joseph Shalaby

In this powerful episode, Dayna sits down with Joseph Shalaby, founder and CEO of E Mortgage Capital, to unpack a story that goes far beyond business. From arriving in the U.S. as a child fleeing religious persecution in Egypt, to building a nationwide mortgage company from scratch, Joseph shares the real lessons behind resilience, reinvention, and long-term success. We talk about: Starting over with nothing—and what that teaches you about risk How adversity sharpens leadership and decision-making The mindset shifts required to rebuild after failure Why success is more about resilience than resources Lessons from Joseph’s book Rising from the Sand and his own podcast journey This is a conversation about grit, perspective, and building something meaningful—when the odds are stacked against you.

87. Disney to Bankruptcy to Success - Vance Morris

In this episode of the Get Smart with Money Podcast, Dayna sits down with entrepreneur and former Disney executive Vance Morris to explore the powerful lessons behind world-class customer service, resilience, and building businesses people truly love. Vance shares his unique journey—from running restaurants at Disney to facing bankruptcy and eventually rebuilding successful brick-and-mortar businesses. Along the way, he learned that great businesses aren’t built by luck—they’re built through systems, mindset, and a deep understanding of the customer experience. In this conversation, Vance breaks down practical strategies business owners can use immediately to improve cash flow, stand out from competitors, and turn average service into unforgettable experiences. In this episode, we discuss: * The hardest lesson Vance learned after going from Disney leadership to bankruptcy * What small businesses still misunderstand about customer experience * The first thing to fix when cash flow becomes tight * The mindset shift that helped him rebuild after failure * How Disney creates experiences that make people spend money—and leave happy * Why scaling too quickly can hurt your business * Systems that help entrepreneurs work smarter, not harder

86. From Setbacks to Scalable Success: Neil Twa

In this episode of the Get Smart with Money Podcast, Dayna sits down with Neil to unpack what it really takes to build a profitable Amazon FBA business. Neil shares his success path, the lessons learned behind the scenes, and the mindset shifts required to move from uncertainty to sustainable income. This conversation isn’t about overnight wins — it’s about systems, discipline, and making smart financial moves that actually work.