EPISODE 45 | Rachel Wilkerson | From Financial Survival to Freedom: A Journey of Resilience and Empowerment

EPISODE 52 | Carl Richards | Money, Meaning & “Profit = Permission”: Closing the Gap Between Knowing and Doing

Welcome back to MONEYO2! In this conversation, I’m joined by Carl Richards—the creator of the Sketch Guy column, a CFP®, and bestselling author whose simple drawings help people see money more clearly. Carl’s story begins with an accidental entry into finance and evolves into a career dedicated to helping people talk honestly about money, align decisions with values, and take action. Carl and I explore how money acts like a mirror—revealing what we truly value through how we spend our time and money—and how real change happens when we move from “knowing” to doing. In this episode, Carl shares: * The origin story behind his finance career and the Sketch Guy [https://www.nytimes.com/column/sketch-guy] work that made money feel understandable * Why money is a portal to what matters—and how to read your spending/time for clues about your values * A kinder way to start money talks: give yourself permission to be clumsy, and don’t give yourself permission to quit * “Profit = permission”—a mindset shift that turns profit into fuel to keep doing the work (plus his essay, “Cash Flow Love”) * A real family moment: staying in a hard conversation with his kids about tradeoffs (tuition, trips, expectations) and finding pride in discipline * The “Isn’t this enough?” question and the generational scripts and shame many of us carry about money * His next book: a beautifully designed coffee-table project meant to spark everyday money conversations—on a salon counter, at a yoga studio, not just on CNBC Why this matters for students, educators, and leaders: Money touches every journey. These simple frameworks—naming values, talking openly, and treating profit as permission—help close the gap between what we know and what we do. 📣 I’d love to hear what resonated—DM me @erinkuhnbhansali [https://www.instagram.com/erinkuhnbhansali/?hl=en] or email erin.kuhn@qnityinc.com [erin.kuhn@qnityinc.com]. Your feedback shapes future episodes and resources for schools and owners. To explore Carl’s work, check out The Behavior Gap [https://behaviorgap.com/] and The One-Page Financial Plan, and follow him on Instagram @behaviorgap [https://www.instagram.com/behaviorgap/], and keep an eye out for his new design-forward book of sketches aimed at sparking real money conversations.  Thanks for listening—see you next time! Erin

EPISODE 47 | Zachary (Zach) Foust | From “AI-Proof” Careers to Homeownership: Money, Housing & The Next Gen Reality

Welcome back to MONEYO2! In this timely episode, I'm joined by real estate executive and ‘influencer Zachary (Zach) Foust @zachary.loft—a real estate executive turned influencer who's reshaping conversations around money, work, the economy, and housing. Zach's journey wasn't linear: after working in the prison system and navigating years of trial-and-error, he built a profitable business that now sells 100+ homes annually—and along the way, completely transformed his approach to money, discipline, and freedom. Zach and I dive deep into the real headwinds facing today's students and young professionals: a market where median income barely scratches what's needed to afford a home, and a "K-shaped economy" where newcomers feel locked out while others surge ahead. We also explore how content culture can derail sustainable career building—and reveal the mindset shifts that actually create forward momentum. In this episode, Zach opens up about: * His transformation from prison system worker to leading real estate executive * Why "American dirt" (housing) evolved into a financial asset class—and what this means for first-time buyers * Practical strategies when traditional homebuying math doesn't work: partnering with family/friends, adjusting timelines, and focusing on what you can control * His targeted advice for Gen Z and early-career professionals * Daily disciplines that compound over time: consuming long-form, quality content and embracing the "investor, not consumer" mindset Why this matters for students, educators, and leaders: Money impacts every life journey, and today's economic landscape operates by different rules. Zach's refreshing candor and genuine passion for equipping the next generation with awareness of these NEW rules made this conversation especially meaningful. 📣 I'd love to hear what resonated with you—DM me anytime @erinkuhnbhansali or email erin.kuhn@qnityinc.com. Your feedback truly helps shape future episodes and student resources. Thanks for listening—see you next time! Erin

EPISODE 46 | Chris Baran | Overcoming your Disabling Story

Welcome back to MONEYO2! Today, we’re joined by Chris Baran, renowned Educator and Coach - who talks about the real process of creating transformation.  Chris shares his inspiring journey to overcome your “disabling stories.” This episode is packed with practical tips, mindset shifts, and empowering advice to help you break free from financial stress and build a prosperous future. In this episode, we dive into: * Chris’s personal disabling story  * How to identify and rewrite the stories you tell about yourself * Steps to build habits that support long-term financial wellbeing * The importance of connecting with your deeper “why” to stay motivated * And so much more Thanks so much for tuning in! These conversations are a labor of love, and my hope is that you come away feeling inspired and ready to build your financial confidence. 📩 I’d love to hear what resonated with you—DM me @erinkuhnbhansali [https://www.instagram.com/erinkuhnbhansali/] or email me at erin.kuhn@qnityinc.com [erin.kuhn@qnityinc.com]. To connect with Chris Baran, visit his website [https://chrisbaran.com/] or follow him on Instagram @coachchrisbaran [https://www.instagram.com/coachchrisbaran/]. See you next time! Erin

EPISODE 45 | Rachel Wilkerson | From Financial Survival to Freedom: A Journey of Resilience and Empowerment

Welcome back to MONEYO2! In this deeply personal episode, I’m joined by Rachel Wilkerson — our amazing partner coordinator at Qnity and a passionate advocate for financial wellness and literacy. Rachel’s journey is a testament to resilience: from navigating early motherhood and domestic violence to overcoming financial hardship and rebuilding her life with intentionality and courage. Rachel grew up in a family without financial education, faced the challenges of single motherhood, bankruptcy, and low credit scores, yet through determination and learning, she transformed her financial story. She’s also the founder of Rise, a nonprofit dedicated to empowering survivors through support, healing, and community connection. In this episode, Rachel opens up about: • Growing up without financial education and the impact on her family’s future • Navigating single motherhood, bankruptcy, and rebuilding credit • How teaching financial literacy to students changed her own money mindset • The power of starting small and staying consistent in your financial journey • Founding Rise — a nonprofit dedicated to supporting survivors with empowerment and healing • The deep connection between financial freedom, personal healing, and community impact Rachel’s vulnerability and resilience remind us all that financial freedom is possible — no matter where you start. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by money or unsure how to break the cycle, this episode is for you. I’d love to hear what moved or inspired you in this conversation — DM me anytime @erinkuhnbhansali [https://www.instagram.com/erinkuhnbhansali/] or email me at erin.kuhn@qnityinc.com [erin.kuhn@qnityinc.com]. Your feedback means the world. Follow Rachel on Instagram @rachelwilkerson [https://www.instagram.com/rachel_romeswilkerson/] to stay connected and inspired.Thanks for listening — see you next time! -Erin

EPISODE 44 | SCHOOL FEATURE | How Phil Wood achieved his financial dreams

In this episode, I'm joined by Phil Wood—a powerhouse educator who turned a dream into reality through strategic goal-setting, relentless work ethic, and smart financial planning. Phil's story is one of transformation: from being homeless at 15 to living his dream life in Hawaii while supporting his family and in-laws. In this episode, Phil shares: * How vision boards and written goals helped him achieve every major milestone—house, dream BMW, and Hawaii move * Building multiple income streams over 20+ years in beauty education * The financial discipline and work ethic required to make dreams reality * How self-worth and financial success are deeply connected Phil worked 16-18 hour days across three jobs, made strategic spending choices, and built his career from service desk to national educator. His disciplined approach ultimately allowed him to become the primary breadwinner supporting his husband and elderly in-laws in paradise. Phil proves that with clear goals, smart spending choices, and unwavering work ethic, you can design and fund the life of your dreams—even if you start with nothing. I'd love to hear what you took away from this episode—DM me anytime @erinkuhnbhansali or email me at erin.kuhn@qnityinc.com [erin.kuhn@qnityinc.com]. To stay connected with Phil, follow him on Instagram @philipjames_pmfs [https://www.instagram.com/philipjames_pmfs/?hl=en#] Thanks for listening—see you next time! Erin