Don't Follow Your Passion | Brendan O'Rourke | Growing Money with Sean Trace

More Money Some Problems | The Sean Trace Show

We've all heard the phrase: more money, more problems. But that's not entirely true. Money can solve a lot of problems. It can reduce stress, create opportunities, provide security, and give you options. The real challenge is that money doesn't eliminate problems—it changes them. In this episode, I talk about happiness, lifestyle inflation, responsibility, relationships, the fear of losing what you've built, and why defining "enough" may be one of the most important financial skills you'll ever develop. Because the goal isn't simply more money. The goal is building a life that's worth living once you get it.

Lifestyle Creep Hurts | Logan Bennis | Growing Money with Sean Trace

I sat down with Logan Bennis, a financial advisor out of Dunedin, Florida, who works with business owners and families to untangle their financial lives and actually build something that lasts.  We got into the real reasons why people who earn good money still feel broke, it almost always comes back to lifestyle creep, keeping up with appearances, and skipping the unsexy stuff like disability insurance and estate planning that nobody wants to talk about.  Logan broke down the biggest mistakes he sees walking through his door every single day, from families with zero protection on their assets to people chasing get-rich-quick schemes online while ignoring the slow, boring path that actually made every one of his 100+ millionaire clients wealthy.  What's one money habit you wish someone had taught you before you turned 18?

The Founder’s Trap | Charles Gaudet | Growing Money with Sean Trace

In this episode of Growing Money with Sean Trace, I sit down with Charles Gaudet, CEO of Predictable Profits, to talk about what it really takes to grow a business in a world where hard work alone is no longer enough.  Charles breaks down the difference between starting a business from scratch and buying into one with existing momentum, why so many founders fall into the “founder’s trap,” and how success can sometimes create more pressure, burnout, and dependency instead of freedom. We also talk about AI, business strategy, trust, authenticity, founder branding, and why companies need to focus less on outputs and more on real outcomes. One of my favorite parts of this conversation is Charles’ reminder that the most successful people he has met are also the most curious. They do not assume they know everything. They keep asking better questions, solving bigger problems, and building businesses around impact instead of ego. What do you think is more important for building a successful business today: working harder, asking better questions, or solving better problems?

The Cozy Budget | Anne Serrano | Growing Money with Sean Trace

In this episode of Growing Money with Sean Trace, I sit down with Anne Serrano, a CFP professional who helps the rising generation build a healthier relationship with money. We talk about why so many people feel guilt, shame, and anxiety when they look at their bank account, and why budgeting does not have to feel restrictive or miserable. Anne shares a softer, more human approach called cozy budgeting, where money becomes less about punishment and more about building a life that actually feels good. We also talk about comparison, social media, financial stress, and why smart, hardworking people can still feel overwhelmed by money. One of the biggest takeaways for me was that the first financial habit is not always about numbers. Sometimes it is simply learning how to pause, breathe, notice what is happening, and make one compassionate decision at a time. This conversation is really about money, but it is also about self-trust, future-you, and creating a financial plan that feels like home. What is one money habit you want to make feel less stressful and more peaceful?

Stop Trying to Look Rich | Growing Money With Sean Trace

Walk through any mall and you'll see luxury brands, expensive watches, designer bags, and people chasing the appearance of success. The problem? Looking rich and building wealth are often two very different things. In this episode of Growing Money with Sean Trace, I explore why so many people spend money to impress others, how lifestyle inflation quietly destroys financial progress, and what truly wealthy people often do differently. We discuss: • Status vs. wealth • Lifestyle inflation • Social media and comparison • Assets vs. liabilities • Financial freedom vs. appearances • How to stop spending for validation This isn't about avoiding nice things. It's about asking yourself one simple question: Are you buying it because you want it, or because you want other people to notice it? What's one purchase you regret making just to impress someone?