A Mission for Money Education. A Sit Down With Mark Olazagasti

Send us Fan MailMost people have a few, or a dozen, financial mistakes they look back on and really regret. For many,  becoming financial savvy is learned through trial and error and living with a few regrets from your younger years is all part of the process. Isn’t it ridiculous credit card companies send applications to 18 year old kids before they even graduate high school? With predatory practices everywhere you turn and lines of credit increasingly accessible - it’s all too easy to make a few blunders, right? Well, a recent Outside Insights guest is on a mission to help prevent this. In this episode of Outside Insights, I sit down with Mark Olazagasti, a first generation entrepreneur and lifelong Delawarean. Mark recently retired from his role of managing partner at Info Solutions, an IT infrastructure consulting and managed services company he co-founded. During our chat, Mark got transparent around his personal experiences with finances. He was raised by a single mother who struggled financially, started a business during the Great Recession and learned tough lessons about debt after making mistakes that many people have before, like buying furniture before being paid. Now, through his nonprofit YourMoney101, Mark advocates for personal finance to be taught in all Delaware high schools. He also personally provides financial mentoring and education to individuals and companies. As a father to two young people and someone who has learned from past financial mistakes, I think this mission is all too important. In this episode, you’ll hear:- Mark's origin story and lessons learned from starting a business- Why Mark was inspired to advocate for personal finance education in schools- Common money and debt mistakes people make- The importance of tracking income vs expenses- Managing psychology around money decisions- Book recommendations for learning about personal finance - include a list below as well for easy reference! Mark’s Budgeting SpreadsheetMark’s Credit Card Debt Payoff Calculator Spreadsheet Book Recommendations from a finance wiz:The Index Card: Why Personal Finance Doesn't Have to Be Complicated by Helaine Olen and Harold PollackThe Psychology of Money: Timeless Lessons on Wealth, Greed, and Happiness by Morgan HouselThe Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck: A Counterintuitive Approach to Living a Good Life by Mark MansonThe Power of Now: A Guide to Spiritual Enlightenment