Real Stories Ep 42: Ericka Young Rewrites Her Money Story

Before she was a financial wellness expert and best-selling author, Ericka Young was a person navigating debt. She and her husband accumulated $90,000 worth of debt early in their marriage. As the parent of a college student and daughter starting off on her own, Ericka has prioritized honest communication when it comes to money. With 17 years in business, Ericka has supported over 500 families as a certified financial coach. Her mission? Helping people crush debt so that they can design a vibrant and intentional life. She believes that personal finance transcends numbers and has developed creative strategies to break down barriers to financial success. In 2017, she penned her 1st best-selling book, Naked and Unashamed: 10 Money Conversations Every Couple Must Have. Ericka has developed financial wellness programs for companies and organizations to reduce employee stress and improve the overall bottom line. Learn more about her story at www.erickayoung.com Key Moments 3:09 Ericka recounts how she and her husband accumulated and paid down $90,000 in student loans, auto loans, and credit card debt. 5:24 A wake-up call reminds them why having an emergency fund is so crucial. 7:50 She discusses their experience navigating her husband’s layoff. 9:50 Ericka shares the money lessons she learned growing up in a single parent household. 14:50 She reflects on her passion when it comes to talking about money with others, including her kids. 19:44 Ericka explains how she began a career helping others with their money. 27:29 She emphasizes the importance of empowering her daughters to make wise financial decisions. 29:46 Ericka reveals an analogy when it comes to budgeting. 33:58 She addresses how people might cope during a time of historical inflation. 38:23 Ericka discusses the challenges she faced as she and her daughter considered what school she might attend. 44:00 She shares the approach she and her husband take toward money conversations. 51:43 Our co-hosts reflect on the themes in Ericka’s story.