Growing Money with Sean Trace

Doing everything yourself might feel like you're saving money, but what is it actually costing you?Entrepreneurs, business owners, and even everyday investors often fall into the same trap: “Why should I pay someone else when I can just do it myself?”I’ve done it too.On a recent filming trip to Napa, I was the camera operator, interviewer, producer, and everything in between. When I got home and looked at the footage, I realized something important: when you’re responsible for everything, it becomes very easy to miss things.And the same problem can happen with your money.In this episode of Growing Money, I talk about the hidden cost of doing everything yourself, the value of buying back your time, and how to start building a team of professionals around your finances and business.I'm not a CFP, CPA, or financial guru. I'm figuring this stuff out too! And Growing Money is all about figuring it out together.If you have a personal finance, investing, business, or money question, drop it in the comments. I’ll continue bringing in professionals who can help us find better answers.

I sat down with Paul Walter, founder of The Donor's CPA, to talk about something most business owners get completely wrong: waiting until tax season to think about taxes at all. Paul spent a decade working everywhere from small family firms to the Big Four before starting his own practice built around a simple idea: helping generous business owners avoid surprise tax bills and actually maximize their giving. We got into why so many entrepreneurs treat taxes as an afterthought, the biggest mistake charitable people make when donating without a plan, and how something as simple as giving appreciated stock instead of cash can double your tax benefit. Do you think you have to be wealthy before you can start giving back?

I sat down again with Cristian Mundy, a certified financial planner and senior wealth manager working with professional athletes and entertainers. Cristian broke down how a first big paycheck isn't the finish line, it's the start of a whole new game, and how spending becomes permanent even when the income isn't. We talked taxes nobody budgets for, why surrounding yourself with the wrong people can be more dangerous than signing a bad contract, and why athletic discipline doesn't automatically translate into financial discipline. What's the first thing you'd do if a big check landed in your account tomorrow?

I almost bought a camera I didn’t need.And the only thing that stopped me wasn’t discipline, budgeting, or some amazing financial habit.It was friction.After a recent filming trip to Napa Valley, I convinced myself I needed a new camera. I had the use case. I had the specs picked out. I had the business justification. I was ready to buy it.Then the seller made it slightly harder for me to pay.That tiny inconvenience gave me enough time to go home, look at the gear I already owned, and realize something:I didn’t need the camera.In this episode of Growing Money, I talk about why making spending TOO easy can work against us, how we turn wants into “needs,” and why intentionally adding friction back into your financial life might save you more money than relying on willpower.I also share the simple 48–72 hour rule I’m trying to use before bigger purchases and the opportunity-cost question that completely changed how I looked at this one:Would I rather have another camera… or a plane ticket that could actually help me grow my business?Sometimes the smartest financial decision isn’t “never.”It’s just: not now.Let me know in the comments: What’s something you almost bought, or actually bought, because you convinced yourself you “needed” it?

I sat down with Adam Van Deusen from Kitces.com to talk about something we don't discuss enough in personal finance: what "enough" actually means for you. We got into why so many people worry they'll never have enough to retire, even when they're doing the right things, and why comparing yourself to influencers or the next tax bracket is a losing game.We talked about the arrival fallacy, why hitting your number doesn't automatically make you happy, and how to actually give yourself permission to spend money you worked hard to save. I loved his take on buying back your time instead of just buying more stuff.What does "enough" actually look like for you right now?

I sat down with Jack Heintzelman, partner at Altara Wealth and board member of the Financial Planning Association. We went way past budgets and spreadsheets into what money actually means to people, why couples avoid the money talk until it blows up their relationship, and why the  $2M client and the $20M client are often losing sleep over the exact same fears. Jack broke down why the most powerful financial habits are the boring ones, why compound interest beats chasing hot investments, and how one simple net worth statement can pull you out of feeling overwhelmed. What's one money habit you've built that's completely changed your financial life?

In this episode of Growing Money, I sit down with Shannah Game to talk about the side of personal finance that spreadsheets can’t explain: our emotions, identity, habits, and deeply rooted beliefs about money. We explore why someone can have plenty of money and still feel financially unsafe, why so many of us constantly think, “I should be further ahead by now,” and how childhood experiences can continue shaping our financial decisions decades later.We also talk about money guilt, emotional spending, defining what “enough” actually means, and why earning more isn’t always the answer. Shannah explains how our bank accounts can change much faster than our nervous systems and why small experiments may be more effective than trying to completely overhaul our financial lives overnight.We also get into career changes, comparison, personal growth, and giving yourself permission to step outside the box you’ve built around money and success.What money belief have you carried for years that you’re starting to realize might not actually be yours?

In this episode, I sit down with Robert Dillard, an insurance and special needs planning specialist who works alongside financial planners, estate attorneys, and CPAs to help families protect what matters most. Robert opens up about growing up in a broken, low-income household, living with autism, ADHD, dyslexia, and dysgraphia himself, and raising a nonverbal autistic son who requires round-the-clock care. He shares the gut-wrenching story of his mother's term life policy lapsing just three days before she passed away, and how that moment shaped his entire career. What's one financial conversation you've been putting off with your family?

What if you could go back 20 years and make better money decisions?I ran into an old college friend while I was out filming at a winery, and our conversation got me thinking about Back to the Future, Hot Tub Time Machine, and one question that hits a lot harder as you get older: what would you actually change if you could go back?I wouldn’t want to rewrite my life. I love my wife, my daughter, and the journey that got me here. But financially? There are absolutely decisions I would make differently.In this episode of Growing Money, I talk about protecting your future self by making better decisions today. You don’t need to know what the next Apple, Google, or Amazon will be. You don’t have to make perfect financial decisions either. But small choices made consistently over time can completely change where you end up.I talk about investing early, diversification, building equity through business ownership, increasing your income, spending less than you make, and some of my own financial mistakes, including student loan debt. I also explain why I don’t believe financial freedom means never buying another latte. The goal is to build a financial life strong enough that buying one doesn’t matter.This is also the beginning of a new direction for Growing Money. Over the next 52 weeks, I’m going to explore how we can earn more money, keep more of what we earn, invest intelligently, build ownership, avoid costly mistakes, and create a richer life without pretending any of us have all the answers.I’m figuring this out too.And I want to bring you along for the journey.

In this episode, I sit down with George Burnett, Director of Philanthropic Consulting and Wealth at Callan Family Office, to talk about what happens after you build wealth and why the hardest part often has nothing to do with investment returns. We get into generational wealth, estate planning, wealth transfer, philanthropy, family communication, and the money anxiety that can exist at every level of financial success. George explains why families can spend decades accumulating wealth but wait until the last minute to plan what happens next, and why communication may matter even more than the legal documents themselves. We also explore the danger of chasing more without remembering why you wanted financial success in the first place, how scarcity can affect even ultra-wealthy families, and why a strong financial plan should create a “floor” of stability for the people you love. Ultimately, this conversation is about building a legacy measured not just by money, but by relationships, intention, impact, and what you leave behind.

In this episode of Growing Money with Sean Trace, I sit down with Matthew Nelson of Perspective 6 Wealth Advisors to talk about something that gets lost in most conversations about financial success: what does “enough” actually look like? Matthew works with business owners, executives, and people with equity compensation, and we dig into why a high income doesn’t automatically create financial freedom.We explore the psychology of money, why successful entrepreneurs keep chasing the next milestone, the danger of spreading your time and money across too many opportunities, and why focusing on one meaningful goal can actually get you further faster. Matthew also explains the difference between financial independence and simply earning a lot, why business owners need to protect their time and energy, and how succession planning becomes about purpose and legacy, not just a payday.At some point, building more wealth stops being the only question. How do you know when you actually have enough?

I sat down with certified financial planner Robyn Jameson, who's spent 24 years helping successful families build real wealth. Robyn breaks down why so many high earners still feel financially anxious, and the answer isn't about income at all, it's about clarity. We talk about concentration risk hiding inside portfolios that people assume are diversified, the danger of comparing our everyday lives to everyone else's highlight reel, and why the biggest financial mistakes aren't dramatic, they're small decisions repeated for years. What's one financial habit you wish you'd started earlier?

Being busy doesn’t automatically mean your business is making money. In this episode of Growing Money with Sean Trace, I sit down with Dr. Snohomish Brown, senior business advisor with Rock Financial and a doctor of acupuncture and Chinese medicine, to break down what business owners really need to understand about cash flow, business funding, debt, and financial health. We talk about why profitable businesses can still run out of cash, why the best time to explore business financing is often before you desperately need it, and how working capital, lines of credit, SBA loans, equipment financing, and accounts receivable funding can serve very different purposes. We also dig into the warning signs business owners shouldn’t ignore, from declining balances and payroll stress to avoiding the numbers altogether. The biggest lesson keeps coming back to one thing: know your numbers. Revenue might look exciting, but profit, cash flow, customer acquisition costs, margins, and cash runway are what keep a business alive.What’s one number in your business you know you should be paying more attention to?

I sat down with wealth management expert and author Ben Bolen who wrote Clarity Before Crisis after watching families fall apart, not because of money, but because nobody talked before a crisis hit. We dug into why kids struggle to ask their parents the tough questions, why grief changes how we think, and why an estate can be technically "in order" while the family behind it is falling apart. Ben shared personal stories from his own family and his time as a combat veteran, and broke down the four-step conversation every family needs to have about care: what level of care is needed, who provides it, where someone will live, and how it gets paid for. If this episode resonates with you, head to claritybeforecrisis.com to take Ben's free clarity assessment and find out exactly where your family stands. If something happened to you tomorrow, does your family actually know what you'd want, or are they guessing?

I have a bad habit with cash: if it’s in my wallet, I tend to spend it.But not carrying cash has created its own problems — especially when something unexpected comes up and suddenly cash is the only option.So this week, I’m trying a simple experiment: Emergency Wallet Cash.I keep a fixed amount of cash in my wallet, but mentally treat it as money that has already been spent. It isn’t available for coffee, snacks, random purchases, or anything else. It’s there only for those annoying little situations where cash suddenly becomes necessary.It’s basically the envelope method, just inside my wallet.Personal finance isn’t always about complicated math. A lot of it comes down to understanding your own habits and creating rules that protect you from the decisions you know you’re likely to make.Sometimes even changing the name of your money can change how you behave with it.So now it’s not “cash in my wallet.”It’s my cash emergency fund.I’m testing this for a week and I’ll check back in to tell you whether I actually managed to leave it alone.How do you keep yourself from spending the cash in your wallet?

I sat down with Otto Rivera, a certified financial planner who built his entire career out of loss. He lost his mother at 18 after his father's terminal diagnosis, dropped out of college, worked forklift jobs and kitchen shifts to support his 3 younger brothers, and eventually found his way back to school and into finance at General Electric, before launching his own practice, Mindful Wealth Planning. We talk about faith, isolation, and why community is the antidote to almost every hard season in life. We also get into the emotional side of money, why "financial freedom" means something different for every person, and the advice he'd give his younger self standing at rock bottom. If you could give your younger self one piece of financial advice, what would it be?

Nai came into our lives scared, nervous, and unsure if she was safe.Now she is one of the most loving little dogs you could imagine.That transformation got me thinking about money.A lot of us carry financial fear from things that happened years ago. Maybe it was growing up without enough, losing money, getting into debt, or simply never feeling financially secure.And even when life gets better, that fear can stick around.In this episode of Growing Money, I talk about Nai, what it took for her to finally feel safe, and why healing our relationship with money can work the same way.Sometimes building wealth is not just about earning more.Sometimes it is about finally believing you are safe.

I sit down with Justin Bennett, owner of Strong Tower Consulting and author of Level Up Your Finances, to unpack why so many of us feel broke even when we're earning more than ever. We dig into the real reason budgets fail, why a budget is really just a glorified shopping list, and how tracking every small purchase reveals the death by a thousand cuts that quietly drains bank accounts. Justin also opens up about the shame so many people feel around money and why courage, not perfection, is what actually changes a financial trajectory. What's one small daily purchase you didn't realize was quietly adding up until you actually tracked it?

I sat down with DonJay Rice, a financial behavior specialist who spent 28 years as a financial advisor before dedicating his career entirely to the emotional and psychological side of money. We dig into why so many of us carry hidden money beliefs formed in childhood, why budgeting classes fail nine out of ten people, and why knowledge alone never changes behavior. Donjay breaks down the three money personalities: distant, domineering, and dutiful and explains how our subconscious hijacks our decisions the moment we feel unsafe. We talk about stress spending, money guilt among high earners, the shame of feeling like you're "bad with money".Which money personality do you think you are: distant, domineering, or dutiful and where do you think that belief first came from?

In this episode of Growing Money with Sean Trace, I sit down with Certified Financial Planner Danielle Frazier to explore what financial success actually looks like beyond expensive cars, luxury purchases, and the version of wealth we constantly see on social media.Danielle brings more than 20 years of experience in financial services, along with a background in psychology, which makes this conversation less about numbers and more about our relationship with money. We talk about financial peace, lifestyle creep, instant gratification, saving consistently, and why having more money doesn’t automatically create happiness.We also dig into the difference between looking wealthy and actually building financial security, why social media can distort our definition of success, and how having savings can turn a financial disaster into a manageable inconvenience. Danielle shares why contentment, preparation, balance, and understanding your personal “why” may matter more than chasing an arbitrary number in your bank account.If money is supposed to improve your life, what would financial success actually look like for you?

I sit down with financial coach Kelsa Dickey to unpack why so many smart, disciplined people still struggle with money. I learn that traditional budgeting fails 80% of people, not because they lack willpower, but because the whole system is built backward, obsessively tracking what we already spent instead of planning for what's coming.Kelsa walks me through her three-movement framework, spend fixed, spend future, and spend freely, and shows me how mapping paychecks forward instead of reviewing them backward eliminates guilt, decision fatigue, and the constant feeling of being two steps forward, two steps back. If you've ever felt like a failure for abandoning a budget app, this episode will change how you see money completely.What's one recurring expense you know is coming but never actually prepare for until it hits you?

I sat down with Scott Miller, a financial outcome coach who spent nearly a decade climbing out of tens of thousands of dollars in consumer debt after losing his job in 2008. Scott breaks down the real difference between a financial coach and a financial advisor, why "awareness is curative" might be the three most important words you ever hear about your finances, and how tracking your spending, not cutting coupons or chasing a perfect FICO score, is the single habit that changes everything. We talk about lifestyle inflation, the shame that keeps people from asking for help, and why the first step out of debt is never about willpower, it is about knowing exactly where you stand right now.What is one expense you have never actually tracked?

I sat down with Mike Kelly, CFP®, founder of Kelly Financial Planning and Right Path Enterprises, for a conversation that went far beyond investing, retirement, or how much money you need to be successful. We talked about why so many people spend years climbing a ladder they never consciously chose, chasing money, status, recognition, and success without stopping to define what they actually want from life.Mike shared how working 16 to 18-hour days, neglecting his health and relationships, and eventually reaching a breaking point forced him to reconsider what success really meant. We explore life planning, finding your purpose, defining your “enough,” building habits around what matters, and why your calendar and spending can reveal your true priorities better than your goals ever will.We also discuss how to get unstuck, the power of mentors and accountability, and why financial freedom means very little if you lose your sense of purpose along the way.If money and status disappeared from the equation, what would success actually look like for you?

I sat down with Dr. Wally T. Luckeydoo, a high school personal finance teacher in Smyrna, Tennessee, for a conversation that hit way closer to home than I expected. We got into why money is still one of the most taboo topics in American households, even though it touches literally every part of our lives. Wally shared his own story of ending up trapped in student loan debt because no one ever told him trade school was an option. We talked about why kids form money habits way earlier than we realize, and why compound interest might be the single most powerful lesson no one teaches before graduation. What's one money mistake you made young that you wish someone had warned you about?

I sat down with Vered Frank, certified financial planner and founder of Stack Wealth, and we got into why so many people who make good money still feel completely stressed out about it. Vered breaks down why having an actual financial plan can boost your confidence by over 80%, versus just 40% for those winging it, and it's not about how much you earn. We talk about the shame that keeps people from even looking at their bank accounts, and why she tells her own clients to use AI tools like Claude to review their spending without judgment. What's one money habit you picked up as a kid that you're still trying to unlearn today?

I sat down with Hayden Ess, a wealth management expert with deep experience in annuities, advisor transitions, and financial planning, to unpack why so many of us feel lost when it comes to money. Hayden breaks down why financial advisors are becoming less like number-crunchers and more like life coaches, and why fee transparency should be the baseline, not the exception. We dig into why young people are more comfortable day trading than actually investing for the long haul, and why that's backwards.  We also talk about his work with Fiduciary Gives, a nonprofit helping future CFPs earn their certification through scholarships.What's one money lesson you wish someone had taught you before you turned 18?

In this episode of Growing Money, I sit down with Dr. Joshua Wilson to explore the psychology behind money, trust, marketing, and business decisions. Joshua explains why expertise, credentials, and technical knowledge are not enough to earn someone’s trust. Before people evaluate your financial plan, service, or business offer, their brains are already deciding whether they feel safe, understood, and comfortable with you.We discuss neurobehavioral finance, emotional decision-making, financial anxiety, and why people often feel first and justify their choices later. Joshua also reveals why successful entrepreneurs and high earners can remain deeply insecure even after achieving financial success. More money may improve the numbers, but it does not automatically create peace, confidence, or emotional stability.We also explore what separates great financial advisors from technically skilled ones, why generic marketing makes businesses invisible, and how trust becomes the first real sale. This conversation is a powerful reminder that people do not simply buy information, they choose the person they trust to deliver it.Has achieving more ever made you feel safer, or did it simply give you more to worry about?

I sat down with Stevyn Guinnip, a health coach who works exclusively with financially minded people, and this conversation completely reframed how I think about wealth. Stevyn treats health like a financial asset, using money language to explain biology: abdominal fat as high-interest debt, muscle as a currency you spend down after forty, stress as a tax bracket quietly eroding your reserves.We talk about her own near-death experience with sepsis, the four-part framework she calls Mind, Mend, Meals, and Move, and why muscle loss after thirty might be the most underrated threat to long-term wealth.Do you know your own health "credit score" and are you investing in it the way you invest in your money?

Money is never just money - and this episode of Growing Money proves it. I sat down with Joy Slabaugh, a CFP turned licensed trauma counselor, who's spent her career at the exact intersection of finance and emotional healing. Joy walked me through why our anxiety around money almost always traces back to three deep human needs: safety, freedom, or connection. We got into the "eating cat food alone" fear that shows up again and again in her sessions with wealthy clients, why financial advisors are rarely trained to sit with emotion, and how compulsive spending, hoarding, or even chasing the next dollar often has nothing to do with logic and everything to do with a story we inherited. What's the earliest memory you have about money, and do you think it's still shaping how you handle it today?

I sat down with Brian Wagman, a public equities investor and Bentley University grad, to break down what actually builds wealth versus what just feels exciting. We get into why dollar cost averaging beats chasing meme stocks and crypto hype, how social media and 24/7 market news have made investing more emotional than ever, and why fear and greed are both equally dangerous depending on who you are. Brian shares why most people approach investing more like gambling with better vocabulary, how to size risk relative to your own financial situation, and why comparing yourself to professional investors can be a trap. Be honest - when it comes to your money, are you more driven by fear or by greed?

I sat down with Robert Farrington, founder of The College Investor, and we went deep on something no one is being truly honest about: the real cost of a college degree. Robert has spent nearly 20 years breaking down the intersection of education and money, and the clarity he brings to this conversation is something every student, parent, and young professional needs to hear. We talked about why federal student loans are actually some of the most flexible debt available, yet most borrowers don't even know what options they have. We broke down why master's degrees are the most financially dangerous education decision people are making right now, why the average borrower doesn't finish their degree, and why that's the most expensive outcome of all. Are you still carrying student loan debt — and do you actually know all the repayment options available to you?

In this episode of Growing Money with Sean Trace, I sit down with credit card points consultant and travel concierge Brandon Okamoto to uncover how everyday spending can unlock unforgettable travel experiences. Brandon began studying credit cards and travel rewards at just 15 years old, eventually learning how to book international flights and luxury vacations for a fraction of their normal cost.We discuss why earning points should never mean spending more money, how business owners may be leaving thousands of dollars in travel value unused, and why choosing the most popular premium credit card is not always the smartest strategy. Brandon also explains the difference between redeeming points through travel portals and transferring them directly to airline or hotel partners.Beyond credit card points, we explore the value of time, freedom, meaningful experiences, and building a business around work you genuinely enjoy. This conversation proves that smart financial planning is not only about saving more, it is also about using what you already spend to experience more of life.

In this episode of Growing Money with Sean Trace, I sit down with Thomas Manetta, a 35-year wealth management veteran and independent firm owner based in the San Francisco Bay Area. Thomas pulls back the curtain on something most financial advisors won't admit - for decades, the industry was built on information asymmetry, incentive misalignment, and selling products that served the firm, not the client. We get into why money feels so overwhelming for most families, how AI is reshaping financial services from the inside out, and what Thomas calls his three pillars: clarity, confidence, and care. He also shares a deeply personal story about losing his mother at age seven and nearly burning himself out building his business, and why slowing down was the move that saved everything.When it comes to your finances, what's one area where you feel like you still don't have clarity?

I sat down with Daniel Kopp, CFP and founder of Wise Stewardship Financial Planning, for one of the most honest conversations I've had on this show about what financial planning actually means.Daniel specializes in two groups that most advisors overlook - active duty military families and young widows, and the way he approaches both completely reframes how I think about money. We talked about why grief and financial anxiety are so deeply intertwined, how to slow down decision-making in the middle of a life crisis, and why the biggest financial mistakes people make have almost nothing to do with math. What's one money belief you grew up with that you've had to completely unlearn as an adult?

I sat down with Ohan Kayikchyan, Ph.D., founder and Chief Harmony Officer of Alohana Financial, for a conversation about money, meaning, purpose, and why so many people can look financially successful on paper but still feel burned out, stressed, or empty inside. Ohan brings a unique perspective as a CFP professional, Ph.D. in economics, enrolled agent, and registered life planner, but what stood out most to me was how deeply he connects money back to life itself. We talked about why money should be treated as a tool, not the finish line, and how chasing “more” without knowing your values can leave you running in circles. We also got into fatherhood, legacy, death, burnout, consumerism, emotional spending, and what it really means to live in harmony with your finances. This episode is about financial peace, not just financial success.What does “enough” actually look like for you?

In this episode of Growing Money with Sean Trace, I sit down with Dan Allison, a 22-year veteran consultant in the wealth management space with a background in clinical and behavioral psychology, to unpack why our relationship with money is rarely about logic. Dan opens up about selling his first company in his 20s for 8 figures, then buying Maseratis and a Range Rover chasing validation he didn't even realize he needed, and how recognizing that pattern changed everything. We dig into the psychology of referrals, why most financial advisors are stuck waiting passively for business instead of building intentional systems, and why a great service alone doesn't guarantee growth. Dan also shares the simple 20% savings rule his mother taught him at 12 years old, a habit that quietly built the foundation for his financial freedom decades later. What's one money habit from your childhood that still shapes how you spend or save today?

In this episode of Growing Money with Sean Trace, I sit down with Linda Grizely, a certified financial planner and financial wellness speaker, to talk about why money feels so emotional, confusing, and sometimes intimidating for so many people. We get into how our childhood money stories shape the way we spend, save, avoid, and judge ourselves financially. Linda breaks down why traditional financial advice can feel too rigid, especially when it ignores personality, habits, shame, and real life. I loved her idea of financial confidence because it is not about being rich or perfect. It is about understanding your cash flow, knowing your values, and making money decisions without guilt taking over. We also talk about her “Me Money Method,” which gives people permission to spend intentionally while still staying financially responsible. This conversation is all about making personal finance feel more human, practical, and less shame-filled.What is one money habit you learned growing up that you are still trying to unlearn today?

In this episode of Growing Money with Sean Trace, I sit down with Nathan Astle, a certified financial therapist, to talk about why money is never just about numbers. We get into financial anxiety, money trauma, shame, overspending, couples fighting about money, and the emotional patterns that quietly shape the way we save, spend, avoid, or obsess over money. Nathan shares why so many people use financial solutions for emotional problems, and how our childhood money memories can become the beliefs we carry into adulthood. This conversation made me look at my own spending patterns, anxiety, and family money stories in a totally different way. We also talk about how to build a healthier relationship with money by getting curious instead of judgmental, practicing self-compassion, and noticing what emotions are actually driving our choices.What money belief did you grow up with that you are still trying to unlearn?

I sat down with financial coach, educator, and mentor Alina Paula Burlacu for one of the most honest conversations I've had about money. We dove deep into why so many of us feel trapped by our finances, not because we lack knowledge, but because we're carrying emotional baggage we never even knew we picked up. Alina breaks down how money stress shows up quietly, in the unopened bills, the low-level anxiety, the constant mental math running in the background, and how those old childhood money scripts like "people like us don't get wealthy" keep running our lives long after we've grown up. We talked about the powerful link between financial independence and emotional freedom, why workplaces are only just starting to wake up to how financial stress destroys performance, and why women in particular face a uniquely complex relationship with money that goes way beyond numbers.What's one money belief you grew up with that you're still trying to unlearn?

I sat down with Chuck Failla, CFP and founder of Sovereign Financial Group, for one of the most honest conversations I've had on this show about what it really means to trust someone with your money.Chuck has spent 30 years in financial services, from cold-calling stockbroker to fully independent RIA, and the insight he brings is the kind you can only earn through experience. We get into why financial advisors are the only professionals in the four major advice pillars who aren't required to act as fiduciaries, and why that single fact explains so much of the skepticism people feel when they walk into an advisor's office. Chuck breaks down the most common money mistakes he sees families make: almost always rooted in behavior, not math and shares why a solid cash flow analysis is the foundation of every sound financial decision. What's one area of your financial life you've been avoiding looking at honestly?

One of the biggest myths in personal finance is that successful people do everything themselves.They don't.Athletes have coaches. Businesses have teams. Wealthy people have advisors, mentors, accountants, attorneys, and communities that help them make better decisions.In this episode, I explore why trying to do everything alone keeps people stuck, how to build your own financial team, and why your network may be one of the most valuable assets you'll ever have.Because wealth isn't a solo mission.The people around you can change everything.#GrowingMoney #RichPeopleBuildTeams #PersonalFinance #MoneyMindset #WealthBuilding #FinancialFreedom #Mentorship #Leadership #Networking #SeanTrace

In this episode of Growing Money with Sean Trace, I sit down with Cary Carbonaro, CFP®, MBA, a women and wealth expert who has spent 25 years helping women understand money, investing, financial planning, and long-term wealth building. This conversation hit me hard as a father, because so much of what Cary shares is about preparing the next generation of women to own their financial future with confidence. We talk about the great wealth transfer, why women are expected to control a massive share of wealth in the coming years, and why the financial industry still has not fully adapted to serve them. Cary also breaks down the myths women are taught about money, why cash can feel safe but hold people back, how divorce and widowhood expose gaps in financial relationships, and why basic money skills should be taught before adulthood. This episode is really about empowerment, education, and changing the way families talk about money.What is one money lesson you wish you had learned earlier in life?

In this episode of Growing Money with Sean Trace, I sit down with Dr. Angela C. Meyers to talk about one of the biggest shifts happening in work, money, and identity right now: the rise of AI and the return of the modern polymath. For years, people have been told to niche down, specialize, and become an expert in one narrow lane. But in a world where AI is automating specialized tasks faster than ever, that advice may be starting to fail people. Dr. Angela breaks down why adaptability, curiosity, emotional intelligence, systems thinking, and the ability to connect ideas across disciplines may become some of the most valuable human skills in the next decade. We also talk about why so many people feel financially trapped, why fear can shrink your future, and why your ability to keep learning may be your greatest safety net. This conversation is about money, work, AI, reinvention, and what it really means to stay human in a changing world.Are you trying to master one path right now, or are you building a life with multiple skills, interests, and ways to adapt?

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.

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?

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?

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?

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 validationThis 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?

In this episode of Growing Money with Sean Trace, I sit down with Don Bennyhoff, a longtime investment professional and fractional Chief Investment Officer, to talk about why successful investing is often much simpler than people think. Don shares why so many investors get pulled in by scary headlines, financial media, market predictions, and the pressure to “do something” when fear sets in. What stood out to me most is that investing success is not just about being smart or having more information. A huge part of it comes down to behavior, emotional control, keeping costs low, staying diversified, and avoiding unnecessary mistakes over time. We also talk about compounding, long-term investing, why even high-income professionals can overcomplicate money, and why simple strategies often beat complicated ones. This conversation is a great reminder that real wealth is usually built by staying patient, staying invested, and not letting fear or ego take over.What do you think is harder for most people: learning how investing works, or controlling their emotions when the market gets scary?

In this episode of Growing Money with Sean Trace, I sit down with Andrew Trammell, founder of Trammell Wealth, to talk about why money is never just about numbers. Andrew is a CFP, enrolled agent, and retirement income certified professional who helps retirees, Florida public employees, and medical professionals build clearer, more intentional financial plans. We get into why smart people still make emotional money decisions, how retailers understand impulse spending better than most of us do, and why making more money can sometimes create more stress instead of less.We also talk about lifestyle creep, keeping up with the Joneses, Social Security, retirement planning, budgeting, compound interest, and why a good financial plan should bring peace, not panic. One of my favorite parts of this conversation is Andrew’s reminder that the best plan is the one that lets you sleep at night. Financial confidence starts with knowing where you stand and making decisions that match the life you actually want to build.What’s one money decision you made that gave you more peace instead of more stress?