Growing Money with Sean Trace

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?

In this episode of Growing Money with Sean Trace, I sit down with Max Kulyk, founder and CEO of Chicory Wealth, to talk about money in a way that goes far beyond budgets, portfolios, and retirement accounts. Max shares how his own complicated relationship with money led him into financial planning, and how he now helps people think about wealth through the lens of identity, safety, freedom, and values.We talk about the financial challenges many LGBTQ individuals and families still face, including estate planning, healthcare decisions, legal protections, marriage, emergency reserves, and the need for real financial security in uncertain times. Max also shares a powerful perspective on socially responsible investing, why your money should reflect what you believe in, and how asking “who benefits?” can change the way we look at financial decisions.This conversation is about more than investing. It is about freedom, courage, resilience, and using money as a tool to protect the people and communities we care about.What does financial freedom mean to you beyond just having more money?

Money stress never sleeps.Many people believe they'll finally relax once they earn more money, but the truth is that financial anxiety often follows us no matter how much we make.In this video, I share some of the biggest reasons money stress keeps people awake at night, including lifestyle inflation, financial comparison, tying self-worth to income, avoiding money conversations, and the belief that happiness exists at some future income level.I also share some of the lessons I'm learning in my own financial journey and practical ways to build something far more valuable than wealth alone: financial peace.In this video: • Why making more money can create more stress • The danger of lifestyle inflation • How financial comparison steals happiness • Why your net worth is not your self-worth • The importance of financial clarity and automation • How open money conversations reduce anxiety • Why emotional regulation matters as much as financial growth • Defining your personal "enough"Financial freedom isn't just about dollars and cents.It's about creating a life that feels peaceful, sustainable, and aligned with what truly matters.What does financial peace mean to you?Leave a comment below and join the conversation.

In this episode of Growing Money with Chandra's, I sit down with financial coach Morgan Brown to talk about what it actually takes to get a handle on your money, especially when your income isn't steady. Morgan breaks down why financial stress isn't just a low-income problem, why separating your business and personal finances is non-negotiable, and how the income smoothing account method can take the emotional rollercoaster out of variable income. We also get into the psychology behind money shame, why clarity is more powerful than any investment strategy, and how building financial confidence really just starts with one small goal at a time. Whether you're a freelancer, entrepreneur, or just someone who feels behind, this conversation is a reminder that managing money is a skill, and like any skill, it can be learned. What's one money habit you've been putting off that you know would actually change things for you?

In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Karthik Ramanan, a former Wall Street professional turned naturopathic physician and emotional health mentor, and we get into the real conversation that high-performing entrepreneurs are afraid to have.Dr. K shares how he walked away from a prestigious banking career during the Great Recession, hit rock bottom more than once, and discovered that the body and mind keep score long before we're willing to admit it. We talk about the earliest warning signs of burnout that most leaders write off as normal, why chronic stress quietly hijacks your decision-making before you even notice, and what it actually means to be resilient versus just repressing everything and hoping for the best. If you've ever told yourself you'll slow down after the next milestone, this one's for you.What's one belief about money or success that you grew up with, and do you think it's actually serving you now? 

In this episode of Growing Money with Sean Trace, I sit down with Mindy Neira, a certified financial planner and chartered special needs consultant, to talk about financial planning in a way that feels real, personal, and human. We discuss why money can feel overwhelming, why so many smart people still struggle with their finances, and why the first step is often not a massive plan but one small action, like automatic savings or simply looking at where your money actually goes. Mindy also shares why financial planning matters deeply for LGBTQ individuals, couples, and families, especially when it comes to estate planning, legal documents, healthcare proxies, name changes, parentage, family building, and protecting chosen family. This conversation is about more than money. It is about confidence, safety, identity, and building a financial life that actually fits your real life.What is one money conversation you wish more families started having earlier?

Everyone wants financial freedom.But most people are focused on the wrong things.In this video, I share the real steps I'm taking in my own life to build financial freedom. I'm not financially free yet, but I'm actively working toward it every day, and these are the lessons that have made the biggest difference for me. We cover:• Why you need to stop waiting to feel ready • The importance of increasing your income • How to develop high-income skills • Why assets matter more than paychecks • The danger of trying to look rich • How delayed gratification builds wealth • Why financial freedom is different for everyoneFor some people, financial freedom means driving a Ferrari.For others, it means picking up their kids from school, working on their own terms, traveling, or simply sleeping without financial stress.The goal isn't to copy someone else's definition of success.The goal is to build a life that aligns with your values.What does financial freedom look like to you?Let me know in the comments.

In this episode of Growing Money with Sean Trace, I sit down with financial therapist and serial entrepreneur Khara Croswaite Brindle to unpack something most of us never learned, that your relationship with money is emotional first, logical second. Khara breaks down what financial therapy actually means, how childhood money beliefs and generational trauma silently shape every financial decision you make as an adult, and why so many people feel anxious about money even when they have plenty of it. We explore the four money scripts developed by Dr. Brad Klontz: money avoidance, money worship, money status, and money vigilance, and Khara shares the three healthy money scripts she developed through her own client work: money optimism, money harmony, and money plentiful. We also get real about burnout, hustle culture, the danger of comparison, and why calling it a "spending plan" instead of a budget actually changes everything.What's one money belief you grew up with that you've had to unlearn as an adult?

I sat down with financial planner Taylor Stewart to do something nobody asked for but everyone needed: break down the financial disasters of Dumb and Dumber and find out why Lloyd Christmas and Harry Dunne might actually be the most relatable money story ever put on screen. We kicked things off with the IOU suitcase scene, which honestly hits different when you realize it's just a funnier version of swiping a credit card you can't pay off. Taylor made the point that borrowing is always stealing from your future self, and spending a lump sum feels like having all the time in the world right up until the hourglass is empty. That's the trap. Money that doesn't replenish itself disappears faster than you think, and no amount of optimism changes the math.What would you actually do if you found a suitcase with $1 million? Would you invest it, spend it, or something in between, and be honest with yourself about whether your answer changes if nobody was watching?

In this episode of Growing Money with Sean Trace, I sit down with Colin Page, a CFP and flat-fee retirement planning advisor based in Charlottesville, Virginia, whose path into the financial world is anything but conventional. Colin brings a perspective on money that you genuinely do not hear anywhere else, and the insight he walked away with after years on the inside of professional investing completely changed how he advises clients today.We get into why so many smart, high-achieving people still struggle with their finances, what it actually means to take risk versus avoid it, and how to build a financial plan that bends with real life instead of breaking under it. What is one thing you wish someone had taught you about money before you had to figure it out on your own, and how did not knowing it affect you?

Most people don’t stay broke because of coffee. They stay broke because nobody ever taught them how money actually works.In this episode of Growing Money with Sean Trace, Sean breaks down practical, real-world strategies to help you save more money, even when life feels expensive and overwhelming.We talk about: Why automating savings changes everything  How “pay yourself first” rewires your mindset  The real expenses secretly draining your money  Why flashy cars and lifestyle traps keep people stuck  How to create friction that stops impulse spending  Why increasing your income matters just as much as cutting expenses  The psychology behind saving money successfully This isn’t financial guru nonsense. It’s practical advice from someone who’s struggled with saving too, and is still learning, building, and improving every day.If you’ve ever felt like: “I make money… so why do I still feel broke?”This episode is for you.

I sat down with Brendan O'Rourke, Managing Partner at Greenway Financial Advisors, and this conversation is one of those that quietly shifts the way you think about money. Brendan works primarily with retirees and pre-retirees, and the wisdom he's gathered from sitting across from hundreds of families comes through in every answer he gives.We got into why so many people feel financially stuck even when things look fine on paper, and his answer has nothing to do with income. We talked about the difference between having a rigid plan and simply moving in the right direction, why telling people to follow their passion is often terrible advice, and how wealthy families think about money in ways most people never get exposed to. He also broke down the three-bucket framework he'd give his younger self: spend, protect, and grow - simple, boring, and genuinely powerful.When it comes to your money, are you more of a detailed planner or a "pick a direction and course correct" type, and has that approach actually worked for you?

I sat down with Geoff Bruskin, founder of White Tiger Connections, to break down one of the most overlooked wealth-building tools available to business owners - mergers and acquisitions. Geoff specializes in M&A advisory, recruiting, and management consulting for professional services firms.We get into what mergers and acquisitions actually mean in plain terms, why your business valuation can look completely different depending on whether a traditional buyer or private equity is at the table, and what EBITDA really is and why it matters more than your gross revenue when serious buyers are involved. Geoff also explains why the single most valuable thing a business owner can do, years before they even think about selling, is to remove themselves from day-to-day operations and build a company that runs without them.If you found out you could sell your business today, do you think a buyer could run it without you, or are you still the business?

In this episode of Growing Money with Sean Trace, I sit down with Demonay Moss from Rooted Financial Coaching for a powerful conversation about faith, finance, financial stability, and building a legacy that actually lasts. We talk about why so many people work hard but still feel trapped living paycheck to paycheck, how survival mode affects the way we spend, save, and make decisions, and why creating a simple money plan can be the first step toward peace and control.Demonay shares her own story of being overwhelmed by debt, learning financial stewardship, leaning on faith, and realizing that money is not just something we use to pay bills. It is a tool that can help us create security, teach our children better habits, and build a future with more breathing room. We also talk about budgeting, emergency funds, paying yourself first, automating savings, opportunity cost, debt-to-income ratio, and how small intentional choices can completely change the direction of a family’s financial life.This conversation is for anyone who feels stuck, overwhelmed, or unsure where to start with money. You do not need to have everything figured out today, but you do need a vision, a plan, and the belief that your current situation does not have to be your final destination.What is one financial cycle you want to break for yourself or your family?

I sat down with Skee Orr, fee-only fiduciary and co-founder of Kinetic Wealth in Knoxville, Tennessee, and this conversation shifted something for me. We grew up in similar places - Western North Carolina, not a lot of money, not a lot of financial guidance, and that shared background made this one feel real. Skee breaks down what it actually means to be a steward of your money, why fee-only financial planning eliminates conflicts of interest that most advisors won't even admit exist, and why so many people feel shame or confusion around their finances before they ever get started. We talk about legacy, not just what you leave for people, but what you leave in them, and Skee makes a case that the 401k is the single most powerful wealth-building tool available to almost everyone, and most people aren't using it right. This isn't about getting rich quick. It's about knowing your North Star and making intentional decisions that actually reflect your values.What's one money belief you grew up with that you've had to completely unlearn as an adult?

I sat down with Erin Botsford and her story completely reframed how I think about money, resilience, and building something that actually lasts. From losing everything early on to building and selling a seven-figure firm, this conversation breaks down why most people stay stuck doing everything themselves and how real freedom comes from systems, people, and thinking long-term. What would your life look like if your business actually ran without you?

In this episode of Growing Money with Sean Trace, I sat down with Rand Selig - investment banker turned author of Thriving: How to Create a Healthier, Happier and More Prosperous Life - for one of the most honest conversations I've had about money, meaning, and what we're really chasing. Rand spent decades at the highest levels of finance, helping people build serious wealth, and what he saw up close might surprise you. More money doesn't automatically bring more happiness, and for a lot of high achievers, the pursuit of wealth actually starts working against the life they say they want far sooner than they realize. We talked about the difference between the doing world and the being world, why busy people can still feel completely empty, and what it really means to have enough. Rand also opened up about a career decision that looked smart on paper but cost him years of fulfillment, and how a single conversation with a coach helped him finally stop complaining and start building. This one hit close to home for me, especially when my daughter walked in mid-recording and reminded me exactly what I'm doing all of this for.What's one area of your life where you've been telling yourself "just a little more", and do you actually believe it?

I sat down with certified financial planner Jeffrey Panik - 26 years in the industry, former Army officer, and author, to talk about the personal finance education most of us never received and what to actually do about it. We get into why financial literacy is still missing from most school curriculums, why high earners can feel just as stressed about money as someone starting out, and why the advice you find online is usually trying to sell you something. Jeff breaks down why the first real step isn't investing or budgeting: it's taking a full inventory of what you actually have so you can make informed decisions instead of reactive ones. We also talk about what happens when couples merge finances with completely different money mindsets, how procrastination quietly destroys long-term wealth, and why starting small - even $50, beats waiting for the "right moment" every single time. The conversation gets personal too, touching on purpose, values, and what "enough" really means when you strip away the noise of what everyone else seems to be earning. If you've ever felt behind financially or overwhelmed every time you try to get your money in order, this episode is your starting point.What's the one money habit you wish someone had taught you before you had to figure it out the hard way, and are you actually doing it now?

In this episode, I sat down with Zee Barfoot to unpack one of the toughest lessons in entrepreneurship: just because you can do everything doesn’t mean you should. We get into the real difference between owning a business and just owning a high-stress job, and why so many skilled technicians struggle when they step into the founder role without the systems or support to match. We talk about how tracking your time can expose the low-value tasks quietly draining your energy, and how replacing those tasks with the right people can completely change your growth trajectory. We also dive into hiring the right way, why paying great people more is often the smarter move, how to build structure when no one else is creating it for you, and the power of niching down so you can serve the right clients at a higher level. There’s a big focus on shifting from doing everything yourself to building something that can actually run and scale without burning you out. If you’re in that stage where you feel busy all the time but not moving forward, this conversation is going to feel very real. What’s one thing you need to let go of so you can finally focus on what actually moves the needle?