Money Misfits

In this episode of Money Misfits, Professor Heath sits down with former College of San Mateo student Sasha Gret, now a transfer student at UCLA, to talk about the real experience of transitioning from community college to a major university—and the pressure to land internships along the way.Sasha shares what the first weeks at UCLA were actually like: the shock of huge lecture halls, the fast-paced quarter system, and trying to build friendships after transferring. For many transfer students, the adjustment isn’t just academic—it’s also learning how the internship recruiting timeline works while still adapting to a new school.Together they break down what students don’t realize about internships until it’s almost too late: companies recruit months in advance, networking matters more than most students expect, and many transfer students feel like they’re playing catch-up.In this conversation, they discuss:• What the first weeks at UCLA really feel like for transfer students• Why the internship search starts earlier than most students think• How transfer students can feel behind compared to traditional four-year students• Where students actually find internships (Handshake, networking events, LinkedIn)• Why joining clubs can make a huge difference in recruiting• How ChatGPT can help students improve resumes and prepare for job searches• Advice for community college students preparing to transferSasha also shares the lessons she wishes she knew earlier at community college—including using campus resources, developing strong study habits, and getting involved before transferring.If you're a community college student planning to transfer, this episode will help you understand what the transition really looks like—and how to prepare for internships before it’s too late. community college transfertransfer student adviceUCLA transfer student experiencehow to get internships in collegecollege internship advicecommunity college to universitycollege recruiting timelinewhen to apply for internships collegecollege career adviceinternship search tipshow to network in collegeHandshake internshipsLinkedIn networking for studentsbusiness internships collegeeconomics major internshipscollege career planningfirst internship advicetransfer student internshipscommunity college success storiesMoney Misfits podcast

Financial aid is supposed to help… so why does it make so many students feel broke?In this episode of the Money Misfits Transfer Arc, we break down the real experience of financial aid — not the version schools advertise.Because here’s the truth:👉 Your financial aid doesn’t show up when you need it👉 It hits all at once… and disappears fast👉 And if you don’t understand the timing, it can completely mess up your cash flowI sit down with former student + returning guest Michael McDermott to talk through:What financial aid actually looks like after you transferWhy students feel stressed (even when they “have money”)How timing—not just amount—creates financial pressureWhat to watch out for when receiving and spending aidThis isn’t about formulas or theory.This is about how financial aid actually feels — and how to avoid the trap most students fall into.🎯 If you’re a student, this episode will help you:Understand why you feel broke even with aidAvoid blowing your refund too fastPlan around delays and gapsThink differently about your money before it runs out🔥 Related Episodes:“Your Bank Account Is Lying to You”“The First 30 Days After Transfer”“Why Students Feel Behind Financially”💬 Comment below:What surprised you most about your financial aid?

Episode 1 opens the Transfer Arc by breaking one of the biggest myths about transferring from community college to a four-year university: the hardest part isn’t the classes — it’s everything else.In this episode, Professor Heath sits down with Yasmina Asfour, a former College of San Mateo student who transferred directly from community college into her junior year at New York University. Together, they unpack what the first semester really feels like — emotionally, socially, academically, and financially.Yasmina shares what it was like moving across the country, managing money for the first time without a safety net, and navigating student loans in a family where debt wasn’t the norm. She describes the initial “freedom phase” of transferring — followed by the shock of realizing she was suddenly expected to think like a junior: internships, career paths, experience gaps, and pressure to already “have it figured out.”The conversation dives into:Why transfer students often feel behind even when they’re doing everything rightHow financial stress, comparison, and isolation quietly pile up in the first semesterThe challenge of entering a four-year university as a junior academically but a first-year socially and professionallyWhy clubs, professors, and early outreach matter more than perfectionHow community college students can turn “ordinary” jobs into real experience before transferringThis episode isn’t about solutions yet — it’s about normalizing the shock. It’s about helping transfer students realize that feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or behind in the first 30 days isn’t failure — it’s part of the transition.Episode 1 sets the emotional baseline for the entire Transfer Arc:You’re not broken. You’re not late. And you’re not alone.The next episodes build from here — moving from shock to cash flow, systems, and stability.

If you finally started investing — or you WANT to — but feel stuck wondering “Okay… now what?” this episode breaks it down step-by-step. No hype, no confusing jargon — just a simple path you can actually follow.In this In Detention breakdown, we talk about what to do after your first investment, how to build confidence over time, and the exact long-term system I make my own kids use. We’ll cover habits, Roth IRAs, S&P 500 index funds, diversification, contributing consistently, and how to invest even if you only have $50–$100 to start.Getting started is the hardest part — staying consistent is where the magic happens.📌 What you’ll learn in this video:• How to confidently invest as a beginner• Roth IRA vs traditional brokerage accounts explained• Why the S&P 500 is a simple starting point for most students• How to diversify without picking individual stocks• How your money can double every 6–7 years• Why time is the biggest superpower young investors have• The rule I force my kids to follow with their money• How to automate investing so you don’t have to think about it• What to do when the market drops (hint: it’s not panic)📌 Quick Start Plan:Open an investing account (Fidelity, Vanguard, Schwab, etc)Consider a Roth IRA if you’re young and early in your careerStart with an S&P 500 index fund or ETF (VOO, SPY, FXAIX, etc)Automate contributions monthlyStay consistent for decades — not weeksYou don’t need to be perfect.You just need to start → diversify → stay consistent.If you enjoyed the $100 investing challenge episode, this is the next step.So many comments said “I finally started — now what do I do next?”This video was made for YOU. 🙌—💬 Question for you (reply in comments):What’s the next investing goal you want help with?Roth IRA setup? Index funds? How to invest $100 per month?Let me know — I respond personally.📌 Subscribe for more student-friendly money lessons.New episodes on personal finance, investing, credit, budgeting & building wealth — without the boring tone.#InvestingForBeginners #HowToStartInvesting #CollegeInvesting #RothIRA #SP500 #MoneyMisfits #ProfessorHeath

Three community college students. One $100 challenge. Zero investing experience.In this episode of Money Misfits, I sit down with three of my students—Tyreece Bramwell, Kayson Dahl, and Kenyon Shabazz—to talk about what really happens when young people take their first step into investing. The confusion. The procrastination. The fear. The wins. The losses. The “is this normal?” moments.No hype. No gurus. No fancy Wall Street language.Just three students navigating money the way most of us did: blindly, nervously, and one Google search at a time.What they discovered about investing, consistency, risk, and their own financial future?Could genuinely change everything for them—and for anyone watching.We break down:(1) How to start investing when you feel clueless(2) Why every student procrastinates (and how to push through it)(3) Robinhood vs. Acorns vs. traditional accounts(4) Why consistency beats “perfect timing”(5) The JUCO mindset that translates into wealth(6) What to do when your investments DROP(7) The $100 hoodie flip that turned into a lesson about entrepreneurship(8) How students can build wealth even before transferringIf you're a student, young adult, or someone who’s been avoiding investing because you feel unprepared—this episode is for you. They unpack the anxiety and procrastination that comes with being a first–time investor, how they actually got started using tools like ChatGPT and YouTube, and why they chose very different paths, from Acorns and tech ETFs on Robinhood to flipping high–demand hoodies. The conversation dives into why getting started young matters more than picking the “perfect” investment, the power of consistency and diversification, and how their “Bulldog way” mindset shapes how they handle market drops. They also wrestle with real–life tradeoffs like paying off credit card debt versus investing, and talk about retirement accounts, long–term compounding, and building wealth not just for themselves but for their future families. It is a raw, funny, and surprisingly deep look at money, mindset, and what it means to take your first step off the financial sidelines.🎧 Money Misfits: where real students learn real money.📚 professorheath.com for workshops & student resources.#MoneyMisfits #InvestingForBeginners #CollegeStudents #FinancialLiteracy #StudentMoney #InvestYoung #PersonalFinance #ProfessorHeath

If you're getting your first credit card, this episode will save you from the mistakes almost every college student makes. I sat down with Hannah and Zion—both currently authorized users on their parents’ cards—and broke down the myths, the traps, and the real rules you need to follow if you want to build credit the smart way.In this in-detention episode, I explain why utilization matters more than your card type, why paying “whenever you remember” is a disaster, how annual fees actually work, and the exact system I’d force my own kids to follow. This is the simplest, clearest walkthrough of credit card basics for students, period.You’ll learn how to keep your credit score high, avoid interest entirely, pick the right first card, dodge subscription traps, and build a real emergency fund so you’re not leaning on your card every time life punches you in the face.

If you’re 18–22 and thinking about getting your first credit card, this episode is your blueprint. Professor Heath sits down with two real college students — Hannah and Zien — to break down what actually happens when you’re an authorized user, how to choose your first card, and the biggest mistakes students make when building credit.We cover EVERYTHING your friends, parents, and TikTok never explain:💳 Authorized user vs your own card💳 Why credit cards feel like “free money” (and how that traps students)💳 What builds your credit score at 18: utilization, history, payments💳 The truth about secured credit cards and student cards💳 How to pick your first card without getting ripped off💳 How missing one payment affects your score💳 A simple way to never miss a due date again💳 The “closing date” hack that can instantly increase your score💳 How to build your first emergency fund as a college student💳 Why subscriptions quietly destroy your budget💳 How to avoid lifestyle creep before it ruins your financesThis episode mixes real student honesty, financial literacy you can actually use, and laugh-out-loud moments (like the Quizlet+ and Snapchat+ confessions).Whether you're getting ready to apply for your first credit card or trying to fix your credit early, this conversation gives you the tools to start strong — and avoid the mistakes that follow students for years.🔥 Try the 1-Week Credit Challenge:Turn on auto-payCancel 2 unused subscriptionsBuild a $250 emergency fundIdentify your card’s closing dateMake a small payment before the closing dateComment your biggest takeawayThis is the episode every college student should watch before opening a credit card.

Most people don’t fail at budgeting — they just never start tracking. In this Money Misfits episode, Professor Heath breaks down how to build a budget that actually works in real life — no spreadsheets, no guilt.🔥 Whether you’re just opening your first bank account or figuring out how to manage your post-grad paycheck, this episode will help you:✅ Track your spending without overthinking✅ Cancel what doesn’t serve you and automate what does✅ Save and enjoy your life✅ Avoid lifestyle creep as you earn more✅ Build peace of mind through intentional money habits🎧 Money Misfits — Real conversations about money, mistakes, and leveling up.Subscribe for more episodes that help you master your money without losing your personality.👉 Watch more:    • What College Students Say About Budgeting  👉 Follow on Instagram & TikTok: @ProfessorHeath👉 Learn more: ProfessorHeath.com#budgetingforbeginners#howtostartbudgeting#budgetingtipsforbeginners#lifestylecreepexplained#emergencyfundbasics#MoneyMisfits #ProfessorHeath #PersonalFinancePodcast #CollegeBudgeting #BudgetingTips #PayYourselfFirst #503020Rule #BudgetingWithoutRestrictions #TrackYourSpending #MoneyHabits #FinancialFreedom #SmartMoneyMoves #MoneyInCollege #CollegeMoney #StudentFinance #StopWastingMoney #SubscriptionsDrain #BudgetChallenge #WealthMindset #BudgetingMadeSimple

Welcome to Money Misfits: In Detention, where Professor Heath breaks down real financial lessons from college students—no guests, no fluff, just straight talk.In this solo episode, we follow up on the powerful conversation with Areefa and Dayana to uncover the six money topics every student needs to understand before life hits harder:1️⃣ Budgeting & conscious spending2️⃣ Building an emergency fund3️⃣ Credit cards & credit scores4️⃣ Starting to invest early5️⃣ Navigating financial aid & FAFSA6️⃣ Money and relationships🎯 Whether you’re trying to stop spending leaks, build financial confidence, or just figure out how to make smarter money choices in college, this episode lays the foundation for everything ahead.👉 Subscribe for more real stories, real numbers, and real conversations about money from the college perspective.🧠 “Budgeting isn’t about restriction — it’s about direction.”💬 “Your emergency fund is your permission slip to quit a bad job.”#MoneyMisfits #CollegeCashConversations #FinancialLiteracy #ProfessorHeath #Budgeting #CreditScore #Investing #CollegeFinance #PersonalFinance #CommunityCollege #MoneyMisfitsPodcast

What really happens when college students look at their bank statements? Spoiler: it gets ugly. 😬My second installment of Money Misfits: College Cash Conversations.In this Money Misfits: College Cash Conversations episode, Professor Heath sits down with three real students — Umit, Sophia, and Michael — for a brutally honest talk about budgeting, spending habits, and what it really means to “adult” with money.From sports betting and snack runs, to subscriptions that won’t cancel and gift-giving guilt, this episode is packed with the money mistakes, mindset shifts, and small wins that every college student can relate to.We talk about:💰 Why budgeting isn’t about restriction — it’s about priorities🧠 How to actually track your spending without hating it💳 The truth about subscriptions, impulse buys, and emotional spending🚗 Michael’s $5,000 Mustang mistake (and what it taught him about emergency funds)🌱 Umit’s early lessons in saving, from envelopes to financial coaching✏️ Sophia’s frugal mindset — and how it might be her superpowerWhether you’re a broke college student trying to save, or just want to understand how to actually manage money in your 20s, this episode is for you.🎧 Listen to more Money Misfits episodes:👉 https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLc6ViY7W3mOuAWRlPV_eWLFilohgIz40m💬 Join the community:Follow @Professor_Heath on Instagram & TikTok for daily clips, real student stories, and no-BS financial tips.

Guests: Dayana Romero & Areefa AliHost: Professor Stephen HeathIn this kickoff episode of Money Misfits: College Cash Conversations, Professor Heath sits down with two of his online managerial accounting students, Dayana Romero and Areefa Ali, to create the blueprint for Season 1 — the six money topics college students actually want to talk about.Dayana opens up about moving out at 18, learning financial independence the hard way, and how credit card debt and job struggles reshaped her money mindset. Areefa shares a powerful story of growing up with deaf immigrant parents, translating adult financial decisions as a child, and how those experiences shaped her understanding of money, independence, and responsibility.Together, they dive into:The real struggles of budgeting and savings as a college studentWhy financial literacy feels like trial by fireHow credit cards, roommates, and subscriptions can sneak up on your bank accountThe emotional side of money — from burnout and toxic jobs to relationships and spending habitsWhy investing early (even just a few dollars) might be the most powerful habit to buildBy the end, the group locks in the six student-picked topics for Season 1: investing, budgeting, financial aid, buying a car, credit & credit scores, and relationships + money.

I had the chance to sit down with Cainã Barbério, an 18-year-old professional skater from Brazil, along with translator Liza dos Santos. We talked about: 🛹 Cainã’s journey from skating at age 4 to competing professionally. 🎶 How punk rock and skate culture fuel his passion. 📚 Balancing college, competitions, and sponsorships. 💰 The real challenges of managing money as a young athlete—travel, family support, and trying to build a future with limited resources.Ive always felt at home with skaters. My time with Caina was no different. Even with financial struggles, he thinks about investing in himself first—saving for competitions, building his brand, and creating opportunities through education and skating.This episode is about more than skating—it’s about resilience, hustle, and making tough financial choices while chasing a dream.When i set out to create Money Misfits, I didnt realize how cool the people I met along the way would be. I wish i had friend like Caina when i was 18.hashtag#MoneyMisfits hashtag#Podcast hashtag#Skateboarding hashtag#PersonalFinance hashtag#GenZ

🎙️ Just wrapped an inspiring Money Misfits episode with Isabella Vaka, a former student of mine who’s charting an incredible path.From community college at CSM → transfer to Cal Poly → internships in D.C. → now on Capitol Hill, Isabella shows what’s possible when you mix grit, financial discipline, and a willingness to pivot.We dug into:Why she chose community college during the pandemic — and how financial aid, scholarships, and support programs shaped her journey.The challenges of being a Pacific Islander in spaces where few looked like her — and how she let her work speak for itself.Landing internships through persistence (even unpaid at first), then turning them into meaningful opportunities in advocacy and policy.How budgeting, overspending on food (we laughed at this one), and slowly building credit all became part of her real-world money education.Choosing fulfillment and impact over a big salary — with her eyes set on law school and political campaigns in the near future.💡 Isabella’s story is a powerful reminder: community college can be the launchpad to Capitol Hill.

🎓 From Community College to Cal Poly & SDSU | Money Misfits PodcastWhat’s it really like to transfer from community college to a four-year university? In this episode of Money Misfits, Professor Heath sits down with Ana Floyd (Cal Poly) and Aiden Takeuchi (San Diego State)—two former students who share their candid experiences navigating the transfer process, social challenges, financial struggles, and building their future careers.💡 What you’ll hear in this episode:How Ana and Aiden decided between schools like UCLA, Berkeley, SDSU, and Cal Poly.The social and academic challenges of being a transfer student.Honest takes on imposter syndrome, making friends, and finding community.The financial shocks of moving out—jobs, savings, and learning to budget.Credit cards, Roth IRAs, and high-yield savings: how they’re already building financial independence.Networking wins (and fails): from hiding in bathrooms to nailing the elevator pitch.Clubs, internships, and why you should start networking NOW at community college.Real advice for CSM students on preparing for transfer and career success.✨ Key takeaway: Transferring is hard—but with the right mindset, financial planning, and willingness to put yourself out there, it’s also an opportunity to grow, connect, and get ahead.

In this episode of Money Misfits, Professor Heath sits down with Mikky, the powerhouse behind Mikky and the Doom—a self-described “musical cult” fusing pop-punk, rock, and raw creative energy. 🎸🔥Mikky opens up about her journey from stand-up comedy and voice acting to fronting a boundary-pushing band. She shares how discipline, sports, and resilience shaped her career, and how she built her brand with the same precision as running a tight business. We dive into:The origin of Mickey and the Doom and its “cult-like” community of artistsTurning personal struggles into a villain origin story through musicLessons from the 2008 financial crisis and how it shaped her views on money and survivalBalancing creativity with the business side of musicThe importance of discipline, preparation, and setting boundariesWhy financial wellness fuels artistic freedomThis episode is packed with real talk about art, money, and survival—and it’s a must-listen for anyone navigating creative industries, chasing dreams, or just trying to get their financial house in order while living authentically.👉 Support Mikky by pre-saving “H2HO” (link in her bio). Every pre-save helps push independent artists onto Spotify’s radar.If you enjoyed this conversation, don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more stories where money meets misfits.#MoneyMisfits #MikkyAndTheDoom #PersonalFinance #IndieMusic #PopPunk #FinancialFreedom #CreativeEntrepreneurship

In this episode of Money Misfits, Professor Heath sits down with Coach Hansen Sekona, Defensive Coordinator for the College of San Mateo Bulldogs.Coach Sekona’s journey is raw, real, and inspiring:Growing up in a large immigrant family in Southern California and the Bay AreaNavigating survival mode, poverty, and missed opportunities in schoolSpending time in juvenile hall and finding a second chance through community college and footballEarning a scholarship to Kansas State University and experiencing culture shock in the MidwestBuilding a career in coaching and mentorship through the Built for Life philosophyLearning financial literacy later in life: credit scores, budgeting, Roth IRAs, emergency funds, and the power of compound interestWhy giving back to your community and investing in others creates lasting impactThis is more than a football story—it’s about resilience, education, money, and the power of second chances.If you’re a student, athlete, educator, or anyone overcoming setbacks, this conversation will hit home.👉 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more Money Misfits episodes exploring the real-life intersection of money, struggle, and success.🎧 Listen on Spotify / Apple Podcasts: [insert links]📲 Follow Professor Heath on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/professor_heath/🌐 More at: ProfessorHeath.com#MoneyMisfits #ProfessorHeath #CoachSekona #CSMBulldogs #CommunityCollege #StudentAthlete #SecondChances #FinancialLiteracy #BudgetingBasics #CompoundInterest #CreditScores #FromSetbacksToSuccess #BuiltForLife #MentorshipMatters #Resilience

What happens when two former student-athletes grind their way from cramped apartments, long commutes, and shared Domino’s pizzas at College of San Mateo… to finishing finance and accounting degrees, walking on at D1 basketball, and landing Big Four job offers? In this episode, Professor Heath sits down with Desai Lopez (San Diego State, PwC audit associate) and Kori “Co” McCoy (Cal State East Bay, future finance grad and fashion entrepreneur) to talk about the JUCO hustle, the transfer grind, and the lessons they wish they learned earlier about money.They open up about growing up in big families with limited money but big dreams, commuting hours every day, and even sleeping in cars between practices. We dive into what it was like to balance basketball, books, and bank accounts that were always stretched thin, and how that prepared them for the reality check of transferring to a four-year university. Both Kori and Desai share their experiences navigating rejection, finding mentors, and discovering financial literacy—whether it’s understanding taxes, credit, or the power of a Roth IRA.This conversation is raw, funny, and inspiring—full of real talk about perseverance, networking, and building wealth from the ground up. If you’ve ever wondered what it really takes to transfer from community college, play college ball, or break into professional careers while broke, this one’s for you.

Money Misfits, Episode 2 – I sat down with Dr. John Ulloa—a community college dean, cultural historian, and lowrider builder—who unpacks his journey from welding shops to classrooms and car shows. I loved this conversation as it’s a dive into the economics of culture, identity, and education. I walked away from the conversation more convinced than ever that  personal finance isn’t just about spreadsheets—it’s about how we invest in who we are, and where we come from. Personal finance is just another tool for us to do really fuckin cool things.Dr. Ulloa shares how lowriding became more than just a car hobby: it became a form of cultural expression, resistance, and identity. He traces its roots from Chicano postwar pride to the modern-day realities of gentrification. We learn how the price of building a lowrider today is “like buying a house”, and what that says about the shifting accessibility of the culture.But this isn’t just about lowriding. Dr. Ulloa opens up about his own educational and financial journey—from struggling student to college professor, and eventually, academic dean. He talks about the cost of education, student loans, the sacrifices he made for his family, and how he had to hustle both in and outside the system to stay afloat.Money Lessons from the EpisodeGentrification has an economic cost: what used to be built with scrap parts now costs tens of thousands. Cultural authenticity is being priced out.Welding = equity: Learning a trade gave John more than a paycheck—it gave him a path to financial agency and creative expression.Student loans were a necessity: His path through higher ed wasn’t easy or cheap, but it was intentional. He talks openly about debt and return on investment.Budgeting passion: Whether it’s building a lowrider or raising a family, John discusses the need to align your finances with your values.Im obviously just getting started here with this podcast, but the value from these conversations is already becoming clear to me. Real misfits fold sound personal financial literacy concepts into their daily lives to chase dreams and goals. The rest of us should learn how to do the same!Professor Heath

This episode dives into the world of pop-punk through the lens of Betty Mauritz, whose band Gold Steps has rocked stages across the country — from Vans Warped Tour to South by Southwest. But it’s not all crowd-surfing and stage lights. Betty opens up about the real costs of making music: maxed-out credit cards, DIY tour budgeting, and the hustle of forming a band-as-business through an LLC.She talks about discovering financial literacy through Clark Howard (yep — the OG money nerd), learning to track every penny, and how financial independence isn’t just a dream — it’s a necessity for indie musicians. You’ll hear how Betty blends art with strategy and how the band navigates merch sales, booking agents, and financial burnout on the road.Whether you're a musician, a misfit, or just someone trying to figure out how to turn passion into survival, this one hits. Betty is a fucking rockstar and role-model to girl, or anyone for that matter, fronting a band, doing life, or just being a bad ass.