Dollars and Dreams

In this episode, Avaneesh Siruvuri shares how an early interest in investing grew into a mission to expand financial literacy at Milton and in India. From launching Harkness-inspired economics discussions to creating a Middle School financial literacy program and leading workshops abroad, Avaneesh explains how conversation, curiosity, and real-world application can empower students to make smarter financial decisions across borders.

In this episode of Dollars and Dreams, Adam sits down with Harvard Business School professor Luis Viceira to break down the financial basics every immigrant should know. From how credit scores work to the difference between 401(k)s and IRAs, Luis demystifies the U.S. financial system with clarity and care. He explains how newcomers can choose the right financial products, avoid hidden fees, and build smart investment strategies—no jargon, no pressure, just practical advice. Whether you’re new to the country or just new to managing money, this episode is your starter guide for financial literacy in America.

In this episode of Dollars and Dreams, Adam sits down with Riaz Cassum, a real estate finance executive who immigrated from Bombay to the U.S. with little more than ambition and curiosity. Riaz shares the early lessons he learned about money as a student navigating a foreign financial system, how cultural values shaped his view of saving and investing, and the turning points that led him to a global career in capital markets. It’s a conversation about calculated risks, generational mindset shifts, and the power of financial literacy to unlock opportunity.

In this episode of Dollars and Dreams, Adam interviews Egyptian-American tech entrepreneur Rana el Kaliouby about her journey from Cairo to MIT, from building emotion AI to building a life in America. But behind her success story is a financial learning curve. Rana opens up about the cultural mistrust of financial systems she inherited, her misunderstanding of 401(k)s, and how she nearly missed out on retirement savings entirely. From navigating complex systems to learning the value of asking questions, Rana shares what it takes to financially adapt—and thrive—as an immigrant.

In this episode of "Dollars and Dreams," host Adam Amin sits down with Rafik Mansour, a diplomat from the U.S. Department of State conducting this interview in his personal capacity, to explore his unique journey from Egypt to the United States at the age of 15. Rafik shares the challenges and learnings from his first encounters with the U.S. financial system, highlighting his experiences with college financing, scholarships, and the critical importance of financial literacy for immigrants. Tune in for an insightful conversation filled with valuable tips on navigating finances in a new country.