Hey everyone and welcome back to another episode of Modern Financial Wellness. This week, we're diving deep into one of the biggest and most stressful financial decisions families face: planning and paying for college. I’m thrilled to be joined by Jack Wang, a seasoned college financial aid advisor and host of the Smart College Buyer podcast. Jack brings a wealth of experience helping families navigate the complexities of the college process and is a constant source of practical, level-headed advice in an area often clouded by emotion and misinformation.

Jack Wang is not just an expert in all things college finance—he’s a trusted guide for families caught in the whirlwind of applications, campus visits, financial aid forms, and difficult tradeoffs. He’s the host of the Smart College Buyer podcast and a regular contributor to national publications, known for his ability to break down the “nuts and bolts” of college planning while never losing sight of the emotional side of the process.

This episode peels back the layers on college funding, exploring not just the technical strategies (though we get into plenty of those), but also the mindset and family dynamics that make this such a unique challenge. Jack and I tackled questions like: When should families start planning? How much does the “name” of a college matter? What steps can parents take to ensure both their child’s happiness and their own financial wellbeing? Throughout, we returned to the concept of “buying college” as an investment in a student’s future—and how to make sure it’s the right one.

Key Takeaways:

1. Start Early—Earlier Than You Think: Planning for college really begins freshman year of high school, not junior year. The financial aid “base year”—the time colleges review financial info—actually starts spring of the sophomore year, so early family conversations and financial maneuvers make a big difference.
2. “Fit” Matters WAY More Than “Fame”: Chasing a big-name school for the prestige alone is a recipe for misery (and potentially wasted money). Students should prioritize campuses where they genuinely feel comfortable and can see themselves thriving—otherwise, costly transfers and “leakage” of time and money are likely.
3. College Naming Doesn’t Guarantee Success: All the latest research shows that, aside from a few very narrow career tracks, the name on the college diploma doesn’t impact long-term career or financial outcomes. What matters is what students do at college—internships, research opportunities, networking, and “taking full advantage” of what’s available to them.
4. "Mental Accounting" Can Hurt Your Real-World Flexibility: Saving exclusively in a 529 plan may sound smart, but being too rigid about saving in one “silo” can limit your options later. Use multiple savings vehicles if possible, keep your eye on the big financial picture (retirement, emergencies, other kids), and aim for flexibility.
5. Get Clear and Honest About Goals: Most couples don’t agree on what “paying for college” really means, or why it matters to them. Digging into your “why” (is it about ego, tradition, a sense of fairness?) and having open conversations—between parents, and with your kids—leads to healthier decisions, less stress, and increased alignment.

Jack brought a much-needed combination of technical know-how and heart to the conversation. As we wrapped up, we agreed that while numbers matter, the real anchor in college planning is values. The better you know your own “why” and your child’s, the better decisions you’ll make—not just for the next four years, but for the future you’re all building together.

If you’re starting this journey or feel overwhelmed by where to begin, I truly hope this episode provides both reassurance and actionable steps.

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Welcome back to Modern Financial Wellness! I'm Jim Grace, and in this episode, I’m thrilled to have a very special guest—Michael Scarpati, the CEO of Retire Us. Retire Us is a game-changing financial advice platform that blends human relationships and technology to help individuals achieve financial freedom with less friction and more clarity.

We kick off by examining the major barriers people face when looking for financial advice, from the lack of access to affordable fiduciary guidance to the confusion caused by an industry built on investment-first relationships. Michael helps us untangle the different types of advisors—benefits-based, product-based, and the elusive systems-based advisor—and explains why most people never get to work with an independent fiduciary unless they already have significant investable assets.

Michael also outlines Retire Us’s unique process—from their free online financial assessment to their affordable monthly subscriptions that give anyone access to a full team of professionals: a CFP, an independent fiduciary, and a dedicated wealth concierge.

1. Know What a Fiduciary Is—and Why It Matters:

Only 10–15% of financial professionals are legally held to act in your best interest. The rest may not have to—meaning it’s crucial to ask anyone you work with whether they’re a true fiduciary, and more importantly, if they’re independent fiduciaries with access to the whole marketplace.

2. Not All Financial Advisors—or Advice—Are Created Equal:

There are three primary types of advisors: benefits-based (usually tied to your employer), product-based (selling investments or insurance), and systems-based (true planners building holistic frameworks for your money). Most people never move beyond the first two, missing out on the systems-based approach that drives real financial progress.

3. Financial Planning Should Start with Goals and Systems, NOT Just Products:

Most Americans piece together products and workplace benefits without a system to hold it all accountable. Michael likens this to baking a cake without a recipe—possible, but messy and inconsistent. True success comes from building intentional systems first, then filling them with the right tools and products.

4. Accessibility Is Changing, But You Need to Know Where to Look:

Traditionally, high-quality, independent financial planning was reserved for those with $250,000 or more in investable assets. Platforms like Retire Us are changing that—with subscription models as low as $60/month, allowing regular people to get personalized, fiduciary advice and ongoing support from professionals who act in their best interest.

5. Peace of Mind—and Real Progress—Comes from Financial Awareness:

According to Michael, financial well-being is ultimately about peace. If something feels “off” with your money, it probably is. Start by getting clear on your real goals and what’s causing your stress or anxiety. Use tools (like Retire Us’s free financial assessment) and work with advisors who will help you identify and fix those blind spots, creating a holistic sense of control and confidence.

Financial planning doesn’t have to be intimidating or inaccessible, and you deserve advice that is truly in your best interest—without asset minimums or high barriers to entry. Whether you’re just getting started or want to level up your systems, there are more options than ever for high-quality, human financial guidance.

Huge thanks again to Michael Scarpati for joining us and sharing his mission with Retire Us. For more details, check out their free financial checkpoint at www.retire.us and follow their upcoming content on financial consciousness.

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Welcome back to Modern Financial Wellness! I’m your host, Jim Grace. On today’s episode, I had the privilege of sitting down with Sun Yong Kim-Manzolini—a truly remarkable entrepreneur, author, and self-made millionaire. Her story is nothing short of extraordinary, taking us from her beginnings in a Korean orphanage, unable to walk, to building an amazing life of freedom, abundance, and purpose in the United States. If you’re looking for proof that adversity can be transformed into opportunity—and that transformation starts with mindset—you do not want to miss this episode.

We unpacked Sun Yong’s powerful journey from her traumatic start in life, through her experience of adoption and assimilation into a new culture, to her years working a “dream job” that nevertheless left her financially stressed. Sun Yong candidly recounted how she broke free of the “broken system” of living paycheck to paycheck, why she pivoted into investing and options trading, and what it took for her to become a self-made millionaire. We also explored her mindset shifts, her approach to facing and overcoming fears, and her commitment to helping others reclaim their own power—both financially and personally.

Other highlights included practical steps she took in her financial journey, the importance of goal-setting, her perspective on money as a tool rather than a source of happiness, and her advice for anyone looking to take control of their financial future.

5 Key Takeaways:

1. Your Past Does Not Define Your Future Sun Yong’s story is a real testament to the fact that regardless of your origin or circumstances, you can transform your life. Her journey from adversity to success is fuelled by her refusal to let her past hold her back.
2. Mindset Is Everything From learning to walk or speak English to mastering new financial skills, Sun Yong emphasizes the importance of discipline, resilience, and proactive thinking. She highlights how crucial it is to take action despite fear or uncertainty.
3. Financial Freedom Means Choices—Not Just Money For Sun Yong, true financial independence means having options: being able to take a vacation, spend time with family, help loved ones, and contribute to causes she cares about. Money is a tool for creating a richer and more meaningful life, not the end goal itself.
4. Take Small, Consistent Steps Whether it was learning to walk, test-driving her dream convertible without yet having the money, or breaking financial goals into manageable targets, Sun Yong continually illustrates the power of breaking big dreams into actionable steps.
5. Surround Yourself with Learning and Opportunity Sun Yong credits much of her growth to seeking out communities and resources—real estate seminars, trading groups, and mentorships—that taught her new skills. She reminds listeners that to create change, you have to go where opportunities are and put in the work to learn.

Sun Yong’s journey is a masterclass in perseverance, gratitude, and intentional living. If you’re feeling stuck in your finances or in your mindset, her story will inspire you to take that first step—no matter how small—toward your own version of financial well-being.

Thank you for tuning in! If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave us a review, and be sure to check out Sun Yong’s incredible resources if you want to learn more about developing your financial power and freedom.

Welcome to another episode of Modern Financial Wellness! I’m your host, Jim Grace. On this show, we explore what it means to truly thrive financially—not just in terms of dollars and cents, but in terms of how we relate to money emotionally and practically. In today’s episode, we’re diving into an important and often misunderstood topic: how ADHD and executive functioning challenges can affect our financial lives. Whether you have a diagnosis or just sometimes feel overwhelmed by to-do lists and money decisions, this conversation offers insight and practical strategies for everyone.

Joining me is an expert in the field, Laurel Black. Laurel is the Director of Executive Function Coaching at ResearchILD and works as an ADHD and executive function coach with adults at Brightmind Coaching. Laurel brings a wealth of experience working with both students and adults navigating the challenges of executive function and ADHD in their day-to-day lives.

We opened with a high-level discussion of what neurodiversity and ADHD actually mean, including how people relate to these diagnoses as part of their identity. Laurel explained that neurodivergence is an umbrella term covering a range of ways people’s brains work differently, and she inspired us to approach these differences with curiosity and respect.

We then drilled down into the core aspects of executive functioning, how ADHD acts as a "disorder of goal-oriented behavior," and why managing financial tasks can be uniquely difficult for those struggling with executive function. Laurel shared how the dopamine system influences motivation and focus, how impulsivity and social needs can shape financial habits, and why people with ADHD might experience everything from shopping sprees to a flood of anxiety when paying bills.

We also explored the emotional side of executive functioning and money: the cycle of procrastination, rejection sensitivity, and the heavy weight of social comparison. Laurel shared her own Eris framework—a practical tool for untangling expectations, reality, and emotions—so listeners can start taking manageable steps forward, no matter where they are.

We wrapped up with actionable insights and recommendations for listeners, from books to check out to strategies for carving out clarity and agency in financial decision-making.

5 Key Takeaways:

1. Executive Functioning Isn’t Just for Those with ADHD: ADHD often makes executive functioning weaknesses more noticeable, but stress, anxiety, and busy lives can drain anyone’s “self-control gas tank.” Good executive function skills—like organizing, prioritizing, and flexibility—benefit everyone, especially when handling finances.
2. Motivation and Attention Are Tied to Biology and Emotion: People with ADHD often seek novelty and social connection for dopamine hits, making it tough to prioritize long-term financial goals over short-term rewards or distractions. The impulsivity and emotional intensity can impact spending, saving, and follow-through.
3. Procrastination Is About Emotion—Not Time Management: According to Laurel and research she cites, procrastination usually masks emotional avoidance—like fear of failure, rejection, or not meeting expectations—rather than simple laziness or bad time management. Recognizing and naming these emotions is the first step to moving forward.
4. Try the ERAS Framework to Move Past Overwhelm: Laurel’s ERAS model (Expectation, Reality, Adjust, Start) helps break down moments of emotional overwhelm—financial or otherwise—into manageable chunks: clarify expectations, check reality, make adjustments, and take just one next step.
5. Clarity and Agency Are the Cornerstones of Financial Wellbeing: Laurel emphasizes that financial wellness isn’t about having unlimited resources, but about knowing your reality, setting realistic expectations, making intentional adjustments, and taking small steps that build agency and control. Social...

Welcome back to Modern Financial Wellness! I'm your host, Jim Grace, and on today’s episode, I had the privilege of sitting down with Tim "Jai" Baker—wealth advisor, founder of Luminess Wealth, and author of “The Awakened Investor.” We explored not only the technical side of what makes up true wealth, but also dove deep into the intersection of finance, mindfulness, and personal transformation.

Tim brings a truly holistic perspective to the financial world. With nearly four decades of experience as a wealth advisor, he’s founded multiple firms, including Luminess Wealth, and has recently authored “The Awakened Investor.” Tim’s journey—from a career on Wall Street, through personal tragedy, to deep spiritual exploration and founding a new kind of wealth management firm—shapes his philosophy that wealth isn’t just about money, but encompasses our well-being in multiple dimensions.

This conversation is much more than a discussion about money or traditional financial planning. Tim shared his unique story of transformation, including how meditation began to shape his life, especially after the tragic loss of his daughter. We discussed why financial success doesn’t always lead to life satisfaction, the pitfalls of mainstream financial services (including the crucial distinction between “fiduciary” and “suitability” standards), and the importance of addressing one’s mindset and inherited beliefs around money.

We also explored how the most effective wealth management considers a client’s entire well-being—drawing from Blue Zone research on longevity, examining family money scripts, and integrating mindfulness, health, and life satisfaction into financial planning. If you’re curious about the intersection of spirituality and personal finance, or want to understand why your financial journey is so entwined with your mindset and life story, this episode is for you.

5 Key Takeaways

1. Wealth is Holistic, Not Just Dollars and Cents: Tim emphasizes that true wealth is much broader than just financial assets—it includes health, relationships, environment, and personal fulfillment. This echoes the original etymology of "wealth," which referred to prosperity, well-being, and health, not just currency.
2. Know Thyself: Mindset is Everything: Our deepest beliefs and attitudes about money are often formed in early childhood, and can drive financial decisions unconsciously for decades. Becoming aware of—and consciously reshaping—our money scripts and mindset is essential for both financial and personal progress.
3. Not All Advisors Are Created Equal: The Importance of Fiduciary Duty: Tim explains the difference between “fee-only fiduciary” advisors and those who operate under the less stringent “suitability” standard. Only about 10% of advisors are true fiduciaries, committed to putting the client’s interests first.
4. The Power of Daily Practice (and Teamwork): Just as true personal or spiritual development requires daily effort (think of Tiger Woods’ golf training, or regular meditation), financial growth needs consistent practice, regular reviews, and a cohesive team dedicated to your wellbeing—not just isolated experts.
5. Transformation is a Journey, Not a Destination: Tim’s own experience—from Wall Street to spiritual retreats in India—underscores that awakening (whether financially or personally) is continual work. Setbacks and triggers are natural, and the goal isn’t perfection, but ongoing growth and alignment between our values, goals, and resources.

Resources & Next Steps

If today’s conversation resonated with you, I highly recommend picking up Tim’s book, “The Awakened Investor” (available on Amazon in all formats,...

1. Coaching and Financial Planning Go Hand-in-Hand: Melissa uses coaching to help her clients explore their beliefs, mindsets, and values around money before making major financial decisions. This helps clients navigate their financial journeys more confidently and authentically.
2. Take Time to Understand Your Situation: Inheriting wealth is an emotional and complex process. Melissa highlighted the importance of not making any major, permanent decisions too soon. Allow yourself a decision-free period to process the change.
3. The Importance of Working with a Fiduciary: Melissa stresses the importance of choosing advisers who are fiduciaries—professionals legally obligated to act in their client’s best interest—to help navigate the complexities of inherited wealth.
4. Shift Your Perspective: Transforming your mindset from 'I don’t deserve this' to a more empowering view can drastically change how you handle inheritance. Embracing self-love and understanding your own worth are critical steps in this process.
5. Engage in Self-Discovery Before Inheritance: If possible, begin exploring your values and preferences before actually receiving an inheritance. This preparation can make a significant difference when you do have to handle it.

• Raising Financially Fit Kids by Joline Godfrey

• LinkedIn
• The Wealth Conservancy, Inc.
• Way Into Wealth: Melissa's coaching program for easing into affluence.

Welcome to another episode of Modern Financial Wellness, where we dive into the psychology of money to help you feel better about your finances. I'm your host, Jim Grace, CFP®, guiding you through today's discussion on understanding the emotional aspects of financial decisions, especially during retirement.

I am thrilled to have Dan Haylett join us today. Dan is a multifaceted financial planner and the head of growth at TFP Financial Planning in the UK. He's also the mastermind behind "Humans versus Retirement," a podcast and content hub for anyone looking to live a retirement filled with purpose and experience true wealth.

In today's episode, Dan and I explore the crucial transition into retirement and the psychological shift required to go from accumulating wealth to spending it. We dive into Dan's latest white paper, "The Skill of Spending Money in Retirement," and discuss how retirees can overcome the ingrained habit of saving to truly enjoy their retirement.

We highlight how important it is to start planning for the second half of life and how retirees can embrace the opportunities and address the emotional barriers they face. Our conversation also underscores the importance of not just preparing financially for retirement but also considering the mental and emotional preparations needed to spend and enjoy your hard-earned money.

5 Key Takeaways:

1. The Fragile Decade: Dan emphasizes the importance of the five years leading up to and following retirement, referred to as the fragile decade. This period is critical for transitioning mindset and planning how to spend retirement savings effectively.
2. Identity Shift: Retirement marks a significant shift in identity. Recognizing and preparing for this change is essential, as it involves moving from a mindset of saving and accumulating to one of spending and enjoying.
3. The Human Element and Spending Habits: Our conversation highlights the fear many retirees have of running out of money, leading them to underspend. Dan argues for the importance of transitioning from a saving habit to a spending mindset, backed by evidence showing many retirees die with more money than they started with.
4. Retirement Phases: We discuss the phases of retirement—exploring, nesting, and reflecting—that reflect changes in health, time, and financial needs. Understanding these phases helps retirees spend their money when it can provide the most benefit and joy.
5. Creating Memories: Dan talks about "memory dividends," which are the lasting emotional returns of spending money on experiences that create memories with loved ones. This concept encourages retirees to use their financial resources to build experiences that enrich their lives.

Thank you for joining us in this episode of Modern Financial Wellness. I hope today's conversation provides you with valuable insights into making the most of your retirement. Please remember to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast. Until next time, take care.

In this episode, I'm joined by Dave Giesleman, founder of Become Limitless Flow State Mindset Coaching and Limitless Flow Breathwork. Our conversation centers around stress management and how tools like breathwork and achieving a flow state can enhance mental clarity and decision-making, particularly in a financial context. Dave shares insights from his experience transitioning from a high-stress career as a chef to teaching others how to manage stress healthily. He emphasizes the importance of understanding how the body's stress response works and using techniques to calm the mind and body.

We also talk about the different types of breath work, including intervention, daily practice, and long-form breath work sessions, to help manage stress and improve overall well-being. He explains how breathwork can help people recalibrate their physiological responses to stress, improve executive functioning, and access the flow state, where peak performance can be achieved. We also discuss how stress management and financial well-bing are connected, and how you can achieve balance in clarity in all aspects of your life.

You can connect with Dave at: www.become-limitless.com

Key Topics Discussed

• The relationship between high performance and high stress
• Physiological responses to stress and their impact on the mind and decision-making
• Implementation of breath works to manage stress and enter a flow state
• Connections between stress management and financial decision-making
• Tools such as intervention breath work, daily practice, and extended breath sessions
• The importance of achieving clarity in financial and personal life to alleviate stress