Financial Wellness at Work

Julie Everett, a financial coach at Financial Finesse, explains new “Trump accounts” created by Congress in 2025: for children born between January 1, 2025 and December 31, 2028, the U.S. Treasury provides a $1,000 deposit once the account is opened, with funds invested tax-deferred in a low-cost index fund until age 18 (program launched July 4, 2026). She also describes a separate $6.25 billion Dell Foundation donation that may provide a $250 deposit for children born outside that window if ...

What if annual enrollment wasn’t just another HR task, but an opportunity to give yourself a financial reset—and potentially even a raise? In this episode of Financial Wellness at Work, Julie Everett and Michael Rivera unpack how employees can make the most of their workplace benefits, from capturing the full 401(k) match and choosing the right healthcare coverage to protecting their income and loved ones with insurance. They also explore how small changes to everyday spending, emergency savi...

Financial Coach, Julie Everett hosts Ryan Campagna of Sentinel Group to unpack why only 13% of workers feel on track for retirement and nearly half fear outliving their savings. Ryan frames the issue as a readiness crisis driven by plan access, plan design, misconceptions, and lack of confidence, sharing examples of workers misreading Social Security “normal retirement age” and seeking a single “catch-up” investment. They discuss best-in-class plan features—auto-enrollment, auto-escalat...

If there’s a secret to managing money, it’s this: the small steps are the strategy. After spending over a decade seen on PBS, helping everyday investors make smarter decisions, award-winning financial analyst Pam Krueger built her own game-changing platform. Wealthramp matches investors with vetted, fee-only fiduciary financial advisors. Join us as Pam explains how time does the heavy lifting when we commit to taking the small steps that move us toward long-term financial security. We unpack ...

Host Julie Everett is joined by Financial Finesse coach Kari Cedegren and Jenell Koelblin, Site Coordinator - Lane County Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program (VITA), to answer common tax-season questions and outline practical steps to prepare. They explain VITA (IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) Program as a free tax prep and filing service for lower- and moderate-income households, seniors, people with disabilities, and limited English speakers, and describe volunteer training and cer...

Growth is rarely a straight line, but for today’s guest, the path has been nothing short of vertical. Through her leadership role as Director of Growth at the U.S. Soccer Federation, Majd Steitieh initiated a huge shift in how soccer operates in the country. During this conversation, we talk about career evolution, organizational impact, and the grit that it takes to get there. Majd also shares how shifting her financial mindset has enabled her to sharpen her focus and take more meaningful ow...

What does leadership in financial wellness look like when people need more than the right numbers to make real change? In this International Women’s Month episode, we sit down with Liz Davidson, CEO of Financial Finesse, and Carolyn Fraser, Head of Internal Sales at Ascensus, to discuss the progress women have made in financial services and the responsibility that comes with representation. They unpack why financial wellness is tied to trust, behavior, and accountability, why outcomes matter ...

Over the weekend, tensions escalated between Iran, Israel, and the United States and markets are reacting. In this episode, we step back from the headlines and focus on what actually matters for your financial life. What happens to oil prices during geopolitical conflict? Could gas and grocery costs rise again? What does short-term volatility really mean for your 401(k)? More importantly, how should you respond? We break down the potential ripple effects on inflation, energy markets, and equi...

In the finance world, AI can serve as a powerful bridge to scale financial coaching without replacing human connection. Join the conversation today on the Financial Wellness at Work podcast, as Julie Everett and Scott Stark discuss how AI-amplified financial coaching helps employees get the personalized guidance they need. They look at how they’re using AI in both their personal and professional lives, discuss the idea that AI might take the jobs of financial coaches, how Scott is leveraging ...

The passing of the One, Big, Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) has brought about a lot of changes for employees, and it’s important to discuss these things as we head into 2026. Joining us to tell you what you need to know about OBBBA are Financial Finesse coaches, Dan Andrews and Stephanie Thomas. Tuning in, you’ll hear all about the new ‘no tax on overtime’ rule, how that will affect an employee’s tax refund, and what the increase in the new standard deduction means for employees. We discuss the i...

Welcome to season five of Financial Wellness at Work! In this episode, we welcome our very own Think Tank director, Greg Ward, and financial coach, Scott Stark, to discuss their takeaways from the EBRI (Employee Benefit Research Institute) Symposium as we head into a new year. Tuning in, you’ll hear all about why this event is so beneficial, what was discussed at the HSA roundtable, how the day started by touching on the affordability issue, and so much more. We delve into what stood out to S...

High inflation may have eased, but many employees are now facing the debt that built up while their budgets were stretched thin. In this episode of Financial Wellness at Work, Julie Everett talks with Scott Stark, CFP, Senior Financial Planner and Financial Wellness Think Tank researcher at Financial Finesse, about the financial patterns that defined 2025. Scott shares how employers have stepped up with creative programs that support workers navigating lingering financial pressure. He and Jul...

The holidays can be an overwhelming time financially, and today on Financial Wellness at Work, we are joined by financial services expert, Kaitlin Vangura, to discuss how you can spend smart this season so that you can be present with your family and focus on what really matters! Tuning in, you’ll hear all about Kaitlin’s approach to the holidays, how she manages budgeting without becoming a ‘grinch’, how (and when) to plan financially for this time of year, how you can make some extra cash o...

We all know that financial stress can impact your health, but we often don’t consider how your health may impact your finances. Today, we are discussing the financial toll of living with a chronic health condition with employee, Alexis Lopez, and financial coach, Becca Wilton. Tuning in, you’ll hear all about Alexis’ health journey, endometriosis diagnosis, the unexpected expenses that come with the disease, and how her relationship with her finances has changed since then. We dive into some ...

What happens when you stop Googling financial advice and start talking to a real coach? In this episode of Financial Wellness at Work, host Julie Everett sits down with Megan, a healthcare professional who shares how financial coaching helped her move from uncertainty to confidence in her money decisions. Megan discusses her initial hesitation, the relief of discovering she was not “so far off” in her financial planning, and the ways her coach improved her investment strategies. Together, Jul...

Financial curveballs can often affect our physical well-being, but how can we learn and grow from the unexpected twists and turns that few of us are prepared for? Today’s guest experienced a sudden financial shock that forced her and her family to think fast, adapt, and make some tough decisions. She joins us today to share her story of resilience, resourcefulness, and the emotional side of money that is often overlooked. Rebecca, a Compensation and Benefits Manager and avid money saver, begi...

You don’t need to love numbers to get good with money — just the right support and some clear guidance. In today’s episode, Financial Finesse coach Julie Everett is joined by Briana Oliver, a technical recruiter at a Fortune 500 company, who opens up about her five-year journey from financial uncertainty to clarity and confidence. Briana reflects on how growing up with a save-every-penny mindset left her unsure of what to do once she had “extra” income, and how financial coaching helped her s...

Surviving divorce and debt to thrive against all financial odds is an impressive feat, one worthy of impactful discussion. In today’s conversation, we welcome Financial Finesse Financial Coach, Becca Wilton, and single mom and healthcare professional, Gerlyn Kuroski, to the show to unpack Gerlyn’s path to financial freedom. To start, Gerlyn describes who she is and what she does. Then, we learn why she chose Financial Finesse, her struggles with debt, what she has learned from our tools and c...

What does it really mean to navigate the U.S. financial system as an immigrant? In this episode of Financial Wellness at Work, host Brian Kelly is joined by Veronica Arellano, a financial planner at Financial Finesse, and Yemi Rose, founder of OfColor and Growth Leader at Financial Finesse, to explore the layered financial experiences of first-generation immigrants in America. Veronica and Yemi share personal immigration stories, arriving from Mexico and Jamaica, and reflect on how cultural v...

What actually happens when you reach out to a financial coach for the first time? If you’ve ever wondered what to expect from that initial conversation, this episode has you covered! Joining us from Grace Health, Sally Armstrong and Chris Higdon break down the process of connecting with a coach at Financial Finesse, including what’s discussed, how to prepare, and how you can benefit from the personalized guidance, action items, and resources they offer. We also explore common financial strain...

Our guest today said it best: “It’s important to have your eye on the horizon, financially, but also to have your feet very grounded in the present.” On this episode, we’re joined by Tony from Philly, who has spent the last four years on a coaching journey with Coach Don Edlin. Together, we reflect on their coaching relationship, the importance of recognizing financial misinformation, and how our backgrounds shape our personal money scripts. Tony shares why staying grounded in the present is ...

If the tumbling leaves of fall indicate anything let it be this: It’s time to move! It’s time to start thinking about what you want in the new year and preparing to achieve those goals. Today’s guest is Majd, an employee who has built a longstanding relationship with Financial Finesse having spoken with 17 coaches since her first call. After explaining why now is the perfect time to start planning for 2025, Majd details her experience of calling Financial Finesse for the very first time...

Retirement isn’t just about stepping away from the workforce. It’s about securing your financial future, maintaining peace of mind, and ensuring that you can truly enjoy the next chapter of your life. In today’s episode of Financial Wellness at Work, Financial Finesse coaches Julie Everett and Linda Robertson chat with Jill, a newly retired employee, about why thoughtful retirement planning is a crucial part of financial wellness and how to approach it with confidence. You’ll hear how expert ...

Danielle’s professional journey is the perfect example of how financial coaching can completely transform one’s life. She is joined today by her financial coach, Doug Spencer. The pair discuss why financial coaching starts at home, why our founder Liz Davidson’s book is the perfect foundation for financial literacy, how their parents have influenced their financial philosophies, and how coaching can enhance one’s overall outlook on finances. We also explore the value of utilizing employer ben...

If you’re looking to improve your financial well-being, it’s important to understand the impact of your financial attitudes or “money scripts” on your future. In today’s episode, you’ll discover that, with the right support and financial plan in place, you can rewrite these money scripts and take control of your financial destiny! Julie Everett is joined by co-host and financial coach Jim Jacobucci, along with special guest Tom Bekas, a former college athlete, entrepreneur, and Client Service...

Who do you turn to when a financial crisis hits? During this episode, Jennifer joins us to share her story of building a relationship with an expert before finding herself in a time of crisis. Starting with her transition from working in academia to taking on a corporate role, Jennifer shares the highlights of her path to creating more financial security. We touch on the mental health challenges that often accompany periods of financial stress and emphasize the importance of having access to ...

Welcome back to the Financial Wellness at Work Podcast! Today we are joined by Financial Finesse user, Jonathan Woodward, to discuss the upside of “making the call.” You’ll hear about what inspired Jonathan to make his first call, why he has worked with so many of our financial coaches (and why he keeps coming back), how much his confidence and knowledge have improved, and much more. We go on to discuss what it was like talking to a complete stranger about money before Jonathan encourages lis...

Trusting your financial coach and being able to have open conversations about anything related to your finances allows you to have a more holistic coaching experience. This is exactly what our guest, Jada Haynes, experienced working with Julie Everett at Financial Finesse. Jada is a postgraduate, first-year student at Harvard Business School and a graduate of Indiana University’s Kelley School of Business. Tune in to hear how Jada’s mom positively influenced her financial journey, setting her...

It wasn’t until Lori Zeman made the call to Financial Finesse herself that she truly understood the power of financial coaching. Lori is a Division Vice President at Ascensus, the largest independent recordkeeping services partner in the United States. Ascensus has integrated Financial Finesse to offer our services as an employee benefit and to provide them to every single participant in Ascensus plans. In this episode, we chat with Lori and our very own Senior Financial Coach, Julie Everett,...

Managing our finances is one of those things we all need to do, but we rarely are taught. While we all do the best we can, there are times when our lack of education can land us in challenging situations. Today’s guest, Edzen Cortez, was in a great deal of debt before he sought help from a Financial Coach. He was recently featured on a panel at the Employee Benefit Research Institute symposium in Washington DC where he spoke about how achieving financial wellness has increased his bandwidth, ...

Welcome back to Financial Wellness at Work! Joining us today is someone with an amazing financial success story, Latoya Pirtle. She has transformed her personal finances by actively seeking out knowledge and working with a Financial Coach. Also joining us today is Julie Everett, Latoya’s coach of one year. Hear the story of how and why Latoya reached out, how Julie helped her think through big decisions and take positive actions, and how the experience has impacted Latoya’s life. Julie also s...

Welcome to another episode of Financial Wellness at Work. Joining us in conversation today is Julie Everett, a financial coach at Financial Finesse. We also have Sarah Kaney here to tell us how Julie helped her to take control of her finances after the tragic loss of her husband to cancer. Hear how having a financial coach she could trust made all the difference in Sarah’s journey, and how Julie’s knowledge and measured approach helped position Sarah to thrive financially, to the extent that ...

The importance of taking care of our physical and mental health is becoming more widely understood but what isn’t yet being talked about as much is the fact that our financial health is equally important. Today, we are joined once more by Kristina Keck of Woodruff Sawyer, as well as her colleague, Tracey Allen who is currently receiving financial coaching from Financial Finesse’s own Kevin Miller. We'll hear about Tracey’s financial coaching journey from what prompted her to pick up the phone...

Historically, NFL players have been known for their culture of big spending. Joining us today is someone who has affected a major shift in financial wellness amongst his fellow NFL players, and beyond. Carl Nassib is a seven-year veteran of the NFL and today, we find out what inspired him to shift his mindset around finances and make his money work for him with smart planning and off-the-field endeavors, rather than spend it indiscriminately. Carl shares his view on why it’s so important to b...

No matter who we are or where we come from, we all face challenges when it comes to our finances. The goal of this podcast is to break the taboo about money conversations and today, we are joined by Brian Kelly, one of our esteemed Financial Coaches, and his client, Tiffany Brown to share her story. Tiffany has been working with Brian for two years and in that time she has paid off her credit card debt, started an emergency fund, bought a new home, and changed how she thinks about money. In o...

Your host, Liz Davidson, and Kristina Keck, Vice President of Retirement Plan Services at Woodruff Sawyer, are friends, colleagues, and experts in financial wellness coaching delivered as an employee benefit. They’re also borderline obsessed with helping people take control of their financial lives. In episode #1, they are joined by Julie Everett, CFP® and Financial Coach at Financial Finesse, who provides a glimpse into her everyday helping employees transform their financial lives through p...

Financial Finesse Financial Coaches work with people from all walks of life and have literally seen it all! They’ve supported employees and participants (and their families) through debt, cash flow, and credit challenges, buying homes, growing their families, marriages and divorces, retirement planning, and more. Through guest interviews, your host Liz Davidson, founder and CEO of Financial Finesse, will share life-changing stories of financial transformations experienced by everyday people w...