In this episode of Real Money, Real Experts, co-hosts Rachael DeLeon and Dr. Brandy Baxter are joined by Whitney Ramirez, founder of Diapers to Deposits and Financial Field Trips, to discuss innovative approaches to financial education that move beyond traditional instruction.

Whitney shares how her experiential learning model—“financial field trips”—helps learners apply financial concepts in real-world settings, from visiting banks and apartment complexes to exploring car dealerships. By meeting individuals where they are and building on their existing knowledge, her approach fosters deeper understanding, confidence, and long-term behavior change.

We explore key concepts including the financial literacy vortex, the importance of application-based learning, and how educators, counselors, and financial professionals can better engage both youth and adult learners.

This conversation offers practical insights for anyone looking to make financial education more impactful, relevant, and sustainable.

Show Notes:

03:19 The Story Behind the LED Backpack & Standing Out

04:20 How Financial Field Trips Began

05:28 The FAST Framework Explained

07:01 Applying Financial Education in Real Life

11:13 How Behavior Change Happens

13:24 Why Financial Field Trips Work

15:25 Applying These Strategies with Adult Clients

18:03 Teaching Through Storytelling: The “Loan Shark” Lesson

20:23 Planting Seeds Early in Financial Education

21:08 Whitney’s 2 Cents

Show Note Links:

Learn more about D2D Youth Money Hub!

Connect with Whitney!

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Here are a few places to start: Become a Member, Sign up for an Essentials Course, or Get AFC Certified today!

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Hosts Dr. Brandy Baxter and Rachael DeLeon welcome longtime AFCPE member Dr. Barbara O’Neill to discuss changes in financial planning over 40 years, including increased automation and the uncertain readiness of AI, alongside AFCPE’s growing membership diversity.

O’Neill defines tax-smart charitable giving as aligning donations with income-tax benefits and highlights additional psychological benefits of philanthropy.

She shares strategies including qualified charitable distributions from traditional IRAs, bunching deductions to exceed the standard deduction, donor-advised funds, and new 2026 charitable deductions for non-itemizers, while noting shifting tax rules for itemizers.

The conversation also covers older adults’ needs—lower risk, lower taxes, simplicity, reliable income, and “fun money”—popular later-life class topics, solopreneur advice, and the importance of making financial education simple and actionable.

Show Notes:

00:00 Meet our guest, Barbara O'Neill

02:16 How Finance Has Changed

03:08 AI and the Human Touch

05:48 Tax Smart Giving Basics

14:41 Keeping Up With Tax Law

15:37 Giving Tips for Young Adults

17:57 Older Adults Money Needs

27:10 Late Life Entrepreneurship

33:01 Barbara's Two Cents

Show Note Links:

Check out MoneyTalk!

Connect with MoneyTalk on Twitter!

Explore the MoneyTalk blog!

Grab your copy of Barbara's book!

Want to get involved with AFCPE®?
Here are a few places to start: Become a Member, Sign up for an Essentials Course, or Get AFC Certified today!

Want to support the podcast? We love partnering with organizations that share our mission and values. Download our media kit.

In this episode of Real Money, Real Experts, Dr. Brandy Baxter sits down with financial counselors Alicia Lawrence and Jayne Larson to explore why real financial change goes beyond the numbers.

They discuss the power of motivational interviewing, empathy, and curiosity in helping clients uncover the “why” behind their money habits. From overcoming the fear of opening bills to negotiating more than 20 credit card accounts, this conversation highlights how mindset shifts—not just budgets—drive lasting progress.

For financial professionals ready to focus less on spreadsheets and more on behavior, this episode offers practical insight into creating meaningful, sustainable change.

Show Notes:

02:00 – Meet the guests: Alicia Lawrence & Jayne Larson

03:00 – Shifting from “what to do” to understanding the why behind money behaviors

05:00 – Motivational interviewing and the stages of change

08:00 – Emotional triggers, stress spending, and building client trust

09:30 – Measuring progress beyond the numbers (confidence, opening mail, mindset shifts)

11:00 – Client story: From avoiding bills to negotiating 20+ credit cards

14:00 – What sparked the mindset shift?

15:20 – Advice for financial professionals: leading with curiosity and empathy

19:00 – Reflection questions that spark behavior change

20:50 – Two Cents segment: Discomfort, flexibility, and sustainable planning

22:30 – How to connect + episode wrap-up

Show Note Links:

Learn more here!

Learn more about the wages & inflation here!

Learn more about the US Inflation Rates!

Learn more about Jayne & Alicia's work here!

Check out this resource!

Connect with Alicia!

Connect with Your Money Line on Instagram!

Connect with Your Money Line on Linkedin!

Want to get involved with AFCPE®?
Here are a few places to start: Become a Member, Sign up for an Essentials Course, or Get AFC Certified today!

Want to support the podcast? We love partnering with organizations that share our mission and values. Download our media kit.