In this episode, we sit down with Donna Cirillo, founder of Smart Money Changes Everything, to explore how she built a purpose-driven career in financial education that serves everyone from teens in libraries to adults rebuilding after major life transitions. Donna shares how her journey began in a high-pressure bank call center, where overwhelmed staff and frustrated customers pushed her to create her first informal financial training. That experience sparked a lifelong mission to teach money skills in practical, compassionate, and genuinely transformative ways.

We unpack how Donna uses a clear program-implementation framework to tailor education for very different audiences. She explains how she identifies learner pain points, designs outcome-focused sessions, and documents results through assessments and storytelling - positioning herself as a trusted partner for organizations seeking more than a basic budgeting talk.

Whether you're new to financial education or working to deepen your impact, Donna’s story demonstrates what becomes possible when empathy, curiosity, and professional standards come together. Her message is simple and powerful: with the right approach, smart money truly can change everything - for learners, families, and entire communities.

Main Website https://smartmoneychangeseverything.com

LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/donna-miano-cirillo/

Case Study Video https://smartmoneychangeseverything.com/case

In this episode, we’re joined by Susan Doty, Executive Director of the Center for Economic Education and Financial Literacy at the University of Texas at Tyler. With a career spanning over three decades, Susan brings a deep commitment to student outcomes and lasting systemic change.

We explore her innovative First Responder Finance initiative—a three-tiered program offering for-credit certification to undergraduates, professional development for working adults, and community outreach through events like family nights and Girl Scout workshops. Susan shares how she built the program from scratch, highlighting the importance of stakeholder support, needs assessments, and strategic grant funding.

What sets Susan apart is her use of economics as the foundation for teaching personal finance. Through her signature “Doty Mantra,” she frames financial decisions around opportunity cost and behavior change, helping learners build long-term financial wellness.

The conversation also covers her efforts to influence legislation, strengthen teacher training, and support workforce development across fields like education, social work, law enforcement, and healthcare. Her goal: to embed personal finance into professional training nationwide.

Whether you’re an educator, policymaker, or advocate, this episode delivers real-world strategies and inspiration. Susan’s message is powerful: “Education is the ultimate economic multiplier.” And she’s equipping a new generation to carry that mission forward.

https://www.uttyler.edu/research/centers/economic-education-financial-literacy/

https://www.uttyler.edu/research/centers/economic-education-financial-literacy/about-the-director/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/susan-doty-947768125/

In this inspiring episode, we sit down with Rachael Hanible—author, speaker, Certified Financial Education Instructor, and recipient of the NFEC’s Financial Education Instructor of the Year Award. What began as informal kitchen table conversations with friends’ parents has grown into a national movement to empower individuals—from age 3 to 73—with financial knowledge and confidence.

Motivated by the lack of financial education in her childhood community, Rachael taught herself about money and spent two years offering free coaching to families. Over the past 12 years, she has educated thousands through her company, Missing Peace Financial Group, and launched Millionaires in Training, a program and curriculum designed to teach kids about budgeting, banking, credit, investing, and entrepreneurship.

Rachael shares how she built trust in underserved communities, scaled from one-on-one coaching to leading sessions in over 140 schools and nonprofits, and authored the bestselling children’s book Amber’s Magical Savings Box, which led to a sold-out Barnes & Noble tour.

Whether you’re just getting started or looking to expand your impact, Rachael’s journey offers real-world lessons, inspiration, and powerful takeaways.

https://www.rachaelhanible.com/

https://www.instagram.com/peptalks_/?hl=en

https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachael-hanible-a43115192/

Ben Joergens is a nationally recognized financial literacy advocate, community leader, and the Executive Director of Financial Empowerment at Old National Bank. With a career dedicated to bridging the financial knowledge gap, Ben has spearheaded initiatives that empower individuals and families to achieve long-term financial stability and success.

In this episode, Ben shares his personal journey from his early career in banking to becoming a champion for financial education. He discusses Old National Bank’s commitment to community outreach, highlighting innovative programs that provide accessible, practical financial skills to underserved populations. Ben also explores the role of financial institutions in fostering economic empowerment and the importance of partnerships in advancing financial literacy at scale. His passion and leadership offer valuable insights for listeners looking to drive positive change through education, collaboration, and community engagement.

Guest Links

https://www.tiktok.com/discover/old-national-bank

https://www.instagram.com/oldnationalbancorp/

https://www.oldnational.com/about-us/community/financial-education-courses/real-life-finance/

https://www.facebook.com/OldNationalBancorp/

https://rlf.buzzsprout.com/

Craig is a FinTech leader with deep expertise in integrating technology into education and offering practical insights for those looking to enter the FinTech industry. With a career that began in the financial trenches of the steel industry and evolved into founding groundbreaking platforms like SPENDiD and MyBudgetReport, Craig has consistently championed financial health and wellness.

In this episode, Craig shares his inspiring journey, discusses key trends shaping financial technology, and provides actionable advice for educators aiming to integrate tech into the classroom and entrepreneurs looking to build FinTech-based products. Whether you’re an aspiring FinTech innovator or a financial educator, this conversation is packed with insights you won’t want to miss.

Guest Links

https://spendid.io/

https://mybudgetreport.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/craig-t-hill/

https://www.financialeducatorscouncil.org/advisory-board-member-craig-hill/

Sonja Strzoda brings over 25 years of expertise in global asset management and financial services, working with Boards, senior executives, and major investors throughout her impressive career. She currently serves on the Boards of WISE (Women Investing in Security and Education), NuVision Federal Credit Union, Knomee, and the California Financial Educators Council, where she plays a vital role in committees focused on governance, strategy, and financial oversight.

In this episode, Sonja offers valuable insights into collaborating with financial education organizations, building networks within the financial literacy space, and joining advisory boards. Her extensive knowledge and experience make this a must-listen for anyone passionate about advancing financial education and creating meaningful impact.

Guest Links

https://www.linkedin.com/in/sonja-strzoda

https://www.financialeducatorscouncil.org/advisory-board-member-sonja-strzoda/

I’m excited to introduce this limited series featuring leaders in personal finance, including educators, coaches, fintech innovators, and content creators, all advancing financial wellness. We’ll explore how to scale financial initiatives, gain exposure, and address the business side of financial education. If you're passionate about improving financial literacy and want practical insights on building your program, join us for conversations about making a real impact. Host - Vince Shorb, CEO National Financial Educators Council

Bola Sokunbi, founder of Clever Girl Finance, is a 5x bestselling author, speaker, and leader of one of the largest personal finance media and education platforms for women in the U.S. As a Certified Financial Education Instructor and finance expert, Bola provides unparalleled insight into crafting high-quality content that engages and builds thriving communities.

In this episode, Bola shares her proven strategies for creating impactful content, gaining meaningful exposure, and cultivating a strong, connected audience. We’ll dive into her latest book, Clever Girl Finance Workbook: My Wealth Plan, and learn how she manages an enterprise that has made a positive impact on countless lives globally. For anyone seeking to enhance their content creation and audience engagement skills, Bola is the ideal guide.

Guest Links

https://www.clevergirlfinance.com/

https://www.clevergirlfinance.com/my-wealth-plan/

https://www.bolasokunbi.com/

https://www.financialeducatorscouncil.org/clever-girl-finance-distinguished-personal-finance-content/