Dr. Sarah, talks with founder of First Gen Living and author of the upcoming book "Always Have Enough: How to Build Wealth When You Don't Come From Money," Maria Melchor, to tackle real listener questions about money across every generation. From a 27 year old in West Virginia wondering whether to pay off debt or start investing, to a 58 year old asking when to take Social Security, Maria breaks down practical, judgment-free strategies for building financial confidence at any income level or life stage. The conversation covers starting small with as little as 1% of your income, navigating unpredictable gig economy earnings, choosing between a 401k and a Roth IRA, and refinancing high interest student loans.
The episode also dives into the financial pressures unique to midlife and the so-called sandwich generation, including listeners juggling aging parents, growing families, and their own long-term goals. Maria shares her framework for preparing financially for kids, explains the difference between a financial educator and a financial advisor, and offers reassurance to anyone who feels behind. Throughout, she emphasizes that time, not a high income, is the biggest asset anyone has when it comes to building wealth, and that financial health is just one tool among many for living a fuller life.
Episode sponsor: Certified financial & wealth advisors
Adams, Gut & Associates was recognized by Forbes as a 2026 Best-in-State Wealth Management Team, an accolade that highlights advisory teams nationally for their disciplined approach, strong best practices, client retention, industry experience, and ability to navigate increasingly complex wealth-management needs.
https://www.adams-gut.com/
How to learn more about Maria Melchor, Financial Coach, First Gen Living:
https://www.firstgenliving.com/
More resources:
FirstGenLiving, LLC
https://www.instagram.com/firstgenliving/
https://www.tiktok.com/@firstgenliving
Have questions about today’s episode, or anything else related to the health and wellness of your family? Write us an email or upload a voice memo, to growingupwithdr.sarah@gmail.com and we’ll try and address your questions or play your questions on an episode.
Leave a voice message: To record and email a voice memo, use your phone's built-in recorder (like Voice Memos on iPhone or a similar app on Android), tap the record button, speak your message (holding the phone like a call), stop recording, then use the share icon to select your email app, fill in details, and send the attached audio file. Alternatively, draft a new email in Gmail/Outlook and use the attachment icon to add the saved audio file directly.
Email to: Dr.Sarah@gmail.com
ABOUT Dr. Sarah:
Looking for a place to educate yourself and your family on how to live your best lives? Welcome to Growing Up with Dr. Sarah, where we discuss general health and wellness, parenting, family matters, and real-life challenges that affect every single one of us. As both a pediatrician and a mom, I have unique insight on how to grow healthier, happier, and stronger as individuals, and as families.
The success of the family starts from the top, by helping parents and caregivers address tough questions and everyday concerns. So join me and some of my special guests: physicians, nutritionists, fitness experts, community members, coaches, teachers, and more –and let’s grow up together!
Check out previous episodes of “Growing Up with Dr. Sarah” at www.growingupwithdrsarah.com
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This podcast is produced by:
GTS Media, LLC
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