In this Parenting and Finances Money Memoir, Lauryn Williams sits down with fellow Certified Financial Planner™ and mom of two, Rianka R. Dorsainvil, CFP®, for a real conversation about motherhood, money, and what it costs to build a "village" in today's world.

Rianka shares how growing up with limited resources shaped her commitment to building something different for her own family. Now a successful firm owner, she talks about what generational wealth looks like in practice, why food security is part of that picture, and how she and her husband think about saving and investing for their children.

Lauryn and Rianka also dig into the realities of working motherhood. They talk about hyper independence, dropping expectations of how family will show up, and why so many modern parents end up paying for childcare, aftercare, nannies, or au pairs so they can keep doing work they love. They also touch on broken parental leave policies, the mismatch between school schedules and work hours, and how to decide whether it makes sense for one parent to step back from paid work.

If you are a current or future parent trying to reconcile ambition, income, and your desire to be present with your kids, this episode will help you feel seen and remind you that if it feels hard, you are probably doing it right.

In This Episode, We Discuss:

• How Rianka's early experiences shaped her definition of generational wealth for her own family.

• Why so many parents rely on a "paid village" and how childcare costs impact financial planning.

• The struggle between hyper independence and learning to ask for help as a new mom.

• Why dropping expectations of others can protect your peace during parenthood.

• Key financial prep before kids: leave policies, insurance, childcare, and support systems.

• A reminder that if motherhood feels hard, it often means you're doing it right.

• How becoming a parent can reshape the way financial planners view real-life budgets.

Links & Resources Mentioned​

• Episode 119: Helping Women of Color Get Ahead Financially

Ready to take control of your financial future?

Join Lauryn Williams at the Welcome to Wealth Retreat in Medellin, Colombia! Build a personalized financial plan while experiencing an incredible new culture. Click here to reserve your spot today!

About Lauryn Williams

Lauryn Williams is a Certified Financial Planner, Olympian, and financial educator passionate about helping people take control of their finances. Lauryn also hosts the Welcome to Wealth Retreats, designed to help individuals create actionable financial plans while traveling and experiencing new cultures. Learn more about her speaking services and retreats here.​

Follow Us on Social Media

Follow Rianka on Instagram: @rianka_d

Connect with Rianka on Twitter: @Rianka_D

Follow Rianka on Facebook: facebook.com/YGCWealth/

Follow Lauryn on Instagram: @worthwinning

Follow the Worth Listening Podcast: Apple Podcasts | Spotify

Connect with Lauryn on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/lauryn-williams

Becoming a parent changes everything—your routines, your priorities, and definitely your finances. In this episode of our Know Better, Do Better: Parenting & Finances series, Certified Financial Planners Lauryn Williams and Chloe Moore break down what really happens after the baby arrives. From unexpected expenses and child-care costs to school decisions, career interruptions, and financial planning updates, this conversation is all about helping you adjust, adapt, and stay afloat in the new normal of parenting.

Lauryn shares her real-life experiences as a brand-new mom—from the truth about registry gaps and hand-me-downs to how meal trains kept her alive in the early weeks. Chloe offers advisor-approved guidance on budgeting for child care, managing health-care surprises, reevaluating housing and car needs, and preparing for long-term expenses like education. Whether you're a first-time parent or adding another little one to the family, this episode gives you the clarity you wish someone had handed you at the hospital.

If you didn't plan much before baby arrived (or if things didn't go according to plan), don't worry. Lauryn and Chloe walk you through exactly what to revisit, how to get back on track, and what financial changes matter most—because it's never too late to take control of your family's financial foundation.

Key Takeaways

• The unexpected expenses most parents face after baby arrives—from duplicate items to emergency last-minute purchases.

• Why hand-me-downs, returns, and resale apps can save hundreds in the first year.

• The hidden costs of feeding yourself and your baby (especially if breastfeeding or cooking doesn't go as planned).

• Travel considerations with a child under two—and why free infant fares don't mean free trips.

• What to expect when budgeting for child care, nannies, daycare, and early education.

• Why you shouldn't rush to upgrade your house or car right away.

• How your career—and your future earning potential—may shift after becoming a parent.

• The critical financial planning updates every new parent should revisit: life insurance, estate planning, taxes, benefits, and 529s.

Links & Resources Mentioned

• Investopedia Report: The $5 Million American Dream
  https://www.investopedia.com/2025-american-dream-costs-more-than-usd5-million-11796727

• Episode 118: What You Need to Know About Life Insurance
  https://www.worth-winning.com/podcast/ep118

• Episode 116: Estate Planning with Shalini Codispoti
  https://www.worth-winning.com/podcast/ep116

In this episode, Lauryn Williams talks with Linda, a world-traveling mom, teacher, and storyteller who has lived in more than 60 countries and now calls Colombia home.

Born in Denver to Cambodian refugee parents, Linda shares how her family's journey from survival to stability shaped her mindset around money, education, and opportunity. She opens up about working her first jobs as a teen, studying abroad, meeting her husband while teaching overseas, and navigating pregnancy and motherhood across multiple continents.

Together, Lauryn and Linda explore what it means to create a family life centered on freedom, culture, and connection rather than material milestones. Linda shares practical insights about finances, community, and parenting while living abroad—and how to build stability no matter where you are in the world.

Key Takeaways

• How Linda's parents' refugee experience shaped her money mindset and lifelong focus on saving.

• Why she chose travel and education as her gateway to global living.

• What it's really like to navigate pregnancy, healthcare, and childcare across countries.

• How community and family networks provided a financial and emotional safety net.

• The couple's approach to balancing income, investments, and flexibility while raising kids abroad.

• Why she believes experiences and cultural exposure are more valuable than "stuff."

• How she's modeling equality, adaptability, and purpose-driven living for her sons.

Ready to take control of your financial future? Join Lauryn Williams at the Welcome to Wealth Retreat in [Location]! Build a personalized financial plan while experiencing an incredible new culture. Click here to reserve your spot today!

Links & Resources Mentioned

• Opopop - https://opopop.com/

• Follow Linda on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/misslindate/

About Lauryn Williams

Lauryn Williams is a Certified Financial Planner, Olympian, and financial educator passionate about helping people take control of their finances. Lauryn also hosts the Welcome to Wealth Retreats, designed to help individuals create actionable financial plans while traveling and experiencing new cultures. Learn more about her speaking services and retreats [here].

Follow Us on Social Media

• Follow Lauryn on Instagram: @worthwinning

• Follow the Worth Listening Podcast: Apple Podcasts | Spotify

Connect with Lauryn on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/lauryn-williams