Worth Listening | Meaningful Money Memoirs Of Millennials And Professional Athletes

In this episode of the Parenting & Finances series on the Worth Listening Podcast, Lauryn Williams and Chloe Moore open up an often-overlooked conversation about money and life without children. They explore what it really means to be childfree or childless, the importance of using thoughtful language, and why these distinctions matter—both personally and financially. Together, Lauryn and Chloe discuss how financial planning can look different when children aren't part of the picture, touching on lifestyle flexibility, long-term decision-making, and the unique considerations that often get missed in traditional money conversations. They also address some of the challenges that come with navigating systems and expectations that aren't always designed with childfree adults in mind. The episode expands the idea of family, legacy, and impact—highlighting how community, care, and purpose can show up in many forms. At its core, this conversation is a reminder that financial planning isn't about following a pres

In this powerful Money Memoir episode, Lauryn Williams sits down with nurse, mom of three, and financial educator Naseema McElroy, founder of Financially Intentional, to talk about what it really looks like to build wealth—starting with very little. Naseema shares how growing up with a single father and limited financial guidance shaped her early money mindset, how she navigated college financing without understanding the true cost, and how she eventually paid off nearly $1 million in debt—only to later rebuild intentionally and reach a seven-figure net worth. This conversation goes far beyond numbers. Naseema opens up about motherhood as a turning point in her financial life, why she chose freedom over climbing the corporate ladder, and how she's raising her daughters to understand money through modeling, investing, and real-life conversations—starting as early as toddlerhood. You'll also hear practical insights on student loans, investing while paying off debt, 529 plans, teaching kids about ownership versu

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 i

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 a

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

Becoming a parent changes your life and your finances! In this kickoff to our Parenting & Finances series, Certified Financial Planners Lauryn Williams and Chloe Moore walk through what to do before a child arrives so you can reduce stress, avoid costly surprises, and create a setup that actually supports your family. From “baby funds” and registries to leave policies, insurance, and estate planning, this episode is a practical checklist you can work through whether you’re already expecting or just starting to plan. Lauryn also shares real-life lessons from welcoming her daughter, Arya—like why a flexible baby fund matters, how to think about one-time vs. recurring costs (hello, night nurse), and why “the village” is a financial strategy, not just a saying. Chloe adds advisor tips on employer benefits, 529s (and when not to start them), housing and car upgrades to avoid, and how relationship status changes the budget. If you want to feel more prepared—even if you’ll never be 100% ready—this episode is for

Welcome to a special mid-year replay from the Know Better, Do Better series! This conversation between two CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professionals—Lauryn Williams and Chloé Moore—dives deep into a topic that’s foundational to building wealth: money mindset. We’re halfway through the year, and it’s the perfect time to check in on your mindset around money and how it may be influencing your financial progress. Whether you’ve hit your goals or feel like you’ve stalled out, the way you think about money plays a bigger role than you might realize. In fact, it’s so important that Lauryn teaches an entire class on the topic. This episode is full of real-life insight and practical tools to help you clean up your mindset, refresh your perspective, and start thinking in terms of abundance—not scarcity. Key Takeaways How to self-assess your current money mindset The lasting impact of past money messages How last year’s financial wins or losses affect your mindset today What might be standing in the way of rea

Is your relationship with money affecting your mental health? You’re not alone.  In this episode, Certified Financial Planners Lauryn Williams and Chloe Moore unpack how finances impact our mental wellbeing—and what we can do about it. It all starts with building healthy financial habits grounded in your personal “why” and goals that actually fit your life.  Then they get into the numbers—breaking down the key financial metrics you should be tracking if you want to reduce stress and build long-term security. From net worth and debt to savings rate and housing costs, this episode helps you understand what to monitor, why it matters, and how to make meaningful progress. Whether you're in your peak earning years or just getting started, these habits can help you gain clarity, confidence, and peace of mind.   Key Takeaways Why your financial “why” matters more than generic goals Why tracking your net worth gives you a clearer picture than a budget alone The truth about homeownership, net worth, and building

This episode originally aired in 2023, but it’s just as relevant—if not more—today. As part of our What to Do During Times of Uncertainty series, we’re revisiting this powerful conversation between CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professionals Lauryn Williams and Chloé Moore. In a world full of uncertainty, flashy financial advice, and constant lifestyle upgrades, it’s easy to lose sight of the long-term costs of the choices we make. Whether you’re tempted by a YOLO trip, a new car, or you're navigating a job change, this episode helps you weigh the true impact of your decisions—both financially and emotionally. You’ll walk away from this conversation with a stronger understanding of how to align your spending with your values and how to avoid the common pitfalls that can quietly sabotage your financial progress. In this episode, we discuss: The opportunity costs behind your everyday decisions How to fight lifestyle creep so you can save more with each raise Why it’s never too early to start saving for ret

Whether you saw it coming or it was a total shock, getting laid off can flip your world upside down. But a layoff doesn’t have to derail your financial future—or your confidence. In this episode, Certified Financial Planner® Chloe Moore joins Lauryn Williams to break down how to navigate a layoff with clarity and control. From negotiating severance and protecting your credit to preparing emotionally and financially for what’s next, they offer practical, empowering advice for anyone facing—or worried about—a job loss. If you're in the middle of a career transition or want to be ready just in case, this episode will help you move forward with peace of mind. Key Takeaways What to do first when you receive a layoff notice How severance, PTO, and unemployment benefits really work Budgeting tips to help you stretch your runway Why you shouldn’t rush to roll over your 401(k) How to protect your credit and manage debt during a layoff What to know about healthcare and life insurance after leaving a job S

Lauryn Williams sits down with her cousin, Jessica Gray—an attorney specializing in employment and labor law and a federal government employee. Jessica shares her personal journey growing up in Washington, DC, navigating money lessons from her parents, building generational wealth, and why she’s staying “resume ready” in today’s uncertain economic and political climate. As the current administration reshapes federal employment practices, job security isn’t what it used to be—even in government roles once known for stability. Jessica pulls back the curtain on what’s really happening behind the scenes, from sudden policy shifts to mass layoffs, and what federal employees—and everyday Americans—should be doing to protect themselves. Whether you’re a government worker or just wondering how these changes could ripple into your life, this episode will open your eyes to why being proactive with your finances and career is more important than ever. What You’ll Hear in This Episode: How Jessica’s childhood shaped he

Thinking about becoming a digital nomad or relocating to another country? Whether you're dreaming of remote work with a passport in hand or trying to escape the daily grind by starting over abroad, there’s more to it than sunshine and freedom. In this Know Better. Do Better. episode, Lauryn Williams—who has firsthand experience living abroad in Colombia—is joined by fellow Certified Financial Planner Chloe Moore, who has worked with clients navigating the ins and outs of international living. Together, they shed light on the financial, legal, and emotional realities that often go overlooked. From taxes and visas to banking, insurance, and what it really costs to uproot your life, this episode dives into the details you need to know before making a big move. If you’re serious about going global, this conversation will help you do it smarter and with fewer surprises. Key Takeaways The different types of visas and what could cut your stay short What the U.S. tax system still requires when you earn and bank a

In today’s episode, Lauryn Williams talks with Royal Scales, a global traveler, educator, and founder of Yup! She Travels and Yup! We Travel. Royal shares what it really takes to build a life in a different country—from the logistics of visas and finding housing to the emotional and financial shifts that come with stepping into the unknown. From studying abroad and landing her first job in Colombia to now running two travel-focused businesses and living in Medellín full-time, Royal has created a life on her own terms. She breaks down what you need to know about living abroad—from budgeting and visas to building community and navigating healthcare—so you can feel more confident taking your next step. Key Takeaways How growing up in a mixed-income household shaped Royal’s early money mindset Why she moved to Colombia just two weeks after graduating college What she learned from studying abroad, internships, and international job experiences The realities of budgeting and working while living overseas

People are feeling worried, concerned, and stressed about the changes happening this year. In this episode, Lauryn and Chloe discuss good financial habits and how to prepare for uncertainty—whether it’s navigating a layoff, adjusting to rising costs, or even making big life changes like moving abroad. They dive into practical strategies to help you take control of your finances when so much feels out of your hands, from budgeting and saving to spotting financial scams and making smart money moves. Key Takeaways Why so many people are reevaluating their finances and making big life decisions right now. The popular money-saving challenge people are using to save money right now. How to protect yourself from financial scams and misinformation in uncertain times The role of an emergency fund and how it can give you the freedom to make bold moves. What to consider before making major purchases or career changes in today’s economy. How working with the right professionals can help you navigate uncertain

We’re taking it back to one of our most inspiring travel episodes! Preethi Harbuck of the Local Passport Family joined us to share her incredible journey of traveling the world with her husband and five kids. Together, they’ve visited 62 countries (43 with kids!) while making travel a priority in their lives—on a budget. In this throwback episode, Preethi reflects on how her upbringing shaped her views on money, the creative ways her family funds their adventures, and how they’ve turned travel into a tool for teaching their children about culture, history, and financial responsibility. If you’ve ever wondered how to balance travel with a large family or thought that international trips with kids were impossible, Preethi’s story will inspire you to rethink what’s possible. Tune in to rediscover this gem of an episode and get actionable tips for making your own family travel dreams a reality! Key Takeaways Growing Up Frugal: How Preethi’s immigrant upbringing shaped her relationship with money. Traveling wi

Chloe Moore is Back for the "Know Better, Do Better" Series! This time, we're diving into the art of budgeting for travel. Whether you're a spontaneous traveler or a detailed planner, Lauryn and Chloe break down practical strategies to help you enjoy your trips while staying on track with your financial goals.   From understanding how to prioritize travel in your budget to setting up savings "buckets," this episode covers everything you need to know to plan your dream vacations without breaking the bank. Key Takeaways Discover the average cost of vacations and why planning ahead can help you avoid financial pitfalls. Learn how to create a yearly travel budget that aligns with your priorities and goals. Find out how savings buckets can simplify travel planning and why reimbursing yourself immediately is key. Get tips for booking flights and accommodations strategically to save money and make the most of your trips. Understand the importance of cancellation policies, trip insurance, and leveraging tra

In today’s episode, Lauryn Williams talks with Brittney Lynn, a PR agency owner who has crafted a life of adventure and financial freedom. From growing up as an only child in Indiana to living debt-free and embarking on a “van life” journey, Brittney shares her incredible path. She discusses her financial lessons, paying off debt with her husband, and how they eventually left Dallas to travel across the country in a custom-built van. Brittney now resides in San Diego, where she runs her PR agency, Human Connection Agency, and continues to prioritize a life designed on her terms.   Key Takeaways [00:02:14] Brittney’s childhood background: Brittney shares her upbringing as an only child in Indiana, dealing with divorce, mental health struggles in her family, and how those experiences shaped her fearless approach to travel and life. [00:10:27] Learning about personal finance: In her late teens and early twenties, Brittney actively sought out personal finance information to live a different life than what she

Lauryn Williams dives deep into the complexities of the student loan world. From the SAVE plan and income-driven repayment options to Parent PLUS loans and Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF), Lauryn shares valuable insights to help borrowers navigate uncertainty and take control of their financial future. Whether you're juggling six-figure debt or looking to maximize repayment strategies, this episode offers actionable advice for optimizing your student loans during a time of legislative and administrative changes. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: Lauryn breaks down the latest developments in the student loan world, offering actionable steps for borrowers. Whether you're pursuing forgiveness, managing Parent PLUS loans, or wondering how the SAVE plan impacts you, this episode provides clarity to help you prepare for the end of 2024 and beyond.   Key Takeaways Include: Lauryn’s journey to becoming a student loan expert and why helping borrowers is so rewarding. The challenges with the SAVE forbearanc

We’re continuing our Travel Series with a special throwback episode! Originally aired in October 2022, this conversation with Certified Financial Planner Jonathan Grannick is a must-listen for anyone looking to balance living an epic life today with planning for a financially secure tomorrow. Jonathan, founder of Wonder Wealth LLC, brings 11 years of financial planning experience and a passion for helping young families and professionals. But his adventurous spirit and love of travel make his story so unique. From living in four countries and swimming with whale sharks in the Philippines to navigating intense poverty in Manila’s slums, Jonathan’s travels have redefined how he measures wealth far beyond money. Tune in as Jonathan shares stories from his financial journey, including when his checking account dwindled to just $300 after quitting his job to move to Australia. You’ll also hear Lauryn’s reflections on why travel is such a powerful tool for gaining perspective and making better life decisions. What

Chloe Moore is back for the "Know Better, Do Better" series! This time, we dive into the world of credit card hacking. Many people want to use their credit cards for travel, but how exactly does it work, and what are the potential pitfalls?  Lauryn and Chloe break it down, sharing essential strategies and cautionary tales to make sure you're using credit cards to your advantage, not the other way around. Whether you're interested in travel points, cashback, or maximizing perks, this episode covers everything you need to know. Key Takeaways Trends, Taxes, and Tea: Lauryn and Chloe kick off the episode by talking about trends in household debt. In Q2 2024, household debt rose by $109 billion to a staggering $17.8 trillion, and credit card balances alone reached $1.4 trillion. This episode comes at a critical time as many people find themselves relying on credit cards post-pandemic, but Chloe and Lauryn remind us that managing debt starts with mindful planning and saving. Understanding Your Spending Habits: