Next Gen Personal Finance

In this episode, Yanely Espinal sits down with Philip Olson and Julia Lorenz-Olson, the creators and hosts of PBS's 2 Cents, to talk about what it takes to make personal finance education engaging, relevant, and truly useful for students. Philip and Julia share how their unconventional path—from theater backgrounds and early adulthood money lessons to launching their own financial planning firm—informs the way they approach financial storytelling on YouTube. They discuss how 2 Cents episodes are developed, from choosing timely "news and systems" topics versus practical "kitchen table" topics, to researching, scripting, and filming content designed to be accessible without oversimplifying. They close by reflecting on the changing landscape of public media funding, the role of AI in financial education and planning, and practical ways teachers can better capture student attention by giving them more voice in what they learn.

In this NGPF Podcast episode, Yanely interviews Jonathan Cohen about sports gambling in America. Jonathan unpacks how legalized sports betting exploded after the 2018 Supreme Court decision, and what that rapid expansion is doing to Americans' financial lives, mental health, and culture. He shares his research about why young men are disproportionately drawn in, how betting companies market to vulnerable audiences, and why gambling is uniquely recognized as a behavioral addiction. He also breaks down the jaw-dropping scale of legal sports wagering, explains where the money goes (and why states are so motivated to legalize it), and explores emerging threats like prediction markets and "gamified" investing apps that make betting even more accessible. The episode closes with practical, classroom-ready takeaways for educators, focused on harm reduction, teaching expected value, and adding "friction" to interrupt the cycle that keeps the house winning!

Tim Ranzetta interviews NerdWallet writer and personal finance expert Kate Ashford about entrepreneurship, financial education, and lessons from her career in journalism and freelancing. Kate shares early money memories, key insights she's gained from covering a wide range of personal finance topics, and practical advice for young entrepreneurs. From identifying a problem worth solving to funding a startup on a shoestring budget, the discussion explores business planning essentials. They discuss the evolving impact of AI, the importance of curiosity and communication skills, and why early jobs (even tough ones) can teach invaluable lessons. Kate offers guidance on mentorship, business structures, estate planning basics, and cultivating traits like perseverance, adaptability, and the "squeaky wheel" mindset. Packed with practical wisdom for educators and students alike, this conversation highlights what it really takes to build skills, start small, and stay flexible in a changing world.

In this episode, Yanely Espinal talks to Mellody Hobson, Co-CEO and President of Ariel Investments and New York Times bestselling author of Priceless Facts About Money. Melody shares the inspiration behind her new children's book, which she intentionally crafted as a "gateway" book that teaches adults through kids by making financial concepts fun, accessible, and rooted in real facts. She discusses her long-standing concern about America's financial literacy gap and explains how the pandemic finally gave her time to write the book. Drawing on examples like money slang, everyday decision-making, and historical origins of currency, Melody emphasizes that children are far more capable of learning complex financial ideas than adults often assume. She also highlights the importance of early exposure by describing the Ariel Community Academy model, where first graders receive real dollars to invest and learn financial concepts progressively through graduation. The conversation explores Melody's personal journey and

Tim Ranzetta talks to Lucretia Ryan, the founder of FinancialFreedomforwomen.org. She is a financial educator and writer focused on helping women make informed retirement and investment decisions without fees or commissions. Lucretia explains key Social Security concepts such as how benefits are earned based on contributions, the importance of choosing the optimal age to claim benefits, and dispels myths about Social Security running out. She covers the impact of laws like the Windfall Elimination Provision and the Social Security Fairness Act, especially for teachers in certain states. The podcast also clarifies spousal, divorced spouse, and survivor benefits, emphasizing maximizing payout by delaying claims until age 70 when possible. Throughout, Lucretia answers listener questions with clear examples to help listeners make educated decisions about Social Security.

Join Yanely and she interviews Kenny Johnson, YouTuber, investor, and founder of Kenny Finance. Kenny shares his journey from Detroit to Wall Street and why he's now focused on bringing financial literacy to classrooms across the country. With experience at top private equity firms like Blackstone and KKR, Kenny's mission is to make personal finance approachable, actionable, and relevant for the next generation!

This episode of the NGPF Speaker Series features personal finance educator Paul Merriman in conversation with Tim Ranzetta, delivering insights especially relevant to teachers. Paul shares practical, research-backed advice on helping students and young investors understand investing basics, with a spotlight on target date funds, index fund fees, and the behavioral pitfalls that commonly trip up new investors. Teachers will gain actionable strategies to help their students avoid common mistakes, appreciate the long-term value of low costs, and make investing approachable through concepts like dollar-cost averaging, diversification, and automated investing. The episode equips educators with memorable analogies, evidence-based recommendations, and free resources that can be used directly in the classroom to promote lifelong financial well-being.

This is an inspiring conversation in which Tim interviews Laura Levine, President & CEO of the Jumpstart Coalition. Laura reflects on more than 20 years of leading a national movement for financial literacy and shares how Jumpstart empowers educators, builds powerful state affiliate networks, and creates a community for educators across the country. From the National Educator Conference to Teen Teach-Ins, she highlights programs that bring financial education to life in schools across the country. Laura also shares the heart behind their "For Me, It's Personal" campaign. She says everyone has a money story to share! If you're a teacher who wants to feel connected, supported, and inspired, this is a conversation you won't want to miss.

In this podcast Yanely interviews Mykail James, MBA who is the co-author of Personal Finance for Teens (for Dummies). The conversation centers on empowering teens and young adults with personal finance literacy education, highlighting inclusive education, the evolving landscape of financial decision-making, and the role of technology and community in shaping money habits. Mykail emphasizes that younger generations are delaying traditional milestones like home buying or starting families, and grappling with anxiety about “what’s next” after completing school.

Charles "Charley" D. Ellis is an American investment consultant. In 1972, Ellis founded Greenwich Associates, an international strategy consulting firm focused on financial institutions. Ellis is known for his philosophy of passive investing through index funds, as detailed in his book Winning the Loser's Game, one of 22 books he authored. This podcast features Charley in conversation with NGPF’s co-founder, Tim Ranzetta. Charley shares decades of wisdom on personal finance, investing, and the evolution of financial markets. He candidly discusses how active investing has transformed into a highly professional and competitive field, the rise and benefits of indexing, and why low-cost index funds make investing simpler and more successful for most people. He also reflects on the legendary influence of leaders like Jack Bogle and Warren Buffett, revealing personal stories and lessons from their careers. Tune in for a rich blend of storytelling, expert guidance, and actionable takeaways that make investing approa

This episode features Saskatchewan teachers Cindy Lowe and Jill Labas, who share how they successfully advocated to make financial literacy a graduation requirement. It’s Canada’s first province to do so! From late‑night petitions and rallying community stakeholders to building province‑wide teacher training, their story shows how persistence, passion, and student voices can drive systemic change. You’ll hear firsthand how they transformed classrooms into hubs of excitement, where students say it’s the one class they know will matter every day of their lives. You’ll also learn about the differences and overlaps between U.S. and Canadian personal finance education, as well as practical tips for making lessons engaging and relevant.

Discover how Gifted Savings is transforming the future of financial education for high school seniors by gifting them real investment portfolios and teaching essential money skills. Hear Josh Landay, Executive Director of Gifted Savings, share inspiring stories from students, explain how this innovative program builds confidence and financial empowerment, and explore plans for expansion to schools nationwide. Perfect for teachers who are passionate about giving their students a head start on building wealth and financial savvy!

Want your students to get excited about investing without chasing the riskiest trends? In this episode, NerdWallet’s Sam Taube joins NGPF's Tim Ranzetta to share simple strategies for teaching investing with confidence. You’ll hear how to use games, simulations, and real-life examples to make index funds and diversification come alive in your classroom. Sam also breaks down how to tackle FOMO, day-trading myths, and the lure of crypto with practical, student-friendly explanations. If you’ve ever wondered how to make the “boring” path of long-term wealth-building feel exciting, this conversation is a must-listen!

The team behind Arro is reimagining how young adults build credit, offering a modern alternative to traditional credit cards. Learn how their mission aligns with financial education by helping students establish healthy credit habits from the start!

This episode features Jeff Desjardins, founder of Visual Capitalist, which unpacks powerful data storytelling and key mega trends shaping our economy. From the impact of aging societies to the rapid rise of AI, Jeff shares insights that can enhance financial education. Discover practical tips for creating engaging infographics and learn how visualizing personal finance concepts can help students grasp complex topics easily. Educators looking to inspire and inform their classrooms won’t want to miss this data-driven conversation!

In this NGPF Podcast episode, Tim Ranzetta sits down with Bill Bynum, CEO of Hope Credit Union, to explore how innovative banking solutions are transforming lives across the Deep South. Educators will hear firsthand stories on breaking down financial barriers, fostering dignity for underbanked communities, and empowering students through real-world financial education. Bill shares actionable insights on partnership, digital tools, and the power of community-driven banking—perfect for teachers wanting to deepen classroom impact.  

In this NGPF Podcast episode, Yanely welcomes Shang Saavedra, author of Wealth is a Mindset: Change Your Mind, Change Your Money, for an inspiring and candid conversation about her personal finance journey, the emotional side of money, and practical advice for educators and individuals seeking financial freedom.

In this NGPF Podcast episode, Wall Street Journal reporter Imani Moise breaks down the myths and realities of credit scores. She shares the story of Steve Michel, who spent five years mastering the credit score system to reach an 850. Imani discusses how credit scores are influenced, the rise of tools like Buy Now, Pay Later, and how financial education can help improve credit. This episode offers valuable insights into navigating the credit system and making informed financial decisions.

In this episode of the NGPF Speaker Series, Yanely welcomes Dr. Kim Harms, grief counselor and death doula, shares her unique perspective on end-of-life planning and legacy building. With decades of experience and a life shaped by personal loss, Dr. Harms discusses the importance of emotional and financial legacy planning. She also offers insights on how educators can introduce these sensitive topics to students, ensuring they understand the value of planning ahead. Tune in for practical advice and inspiring wisdom on preparing for life's inevitable transitions.

In this NGPF Podcast episode, Christian is joined by Professor Madelaine L'Esperance from the University of Alabama, who shares her team's research on the state of financial education in U.S. high schools. She discusses the Mapping Personal Finance Education Project, which analyzed over 10,000 course catalogs to assess access to personal finance courses. Professor L'Esperance highlights key findings, including the role of state policies in expanding financial education and the difference between standalone and embedded courses. Tune in to learn about the challenges and opportunities in improving financial literacy education for students.