Next Gen Personal Finance

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.

In this NGPF Podcast episode, Yanely is joined by Kerry Woodward, an Executive Director at Philadelphia Financial Scholars. Kerry shares her unique journey from a successful career in finance to her work in urban education, where she’s helping students and families gain financial empowerment. Philadelphia Financial Scholars partners with public schools to offer dedicated personal finance classes, while also extending workshops to families to promote financial literacy beyond the classroom. Kerry discusses the innovative approach her team uses to address the financial needs of underserved communities and how they’re overcoming barriers to parental engagement. Tune in to learn how financial education can change lives and empower entire communities.

In this NGPF Podcast episode, Tim is joined by Lucretia Ryan, founder of FinancialFreedomForWomen.org, to dive deep into the complexities of Medicare. With years of experience helping women gain financial independence, Lucretia brings her expertise to the table, explaining the critical differences between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage. She breaks down the often-overlooked details, including hidden fees, prior authorizations, and how to make the best decision based on your health and future needs. Lucretia also offers resources to help you navigate retirement planning and avoid common financial pitfalls. Whether you’re preparing for Medicare or helping a loved one, this episode provides valuable insights to make informed decisions.

In this NGPF Podcast episode, Yanely is joined by Jasmine Rashid, the author of The Financial Activist Playbook: 8 Strategies for Everyday People to Reclaim Wealth and Collective Well-Being. In this episode, Jasmine discusses how everyday people can use financial decisions to drive social change. She explains financial activism, its difference from economic activism, and how individuals can reclaim wealth and promote justice through everyday financial choices. Jasmine shares her personal journey and offers practical strategies for aligning money with movements for equity. This episode provides valuable insights for anyone looking to make a difference through financial empowerment.

In this NGPF Podcast episode, Tim Ranzetta is joined by Sheraz, Ben, and Charley from FinTeens, a student-run organization focused on educating teens about personal finance. Starting on TikTok, FinTeens has grown into a global community, offering interactive content and competitions. The group shares insights on topics like investing, budgeting, college costs, and more, and how they’ve used social media to make financial education accessible and engaging. Tune in to hear how these young leaders are empowering their peers and spreading financial knowledge.

In this NGPF Podcast episode, Melissa Lambarena, a content expert from NerdWallet, shares her journey from creating legal content to helping people navigate personal finance topics. With a focus on service journalism, Melissa has spent years breaking down complex financial concepts to make them accessible for consumers. She discusses the importance of understanding credit card hardship programs, debunks common misconceptions about credit cards, and offers advice on how students can build strong credit habits. Tune in for valuable insights on credit cards, credit scores, and managing finances effectively.

In this NGPF Podcast episode, Yanely speaks with Mark Salisbury, founder of TuitionFit, about his journey from college soccer coach to expert in college admissions and financial aid. Mark highlights the challenges students and families face in understanding the true cost of college and introduces TuitionFit, a tool designed to bring more transparency to pricing. He also shares advice on avoiding overwhelming student loan debt, including the "One-to-One rule" for borrowing and the importance of planning ahead.

In this NGPF Podcast episode, Yanely welcomes Christopher Phelps, founder of Financipation, who shares his journey from a military household to becoming a financial literacy advocate for underrepresented communities. He discusses the fundamentals of building wealth, including living below your means, investing in low-cost index funds, and starting a side hustle. Christopher offers practical advice for breaking the cycle of poverty and achieving long-term financial security. Tune in for insights that can help anyone take control of their financial future.

In this NGPF Podcast episode, Sarah Samuels, a partner in the investment industry, shares her journey from growing up with financial uncertainty to managing a $1.7 trillion portfolio. She discusses the importance of role models in shaping careers and offers advice for educators on overcoming barriers to teaching investing, especially jargon. Sarah also talks about her children’s book "Braving Our Savings", which introduces kids to investing and money management. Tune in to learn how educators and parents can help students build financial confidence and a strong foundation for their future.

In this NGPF Podcast episode, Yanely speaks with Joe Lanza, a financial expert with a background in investment banking and financial services, as he breaks down the world of bonds. Joe explains what bonds are, how they differ from stocks, and why they’re a key investment for diversification and steady income. He also explores the different types of bonds, including government, municipal, and corporate bonds, while covering topics like bond safety, interest rates, and pricing. Joe’s insights make understanding bonds easier, whether you’re just getting started or looking to deepen your knowledge.