Tag: Financial Literacy

Decoding Generational Wealth (Ep. 75)

Decoding Generational Wealth (Ep. 75)

On this episode of the podcast, host Christine Luken sits down with Dr. Joaquin Wallace, a leading voice in generational wealth psychology and behavioral finance. They tackle the “why” behind our money habits, how inherited beliefs play into the way we run our businesses (and our lives), and most importantly how you can re-write your own financial story for good.

Dr. Wallace’s down-to-earth wisdom goes beyond budget spreadsheets, delving deep into what holds high-achievers back and how to finally create a financial legacy that endures.

Joaquin discusses:

  • Why you need to understand your financial genetic code?
  • How to break free from financial shame.
  • The emotional drivers behind our financial decisions.
  • The 7-stage wealth model for your family’s future.
  • Why emotional honesty is the secret to financial growth.

 

Connect with Christine:

 

Connect with Dr. Joaquin Wallace:

About our Guest:

Dr. Joaquin Wallace is a nationally recognized financial planner, Amazon best-selling author, and visionary speaker dedicated to bridging financial empowerment, leadership, and community transformation. His latest book, Generational Wealth Begins with Generational Knowledge—a transformative guide that redefines how we think about money and legacy—achieved Amazon Best Seller status and is empowering underserved and marginalized communities to build lasting prosperity.

Drawing on his personal journey, Dr. Wallace delivers dynamic and relatable keynote presentations on leadership, coaching, personal motivation, and generational wealth strategies. His message isn’t just about finance; it’s about helping people understand their “Financial Genetic Code” to make better choices and build a legacy.

Driven by a passion for creating pathways to opportunity, Dr. Wallace founded Project Transition, Inc., a groundbreaking welfare-to-work program. This initiative has empowered over 1,000 participants in Alameda County to transition into competitive careers, helping them break cycles of poverty and build sustainable futures. His impact extends far beyond program design—he equips individuals with the mindset, tools, and access they need for success.

Recognized among the most influential African Americans of the 21st century by Contemporary Black Biography, Dr. Wallace’s accolades include:

  • Amazon Best Seller – Generational Wealth Begins with Generational Knowledge®
  • Oakland Chamber of Commerce Community-Based Nonprofit of the Year
  • Wells Fargo Living History Makers Award
  • Recommendations for prestigious fellowships from the Ford Foundation and the Annie E. Casey Foundation

With every stage appearance, Dr. Wallace inspires audiences to see that Generational Wealth Begins with Generational Knowledge and that actual change happens when knowledge, opportunity, and action align.

Your Job Exit Strategy with Tania Brown (Ep. 62)

Your Job Exit Strategy with Tania Brown (Ep. 62)

On this episode of Money is Emotional podcast, host Christine Luken sits down sits down with renowned Certified Financial Planner™ and Accredited Financial Counselor® Tania Brown to tackle the emotional rollercoaster and financial realities of leaving traditional employment and building your own business. You’ll hear about Tania’s own journey from executive life to entrepreneurship (hint: it did NOT involve riding off into the sunset on a unicorn), the common pitfalls ambitious people tend to overlook, and the step-by-step considerations you must address to put yourself—and your family—on smart financial footing.

This engaging conversation is full of candid stories, tangible processes, and practical mindset shifts to make sure your leap isn’t just brave, but also brilliantly planned.

Christine and Tania discuss:

  • The importance of setting up a clear, confident exit strategy.
  • How to manage unpredictable income after leaving a steady paycheck.
  • How to avoid common pitfalls like underpricing yourself or over-investing in business tools you don’t need.
  • The major challenges women over the age of 40 face when transitioning to self-employment.
  • Making the emotional transition from leader to entrepreneur with peace of mind.
  • Actionable steps for calculating your living and business expenses during a transition.

Resources:

Connect with Christine Luken: 

Connect with Tania Brown:

 

About Our Guest:

Tania Brown i]s a financial coach with over 20 years of experience, She helps corporate women build a financial bridge to the self-employed life they’ve dreamed of.

She does this by simplifying the complexities of navigating personal, business, and often overlooked mindset aspects of the transition from steady paychecks to unstable business income.

She’ll help you:

☑ Get Clarity and Direction: Move past confusion by understanding your current financial picture and assessing your personal “Quit Job” readiness with confidence.

☑ Uncover Key Blindspots: Proactively identify potential financial roadblocks or overlooked areas so you can take smart action before you make your leap.

☑ Map Your “Freedom” Date: Create a realistic financial timeline so you know exactly when you can confidently resign and begin building your self-employed life.

You won’t leave with just theory; you’ll have your personalized Blueprint—a solid starting point for making a confident transition to living life on your own terms.

Imagine this:

⋅ Waking up every morning excited to work with your clients.
⋅ Setting your own hours and creating a schedule that honors your priorities.
⋅ Building a thriving business that supports your dreams.

This is within your reach! Ready to finally take the step to live life on your own terms?

Widowed at 35 with Patrina Wisdom (Ep. 58)

Widowed at 35 with Patrina Wisdom (Ep. 58)

On this episode, Financial Dignity® Coach, Christine Luken is joined by special guest Patrina Wisdom, the founder of Pure Abundance, Inc.

Together, they explore Patrina’s framework for redefining success and achieving a life filled with joy and financial independence.
Patrina shares her remarkable journey from being widowed at 35 to becoming a guiding force for women seeking financial independence and personal empowerment.

Gain some insight as Patrina shares:

  • The tragic event that altered the course of her life.
  • Her emotional journey towards financial mastery.
  • How vulnerability can be your strength.
  • How to master your money mindset.
  • The benefits of adopting a collaborative approach in running her business.

 

Resources:

 

Connect with Christine Luken: 

 

Connect with Patrina Wisdom:

 

About Our Guest:

Patrina Wisdom is an accomplished Abundance Activator and Strategist, best-selling author, TEDx Speaker, and the visionary creator of the Anatomy of Abundance™ Framework. With over two decades of experience in leadership, personal development, and wellness, she is dedicated to guiding high-achieving women and organizations from diverse backgrounds towards a mindset of abundance and empowerment.

Her Mission is to inspire individuals and organizations to prioritize self-care, embrace their unique voices, and live empowered lives filled with abundance and purpose.

Watch her TEDx Talk:

All Women Deserve a Seat at the Table with Jennifer Rogers Markwell (Ep. 53)

All Women Deserve a Seat at the Table with Jennifer Rogers Markwell (Ep. 53)

Are you ready to claim your seat at the financial table?

Christine Luken sits down with Jennifer Rogers Markwell, an Emmy-nominated journalist turned financial planner, to explore the journey of empowering women through finances. Jennifer shares her transformative path from journalism to founding Platinum Wealth Management and discusses the importance of financial literacy and emotional healing around money.

Christine and Jennifer discuss: 

  • Jennifer’s journey from journalism to financial planning 
  • The mission of empowering women financially
  • Understanding and healing from financial infidelity
  • The importance of having a seat at the financial table
  • And more

Resources:

📖✨ My NEW Book is Now Available!

Connect with Christine Luken: 

Connect with Jennifer Rogers Markwell:

About Our Guest: 

Emmy® nominated journalist, Jennifer Rogers Markwell, changed gears in her television career when she realized the need to help women and their finances. It started at home for Jennifer after her grandfather passed away and she wanted to help her grandmother make sense of investing. Now she regularly hosts educational workshops to empower women to take charge of their investments. She is also very active in both state & local communities. In addition to acting as President for Platinum Wealth Management, Jennifer currently serves as a State Commissioner for the Nevada Commission for Women, hosts the “Platinum Talks Wealth” podcast, volunteers on the board for Girls Scouts of the Sierra Nevada and the board for the Pioneer Center for the Performing Arts.

Money Stories in Black and White with Casandra Austin-McDonald: Part 2 (Ep. 50)

Money Stories in Black and White with Casandra Austin-McDonald: Part 2 (Ep. 50)

In a world where financial paradigms constantly shift, understanding the deep emotional ties we have with money becomes increasingly relevant. 

Join Christine Luken as she welcomes back special guest Casandra Austin-McDonald for an in-depth conversation surrounding her journey as a biracial woman. Together they explore the often-unspoken money conversations in her family, the profound impact of mentorship, the role of technology in financial education, and the critical importance of community support.

Tune in for insights that challenge the status quo and inspire meaningful discussions around race, money, and empowerment!

Casandra discusses: 

  • Her feelings of resentment towards her grandmother for financial disparities in the family
  • The fear of leaving others behind when stepping into a wealthier identity
  • Perspective on privilege and how it impacts your financial outlook
  • How to be an ally and advocate for diversity in financial success
  • And more

Resources:

 

📖✨ My NEW Book is Now Available!

Connect with Christine Luken: 

Connect with Casandra Austin-McDonald:

About Our Guest: 

Casandra is a bold and dynamic speaker who captivates her audiences with her authentic presence and impactful content. She utilizes unique approaches to transformational work to ensure ideal outcomes are achieved. Casandra uses a combination of her education and training, professional background, lived experiences, and gifts to support high-achieving leaders in prioritizing personal growth and well-being so that they create fulfilling and successful lives, relationships, and impactful work.

Money Stories in Black and White with Casandra Austin-McDonald: Part 1 (Ep. 49)

Money Stories in Black and White with Casandra Austin-McDonald: Part 1 (Ep. 49)

In this episode, Financial Dignity® Coach Christine Luken is joined by Casandra Austin-McDonald to share her personal experience managing finances as a multiracial woman. Together, they explore how diverse racial backgrounds shape financial journeys, discuss the impact of systemic issues on wealth-building, and highlight the importance of emotional healing in achieving financial well-being.

Casandra discusses: 

  • Her biracial upbringing and what it revealed to her about financial experiences
  • How does financial independence stem from a desire to avoid bullying and social stigma
  • Ways we can emphasize the importance of teaching the next generation
  • Her experience with money as shaped by historical trauma and systemic challenges
  • And more

Resources:

📖✨ My NEW Book is Now Available!

Connect with Christine Luken: 

Connect with Casandra Austin-McDonald:

About Our Guest: 

Casandra is a bold and dynamic speaker who captivates her audiences with her authentic presence and impactful content. She utilizes unique approaches to transformational work to ensure ideal outcomes are achieved. Casandra uses a combination of her education and training, professional background, lived experiences, and gifts to support high-achieving leaders in prioritizing personal growth and well-being so that they create fulfilling and successful lives, relationships, and impactful work.