8 Personal Finance Voices Worth Hearing
Who taught you what you know about money? Many of us had a key role model whose advice still echoes in our minds. Some of us floundered without anyone to teach us. Maybe you still wonder where to turn for guidance.
Whether or not anyone taught you about money in the past, it's important to get the right voices in your ear as you move forward. The personal finance world changes constantly. Your own life circumstances evolve. True money strength means keeping your curiosity alive and your awareness fresh.
I teach clients to adopt the mantra "I never stop learning about personal finance."
One great way to do that is to connect to trustworthy voices. Here are 8 voices in personal finance who've earned my trust, and whom I've met personally.
Which ones intrigue you? Take a few minutes right now: follow, subscribe, like, and upgrade your everyday financial learning!
Bethel Habte
I met my brilliant friend Bethel when she introduced herself on a message board for fellow financial counselors. Since November 2024, we've met regularly to support each other's coaching work and our shared love of empowering others with financial confidence. When loved ones want guidance in addition to mine, I point them toward Bethel. I can vouch wholeheartedly for her wisdom, integrity, and impact!
From Bethel:
I’m an accredited financial counselor (AFC®) and the founder of Good Bones Financial Coaching LLC, where I help money-avoidant individuals and couples finally overcome their aversion to their personal finances and confidently right their financial ships through “The Good Bones Edit”, a simple, values-aligned coaching program.
I’m the daughter of a U.N. finance officer, but I did not inherit my dad's love of numbers. Instead, I spent many years as a narrative podcast reporter, producer and editor, with bylines at Reuters, Radiolab and This American Life, among others.
When my father died in 2018, I realized I needed to become the financial adult in the room.
I gave myself a crash course in personal finance. As a result, I paid off nearly $60k in student loan debt in two years. Four years after making my final student loan payment, I decided to start a venture to share my approach with people as budget-allergic as I once was.
Read Deconstructing Money on Substack
Explore Good Bones Financial Coaching
Jackie Cummings Koski
Lesley and Jackie November 2024
I was at a financial counseling conference, sitting alone, when someone asked to sit with me. I looked up to see one of my favorite podcasters! Like me, Jackie lives in Ohio and participates in the her local Financial Independence community.
Read her book, F.I.R.E. for Dummies
Listen to her podcast: Catching up to FI
Dr. Sarah Newcomb
After hearing Dr. Sarah Newcomb interviewed on a podcast, I bought her book, Loaded. I loved it so much that I got extra copies to share with friends. Then I had the privilege of meeting with her for private coaching. I can vouch for her as a remarkable coach, author, researcher, and person!
Read her book: Loaded: Money, Psychology, and How to Get Ahead without Leaving Your Values Behind
Grant Sabatier
I loved Grant Sabatier's book, Financial Freedom, so much that I recommended it to others. Then I learned that Grant moved to Columbus, Ohio, where I live. I purchased his next book, Inner Entrepreneur, from the bookstore he owns not far from my house!
In Financial Freedom, he lays out 7 Levels of Wealth:
Clarity: Financial knowledge. Know your net worth.
Self-sufficiency: Expenses covered.
Breathing Room: Saving and investing.
Stability: High-interest debt paid off. Emergency fund could cover 6 months of expenses.
Flexibility
Financial Independence: Investments generate income to cover expenses.
Abundant Wealth
Read his books: Financial Freedom, Inner Entrepreneur
Andy Hill
I looked up to Andy Hill because his relational priorities shone through his podcast. His kids are a similar age to mine and he lives in Michigan, not far from where I grew up. I met him at a group dinner during a financial counseling conference. Then I had the opportunity to receive his coaching. I can attest that he's full of enthusiasm for how money can strengthen families!
Explore marriagekidsandmoney.com
Read his book, Own Your Time
Rahkim Sabree
Rahkim Sabree at the AFCPE Symposium in November 2024
After hearing him on a podcast, I met Rahkim Sabree at a financial counseling conference where I had the privilege of hearing him speak.
Read his book, Overcoming Financial Trauma
Chad Carson
Chad Carson sheds light on real estate investing from the perspective of a husband and father of two who dove into real estate after college, in lieu of a traditional career. I count him as someone I've met because he interacted with me during a webinar!
Read his books, The Small & Mighty Real Estate Investor, and Retire Early with Real Estate
Lesley Hetrick
Me, Lesley. I'm rooting for you!
As a kid, I had fun never thinking about money. As an adult, I searched online for clarity, but couldn’t find it. Financial advice was complex and intimidating. I enjoy a hike in the woods– but not when I’m lost! If only I had a guide to explain where each trail led.
I threw myself into learning everything I could about personal finance. I felt exhilarated when I finally saw what I could do with money! I learned how money connects to what matters most to me.
As a financial coach, I am your trail guide. I love transporting you from confusion to clarity, helping you see all your choices. Then you can stride ahead with excitement and freedom toward all that matters more to you than money.
I live in Columbus, Ohio, with my husband and high school sweetheart, Nick, our awesome kids, and our two adorable kitties.
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