In this empowering episode of Growing Money with Sean Trace, I sit down with money coach Jason Madsen to explore how Christian families can break free from the financial stress cycle. We talk about creating emotional stability, building better habits, and igniting a long term vision for your future. Jason and I dive into how small daily choices, like grabbing that “after work burrito,” can shape your financial destiny. We also unpack why having a strong why fuels consistency and how embracing flexibility can open the door to unexpected growth.

We explore the Ramsey Baby Steps, mindset shifts around abundance, and how resilience, faith, and strategy can transform your money story. Whether you are stuck in a financial rut or ready to level up, this episode brings real talk, inspiring stories, and practical tools to help you grow your money and your mindset.

In this episode, I sat down with Professor Stephen Heath to finally unpack all the major types of budgets, because let’s be real, budgeting can feel overwhelming if you don’t know where to start. We broke down everything from zero-based budgeting and the 50/30/20 rule to the pay-yourself-first method, the anti-budget, envelope system, and values-based budgeting.

We talked about how to match your budget to your life stage, whether you’re a student, a parent, someone paying off debt, or just trying to get more intentional with your money. For me, the 50/30/20 approach really clicked. Steve’s a fan of zero-based budgeting, but even he admits it’s not for everyone.

There were some laughs, some honest moments (yes, I compared budgeting to giving kids candy), and a whole lot of practical advice. If you’ve ever felt stuck or confused when it comes to managing money, this episode is your roadmap.

In this episode of Growing Money with Sean Trace, Certified Financial Planner Nate Hoskin shares a powerful perspective on how to spend money without regret. He explores the often overlooked emotional side of finance and explains why saving too much can actually rob you of joy. Nate dives into the Rule of 72 to show the real opportunity cost of spending and introduces the idea that spending money is a skill, just like saving. He and Sean discuss the impact of scarcity mindsets, the importance of aligning money with your personal values, and how generosity can lead to unexpected rewards. They also talk about the balance between FIRE (Financial Independence, Retire Early) goals and actually enjoying life along the way. With stories about meaningful life experiences, side hustles, and mindset shifts, this episode is a thoughtful and inspiring guide to building financial freedom with intention and heart.

In this episode of Money School, I’m back with the always insightful Prof. Steve Heath, and we go deep into a surprisingly relatable topic — lifestyle creep. We unpack how even small upgrades, like a new phone or a fancy dinner, can silently sabotage your financial goals. Using everything from Tom Cruise’s Mission Impossible stunts to Christian Bale’s old truck, we explore how discipline, priorities, and self-awareness are the real keys to building wealth. You’ll learn how to set lifestyle caps, avoid impulse spending, and finally start building toward your version of “F*** You Money.”

In this heartfelt and insightful episode of Growing Money with Sean Trace, I sit down with Dr. Megan McCoy, a financial therapist and professor at Kansas State University, for a deep dive into the emotional and psychological roots of our money behaviors. We talk about how childhood memories, relationship dynamics, and money scripts shape our financial decisions, often without us even realizing it. Dr. McCoy opens up about the power of empathy, the importance of having honest conversations about money in relationships and parenting, and how planning finances around shared goals can actually bring people closer. We also explore topics like charitable giving, financial shame, and ways to move from avoidance to intentional wealth-building. This episode is filled with humor, vulnerability, and real-world advice to help you see money not just as dollars and cents, but as a reflection of your dreams, your fears, and your potential to grow.

In this episode of Growing Money with Sean Trace, I sat down with the incredible Nishaea Richardson, also known as the Play Money Coach. We went deep into the emotional and mindset side of money — the real stuff that most people avoid talking about. From getting stuck in a cycle of “comfortable misery” to learning how to set powerful financial boundaries, Nishaea shares her journey of going from paycheck-to-paycheck to financial freedom.

We talked about what it means to shift your money mindset, how to stop living for other people’s approval, and why budgeting isn’t a punishment, but a roadmap to a better life. I shared some personal stories too — from Minecraft lessons with my daughter to conversations about saying no to financial vampires. This conversation was honest, funny, emotional, and packed with practical takeaways. If you’re ready to stop just surviving and start thriving financially, this one’s for you.

In this episode of Growing Money with Sean Trace, I’m back with the one and only Professor Steve Heath for another round of Money School and this time we’re diving into budgeting. But not the boring kind. Prof. Heath kicks things off with one of the wildest stories I’ve ever heard (yes, it involves a trunk and a concert) to explain how most people handle money: unconsciously, passively, and sometimes disastrously.

We break down the budgeting triangle: money in, money out, and what’s left. Along the way, we talk about mindset shifts, the trap of lifestyle creep, why "50 percent off" can still mean broke, and how to actually use your income to build a life you love. This isn’t just about cutting back. It’s about being intentional, making smart choices, and aligning your spending with your goals. Whether you're a college student, creative, or parent like me, this episode is packed with laughs, real talk, and tools you can use right now.

In this episode of Growing Money with Sean Trace, I sit down with financial coach Angie Carlson to explore the tools couples need to overcome money miscommunication, break free from guilt, and build a real financial partnership. Angie and I dive into how childhood money stories shape our behavior as adults, why so many couples feel like they’re rowing in circles, and how to shift from blame to teamwork. Drawing from her personal journey and her Agree & Achieve coaching method, Angie shares powerful, practical advice for navigating financial stress, making decisions together, and building wealth—without shame.