Recommendations: The Top Financial Preparedness Advocates to Connect With:
While there are countless people talking about money, it can be challenging to know who to listen to.
Below are my recommendations of who to follow, what they talk about and why you should listen to them. They are all about helping you become educated, so you can take control of your money.
They are all dedicated to helping change the way we think about money.
They will inspire you. They are who I learn from.
Alissa Maizes
Alissa Krasner Maizes, Esq. is the founder, fee-only fiduciary financial advisor, and financial literacy content creator for Amplify My Wealth and licensed attorney and Candidate for CFP® Certification.
What she talks about:
All wealth-building personal finance topics.
Why should you listen to her?
As the Founder of Amplify My Wealth, I prioritize providing financial guidance as a fee-only fiduciary advisor, Candidate For CFP®️ Certification, and recipient of the 14th Annual Plutus Award for Best Financial Advisor Financial Literacy Content Creator. With a legal and financial advising background, I offer tailored solutions to Millennials, Gen Z, and women. I provide advice, a plan, and guidance at every step to remove wealth-building mindset barriers to achieve financial confidence regardless of your starting point. Beyond firm clients, I am committed to giving back by providing pro bono financial advice to clients of Savvy Ladies, serving not-for-profits by providing strategic fundraising plans and trusted free financial literacy tips and resources through collaborations and on my own. My approach is simple: everyone deserves access to quality financial guidance, and I am here to make that a reality, one client at a time.
Website: amplifymywealth.com
Newsletter: Subscribe To Nuggets Newsletter
Guides: Request Free Wealth-Building Guides
Free Strategy Session: Schedule Free Strategy Session
Connect with Alissa Maizes:
Check out my conversation with Alissa Maizes on the Get Ready Money Podcast (here).
Bobbi Rebell, CFP®
Bobbi Rebell, CFP® is one of the top money experts in the country having been seen and quoted in hundreds of media outlets. After a career as a global business news television anchor, she has written two personal finance books (How to be a Financial Grownup, Launching Financial Grownups) before founding her company Financial Wellness Strategies, which provides financial literacy programs and workshops for employees and other groups.
What she talks about: How we can have healthier relationships with money.
Why you should listen to her: Bobbi will make you feel better about money, while helping you get better with money.
Free resource: Financial Wellness with Bobbi Rebell newsletter (here).
Work with Bobbi: Company website (here).
Books:
- Launching Financial Grownups: Live Your Richest Life by Helping Your (Almost) Adult Kids Become Everyday Money Smart (Amazon)
- How to Be a Financial Grownup: Proven Advice from High Achievers on How to Live Your Dreams and Have Financial Freedom (Amazon)
Social Media: Instagram | LinkedIn
Check out my conversation with Bobbi on The Get Ready Money Podcast (here).
Cameron Huddleston
Cameron Huddleston is an award-winning personal finance journalist, author of Mom and Dad, We Need to Talk: How to Have Essential Conversations with Your Parents About Their Finances and director of education and content at Carefull.
What she talks about:
Family money talks, financial caregiving and elder fraud prevention.
Why should you listen to her?
Cameron has been writing about personal finance for more than 20 years, and her work has appeared in Kiplinger's Personal Finance, Yahoo! Finance, Chicago Tribune, Forbes Advisor and many more online and print publications. She was inspired to write her book, Mom and Dad, We Need to Talk, while caring for her mom, who had Alzheimer's disease. She realized how important it was for adult children to have money talks with parents before an emergency or health issue leaves them unable to manage their finances on their own. Since her book was released in 2019, she has been helping families break the taboo of talking about money and continues to do so in her role as director of education and content at Carefull, the first service built to protect aging adults' daily finances.
Website: https://cameronhuddleston.com/
Book: Mom and Dad, We Need to Talk (Amazon)
Resource: In Case of Emergency Organizer
Connect with Cameron Huddleston:
LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter
Check out my conversation with Cameron Huddleston on the Get Ready Money Podcast (here).
Charlene H. Cong, CFA
Charlene H. Cong, CFA, is the founder of FinFit GmbH, a finance and investment educator, podcaster, and YouTuber. With over 10 years of experience in the banking industry, including a tenure at JPMorgan Asset Management, she is a Chartered Financial Analyst based in both Hong Kong and Switzerland.
What she talks about:
Charlene focuses on simplifying finance and investments for working professionals who do not have a finance background.
Why should you listen to her?
Charlene Cong, the founder of FinFit GmbH, brings over a decade of financial expertise spanning Asia and Europe, including significant roles at JPMorgan. As a Chartered Financial Analyst, she combines her professional acumen with a unique academic background in Chinese literature and journalism, offering a fresh perspective on finance that is both relatable and accessible.
Charlene’s journey into finance was unexpected, stemming from a personal realization of how challenging it can be to navigate the financial world without formal education. Her experience as a banking journalist in Hong Kong, where she studied the investment strategies of the ultra-wealthy, led her to roles at JPMorgan and a wealthtech firm in Switzerland. However, Charlene felt a growing desire to shift her focus from making the rich richer to empowering everyday individuals.
This passion project, FinFit GmbH, was born from her mission to help people achieve financial freedom through a strong foundation in financial literacy. Charlene’s approach resonates with those who are new to finance and may feel overwhelmed, as she understands the challenges of self-learning in this field. Her mission is clear: to guide and support others on their journey to financial independence.
Website: http://www.charlenecong.com/
Newsletter: https://charlenecong.com/
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@CharleneCong
Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@CharleneCong/podcasts
Connect with Charlene Cong:
Elliott Appel, CFP®, CLU®, RLP®
Elliott Appel is a Financial Planner and Founder of Kindness Financial Planning LLC. He focuses on helping widows and caregivers gain control of their financial lives.
What he talks about:
Aging, caregiving, and using your money to help you live your ideal life.
Why should someone listen to him?
Elliott is a Financial Planner and Founder of Kindness Financial Planning, LLC, a fee-only financial planning firm that works virtually with people across the country. He is focused on helping widows and caregivers organize and simplify their financial lives, do proactive tax planning, and make sure insurance and estate planning is coordinated with smart investment advice. He knows first hand what it is like to be a caregiver as he navigated the ups and downs of caregiving for his dad for over seven years.
Book: Money Lessons for Change: What They Should Have Taught You in School (Amazon)
Podcast: The ME and Money Podcast: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube
Resources:
Social media links: LinkedIn | YouTube
Check out my conversations with Elliott Appel on the Get Ready Money Podcast: Creating Your Ideal Life (here) and Putting The Personal Back Into Personal Finance (here).
John Lanza
John Lanza is an author and Chief Mammal of Snigglezoo.
What he talks about:
I help parents raise money-smart kids.
Why should you listen to him?
Our materials help engage kids and empower parents on our money-smart journeys. I wrote The Art of Allowance book to help guide parents and created the award-winning Money Mammals movie and book series to get kids excited about money smarts with the mammals' mantra, "We'll Share & Save & Spend Smart Too!" Our Art of Allowance Project program helps financial institutions improve family financial wellness with entertaining and educational materials for kids of all ages and their parents.
Books:
- The Art of Allowance: A Short, Practical Guide to Raising Money-Smart, Money-Empowered Kids by John Lanza (Amazon)
- Joe the Monkey Saves for a Goal: A Loop-Dee-Loo Story (Amazon)
- Joe the Monkey and Friends Learn about Spending Smart (Amazon)
- Joe the Monkey Learns to Share (Amazon)
Newsletter: 3 Ideas to Share & Save weekly newsletter
Podcast: The Art of Allowance Podcast
Connect with John Lanza: LinkedIn
Connect with The Art of Allowance Project/The Money Mammals:
Website | LinkedIn | Facebook | Instagram | YouTube | Pinterest
Joy Loverde
Joy Loverde is a Consultant, Keynote Speaker and Best-selling Author of The Complete Eldercare Planner, 4th Edition and Who Will Take Care of Me When I’m Old?
What she talks about:
Family Caregiving and Aging Solo.
Why should you listen to her?
Joy Loverde has a reputation for being a path carver and visionary. She has been quoted in the Wall Street Journal, TIME, Money, New York Times, and Psychology Today among many others. Interviews include the TODAY Show, Good Morning America, and NPR. Critics hail her work as “illuminating, eye-opening, and required reading for everyone over 40.” The American Medical Association says The Complete Eldercare Planner “is the best we’ve seen.”
Website: https://elderindustry.com/
Books:
- The Complete Eldercare Planner, Revised and Updated 4th Edition: Where to Start, Which Questions to Ask, and How to Find Help (Amazon)
- Who Will Take Care of Me When I'm Old?: Plan Now to Safeguard Your Health and Happiness in Old Age (Amazon)
Connect with Joy Loverde on social media:
LinkedIn | Facebook | Instagram
Check out my conversation with Joy Loverde and Cathy Sikorski on the Get Ready Money Podcast (here).
Karen Holland
Karen Holland, Founder, Gifting Sense.org, Where Kids Learn That Thinking Before Buying Is A Powerful & Rewarding Life Skill
What she talks about:
Karen helps people teach their kids to think before they buy.
Why should you listen to her?
Karen has been making learning about money immediately helpful to school-aged children for over 9 years through her early financial education Not-For-Profit GiftingSense.org, home of the DIMS - DOES IT MAKE SENSE?® SCORE Calculator. A free and safe online tool that introduces children to the habit of asking & answering simple questions about typical childhood purchases, before, anyone spends a dime. Karen worked for Canada's largest bank before having a family that is now grown up. She has an Honours Bachelor of Arts Degree in Economics and a Master’s Degree in Economic History.
Gifting Sense has been recognized at the Money Awareness & Inclusion Awards three years running, in 2022, 2023 and 2024.
Resources:
GiftingSense.org houses among other things:
- The DIMS - DOES IT MAKE SENSE?® SCORE Calculator - a free and safe tool: https://giftingsense.org/gift-survey/
- A Teacher Tab: with all the resources educators need to give their own students the awesome power of spending with a plan: https://giftingsense.org/teacher-tab/
- Articles: these are shared in a newsletter three times a year: https://giftingsense.org/magic/
- Frequently Asked Questions: many of which include links to salient studies: https://giftingsense.org/faq/
Connect with Karen Holland and Gifting Sense:
Kathleen Burns Kingsbury
Kathleen Burns Kingsbury, Money Mindset & Advisor Coach, and Founder, KBK Wealth Connection
What she talks about:
Unleash Your True Value Podcast explores empowering conversations on money, success, and self-worth, featuring trailblazing women who are breaking financial barriers, closing the wage gap, and redefining leadership.
Why should you listen to her:
Kathleen Burns Kingsbury isn’t your average money mindset coach; she’s a pioneering force in the realm of women and money, setting her apart from conventional counterparts. With over 19 years of specialized experience, she’s dedicated herself to empowering women across finance, business, and entrepreneurship. As a mentor to female entrepreneurs, Kathleen offers invaluable guidance, drawing from her extensive background in wealth psychology and client communication. Her expertise extends to working with financial advisors, helping them navigate the complexities of wealth management while fostering stronger client relationships. Recognized by The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, and others.
Books:
- Breaking Money Silence: How to Shatter Money Taboos, Talk More Openly about Finances and Live a Richer Life (Amazon)
- Creating Wealth From The Inside Out Workbook (Amazon)
- How to Give Financial Advice to Couples: Essential Skills for Balancing High-Net-Worth Clients' Needs (Amazon)
- How to Give Financial Advice to Women: Attracting and Retaining High-Net Worth Female Clients (Amazon)
- Unleash Your True Value: Where Women Thrive in Business
- Weight Wisdom: Affirmations to Free You from Food and Body Concerns - co-author: Mary Ellen Williams (Amazon)
Podcast:
- Unleash Your True Value, A Breaking Money Silence Podcast (here)
Website: (here)
Connect with Kathleen Burns Kingsbury:
Laura Adams, MBA
Laura D. Adams, MBA, is an award-winning personal finance and small business author, podcaster, speaker, and spokesperson.
What Laura talks about:
Laura Adams helps audiences build financial lives they love through educational and inspirational content.
Why should you listen to her?
Laura Adams is one of the nation’s leading personal finance and small business authorities. She’s an award-winning author, speaker, and host of Money Girl, a top-rated weekly podcast with over 43 million downloads. She founded The Money Stack, a newsletter helping thousands build their bank accounts. As a frequent source for the national media, millions of viewers and readers benefit from her practical financial advice. Laura’s mission is to empower consumers to make smart money decisions through her speaking, spokesperson, and advocacy work. She received an MBA from the University of Florida and lives in Vero Beach, Florida.
Website: LauraDAdams.com
Newsletter: The Money Stack Newsletter: https://moneygirl.substack.com/
Podcast:
Money Girl Podcast: Apple Podcasts | Audible | Simplecast | Spotify | Stitcher
Books:
- Debt-Free Blueprint: How to Get Out of Debt and Build a Financial Life You Love (Amazon)
- Money Girl's Smart Moves to Grow Rich: A Proven Plan for Taking Charge of Your Finances (Quick & Dirty Tips) (Amazon)
- Money-Smart Solopreneur: A Personal Finance System for Freelancers, Entrepreneurs, and Side-Hustlers (Amazon)
Connect with Laura Adams:
Quick and Dirty Tips Contributor (here)
LinkedIn | Money Girl Facebook Page | Instagram | X-Twitter
Check out my conversation with Laura Adams: Get Ready with Laura Adams: The Money Girl Philosophy (here)
Lawrence “Larry” Sprung, CFP®
Lawrence “Larry” Sprung, CFP® is a husband, father, entrepreneur, author, and mental health advocate. He is the founder and wealth advisor at Mitlin Financial, Inc®, the author of the Amazon Bestselling book “Financial Planning Made Personal and host of the Mitlin Money Mindset®
What Larry talks about:
In 2004 Larry founded Mitlin Financial, Inc, a firm named in memory of his wife’s grandfather Mitchell and his mom, Linda. The Mitlin team helps the families they serve design their future while planning for JOY along the way.
Why should you listen to Larry?
Larry has appeared on numerous podcasts and in the media. He spent years on the Experian Twitter Credit Chat panel and has presented to romance authors at numerous conferences, speaking about financial planning and business structure. He has received several industry recognitions, including being named an Investopedia Top 10 Advisor in 2022, Investopedia Top Advisor 100 in 2021 and 2023. Remember to ask yourself “What did you do today that brought you joy?®”
Resources:
Financial Planning Made Personal: How to Create Joy And The Mindset for Success (Amazon)
Download the 1st 2 Chapters for Free (here)
The JOY and Productivity Journal download for FREE (here)
Podcast:
Mitlin Money Mindset.™ is a podcast that’s all about getting your mind right when it comes to all things money.
Website | YouTube | Apple | Spotify | Twitter |
Connect with Larry Sprung:
LinkedIn | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram
Connect with Mitlin Financial, Inc®:
Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter
Check out my conversation with Larry Sprung: The Get Ready Money Podcast with Larry Sprung: Money, Mindset and Finding Joy (here).
Marie Burns,CFP®
Marie Burns is a Women's Financial Advocate, Certified Financial Planner (CFP), Speaker, Podcast Host, Author, Grandmother.
What she talks about:
Marie talks about how you can enjoy a happy, healthy life by focusing on Mind, Money, Motion.
Why should you listen to her?
Marie has been advocating for women’s financial health for over 20 years. She has helped clients with their financial lives in a fiduciary capacity in a bank setting, accounting firm, at Vanguard, at a financial planning firm and now writes, speaks, and educates women in her Mind, Money, Motion financial education business. She also has an independent advisory and investment management practice called Focus Point Planning. She is on the board of The Financial Awareness Foundation and a member of the Financial Planning Association of Greater Phoenix.
Resources:
Marie offers checklists, blogs, videos, workshops and courses on her Mind Money Motion website (here).
Podcast:
The Mind Money Motion Podcast: The Mind, Money, Motion podcast focuses on helping listeners worry less about money by getting financially organized and by keeping their mind and body healthy.
Podcast home page | Apple Podcasts | YouTube | Spotify | Amazon Music
Books:
- Itty Bitty® Getting Financially Organized Book: 15 Key Steps to Organizing your Financial Life (Amazon)
- Your Amazing Itty Bitty® “Before” Financial Checklist: 15 Important Actions to Complete Before the Loss of a Loved One (Amazon)
- Your Amazing Itty Bitty AFTER Financial Checklist: 15 Important Actions to Complete After the Loss of a Loved One (Amazon)
- Your Amazing Itty Bitty® Getting Financially Organized Trilogy: Three Itty Bitty Books Combined to Organize Your Financial Life (Amazon)
Connect with Marie Burns: LinkedIn | Pinterest | Facebook | Focus Financial Planning
Check out my conversations with Marie on The Get Ready Money Podcast: Finding Balance (here) and Mind, Money and Motion (here).
Nicole Vilaca
Nicole Vilaca is the founder and global citizen strategist at Work, Wealth and Travel.
What she talks about:
At Work, Wealth and Travel, we specialize in helping clients navigate the intricate world of tax optimization, citizenships, and residencies, ensuring you make informed decisions for a globally optimized future.
Why should you listen to her:
Nicole Vilaca is an experienced global citizen. With a background as an expatriate, full-time traveler, and now a diversified global citizen, she offers valuable expertise in assisting clients with residency relocation, tax optimization, and citizenship acquisition. Having visited over 40 countries, Nicole possesses a profound understanding of diverse lifestyles, cultures, and investment opportunities abroad.
Free Resource:
Top 5 Easiest Residencies (Including the $248 Residency You Can Get Online TODAY)
Podcast:
The Work, Wealth and Travel Podcast: a weekly show where we help you break free from the norm and create a life of freedom, adventure, and fulfillment.
Podcast home page | Apple Podcasts | YouTube | Spotify
Connect with Nicole Vilaca:
Website | Instagram | LinkedIn | YouTube
Check out my conversation with Nicole Vilaca on The Get Ready Money Podcast: Be True To Yourself (here)
Prudence Zhu
Prudence Zhu, CPA/PFS, CDFA is an accessible Fee-only Financial Planner helping small business owners accelerate wealth through effective tax strategies and smart asset allocation
What she talks about:
Financial freedom is more than just wealth; it's about crafting a joyful life, making informed financial decisions with confidence, and leveraging resources to drive meaningful change. She’s on a mission to empower you to create your vision of financial freedom.
Why should you listen to her:
Prudence Zhu, CPA/PFS is the founder and CEO of Baoba USA. Hailing from rural China and settling in the US, Prudence's story is a tale of dreams, challenges, and tenacity. Landing in 2012 with the basics, she carved out her path to financial freedom by 2021, mastering the art of saving and investing. Now a proud mom in Phoenix, AZ, and the voice behind the YouTube channel Invest with Prudence, Prudence extends her wisdom through Baoba USA, offering tax advice and financial coaching. To her, financial freedom is not just a bank statement; it's about living with purpose, making informed decisions, and inspiring others to do the same.
Resources:
Prudence offers webinars, quizzes, worksheets and a newsletter on her website (here)
LinkedIn Newsletter: The Life You Want and Beyond: Tax and Wealth Tips (here)
Webinars: Baoba Personal Finance Series (Eventbrite - here)
Worksheets: Cash Flow Statement Generator & Net Worth Tracker - Google Sheets (here)
YouTube Channel: Invest with Prudence (here)
Connect with Prudence Zhu on Social: LinkedIn
Check out my conversation with Prudence on The Get Ready Money Podcast with Prudence Zhu: Living A Life You Love (here)
Richard Ciarletta
Richard Harris Ciarletta, Co-Founder, President and COO of Seedlyng Financial Literacy, education advocate, change agent and progress enthusiast for all in the areas of financial education, special education and financial literacy.
What he talks about:
Sharing insights on the importance of financial literacy in education and innovative approaches to teaching financial skills to students and adults in order for all to become financially independent and successful.
Why should you listen to him?
As the President, Co-Founder and COO of Seedlyng Financial Education, I bring over two decades of experience in education and entrepreneurship. I hold one of the first entrepreneurship and small business management degrees ever offered in the country from Baruch College in the City University of New York. With a deep passion for financial education and empowering students with essential life skills, I've led initiatives to revolutionize financial education in schools, impacting thousands of students. Through my expertise, all listeners of all ages can gain valuable insights into the significance of financial literacy and discover actionable strategies to integrate financial education effectively into academic curricula and real life.
Resources:
Website and App: Seedlyng Financial Education
Connect with Richard Ciarletta:
Robin Taub, CPA
Robin Taub, CPA, is a keynote speaker and the award-winning author of The Wisest Investment: Teaching Your Kids to Be Responsible, Independent and Money-Smart for Life, available in both Canadian and US editions.
What she talks about:
Teaching the next generation to be responsible, independent and money-smart for life. I speak to wealth managers and their clients about the importance of financial literacy for the next generation.
Why should you listen to her:
A Chartered Professional Accountant by training, Robin Taub (pronounced TOBE) is also the mother of two mostly money-smart young adults. Her book, The Wisest Investment, was awarded “Best Adult Book of 2022” by The Institute for Financial Literacy. Robin Taub Financial Consulting was selected as an Excellence Awardee in the annual Wealth Professional Awards, in the category of IFSE Institute Award for “Financial Literacy Champion” in 2022 and 2024.
Book:
The Wisest Investment: Teaching Your Kids to Be Responsible, Independent and Money-Smart for Life (Amazon)
Connect with Robin Taub:
Website | Speaking | LinkedIn | Instagram
Check out my conversation with Robin Taub on the Get Ready Money Podcast (here).
Tanya Taylor
Tanya Taylor, CPA, MBA is a Financial Coach, TEDx Speaker & Author.
What she talks about:
Personal Finance, wealth building, taxes.
Why you should listen to her:
Tanya has spent the past two decades helping people improve their financial lives. As founder & CEO of Grow Your Wealth, a financial education platform, she is on a mission to stop the cycle of poverty and build generational wealth – empowering women to achieve confidence in managing their finances so that they can retire worry-free. Tanya’s inspiring story of arriving in America alone at 16 with $100, to her 24 years tenure on Wall Street working in the banking and insurance industry, building a 7-figure retirement portfolio, and saving for her children’s college, while traveling to over 60 countries, is a testament to putting into practices the framework she teacher her clients. She has been featured in publications such as Business Insider and Black Enterprise and has contributed to numerous publications.
Tedx Talk: Tedx - Dreams to Disability: How to Financially Prepare for the Unexpected
Newsletter: Newsletter
Free Resources and Training: Free Resources & Training
Books:
- Broke to Wealth: How To Build a Strong Financial Foundation, Implement Effective Strategies, and Sustain Financial Growth (Amazon)
- Broke to Wealth Companion Workbook: How to Build a Strong Financial Foundation, Implement Effective Strategies, and Sustain Financial Growth (Amazon)
- Limitations To Limitless: Seven Proven Strategies to Protect Your Finances From Life's Curveballs (Amazon)
- Your Roadmap to 850: The Ultimate 6-Step Guide to a Perfect Credit Score (Amazon)
Podcast/TV Show:
- Grow Your Wealth TV (Youtube)
Connect with Tanya Taylor:
Website | Linkedin | Instagram | Facebook Group | Tiktok
Vicki Vollweiler, MBA, CDC
Vicki Vollweiler, MBA, CDC is a college financial planning expert who helps families save money on the cost of college.
What she talks about:
Vicki speaks on a variety of topics related to making college more affordable and reducing financial stress for families. Key topics include: Financial Aid Applications, Scholarships and Grants, Negotiating with Colleges, Filing Appeals, College Cost Projections, Divorce and College Planning, Student Loans and Comprehensive College Planning. She addresses these topics empathetically, with a focus on helping families save money and reducing stress throughout the college planning process.
Why you should listen to her:
Vicki Vollweiler, Founder and CEO of College Financial Prep, is a dedicated expert in helping families reduce the financial and emotional stress of paying for college. With a focus on financial aid applications like the FAFSA and CSS Profile, she also assists with finding scholarships, negotiating with colleges, and filing appeals. Vicki is particularly attuned to the unique needs of divorced, separated, and remarried parents, serving as a neutral advisor to help them plan effectively for their child's education. Through her personalized consultations, workshops, and online courses, Vicki has helped families save many thousands of dollars on college costs. Her empathetic and professional approach stems from both her extensive experience and her commitment to empowering families with the financial knowledge to make higher education more affordable.
Podcast:
- College Financial Prep (here)
YouTube Channel:
- College Financial Prep (here)
Video:
- How To Save Money On The Cost Of College (here)
Connect with Vicki Vollweiler:
Website | Linkedin | Instagram | Facebook
Check out my conversation with Vicki Vollweiler on The Get Ready Money Podcast: Optimizing Paying For College (here)
