Jonathan Cohen, Author of Losing Big
NGPF Podcast
In this NGPF Podcast episode, Yanely interviews Jonathan Cohen about sports gambling in America. Jonathan unpacks how legalized sports betting exploded after the 2018 Supreme Court decision, and what that rapid expansion is doing to Americans’ financial lives, mental health, and culture. He shares his research about why young men are disproportionately drawn in, how betting companies market to vulnerable audiences, and why gambling is uniquely recognized as a behavioral addiction. He also breaks down the jaw-dropping scale of legal sports wagering, explains where the money goes (and why...
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Kate Ashford of NerdWallet on How to Start a Small Business
NGPF Podcast
Tim Ranzetta interviews NerdWallet writer and personal finance expert Kate Ashford about entrepreneurship, financial education, and lessons from her career in journalism and freelancing. Kate shares early money memories, key insights she’s gained from covering a wide range of personal finance topics, and practical advice for young entrepreneurs. From identifying a problem worth solving to funding a startup on a shoestring budget, the discussion explores business planning essentials. They discuss the evolving impact of AI, the importance of curiosity and communication skills, and why early...
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Priceless Facts About Money with Mellody Hobson
NGPF Podcast
In this episode, Yanely Espinal talks to Mellody Hobson, Co-CEO and President of Ariel Investments and New York Times bestselling author of Priceless Facts About Money. Melody shares the inspiration behind her new children’s book, which she intentionally crafted as a “gateway” book that teaches adults through kids by making financial concepts fun, accessible, and rooted in real facts. She discusses her long-standing concern about America’s financial literacy gap and explains how the pandemic finally gave her time to write the book. Drawing on examples like money slang, everyday...
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Lucretia Ryan, Top 10 Social Security Questions Answered
NGPF Podcast
Tim Ranzetta talks to Lucretia Ryan, the founder of FinancialFreedomforwomen.org. She is a financial educator and writer focused on helping women make informed retirement and investment decisions without fees or commissions. Lucretia explains key Social Security concepts such as how benefits are earned based on contributions, the importance of choosing the optimal age to claim benefits, and dispels myths about Social Security running out. She covers the impact of laws like the Windfall Elimination Provision and the Social Security Fairness Act, especially for teachers in certain states. The...
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Kenny Finance, Investor, Entrepreneur, and YouTuber
NGPF Podcast
Join Yanely and she interviews Kenny Johnson, YouTuber, investor, and founder of Kenny Finance. Kenny shares his journey from Detroit to Wall Street and why he's now focused on bringing financial literacy to classrooms across the country. With experience at top private equity firms like Blackstone and KKR, Kenny’s mission is to make personal finance approachable, actionable, and relevant for the next generation!
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Paul Merriman Talks Target Date Funds and Retirement Investing
NGPF Podcast
This episode of the NGPF Speaker Series features personal finance educator Paul Merriman in conversation with Tim Ranzetta, delivering insights especially relevant to teachers. Paul shares practical, research-backed advice on helping students and young investors understand investing basics, with a spotlight on target date funds, index fund fees, and the behavioral pitfalls that commonly trip up new investors. Teachers will gain actionable strategies to help their students avoid common mistakes, appreciate the long-term value of low costs, and make investing approachable through concepts like...
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Laura Levine, President & CEO of JumpStart
NGPF Podcast
This is an inspiring conversation in which Tim interviews Laura Levine, President & CEO of the Jumpstart Coalition. Laura reflects on more than 20 years of leading a national movement for financial literacy and shares how Jumpstart empowers educators, builds powerful state affiliate networks, and creates a community for educators across the country. From the National Educator Conference to Teen Teach-Ins, she highlights programs that bring financial education to life in schools across the country. Laura also shares the heart behind their “For Me, It’s Personal” campaign. She says...
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Personal Finance for Teens with Mykail James
NGPF Podcast
In this podcast Yanely interviews Mykail James, MBA who is the co-author of Personal Finance for Teens (for Dummies). The conversation centers on empowering teens and young adults with personal finance literacy education, highlighting inclusive education, the evolving landscape of financial decision-making, and the role of technology and community in shaping money habits. Mykail emphasizes that younger generations are delaying traditional milestones like home buying or starting families, and grappling with anxiety about “what’s next” after completing school.
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A Conversation with Charles "Charley" Ellis
NGPF Podcast
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...
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How Cindy Lowe & Jill Labas Advocated for a Personal Finance Course Requirement in Saskatchewan
NGPF Podcast
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...
info_outlineIn this NGPF Podcast episode, Dan Otter and Scott Dauenhauer of 403bwise discuss the challenges teachers face with 403B retirement plans, including high fees and poor investment options. The duo shares their advocacy journey to empower educators with better financial literacy and tools for improving retirement outcomes. They also explore state policies impacting financial education and offer practical advice for educators aiming to enhance their financial plans. Listen to this discussion to learn how educators can navigate and advocate for better retirement options.