Summary In this conversation, Monica Kaufman, a financial expert, discusses the pervasive issue of financial illiteracy, emphasizing that 80% of the population lacks essential financial knowledge. She explains that money should be viewed as a tool for acquiring skills and knowledge, and highlights the importance of financial fitness, which encompasses risk management and wealth building. The discussion also touches on the emotional aspects of money management, the influence of family money stories, and the necessity of education in achieving financial success. Monica advocates for proactive financial planning, including the establishment of emergency funds and the use of Roth accounts for retirement. The conversation concludes with an overview of the Wealth Academy, designed to empower individuals to take ownership of their financial futures. In this conversation, Monica Kaufman, a financial planner, discusses the importance of organizing finances for peace of mind, understanding 401k options, and the significance of keeping retirement accounts separate. She emphasizes the protective role of 401k in legal situations and the necessity of managing risk through insurance. The discussion also covers the iterative approach to achieving financial freedom, the connection between health and financial well-being, and overcoming barriers such as imposter syndrome. Monica highlights the need for financial literacy among the younger generation and the importance of building trust in financial relationships.  Monica's Website: https://harmonywealthacademy.com/  Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Financial Literacy and Personal Journey 03:56 Understanding Money as a Tool 06:54 The Concept of Financial Fitness 10:04 Defining Financial Freedom 12:36 The Importance of Financial Decisions 14:54 The Role of Relationships in Financial Success 18:46 Emotional Aspects of Money Management 21:29 Assessing and Managing Risk 24:12 Building Financial Defenses 27:28 Utilizing Roth Accounts for Financial Growth 30:15 Overview of Harmony Wealth Academy's Course One 34:09 Understanding the Importance of Estate Planning 37:57 Navigating Medical Powers of Attorney 41:36 The Wealth Academy: Empowering Financial Ownership 49:14 Managing Multiple 401(k) Accounts 55:01 Insurance: Protecting Your Assets and Managing Risk 01:02:34 Understanding Financial Mitigations 01:04:39 Channeling Emotions for Financial Decisions 01:07:00 The Iterative Approach to Financial Freedom 01:09:17 The Importance of Long-Term Planning 01:11:18 Overcoming Financial Barriers 01:13:27 Empowering the Next Generation 01:17:02 No Judgment in Financial Recovery 01:18:31 Building Financial Confidence 01:20:55 Offering Support and Resources 01:28:30 Final Thoughts on Financial Empowerment 01:29:07 Closing Thoughts and Encouragement   Want to be a guest on Just A Dude Podcast? Send Nathan Bollman a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/justadudepodcast Our Website: https://justadudepodcast.com Support the show: https://buymeacoffee.com/justadudepodcast https://ko-fi.com/justadudepodcast Please remember to follow, review, like, and share! Your support helps us grow!