Latina Investors

If you've ever searched how to start building wealth and felt like every answer assumed you already had a foundation you were never given, this episode is the one you've been waiting for.
This episode breaks down the 3 stages of wealth building so you can see exactly where you are right now, what skill you need to develop to move forward, and what is actually possible on the other side of getting this right.
The reason any of us pursue wealth in the first place is not a number on a screen. It is the security to handle what life throws at you. The options to choose how you spend your time. The freedom to walk away when something is not working. That is what all of this is for.
In this episode, you'll learn:
✅ Why getting strategic with your paycheck matters more than earning more money
✅ What spending well actually means and why it is the skill most people are missing
✅ How to know which stage of wealth building you are currently in
✅ What investing with purpose looks like when it is tied to a real goal, not just a general intention
✅ Why saving alone does not count as wealth building
✅ How to use the three stages as a framework to keep moving forward no matter where you are starting from
Let's connect:
Website: www.buildinggenwealth.com
Instagram: @building.gen.wealth
Learn more about 1:1 Money Coaching: www.buildinggenwealth.com/moneycoaching

"Retirement investing and general investing are not the same thing, even though most of us use the words interchangeably.

A Roth IRA and a 401k get you started, but they only cover one branch of a much bigger system — the money you'll need for health expenses, your kids' future, and the goals that hit before retirement, like a house down payment, a sabbatical, or supporting your parents.

This episode breaks down the four branches of investing: retirement, health (HSA), kids (529s, custodial accounts), and general/midterm investing through a brokerage account — plus why the taxes on a brokerage account are actually working in your favor, not against you.

✅ Why retirement investing doesn't have to feel until your 40s or 50s

✅ How a brokerage account funds midterm goals (house down payment, sabbaticals, supporting your parents) without touching your retirement accounts

✅ The tax hack that comes with investing in a brokerage account

Let's stay connected:

Website: www.buildinggenwealth.com

Instagram: @building.gen.wealth

Learn more about 1:1 Money Coaching: www.buildinggenwealth.com/moneycoaching

Maybe your money system is working. Bills are paid. You are not in a crisis. But somewhere in the back of your mind, you know it was built to survive — not to build wealth.
That is exactly where Jelanny was before she joined 1:1 money coaching.
In this episode, Jelanny shares her journey inside 1:1 money coaching where you'll learn:
✅ Why a system built to survive is not the same as one built to grow

✅ What it actually looks like to go from scattered financial information to a full investing portfolio

✅ How Jelani grew her net worth by $13,000 from start to this check-in

✅ Why the identity shift that comes with money coaching matters just as much as the skills

Let's connect:
Website: www.buildinggenwealth.com
Instagram: building.gen.wealth
Learn more about 1:1 Money Coaching: www.buildinggenwealth.com/moneycoaching

Register Here: https://calendly.com/buildinggenwealth/100k-portfolio-aug

FREE INVESTING TRAINING: https://www.bgwprograms.com/registration-page

You have been meaning to get to it. The Roth IRA, the 401k, the investment account. You know it matters. You have heard it enough times. But somehow, life keeps moving and that thing stays on the list.

That is exactly what this episode is about. Andrea opens up about her own experience of invisible loss. Because every day you do not put your money to work is a day of invisible loss. Not dramatic, not obvious, just quietly happening in the background while you tell yourself you will get around to it eventually.

In this episode, you'll learn:

✅ What invisible loss is and why it sneaks up on you without a single big decision

✅ Why every day you delay investing is quietly working against your future

✅ How the pain of realizing the loss can actually become the catalyst to start

✅ What momentum builders are and how to use them to get moving with money

Let's connect:

Website: www.buildinggenwealth.com

Instagram: @building.gen.wealth

Learn more about 1:1 Money Coaching: www.buildinggenwealth.com/moneycoaching

FREE INVESTING TRAINING: ⁠https://www.bgwprograms.com/registration-page

If the phrase ""easy money"" makes you feel a little suspicious, or even a little guilty, this episode if for you.

If you watched your parents leave before sunrise and come home after dark, or saw your mom knock on strangers' doors to make ends meet, you learned early that money is something you work HARD for.

In this episode, Andrea gets real about growing up first gen, the guilt that comes with earning more than your parents, and why investing triggers the same skepticism that has been protecting first gen families for generations.

You'll learn:

✅ Why first gen women feel guilty or skeptical about easy money and where that belief actually comes from

✅ What passive income really means and why it is the definition of easy money

✅ Why day trading is not passive income and what actually is

✅ The three things you need to create passive income in the stock market

Let's connect:

Website: www.buildinggenwealth.com

Instagram: @building.gen.wealth

Learn more about 1:1 Money Coaching: www.buildinggenwealth.com/moneycoaching

You paid off the debt. Or you are close. But something still feels off. Your body is still braced. You are still scared to look at your credit card. You are still making decisions from a place of fear. And you are wondering why hitting the goal didn't feel the way you thought it would.
In this episode, Andrea breaks down what happens when you skip from debt panic straight to paid off without ever passing through debt peace. She talks about why that pattern keeps your nervous system locked in survival mode, why it creates a fear-based relationship with money that follows you into your investing decisions and your business, and why the goal was never just to get out of debt. The goal is to become the kind of person who knows she can handle it.
You'll learn:
✅ Why panicking your way out of debt can leave you more financially fearful, not less
✅ How paying off debt from a regulated state actually changes your identity and your relationship with money
✅ Why credit cards are tools, not threats, and how fear keeps you from using them strategically
✅ What it looks like to problem-solve from a calm, confident place and why it benefits every area of your financial life
Let's connect:
Website: www.buildinggenwealth.com
Instagram: @building.gen.wealth
Learn more about 1:1 Money Coaching: www.buildinggenwealth.com/moneycoaching

Traveling is always on our agenda...but what about traveling solo? In this episode, I sit down with Bianca Alba, the voice behind This Latina Travels, a podcast and platform dedicated to helping first gen Latinas see the world on their own terms.

Bianca was born in Bolivia, raised in a single-parent immigrant household where vacations weren't even a thought, and has now traveled to over 42 countries across six continents.

In this episode, you will learn:

✅ Why solo travel is one of the most underrated tools for building confidence as a first gen woman

✅ How to set a clear travel intention so your trip gives you exactly what you need

✅ What to do when fear and cultural messaging tell you that solo travel isn't safe

✅ The savings strategy & credit card hacks Bianca uses to fund all her trips

Connect with This Latina Travels:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thislatinatravels/

Website: https://www.thislatinatravels.com/

Let's connect:

Website: www.buildinggenwealth.com

Instagram: @building.gen.wealth

Learn more about 1:1 Money Coaching: www.buildinggenwealth.com/moneycoaching

"You're not panicking about your debt, but you're not really moving either. You're just coasting.

In this episode, Andrea shares the next chapter of her credit card debt payoff journey and introduces the four emotional stages that almost every person goes through when they are working to get out of debt. These stages are not about the numbers. They are about what is happening inside of you as you face, fight, make peace with, and finally commit to paying off what you owe.

You'll learn:

✅ The 4 emotional stages of debt payoff and what each one actually feels like

✅ Why being too comfortable with your debt can keep you stuck for months

✅ What debt conviction is and how to know when you have reached it

✅ Why paying off debt from a place of belief gets faster results than paying from fear

Let's connect:

Website: www.buildinggenwealth.com

Instagram: @building.gen.wealth

Learn more about 1:1 Money Coaching: www.buildinggenwealth.com/moneycoaching

Do you ever get that feeling where money comes in and somehow it is already gone? There might be one habit quietly keeping you stuck, and it is more common than you think.
In this episode, Andrea shares a personal story from early in her marriage that sparked one of the most important money conversations she and her husband have ever had. and one chanlived by an unspoken rule around money.
She breaks down why our brains struggle to track money that has not landed yet, how we end up double spending without even realizing it, and why this one shift — moving at the speed of cash — can help you finally feel like your money is working for you instead of disappearing the moment it arrives.
You'll learn:
✅ What "spending money that's coming" actually looks like in real life and why it is so easy to fall into
✅ How double spending happens faster than you expect and what it is costing you
✅ What it means to move at the speed of cash and how to start this week
✅ Why feeling like you can never get ahead is often a systems problem, not a discipline problem
If your money has been feeling like it disappears the moment it arrives, this episode is going to give you a new way to look at it — and one simple rule you can start practicing right now.
Let's connect:
Website: www.buildinggenwealth.com

Instagram: @building.gen.wealth

Learn more about 1:1 Money Coaching: www.buildinggenwealth.com/moneycoaching

There's a number where debt stops feeling manageable and starts feeling like too much — I call it your debt ceiling, and I was starting to hit mine at $13,300.

In this episode, I share what happened after I regulated my nervous system and made peace with my numbers: a big sales month that let me put $4,000 toward my debt in one shot, how that one decision cut years off my payoff timeline, and the debt ceiling concept that's shaped how I think about debt as a tool ever since.

You'll learn:

✅ What a debt ceiling is and how to figure out yours
✅ How one lump sum payment changed my payoff timeline and interest total
✅ Why I don't believe paying off debt as fast as possible is always the smartest move

Let's stay connected:
Website: www.buildinggenwealth.com
Instagram: @building.gen.wealth
Learn more about 1:1 Money Coaching: www.buildinggenwealth.com/moneycoaching

Before I could even look at my debt numbers, I had to do something first that would set me up to succeed.

In this episode, I share the exercise that helped me face $13,300 in debt without spiraling and with much more calm.

I share my real journal entries, the big takeaways and how I felt like this was no longer "weighing down" on me so that I could implement strategy better.

You'll learn:

✅ The exercise I used to stop panicking about my debt and make it feel lighter
✅ The real numbers behind my debt, including worst-case interest costs and listing out all my options
✅ How making peace with the "worst case scenario" freed me up to problem-solve

Let's stay connected:
Website: www.buildinggenwealth.com
Instagram: @building.gen.wealth
Learn more about 1:1 Money Coaching: www.buildinggenwealth.com/moneycoaching

I made a big investment on a 0% interest credit card, told myself I'd figure it out later.

In this episode, I walk through the origin story of the debt. And everything that came after from investing intp a business mastermind, then facing a postpartum business slump, a chaotic childcare schedule, and months of avoiding my credit card statement altogether.

You'll learn:

✅ Why I put $15K on a credit card instead of paying cash
✅ How a business slump and new motherhood collided at the worst time
✅ Why I avoided looking at my numbers for months — and what that avoidance cost me

Let's stay connected:
Website: www.buildinggenwealth.com
Instagram: @building.gen.wealth
Learn more about 1:1 Money Coaching: www.buildinggenwealth.com/moneycoaching

I got into $13,300 of business credit card debt, and I want to share the journey.

In this episode, I'm kicking off a series where I share everything — the strategy, the mindset spirals, the wins, the shame, the numbers — from the last six months of working through this debt. Whether you're a business owner navigating cash flow decisions or a 9-to-5er carrying your own debt, this series is for you.

You'll learn:

✅ Why I'm sharing this journey in real time, before it's "paid off"
✅ What this series will cover for both business owners and 9-to-5ers perspectives
✅ Why talking about debt openly matters in order to lose the shame

Let's stay connected:
Website: www.buildinggenwealth.com
Instagram: @building.gen.wealth
Learn more about 1:1 Money Coaching: www.buildinggenwealth.com/moneycoaching

You said yes before you even checked. You know you want to go. You know you'll figure it out. But somewhere in the back of your head, there's this low hum of uncertainty that follows you the whole time — and it takes the edge off the fun.
A few weeks ago, a friend texted me about a beach trip for the Fourth of July. It was an immediate yes. No hesitation. But before I sent that confirmation text, I asked for a few days to look at the numbers.
In this episode, I breaks down exactly what happened when I sat down to do that money check-in, what I found, what I adjusted, and why my husband didn't quite get it at first. I also explains the difference between asking "can we afford this?" and asking "how are we going to cash flow this and still hit our wealth goals?" — because those are two very different questions, and only one of them actually builds wealth.
You'll learn:
✅ Why "can we afford it" is not the right benchmark if you are serious about building wealth
✅ What it actually looks like to cash flow a fun expense without derailing your goals
✅ Why a 20 to 30 minute money check-in, asking yourself the right questions, before a big decision can give you total peace for the whole trip
✅ How to give every version of yourself — present you, future you, mom you, wealth-building you — a seat at the table
If you are the person who always figures it out later but never quite feels settled about it, this episode is going to hit home. The goal is not just to afford the trip. The goal is to enjoy it fully, knowing your numbers are already handled.
Let's connect:
Website: www.buildinggenwealth.com

Instagram: @building.gen.wealth

Learn more about 1:1 Money Coaching: www.buildinggenwealth.com/moneycoaching

You check your bank account, the number looks okay, and you feel like you are probably fine. So you spend. Or you think you can save a little this month because things have been pretty good. And then somehow, at the end of the month, you are sitting there wondering where all your money went. If that cycle sounds familiar, this episode is for you.
In this episode, Andrea breaks down three money decision-making patterns that feel completely right in the moment but are actually keeping you stuck. It's not that you're being irresponsible or undisciplined. But that you might be making money decisions without the right information, and your brain is doing exactly what it was built to do: help you survive. But what if the goal isn't survive...but build wealth?
In this episode, you will learn:
✅ Why checking your account balance feels helpful but is actually giving you a false sense of financial security
✅ What energetic minimums and maximums are and how they are silently running your money decisions
✅ Why saving only when it feels like you have enough will never build consistent wealth
✅ What a real money system looks like and how automation removes the mental load and helps you build wealth with every paycheck
If you are making more than you ever have and still feel like nothing is sticking, this episode will show you why, and what to do about it.
Let's connect:

Website: www.buildinggenwealth.com

Instagram: @building.gen.wealth

Learn more about 1:1 Money Coaching: www.buildinggenwealth.com/moneycoaching

You have a 401k through your job and you keep hearing that you also need a Roth IRA. But no one ever sat you down and explained how these accounts actually work together, what the difference really is, or whether you even need both. So you are out here doing your best, hoping it all adds up one day, and trying not to feel behind.
In this episode, Andrea breaks down the 401k and the Roth IRA in a way that actually makes sense, starting with what these accounts really are, how they are different, and how they can work together to build your retirement.
In this episode, you'll learn:
✅ What a 401k and a Roth IRA actually are and how to think about them as tools, not just accounts
✅ The key tax difference between both accounts and why having both gives you more flexibility when you retire
✅ When it makes sense to focus on just your 401k and when it is time to open a Roth IRA
✅ How to shift from hoping your retirement works out to actually knowing it will
If you are ready to stop guessing and start building a retirement strategy that is specific to your goals and your life, this episode is your starting point.
Let's connect:
Website: www.buildinggenwealth.com

Instagram: @building.gen.wealth

Learn more about 1:1 Money Coaching: www.buildinggenwealth.com/moneycoaching

Have you ever gotten a raise and immediately thought, I am going to get fired? Have you ever avoided looking at your debt because something about that number feels like it says something about who you are? If you are first-gen, you probably were not taught how to build wealth. You were taught how to survive with money. And there is a big difference.
In this episode, I sit down with a career coach Evie Prete who has been in the trenches of this work for years, helping first gen Latinas/WOC stop undervaluing themselves, start asking for what they are actually worth, and build the kind of identity that can hold more money without self-sabotaging it away. We get real about our own stories, and what it actually took to go from knowing we needed to do something different with money to actually doing it.
This episode is for you if you have ever felt like asking for more was ungrateful, if you have ever taken a job offer at the bottom of the salary band when you deserved to be at the top, or if you have ever wondered why building wealth feels so hard even when you know all the right steps.
You'll learn:
✨ Why survival money advice keeps you in protection mode and how to start shifting toward a wealth-building mindset
✨ How your nervous system responds to debt, salary negotiations, and financial wins, and why getting neutral matters before the strategy does
✨ How visualization and journaling help your body get familiar with a version of your life it has never lived before, so you can actually receive it when it arrives
✨ Why detaching from the outcome of a negotiation is not about not wanting it, it is about showing up from your value instead of your fear
This conversation is the one you did not know you needed. It is honest, it is warm, and it is going to give you a lot to think about, journal on, and move through.

Connect with Evie:

Salary Negotiation Checklist

Pagame Podcast
Let's connect:
Website: www.buildinggenwealth.com
Instagram: @building.gen.wealth
Learn more about 1:1 Money Coaching: www.buildinggenwealth.com/moneycoaching

You are saving every month. But somehow it still feels like you are not really getting anywhere, and you are not sure what you are missing.
If you grew up with the message that saving money was the goal, you probably nailed it. You figured out how to put money aside. You built up your savings. And now you are wondering why it does not feel like wealth.
In this episode, Andrea breaks down the difference between saving money and being strategic with your money. She shares why the blanket advice most of us grew up with, save your money, was a starting point and not a destination. She walks through how to start thinking about money as a resource you can direct toward specific outcomes, how to use every paycheck to get closer to real goals, and why building the skill and identity of a wealth builder matters more right now than the exact amount you are working with.
You'll learn:
✅ Why saving alone will never build wealth and what to do instead
✅ How to treat your money as a resource that creates specific outcomes
✅ The formula Andrea uses to reverse-engineer financial goals by timeline
✅ How to stop feeling powerless with money and start feeling like a creator of your own outcomes
Let's connect:
Website: www.buildinggenwealth.com
Instagram: @building.gen.wealth
Learn more about 1:1 Money Coaching: www.buildinggenwealth.com/moneycoaching

If you became a stay-at-home mom and quietly started feeling like you need to ask permission to spend money, or like finances are his territory because he's the one bringing home the check, this episode is for you.
Right after my daughter was born, I found herself seriously considering stepping away from work. I sat with the idea, ran through the logistics, thought about what her finances would look like, and had to confront what it would actually feel like to no longer have her own income coming in. I ended up going back to work, but everything I had to think through in that season became the foundation for this episode.
Before anything tactical, I start with the mindset that every stay-at-home mom needs to fully step into. You are an asset. Not just emotionally, not just as a caregiver, but economically. The childcare you provide, the household you run, the space you create for your partner to grow their career, all of it has real financial value. And when you understand that, it changes how you show up in money conversations.
In this episode, you'll learn:
✅ How to understand the movement of money in your household, what comes in, what goes out, where the extra is going, and where all your accounts live
✅ Why having money going into accounts in your name, a personal spending account, a personal savings account, and a spousal IRA, is about autonomy and protection, not distrust
✅ Why losing years of retirement contributions matters and how a spousal IRA keeps your financial future growing even when you are not on a payroll
✅ How term life insurance and long-term disability insurance protect your household when one partner is the sole income earner
✅ How to set clear household boundaries so you are not the default for everything, all the time, without support
This is the episode I wish someone would have handed me when I was four months postpartum, sitting with a decision that a lot of women face and not many people talk about financially. Whether you are already a stay-at-home mom, considering it, or partnered with someone who is, this one is worth a listen
Let's connect:
Website: www.buildinggenwealth.com

Instagram: @building.gen.wealth

Learn more about 1:1 Money Coaching: www.buildinggenwealth.com/moneycoaching

You have been paying your bills on time. You have a savings account. You are not struggling in the way you grew up watching your parents struggle.
But you still get to the end of every paycheck and think — where did it all go?
And if that question makes you feel a little ashamed, a little stuck, or just tired of not knowing — this episode is for you.
I am sitting down with Janely, a 1:1 client who just wrapped up her 12-week 1:1 money coaching journey.
She will share how she went from feeling like she was spinning her wheels to growing her net worth by nearly $26,000 by paying off $10,000 in credit card debt and growing her savings from the ground up to almost $8,000.
We also talk about how coaching changed the money conversations she was having with her husband, why she describes the experience as therapy for your money, and what she would tell anyone who is on the fence about making that investment in themselves.
In this episode, you will learn:
✅ Why a good income does not automatically equal financial security or direction
✅ How an automated money system replaced budgeting and actually stuck & become sustainable
✅ What it looks like to build savings, pay off debt, and invest all at the same time
✅ How Janely set up investing accounts for her kids starting from scratch
✅ How her money conversations with her husband completely evolved over 1:1 money coaching
Let's connect:
Website: www.buildinggenwealth.com
Instagram: @building.gen.wealth
Learn more about 1:1 Money Coaching: www.buildinggenwealth.com/moneycoaching

Have you ever heard the words index fund, mutual fund, or ETF and nodded along like you knew what they meant even though you don't fully understand? You are not alone, and this episode is here to change that.
In this episode, Andrea breaks down three of the most important investing products you need to know: index funds, mutual funds, and ETFs. She starts from the very beginning — what a stock is, what a bond is, and why buying individual stocks is riskier and more complicated than most people realize.

And then, walks you through what funds actually are, why they exist, and how they make investing simpler, more diversified, and more accessible for everyday investors who are not sitting at a computer researching companies all day.
You will learn the key difference between a mutual fund and an index fund, including why the fees you pay matter more than you think. You'll also understand what an ETF is, how it is different from the other two, and why it can be a smarter choice inside a taxable brokerage account.

Andrea also shares her own investing journey, and reminds you that starting imperfectly is still the first step. You will walk away knowing how to think through which fund belongs in which type of account and how to build a strategy that runs on autopilot so you can stop stressing and start living.
What You'll Learn from this Episode:
The difference between a mutual fund and an index fund, including how fees play a role

What an ETF is and how it is bought and sold differently than mutual funds and index funds

Why ETFs can be more tax efficient and when to use them strategically

Why starting before you have the perfect strategy is always better than waiting

Learn more about 1:1 Money Coaching: ⁠www.buildinggenwealth.com/moneycoaching⁠

If you have ever felt like money is something you are just trying to survive rather than something you actually own, this episode is going to feel like a breath of fresh air.
Today I am sitting down with my client Ariana for a real check-in conversation, about a month after she finished her 1:1 Money Coaching program.

Ariana came to me in June of 2024 as a freelancer and independent contractor dealing with inconsistent income, a blurry picture of her spending, and a Fidelity account with thousands of dollars sitting untouched for almost two years. She knew something needed to change, but she did not know where to start.
What she shares in this episode is honest, real, and the kind of story that plants a seed. Because if you have ever thought this might work for other people but probably not for me, hearing where Ariana started and where she is now might just change your mind.
You'll learn:

✅ What it actually looks like to build a money system around freelance and contractor income when your paychecks are inconsistent and unpredictable

✅ How Ariana went from financial avoidance and a survival mindset to checking in on her money every week and feeling genuinely empowered by what she sees

✅ Why Ariana had thousands of dollars sitting in her brokerage account for nearly two years without investing a single dollar, and what finally helped her move past the intimidation

This episode is a reminder that the money journey is not about being perfect. It is about building a system, shifting your mindset, and giving yourself the space to actually learn.
@arianabautista_

Let's connect:
Website: www.buildinggenwealth.com

Instagram:@building.gen.wealth

Learn more about 1:1 Money Coaching: www.buildinggenwealth.com/moneycoaching

Register for my free training here: https://www.bgwprograms.com/any-economy

You know you should be doing more with your money. You have savings sitting somewhere, maybe in a Chase or Wells Fargo account earning practically nothing, and you keep hearing about investing but you are not sure if you are ready, or where your money should even go.
In this episode, I am breaking down the difference between a high yield savings account and a taxable brokerage account. Not just what they are, but when to use each one, how much to keep in each, and how to think about your money in a way that actually makes sense for where you are right now.
You'll learn:
✅ What a high yield savings account is and why it earns significantly more than a traditional bank savings account

✅ What to keep in your high yield savings account

✅ What a taxable brokerage account is and how it can grow your money outside of retirement accounts

✅ How to use timeline sensitivity to figure out exactly where your money belongs right now

If you are ready to stop letting your money sit and start building a real strategy, this episode is your starting point.

Let's connect:

Website: www.buildinggenwealth.com

Instagram: @building.gen.wealth

Learn more about 1:1 Money Coaching: www.buildinggenwealth.com/moneycoaching

Register for my next investing training here: https://www.bgwprograms.com/any-economy

With rising prices, market volatility, and constant headlines about a potential recession, it’s easy to feel like you should wait before investing. But the truth is: building wealth isn’t about timing the market. It’s about having the right strategy.

In this episode, I’m breaking down how to grow your money even when the stock market feels uncertain. You’ll learn what actually happened in the market recently, why some people panic while others lean in, and how to position your money so you can feel confident no matter what the economy is doing.

In this episode, we cover:

💰 What’s really going on in the stock market (and why it’s not as scary as it feels)

💰 The 3 things you need to grow your money in any economy

💰 Why most investing advice (like “just buy this one fund”) isn’t enough

Let's connect:

Website: www.buildinggenwealth.com

Instagram: @building.gen.wealth

Learn more about 1:1 Money Coaching: www.buildinggenwealth.com/moneycoaching

If you grew up in a household where money was protected, preserved, and kept safe at all costs, the idea of investment risk probably feels like a threat.

But for first-gen women building wealth, learning how to tolerate and use risk strategically is one of the most important shifts you'll ever make.

In this episode, Andrea breaks down what investment risk actually means, why first-generation women tend to be risk averse, and how to start stretching your capacity for risk so your money can actually grow.

We'll cover:

✅ The difference between playing defense with your money and playing offense, and why first gen women default to protection over growth

✅ How to figure out where you fall on the risk tolerance spectrum and what to do with that information

✅ 2 powerful strategies to reduce your investment risk in the stock market

Let's connect:

Website: www.buildinggenwealth.com

Instagram: @building.gen.wealth

Learn more about 1:1 Money Coaching: www.buildinggenwealth.com/moneycoaching

Making a money mistake doesn't make you bad with money, it just means you're first.

If you've ever made a money decision you regret and spent months (or years) quietly carrying the shame of it, this episode is the permission to finally put it down. Andrea shares a personal breakthrough she had during a recent coaching call — a moment that helped her finally release the shame she'd been holding around her own money mistake.

What she heard reframed everything: when no one has taught you how to steward money, and you don't come from generational wealth, mistakes aren't a character flaw. They're part of the journey.

This episode is for every first gen WOC who has told herself "I should have known better," and needs to hear why that narrative isn't fair and isn't true.

In this episode we cover:

✅ Why money mistakes are inevitable for first gen wealth builder, and what to do instead of spiraling in shame.

✅ The 3 part framework for moving through a money mistake: compassion, wisdom, and resilience

✅ How releasing shame is actually what keeps you in the game and building wealth long-term

Let's stay connected:

Website: www.buildinggenwealth.com

Instagram: @building.gen.wealth

Learn more about 1:1 Money Coaching: www.buildinggenwealth.com/moneycoaching

Discover the Hidden Power of the 530A Account for Your Child's Future

Money isn't just personal—it's political. As first gen WOC, knowing how policy impacts your financial options is crucial. In this episode, I break down the new 530A accounts, often dubbed "Trump accounts," and their potential for your child's financial future. While the political landscape may not always align with our values, understanding these accounts can open up powerful opportunities for wealth-building in your community.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

✅ The unique benefits of the 530A account for your child's retirement

✅ How a simple $1,000 seed can grow to nearly half a million dollars

✅ Strategies to leverage this account even if your child isn't eligible for the initial contribution

.

.

.

Let's stay connected:

Website: www.buildinggenwealth.com

Instagram: @building.gen.wealth

Learn more about 1:1 Money Coaching: www.buildinggenwealth.com/moneycoaching

Have you been thinking about joining 1:1 money coaching but something holds you back? In this episode, I share with you 3 hesitations that might be getting in the way of going after your desire of saving, investing & building wealth.

You'll learn:

✅ You're brain's main job and how it actually goes against personal growth

✅ What you miss when you only focus on getting to your goals "as fast as possible:

✅ The reason you aren't moving in the direction you want with your investments and the 4 stages you have to work through to take action

Let's stay connected:

Website: www.buildinggenwealth.com

Instagram: @building.gen.wealth

Learn more about 1:1 Money Coaching: www.buildinggenwealth.com/moneycoaching

Living with your parents is one of the biggest wealth-building advantages you can have. But only if you know how to use it.

A lot of first gen WOC are in this season right now: low expenses, decent income, and a gut feeling that they should be doing more with their money before they move out. The problem is most people make this leap based on a number that feels right, not one they've actually run.

In this episode, Andrea walks you through the exact three-step process she uses with her 1:1 clients to help them move out of their parents' home feeling financially certain, and not "financial hope." From building a real money system to saving for the right goals in the right order, this episode gives you the practical framework to make that transition without gutting your savings or starting from scratch.

In this episode, you'll learn:

✅ Why a budget alone isn't enough — and what a money system actually is and why it's the piece most people are missing

✅ How to identify and save for the right goals before you move out so you're not draining your emergency fund the moment you sign a lease

✅ How to figure out exactly how much rent you can afford while still saving, investing, and building wealth on your new income

. . .

Let's stay connected:

Website: www.buildinggenwealth.com

Instagram: @building.gen.wealth

Learn more about 1:1 Money Coaching: www.buildinggenwealth.com/moneycoaching

If the headlines are making you want to pull back from investing right now, this episode is for you.

The market feels uncertain. There's recession talk, layoffs, inflation, and a lot of noise. And if you grew up in a household where money was scarce, that noise hits different — it goes straight to your nervous system and tells you to protect, hoard, and wait it out.

Andrea gets it, because she feels it too. In this episode, she gets real about her own fear response to economic uncertainty, where it comes from, and why she's still investing anyway.

She walks you through exactly what she did during the 2020 and 2022 market crashes — including the $1,000 she pulled from her emergency fund and the $10,000 she invested while prices were dropping — and what those experiences taught her about how wealth is actually built.

This one is part data, part pep talk, and all the way real.

In this episode, you'll learn:

✅ Why market downturns can actually work in your favor as a long-term investor — and how to think about them without panicking

✅ How scarcity programming from childhood shapes the way first-gen women respond to recession talk and economic fear

✅ Why blindly following investing advice on social media can leave you stuck when the market gets rocky — and what to do instead

. . .

Let's stay connected:

Website: www.buildinggenwealth.com

Instagram: @building.gen.wealth

Learn more about 1:1 Money Coaching:

www.buildinggenwealth.com/moneycoaching

You can save, invest, and pay off debt at the same time — and Viviana is proof.

In this episode, I'm sitting down with my 1:1 money coaching client Viviana Gonzalez, who came into coaching with $7,000 sitting uninvested in a Roth IRA, $18,000 in credit card debt, and a retirement goal she thought was probably unrealistic.

On top of that, she was navigating her mom's divorce, a family health scare, and a car accident — all at the same time. Life was chaotic, and she still chose to work on her finances and that decision changed everything.

Viviana shares what it was like to go from feeling overwhelmed by a brokerage platform to moving a large chunk of her savings into investments — and actually seeing it grow. She opens up about the shame of putting herself first as an eldest daughter, the money beliefs she had to unlearn, and why she now tells every coworker she sees to open a Roth IRA.

If you've been waiting for the "right time" to get your money together, this episode is your sign that the right time is now.

In this episode, you'll learn:

✅ Why you don't have to choose between paying off debt and investing — and how to do both at the same time✅ How understanding your investor type gives you the confidence to stop following the herd and make decisions rooted in your own goals✅ Why working on your money is also emotional work — and how setting financial boundaries with family is part of building real wealth

. . .

Let's stay connected:

Website: www.buildinggenwealth.com

Instagram: @building.gen.wealth

Learn more about 1:1 Money Coaching: www.buildinggenwealth.com/moneycoaching

Have you ever felt the anxiety of discovering a collection on your credit report?

Join me as I walk you through my eye-opening journey of navigating a surprise bill sent to collections, and the lessons learned about maintaining a healthy credit score.

For first-gen WOC, understanding credit is crucial, yet often overwhelming. Let's demystify the process and empower you with the practical steps to take charge of your financial health.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

✅ How to pull and understand your credit report to ensure all information is accurate and belongs to you.

✅ Steps to take if you find unexpected charges or collections impacting your credit score.

✅ Tips for proactively managing your credit to build confidence and security for your financial future.

.

.

.

Let's stay connected:

Website: www.buildinggenwealth.com

Instagram: @building.gen.wealth

Learn more about 1:1 Money Coaching:www.buildinggenwealth.com/moneycoaching

Navigating your first 401 (k) can feel like uncharted territory, especially when you're the first in your family to secure a salaried position with benefits. As first-gen WOC, many of us have not been exposed to conversations about a 401 (k), employer matches, or retirement planning. It's a lot, but here's the good news: you don't have to do it alone. Join me as we break down the essentials of setting up your 401 (k), so you can confidently put your money to work and secure your future.

In this episode, I’ll guide you through the basics of a 401 (k) and why it's a game-changer for your financial journey. Together, we'll explore the importance of employer matches and how they can instantly double your investment. No more hesitation—let's get your retirement savings on track today.

As you listen, you’ll learn:

✅ The difference between traditional and Roth 401 (k) and which might be right for you

✅ How to set up your 401 (k) to take full advantage of employer matches

✅ Simple steps to start investing with confidence and avoid costly delays

.

.

.

Let's stay connected:

Website: www.buildinggenwealth.com

Instagram: @building.gen.wealth

Learn more about 1:1 Money Coaching: www.buildinggenwealth.com/moneycoaching

In this episode we explore why becoming financially literate pre-marriage is a game-changer for first gen WOC. You'll learn how understanding your own money habits can empower you and set a solid foundation for your relationship. Whether you're flying solo or deeply committed, this conversation is your invitation to embrace financial independence and bring your best self to the table.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

✅ The benefits of mastering money management before marriage

✅ How personal finance literacy empowers you in relationships

✅ Strategies to merge finances while honoring your financial perspective

.

.

.

Let's stay connected:

Website: www.buildinggenwealth.com

Instagram: @building.gen.wealth

Learn more about 1:1 Money Coaching: www.buildinggenwealth.com/moneycoaching

What you experienced in your childhood and the money lessons you heard can shape your money mindset

In this episode, I’m sharing a childhood story that shaped how I viewed saving and spending, and how I had to unlearn the idea that “spending is bad” and “saving is good.”

As first-gen WOC, so many of our money beliefs were formed through survival, scarcity, and subtle messages from our families.But at some point, we have to ask: What do I actually believe about money now?

In this episode, you’ll learn:

✅ How early childhood messages shape your saving, spending, and investing habits

✅ Why first-gen women often swing between extreme frugality and spending eras

✅ How to build a healthy, empowered relationship with money that balances present joy and future security

.

.

.

Let's stay connected:

Website: www.buildinggenwealth.com

Instagram: @building.gen.wealth

Learn more about 1:1 Money Coaching:www.buildinggenwealth.com/moneycoaching

What does financial freedom actually mean?

In this episode, I’m sitting down with one of my 1:1 Money Coaching clients, Eva — a life coach who once identified as a “YOLO spender” and had a negative net worth of -$32,000

We talk about what it really looks like to go from financial chaos and shame… to calm, grounded confidence with money. And why it isn't about becoming cheap or restrictive and instead, redefining freedom.

She share her story of building safety, and learning how to trust herself with your finances & well as pass on better money lessons to her son.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

✅ How Eva paid off $52,000 in debt and went from negative net worth to +$48,000 in one year

✅ Why “abundance” without a grounded plan can keep you stuck in financial stress

✅ How redefining freedom (from “I can buy whatever I want” to “I know I’m covered”) changes your entire relationship with money

.

.

.

Let's stay connected:

Website: www.buildinggenwealth.com

Instagram: @building.gen.wealth

Learn more about 1:1 Money Coaching:www.buildinggenwealth.com/moneycoaching

Does the idea of paying interest make your skin crawl?

In this episode, we’re diving into interest: what it is, why most of us were raised to avoid it at all costs, and how that mindset might be keeping you stuck in a never-ending debt cycle. We're breaking down why tolerating interest (for a little while) can actually help you build real financial safety and get ahead faster — without panic paying your credit card every payday or throwing money at debt.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

✅ Why paying some interest on purpose can actually move you forward

✅ How to break the cycle of paying off credit cards and then needing them again

✅ The money strategy I teach clients to pause debt, grow savings, and reset their system

Learn more about 1:1 money coaching here: https://www.buildinggenwealth.com/moneycoaching

What should you do first when you get a big chunk of money?

In this episode, I walk you through my 3-step money prioritization method and the exact framework I teach my 1:1 clients when they get a bonus, settlement, tax refund, or any kind of windfall.

We’re breaking down how to make your money work now and for your future self — without falling into the trap of panic-paying debt at the expense of your financial safety net.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

✅ Why “saving first” protects you better than a $0 credit card balance
✅ How to prioritize retirement without ignoring debt
✅ Why throwing all your money at debt could leave you more vulnerable later

Interested in 1:1 money coaching, book a call here.

You opened a Roth IRA… but now what?

In this episode, I’m breaking down exactly what to do after you open a Roth IRA — including how to actually buy investments inside of it (and why just funding the account isn’t enough). I’ll walk you through the process using a shopping analogy, introduce the 3-Fund Portfolio strategy, and help you avoid the biggest first-time investing mistakes I see.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

✅ Why your Roth IRA won’t grow unless you buy investments

✅ How to use the “shopping cart method” to search for and purchase index funds

✅ What a 3-Fund Portfolio is and how it simplifies long-term investing

Ready to set up a cash flow system that actually builds wealth?

Learn more about 1:1 Money Coaching

Want 2026 to be the year you start investing?

Register for my free training — How to Build an Investing Portfolio as First Gen 👉🏽https://calendly.com/buildinggenwealth/first-gen-training

I didn’t know what postpartum would actually feel like until I lived through it. In this episode, I’m sharing the emotional and unexpected parts of my postpartum journey — the anxiety I didn’t realize was anxiety, the grief I didn’t expect, and the lessons I’m taking with me into this next chapter.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

✅ What postpartum anxiety looked like for me (even when I didn’t realize that’s what it was)

✅ Why grief and joy can coexist in early motherhood — and why that’s not a problem

✅ How I’m rebuilding routines, support, and self-compassion after a hard year

Ready to set up a cash flow system that actually builds wealth?

Learn more about 1:1 Money Coaching

Want 2026 to be the year you start investing?

Register for my free training — How to Build an Investing Portfolio as First Gen 👉🏽https://calendly.com/buildinggenwealth/first-gen-training

Ever feel like you're doing everything “right” with your credit card — but still not getting ahead financially?

In this episode, I break down why paying your credit card in full every month isn’t the same as using it strategically to build wealth.

I’ll show you why I pay mine weekly (or biweekly), how this habit changed my relationship with cashflow, and how it can help you figure out if you're overspending - even if you never carry a balance.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

✅ How “paying my credit card off in full” can create a sneaky cycle

✅ A simple credit card payment routine that gives your brain instant feedback

✅ How to know if you’re overspending even if your credit card balance $0

Ready to set up a cash flow system that actually builds wealth?

Learn more about 1:1 Money Coaching

Want 2026 to be the year you start investing?

Register for my free training — How to Build an Investing Portfolio as First Gen 👉🏽https://calendly.com/buildinggenwealth/first-gen-training

Grab your spot here: https://calendly.com/buildinggenwealth/first-gen-training

I'm hosting a free investing training on Tues, Feb 3rd at 7:30pm EST. This training is for the first gen WOC who wants to starts learning how to invest, but has A LOT of questions & hesitations.

You'll leave the training understanding so much more about investing and feeling like it's possible for you to start building your own investing portfolio...even if you're the one in your family to go first.

Would love to see you there! 💚

➡️ Register for my free investing training here

Ever feel unsure if you're investing the “right” way or if you just copied what someone on IG said?

In this episode, I’m breaking down a pattern I’ve seen with clients following generic investment advice without understanding the why behind it. I explain what VOO actually is, when it does make sense to invest in it, and why context, not just content, is the key to becoming a confident first gen investor.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

✅ What VOO actually is — and what people get wrong about it

✅ How to choose the right version of an index fund based on your broker

✅ Why learning the context behind your investments makes you a stronger investor (and keeps your nervous system calm)

💸 Want support building your own investing portfolio from scratch, join my 1:1 money coaching program. Book a call to learn more here.

Ever feel like the year flew by and you're not sure where your money went?

In this episode, I’m reflecting on my own money habits in 2025, the systems that held things together during postpartum, what slipped through the cracks, and how I’m setting up for a stronger 2026. I’m also inviting you to join my 2026 Money Reset, a behind-the-scenes video series where I walk you through everything I do to prep my finances for the new year.

In this episode, you'll learn:

✅ Why reflection is the first step to setting powerful money goals

✅ A roadmap of what you should do at the end of the year to set yourself up for the next year

✅ Why financial “admin” like insurance and estate planning matter more than you think

Would you like to follow along and perform your own reset? Join the 2026 Money Reset video series (first video drops Dec 26th):

Click Here to Join

Want personalized support with your 2026 money goals? Book a free call to learn more about 1:1 Money Coaching:

https://www.buildinggenwealth.com/work-with-me

You're making “good money” but it doesn’t it feel like it. In this episode, I break down the #1 thing I help every client uncover in their finances in order to build wealth: wealth-building cash flow. If you’ve ever thought, “I’m not overspending because I pay off my credit card every month” — this episode will rewire how you think about spending, saving, and using your income to actually build wealth month after month.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

✅ Why paying off your credit card in full isn’t the same as building wealth

✅ What wealth-building cash flow is and how to find it in your income

✅ How to prepare for unexpected expenses without derailing your money goals

Apply for 1:1 Money Coaching: https://www.buildinggenwealth.com/work-with-me

Ever feel like it’s too late to start investing — even if you’re close to retirement.

In this episode, I’m joined by my client Mabel, a Latina in her 60s who used to be scared of investing and avoided her retirement accounts altogether. Now, she's confidently navigating her investing dashboard, understanding how her money grows, and planning to retire earlier than expected - without the pressure to pay off her mortgage first.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

✅ What shifted Mabel’s relationship with risk and how she overcame her fear of investing
✅ Why she stopped blindly paying down her mortgage and started investing instead
✅ How she finally learned to manage her 401(k) without relying on a financial advisor

💸 Want support learning how to invest with confidence — no matter your age.

Book a free call for 1:1 Money Coaching: https://www.buildinggenwealth.com/work-with-me

The holiday season often pressures us to overspend, leaving many feeling financially overwhelmed and out of control. In this episode, I reveal strategies to help you stay grounded and manage your finances effectively during the holidays, enabling you to enter January with financial confidence and peace of mind. You’ll learn:

✅ How to decide ahead of time what you want to spend and why it matters.

✅ Ways to change spending norms, especially for the eldest daughters carrying family expectations.

✅ The power of visualizing your January financial goals to make grounded spending decisions.

✅ How to find meaningful, low-cost gift options that align with your budget and values.

Book a call to learn about my 1:1 money coaching program here: https://www.buildinggenwealth.com/work-with-me

REGISTER FOR THE FREE TRAINING HERE: https://calendly.com/buildinggenwealth/training

Unlock the secret to making your money work as hard as you do in this episode of Latina Investors. I'll explore how to create a robust investing portfolio without relying on expensive financial advisors, and share practical strategies for empowering your financial future. Discover the tools and techniques to ensure your money supports your goals and lifestyle.

You’ll learn:

✅ How to build an investment portfolio to empower your financial future.

✅ The difference between real estate and investment portfolios as cash-producing assets.

✅ Strategies for creating financial stability in uncertain times.

✅ The value of learning to invest without the need for financial advisors.

Book a call to learn about my 1:1 money coaching program here: https://www.buildinggenwealth.com/work-with-me

It can feel like right now might not be the best time to start investing. Or is it? but what if stock market cycles provide unique opportunities for building wealth despite instability...especially for first gen. In this episode, I'll share why now might be the perfect time to start investing and how to navigate emotional and financial challenges.

You'll learn:

✅ Why market downturns offer buying opportunities with investments at lower prices.

✅ How to overcome fear by understanding stock market cycles.

✅ Ways to leverage volatility to make strategic wealth moves.

✅ The importance of preparation and financial literacy in uncertain times.

Follow me on instagram here: @building.gen.wealth

Book a call to join 1:1 money coaching program here

Ever felt like the only way to reach your money goals was to force yourself into strict discipline? Well, there's a new way and strategy for the first gen WOC who are tired of pressure and discipline being the only motivators to get ahead with money.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

✅ Why discipline based money goals lead to burnout (especially for first gen WOC)

✅ How to identify your deep desires vs. strong desires

✅ The 2 mindset shift that makes saving, investing, and paying off debt feel sustainable not like you're forcing it

Join my email list here 📧

Learn more about 1:1 money coaching here💚

Most people think you need to earn more or win the lottery to build wealth, but that’s not actually true.

In this episode, I break down the two most overlooked resourcesyou already have access to and how using them well can help you build serious wealth over time. I also walk you through what it actually looks like to live off your investments, and how to calculate your own retirement goal using the 4% rule.

You’ll learn:

✅ What the 2 most important wealth-building resources are (and why most people ignore them)

✅ The formula for figuring out how much you need to retire

✅ Why time is way more valuable than money and how to use it

✅ How to avoid repeating the cycle of financial dependence in your family

✨ Ready to stop second-guessing your future and start investing with confidence?

Book a 1:1 Money Coaching call: ⁠https://www.buildinggenwealth.com/work-with-me⁠

"...But what about the taxes??"

In this episode, I’m breaking down exactly how taxes work when you invest through a brokerage account,especially if you’re building wealth outside of retirement.

If you’ve ever asked:

➡️ “What are the taxes like on a brokerage account?”

➡️ “Will I owe a big tax bill if my investments grow?”

➡️ “Is a brokerage account even worth it if I have to pay taxes?”

...this episode is for you.

We’ll cover:

✅ The difference between earned vs. unearned income

✅ How dividends and capital gains are taxed

✅ When you do and don’t owe taxes (spoiler: not when your investments go up)

✅ Why brokerage accounts are still powerful even if they’re taxable

✅ How I passively made $7,000 in six months and how taxes didn’t stop that win

Whether you’re worried about getting hit with surprise tax bills or just want to make a smart move with the money sitting in your HYSA, this episode will help you understand what’s actually true, so you can grow your money with confidence.

💸 Want a custom investing strategy that takes the guesswork out?

Book a free 1:1 call and let’s map it out:

https://www.buildinggenwealth.com/work-with-me

How good are you at "spending money"? ✅

In this episode, I’m breaking down the 4-part Intentional Spending Framework I teach my clients to help them spend in a way that actually feels good, not chaotic or restrictive, but aligned and empowering.

You’ll learn:

✅ How to align your spending with your values and life goals

✅ What to ask yourself to know if a price actually feels “worth it”

✅ Why overspending isn’t always a mistake if it’s conscious and deliberate

✅ How this framework helps you stay on track financially without living in restriction

If you’ve ever thought, “I just want to spend money without feeling bad about it later,” this episode is for you.

Want to learn more? Book a 1:1 Money Coaching call: https://www.buildinggenwealth.com/work-with-me

“If I say no, they’ll feel what I felt, and I can’t let that happen.”

I’ve had so many clients share this with me. They grew up hearing “we don’t have money”, and now that they’re parents, they find themselves saying “yes” to everything, overspending to protect their kids from the same disappointment they experienced.

In this episode, I unpack what it means to parent with money wounds, why it shows up as unconscious overspending, and how to shift toward intentional choices that honor both your child and your financial goals.

You’ll learn:

✅ Why the desire to give your kids everything can quietly sabotage your financial peace

✅ How to know when your inner child is driving your money decisions

✅ Why your kids don’t need “everything”, they need your emotional presence and modeling

✅ A 4-part intentional spending framework I teach my clients to help them feel empowered, not guilty

If you’ve been stuck in a cycle of spending from fear, not values, this episode will help you reclaim your role as a financially grounded parent.

💸 Want support building healthy money habits and modeling that for your family?

Book a 1:1 Money Coaching call: https://www.buildinggenwealth.com/work-with-me

In this episode, I sit down with fellow money coach Kelly Zúñiga to talk about how she invested $85,000 in just four years without a high salary and while navigating the responsibilities of being first gen.

We go deep into the mindset shifts, small steps, and real numbers behind her investing journey, plus why both of us started out as “super savers” before learning how to grow our money.

You’ll learn:

✅ How Kelly went from hoarding cash to investing $500 at a time

✅ The exact steps she took to build an $85K portfolio in four years

✅ Why first gen professionals often feel “behind” and how to overcome that

✅ The stages of becoming an investor and why information alone isn’t enough

If you’ve been saving but feel stuck on how to actually grow your money, this episode will show you how to start investing even if you don't have a big salary or financial safety net.

Want to learn how to grow your savings and start investing? Learn more about 1:1 money coaching here: https://www.buildinggenwealth.com/work-with-me

🎧 Connect with Kelly on Instagram @thekellyzuniga (https://www.instagram.com/thekellyzuniga/)

Ever feel like money just isn’t clicking for you no matter how much you try to learn or how many videos you watch?

In this episode, I walk you through the 4 Stages of Money Competence, a powerful framework that helps you understand where you’re at, why money still feels hard, and how to move forward without giving up. Whether you're a chronic saver afraid to invest or a spender stuck in the credit card cycle, this will show you you're not broken, you're just building a skill.

You’ll learn:

✅ What it looks like to be “unconsciously incompetent” with money and how to spot the moment that changes everything

✅ Why being aware of your money habits isn't enough to build wealth (and what you need to move forward)

✅ What most people get wrong about trying to “fix” debt or investing blocks

✅ How to move from confusion to confidence and finally make saving, investing, and spending second nature

💡 I also share my own experience of how I moved through these stages and how becoming a mom shifted me back into a new learning curve in business.

✨ If you're in Stage 2 or 3, frustrated but still trying, this episode is for you. You don’t need more hustle. You need the right kind of support to keep going.

💸 Want help moving through the money ladder faster and with less frustration?

Book a 1:1 Money Coaching call here: https://www.buildinggenwealth.com/work-with-me

Ever feel like taking financial risks isn’t for people like us.. especially if you're the first in your family to build wealth?

In this episode, I sit down with business coach and real estate investor Cat Del Carmen for an honest conversation about risk, regret, and wealth building as a first gen Latina. Cat shares the exact mindset that helped her go from watching her mom struggle financially to flipping a fixer-upper and selling it for $1.3M, all while building a multiple six-figure business.

You’ll learn:

✅ How Cat stretched her risk tolerance (and how you can too)

✅ Why she invested $25k in coaching instead of saving it for a house and what happened next

✅ What it really takes to make wealth building decisions when you’re the most successful one in your family

✅ Why your financial ‘misses’ aren’t failures...they’re part of your wealth story

✨ If you’re ready to grow your money, even if you’ve been stuck in saving mode, this episode will show you what’s possible when you start trusting yourself more than your fear.

1:1 Money Coaching: Book a free sales call here: https://www.buildinggenwealth.com/work-with-me

🎧 Listen to Cat's podcast “Show Up Real” and connect with her on IG @catdelcarmen (https://www.instagram.com/catdelcarmen/)

In this episode, I'm breaking down a 4 step framework that allows you to save $5k by the end of the year. As we enter the last quarter of the year, there's still so much you can do with your money.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

✅ Where to start to see exactly what you can already do

✅ How to redirect your money in a way that doesn't create restriction

✅ Ways to bring in more income to help you reach your goals

✅ The work that allows you to sustain your goal and actually reach it

Budgeting Mini Course: https://buildinggenwealth.thrivecart.com/2025-budgeting-template/

The Splitting Money Cycle Podcast Episode - Spotify

The Splitting Money Cycle Podcast Episode - Apple

👉🏽 Book a call to join 1:1 money coaching program here

I'm taking you behind the scenes of my journey to pay off $13k in credit card debt. I'll share my approach to managing business finances and achieving money goals, even amidst life's hurdles.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
✅ How I devised a safety plan to navigate financial uncertainty and create stability
✅ The importance of shifting mindset and belief to maintain focus and motivation.
✅ How to adjust goals to suit new personal and financial circumstances.
✅ The energy and mindset that drive successful money management and business growth.
Book a call to join 1:1 money coaching program here.

Unlock the secrets of your 401 (k) in this enlightening episode of Latina Investors! Is your 401 (k) really safer than other investments, or is it just another misconception? Join me as I dive deep into the components of a 401 (k) and explore smarter investment strategies for your future.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

✅ The truth behind 401 (k) investment safety and its comparison to individual brokerage accounts.

✅ How time and diversification play crucial roles in securing your financial future.

✅ The simplicity of investing beyond retirement with index and target date funds.

✅ The impact of timelines on your investment risk and returns.

✅ Practical steps to start investing for various life goals beyond just retirement.

Book a call to join 1:1 money coaching program here: https://www.buildinggenwealth.com/work-with-me

In this episode, I’m joined by Daisy, founder of The Liberated Latina, to talk about the connection between voice, identity, and wealth. Whether you're an entrepreneur or in your career era, your voice is one of your most powerful (and underrated) financial tools.

You’ll learn:

✅ How generational silencing impacts your career and money decisions

✅ What “vocal activation” actually is—and how it retrains your nervous system

✅ Why your ability to speak up is a career and wealth-building skill

✅ How to begin feeling safer using your voice in rooms that weren’t built for you

Daisy also shares her personal story of leaving corporate, reclaiming her voice, and how voice work changed everything. Not just in business, but in how she moves through the world.

💸 Want to learn how to build wealth in your own voice?

Book a call to learn more about 1:1 money coaching here: https://www.buildinggenwealth.com/work-with-me

📲 Connect with Daisy: @theliberatedlatina

If you're first gen, building wealth isn’t just about you. It’s about your family. Your parents who might not have retirement accounts and your kids you want to set up for success.

In this episode, I break down my 2-part money roadmap for first gen wealth builders: how to protect yourself first (without shame), and how to grow wealth that supports your family’s future too.

You’ll learn:

✅ The exact 3 steps to take care of yourself first (and why that’s not selfish)
✅ Why saving comes before debt payoff and how it breaks the credit card cycle
✅ When to start investing (even if you're still in debt)
✅ How to use a brokerage account and kid accounts to care for your family’s future

Book a call to join 1:1 Money Coaching: https://www.buildinggenwealth.com/work-with-me

Feeling stuck in shame about past money decisions—especially around debt or business investments? You’re not alone.

In this episode, I sit down with business money coach and entrepreneur Gina Knox to talk about the mindset shift that changed everything: debt neutrality.

You’ll learn:

✅ What debt neutrality actually means (and how it’s not just ignoring debt)

✅ How she recovered from a $10k investment mistake and used it to scale to $1M

✅ The strategic way to decide if a business investment is actually worth it

✅ How to stay emotionally steady during launches, sales dips, and financial pivots

Whether you’re a personal finance nerd, a new entrepreneur, or someone stuck in shame around money decisions, this episode is packed with honesty, strategy, and tangible takeaways.

🔗 Book a call to learn more about 1:1 money coaching here: https://www.buildinggenwealth.com/work-with-me

🎧 Listen to Gina’s podcastSmall Business, Big Money for more gems like these!

In this episode, I break down exactly where to put your money to make it work for you, not just sit in a savings account. I share how I used different accounts to generate over $10K in passive income and why learning to invest is one of the most powerful skills first gen women can learn.

You’ll learn:

✅ The difference between “just saving” vs. actually growing your money

✅ Which accounts to open based on your life goals (not just retirement)

✅ How I used a brokerage account to generate $10K passively

✅ Why your money should be working just as hard as you are

If you’re done relying on hustle alone to get ahead, and you want your money to start pulling its weight, this episode is for you!

Ally Bank: https://ally.com/referral?code=6C2Y5T2Z9G&CP=WebAppReferFriend

Marcus By GS: https://www.marcus.com/share/AND-ZH7-DE9S

Join 1:1 Money Coaching:

https://www.buildinggenwealth.com/work-with-me

Ever feel like money is always stressful — no matter how much you’re earning?

In this episode, I break down the 3 essential money skills that have helped me feel financially secure, even when I was making $22k a year. Whether you're just starting out or already earning more, these are the skills that change everything.

You’ll learn:

✅ Why saving is a skill (not just a discipline) — and how to master it at any income level

✅ How saving + earning = a debt-free life

✅ How saving + investing = long-term financial security

✅ How earning + investing = financial independence

If you're tired of always feeling behind with money or stuck waiting to "make more" before you get ahead, this episode is for you.

💸 Want help learning to save, earn, and grow your money in a way that finally feels aligned? I invite you to join my 1:1 money coaching program.

👉 Book a call here: buildinggenwealth.com/work-with-me

Today, I’m joined by my long-time client and fellow first-gen Latina, Maria Lopez. Maria first came to coaching as a dedicated saver focused on security and survival, but in her second round of 1:1 coaching, she set her sights on something even bigger: retiring early.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

✅ How Maria Lopez shifted from saving out of necessity to investing with purpose and intention.

✅ The steps she took to set retirement goals that allowed her to dream beyond the traditional retirement age.

✅ Why embracing a season of life focused on rest and self-care can be a crucial part of your financial journey.

✅ The importance of aligning your financial goals with your personal values, especially when choosing investments.

Book a call to learn more about 1:1 money coaching here: https://www.buildinggenwealth.com/work-with-me

I was able to save money even when I was only making $22,000 a year—and it all came down to one powerful habit: sending my money to the right places as soon as I got paid. That simple shift changed everything in my wealth-building journey, and it’s a system I still use today.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

✅ How to effectively allocate your paycheck to cover both your living expenses and your long-term money goals.

✅ The difference between emergency savings and unexpected expense savings—and why you need both.

✅ Practical strategies for paying off debt without derailing your other financial priorities.

You’ll also hear how I personally broke down my $700 biweekly paycheck when I first started, what worked (and what didn’t), and how this system created clarity and consistency with my money.

If you’re ready to stop letting money slip through your fingers and start building a system that actually works for you, I invite you to join my 1:1 money coaching program.

👉 Book a call here: buildinggenwealth.com/work-with-me

In this episode, we dive into the feeling of being behind as first gen. We talk about the weight of it and go into ways to flip the script of your financial journey to make things feel lighter.

We talk about:

✅ The powerful mindset shifts that helped Andrea overcome the scarcity mentality and take control of her finances.

✅ Why understanding your unique first gen circumstances can free you from unhealthy comparisons.

✅ How embracing the act of starting as resistance can propel you towards financial empowerment.

✅ The importance of setting intentions and visualizing your financial goals for tangible results.

Book a call to join the 1:1 money coaching program and include this link: https://www.buildinggenwealth.com/work-with-me

Most people think investing means picking a random stock and hoping it goes up. But that's not the case at all.

In this episode, Andrea breaks down the different types of investors (day trading, stock picking, options trading) and explains why you don’t have to invest in ways that are risky...especially when you're just starting out.

You’ll learn:

✅ The safer investing strategy backed by 100+ years of data

✅ What index funds are and why they reduce your risk

✅ Why a buy-and-hold approach can grow your wealth over time

✅ Real stats: the chances of losing money over 1, 10, or 20 years

✅ How first gen women can invest with confidence, not fear

Whether you’re investing for the first time or finally ready to stop sitting on cash, this episode will help you choose a strategy that feels good and works long-term.

Book a call to learn more about 1:1 money coaching here

If you’ve ever wondered what the difference is between a Roth IRA and a brokerage account(and which one to start with) this episode breaks it down in a simple way.

Andrea shares her personal investing journey as a former saver who opened a Roth IRA first… then realized she needed more than just retirement investing to build wealth.

You’ll learn:

✅ What a Roth IRA actually is (and why it’s often your first step)

✅ Why a brokerage account is key if you want your money to grow before retirement

✅ How Andrea grew her brokerage account to $32k, with over $10k in passive gains

✅ When to use a high yield savings account vs when to invest

Whether you’re an investing beginner or finally ready to stop leaving your money sitting in savings, this episode helps you learn how to start making your money work.

👉🏽 Want help learning how to invest?

Book a call to join 1:1 money coaching here

As a first gen professional, it’s not just your future you’re planning for, it’s your parents’ too.

If you’ve ever felt the pressure of being “your parents retirement plan,” this episode is for you.

In this episode, we cover:

✅ How to get clear on what support actually looks like (so you can plan for it strategically)

✅ The #1 thing to do before you start creating a plan for them

✅ How to use investing to help you ease the responsibility and pressure of having it all fall on you

✅ The importance of problem solving with siblings to share the financial load

If you know you want your money to work for you so that you have more when it's time to support your parents, book a call to join my 3 month 1:1 money coaching program.

Learn more about 1:1 money coaching here

If you’re a first gen homebuyer starting your journey, this episode breaks down exactly what a mortgage is—and how to choose the best one for your financial situation.

You’ll learn:

Whether you’re early in your credit journey or ready to buy in the next year, this episode will help you feel confident navigating one of the biggest financial decisions of your life.

1:1 Money Coaching:

1:1 is a money & investing coaching program for first gen WOC who want to financially prepare to buy their first or next home. Inside 1:1, we'll map out the best strategy to set a house budget, save for a downpayment by investing and set you up to have the best credit to get the most competitive mortgage.

⁠⁠Book a free call her to learn more about 1:1 money coaching.

 Choosing the right real estate agent can make the process smoother, less stressful, and more financially aligned with your goals—especially as a first-gen. You deserve someone who will advocate for you, not just close a deal.

In this episode of the First Gen Home Buyer Series, we break down:

1:1 Money Coaching:

1:1 is a money & investing coaching program for first gen WOC who want to financially prepare to buy their first or next home. Inside 1:1, we'll map out the best strategy to set a house budget, save for a downpayment by investing and set you up to have the best credit to get the most competitive mortgage.

⁠⁠Book a free call her to learn more about 1:1 money coaching.

Want the best possible interest rate when you buy your first home? It starts with your credit score. In this episode of the First Gen Home Buyer Series, I break down exactly how your credit impacts your mortgage and the simple steps you can take now to improve it.

You’ll learn:

Whether you’re 6 months or 2 years out from buying, this episode will help you set yourself up to save thousands in interest.

1:1 Money Coaching:

1:1 is a money & investing coaching program for first gen WOC who want to financially prepare to buy their first or next home. Inside 1:1, we'll map out the best strategy to set a house budget, save for a downpayment by investing and set you up to have the best credit to get the most competitive mortgage.

⁠⁠Book a free call her to learn more about 1:1 money coaching.

You don’t need to save every dollar in cash to buy a home.

In this episode, I’ll show you how to build your down payment with a blend of saving and investing so you can reach your goal faster without risking your money or pausing your wealth building.

We’ll cover:

How much you really need for a down payment (hint: not always 20%)

The difference between short-term saving vs. mid-term investing

How to split your savings between a HYSA and low-risk investments

If you want to buy a home and want to grow your downpayment strategically by investing, this episode is for you!

1:1 Money Coaching:

1:1 is a money & investing coaching program for first gen WOC who want to financially prepare to buy their first or next home. Inside 1:1, we'll map out the best strategy to set a house budget, save for a downpayment by investing and set you up to have the best credit to get the most competitive mortgage.

⁠Book a free call her to learn more about 1:1 money coaching.

Before you start searching for a house, there’s one question you need to answer: how much house can I actually afford while continuing to build wealth?
In this episode, I’ll walk you through 3 key steps to determine your home budget based on your lifestyle, not just what the bank says you qualify for.

Because the goal isn't just to buy a house. It’s to afford it comfortably and still build wealth.

You’ll learn:

How to calculate a house payment that fits your real cost of living

What monthly costs are included beyond just your mortgage

How to reverse engineer your ideal house price using a mortgage calculator

Buying a house shouldn't ever derail your financial goals. Learn how to stay in control of your money and avoid being house poor.

1:1 Money Coaching:

1:1 is a money & investing coaching program for first gen WOC who want to financially prepare to buy their first or next home. Inside 1:1, we'll map out the best strategy to set a house budget, save for a downpayment by investing and set you up to have the best credit to get the most competitive mortgage.

⁠Book a free call her to learn more about 1:1 money coaching.

Thinking about buying a home can often feel like the “next step”...

In this episode, I break down how to know if you’re really ready to own, and why renting isn’t throwing money away.

I share the real numbers from my own home purchase, including equity gains vs. hidden costs like taxes, repairs, and maintenance.
You’ll learn:

What it actually costs to own a home

Why homeownership is not always the better investment

How to reframe renting as a strategic financial move

What to do if your true goal is financial freedom, not just owning property

If you're a first-gen Latina navigating pressure to buy, this episode is for you.

1:1 Money Coaching:

1:1 is a money & investing coaching program for first gen WOC who want to financially prepare to buy their first or next home. Inside 1:1, we'll map out the best strategy to set a house budget, save for a downpayment by investing and set you up to have the best credit to get the most competitive mortgage.

Book a free call her to learn more about 1:1 money coaching.

Thinking about buying your first home but feel overwhelmed by where to start?

This episode kicks off the First Gen Home Buyer series created specifically for first-gen women of color navigating the home buying process for the first time. I’ll share what makes this journey so different for first gen, what to expect in the upcoming episodes, and why buying a home isn’t just a financial decision, it’s an emotional one too.

Get ready to learn how to:

Know if you’re really ready to buy

Build a house budget that still allows you to build wealth

Save for a down payment (without pausing your investing goals)

1:1 Money Coaching:

1:1 is a money & investing coaching program for first gen WOC who want to financially prepare to buy their first or next home. Inside 1:1, we'll map out the best strategy to set a house budget, save for a downpayment by investing and set you up to have the best credit to get the most competitive mortgage.

⁠Book a free call her to learn more about 1:1 money coaching.

In this episode of Latina Investors, I’m breaking down why building wealth is an act of resistance—especially for first-gen Latinas navigating family responsibilities, cultural expectations, and systemic barriers. I share my personal story of waking up to the limits of the so-called “American Dream” and what it really takes to create financial freedom as a first-generation immigrant.

You'll hear:

Why wealth is about more than luxury—it’s about freedom and choice

How first gen dynamics make investing feel harder (and how to overcome that)

The mindset shift that helped me stop only trading time for money

How investing creates options, safety, and legacy

If you're ready to stop surviving and start thriving, this episode will speak directly to your experience.\

💻 Want to put your money to work?

Book a free call to learn more about my 1:1 money coaching for first-gen WOC.

I'm back to making episodes on here. Excited to be back!

In this episode, I share my experience as a first time mom and my third and fourth week having my baby home.

In this episode, I share my experience as a first time mom and my second week having my baby home.

In this episode, I share my experience as a first time mom and my first week having my baby home.

In this episode, I share my birth story. This isn't money or financial related. This is just me wanting to share and document my transition and journey into motherhood.

If you're looking for a 2025 Budgeting Template, click here

In this episode, I share 5 lessons that helped me make my first $100k in business.

If you're someone who wants to start a business, wants to go full time in business or is pursuing a big goal...this episode will be helpful.

I'm sharing the biggest mindset shifts I had to make in order to hit my 2024 revenue goal.

Mini Course: ⁠"Am I On Track To Retire Comfortably?!" Mini Course

In this episode, I’m diving into the difference between simply contributing to your retirement and actually retiring comfortably.

If you’re putting money into your 401(k) but unsure if you’re on track or doing “enough,” this podcast episode is for you.

I’ll break down what it really takes to build a retirement strategy that works for you and introduce my new course designed to help you go from confused to confident about your financial future.

"Am I On Track To Retire Comfortably?!" Mini Course

In this episode, I’m joined by Diana, an accountant dedicated to helping first-gen service entrepreneurs tackle their bookkeeping and taxes with confidence.

As the eldest daughter of Mexican immigrants, Diana is passionate about empowering the Latine community by bridging the gap between tax education and financial success.

We break down how taxes work, why getting a refund isn’t always a win, and demystify the IRS to help you feel more confident about managing your taxes and growing your financial knowledge.

Episode Resources:

Tax Withholding Estimator

IRS VITA Grant Program

Tax/IRS Podcast Episode

Follow Diana on Instagram: @TaxeswithDiana

LEGAL DISCLAIMER: This discussion reflects the personal experiences and research of two individuals— it is not professional advice. If you’re navigating immigration matters or considering financial steps tied to your status, we strongly recommend consulting with an immigration lawyer or qualified professional for guidance tailored to your specific situation.

In this episode of the "Anti Gate Keepers" series, I’m joined by Maribel, a first-gen daughter of Mexican, Purepecha indigenous immigrants.

In this episode, Maribel uses her expertise to empower USA-based immigrants to earn, save, and invest their money—regardless of immigration status. We answers key questions to help you feel more confident and secure in your financial journey if you're getting started with investing as a DACA recipient.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ourwealthmatters/

In this episode of the "Anti Gate Keepers" series, I’m joined by Lizbet, a First-Gen Latina, mom of two, and budgeting expert who paid off over $100,000 in debt—all while traveling with her family using credit card hacking.

Lizbet shares how she uses travel hacking and credit card points to make family travel more accessible and affordable even during a debt pay off journey. We dive into her strategies for leveraging points, staying on budget, how to get started with credit card points & how she stay motived in her debt pay off journey.

If you’ve ever wondered how to do more with your credit cards/points...this episode is for you!

Budget Spreadsheet: https://lizbetco.ck.page/

Guide to Travel Hack While Paying Off Debt: https://lizbetco.ck.page/travelguide

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lizbettalksmoney/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lizbettalksmoney

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@lizbettalksmoney

In this episode of the "Anti Gate Keepers" series, I’m talking with Denise Torres, a first-gen Chicana attorney and founder of Torres Legal Counseling. Denise is on a mission to close the racial wealth gap and shares practical tips to help make sure our legacies stay in the family and support future generations. We break down estate planning and why it’s so important for our community to understand, and also talk through why trusts aren’t just for the “rich” but are essential for protecting your hard-earned money and building generational wealth.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thelegalchisme/
Email: denise@torreslegalcounseling.com

In this episode of the Anti GateKeepers Series, I talk with Nieves Soto, a trailblazer in her family as the first to buy a rental property.

Since her first purchase in 2021, she’s expanded her portfolio with smart investment choices that don’t over leverage her finances and keep adding to her portfolio.

Nieves shares her approach to making sound investing decisions and offers insights into what it takes to navigate the real estate market today.

Whether you're a first-time investor or looking to expand your knowledge, this episode full of practical tips and inspiration.

Nieves Soto Bio:

Nieves is passionate about personal finance and real estate investing. Her goal is to promote financial literacy and independence to other Latinas. She recently relocated to NYC but lived and invested in St. Louis, MO. Her experience is in MTR and LTR properties. She has used the house hacking and BRRR strategy to grow her real estate portfolio.

Nieves Soto Instagram

@theconfidentwallet

Resources Referenced:

Your First Rental Property Course

Introducing the Anti Gate Keepers series! Over the next couple of weeks, I’ll be interviewing six experts in fields like real estate investing, taxes, estate planning, career coaching, credit card hacking, and even investing as a DACA recipient.

You’ll gain insider access to wealth-building strategies that often feel out of reach, as we dive into practical steps and personal insights from first gen WOC who aren’t here to keep secrets—they’re here to share their wealth of knowledge.

In this episode, I’m breaking down the myth that keeps so many from investing: “I can’t touch my investments.” I’ll explain how and when you can access your accounts, plus how to avoid penalties from certain account. So whether you’re saving for retirement or another big goal, I’ll show you how to access your money when you need it—without messing up your long-term plan.

Book a call here to learn more about 1:1 money coaching. 💚

In this episode, I dive into the financial planning and emotional aspects that come into play during the holiday seasons. You'll get practical strategies for budgeting and planning your holiday expenses and how to navigate the emotional triggers that can lead to overspending.

Click here to learn more about 1:1 money coaching. 💚

In this episode, we talk about the pros and cons of hiring a financial advisor versus a money coach. I break down what path is best for you to take, depending on what you want. And also, what to consider/ask when hiring a financial advisor if you're planning to completely outsource.

Click here to learn more about 1:1 money coaching. 💚

In this episode, I cover what it means to live off your assets and why it create the ultimate freedom for you. We dive into how to detach your income from your labor, how to *actually* live off your portfolio & what it means to get to a place where you no longer need to work to earn money.

Interested in 1:1 Coaching?

1:1 money coaching is for the first gen WOC who wants to set yourself up to retire comfortably and set up your money to work for you.

⁠⁠Book a call here to learn more⁠⁠. 💚

In this episode, I introduce a simple yet powerful investing framework that will help you build wealth confidently—even if you’re worried about risk or don’t know where to start.

I break down a 4-step process that prioritizes your financial goals, reduces investing risk, and keeps your investments growing steadily over time.

If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by investing or unsure how to choose investments, this episode will show you how to start small, automate the process, and make your money work for you—without the stress.

Listen to the latest episode by searching “Latina Investors” wherever you consume your podcasts or heading to the link in my bio. 💚

In this episode, I dive into the fundamentals of the FIRE (Financial Independence, Retire Early) movement and how it helps you achieve financial freedom.

I break down the key principles of FIRE, while also exploring the different paths to FIRE you can pursue, no matter where you are on your financial journey.

FIRE Couple Interview

Interested in 1:1 Coaching?

1:1 money coaching is for the first gen WOC who wants to set yourself up to retire comfortably and set up your money to work for you.

⁠⁠Book a call here to join 1:1 money coaching⁠⁠. 💚