Finance Fitness Finesse

Why do we buy things we never planned to purchase? From Amazon's color choices and limited-time deals to countdown clocks, FOMO, and strategically placed promotions, consumerism is designed to influence how we spend. In this episode of Finance, Fitness & Finesse (F3), host Jaelyn Vickery explores the psychology of impulsive spending and the consumer marketing strategies companies use to encourage people to spend more.

Understanding consumer behavior is an important part of financial wellness. Marketing isn't just about selling products. It's also about understanding human psychology, emotional triggers, and purchasing habits. Learn how companies create urgency, influence decision-making...

What does making money look like for Gen Z when a college degree is no longer the only path to financial success? In this episode of Finance, Fitness & Finesse (F3), Certified Financial Therapist and host Jaelyn Vickery sits down with University of Illinois students and entrepreneurs Elijah Barnum and Don Hopkins to talk about entrepreneurship, financial literacy, career planning, multiple income streams, and how young adults are thinking differently about work and wealth.

Elijah and Don bring two different perspectives to the conversation. Don is studying financial planning with a minor in macroeconomics while building his entrepreneurial...

Episode Description

What does your health have to do with your wealth? More than we often realize. In this episode of Finance, Fitness & Finesse, Certified Financial Therapist and host Jaelyn “JaeVic” Vickery sits down with Mary Wolters, owner of Verve by Green Yoga Spa, yoga instructor, and longtime wellness professional, to explore the connection between physical health, financial wellness, longevity, and quality of life.

Building wealth is about more than earning, saving, and investing money. If your health limits your ability to work, enjoy your relationships, pursue your goals, or actually experience the life your mone...

What does it actually mean to build wealth? And is the mindset required to get out of debt the same mindset required to create and sustain wealth? On this episode of Finance, Fitness & Finesse (F3), JaeVic sits down with Lisa Y. Jones, faith-based wealth strategist and author of Financial Seasons, to talk about the mindset, emotions, and financial behaviors behind debt payoff and wealth building.

Lisa and her husband paid off more than $300,000 of debt, but their financial story does not stop at becoming debt-free. This conversation explores the shift from focusing on getting out of debt...

High-yield savings accounts, investing for beginners, financial wellness, money habits, and your relationship with your future self all come together in this episode of Finance, Fitness & Finesse (F3). JaeVic explores why building wealth is not just about knowing where to put your money, but also about developing the financial behaviors and mindset that allow you to make decisions today that support the person you are becoming.

A high-yield savings account can be a practical starting point for building financial security, creating savings habits, and preparing for future goals. But establishing a relationship with your future self can...

Impulsive spending, financial therapy, and money psychology came together at the 2026 Financial Therapy Association Annual Conference, where JaeVic presented her framework, Disordered Consumption™.

In this solo episode of Finance, Fitness & Finesse (F3), JaeVic goes behind the scenes of her FTA experience and her presentation, Disordered Consumption™: Identifying Impulsive Spending Cycles in Food, Finance, and Retail. The presentation brought financial therapy, consumer psychology, behavioral finance, emotional regulation, and financial wellness together to examine what happens before, during, and after an impulsive purchase.

At the center of the conversation is the C3 Cycle™: Compulsion → Consumption → Control, a framework...

What is the return on investment of your everyday spending decisions? In this episode of Finance, Fitness & Finesse, host Jaelyn Vickery, financial therapist and founder of Dimensional Wealth, explores how advertising, family dynamics, and money conversations shape the way we spend, save, and build wealth. From the thousands of advertisements we're exposed to each day to the financial habits we inherit at home, this episode uncovers the hidden influences behind our financial decisions.

You'll learn why impulsive spending is often more than a lack of self-control, how talking about money can strengthen your financial confidence, and why...

What happens when you lose your health insurance, age out of your parents' plan, leave your job, or simply cannot afford the healthcare you need? In this episode of Finance, Fitness & Finesse, host Jaelyn "JaeVic" Vickery breaks down one of the biggest financial challenges facing millions of Americans: navigating health insurance and accessing affordable healthcare outside of employment. From understanding your options to avoiding costly mistakes, this episode explores the financial realities of healthcare, health insurance, preventative care, and why healthcare affordability is a financial wellness issue.

JaeVic shares a personal story that highlights just how difficult...

Sometimes the money we earn comes at the expense of our peace, our boundaries, and our future. In this solo episode of Finance, Fitness & Finesse, host Jaelyn Vickery shares one of the personal experiences that shaped her perspective as a financial therapist and why she believes not all money is good money.

What began as an exciting mentorship and career opportunity during graduate school gradually evolved into a professional relationship that challenged healthy boundaries and created difficult financial decisions. Through this story, Jae explores how financial stress, student debt, scarcity mindset, and workplace power dynamics can influence...

In this episode of Finance, Fitness & Finesse (F3), Certified Financial Therapist and host Jaelyn Vickery sits down with Marc Changnon, a financial consultant with more than 20 years of experience helping individuals and families strengthen their financial futures. Together, they explore why some families naturally pass down healthy money habits while others unintentionally pass down financial stress and uncertainty. From normalizing money conversations with children to the power of mentorship and coachability, Marc shares practical wisdom gained from decades of working with families across different financial backgrounds. Whether you're a parent, mentor, educator, or someone looking to build a stronger...

What if one of the most overlooked wealth-building strategies isn't another budgeting app or investment account, but community?

In this episode of Finance, Fitness & Finesse, host Jaelyn Vickery sits down with Grace Ganley, founder of In Good Company, to explore the powerful connection between women's financial wellness, mental health, community, and long-term wealth building. Together, they discuss why financial success isn't built through numbers alone, but through the relationships, support systems, and environments that shape our everyday financial decisions.

Women are becoming one of the most influential forces in today's economy, making the majority of...

What is financial therapy, and why is it becoming one of the fastest-growing fields in financial wellness AND mental wellness?

In this episode of Finance, Fitness & Finesse, Certified Financial Therapist Jaelyn "JaeVic" Vickery breaks down what financial therapy is, how it differs from financial planning and financial coaching, and why understanding your relationship with money may be the missing piece in your financial journey.

Money is about more than budgets, debt, and investing. Our financial decisions are often shaped by emotions, experiences, beliefs, and behaviors we may not even realize are influencing us. Financial therapy...

Money is rarely just about money. In this episode of Finance, Fitness & Finesse, Nate Astle, CFT™, founder of the Financial Therapy Clinical Institute joins Jaelyn Vickery to discuss financial intimacy, financial infidelity, money communication, and the emotional barriers that often impact relationships. Whether you're dating, engaged, married, or simply working to improve your relationship with money, this conversation offers valuable insights on building trust, transparency, and financial wellness together.

SHARE YOUR MONEY STORY

Have a real-life money question, experience, or moment that shaped how you think about money? Submit your money story with this form or...

Why do you make the financial decisions you do? In this episode of Finance, Fitness & Finesse, host JaeVic sits down with author of Generational Wealth Begins with Generational Knowledge, Dr. Joaquin Wallace to explore the Financial Genetic Code: the beliefs, habits, and money stories that influence how we save, spend, invest, and build wealth. Learn how financial psychology, generational wealth, and financial literacy intersect to shape your financial future and discover practical ways to break unhealthy money patterns.

SHARE YOUR MONEY STORY

Have a real-life money question, experience, or moment that shaped how y...

What does it really take to build financial partnership in a relationship? In this episode, Certified Financial Therapist Jaelyn Vickery sits down with Brian Page, founder of Modern Husbands and one of the only professionals in the nation certified as both a Fair Play Facilitator and an Accredited Financial Counselor. Together they explore financial intimacy, the connection between household labor and financial health, and practical ways couples can communicate about money without it turning into an argument. Whether you are dating, engaged, or decades into marriage, this conversation will change how you think about money as a team.

You know you should be investing, but where do you actually start? In this episode, Jae Vic breaks down money risk, beginner investing, and what she calls "money moves" -- the actions that turn financial knowledge into real financial progress. She introduces the Big 3 Beginner Steps to Investing: building an emergency fund in a high-yield savings account, opening retirement accounts, and exploring other investment accounts. This episode is designed for anyone who feels ready to start but does not know the first step. 

WHAT YOU WILL LEARN IN THIS EPISODE

- What money ri...

Season 4 of Finance, Fitness & Finesse starts with the most important question: who is the person behind the mic? In this premiere episode, Certified Financial Therapist Jaelyn Vickery introduces herself, her professional philosophy, and the show's mission. You will hear about the experiences that shaped her relationship with money, why financial identity matters more than financial status, and what Finance, Fitness, and Finesse actually means when it comes to building a life that works. Whether you are just discovering F3 or you have been listening since Season 1, this is where Season 4 begins.

WHAT YOU WILL LEARN I...

In this episode of F3, JaeVic sits down with Dr. Shay Harris-Pierre, LPC, CFT — a licensed counselor, financial therapist, and host of Shades of Wealth. They talk about how money and mental health connect, and how our emotions, relationships, and upbringing shape the way we handle finances.

Dr. Shay breaks down what it’s like to move into a different income level — the pressure, guilt, and family dynamics that can come with that — and how she helps clients manage those shifts in healthy ways. She also shares how money and food can both reflect feelings of comfort, control...

In this episode of F3, JaeVic sits down with Caleb Stapp, CPFA, to unpack how our spending habits, retirement goals, and mindset around money shape long-term financial wellness. They explore what it means to practice financial self-care, avoid lifestyle inflation, and build wealth with intention.

Get in touch with Caleb Stapp, CPFA

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In this episode of Finance, Fitness & Finesse, JaeVic sits down with Suzy Carbrey, MA, CCC-SLP — an Executive Function and ADHD Coach with a unique background in speech-language pathology — for a conversation about how the brain’s “management system” shapes everything from our finances to our focus.

Together, they break down why executive functioning matters, especially for adults balancing   careers, family, and personal goals. Suzy shares how struggles with organization and impulse control affect our money decisions, why “just get organized” is bad advice, and how building executive function skills can help people with ADHD, chronic disorganization, or burnout reclaim...

In this episode of Finance, Fitness & Finesse, JaeVic sits down with Justin Enlow — strategist, advisor, and systems-thinker with an MBA in Finance — for a powerful conversation about how faith, resilience, and community intersect with money. Justin shares the personal and professional experiences that shaped his mission to build financial literacy and sustainable impact through partnerships with small businesses, nonprofits, churches, and local governments.

They dig into everything from the hunger for security that drives our consumption habits to the pride, shame, and cultural attitudes that shape how we view money. Justin also breaks down what it means to s...

In this episode of Finance, Fitness & Finesse, JaeVic sits down with Daly C. Andersson, CFA, CFP® — a powerhouse in personal wealth management and a voice for purpose-driven leadership — for a conversation that hits both head and heart. With over a decade of experience advising families, entrepreneurs, and women investors, Daly shares what it’s really like to lead in a male-dominated industry while juggling high-pressure roles and personal milestones like motherhood. They talk about setting boundaries, navigating transitions, and staying rooted in your values when the workplace gets chaotic. From knowing when to push forward to recognizing when it’s time to...

In this episode of Finance, Fitness & Finesse, JaeVic sits down with Tyrone White — Accredited Financial Counselor®, Certified Financial Therapist™, and veteran — to unpack the deep connection between financial wellness and emotional healing. With a background in military service, mental health counseling, and behavioral finance, Tyrone brings a trauma-informed, culturally aware lens to money conversations that many people are afraid to have. They explore how financial strain shows up differently across cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds, how transparency can ease tension in relationships, and why emotional intelligence is key to breaking habits like impulsive spending or financial avoidance. Tyrone also shares his per...

In this episode of Finance, Fitness & Finesse, JaeVic sits down with Brian Page — financial educator, Accredited Financial Counselor®, and founder of Modern Husbands — for a deep and down-to-earth convo on what it really takes to thrive financially and emotionally in modern relationships. Brian shares the personal experiences that led him to create Modern Husbands and opens up about the realities couples face when it comes to money, communication, and dividing up household responsibilities. From figuring out if your partner shares your financial values to building solid systems for teamwork at home, this episode is packed with practical advice for coupl...

In this episode of Finance, Fitness & Finesse, JaeVic sits down with Tom Shepard — founder and CEO of Shepard FINANCIAL, financial educator, and author of Money Isn’t Everything, Everything Is Money — to rethink what wealth really means. Tom shares how his holistic approach to financial planning blends health, time, relationships, and material wealth into a more human-centered money mindset. They dive into the Seven Financial Natures and how it helps you figure out how your natural tendencies shape your relationship with money. Tom also breaks down why evolving with your money, rather than following rigid formulas, leads to more meanin...

In this Finance, Fitness & Finesse episode, JaeVic sits down with Ashley (Souza) Agnew — Certified Financial Therapist™, Senior Wealth Advisor, and Director of Financial Wellness — for a real conversation about what it actually takes to build a better relationship with your money. Ashley breaks down how financial literacy early in life can shape long-term outcomes, why creating a personal money mantra can change the way you spend and save, and how to navigate tough money conversations within families and couples. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed, unsure, or just want to be more intentional with your finances, this episode is packed w...

Welcome back, Finessers! Season 3 of Finance, Fitness & Finesse is here — and we’re leveling up in every way. Hosted by Jaelyn Vickery, LSW ~ clinical financial therapist and lifestyle wellness polymath, F3 Szn3 is all about building wealth with wellness.

We’re getting real about burnout, redefining success, and helping you master every dimension of your life — FIVEREPS at a time. Whether you’re looking for clarity, confidence, or just a more aligned way of living, this season is your blueprint.

Expect exclusive tools, new resources, and a whole lot of finesse. Tune in and become the expert...

Season 2 brought growth, gems, and real conversations—but even passion projects need a reset. JaeVic shares why stepping back to recalibrate is key to long-term success and what’s next for F3. Big things are coming, so stay tuned—this is just the intermission before the glow-up!

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In this two part episode of Finance, Fitness & Finesse, host JaeVic sits down with Joyologist Heidi Esther—life coach, speaker, and author of For Cryin’ Out Loud—to explore the power of self-discovery and emotional intelligence in achieving a Joyfully Abundant Life. Heidi shares insights on transforming personal challenges into strengths, breaking free from people-pleasing, and embracing one’s unique genius. Together, they discuss how redefining happiness and stepping into authenticity can lead to greater fulfillment and success. Tune in for an inspiring conversation on finding joy, balance, and true wealth in life.

In this two part episode of Finance, Fitness & Finesse, host JaeVic sits down with Joyologist Heidi Esther—life coach, speaker, and author of For Cryin’ Out Loud—to explore the power of self-discovery and emotional intelligence in achieving a Joyfully Abundant Life. Heidi shares insights on transforming personal challenges into strengths, breaking free from people-pleasing, and embracing one’s unique genius. Together, they discuss how redefining happiness and stepping into authenticity can lead to greater fulfillment and success. Tune in for an inspiring conversation on finding joy, balance, and true wealth in life.

In this episode of Finance Fitness & Finesse, host JaeVic dives into the third letter of FIVEREPS dimensional wealth: vocational. This episode unpacks what vocational wealth really means, why it’s so much more than just earning a paycheck, and how aligning your work with your passions, values, and strengths can lead to a fulfilling, balanced life. JaeVic explores the impact of toxic workplaces, the burnout trap, and how to redefine success on your terms while sharing actionable steps to build a career that fuels your wellness and purpose. If you’re ready to rethink what work means to you, this...

In this episode of Finance Fitness & Finesse, JaeVic dives into the third letter of FIVEREPS dimensional wealth: vocational. This episode unpacks what vocational wealth really means, why it’s so much more than just earning a paycheck, and how aligning your work with your passions, values, and strengths can lead to a fulfilling, balanced life. JaeVic explores the impact of toxic workplaces, the burnout trap, and how to redefine success on your terms while sharing actionable steps to build a career that fuels your wellness and purpose. If you’re ready to rethink what work means to you, this is t...

In this two-part episode of Finance, Fitness, & Finesse, JaeVic sits down with Savvy Scholar Mike Vickery, nonprofit director at the Institute for Community, to unpack the power of authentic connections. Mike shares his expertise on building meaningful emotional bank deposits, mastering negotiation tactics, and navigating relational behavior transference. Listeners will gain insights into standing out in any room, finding balance through service, and uncovering opportunities that can transform both personal and professional success. Whether you’re looking to enhance your networking game or discover new ways to serve and grow, this episode is packed with valuable lessons you won’t wa...

In this two-part episode of Finance, Fitness, & Finesse, JaeVic sits down with Savvy Scholar Mike Vickery, nonprofit director at the Institute for Community, to unpack the power of authentic connections. Mike shares his expertise on building meaningful emotional bank deposits, mastering negotiation tactics, and navigating relational behavior transference. Listeners will gain insights into standing out in any room, finding balance through service, and uncovering opportunities that can transform both personal and professional success. Whether you’re looking to enhance your networking game or discover new ways to serve and grow, this episode is packed with valuable lessons you won’t wa...

Show Notes

In this episode of Finance, Fitness, & Finesse, JaeVic breaks down the concept of intellectual wealth, the second dimension in the FIVEREPS acronym for wellness. Intellectual wealth, much like a financial investment, grows through the knowledge and skills we cultivate, providing long-term benefits like enhanced creativity, adaptability, and decision-making.

JaeVic explores how intellectual growth can fuel problem-solving and open doors to new opportunities, even when faced with challenges like burnout. She shares practical tips to expand intellectual capacity—embracing curiosity, welcoming diverse perspectives, and making small, intentional changes to routines. 

As the pod...

In this episode of F3, host JaeVic breaks down the basics of High-Yield Savings Accounts (HYSAs)—exploring what they are, why interest rates can fluctuate, and how to make the most of them. She also dives into leveraging loans strategically and shares insights from her personal financial journey. Whether you're new to saving or seeking smarter ways to grow your money, this episode is packed with valuable tips to guide you.

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In this 2-part episode of Finance, Fitness, & Finesse, JaeVic sits down with Savvy Scholar Christopher (CJ) Watkins to  explore how to diversify your knowledge portfolio. They discuss the psychology behind teacher-student communication, identifying goal-setting pain points, and easing the fear of failure with compassionate accountability. You’ll also learn how to master executive functioning, approach new challenges with a fresh mindset, and develop self-discipline through reflective techniques. Join us as we uncover how approaching problems like a scientist can lead to stronger personal growth and lasting success.

Get in touch with the Savvy Scholar: Christopher (CJ...

In this 2-part episode of Finance, Fitness, & Finesse, JaeVic sits down with Savvy Scholar Christopher (CJ) Watkins to  explore how to diversify your knowledge portfolio. They discuss the psychology behind teacher-student communication, identifying goal-setting pain points, and easing the fear of failure with compassionate accountability. You’ll also learn how to master executive functioning, approach new challenges with a fresh mindset, and develop self-discipline through reflective techniques. Join us as we uncover how approaching problems like a scientist can lead to stronger personal growth and lasting success.

Get in touch with the Savvy Scholar: Christopher (CJ...

🎙️ Student Secrets is a segment of F^3 where lifelong learners share their unfiltered stories about life transitions, sacrifices, and the quiet rebellions that come with chasing their American dream. Students of all ages step out to uncover the hidden truths, the struggles no one prepares you for, and the real price of admission. Tune in if you refuse to be groomed into a one-dimensional life. Speak up before you lose your voice—because the real power lies in questioning everything.

Share a Secret: [email protected]

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In this special episode of Finance Fitness & Finesse, JaeVic shares the results of her year-long research project, "Binging Bankruptcy: Eating Disorders & Financial $train", conducted during her internship at an eating disorder clinic. Focused on the intersection of eating disorders and financial strain, she delves into how financial stress exacerbates conditions like anorexia and binge eating, introducing terms like "financial anorexia" and "money dysmorphia" to capture these complex dynamics. Through clinical observations and supervised research, she explores how financial instability impacts treatment accessibility, fuels harmful behaviors, and shapes recovery outcomes. Join Jae as she unpacks these insights and discusses how...