In this first episode of Money School, I sit down with my friend and co-host, Professor Steve Heath, to talk about why we’re starting this journey together. Steve shares his powerful story—from dropping out of school, addiction, and jail time to becoming a successful accounting professor and author of a personal finance textbook. I open up about my own struggles with debt, career setbacks, and the pressure to provide for my family while chasing a dream that hasn’t fully paid off yet. This isn’t your typical personal finance podcast. We’re not here to preach or judge—we’re here to be honest, tell real stories, and create a space where people can actually learn about money without feeling ashamed. If you've ever felt behind or lost when it comes to finances, you're not alone. This is where we start. Welcome to Money School.

What if managing your money felt less like chaos and more like following a GPS? In this episode of Growing Money with Sean Trace, I sit down with financial educator Professor Steve Heath to talk about why so many people feel overwhelmed by money. It is not because we are lazy or careless. It is because no one ever handed us a roadmap. We dive into everything from my own parenting mishaps (including 45 pages of unnecessary math homework) to powerful real-life analogies about budgeting, credit cards, and even cookies. Professor Heath shares why time is your biggest financial superpower, how budgeting does not have to be boring, and what actually matters when you are just getting started. Whether you are Gen Z, a stressed-out parent, or just trying to feel more in control of your money, this one is for you.

In this episode of Growing Money with Sean Trace, I’m back with the one and only Professor Steve Heath for another round of Money School and this time we’re diving into budgeting. But not the boring kind. Prof. Heath kicks things off with one of the wildest stories I’ve ever heard (yes, it involves a trunk and a concert) to explain how most people handle money: unconsciously, passively, and sometimes disastrously. We break down the budgeting triangle: money in, money out, and what’s left. Along the way, we talk about mindset shifts, the trap of lifestyle creep, why "50 percent off" can still mean broke, and how to actually use your income to build a life you love. This isn’t just about cutting back. It’s about being intentional, making smart choices, and aligning your spending with your goals. Whether you're a college student, creative, or parent like me, this episode is packed with laughs, real talk, and tools you can use right now.

In this episode of Money School, I’m back with the always insightful Prof. Steve Heath, and we go deep into a surprisingly relatable topic — lifestyle creep. We unpack how even small upgrades, like a new phone or a fancy dinner, can silently sabotage your financial goals. Using everything from Tom Cruise’s Mission Impossible stunts to Christian Bale’s old truck, we explore how discipline, priorities, and self-awareness are the real keys to building wealth. You’ll learn how to set lifestyle caps, avoid impulse spending, and finally start building toward your version of “F*** You Money.”