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Share Your Thoughts! If you've been hearing about the "AI bubble" everywhere and wondering what it actually means for your money, you're not alone. In this episode, Violeta breaks down the AI bubble conversation dominating headlines—starting with Fed Chair Kevin Warsh's October 2026 warning about an "AI shock" to the economy—and unpacks how massive AI spending, over-leveraged tech companies, rising interest rates, and pushback against data centers (especially in Texas) are creating real financial risk.  She also discusses a troubling Tom's Hardware report on an AI agent that leaked over 13,000 internal screenshots from 300+ organizations, including Fortune 500 companies, highlighting growing concerns about AI's security risks. But Violeta doesn't stop at the doom and gloom—she gets real about why, as a Latina entrepreneur, she doesn't have the luxury of fully boycotting AI, and why she believes in using these tools strategically and as ethically as possible.  She addresses the backlash against creators like Janice from Yo Quiero Dinero for teaching AI agent workshops, and makes the case that using AI to buy back your time can translate into real community impact—funding candidates, becoming an angel investor, and supporting small businesses.  We cover:  What the "AI bubble" is and why people think it's about to pop Fed Chair Kevin Warsh's warning about an AI shock to the economy How over-leveraged tech companies and rising interest rates are fueling the risk Why data centers are facing major pushback, especially in Texas How data centers strain local resources like water and power A recent AI data leak that exposed 13,000+ internal screenshots from Fortune 500 companies Why AI is a double-edged sword: boosting the economy while costing jobs Why Violeta doesn't believe boycotting AI is realistic for marginalized entrepreneurs The backlash against Janice from Yo Quiero Dinero for teaching AI agent workshops How using AI strategically can help buy back time to invest in your community Why there's no such thing as a "perfectly ethical" way to build wealth under capitalism The need for stronger AI regulation and why midterm elections matter This episode is a reminder that staying informed about macroeconomic shifts—like the AI bubble—helps you make smarter decisions with your money, while also recognizing that using tools like AI isn't black and white.  Mentioned in this episode:  ABC News article: "Fed Chair Kevin Warsh warns of AI shock for economy, pledges to contain inflation" Tom's Hardware article: "AI agent inadvertently leaks 13,000+ internal screenshots from 300 organizations, including Fortune 500" Grace Blakeley's Substack on Oracle's $125 billion debt "Invest Like a Mother" episode with author Tina Berger Jannese from Yo Quiero Dinero's AI agents & Crowdfunding Campaign Sign up for the Money Chisme NewsletterSupport the show Sign Up for the MoneyChisme & Raíces Newsletter Resources: Start Investing with M1Finance or Fidelity Finance Books to Start Your Journey Open a High Yields Account Support/Apoya MoneyChisme Disclaimer: I’m not a financial advisor. The information contained in this video is for entertainment purposes only. Please consult a licensed professional before making any financial decisions. I shall not be held liable for any losses you may incur for information provided in this video. Please be careful! This video is for general information purposes only and is not financial advice. *Affiliate links: I may earn a small commission when you click on the links at no additional cost to you. This helps me provide you with free content, like this podcast! You can read my full disclaimer here: MoneyChisme Affiliate Links and Paid Advertisers Disclosure.

Share Your Thoughts! If you've ever felt like reaching financial freedom means you'll never deal with debt again, think again. In this deeply transparent episode, Violeta does a financial check-in and comes clean about racking up about $27,000 in debt this year—even while being lean FIRE and cash-flowing her real estate portfolio.  She walks through exactly how it happened: furniture and a UTV bought on 0% financing, a rental property rehab that ran over budget, a 40th birthday trip to Mérida, Mexico, and unexpected refinance costs including termite treatment and a new survey. Violeta gets honest about the mindset that let her get comfortable with debt—attaching future income to every purchase—and why that's both a blessing and a trap. She breaks down her household income, her exact payoff plan for the rest of the year, and shares a simple framework for thinking about real estate investing: pick a bill, then go get a property that covers it. We cover: How Violeta accumulated about $27,000 in debt despite being financially freeWhy 0% financing isn't inherently bad, but the mindset around it can be dangerousThe real reasons behind each debt: furniture, a UTV, a rental rehab, refinance costs, and a birthday tripHow attaching future income to debt can create a false sense of securityThe ongoing fight to get back pay owed to her from the NavyA full breakdown of her and her husband's combined monthly incomeHer exact plan to pay off debt by the end of the yearWhy she still needs to buy a car and how she plans to fund that without stressA simple framework for real estate investing: pick a bill, then buy a property to cover itWhy transparency about money—even the messy parts—helps others in their own journeyThis episode is a reminder that financial freedom isn't about being debt-free forever. It's about understanding your numbers, having a plan, and not letting shame keep you from being transparent about your money. Mentioned in this episode: Free budgeting and net worth templatePrice Avocado (Justin) episode on debtJannese from Yo Quiero Dinero's crowdfunding campaign Cash Libre by Luzy KingSign up for the Money Chisme NewsletterSupport the show Sign Up for the MoneyChisme & Raíces Newsletter Resources: Start Investing with M1Finance or Fidelity Finance Books to Start Your Journey Open a High Yields Account Support/Apoya MoneyChisme Disclaimer: I’m not a financial advisor. The information contained in this video is for entertainment purposes only. Please consult a licensed professional before making any financial decisions. I shall not be held liable for any losses you may incur for information provided in this video. Please be careful! This video is for general information purposes only and is not financial advice. *Affiliate links: I may earn a small commission when you click on the links at no additional cost to you. This helps me provide you with free content, like this podcast! You can read my full disclaimer here: MoneyChisme Affiliate Links and Paid Advertisers Disclosure.

Share Your Thoughts! If you've ever looked at your grocery receipt or gas bill and wondered how corporations keep posting record-breaking profits while your pocketbook is hurting, you're not alone. In this episode, Violeta breaks down why the Federal Reserve raised interest rates to 3.75%-4% in September, what the Fed's "dual mandate" actually means, and why lowering inflation doesn't mean prices are coming down—it just means they're increasing more slowly.  But beyond the economics lesson, Violeta goes on a candid rant about corporate greed, "greedflation," and how big businesses took advantage of the pandemic, tariffs, and supply chain disruptions to push prices higher than necessary—all while posting record profits and cutting product quality. She also shares her thoughts on misplaced anger toward creators using AI to help their communities, why we should be directing our frustration at lack of corporate regulation instead, and why building financial literacy and collective economic power matters more than individual actions like skipping a plastic straw. We cover: Why the Fed raised interest rates and what the dual mandate really meansWhy lowering inflation doesn't mean lower prices—just a slower rate of increaseHow the federal funds rate trickles down to mortgages, car loans, and business loansWhat "greedflation" is and the FTC investigation that found corporations distorted pandemic-era price increasesHow tariffs got passed down to consumers and small businesses without refundsWhy corporations cut product quality while raising pricesHow corporate lobbying and lack of regulation—not individual choices—are the real problemWhy using AI tools to grow a business isn't the enemy, but ethics and guidelines are neededWhy financial literacy and collective financial power matter more than performative activismThis episode is a reminder that understanding how the economy actually works—and who benefits from it—is one of the first steps toward protecting your money and your future. Mentioned in this episode: Full breakdown and references on the blog Ashley with an I (TikTok) The Financial Diet episode on product quality Janice from Yo Quiero Dinero's AI agents & Crowdfunding Campaign "Invest Like a Mother" episode with Tina BergerFree Latinas in Real Estate CommunitySupport the show Sign Up for the MoneyChisme & Raíces Newsletter Resources: Start Investing with M1Finance or Fidelity Finance Books to Start Your Journey Open a High Yields Account Support/Apoya MoneyChisme Disclaimer: I’m not a financial advisor. The information contained in this video is for entertainment purposes only. Please consult a licensed professional before making any financial decisions. I shall not be held liable for any losses you may incur for information provided in this video. Please be careful! This video is for general information purposes only and is not financial advice. *Affiliate links: I may earn a small commission when you click on the links at no additional cost to you. This helps me provide you with free content, like this podcast! You can read my full disclaimer here: MoneyChisme Affiliate Links and Paid Advertisers Disclosure.

Share Your Thoughts! If you've ever started a side hustle and thought "I'll figure out the taxes later," this episode is the reality check you need before tax season catches up with you. In this episode, Violeta and Lindsay sit down with Laura Zarrate, a CPA and founder of Athena CPAs and Advisors, where she helps six to seven-figure business owners nationwide keep more of the money they earn and has saved her clients more than $10 million in taxes, to break down exactly what you need to know about business taxes before Uncle Sam comes knocking. Laura opens up about the most common question she gets from new entrepreneurs: do I need to start an entity, and if so, which one? She walks through why most people start with an LLC, why it's actually about liability protection more than tax savings, and the moment a side hustle should start being treated like a real business. Laura shares the practical first steps nobody tells you about: opening a separate business bank account, understanding what counts as an "owner's contribution" versus taxable income, and why mixing personal and business expenses is one of the biggest mistakes she sees. From there, she gets into the topic everyone's talking about on social media but rarely explaining correctly, the S corp election. Laura breaks down what an S corp actually is (a tax election, not a separate entity), why it can save you real money on self-employment tax, and why switching too soon, before you're earning enough to justify the extra cost, can actually hurt you instead of helping you. Throughout the conversation, Laura, Violeta, and Lindsay get into retirement account options for the self-employed (SEP IRA vs. solo 401(k)), the reasonable compensation requirement that trips up so many new S corp owners, and the deductions people leave on the table simply because they didn't know to track them, like the home office deduction and vehicle expenses. They also swap real stories about the systems that make tax season easier, and the wildest client write-off attempts Laura has seen. We cover: Why most new business owners should start with an LLC, and what it actually protects you fromThe difference between an owner's contribution and taxable incomeWhen a side hustle should officially become a business (and why "recurring income" matters more than a dollar amount)Why mixing personal and business finances is the #1 mistake new entrepreneurs makeWhat an S corp actually is: a tax election, not a new entityThe real reason people switch to S corp: saving on the 15.3% self-employment taxWhy switching to S corp too early, especially with losses or income under 50K, can cost you more than it savesThe "reasonable compensation" requirement and why you have to pay yourself a real W-2 salary as an S corp ownerSEP IRA vs. solo 401(k): which retirement account to start with and when to upgradeWhy you can deduct disability and health insurance as a business ownerThe home office deduction most people don't know about, including how home repairs like a new roof or flooring can be partially deductibleFully deductible home office purchases: desks, paint, curtains, blinds, and moreWhy you likely can't buy a car directly under a brand-new business, and what to do insteadHow to properly deduct a vehicle used for both business and personal use (and why a mileage log matters)Bonus depreciation and how buying a vehicle in 2026 could mean deducting 100% of the purchase priceWhy having a bookkeeping system (QuickBooks, Xero, or even a spreadsheet) is non-negotiableThis episode is a reminder that taxes don't have to be something you dread or avoid until April. With the right systems and the right professional in your corner, you can actually use the tax code to your advantage, keep more of what you earn, and build real, lasting financial habits into your business from day one. Mentioned in this episode: Athena CPAs and Advisors: athenacpas.com Follow Laura Zarrate and Athena CPAs on Instagram: @athenacpas This episode is part of a two-part series. Check out the companion episode on Real Estate Chisme for real estate-specific tax benefits. Support the show Sign Up for the MoneyChisme & Raíces Newsletter Resources: Start Investing with M1Finance or Fidelity Finance Books to Start Your Journey Open a High Yields Account Support/Apoya MoneyChisme Disclaimer: I’m not a financial advisor. The information contained in this video is for entertainment purposes only. Please consult a licensed professional before making any financial decisions. I shall not be held liable for any losses you may incur for information provided in this video. Please be careful! This video is for general information purposes only and is not financial advice. *Affiliate links: I may earn a small commission when you click on the links at no additional cost to you. This helps me provide you with free content, like this podcast! You can read my full disclaimer here: MoneyChisme Affiliate Links and Paid Advertisers Disclosure.

Share Your Thoughts! If you've ever felt like building wealth as a first-gen Latina means you have to figure it all out completely on your own, this episode will change how you think about your family's role in that journey. In this episode, Violeta sits down with Diana Lopez Luna, a first-generation college graduate and queer daughter of Mexican immigrants who pivoted from a low-paying research role into a data career, increasing her income nearly fivefold in five years. Diana is also the founder of Mujeres Datistas (Latinas in Data and Analytics) and co-founder of Xuchil alongside her mother, Yolanda. Diana opens up about the common immigrant narrative of "my parents sacrificed everything so I could succeed," and why that story can quietly turn into first-gen kids believing they now have to carry their parents' entire financial future on their shoulders, alone. Diana shares the mindset shift that changed everything for her family: instead of seeing wealth building as a handoff, where the parents did their part and now the child has to do the rest, she started treating her parents as co-collaborators, not dependents. She talks candidly about assuming her parents weren't planning for retirement, only to realize they'd quietly been taking steps the whole time, her mom setting up an IRA for her self-employed daycare business, her dad maximizing his HSA, both looking into a SEP IRA together as a family. Diana and Violeta both get real about the "parenting the parent" trap so many first-gen kids fall into, especially those who grew up translating for their parents, and how that responsibility can turn into overcorrecting and taking over instead of collaborating. Throughout the conversation, Diana and Violeta get into how the wealthy already do this, family offices, shared properties, businesses passed hand to hand, and why the collectivist instincts so many of us are taught to see as a weakness are actually an asset when it comes to building generational wealth. They talk about the real vulnerability of receiving help from family without shame, the importance of setting financial boundaries so support doesn't threaten your own security, and how multi-generational housing, family compounds, and shared rental businesses can dramatically cut costs and free up money for real investing. We cover: Why the immigrant "sacrifice" narrative can accidentally put the entire financial burden on the first-gen childHow family offices work for the wealthy, and why collectivist culture already sets us up to build wealth the same wayThe difference between "parenting the parent" and becoming a true financial co-collaborator with your parentsWhy first-gen kids, especially former childhood translators, tend to assume their parents can't handle their own financesHow Diana's parents quietly built their own retirement plan (IRA, HSA, SEP IRA) without her even realizing itWhy communication, not control, is what actually moves a family's finances forwardSetting financial boundaries so helping family doesn't threaten your own financial securityWhy receiving help from family comes with unearned shame in our culture, when the wealthy do it constantlyDiana's real experience being on disability for two years and how her parents' rental property business kept her afloatThe internal shame of receiving family help, and why it took thertherapy to unlearn itHow multi-generational housing and family compounds can eliminate one of your biggest expenses: housingVioleta's own family compound story, buying land next to her parents and inviting her sister and future generations to build there tooHow a family can combine incomes to buy property together, the way Diana and her parents are doing near Rockford, IllinoisWhy this approach only works with healthy, trustworthy family relationships, and isn't a fit for everyoneSmall ways to build a family wealth ecosystem: renting to family instead of strangers, hiring family for paid work, sharing tax benefitsThis episode is a reminder that wealth building doesn't have to be a solo mission. It can start small, sharing housing costs, having honest money conversations, learning to trust that your parents are capable too, and grow into something much bigger when a family moves together instead of everyone fighting their own battle alone. Get in Touch with Diana: Follow Diana Lopez Luna: @dianadeloslopez Suchil: "SuchilCo": @suchilco Mujeres Datistas: https://www.linkedin.com/company/mujeres-datistas/ Support the show Sign Up for the MoneyChisme & Raíces Newsletter Resources: Start Investing with M1Finance or Fidelity Finance Books to Start Your Journey Open a High Yields Account Support/Apoya MoneyChisme Disclaimer: I’m not a financial advisor. The information contained in this video is for entertainment purposes only. Please consult a licensed professional before making any financial decisions. I shall not be held liable for any losses you may incur for information provided in this video. Please be careful! This video is for general information purposes only and is not financial advice. *Affiliate links: I may earn a small commission when you click on the links at no additional cost to you. This helps me provide you with free content, like this podcast! You can read my full disclaimer here: MoneyChisme Affiliate Links and Paid Advertisers Disclosure.

Share Your Thoughts! If you've ever been told to "just put it in an index fund and forget it," this episode will make you rethink that advice completely. In this episode, Violeta sits down with Tina Berger, author of Invest Like a Mother and a former investment advisor and innovation strategist with more than 20 years of experience, to unpack a question most of us never ask: what are we actually funding when we invest? Tina opens up about starting her career with big financial goals and a 401(k) like everyone else, only to spend two decades inside massive corporations watching good social and environmental programs get quietly canceled the moment they underperformed against shareholder expectations. What she saw from the inside changed how she thinks about "good returns" forever. Tina shares the uncomfortable truth behind headlines like Oracle paying out $4.2 billion in dividends while taking on billions in debt to fund data centers, and Walmart employees relying on food stamps while the company books record profits. She calls this what it is: small investors funding wealth for the already-wealthy while quietly subsidizing the very companies that underpay them. From there, she gets into what she calls "investing like a mother," a mindset that isn't about being perfect or divesting from everything, but about staying intentional, understanding your impact, and asking what your community and future generations need, not just what your portfolio needs. Throughout the conversation, Tina and Violeta get into the tension so many of us feel once we become financially literate: wanting security for ourselves while realizing that security means nothing if the world around us isn't secure too. They talk about self-directed IRAs, community investment funds, becoming an angel investor, and simple, human ways to invest directly in people, like seller financing a first-time homebuyer, without needing a finance degree to do it. We cover: Why "set it and forget it" investing hides where your money is really goingHow companies like Oracle are turning shareholder profits into cash grabs for the already wealthyWhy big companies get punished by Wall Street for investing in employees, sustainability, or communitiesThe difference between a growth company and a dividend company, and how that's changed over timeWhy we're subsidizing the true cost of low wages, data centers, and corporate tax breaks as taxpayersWhat "investing like a mother" actually means, and why it isn't about being perfect or genderedHow to evaluate an investment beyond just "what's my return"Self-directed IRAs and how to use old 401(k) funds for real estate or other investmentsThe Magnolia Fund story: how a Houston community pooled resources to buy back their own commercial kitchenBecoming an angel investor and directly funding people and businesses you believe inHow seller financing can help someone become a first-time homeowner, without needing a bankWhy ethical real estate investing means fixing hazards like lead and asbestos instead of ignoring themHow awareness changes your risk tolerance, even if you don't overhaul your whole portfolioWhy financial security for yourself means little if the world around you isn't secure tooThis episode is a reminder that investing isn't just a personal finance decision, it's a relationship. Every dollar you invest creates an impact somewhere, and once you see that clearly, you can't unsee it. Tina's invitation isn't to sell everything and start over, it's to stay intentional, plant seeds where you can, and start asking better questions about what your money is really doing in the world. Mentioned in this episode: Invest Like a Mother by Tina Berger  Follow Tina Berger on TikTok  Magnolia Fund, Houston, TX  Support the show Sign Up for the MoneyChisme & Raíces Newsletter Resources: Start Investing with M1Finance or Fidelity Finance Books to Start Your Journey Open a High Yields Account Support/Apoya MoneyChisme Disclaimer: I’m not a financial advisor. The information contained in this video is for entertainment purposes only. Please consult a licensed professional before making any financial decisions. I shall not be held liable for any losses you may incur for information provided in this video. Please be careful! This video is for general information purposes only and is not financial advice. *Affiliate links: I may earn a small commission when you click on the links at no additional cost to you. This helps me provide you with free content, like this podcast! You can read my full disclaimer here: MoneyChisme Affiliate Links and Paid Advertisers Disclosure.

Share Your Thoughts! If you've ever believed that once you land the "good job" and start saving, financial freedom will naturally follow, this episode is the reality check you need. In this episode, Lindsay and Violeta sit down with Ingrid Morales, a first-gen Latina from Colombia who built financial freedom from scratch, to talk honestly about what that journey actually costs. Ingrid opens up about growing up watching her mom live paycheck to paycheck, discovering that the personal finance books everyone recommends (like Rich Dad Poor Dad) assume you already have money to invest, and realizing that for first-gen Latinos, the path to wealth almost always starts with your own sacrifice, not inherited capital or connections. Ingrid shares the exact moment everything shifted for her: a COVID-era conversation with her mom that revealed her mom didn't have enough saved in her 401(k) to retire on. That realization sent her into what she calls her "Mulan moment," the sudden, heavy understanding that she was the only one her parents could call for help, and that she had to lock in immediately. From there, she talks candidly about wearing the same worn-out sneakers for years while quietly building an emergency fund for her parents, saying no to family trips and holidays to protect her savings, and having to explain to her own mother why she wasn't spending money the way she "should" be. Throughout the conversation, Ingrid, Lindsay, and Violeta get into the tension every first-gen Latina knows well: wanting to help your family right now versus building real, lasting stability so you can help them even more later. They talk about setting boundaries without guilt, bringing parents into the financial conversation with empathy instead of judgment, and why slow, steady growth beats chasing everything at once. We cover: Why personal finance books often assume a starting point most first-gen Latinos don't haveThe "Mulan moment" of realizing you're the only safety net your parents haveWhy stability has to come before investing, and how to know when you're actually ready to take risksThe difference between building stability for yourself versus carrying your entire family's stabilityHow to set financial boundaries with family without it feeling like abandonmentWhy saying no to trips, gifts, and spending in the short term can mean more support for your family long termHow to have the "money talk" with parents who see finances as tabooWhy sitting down with your parents to actually handle their accounts (Fidelity calls, mortgage paperwork) is its own form of sacrificeThe mindset shift from "working hard" to "working smart" and creatively growing something of your ownWhy patience and slow growth, not urgency, is what most successful investors actually recommendHow to reframe helping family as playing the long game instead of constant, immediate givingIngrid's mantra: "Less YOLO, más portafolio"This episode is a reminder that building wealth as a first-gen Latina rarely looks like the highlight reel. It looks like quiet sacrifice, hard conversations with parents, and boundaries that feel uncomfortable in the moment but protect your family's future. Financial freedom isn't just about the numbers, it's about being able to show up for the people who raised you, on your own terms and your own timeline. Mentioned in this episode: Links Mentioned: Free Latinas in Real Estate Community Learn more about Hustle With Ingrid (waitlist open now) Follow: Ingrid Morales_ on all platforms Support the show Sign Up for the MoneyChisme & Raíces Newsletter Resources: Start Investing with M1Finance or Fidelity Finance Books to Start Your Journey Open a High Yields Account Support/Apoya MoneyChisme Disclaimer: I’m not a financial advisor. The information contained in this video is for entertainment purposes only. Please consult a licensed professional before making any financial decisions. I shall not be held liable for any losses you may incur for information provided in this video. Please be careful! This video is for general information purposes only and is not financial advice. *Affiliate links: I may earn a small commission when you click on the links at no additional cost to you. This helps me provide you with free content, like this podcast! You can read my full disclaimer here: MoneyChisme Affiliate Links and Paid Advertisers Disclosure.

Share Your Thoughts! I am breaking down the real cost of a last minute family vacation to Mérida, Mexico, including flights, an Airbnb, excursions, food, souvenirs, airport transportation, and pet sitting. I also share the financial tradeoffs of celebrating a milestone birthday while juggling rental property expenses and other debt. If you are planning a Mexico trip and want a realistic look at what can get expensive fast, especially when plans change and you book close to departure. Key topics I share a  rough, honest vacation budget after overspending on my 40th birthday trip. The biggest expenses were flights, the Airbnb, and an unexpected extra night after a flight delay. I also cover how much an excursion cost that included Chichen Itza, a cenote, a meal with a Mayan family, and a stop in Izamal, plus extra entrance costs and food. Transportation lesson from the trip: taxis from the airport were far more expensive than Ubers, and airport pickup rules can be confusing. 00:00 — Overspending on vacation 01:57 — Turning 40 and choosing Mérida 03:20 — Family trip and extra day cost 04:35 — Flight costs and last-minute booking 06:02 — Hotel cancellation and Airbnb switch 07:28 — Airbnb review and heat in Mexico 08:52 — Chichen Itza excursion breakdown 10:26 — Uber vs airport taxi lesson 12:17 — Entrance fees and extra excursion costs 13:55 — Food and rooftop restaurant spending 15:23 — Souvenirs and artisan market finds 18:17 — Why handmade goods cost more 21:40 — Total trip cost estimate 22:55 — Thinking about buying property in Mexico 24:22 — Flight issue from passport name mismatch 26:32 — Missing the flight and extra hotel night 27:50 — Pet sitting and hidden vacation costs 28:47 — Final budgeting lessons Support the show Sign Up for the MoneyChisme & Raíces Newsletter Resources: Start Investing with M1Finance or Fidelity Finance Books to Start Your Journey Open a High Yields Account Support/Apoya MoneyChisme Disclaimer: I’m not a financial advisor. The information contained in this video is for entertainment purposes only. Please consult a licensed professional before making any financial decisions. I shall not be held liable for any losses you may incur for information provided in this video. Please be careful! This video is for general information purposes only and is not financial advice. *Affiliate links: I may earn a small commission when you click on the links at no additional cost to you. This helps me provide you with free content, like this podcast! You can read my full disclaimer here: MoneyChisme Affiliate Links and Paid Advertisers Disclosure.

Share Your Thoughts! Quit the 9-to-5 and build your dream career. Lynn shares her real story of leaving nursing to launch a telehealth practice in California. If you've ever dreamed of ditching stability for freedom and entrepreneurship but felt overwhelmed by legal, financial, and marketing challenges, this episode is your wake-up call. Lynn reveals the behind-the-scenes of her journey, from navigating California’s strict licensing laws and forming the right business structure to overcoming imposter syndrome and marketing herself confidently. You’ll discover: How to plan financially for a career shift, including setting up safety nets like savings, income buffers, and strategic investments Mindset shifts that help you embrace risk and overcome fears The importance of community, networking, and creating your own opportunities in the digital age This episode is perfect for career changers, Latina entrepreneurs, and anyone feeling stuck in a stability trap—ready to take control, plan smart, and unleash their true potential. Lindsay Barrientos is a nurse practitioner turned business owner, balancing her new practice and real estate portfolio, with a clear focus on helping others create financial and personal freedom. Her story proves that with strategic planning, legal knowledge, and mindset resilience, you can build a thriving, sustainable business from scratch. Whether you're contemplating your own career pivot or seeking insights into health entrepreneurship, this episode provides actionable advice to turn your dreams into reality. Sign up for telehealth (California Only!) https://www.guidancepsychiatryservices.com Support the show Sign Up for the MoneyChisme & Raíces Newsletter Resources: Start Investing with M1Finance or Fidelity Finance Books to Start Your Journey Open a High Yields Account Support/Apoya MoneyChisme Disclaimer: I’m not a financial advisor. The information contained in this video is for entertainment purposes only. Please consult a licensed professional before making any financial decisions. I shall not be held liable for any losses you may incur for information provided in this video. Please be careful! This video is for general information purposes only and is not financial advice. *Affiliate links: I may earn a small commission when you click on the links at no additional cost to you. This helps me provide you with free content, like this podcast! You can read my full disclaimer here: MoneyChisme Affiliate Links and Paid Advertisers Disclosure.

Share Your Thoughts! If you've ever felt like reaching financial freedom would automatically bring peace, only to realize you're still battling comparison, hustle culture, and the pressure to always be doing more, you're not alone. In this deeply personal birthday episode, Violeta reflects on turning 40 and the lessons she's carrying into the next decade of her life. While celebrating a milestone in Mérida, Mexico with her family, she shares how achieving financial freedom hasn't eliminated old habits—it has simply revealed new opportunities to redefine what success truly means. Drawing from her experiences as a real estate investor, entrepreneur, and creator of Money Chisme, Violeta opens up about leaving behind the constant pressure of social media, letting go of unrealistic timelines, and embracing a slower, more intentional way of living. She explains why building wealth isn't just about reaching financial milestones, but about creating a life that aligns with your values, gives you freedom, and allows you to be fully present for the people who matter most. Throughout the episode, she encourages listeners to stop measuring success against someone else's journey. Whether your goals take longer than expected, your business grows more slowly, or your priorities shift over time, your path is still valid. Violeta also shares her vision for the future—from investing in Mexico and supporting Latina entrepreneurs to giving back through affordable housing and community impact. We cover: Why financial freedom doesn't automatically free you from hustle cultureHow social media can quietly steal the freedom you've worked so hard to buildWhy slowing down is one of the greatest forms of successThe importance of defining success on your own terms instead of following someone else's timelineHow infertility, surrogacy, and life circumstances changed Violeta's investing journeyWhy being work-optional is a bigger win than chasing arbitrary millionaire milestonesHow she's reimagining Money Chisme to prioritize impact over endless growthWhy intentional business building creates more freedom than constant scalingThe mindset shifts she's leaving behind as she enters her 40sHer plans to become an angel investor supporting Latina entrepreneursWhy affordable housing and ethical real estate investing have become central to her missionHer vision for investing in both the United States and Mexico while creating a life rooted in flexibility, family, and purposeHow reflecting on your own definition of success can help you build a richer life—not just a bigger bank accountThis episode is a reminder that wealth isn't measured only by your net worth—it's measured by the life you're able to create. Financial freedom isn't the finish line; it's the opportunity to live more intentionally, pursue what truly matters, and build a legacy that extends far beyond money. Your timeline doesn't have to look like anyone else's to be successful. Mentioned in this episode: Free Latinas in Real Estate CommunityReal Estate Chisme PodcastSign up for the Money Chisme NewsletterCash Libre by Lucy (pre-order)Support the show Sign Up for the MoneyChisme & Raíces Newsletter Resources: Start Investing with M1Finance or Fidelity Finance Books to Start Your Journey Open a High Yields Account Support/Apoya MoneyChisme Disclaimer: I’m not a financial advisor. The information contained in this video is for entertainment purposes only. Please consult a licensed professional before making any financial decisions. I shall not be held liable for any losses you may incur for information provided in this video. Please be careful! This video is for general information purposes only and is not financial advice. *Affiliate links: I may earn a small commission when you click on the links at no additional cost to you. This helps me provide you with free content, like this podcast! You can read my full disclaimer here: MoneyChisme Affiliate Links and Paid Advertisers Disclosure.

Share Your Thoughts! If you've ever felt jealous watching someone else hit a financial milestone while you're still working toward your own goals, you're not alone. In this solo episode, Violeta opens up about something we don't talk about enough in personal finance: envidia (jealousy). She shares why feelings of envy don't make you a bad person—they're often a signal pointing toward a dream, desire, or goal you've been afraid to pursue or haven't given yourself permission to believe is possible. Drawing from her own experiences as an entrepreneur, content creator, and real estate investor, Violeta explains how she has learned to recognize jealousy without shame, uncover what it's trying to teach her, and transform comparison into action. From seeing creators go viral to navigating feelings around business growth and financial success, she shares practical mindset shifts that have helped her stay focused on her own journey instead of someone else's timeline. Throughout the episode, she encourages listeners to stop treating jealousy as something to suppress and instead use it as valuable information. By identifying the root of those emotions, challenging scarcity thinking, and taking small, intentional steps toward their own goals, listeners can turn comparison into motivation and continue building wealth with confidence. We cover: Why jealousy is a normal human emotion—not a character flawHow envy can reveal the financial goals and dreams you've been avoidingWhy comparing yourself to others often stems from scarcity mindsetHow childhood comparisons and cultural expectations can shape your relationship with successThe difference between admiring someone's success and feeling defeated by itHow Violeta processes feelings of envy in her own business and investing journeyWhy someone else's success doesn't take away your opportunitiesHow to use comparison as a learning tool instead of a source of discouragementThe importance of curating your social media feed to protect your mindsetWhy taking one small action is more powerful than endlessly comparing timelinesHow writing down your financial goals can keep you grounded in your own definition of successVioleta's "Envidia Reset" framework for turning jealousy into personal growth and financial actionThis episode is a reminder that jealousy isn't the enemy—staying stuck is. When you learn to acknowledge envy instead of hiding from it, you can uncover what's truly important to you, let go of comparison, and refocus your energy on building the life and financial future you want. Someone else's success isn't proof that you're behind—it's proof that your goals are possible too. Mentioned in this episode: Real Estate Chisme Podcast Sign up for Money Chisme NewsletterSupport the show Sign Up for the MoneyChisme & Raíces Newsletter Resources: Start Investing with M1Finance or Fidelity Finance Books to Start Your Journey Open a High Yields Account Support/Apoya MoneyChisme Disclaimer: I’m not a financial advisor. The information contained in this video is for entertainment purposes only. Please consult a licensed professional before making any financial decisions. I shall not be held liable for any losses you may incur for information provided in this video. Please be careful! This video is for general information purposes only and is not financial advice. *Affiliate links: I may earn a small commission when you click on the links at no additional cost to you. This helps me provide you with free content, like this podcast! You can read my full disclaimer here: MoneyChisme Affiliate Links and Paid Advertisers Disclosure.

Share Your Thoughts! A beautiful website is great—but if it doesn't clearly communicate who you help and guide visitors to take action, it's probably costing you clients. In this episode of Money Chisme, Violeta sits down with branding and website designer Gabriela Teran to discuss what every entrepreneur should know before creating or updating a website. From identifying your ideal client to improving your SEO, Gabriela shares practical strategies that help websites do more than just look good—they become powerful business tools. Drawing from over 10 years of experience helping women of color build brands and websites, Gabriela explains why clarity always beats complexity, how to create trust with potential clients, and the small website changes that can lead to more traffic and better conversions. Whether you're building your first website or refreshing an existing one, this conversation is packed with actionable tips you can implement right away. In This Episode, We Discuss: Why defining your ideal client is the foundation of an effective websiteHow your website copy should speak directly to your target audienceThe essential pages every business website should includeWhy your About page is one of your most important marketing toolsHow to build trust using testimonials, results, and social proofThe importance of keeping website copy short, clear, and easy to scanWhy displaying your pricing can improve conversionsHow your brand and website should evolve as your business growsCommon website mistakes that confuse visitorsSimple ways to increase website traffic without paying for adsWhy blogging is still one of the best long-term SEO strategiesEasy SEO practices every business owner should knowWhy you should replace Linktree with your own website links pageThe importance of connecting your Google Business Profile to your websiteNeed to create a brand and website you can feel proud of and convert your visitors into clients? Get in contact with Gaby. [email protected] Web: teranmediadesign.com Tiktok @teranmediadesign IG: @teranmediadesign Support the show Sign Up for the MoneyChisme & Raíces Newsletter Resources: Start Investing with M1Finance or Fidelity Finance Books to Start Your Journey Open a High Yields Account Support/Apoya MoneyChisme Disclaimer: I’m not a financial advisor. The information contained in this video is for entertainment purposes only. Please consult a licensed professional before making any financial decisions. I shall not be held liable for any losses you may incur for information provided in this video. Please be careful! This video is for general information purposes only and is not financial advice. *Affiliate links: I may earn a small commission when you click on the links at no additional cost to you. This helps me provide you with free content, like this podcast! You can read my full disclaimer here: MoneyChisme Affiliate Links and Paid Advertisers Disclosure.

Share Your Thoughts! If you've been working hard on your financial goals but still feel like you're doing it alone, it may be time to take a closer look at the people you're surrounding yourself with. In this solo episode, Violeta explores how your relationships, friendships, and community can have a powerful impact on your financial journey. She explains why building intentional friendships with people who share your goals, values, and mindset can help you grow faster, stay motivated, and make decisions with greater confidence. Drawing from her own experiences—from hearing well-meaning but fear-driven advice from family members to intentionally seeking out like-minded Latinas and entrepreneurs—Violeta shares how expanding her circle expanded her vision. She discusses the difference between networking and building genuine relationships, why not every friend has to fill the same role, and how finding the right community can be the catalyst for your next financial breakthrough. Throughout the episode, she encourages listeners to audit their current circle, seek out communities that align with their goals, and remember that sometimes the biggest shift in your finances comes from changing your environment—not just your budget. We cover: Why your financial growth is influenced by the people you spend the most time withHow friends and family can unintentionally keep you in survival modeThe difference between networking and building meaningful friendshipsWhy expanding your circle can expand your financial mindsetHow financial anxiety from loved ones can impact your decision-makingWhy it's okay to have different friend groups for different seasons and goalsHow finding like-minded people helped Violeta grow as an investor, entrepreneur, and content creatorThe importance of seeking communities that encourage growth instead of fearHow intentional friendships can provide accountability, motivation, and valuable resourcesWhy your next financial breakthrough may come from being in a different room, not creating a better budgetQuestions to ask yourself when auditing your current circle and support systemHow to start building relationships with people who align with the future you're creatingThis episode is a reminder that you don't have to build wealth alone. The right community won't just cheer you on—they'll challenge you, inspire you, and help you see opportunities you may never have discovered on your own. Sometimes the fastest way to level up your finances is to surround yourself with people who already believe in the life you're trying to build. Mentioned in this episode: Free Latinas in Real Estate CommunityReal Estate Chisme PodcastBranding episode featuring Gabby Support the show Sign Up for the MoneyChisme & Raíces Newsletter Resources: Start Investing with M1Finance or Fidelity Finance Books to Start Your Journey Open a High Yields Account Support/Apoya MoneyChisme Disclaimer: I’m not a financial advisor. The information contained in this video is for entertainment purposes only. Please consult a licensed professional before making any financial decisions. I shall not be held liable for any losses you may incur for information provided in this video. Please be careful! This video is for general information purposes only and is not financial advice. *Affiliate links: I may earn a small commission when you click on the links at no additional cost to you. This helps me provide you with free content, like this podcast! You can read my full disclaimer here: MoneyChisme Affiliate Links and Paid Advertisers Disclosure.

Share Your Thoughts! If you've been wondering why your financial goals always seem just out of reach, it might be time to identify the financial tóxico that's quietly holding you back. In this solo episode, Violeta introduces the concept of the "financial tóxico"—the habits, debts, subscriptions, mindsets, or even careers that drain your money, energy, and progress without you fully realizing it. Through personal stories and practical examples, she explains how identifying these hidden obstacles can help you make financial decisions that align with your goals instead of keeping you stuck. Drawing from her own experience of leaving the military, selling underperforming rental properties, letting go of unnecessary expenses, and redefining what wealth truly means, Violeta shares how removing financial tóxicos allowed her to build a life centered around freedom, purpose, and intentional living. She also discusses why the "best" financial strategy isn't always the one you'll stick with—and why your personal journey matters more than following someone else's formula. Throughout the episode, she encourages listeners to perform a financial audit, recognize emotional money drains, celebrate small wins, and define success on their own terms instead of chasing society's version of wealth. We cover: • What a financial tóxico is and how to identify the hidden money drains in your life • Why avoiding your finances can become one of your biggest financial obstacles • How conducting a financial audit can uncover subscriptions and expenses you forgot about • Why emotional stress—not just interest rates—should influence how you tackle debt • The importance of building momentum through small financial wins • Why keeping an investment that no longer serves your goals can become a financial tóxico • How Violeta decided to sell rental properties that were costing her money instead of building wealth • Why leaving a high-paying job was the right financial decision for her long-term goals • How to create an exit strategy if your career is negatively impacting your well-being • Why redefining wealth can transform your relationship with money • How consumerism and social media can create unrealistic expectations about financial success • Why owning your time can be a greater measure of wealth than owning luxury items • The importance of making financial decisions based on your values instead of other people's opinions • Why there is no one-size-fits-all financial strategy—only the one that helps you stay consistent This episode is a reminder that financial freedom isn't just about earning more money—it's about removing the things that keep you from reaching your goals. Whether it's debt, an expensive lifestyle, a limiting mindset, or a career that no longer serves you, letting go of your financial tóxicos can create space for the life and future you truly want to build. Mentioned in this episode: • Episode with Justin from The Price of Avocado Toast on paying off debt • Financial Audit episode walkthrough Support the show Sign Up for the MoneyChisme & Raíces Newsletter Resources: Start Investing with M1Finance or Fidelity Finance Books to Start Your Journey Open a High Yields Account Support/Apoya MoneyChisme Disclaimer: I’m not a financial advisor. The information contained in this video is for entertainment purposes only. Please consult a licensed professional before making any financial decisions. I shall not be held liable for any losses you may incur for information provided in this video. Please be careful! This video is for general information purposes only and is not financial advice. *Affiliate links: I may earn a small commission when you click on the links at no additional cost to you. This helps me provide you with free content, like this podcast! You can read my full disclaimer here: MoneyChisme Affiliate Links and Paid Advertisers Disclosure.

Share Your Thoughts! If you've ever felt overwhelmed by your finances and wondered where to even begin, this episode will help you build a strong foundation for long-term financial success. In this solo episode, Violeta breaks down five essential money skills that every beginner should develop in order to gain control of their finances, reduce financial stress, and start building wealth. Whether you're earning a stable income but still feel like your money disappears every month, or you're ready to take the first steps toward financial freedom, this episode provides a practical roadmap to get started. Drawing from her own journey as a first-generation Latina investor, Violeta shares the foundational habits that helped her go from financial confusion to confidently managing money, investing, and building wealth through real estate. She explains why financial success isn't about being perfect with money—it's about developing the right skills and consistently taking action. Throughout the episode, she discusses how to build awareness around your spending, create a realistic spending plan, establish an emergency fund, understand debt and credit, and make financial decisions based on your goals rather than guilt or fear. We cover: • Why money management is one of the most important wealth-building skills you can develop • How tracking your spending creates awareness and helps you take control of your finances • The benefits of using budgeting and expense-tracking apps • Why a spending plan feels more empowering than a traditional budget • How to give every dollar a purpose and align spending with your goals • The key steps to creating a realistic spending plan that works for your lifestyle • Why emergency funds provide financial stability and peace of mind • How much you may want to save for unexpected expenses and emergencies • Understanding debt and credit without fear or shame • The basics of how credit scores and credit cards work • How strategic use of debt can support wealth-building goals • Why learning the rules of money helps you make more confident financial decisions • The importance of making money decisions based on goals instead of guilt • How financial confidence grows through education, practice, and consistency • Why building wealth starts with mastering the fundamentals This episode is a reminder that you don't need to have everything figured out to improve your finances. Building wealth starts with learning the basics, creating simple habits, and developing the confidence to manage your money intentionally. The sooner you begin building these foundational skills, the stronger your financial future can become. Mentioned in this episode: • Monarch Money Budgeting App • NerdWallet Budgeting Tools • Annual Credit Report (free yearly credit reports) • Episode with Justin from Price of Avocado Toast on paying off debt • Previous episode on financial anxiety and financial trauma • Episodes on budgeting, spending plans, and money mindset       - How to Manage Your Money: 3 Budgeting Methods That Actually Work       - Financial Reset for 2026: Audit Your Money, Set Smarter Goals Support the show Sign Up for the MoneyChisme & Raíces Newsletter Resources: Start Investing with M1Finance or Fidelity Finance Books to Start Your Journey Open a High Yields Account Support/Apoya MoneyChisme Disclaimer: I’m not a financial advisor. The information contained in this video is for entertainment purposes only. Please consult a licensed professional before making any financial decisions. I shall not be held liable for any losses you may incur for information provided in this video. Please be careful! This video is for general information purposes only and is not financial advice. *Affiliate links: I may earn a small commission when you click on the links at no additional cost to you. This helps me provide you with free content, like this podcast! You can read my full disclaimer here: MoneyChisme Affiliate Links and Paid Advertisers Disclosure.