Welcome back to Don’t Retire… Graduate! On today’s episode, I’m joined by a truly inspiring guest whose personal journey offers hope, resilience, and valuable lessons about financial wellness: Matt Paradise. Matt is a financial wellness speaker for young professionals, an award-winning author, and a living example of perseverance—having gone from being a homeless teen to achieving financial independence and now dedicating himself to helping others beat financial stress and unlock their full potential.

In our conversation, Matt and I dive deep into his incredible story of transformation, moving from addiction and hopelessness to sobriety, stability, and success. He shares candid reflections on the intersection of addiction, mental health, and financial habits, reminding us that these struggles can affect anyone, and that there’s always hope—even in the darkest times. We talk about the ongoing commitment involved in both addiction recovery and financial wellness, as well as the pivotal role that mindset, mentors, and community play in helping us overcome adversity.

Matt draws on his decades of experience in credit counseling and financial coaching, sharing powerful insights into behavioral addictions like overspending and debt accumulation—and how these patterns often stem from deeper emotional or psychological challenges. He recounts his own family’s story of long-term financial planning, caring for aging parents, and the anxieties and transitions that come with giving up independence later in life. Together, we explore the importance of vision, purpose, and building support systems—whether for our children, our elders, or ourselves as we pursue wellness and growth at every stage.

5 Key Takeaways:

1. Pain to Purpose: Matt’s journey shows that personal pain can be transformed into service and purpose—helping others find hope and resilience amid their own struggles.
2. Recovery Is Lifelong: Addiction recovery, whether chemical or behavioral (like debt or spending), is a lifelong process. Accountability, support, and “speaking the truth in love” are critical for lasting change.
3. Financial Wellness Is Holistic: True financial wellness goes beyond dollars and cents—it's deeply linked to mindset, emotional health, and the support systems we build. Financial anxiety can persist even after basic needs are met, especially when rooted in past trauma or scarcity.
4. Generational and Individual Challenges: Our experiences around money, independence, and mental health are shaped by generational patterns, cultural backgrounds, and personal histories. There’s no “one-size-fits-all”—every journey is unique.
5. The Importance of Vision and Purpose: Building a vision for our future—even if it feels difficult or intimidating—is essential. Whether planning for retirement, caregiving, or breaking out of survival mode, a clear purpose helps us create better present and future outcomes.

Join us for this powerful and motivating episode as we shine a light on overcoming adversity and creating financial and personal well-being through mindset, action, and community. Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share this episode with anyone who might benefit from a message of hope and practical wisdom—on their journey to financial freedom and purpose-filled living!

Welcome back to Don’t Retire… Graduate! In this special “Diary of a Financial Advisor” segment, I’m thrilled to welcome Andrew Harrell. Andrew’s journey is one of passion, commitment, and ongoing growth. He began at BFG as an associate in 2018, quickly advanced to lead advisor in 2023, and recently became a shareholder. Andrew graduated cum laude from Coastal Carolina University and was recognized with an Outstanding Alumnus Award from their Wall College of Business. He holds his CRPC (Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor) and his CFP (Certified Financial Planner), already making an impressive mark in the field.

Andrew and I dove into his evolving role, the significance of financial wellness, and the value of professional networking through the Financial Planning Association (FPA). We traded familiar office banter—yes, his “Young Protege” and “EJ” nicknames are alive and well!—before unpacking how staying engaged with the FPA not only shapes the profession but also impacts legislative advocacy and community outreach. Andrew explained how collaboration with fellow advisors, not competition, best serves clients and the financial planning industry.

We then explored a pivotal initiative at BFG: our corporate financial wellness program with KCI and other organizations. Andrew shared how this program empowers employees at every level to make sound financial choices, alleviating stress and fostering peace of mind through holistic planning. We also talked about the importance of taking off the “planner hat” and embracing well-rounded wellness for clients and ourselves. To wrap up, Andrew reflected on his vision for the future—staying true to his own strengths while continuing to make a difference.

5 Key Takeaways:

1. The Power of Professional Community: Andrew emphasized that working together with other financial advisors through the Financial Planning Association fosters collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and positive impact—rather than rivalry.
2. Legislative Advocacy Matters: Involvement with the FPA and similar organizations keeps financial advisors aware of regulatory changes and provides a voice to influence legislation that affects both advisors and their clients.
3. Financial Wellness for All Levels: Our corporate wellness program brings personalized financial guidance directly to employees, helping them understand complex benefits packages and make informed decisions regardless of their asset level.
4. Holistic Wellness is Essential: True financial planning goes beyond numbers—it’s about providing peace of mind, making sure beneficiaries and wills are in place, and reducing stress for both advisors and their clients.
5. Never Stop Growing: Andrew’s journey reminds us that ongoing professional development, community engagement, and the desire to elevate those around us are keys to a fulfilling and impactful career in financial planning.

Thank you for joining us on this episode as we continue to inspire, educate, and guide you toward financial freedom with purpose. Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share this episode with anyone looking to reshape their financial future!

1. The Rule of 72: Scott breaks down how money doubling every ten years—based on a 7.2% average annual return—can be a simple, empowering way to visualize long-term growth and motivate early action.
2. Harnessing the Power of 16: By shifting perspective, we realize that starting to invest early offers the unique ability to multiply money by sixteen over forty years, turning long-term discipline into an immediate “superpower.”
3. Loss Aversion as Motivation: Scott’s third epiphany highlights how our multiplying power halves every ten years after we begin investing—creating urgency and leveraging our innate drive to avoid loss for faster action.
4. Financial Literacy Is for Everyone: You don’t need to be a math whiz or have years of experience to succeed at personal finance; simple, practical habits and behavioral shifts make the greatest impact over time.
5. Generosity and Purpose: Financial mastery isn’t just for personal gain; Scott’s story about “becoming an Ernie” reminds us that wise stewardship leads to opportunities to make a difference and gives deeper meaning to financial success.