In this week’s episode, we sit down with Colleen Salchow—Marine Corps spouse, Accredited Financial Counselor, and former special education teacher—who is passionate about helping teens, young adults, and military families take control of their financial futures. With a background in counseling and education, Colleen brings a compassionate, real-world approach to financial literacy.

From teaching teens the value of budgeting through real-life consequences (like trading Nike money for a new phone) to showing families how to look beyond college tuition and understand the true cost of higher education, Colleen shares stories and strategies that make money management feel less intimidating and more empowering. She also opens up about the financial lessons she’s learned through frequent military moves and why having a fully funded emergency fund is essential for any military family.

Whether you’re a parent, a caregiver, or someone navigating your own financial journey, this episode is packed with practical wisdom and relatable advice you won’t want to miss.

Show Notes: 

02:36 Colleen’s financial lessons

06:31 From teaching to personal finance: Colleen’s “why” 

10:49 How the AFC impacted Colleen’s solopreneur journey 

15:28 Student loan planning 101

25:53 The balance between guiding your children financially & allowing them to make their own mistakes

29:47 Colleen’s 2 Cents

Show Note Links:

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