Episode 155:
More Personal Than Finance: Helping Veterans Build Financial Resilience with Dedrick Curtis
Download the transcript or watch on Youtube!
Financial challenges are rarely just about numbers—they’re about life, transitions, and the support people need along the way.
In this episode of Real Money, Real Experts, hosts Rachael DeLeon and Dr. Brandy Baxter sit down with AFC®, CFP® Dedrick Curtis to discuss the unique financial realities facing veterans, military families, and caregivers. As Program Manager for the Veterans Benefits Banking Program and founder of Penny Earned Financial, Dedrick shares how behavioral finance, financial counseling, and financial planning work together to help people navigate everything from financial crises to long-term wealth building.
Together, they explore the difference between financial counseling and financial planning, why collaboration among financial professionals leads to better client outcomes, and how empathy, trust, and financial education can empower individuals through every stage of their financial journey.
Timestamps:
00:00 – Welcome & Guest Introduction
02:26 – What Is the Veterans Benefits Banking Program (VBBP)?
04:53 – The Biggest Financial Challenges Veterans Face Today
06:37 – Why Personal Finance Is More Personal Than Finance
08:25 – Financial Counseling vs. Financial Planning: What’s the Difference?
11:50 – Financial Journeys Aren’t Always Linear
12:18 – How Financial Counselors and Planners Can Better Collaborate
15:56 – Building Trust with Clients During Financial Stress
19:08 – Serving Veterans Through Specialized Financial Guidance
22:14 – How the Financial Industry Can Better Support Military Families
24:41 – Dedrick’s Two Cents: Why More People Should Become Financial Counselors
26:24 – Where to Connect with Dedrick Curtis
27:59 – Key Takeaways: Meeting Clients Where They Are
30:31 – Closing Remarks
Shownotes:
Learn more about Veterans Banking!
Learn more about Penny Earned Financial!
We’re celebrating one year of the AFC Learning System and the revamped Money Management Essentials with a special offer!
Save 15% on either program with promo code ONEDERFUL15
Want to get involved with AFCPE®?
Here are a few places to start:
Want to support the podcast? We love partnering with organizations that share our mission and values. Download our media kit.
Want to get involved with AFCPE®?
Here are a few places to start: Become a Member, Sign up for an Essentials Course, or Get AFC Certified today!
Want to support the podcast? We love partnering with organizations that share our mission and values. Download our media kit.
Leave a Reply