In this episode, Dayna sits down with George Thomas — financial coach, licensed banker, and founder of The Financial Constructor — to break down the truth about building wealth without overcomplicating it.

George has spent years helping individuals and families move from “barely making it” to finally gaining clarity, confidence, and control over their finances. His practical, simple strategies have guided young professionals through major milestones like creating their first budget, managing student loans, and setting up a plan for long-term stability.

We talk about:
Why so many people overthink wealth-building
The mindset shifts that help people break the paycheck-to-paycheck cycle
How to create a simple budget that actually works
Real stories from families who transformed their financial lives
How young adults can start building confidence with money
Actionable steps you can apply TODAY to move toward financial freedom

George’s approach is down-to-earth, practical, and proven — and this conversation is full of clarity and motivation, no matter your starting point.

Website: thefinancialconstructor.com

Connect with George Thomas

In this episode of the Get Smart with Money Podcast, Dayna Hernandez sits down with Kira Shishkin, a 4-time entrepreneur and the founder & CEO of informed, a news concierge service designed to help you “know more, read less.”With a career that spans fintech, venture capital, crypto mining, and strategy consulting, Kira has built and scaled companies worth hundreds of millions — but his latest mission with informed is deeply personal. After years of witnessing the chaos of clickbait, misinformation, and digital overload, he created a new way to stay informed without being influenced.Through informed, subscribers receive concise, factual daily news via SMS — no ads, no bias, no noise — just clarity. In this conversation, Kira shares his insights on entrepreneurship, media minimalism, and how conscious information consumption can improve not only our productivity but also our mental well-being.Kira has been featured on The Lush Life Show, The Motion Podcast, Venture Daily, and more, and continues to lead conversations around media mindfulness and innovation.🎧 Listen now to discover how to stay informed — not influenced.🔗 Learn more about Kira & informed:🌐 informed.now📱 Follow Kira: LinkedIn, informed Media

In this episode, I sit down with Kate Assaraf, founder and CEO of DIP, the brand redefining hair care with sustainable shampoo and conditioner bars. Kate shares her journey of building a mission-driven business, the challenges of scaling a product that puts people and the planet first, and how she’s shaking up the beauty industry with innovation and heart.

You’ll walk away from this episode inspired by Kate’s resilience and creativity, and with a deeper understanding of how purpose-driven businesses can make a real impact.

Learn more about DIP here: https://dipalready.com

In this episode, I sit down with Jimmy Rios, founder of Eye Level to High Level™, to share strategies for scaling businesses, securing non-recourse funding, and optimizing financial planning.With 20+ years of experience, Jimmy explains how his team creates custom roadmaps for lasting growth—covering credit, taxes, and operational efficiency. Hear real success stories from entrepreneurs who have unlocked funding, expanded operations, and achieved financial independence.🚀 Eye Level to High Level: eyeleveltohighlevel.riosbusinessfunding.com📖 E-Book: Decoding the Mystery of Business Credit: bit.ly/jimmys-ebook💼 Rios Business Advisors: www.riosbusinessadvisors.com✉️ Email: jimmy@riosbusinessadvisors.com

In this episode of the Get Smart with Money Podcast, I sit down with Julia and Gino Barbaro — Certified Money Coaches (CMC)®, entrepreneurs, and co-hosts of The Julia & Gino Show — for an inspiring conversation about faith, family, and financial freedom.As parents of six and partners in both life and business, Julia and Gino share how they’ve built a thriving real estate portfolio of over 1,800 multifamily units and $350 million in assets under management — while keeping their values, communication, and family connection at the heart of everything they do.Julia, a Certified High Performance Coach®, helps individuals strengthen their relationships and reach their personal and professional goals with clarity and confidence. Gino, author of Happy Money Happy Life: Create a Legacy of Wealth and Happiness, brings decades of experience guiding others to build wealth with purpose and design lives of true abundance.Together, they remind us that wealth isn’t just about money — it’s about living with intention, love, and legacy. Connect with Julia & Gino: ⁠barbaro360.com⁠ ⁠The Julia & Gino Show⁠ ⁠Happy Money Happy Life (Book)⁠ Instagram: ⁠@barbaro_360⁠ YouTube: ⁠Barbaro 360⁠ Facebook: ⁠Join Gino’s Family

In this episode, I sit down with Lori Pappas, entrepreneur, author, and humanitarian, to talk about how life’s toughest challenges can become the foundation for purpose, peace, and prosperity.

Lori’s journey is one of powerful transformation — turning personal adversity into a series of successful ventures that inspire others to do the same. Through her work and her book “The Magic of Yes,” Lori teaches how self-trust, boundaries, and inner wisdom can help you create a life filled with joy, balance, and financial empowerment.

Her story is a beautiful reminder that it’s never too late to rewrite your narrative and design a life rooted in authenticity and abundance.

Connect with Lori:
Website: https://loripappas.com
Book: The Magic of Yes
Newsletter: https://loripappas.substack.com
Join the Wise Woman Sisterhood: https://facebook.com/groups/wisewomanorg
Instagram: @loripappas_
LinkedIn: Lori Pappas

In this episode, I sit down with Matthew Stafford, Managing Partner of Build Grow Scale, to discuss the art and science of scaling eCommerce businesses through data, psychology, and emotional intelligence.

With over three decades of entrepreneurial experience across multiple industries — from brick-and-mortar to software — Matthew has helped hundreds of brands grow beyond seven figures and reach new heights. Through Build Grow Scale, he mentors thousands of store owners, teaching them how to optimize conversion rates, enhance user experience, and create sustainable success.

Beyond business strategy, Matthew opens up about how emotional intelligence and self-awareness play a key role in entrepreneurship and personal growth.

https://a.co/d/92479ue

Learn more about Matthew and Build Grow Scale: https://buildgrowscale.com
Connect with Matthew: LinkedIn | Instagram | YouTube

In this episode, Kim helps me personally but many others with one simple rule: think of your income as a percentage when you are saving some of it and do it first before anything else!

Kim Kent is Perth's leading Money Mindset and Financial Coach, renowned for her transformative Wealthy As F*ck money coaching program. With over a decade of entrepreneurial experience, she's helped countless women overcome money mindset blocks, achieve financial freedom, and break the cycle of generational scarcity.
Kim's own journey, from financial stress to business success, fuels her passion for empowering women to heal their relationship with money. Recognised globally as one of the top 9 Money Coaches in 2024, Kim continues to impact the lives of ambitious women across Australia, guiding them to financial abundance and empowerment.

Check her out here: http://www.wealthyaf.com.au/

Free training: https://www.kimkent.net/moneyinthebank

Free savings cheatsheet!: https://www.kimkent.net/savingscheatsheet