Wallet Watch Season 14: Exploring The Human Side of Finance
March 5, 2026
Have you tuned into Wallet Watch? Produced by MSUFCU’s Financial Education team, Wallet Watch is your go-to resource for financial responsibility and professional development. Season 14 takes a powerful turn, diving into the human side of finance. Because money isn’t just about numbers, it’s about the mindset, emotions, experiences, and the stories we carry with us.
Here’s a closer look at this season’s conversations:
Your Brain on Money: How Mindset Shapes Financial Behaviors
In the first episode of season 14, host Jessica Rubio sits down with MSUFCU Board Director Dr. Quinetta Roberson, John A. Hannah Distinguished Professor of Management and Psychology at Michigan State University.
Dr. Roberson explores the fascinating connection between psychology and financial behavior—breaking down how life experiences, family influences, and emotions shape the way we earn, save, and spend. She also shares practical strategies for shifting your money mindset and building healthier daily habits to improve overall financial wellness.
Financial Trauma and Family Influence: What You Did (or Didn’t) Learn About Money
Our money stories often begin long before our first paycheck. In this episode, Jessica and Dr. Amanda Talbot, Dr. Erica Tobe, Assistant Professors in MSU’s Department of Human Development and Family Studies, and MSUFCU’s own Cecilia Sandoval, unpack how childhood lessons, family dynamics, cultural norms, and even financial trauma influence the way we manage money today.
This conversation encourages listeners to reflect on their personal money story—and consider how developing healthier habits now can positively impact future generations.
Social Media and Financial Pressures
Scrolling feels effortless, but the financial influence behind it is anything but. In this episode, Jessica sits down with Dr. Juan Mundel, Associate Professor of Advertising and Public Relations at Michigan State University, to examine how social media and targeted advertising shape spending behavior.
From comparison culture to algorithm-driven ads, digital platforms are designed to tap into emotional triggers that nudge us toward spending. The good news? Awareness creates power. Dr. Mundel shares practical strategies to protect both your mental and financial well-being in today’s digital world.
Generational Finance
Financial stress looks different depending on when and how you were raised. In this episode, Andy Manthei from GreenPath Financial Wellness joins Jessica to discuss generational perspectives on money. They explore how major economic events shape financial habits, why many people feel “behind” regardless of age, and how financial stress shows up across life stages.
The episode also highlights how neurodivergence can impact financial decision-making, reinforcing that money management is never one-size-fits-all. It’s a must-listen for anyone looking to approach money conversations with empathy and understanding.
Financial Wellness: More Than Just Numbers
Money isn’t just math, budgets, or spreadsheets, it’s personal. In this episode, Jessica welcomes back Jessica Willis, CEO and founder of Pocketnest, for an honest conversation about why finances can feel overwhelming.
They explore the “sleep-at-night” factor of financial wellness, the role of comparison culture, and how to give yourself grace after setbacks. Listeners will walk away with simple, actionable steps to build confidence without shame, pressure, or perfectionism.
Building a Financial Plan That Fits You
You don’t need to have everything figured out to begin building a financial plan. You just need to start! In the final episode of Season 14, Jessica and Jeff Adams of TrulyU Wealth Management and Investment Services discuss personalized financial planning and why progress matters more than perfection.
They talk about common misconceptions, the pressures of comparison culture, and how past financial experiences shape current decision-making. The episode reinforces that accountability, consistency, and the right support can help turn financial goals into achievable milestones.
Tune In
Season 14 of Wallet Watch reminds us that financial wellness isn’t just about what’s in your wallet; it’s about what’s happening in your mind and heart.
“Wallet Watch season 14 reminded me and our listeners that money isn’t just math or budgets, its emotions, mindsets, and a reflection of who we are,” said Jessica Rubio, Senior Financial Education Specialist and host of Wallet Watch. “When we allow ourselves the space to explore that without shame and with a little more grace we gain clarity. And with clarity comes confidence, the ability to break generational patterns, overcome mental and financial barriers and intentionally build a healthier relationship with money.”
Whether you’re looking to better understand your own money habits, support others with empathy, or build healthier financial behaviors, this season offers insights you can apply immediately.
Ready to listen? Catch the latest episodes of Wallet Watch and explore the human side of finance on Spotify, Apple Podcast, Podbean, or wherever you find your podcasts!
Tags: Money Management, Savings, Budgeting