Episode 150:
Advocacy Made Accessible: Using Your Voice for Financial Change with Lisa Whitley
Download the transcript or watch on Youtube!
In this episode of Real Money, Real Experts, hosts Dr. Brandy Baxter and Rachael DeLeon sit down with Lisa Whitley, accredited financial counselor, and founder of MoneyByLisa LLC, a Registered Investment Advisor domiciled in the District of Columbia.
Lisa shares her unique journey as a Foreign Service Officer with the United States Agency for International Development into financial counseling and advocacy work. Together, they explore how financial professionals can use their firsthand client experiences to influence policy, support financial wellness initiatives, and create meaningful change at the local, state, and federal levels.
From affordability challenges and utility assistance programs to consumer protection and community advocacy, this conversation breaks down how advocacy doesn’t have to feel overwhelming — and why even one small step can make a lasting impact.
Whether you’re passionate about policy or simply looking for ways to better support your clients, this episode is a reminder that your voice matters.
Show Notes:
00:00 – Welcome back to Real Money, Real Experts
00:38 – Introducing guest Lisa Kirchenbauer
01:57 – Lisa’s journey into government relations and advocacy
03:15 – From Wall Street and United States Agency for International Development to financial counseling
04:40 – Why Lisa started her own firm, Money by Lisa
05:49 – What advocacy looks like in financial wellness
06:53 – Why advocacy can feel overwhelming — and how to simplify it
08:28 – Starting local: state and community-level advocacy
08:48 – The Association for Financial Counseling & Planning Education Advocacy Toolkit and practical resources
10:46 – Learning from other states and sharing solutions
11:35 – Why AFCs are subject matter experts in financial wellness
13:44 – Key policy issues impacting clients right now
16:08 – Practical first steps for getting involved in advocacy
17:48 – A real-world example of community advocacy creating policy change
19:49 – Lisa’s 2 Cents
20:59 – How the Government Relations Task Force supports the AFCPE community
Show Note Links:
Check out our Government Relations Advocacy Toolkit!
Follow MoneyByLisa on Facebook!
Connect with Lisa on Linkedin!
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.
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