In this powerful episode of Real Money, Real Experts, Rachael DeLeon and Dr. Mary Bell Carlson sit down with Dr. Michael G. Thomas Jr., a financial empathy expert and lecturer at the University of Georgia, who is changing the way we think about money and wealth. As an Accredited Financial Counselor® (AFC®), Dr. Thomas’s work emphasizes the importance of empathy, self-compassion, and active listening in financial counseling and planning. We explore his unique philosophy that the journey to financial health is deeply relational—not just about personal gain but about shouldering each other’s burdens and celebrating each other’s successes.

Dr. Thomas shares insights from his book, Black Financial Culture: Building Wealth from the Inside Out, and we dive into the impact of brain function on financial behavior and the essential role of data visualization in helping individuals see their financial paths more clearly. Dr. Thomas’s message is clear: we don’t all start or end at the same place, and it’s about recognizing our shared struggles and learning how to thrive collectively.

Show Notes:
02:41 A Glimpse Into Michael’s Keynote Speech
07:21 It’s Not You, It’s the System
12:22 Digging into Michael’s book “Black Financial Culture”
17:58 Unpacking cultural norms
22:18 The importance of genuine connection
27:13 Why the AFCPE Symposium is a constant
29:58 Michael’s 2 Cents

Show Note Links:
LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/moneyandwellness/
Twitter @Modomsolutions
Instagram @modomsolutions
Tik Tok @modomsolutions

Want to get involved with AFCPE®?
Here are a few places to start:

• Become a Member
• Sign up for an Essentials Course
• Get AFC Certified today!

Want to support the podcast? We love partnering with organizations that share our mission and values. Download our media kit.