Podcast
Latina Financial Education, Investing & Wealth Building: MoneyChisme
Hosted by Violeta Sandoval · EN
Welcome to Money Chisme, the go-to show for Latinas ready to take control of their financial future! Whether you're learning about investing for beginners, building generational wealth, or launching a side hustle, this podcast is designed to empower our comunidad with the tools and strategies to thrive. I break down the essentials of personal finance, real estate investing, and entrepreneurship in the Latina community, helping you grow your money while staying connected to your roots.
My mission is to close the racial wealth gap by sharing relatable success stories, practical advice, and wealth-building tips tailored for Latinas. Whether you're dreaming of financial independence or growing your business, we’ve got you covered. Tune in, level up, and let’s build the future we deserve—together!
31episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
131. How to Build Generational Wealth for Your Kids | 529 Plans, Real Estate & Trust Funds
Yesterday00:23:26Tap to summarizeShare Your Thoughts!If you’ve ever wondered how to build real generational wealth for your children — beyond just saving money — this episode breaks down practical ways to create financial stability, opportunity, and long-term security for the next generation.In this solo episode, Violeta shares the exact strategies she’s using to build wealth for her daughter, from investing accounts and college funds to real estate investing, financial literacy, and estate planning. She opens up about growing up around financial struggle, why she’s determined to break those cycles, and how intentional wealth-building can create more options and freedom for future generations.She also explains beginner-friendly concepts like 529 plans, UTMA accounts, house hacking, rental properties, and trust funds — while emphasizing the importance of financial education and protecting the assets you build.We cover:• Building intentional generational wealth and breaking financial cycles• How first-generation experiences shape money mindset and financial anxiety• Beginner-friendly wealth-building tools like 529 plans, UTMA accounts, and house hacking• The role of financial literacy in preparing kids for long-term success• How real estate investing can create income, stability, and future opportunities• Combining college planning, investing, and estate planning to protect wealth• Why community, representation, and education matter for Latina investors• Creating systems that help preserve wealth for future generationsThis episode is a reminder that building wealth isn’t just about making more money — it’s about creating stability, expanding opportunities, protecting your assets, and giving the next generation a stronger financial foundation than the one you started with.Mentioned in this episode: • Free Latina real estate investing community Real Estate Jefas Community• Fidelity UTMA https://fidelity.app.link/e/2jr9fB2eUWb• Episode 129 with Andrea from Building Gen Wealth and the Latina Investors https://www.podcast.moneychisme.com/2042300/episodes/19138418-129-the-3-best-ways-to-build-wealth-even-if-you-re-starting-from-scratch Support the showSign Up for the MoneyChisme & Raíces NewsletterResources:Start Investing with M1Finance or FidelityFinance Books to Start Your JourneyOpen a High Yields AccountSupport/Apoya MoneyChismeDisclaimer: I’m not a financial advisor. The information contained in this video is for entertainment purposes only. Please consult a licensed professional before making any financial decisions. I shall not be held liable for any losses you may incur for information provided in this video. Please be careful! This video is for general information purposes only and is not financial advice.*Affiliate links: I may earn a small commission when you click on the links at no additional cost to you. This helps me provide you with free content, like this podcast! You can read my full disclaimer here: MoneyChisme Affiliate Links and Paid Advertisers Disclosure.
Transcribe →130. Why More Latinas Need to Invest in Real Estate | Building Wealth & Affordable Housing
1w ago00:25:14Tap to summarizeShare Your Thoughts!If you’ve ever felt like real estate investing was out of reach — or struggled with the idea of investors contributing to the housing crisis — this episode offers a different perspective on how real estate can be used as a tool for both financial stability and community impact. Violeta shares how she accidentally started investing through house hacking, how real estate helped her break out of financial struggle, and why she’s now focused on ethical investing and affordable housing. She also breaks down beginner-friendly strategies for buying your first property, reducing housing costs, creating additional income, and building generational wealth — even without a huge amount of money upfront. We cover: • How Violeta got started in real estate through house hacking • Beginner-friendly ways to use real estate to reduce expenses and build income • FHA, VA, USDA, and low down payment loan options • Why duplexes, triplexes, and fourplexes can be powerful first investments • The financial benefits of rental income and tax strategies • How ethical landlords can help improve housing affordability • Why more Latinas need representation in real estate investing • Common fears around investing — and why they shouldn’t stop you • Creative financing options beyond traditional mortgages • The importance of community, networking, and financial education This episode is a reminder that real estate investing can be about more than profit — it can also be a pathway to stability, generational wealth, and positive change within our communities. Mentioned in this episode:• How to Use Hard Money Loans• How to Pay Less Taxes• Free Latina real estate investing community Support the showSign Up for the MoneyChisme & Raíces NewsletterResources:Start Investing with M1Finance or FidelityFinance Books to Start Your JourneyOpen a High Yields AccountSupport/Apoya MoneyChismeDisclaimer: I’m not a financial advisor. The information contained in this video is for entertainment purposes only. Please consult a licensed professional before making any financial decisions. I shall not be held liable for any losses you may incur for information provided in this video. Please be careful! This video is for general information purposes only and is not financial advice.*Affiliate links: I may earn a small commission when you click on the links at no additional cost to you. This helps me provide you with free content, like this podcast! You can read my full disclaimer here: MoneyChisme Affiliate Links and Paid Advertisers Disclosure.
Transcribe →129. The 3 Best Ways to Build Wealth (Even If You’re Starting From Scratch)
2w ago00:42:27Tap to summarizeShare Your Thoughts!If you’ve been working, saving, and doing everything “right” with money but still feel stuck, this episode breaks down what might be missing.Violeta and Andrea Ramos discuss the three main ways to build wealth — the stock market, real estate, and entrepreneurship — and how to use them based on your current season of life. Andrea shares her journey from financial instability to building a six-figure business and investment portfolio, while Violeta shares how she got started in real estate through house hacking and grew from there.They highlight why the stock market is often the easiest place to start, how to approach investing without a 401(k), and how each wealth strategy can eventually support the next.We cover: • The three core wealth-building vehicles and how they differ • Why the stock market is the most accessible starting point • How to begin investing without a 401(k) • Real estate strategies like house hacking and multifamily investing • How to know when it’s the right time to buy property • Using one wealth strategy to fund another • The role of entrepreneurship in building wealth faster • Overcoming fear and confusion around moneyMentioned in this episode:Andrea’s Financial Coaching Services This episode is a reminder that you don’t have to do everything at once — start with one strategy, stay consistent, and build from there.Support the showSign Up for the MoneyChisme & Raíces NewsletterResources:Start Investing with M1Finance or FidelityFinance Books to Start Your JourneyOpen a High Yields AccountSupport/Apoya MoneyChismeDisclaimer: I’m not a financial advisor. The information contained in this video is for entertainment purposes only. Please consult a licensed professional before making any financial decisions. I shall not be held liable for any losses you may incur for information provided in this video. Please be careful! This video is for general information purposes only and is not financial advice.*Affiliate links: I may earn a small commission when you click on the links at no additional cost to you. This helps me provide you with free content, like this podcast! You can read my full disclaimer here: MoneyChisme Affiliate Links and Paid Advertisers Disclosure.
Transcribe →128. Single Moms & Poverty: The Real Reason Women Are Falling Behind Financially
3w ago00:31:04Tap to summarizeShare Your Thoughts!If you’ve ever felt like no matter how hard you work, it’s still not enough — especially while juggling bills, caregiving, and constant financial stress — this episode is a powerful and eye-opening conversation about why that feeling exists and what’s really behind it.Violeta dives deep into the reality of the feminization of poverty, breaking down how systemic barriers — not personal failures — disproportionately impact women, especially Latinas. This is both a validation and a call to awareness: your financial situation does not exist in a vacuum — and understanding the system is a key step toward navigating it.We cover: • What the “feminization of poverty” actually means and why it matters • The long-term impact of caregiving responsibilities on income and career growth • How lack of access to affordable childcare, healthcare, and education creates financial traps • How systemic policies and political decisions directly affect women’s financial stability • Practical ways women can protect themselves financially in an unpredictable system • Why money is inherently political — and why staying informed mattersThis episode is a reminder that financial struggle is often structural, not personal. And while the system may not be built in your favor, awareness, strategy, and community can help you navigate it with more clarity and intention.Mentioned in this episode:The Economic Status of Single Mothers by Center for American Progress The Enduring Grip of the Gender Pay Gap by Pew Research Center Pew ResearchTeen birth rates hit another historical low in 2025, CDC saysFox News analyst blames low birth rate on teens not having enough kidsIf this episode resonated with you, shareSupport the showSign Up for the MoneyChisme & Raíces NewsletterResources:Start Investing with M1Finance or FidelityFinance Books to Start Your JourneyOpen a High Yields AccountSupport/Apoya MoneyChismeDisclaimer: I’m not a financial advisor. The information contained in this video is for entertainment purposes only. Please consult a licensed professional before making any financial decisions. I shall not be held liable for any losses you may incur for information provided in this video. Please be careful! This video is for general information purposes only and is not financial advice.*Affiliate links: I may earn a small commission when you click on the links at no additional cost to you. This helps me provide you with free content, like this podcast! You can read my full disclaimer here: MoneyChisme Affiliate Links and Paid Advertisers Disclosure.
Transcribe →127. I Went From $200K to Lean Living… Here’s What Happened
4w ago00:28:43Tap to summarizeShare Your Thoughts!If you’ve ever gone through a major life or income change — whether earning less than before or suddenly earning more — and felt your spending habits didn’t quite adjust with you, this episode is a real, honest look at what that transition can actually feel like.Violeta shares her personal experience of going from a high-income household (over $200K/year) to a much leaner income after leaving the military and transitioning into a new phase of life. While the shift was planned financially, the mindset and habit adjustments proved to be more challenging than expected.She opens up about how easy it is for “old” spending habits to creep in — especially during exciting life moments like buying a home, starting a homestead, or launching new projects — and how those decisions, while not necessarily bad, can become less sustainable without the same level of income.This episode is both a reality check and a reassurance: even if you’re financially savvy, you still have to actively manage your money through every life season.We cover: • The emotional and mental shift of going from high income to lean living • Why financial habits don’t automatically adjust when your income changes • How lifestyle inflation can show up — even when you think you’re being intentional • The hidden costs of major life changes (moving, homeownership, homesteading, new projects) • Using 0% financing strategically — and when it can still backfire • Why “not bad decisions” can still create financial strain without proper planning • The importance of doing a financial audit and identifying where money is leaking • How to communicate about money without blame in a relationship • Separating personal finances from investments to avoid overlap and confusion • Turning financial pressure into motivation to increase income or take business goals seriouslyThis episode is a reminder that managing money is an ongoing process — not a one-time achievement. Life changes, income shifts, and new goals all require you to pause, reassess, and adjust. And if you find yourself off track, it doesn’t mean you’ve failed — it just means it’s time to realign and move forward with intention.Mentioned in this video: My homesteading channel Real estate podcast (Real Estate Chisme)Support the showSign Up for the MoneyChisme & Raíces NewsletterResources:Start Investing with M1Finance or FidelityFinance Books to Start Your JourneyOpen a High Yields AccountSupport/Apoya MoneyChismeDisclaimer: I’m not a financial advisor. The information contained in this video is for entertainment purposes only. Please consult a licensed professional before making any financial decisions. I shall not be held liable for any losses you may incur for information provided in this video. Please be careful! This video is for general information purposes only and is not financial advice.*Affiliate links: I may earn a small commission when you click on the links at no additional cost to you. This helps me provide you with free content, like this podcast! You can read my full disclaimer here: MoneyChisme Affiliate Links and Paid Advertisers Disclosure.
Transcribe →126. How to Pay Less Taxes (W2 Tips to Reduce Your Tax Bill Legally)
Apr 2100:22:42Tap to summarizeShare Your Thoughts!If you’ve ever felt frustrated after tax season — whether you owed more than expected or realized you could’ve kept more of your money — this episode breaks down how to start being more proactive with your taxes.Violeta recaps the end of tax season and shares practical, beginner-friendly strategies to help you reduce your tax liability moving forward — especially if you’re a W2 employee or working toward a higher income. She explains key concepts like deductions vs. credits, and walks through simple ways to start planning now so next year feels very different.She also touches on the emotional and personal side of taxes — from feeling overwhelmed or unprepared to rethinking how and when you pay taxes — and encourages listeners to take control by staying informed and building a strategy that aligns with their values and financial goals.We cover: • The difference between tax deductions and tax credits (and how each one works) • How pre-tax accounts like 401(k)s and HSAs can reduce your taxable income • Common tax credits to be aware of (child tax credit, earned income credit, and more) • Standard deduction vs. itemizing — and how to know which is right for you • How medical expenses and HSAs can offer additional tax advantages • Adjusting your withholdings and what to consider before doing it • Why tax planning shouldn’t wait until tax season • Ways to reduce taxable income, including starting a business or investing in real estate • The importance of working with a CPA and staying informed on tax changesThis episode is a reminder that tax season shouldn’t be a surprise — with the right knowledge and small actions throughout the year, you can keep more of your money and feel more in control of your finances.Mentioned in this episode:IRS Tax Credits27 Real Estate Tax Benefits Explained: Pay Less TaxesEpisode 114: What’s Changing With Money in 2026?, Taxes, Real Estate & Financial Planning UpdatesSupport the showSign Up for the MoneyChisme & Raíces NewsletterResources:Start Investing with M1Finance or FidelityFinance Books to Start Your JourneyOpen a High Yields AccountSupport/Apoya MoneyChismeDisclaimer: I’m not a financial advisor. The information contained in this video is for entertainment purposes only. Please consult a licensed professional before making any financial decisions. I shall not be held liable for any losses you may incur for information provided in this video. Please be careful! This video is for general information purposes only and is not financial advice.*Affiliate links: I may earn a small commission when you click on the links at no additional cost to you. This helps me provide you with free content, like this podcast! You can read my full disclaimer here: MoneyChisme Affiliate Links and Paid Advertisers Disclosure.
Transcribe →125. Life Updates: Navigating Leaving the Military, reaching FIRE and other Chisme
Apr 1600:19:40Tap to summarizeShare Your Thoughts!Feeling stuck in the chaos of transition? Today I open up about leaving military life behind, navigating the wild ride of real estate, and shifting my version of freedom on my own terms.This episode is your wake-up call if you're struggling to find clarity after big life shifts. From the hustle and grind of military routines to the sacred space of my growing businesses, all while rebranding my life and embracing a slower, purpose-driven pace. It's a story of resilience, reinvention, and the power of intentional independence.This episode isn’t just about surviving—it's about thriving with clarity, courage, and confidence. Whether you're in the midst of your own big transition, dreaming of financial independence, or ready to carve out your space on your own terms, this is your call to action.Why stay stuck in old routines when freedom is within reach? Hit play—ignite your transformation today. You’re only one decision away from living the life you truly deserve.Mentioned in this episode:Join my Latina Real Estate Investors Skool CommunityLearn about Real Estate Investing on Real Estate ChismeFollow my Homesteading Journey on YoutubeSupport the showSign Up for the MoneyChisme & Raíces NewsletterResources:Start Investing with M1Finance or FidelityFinance Books to Start Your JourneyOpen a High Yields AccountSupport/Apoya MoneyChismeDisclaimer: I’m not a financial advisor. The information contained in this video is for entertainment purposes only. Please consult a licensed professional before making any financial decisions. I shall not be held liable for any losses you may incur for information provided in this video. Please be careful! This video is for general information purposes only and is not financial advice.*Affiliate links: I may earn a small commission when you click on the links at no additional cost to you. This helps me provide you with free content, like this podcast! You can read my full disclaimer here: MoneyChisme Affiliate Links and Paid Advertisers Disclosure.
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124. How to Get Out of Debt Fast (Without Hating Your Life)
Mar 3100:33:46Tap to summarizeShare Your Thoughts!If you’ve ever felt like you should be further ahead with money — even after earning more or having opportunities — this episode brings clarity to why that happens and how to move forward.Violeta sits down with Justin Brown-Woods, an accredited financial counselor who shares how he went from receiving a $600,000 inheritance to falling into over $220,000 of debt — and how he turned things around by paying off more than $130,000 in just 18 months.They dive into how lack of financial education, lifestyle inflation, and emotional habits can impact your finances, regardless of income. Justin also shares practical, realistic approaches to budgeting and debt payoff, including how to make budgeting feel less restrictive and more aligned with your values.The conversation also explores the emotional side of money — from shame and avoidance to how debt affects your mental health and relationships — and offers mindset shifts to help you move forward with more confidence and clarity.We cover: • How lifestyle inflation can lead to debt — even with a large income or payout • Why financial education matters more than how much you earn • A more flexible, values-based approach to budgeting • Practical strategies to stay consistent with your finances • How to overcome shame and avoidance around money • Different debt payoff methods and how to choose one • Tips for navigating money conversations in relationships • Why your financial situation does not define your worthThis episode is a reminder that you’re not behind — you’re learning. And with the right tools and mindset, you can take back control of your finances.Mentioned in this episode:Haley and Justin Brown-Woods’ Financial CounselingSupport the showSign Up for the MoneyChisme & Raíces NewsletterResources:Start Investing with M1Finance or FidelityFinance Books to Start Your JourneyOpen a High Yields AccountSupport/Apoya MoneyChismeDisclaimer: I’m not a financial advisor. The information contained in this video is for entertainment purposes only. Please consult a licensed professional before making any financial decisions. I shall not be held liable for any losses you may incur for information provided in this video. Please be careful! This video is for general information purposes only and is not financial advice.*Affiliate links: I may earn a small commission when you click on the links at no additional cost to you. This helps me provide you with free content, like this podcast! You can read my full disclaimer here: MoneyChisme Affiliate Links and Paid Advertisers Disclosure.
Transcribe →123. 10 Financial Truths That Will Change How You Think About Money
Mar 2400:17:50Tap to summarizeShare Your Thoughts!If you’ve been doing all the “right” things with money — building a career, earning more, saving consistently — but still feel unsure about your financial future, this episode puts language to that feeling and shows you what might be missing.Violeta speaks directly to first-gen Latinas who are navigating money without a blueprint, balancing ambition, family responsibilities, and the pressure to “figure it out” on their own. In this episode, Violeta breaks down 10 essential mindset shifts every Latina wealth builder needs to understand. From redefining what it actually means to be “good with money” to unpacking the emotional side of financial decisions, she highlights the gaps that traditional money advice often overlooks.She dives into the key difference between income and wealth, and why earning more doesn’t automatically translate to financial freedom. Instead, she emphasizes the importance of building assets — the things that continue to grow and generate income even when you’re not working.Most importantly, this episode is a reminder that wealth isn’t about status or luxury — it’s about freedom. The freedom to make choices, support your family, and live life on your own terms.We cover: • Why feeling “behind” with money is more common than you think • The difference between earning income and building true wealth • Why many Latinas were taught survival money skills — not wealth strategies • How your emotional relationship with money impacts your decisions • Why perfectionism and overthinking can delay financial progress • The power of starting before you feel fully ready • How time and consistency build wealth more than hustle alone • Why your network and environment shape your financial future • The truth about wealth vs. status and lifestyle inflation • How real estate can be used to build cash flow, equity, and long-term freedom • Why generational wealth starts with one decisionThis episode is your reminder that you’re not behind — you’re just learning a new game. And the moment you start thinking differently about money, you open the door to building a future rooted in freedom, stability, and choice.Mentioned in this episode:Free 5-Day Rental Property Investing Crash CourseJoin the Real Estate Community for LatinaSupport the showSign Up for the MoneyChisme & Raíces NewsletterResources:Start Investing with M1Finance or FidelityFinance Books to Start Your JourneyOpen a High Yields AccountSupport/Apoya MoneyChismeDisclaimer: I’m not a financial advisor. The information contained in this video is for entertainment purposes only. Please consult a licensed professional before making any financial decisions. I shall not be held liable for any losses you may incur for information provided in this video. Please be careful! This video is for general information purposes only and is not financial advice.*Affiliate links: I may earn a small commission when you click on the links at no additional cost to you. This helps me provide you with free content, like this podcast! You can read my full disclaimer here: MoneyChisme Affiliate Links and Paid Advertisers Disclosure.
Transcribe →122. Want to Retire Early? The 5 FIRE Strategies Explained (Financial Independence Guide)
Mar 1700:22:08Tap to summarizeShare Your Thoughts!If the idea of retiring early sounds appealing but also completely unrealistic, this episode breaks down what financial independence can actually look like in real life — especially for first-gen Latinas balancing career goals, family responsibilities, and rising living costs.Violeta introduces the FIRE movement, which stands for Financial Independence, Retire Early. The core idea is simple: build enough investments so your money can cover your living expenses, giving you the freedom to work because you want to — not because you have to.But retiring early doesn’t always mean having millions in the bank or quitting work forever. In this episode, Violeta explains that there are five different types of FIRE strategies, each designed for different lifestyles, income levels, and goals.We break down how the 4% rule works and how to estimate your “FIRE number” — the amount you would need invested to generate enough income to cover your annual expenses.From there, Violeta walks through the different approaches to financial independence, from minimalist lifestyles to luxury retirements, as well as hybrid options that allow you to work part-time while your investments cover most of your expenses.This episode is a reminder that financial independence isn’t a one-size-fits-all formula. Whether your goal is to retire early, work less, or simply have the freedom to walk away from a job you don’t love, there are multiple paths to buying back your time.We cover:• What the FIRE movement is and how financial independence works• How to calculate your “FIRE number” using the 4% rule• The five different types of FIRE and how they compare• Why Lean FIRE focuses on minimizing expenses• How Fat FIRE allows for a more luxurious retirement lifestyle• What Barista FIRE is and why it offers flexibility with part-time work• How Coast FIRE relies on investing aggressively early in life• Why real estate can accelerate financial independence through cash flow• Important factors to consider like inflation, mortgages, and lifestyle changesThis episode is a reminder that building wealth and creating financial freedom is a long-term journey. Even small steps today can move you closer to a future where your time truly belongs to you.Mentioned in this episode:Free 5-Day Rental Property Investing Crash CourseJoin the Real Estate Community for Latinas (Skool)Support the showSign Up for the MoneyChisme & Raíces NewsletterResources:Start Investing with M1Finance or FidelityFinance Books to Start Your JourneyOpen a High Yields AccountSupport/Apoya MoneyChismeDisclaimer: I’m not a financial advisor. The information contained in this video is for entertainment purposes only. Please consult a licensed professional before making any financial decisions. I shall not be held liable for any losses you may incur for information provided in this video. Please be careful! This video is for general information purposes only and is not financial advice.*Affiliate links: I may earn a small commission when you click on the links at no additional cost to you. This helps me provide you with free content, like this podcast! You can read my full disclaimer here: MoneyChisme Affiliate Links and Paid Advertisers Disclosure.
Transcribe →