Follow

Family, Fraud, and Financial Literacy: Life Lessons from Tim Smith

Beyond Budgets Podcast

What if your kids graduated from college knowing how to budget, invest, and avoid getting scammed? In this heartfelt and wide-ranging episode, Deb Meyer sits down with Tim Smith, Certified Financial PlannerTM, founder of Aurora Private Wealth, and co-host of The Financial Dad podcast. They explore the critical (and often missing) elements of financial education for young adults, especially creatives and entrepreneurs navigating money on their own. But the conversation doesn't stop there. Tim opens up about a massive fraud case he witnessed firsthand — involving $15 million stolen under his watch — and how that experience fueled his upcoming book. You'll also hear honest reflections on parenting, overcommitted families, building strong marriages, and redefining what "success" looks like in a pressure-filled world. This episode is a must-listen for parents who want to make smarter financial decisions. Episode Highlights * (2:10) How schools are failing young adults in financial literacy * (13:17) How to balance ambition with relationships, family, and self-care * (21:48) How couples can divide financial responsibilities based on strengths * (25:29) The real reasons behind investor fraud (and how to prevent it) * (27:50) What "custody" means in financial advising, and why it matters Connect with Host Deb Meyer, CFP® Founder of WorthyNest®, helping faith-driven parents build financial plans that reflect their values. Schedule an Initial Meeting | Follow us on YouTube | Take the Financial Wellness Quiz