Living Not So Fabulously

You may know Phil Schraeder as the innovative CEO of GumGum, a cutting-edge AI digital advertising firm that’s changing the way brands connect with audiences. But before rising to leadership in a challenging industry with a focus on diversity and inclusion, Schrader navigated his own financial hurdles, including a life-changing experience on the game show “Are You Smarter than a Fifth Grader?”. In this week’s episode of Living Not So Fabulously, Schraeder joins hosts David & John Auten-Schneider to discuss his journey from employee number 10 at GumGum to its CEO, where he led the company to secure $75 million in funding during the pandemic. He reflects candidly on his past struggles with debt and the pressure to fit into a certain lifestyle. "I was in debt, and I needed to figure out how to get out," he recalls, humorously sharing how his victory on the game show helped him turn his financial trajectory around. Schraeder also emphasizes the importance of using AI responsibly in advertising, advocating for technology that respects privacy while fostering meaningful connections with consumers. He passionately discusses his commitment to creating a workplace where diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging are more than just buzzwords—they're integral to the company’s DNA. His story underscores the idea that genuine connections—both in business and in our personal lives—are vital for success. Phil’s journey serves as a reminder that lessons learned from financial challenges can lead to transformative opportunities, paving the way for both professional growth and personal fulfillment. For full episodes of Living Not So Fabulously, listen on your favorite podcast platform or watch on our website. Yahoo Finance's Living Not So Fabulously is produced by Austin Rivera. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

You may know Mo Welch’s creative and cutting-comedy from her “Dad Jokes” comedy special or her recently concluded stand-up tour with Brett Goldstein (known for his role as Roy Kent in the Apple TV+ sports comedy series “Ted Lasso”). But before becoming the next big up-and-coming comedian, she had to learn the hard way how to grow her career while managing her bills. On this week’s episode of Living Not So Fabulously, Welch joins hosts David & John Auten-Schneider to share her money stories working in stand-up comedy while freelancing as a writer, actor, and artist. “I am so bad at money managing, and of course, I've gotten better as we've gone on. But a lot of it was, ‘Okay, how do I pay for an improv class when I'm a nanny trying to live my dreams, and improv classes are like $1,200?’” For Welch as a comedian, these experiences did “lead to a lot of great jokes, but it's a lot of jokes that I'm happy to retire because they were also sad,” she chuckled through explaining. As Welch struggled for years through the vertical career climb in stand-up comedy, her first real footing came from a completely different talent: cartoons. In a self-described period of “rock-bottom,” Welch turned to her art as an outlet, crafting a Daria-esque character now known as Blair paired with a deadpan caption. This cartoon series (still going a decade later) is what led to Welch’s first big paycheck in Hollywood: a book deal-turned-TV script, working with Chelsea Handler attached as executive producer. That’s when “things really started rolling,” Welch explains. “Once I really leaned into my rock bottom and was honest with myself, and said, ‘Hey wait, wake up. You need to make a change here.'" Welch’s journey proves that embracing rock bottom can sometimes be the first step toward something bigger—whether it’s a book deal, a TV script, or simply the next great joke. Hosts and husbands of Living Not So Fabulously, David & John Auten-Schneider, dive into real money stories with activists, allies, artists, tech-gurus, and trailblazers in the LGBTQ+ community to give you tangible takeaways to tackle your wallet woes. Find this episode's transcripts and more episodes of Living Not So Fabulously at http://finance.yahoo.com/videos/series/living-fabulously/. Have a money story of your own? Questions? Fan mail? Email us at [email protected]. 00:00-Mo Welch joins Living Not So Fabulously 01:25-Wigs and wigs 04:30-Can't pay for rent with jokes 10:00-Financial fronting 17:30-A cartoon career spring board 18:45-The threat of AI art 20:30-Laughing through politics Yahoo Finance's Living Not So Fabulously is hosted by David & John Auten-Schneider, and created and produced by Rachael Lewis-Krisky. Mo Welch is a stand up comedian and cartoonist originally from Normal, Illinois. She appeared on CONAN in January of 2018 and in February of 2019. Her 10 part animated series BLAIR debuted on TBS Digital in January 2018. She was selected to be part of the CBS SHOWCASE in 2014 and 2024. Her comics have been published in The New Yorker, Cosmopolitan Magazine, Vice, and more. She was a writer on Good Talk with Anthony Jeselnik and Krapopolis on Fox. Mo co-directed her own special DAD JOKES as well as Beth Stelling's special, If You Didn't Want Me Then on Netflix. She's had script deals with HBO Max, Amazon, and FX. Mo is currently on the road opening for Brett Goldstein. Prior to that, she was on the road with Anthony Jeselnik and Chelsea Handler. Her hybrid stand up and animated show Mole premiered at Cherry Lane Theater in 2022. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Many pressures impact how we manage our money, from friends pressuring you to spend money you don't have on a big trip to trends in the news swaying you into more risky investments. Even coworkers offer unfounded advice on your approach to wealth management. But have you ever considered the impact of toxic masculinity on your money? On this episode of Living Not So Fabulously, hosts David & John Auten-Schneider are joined by journalist, writer, trans activist, and public speaker with a well-known TED talk, Tiq Milan. Milan explains what toxic masculinity is, why it affects everyone, and how it impacts our wallets. "People don't want to be vulnerable around their own struggles with money," he says. "But being able to be vulnerable around trusted people [is important] so that you can start to learn about how to use your money as a resource. You see people who have money, but you don't see the struggle behind it." Milan goes on to clarify that toxic masculinity hinders one's ability to seek assistance with wealth-building because "toxic masculinity is all about competing with other folks instead of collaborating with community. It's not about love and empathy—like the morality around toxic masculinity isn't built around love or empathy. It's built around power and individualism." But no one is truly free from money struggles. Milan went on to discuss how the LGBTQ+ community also, in particular, needs to change their relationship and perspectives around wealth-building. "I think that it is a radical idea for us as queer people to gain wealth and also to understand the value of the money that we have as a community and as a powerful economic entity in this country. So I think there's a reframe that has to happen first to kind of radicalize our relationship to our personal finances." Hosts and husbands of Living Not So Fabulously, David & John Auten-Schneider, dive into real money stories with activists, allies, artists, tech-gurus, and trailblazers in the LGBTQ+ community to give you tangible takeaways to tackle your wallet woes. Find this episode's transcripts and more episodes of Living Not So Fabulously at http://finance.yahoo.com/videos/series/living-fabulously/. Have a money story of your own? Questions? Fan mail? Email us at [email protected]. 00:00-Tiq Milan joins Living Not So Fabulously 01:30-Funding LGBTQ+ rights through personal wealth building 05:02-Defining toxic masculinity 07:40-Counter point, Zuckerberg 15:50-The power of vulnerability 18:15-De-tabooing money talks 21:48-Fabulous lives without the debt Yahoo Finance's Living Not So Fabulously is hosted by David & John Auten-Schneider, and created and produced by Rachael Lewis-Krisky. Tiq Milan shares his experience as a transgender man and how it shapes his views on masculinity, race, and gender. He travels across North America to discuss healthy masculinity, inclusive leadership, and effective communication. He has spoken at universities like Harvard, Stanford, and Brown about using inclusion as a tool for innovation and provides practical strategies for meaningful interactions. Tiq also shares his story of love and transition with The Moth. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, better known as DEI, initiatives have been coming under increased scrutiny since President Trump took office. Several companies have ended or reduced their DEI push. Most recently, JPMorgan (JPM) dropped most of its references to DEI from its annual report. On the latest episode of Living Not So Fabulously hosts David & John Auten-Schneider spoke with Fuerza Strategy Group managing director Jason DeAlessi, who is actively involved in LGBTQ+ businesses and local politics, about the growing threats that put the LGBTQ+ community's progress at risk. One of the issues he is tackling is "rainbow capitalism." "Rainbow capitalism is the performative box check that a lot of companies have been doing,” he says, criticizing companies that use Pride Month as an opportunity for virtue-signaling without making long-term contributions. "They parade that float down the streets during Pride month and then they disappear. They don't support or sponsor an employee resource group. They don't support any real meaningful contributions.” After penning a 2021 article about the trend of Rainbow Capitalism within Pride Month, DeAlessi's worries are greater than ever about the shifting landscape of support, or lack thereof. “The fact that [anti-LGBTQ+] rhetoric has become more normalized is a huge concern,” he stresses, emphasizing the need for voters to be mindful of local and national elections, as these decisions impact corporate behavior and policy. DeAlessi also highlights the growing challenges for queer-owned small businesses, especially with the pullback in corporate support. "The reality is, these rollbacks will have a direct impact on queer-owned businesses, especially the smaller ones," he says. However, he urges listeners to take action by seeking out opportunities to support LGBTQ+ businesses year-round. “There are platforms like Everywhere Is Queer, where queer businesses can list themselves," he notes, encouraging people to use these resources to ensure that support extends beyond just Pride Month. “Sustained, year-round engagement is crucial for the community's survival and growth,” he concludes. Hosts and husbands of Living Not So Fabulously, David & John Auten-Schneider, dive into real money stories with activists, allies, artists, tech-gurus, and trailblazers in the LGBTQ+ community to give you tangible takeaways to tackle your wallet woes. Find this episode's transcripts and more episodes of Living Not So Fabulously at http://finance.yahoo.com/videos/series/living-fabulously/. Have a money story of your own? Questions? Fan mail? Email us at [email protected]. 00:00-Jason DeAlessi joins Living Not So Fabulously 01:40-Defining "Rainbow Capitalism" 04:20-The shifting DEI landscape for government and corporations 07:00-How to support the community 09:30-Pride Month 2.0 11:40-How anti-DEI impacts small businesses 18:00-Long-term personal wealth growth Yahoo Finance's Living Not So Fabulously is hosted by David & John Auten-Schneider, and created and produced by Rachael Lewis-Krisky. Jason DeAlessi is an entrepreneur who works in startups across the media, entertainment, real estate, and hospitality industries. His primary focus is currently with Fuerza Strategy Group, where he serves as Managing Director of the boutique digital and creative consulting firm on its projects with clients across the United States in the political and social justice arenas. Prior to starting his own firm, he worked at NBC News and for a national public affairs firm. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Angel investing is somewhat of a mystery to many. Where does their money come from? How do they spot a good startup? How does the market and politics impact their investments? However, small business owners and entrepreneurs know that an angel investor’s insights might hold the key to their big break. On this week’s episode of Living Not So Fabulously, hosts David & John Auten-Schneider speak with ASTRSK PR Founder & CEO and angel investor Elliot Tomaeno. Tomaeno’s funding and PR efforts focus on startups in the tech industry, working with brands like Groupon, STASH, Prime Video, Primary Venture Partners, Titan, THINX, Misfits Market, Lemonade, and Squarespace—just to name a few. Though there’s no easy road to success, as an entrepreneur and funder himself, Tomaeno pulls back the curtain on the ins and outs of the investing community. His best insight for startup founders in this fickle investor world? Take some risks in being vocal about topics that are true to the core of one’s business. “That kind of authenticity at the early stage and the ability to maybe not be afraid to make some enemies, I think, is something that really stands out as something that makes people successful or makes companies successful." Tomaeno explains that he wants to work with people and clients that he loves, “working with companies that not only are good to us and our staff, but also don't make the world a worse place, at the very least.” Furthermore, Tomaeno tries to lift up underrepresented startups, including “BIPOC startups, female founders, LGBTQ+ founded startups, and AAPI founded startups.” Hosts and husbands of Living Not So Fabulously, David & John Auten-Schneider, dive into real money stories with activists, allies, artists, tech-gurus, and trailblazers in the LGBTQ+ community to give you tangible takeaways to tackle your wallet woes. Find this episode's transcripts and more episodes of Living Not So Fabulously at http://finance.yahoo.com/videos/series/living-fabulously/. Have a money story of your own? Questions? Fan mail? Email us at [email protected]. 00:00-Elliot Tomaeno joins Living Not So Fabulously 03:10-Biggest takeaway from angel investing 06:20-Be ready for (many) losses as an angel 11:28-Headwinds for the startup community in 2025 13:00-How can LGBTQ+ startups succeed today? 18:27-Learning from an investing and small-biz pros mistakes Yahoo Finance's Living Not So Fabulously is hosted by David & John Auten-Schneider, and created and produced by Rachael Lewis-Krisky. Elliot Tomaeno is the Founder & CEO of ASTRSK PR. Prior to founding ASTRSK in 2012, Elliot was the Head of Consumer Technology at the Morris + King agency in NYC. Throughout his 18 years in PR, Elliot has held leadership roles at Enloop, Ballou PR and Wyndstrom and has worked in cities on both sides of the pond including San Francisco, Paris, London and NYC. He has been featured on Business Insider’s Top 50 PR professionals' list for 7 years running as well as Adweek’s 30 Under 30 in 2015. In addition, ASTRSK was named on The PRNet 100 the last 2 years in a row. Through ASTRSK, Elliot has helped launch and support more than 1000+ startups and innovation brands like Groupon, STASH, Prime Video, Primary Venture Partners, Titan, THINX, Misfits Market, Lemonade, and Squarespace. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

With President Trump eliminating almost anything remotely DEI-related in the federal government, as well as erasing all HIV and LGBTQ+ medical care guidance from the CDC website, today’s guest on Living Not So Fabulously couldn’t be more timely. From climbing out of credit card debt by launching a small business to preparing his finances for coming out publicly as HIV positive and then turning his life’s journey into a thriving personal brand, GLAAD Senior Director of Communications Tony Morrison shares his poignant lessons on brand building and living authentically with hosts David & John Auten-Schneider. After coming out as HIV positive publicly with an article in 2021 while at ABC’s Good Morning America, Morrison discovered support and a craving for more of his experiences. “What was interesting for me is a lot of non-LGBTQ people reaching out to me, thanking me for my story. People wanted more story and experience, and I, in turn, wanted to hear the same from others.” As advice to folks building their own personal brand, Morrison says folks should hone in on their own personal stories. “I have this huge belief that your story is your currency—your experience is your currency,” he explains. “People will pay for your experience and for your story,” he says. “If you attach your story, your experience to your business and your model, I think you're unstoppable. Because your story is the one thing that no one can take from you.” Today, along with serving as GLAAD's Senior Communications Director since 2022, Morrison has built his own story into a personal brand as the host of +Life Media’s web series “Truth Be Told,” where he has weekly conversations featuring LGBTQ+ personalities and activists as they share their own truths with the world. Morrison’s journey as a media maker is more than just inspiration. They serve as guidance for someone else to take their own stigmatized journey and evolve it into a personal brand. Hosts and husbands of Living Not So Fabulously, David & John Auten-Schneider, dive into real money stories with activists, allies, artists, tech-gurus, and trailblazers in the LGBTQ+ community to give you tangible takeaways to tackle your wallet woes. Find this episode's transcripts and more episodes of Living Not So Fabulously at http://finance.yahoo.com/videos/series/living-fabulously/. Have a money story of your own? Questions? Fan mail? Email us at [email protected]. 00:00-Tony Morrison joins Living Not So Fabulously 01:30-"A non literate gay in finance space" 07:40-Handling credit card debt by...going into small business? 11:10-Coming out as HIV positive publicly 15:30-Looking for different representation of HIV positive stories 16:30-Becoming unstoppable! Weave your personal story into your brand 18:45-GLAAD addressing LGBTQ DEI cut backs Yahoo Finance's Living Not So Fabulously is hosted by David & John Auten-Schneider, and created and produced by Rachael Lewis-Krisky. Tony Morrison (@THETonyMorrison, he/him) is 3x Emmy and GLAAD award-earning journalist serving as Senior Director of Communications for GLAAD, the world’s leading LGBTQ media advocacy organization. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When applying for a mortgage, small business owners often face extra challenges, as banks perceive their income as risky and volatile. Elizabeth Gore, President and Co-founder of Hello Alice, shares her experience of struggling to buy a home while starting her business. Despite the potential for wealth creation, small business owners—particularly those from marginalized groups (women, people of color, LGBTQ+, veterans, and those with disabilities)—often encounter barriers when seeking loans. Gore suggests solutions like using co-signers or demonstrating a history of on-time payments to improve chances. Her platform, Hello Alice, supports small business owners by providing resources to help them succeed both financially and professionally. Hosts and husbands of Living Not So Fabulously, David & John Auten-Schneider, dive into real money stories with activists, allies, artists, tech-gurus, and trailblazers in the LGBTQ+ community to give you tangible takeaways to tackle your wallet woes. Find this episode's transcripts and more episodes of Living Not So Fabulously at http://finance.yahoo.com/videos/series/living-fabulously/. Have a money story of your own? Questions? Fan mail? Email us at [email protected]. 00:00-Elizabeth Gore joins Living Not So Fabulously 01:25-The money stories that shape us 06:28-Budgeting is one key to success 10:24-Buying a home as a small business owner 16:12-Unique lives of LGBTQ+ business owners 18:58-Small business under Trump 2.0 Yahoo Finance's Living Not So Fabulously is hosted by David & John Auten-Schneider, and created and produced by Rachael Lewis-Krisky. Elizabeth Gore is the President and Co-Founder of Hello Alice which helps small businesses start and grow by providing funding, education, and networking opportunities. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What does it take to succeed as a small business owner in today's economy? According to former Biden administration official Jonathan Lovitz, it's not just about surviving but ensuring everyone has an equal opportunity to thrive. As the director of public affairs & senior adviser at the US Economic Development Administration (within the US Department of Commerce), and the former senior vice president of the National LGBT Chamber of Commerce, Lovitz knows a thing or two about it. Lovitz advocates for policies that lift all boats, especially those of marginalized entrepreneurs. In this episode of Living Not So Fabulously, Lovitz spoke with hosts David & John Auten-Schneider and explained how supporting diverse communities, particularly LGBTQ+ business owners, is key to building a stronger, more resilient economy for everyone. Lovitz underscores the importance of access to capital, opportunity, and growth for small businesses, regardless of background. He emphasizes that inclusive, "place-based" economic strategies empower entrepreneurs to succeed within their own communities. “When one of us rises, we all rise,” he says, highlighting the collective power of diverse business owners who contribute nearly $2 trillion to the U.S. economy each year. For Lovitz, it’s about opening doors and creating space for everyone to compete—not giving special treatment but ensuring equal opportunity for all. Hosts and husbands of Living Not So Fabulously, David & John Auten-Schneider, dive into real money stories with activists, allies, artists, tech-gurus, and trailblazers in the LGBTQ+ community to give you tangible takeaways to tackle your wallet woes. Find this episode's transcripts and more episodes of Living Not So Fabulously at http://finance.yahoo.com/videos/series/living-fabulously/. Have a money story of your own? Questions? Fan mail? Email us at [email protected]. 00:00-Jonathan Lovitz joins Living Not So Fabulously 02:20-What should small businesses focus on in Trump 2.0 07:30-Challenges for LGBTQ+ business owners 14:15-Behind the scenes of the Biden administration 19:30-Bridging gaps using...football? Yahoo Finance's Living Not So Fabulously is hosted by David & John Auten-Schneider, and created and produced by Rachael Lewis-Krisky. Jonathan Lovitz is dedicated to helping governments, corporations, and nonprofits build strong economies and communities. In February 2023, President Biden appointed Jonathan the US Department of Commerce to join the senior leadership team of the US Economic Development Administration (EDA). He recently served as Senior Vice President & Special Advisor to the National LGBT Chamber of Commerce, continuing a career spanning the worlds of business, public policy, media, and community advocacy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Not every big business dream will come to life—it’s a hard pill to swallow. In fact, both the Small Business Administration and the Bureau of Labor Statistics report that 20% of small businesses fail within the first two years. Even more staggering is that that 45% of small businesses fail in their first five years, and 65% in their first ten years. So what’s an entrepreneur to do? BKLYN LEAGUE Founder and NYU Adjunct Professor Phaon Spurlock is an entrepreneur who knows not everything about it is to love, nor is it the path for everyone. Spurlock joins Living Not So Fabulously hosts David & John Auten-Schneider to bring you those great tips (and warnings) for your business. Hosts and husbands of Living Not So Fabulously, David & John Auten-Schneider, dive into real money stories with activists, allies, artists, tech-gurus, and trailblazers in the LGBTQ+ community to give you tangible takeaways to tackle your wallet woes. Find this episode's transcripts and more episodes of Living Not So Fabulously at http://finance.yahoo.com/videos/series/living-fabulously/. Have a money story of your own? Questions? Fan mail? Email us at [email protected]. 00:00-Phaon Spurlock joins Living Not So Fabulously 01:20-Three tips for entrepreneurs 04:30-Tricky entrepreneurship 07:53-How the pandemic impacted businesses 11:12-Algorithms: the bane of our existence 14:40-Building a self-sustaining business 18:00-Top warning for entrepreneurs Yahoo Finance's Living Not So Fabulously is hosted by David & John Auten-Schneider, and created and produced by Rachael Lewis-Krisky. What hasn't Phaon Spurlock done? Entrepreneur. Marketer. Speaker. Writer. Philanthropist. Ex-Googler. MBA Graduate. Adjunct Professor. His passion focuses on marketing and entrepreneurship led me to start several successful businesses, including BKLYN LEAGUE apparel company, LuxuriousPROTOTYPE Online Magazine, and Prototype MKTG. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As most entrepreneurs can attest, the journey to success is not linear. It's a path where failures sometimes teach greater lessons than wins, one where failing forward might just offer the key to prosperity. Motivo Scar Care founder and CEO Jadis Montijo learned first-hand how to be a better businessman from his mistakes in his first venture, The Kind Pen. Though he and his team saw much success at the company, overspending in his personal life and a failed acquisition experience taught Montijo the skills he needed to turn his dream project, Motivo Scar Care, a thriving business. "There's no industry crossover between what I did and what I'm doing now. But a lot of the failures that I had at my time during Kind Pen molded me and shaped me into who I am and made me more prepared for Motivo," he explained to Living Not So Fabulously hosts David & John Auten-Schneider. "A lot of startups fail. Even just trying to raise capital as an LGBTQ founder, less than 1% of VC dollars go to LGBTQ founders, right? Yet we create more successful businesses." Montijo's best advice for entrepreneurs facing the endless, uphill, and oftentimes not-fun battle—as Montijo explained frankly—of starting a small business: be yourself. "If I didn't take the time to step back and authentically go through my transition to become myself, Motivo wouldn't be a thing. Maybe it would be a thing that someone else created. But taking the time to be myself and learn myself—it really put me on my path." Hosts and husbands of Living Not So Fabulously, David & John Auten-Schneider, dive into real money stories with activists, allies, artists, tech-gurus, and trailblazers in the LGBTQ+ community to give you tangible takeaways to tackle your wallet woes. Find this episode's transcripts and more episodes of Living Not So Fabulously at http://finance.yahoo.com/videos/series/living-fabulously/. Have a money story of your own? Questions? Fan mail? Email us at [email protected]. 00:00-Jadis Montijo joins Living Not So Fabulously 03:08-Failed business acquisition led to some hard learned lessons 05:54-Don't mix personal and professional...finances 08:32-Making space for business growth 13:13-Motivo Scar Care elevator pitch 19:03-Small business tips to prepare Yahoo Finance's Living Not So Fabulously is hosted by David & John Auten-Schneider, and created and produced by Rachael Lewis-Krisky. Jadis Montijo is the founder & CEO of Motivo Scar Care, a company focused on "developing premium scar care products, to not only improve the appearance of scars, but to help rewrite the standards of healing." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Since most people know a teacher, it's no surprise that an episode of Living Not So Fabulously about teacher salaries will address the invariable underpayment of educators. "Teachers don't make very much money," education director and advocate Cam Lieberson told hosts David & John Auten-Schneider, frankly. Though 2024 has seen the largest year-over-year teacher pay increase in over a decade, when adjusted for inflation, teachers actually make 5% less than they did 10 years ago on average, according to the National Education Association. But after switching to public from private school teaching — because people recommended the better benefits and pay — Lieberson "felt that there was a major trade-off," in mental and physical health. "I was a theater teacher and so I would see multiple classes a day. I saw almost 800 students." Lieberson further explained that salaries in public schools will be dictated by unions, while in private schools, they will be determined based on what's in the budget and what's negotiated. Meanwhile, the benefits of private schools are that they will have smaller classrooms and strict hours, whereas public schools have pensions and bigger class sizes. However, Lieberson pointed out that, on average, private school teachers will make less than public school teachers, surprising Living Not So Fabulously hosts. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, private school teachers earn an average of $15,000 less than their public school counterparts. So as future educators weigh the pros and cons of different institutions, Lieberson has some advise: "For someone entering education, I would say they probably should check out public schools; teaching somewhere where there's a union and there's protection of what your salary is.... I think know what you're worth." Hosts and husbands of Living Not So Fabulously, David & John Auten-Schneider, dive into real money stories with activists, allies, artists, tech-gurus, and trailblazers in the LGBTQ+ community to give you tangible takeaways to tackle your wallet woes. Find this episode's transcripts and more episodes of Living Not So Fabulously at http://finance.yahoo.com/videos/series/living-fabulously/. Have a money story of your own? Questions? Fan mail? Email us at [email protected]. 00:00-Cam Lieberson joins Living Not So Fabulously 01:30-Why teachers struggle to make ends meet 06:20-How being underpaid drains teachers 13:00-Focus on benefits and savings 18:15-Advice for new teachers Yahoo Finance's Living Not So Fabulously is hosted by David & John Auten-Schneider, and created and produced by Rachael Lewis-Krisky. Cam Lieberson is an education director and advocate focusing on early childhood education and arts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sitting in his home on a lazy Saturday morning, listening to an economics program, UBS Wealth Management Chief Economist Paul Donovan found himself absolutely appalled at the coverage he was hearing on the economics of marriage equality. "I was choking on my cup of tea. It was that bad a set of arguments," he told husbands and hosts David & John Auten-Schneider on Living Not So Fabulously. "It was all about, 'we'll make more money doing gay marriages—think of the lavish ceremonies that'll be held.' And I was like, no, that's not it. It's all about equality and rights and people feeling valued." It's a shame that justifying equality to the world's power-holders and policy brokers has to be rooted in why prejudice is good or bad for economies rather than achieving equality for one's fellow human beings serving as enough of a reason in itself. However, Donovan's research and work focus on translating the data and economics of equality to cultivate chance and make a difference for the LGBTQ+ community. "As somebody who is gay and is in a position of some responsibility in a large organization, I have a role as a role model," he explained of his efforts. "I think there's a duty for those of us who have some kind of platform to try and make sure that we can educate and improve the understanding overall." Throughout the episode, the conversation also addressed why LGBTQ+ investors are different. Donovan shared some helpful guidance for the community on the nuances they should consider as they build their wealth. Hosts and husbands of Living Not So Fabulously, David & John Auten-Schneider, dive into real money stories with activists, allies, artists, tech-gurus, and trailblazers in the LGBTQ+ community to give you tangible takeaways to tackle your wallet woes. Find this episode's transcripts and more episodes of Living Not So Fabulously at http://finance.yahoo.com/videos/series/living-fabulously/. Have a money story of your own? Questions? Fan mail? Email us at [email protected]. 00:00-Paul Donovan joins Living Not So Fabulously 01:55-Why finances are unique for theLGBTQ+ community 05:00-LGBTQ+ exclusion can hurt economies 07:30-For leaders: why prejudice is bad for business 09:18-For investors and financial advisors: consider global discrimination's impact on investments 13:23 responsibility for those in power to make a difference 16:00-Trumponomics around the world 18:30-3 things LGBTQ+ investors can prepare for Trump 2.0 20:30-global upheaval around the world for LGBTQ+ people Yahoo Finance's Living Not So Fabulously is hosted by David & John Auten-Schneider, and created and produced by Rachael Lewis-Krisky. Paul Donovan is the Chief Economist of UBS Wealth Management, and self-describes his focus as 'economics without jargon, but with sarcasm.' Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Legendary musician Shira Yevin solidified her place in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame when her band Shiragirl crashed their hot pink bus into Vans Warped Tour in 2004. With no money in the bank and a lot of spirit, the bus was a DIY mobile stage built to offer a literal platform for women-fronted bands at—what was then—a de facto men-only-fronted-bands tour. "I was working on the tour the summer before, and I noticed no female musicians on stage. And coming from New York and the whole Riot Girl scene, I just didn't understand it. 'cause I knew a lot of women in music. And so we just decided to crash the tour in our pink RV that we were traveling in, which was literally color-matched to a Barbie doll box," Yevin described. "I was feeling nervous. I was feeling excited, and I was ready to start a revolution." Yevin didn’t stop there; she shared with hosts David & John Auten-Schneider on Living Not So Fabulously. She’s continued her career fighting for equality and equity in the industry as the founder and CEO of Gritty In Pink. The company, with their INPINK marketplace, is a community of diverse female creators working in the music industry providing connections, access and opportunities through an inclusive network. Whether she’s busting down fences or shattering glass ceilings, Yevin’s success as an entrepreneur and musician is not without hurdles. There’s still work to be done, she says, explaining that women bands are "only one in five artists played on the radio, which it doesn't seem that way because you have Taylor Swift and Beyoncé and these big act playing, right. Like touring at stadiums. But you know, even these women talk about these challenges. So if Taylor and Beyoncé are having these issues, like what does that say for the rest of us?" Hosts and husbands of Living Not So Fabulously, David & John Auten-Schneider, dive into real money stories with activists, allies, artists, tech-gurus, and trailblazers in the LGBTQ+ community to give you tangible takeaways to tackle your wallet woes. Find this episode's transcripts and more episodes of Living Not So Fabulously at http://finance.yahoo.com/videos/series/living-fabulously/. Have a money story of your own? Questions? Fan mail? Email us at [email protected]. 00:00-Shira Yevin joins Living Not So Fabulously 02:00-Busting barriers (literally and figuratively) 08:00-Meeting the demand for women in music 11:30-Inequity in gig economies 15:20-Role of confidence in the wealth gap 19:00-Start your rock star journey Yahoo Finance's Living Not So Fabulously is hosted by David & John Auten-Schneider, and created and produced by Rachael Lewis-Krisky. Shira Yevin is an entrepreneur, artist, activist, and founder of Gritty In Pink. After forming her all-female band Shiragirl, Shira became known for advocating for women in male-dominated spaces; Shira and her band crashed the Vans Warped Tour and created the Shiragirl Stage for female artists, which hosted 300+ artists including rock icons Joan Jett and Paramore. In January 2020, Yevin launched a new female-led platform to empower women within the music industry, called Gritty In Pink. With the mission to achieve gender equality in the music industry Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Engaging with money on a regular basis can be tricky, even for those who are well-versed in the nuances of personal finance, let alone for folks who have the added struggle of growing up in poverty. For NBC News and MSNBC correspondent Steven Romo, the money trauma that came from climbing out of childhood poverty stayed with him in life, he explained to Living Not So Fabulously hosts David & John Auten-Schneider. "[My parents] did not hide their money problems from my siblings and me; that we had two homes foreclosed on. We got kicked out of rental homes. And we were always very aware of what was happening like that we couldn't afford this. We couldn't pay for this. So that's one of the reasons why it's been hard for me to engage with money and learn about money," he said. As Romo climbed out of poverty, he developed new money skills—with immense help from his husband, he added—and he held on to a green rule of thumb, per se. "Sometimes life is short, but sometimes it's not," he said, which means you have to prioritize financial decisions. Otherwise, "you're gonna look back at your 28-year-old self and be pretty upset about the decisions you made." For queer people especially, he added, the community struggles with over-consumerism as a way to feel secure. "So many of us have to suppress who we are, and we don't get to fully live these lives where we're our authentic selves. So once we really do come out and start having friend groups, we go maybe a little too far... Maybe we're putting trips on credit cards and not really fully planning it out." Hosts and husbands of Living Not So Fabulously, David & John Auten-Schneider, dive into real money stories with activists, allies, artists, tech-gurus, and trailblazers in the LGBTQ+ community to give you tangible takeaways to tackle your wallet woes. Find this episode's transcripts and more episodes of Living Not So Fabulously at http://finance.yahoo.com/videos/series/living-fabulously/. Have a money story of your own? Questions? Fan mail? Email us at [email protected]. 00:00-Steven Romo joins Living Not So Fabulously 03:00-Unlearning childhood money trauma 05:30-Climbing out of of poverty is about your whole family 08:00-Marrying into a family that deals with money in a healthy way 12:30-Double edge sword of credit card points 16:00-LGBTQ+ people struggle with using capitalism as success symbol, even if it means taking on debt 20:00-Life is shor; focus money on priorities that matter Yahoo Finance's Living Not So Fabulously is hosted by David & John Auten-Schneider, and created and produced by Rachael Lewis-Krisky. Steven Romo is a news anchor, correspondent and writer, currently New York City-based, for NBC News and MSNBC. He also works as a contributor for HuffPost. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For those of us who have practically lived on LinkedIn, Indeed, and the like as we've hunted for our next career opportunity, it might be a little deflating to discover that we could have been doing more, specifically with a mentor. LinkedIn Career Expert Andrew McCaskill joins Living Not So Fabulously hosts David & John Auten-Schneider to shed light on how jobseeker's can approach finding the right mentor and how your wallet might suffer without one. "I think that one of the things that mentorship has taught me is that I don't think about my compensation as just like the cash," McCaskill explains, suggesting people look at bonuses, salary, and equity on top of total compensation; as well as, what he called, "off the offer letter benefits." This includes financial benefits like your employer paying off student loan repayment, funding continued education like certificates, and even fertility care. And it's mentorship that can help you get there. "So many of those things are when we can, when we leave money on the table, if you have a mentor inside of the machine, inside of your organization... if they've been there longer, they will tell you about it," McCaskill says. McCaskill further emphasizes that mentors add value to your life in a multitude of ways, and that, at the end of the day, "the number one rule of mentorship is this person rooting for me to win." Hosts and husbands of Living Not So Fabulously, David & John Auten-Schneider, dive into real money stories with activists, allies, artists, tech-gurus, and trailblazers in the LGBTQ+ community to give you tangible takeaways to tackle your wallet woes. Find this episode's transcripts and more episodes of Living Not So Fabulously at http://finance.yahoo.com/videos/series/living-fabulously/. Have a money story of your own? Questions? Fan mail? Email us at [email protected]. 00:00-Andrew McCaskill joins Living Not So Fabulously 02:00-The pros and cons of having a mentor that looks like you 06:00-What are the benefits of a mentor? 10:00-How a mentor affects your wallet 14:36-Finding the right mentor for you 18:00-Corporate culture's impact on you Yahoo Finance's Living Not So Fabulously is hosted by David & John Auten-Schneider, and created and produced by Rachael Lewis-Krisky. Andrew McCaskill is an accredited marketing, communications and crisis management executive with 20 years of experience delivering award-winning communications and brand campaigns at Fortune 500 companies and highly successful technology startups. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Though the legendary Project Runway mentor Tim Gunn needs little introduction, his story does. Gunn wasn't always the celebrity we know him to be today; he was a career educator for 29 years. Gunn shared with Living Not So Fabulously hosts David & John Auten-Schneider that teaching is more of a calling than a job. He identified as a ‘pauper educator,’ with more of a focus on serving students than his own personal finances. Though that is surely noble, it left him living paycheck to paycheck. “I really did think if I lose my job, what am I going to do? Move in with my sister?” he said. Then came the ground-breaking Project Runway, where this ‘pauper educator’ mindset stayed with him. Gunn wasn’t paid for the show's first two seasons; he loved mentoring the designers. Gunn didn’t even realize that wasn’t typical, with his first agent describing saying upon reviewing his TV contracts, “‘These are the worst contracts I have ever seen in my entire professional career. Wow. You just sign these things?’” to which Tim said, “what am I supposed to do? I don't know. I assumed that they're boilerplates, what people sign.” At the end of the day, it wasn’t about the money for Gunn. “It didn't bother me not to be paid.” Learning from his financial faux pas, Gunn recommends to his students that they seek help, as Gunn received from his lawyer, “because there may be someone who says this whole thing is completely out of whack and just unsustainable.” You simply don't know what you don't know. Read Gunn's story in his latest book, "Tim Gunn: The Natty Professor: A Master Class on Mentoring, Motivating, and Making It Work." Hosts and husbands of Living Not So Fabulously, David & John Auten-Schneider, dive into real money stories with activists, allies, artists, tech-gurus, and trailblazers in the LGBTQ+ community to give you tangible takeaways to tackle your wallet woes. Find this episode's transcripts and more episodes of Living Not So Fabulously at http://finance.yahoo.com/videos/series/living-fabulously/. Have a money story of your own? Questions? Fan mail? Email us at [email protected]. 00:00-Tim Gunn joins Living Not So Fabulously 01:00-A pauper educator 04:00-Being a teacher is like being in the clergy; it's a calling 05:30-How he got involved with Project Runway; unpaid 14:25-Origin story of 'make it work' 16:57-Biggest mistake of many young designers: happy hands 19:45-Financial advice for young designers at the start of their career 21:34-Finance advice for everyone else Yahoo Finance's Living Not So Fabulously is hosted by David & John Auten-Schneider, and created and produced by Rachael Lewis-Krisky. Beloved pop culture icon and New York Times bestselling author Tim Gunn is best known as the Emmy Award–winning host of Project Runway. He also hosted two seasons of his own Bravo makeover series, Tim Gunn’s Guide to Style, and was the host of the reality TV series Under the Gunn. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

While most teenagers concern themselves with the latest social media trends, surviving middle school, and running around with friends, Michael Sayman was focused on building apps to support his family. Living Not So Fabulously hosts David & John Auten-Schneider speak with Sayman about his unique experience becoming Meta Generative AI Software Engineer & Friendly Apps Founder, which started as his family's breadwinner at just 13 years old. This forced his family to confront unique dynamics and money conversations when talking about money is already hard enough without the addition of teenage hormones. "I myself was an inexperienced 13-year-old generating, you know, hundreds of thousands of dollars in revenue and trying to help my parents figure out how to [manage money]," Sayman explains. Sayman's unique journey continued when he became Facebook's youngest employee instead of attending college after graduating high school, as his peers were pressured to do so: "I remember just sitting in class and seeing my teacher tell us, 'If we don't go to college, then we won't get a degree... and end up under a bridge.'" But then Sayman realized that the fundamental point of college is to prove trust to a potential employer. He said to himself that to get a job coding, "I can either compete with everybody else in my school to get the best grades in computer science, or I could just build apps, put them on the internet, put my name on it, and have that be my resume. Have that be the trust that can be built by a company in knowing that I'm able to do the job that they're hiring for." Sayman's story of navigating success, self-doubt, and finding his place in tech is an inspiring tale of how an atypical path career path can still bring success. Hosts and husbands of Living Not So Fabulously, David & John Auten-Schneider, dive into real money stories with activists, allies, artists, tech-gurus, and trailblazers in the LGBTQ+ community to give you tangible takeaways to tackle your wallet woes. Find this episode's transcripts and more episodes of Living Not So Fabulously at http://finance.yahoo.com/videos/series/living-fabulously/. Have a money story of your own? Questions? Fan mail? Email us at [email protected]. 00:00-Michael Sayman joins Living Not So Fabulously 02:46-Learned to code as a kid to "avoid homework" 04:14-Became breadwinner at 13 by building apps and small business 06:11-Navigating reversed power dynamic with parents 09:39-Alternatives proof of experience than college Yahoo Finance's Living Not So Fabulously is hosted by David & John Auten-Schneider, and created and produced by Rachael Lewis-Krisky. Michael Sayman, is a Peruvian–Bolivian–American mobile application entrepreneur, software engineer, political activist, and author. He is best known for creating top-charting apps as a teenager to provide for his family during the Great Recession, as well as his subsequent work at Facebook. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Imagine having a brick thrown through the window of your small business, which you worked so hard to build after the pandemic. Now imagine that happening four times in just two months. That is the story for VERS LGBTQ+ bar co-owner and Give Lively CEO David DeParolesa. Opening the bar wasn't just about the bottom line — he had a mission to create a safe space for the LGBTQ+ community as similar venues close around the country, with more than 45% shutting their doors between 2002 and 2023. DeParolesa shares his experience with vandalism along with higher-than-expected operating costs, saying, "I quickly realized that building a queer space meant dealing with unexpected challenges." Despite the struggles, he emphasizes how the power of community brought a wave of added business to the bar, adding, "Seeing the community rally behind us made it all worth it." Don't miss this episode, filled with insights on financial planning, resilience, and the power of building inclusive spaces. Hosts and husbands of Living Not So Fabulously, David & John Auten-Schneider, dive into real money stories with activists, allies, artists, tech-gurus, and trailblazers in the LGBTQ+ community to give you tangible takeaways to tackle your wallet woes. Find this episode's transcripts and more episodes of Living Not So Fabulously at http://finance.yahoo.com/videos/series/living-fabulously/. Have a money story of your own? Questions? Fan mail? Email us at [email protected]. 00:00-David DeParolesa joins Living Not So Fabulously 02:22-Opening a community bar post-pandemic 06:30-The importance of a third space 09:40-The hard dollars and sense for small businesses 15:20-A brick that changed it all 18:20-Better business with community support Yahoo Finance's Living Not So Fabulously is hosted by David & John Auten-Schneider, and created and produced by Rachael Lewis-Krisky. Davud DeParolesa is the CEO of Give Lively and the Co-owner of VERS, a 'new kind queer bar.' Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Wage disparities across industries are stark, especially for LGBTQ+ folks where only 1 in 25 LGBTQ+ men hold high-paying jobs compared to 1 in 7 non-LGBTQ+ men, according to Prudential's 2018 Financial Wealth Census. With less money coming into the LGBTQ+ community than other demographics, how can the community find financial growth and success? In this episode of Living Not So Fabulously, hosts David & John Auten-Schneider speak with Merrill Lynch financial adviser Ari Linder to explore the financial realities of choosing seemingly do-gooder careers over a financially secure one. Linder explained why LGBTQ+ folks might feel more inclined to pick career paths that have smaller paychecks. This was exactly what led Linder to pivot from social work to financial advising. "Those of us who maybe have felt like we have been at a disadvantage or discriminated against or pushed down, we want to try to solve those kinds of problems," they explained. In their work in as a financial adviser, Linder focuses on helping the community with unique needs. For them, being transgender has given them a deeper connection with their clients, explaining, "It's not just about their finances; it's about understanding the life challenges that come with being part of the LGBTQ+ community." Don't miss this powerful episode on how financial planning is financial freedom. Hosts and husbands of Living Not So Fabulously, David & John Auten-Schneider, dive into real money stories with activists, allies, artists, tech-gurus, and trailblazers in the LGBTQ+ community to give you tangible takeaways to tackle your wallet woes. Find this episode's transcripts and more episodes of Living Not So Fabulously at http://finance.yahoo.com/videos/series/living-fabulously/. Have a money story of your own? Questions? Fan mail? Email us at [email protected]. 00:00-Ari Linder joins Living Not So Fabulously 06:00-Personal finance = fancy social work 08:15-Why LGBTQ+ folks are drawn to do-gooder careers 14:00-A rewarding career in personal finance 17:15-First out trans financial advisor (that Merrill knows of) 18:00-Uniqueness of LGBTQ+ financial planning Yahoo Finance's Living Not So Fabulously is hosted by David & John Auten-Schneider, and created and produced by Rachael Lewis-Krisky. Ari Linder is a Financial Adviser at Merrill Lynch Wealth Management, and welcomes folks to reach out with any career advice on the financial sector; "If you're looking to join the financial industry, if you're not sure what this all looks like, if you need someone like I did to show you what it looks like, contact me." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode of Living Not So Fabulously, hosts and husbands David & John Auten-Schneider, bring you the story of OkCupid Director of Brand Marketing Michael Kaye who's been making waves with his career and some unexpected personal finance insights. Starting out at a salary barely high enough to cover his commute, Kaye didn’t just play by the rules—he rewrote them. Catch how Kaye boosted his income by strategically hopping like Frogger with a Master’s degree and becoming the New York City metro area's go-to adjunct professor, adding a hefty five-figure jump to his paycheck. Kaye shares, "I wound up moving agencies every time I would've been up for a promotion, and that allowed me in less than five years to go from $38,000 to $67,500. The leap made my life a lot easier." But it’s not just about the money for Kaye. He’s a spreadsheet-loving Capricorn who plans weddings with the same tenacity he plans his finances. And did you know OkCupid found that budgeting is actually... sexy? That’s right! Kaye shares how budgeting isn't just a financial win; it’s a matchmaker. Kaye shares of OKCupid’s survey, “"Daters who are budgeting are getting 25% more matches and having 16% more conversations than people who aren't. Financial stability is becoming a real turn-on." Hosts and husbands of Living Not So Fabulously, David & John Auten-Schneider, dive into real money stories with activists, allies, artists, tech-gurus, and trailblazers in the LGBTQ+ community to give you tangible takeaways to tackle your wallet woes. Find this episode's transcripts and more episodes of Living Not So Fabulously at http://finance.yahoo.com/videos/series/living-fabulously/. Have a money story of your own? Questions? Fan mail? Email us at [email protected]. 00:00-Michael Kaye joins Living Not So Fabulously 03:00-NYC; only 'semi' livable 07:30-The north stars of job hunting 15:00-Talking to your partner about money 17:45-Data of dating 21:00-What in the world is loud budgeting Yahoo Finance's Living Not So Fabulously is hosted by David & John Auten-Schneider, and created and produced by Rachael Lewis-Krisky. Michael Kaye is the Director of Brand Marketing & Communications at ARCHER and OkCupid, one of the world's largest dating apps, where he leads PR programming in the United States and for countries across Europe, the Middle East and Oceania. Michael has been featured in ABC News, Ad Age, Business Insider, Bustle, CBS, CNN, Cosmopolitan, Elite Daily, Forbes, Good Morning America, The New York Times, PR News, PRWeek, VICE and The Washington Post. He has been recognized by Business Insider, PR News, PRovoke Media, PRSA-NY, PRWeek and the Stevie Awards. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Like a real-life, Rachel Green from the acclaimed TV series Friends, NYC-native Anthony Stratis always dreamed of working in fashion while seeking financial independence that he didn't have as a kid. But in New York City, known for a hustle culture and high price of living, growing personal wealth is incredibly difficult. Adding another layer to that, Stratis grew up in a financially unstable single-parent household, limiting his source of finance education and making the dream of abundance seem nearly impossible. As he's seen success in his career having worked for iconic designers like Oscar de la Renta, Calvin Klein, and Vera Wang, he's tried his best to expand his knowledge and make his younger self proud. Living Not So Fabulously hosts, David & John Auten-Schneider, spoke with Anthony about better ways to build wealth beyond a strict savings account, how to work towards goals, and having hard conversations with your partner. Inspired by his story, David and John share their own moments of financial awakening, including a spending analysis that revealed unconscious overspending. This episode is full of heartfelt insights into the realities of budgeting, saving, and building a life in one of the world's most expensive cities. Hosts and husbands of Living Not So Fabulously, David & John Auten-Schneider, dive into real money stories with activists, allies, artists, tech-gurus, and trailblazers in the LGBTQ+ community to give you tangible takeaways to tackle your wallet woes. Find this episode's transcripts and more episodes of Living Not So Fabulously at http://finance.yahoo.com/videos/series/living-fabulously/. Have a money story of your own? Questions? Fan mail? Email us at [email protected]. 00:00-Anthony Stratis joins Living Not So Fabulously 04:00-How childhood lessons and trauma comes with us into adulthood 07:10-Talking salaries with colleagues 10:00-Tools to help when your lifestyle doesn't align with your spending habits 13:30-Struggling with financial-savvy in an unaffordable city 19:30-The power of goal-setting Yahoo Finance's Living Not So Fabulously is hosted by David & John Auten-Schneider, and created and produced by Rachael Lewis-Krisky. Anthony Stratis is a NY-native in fabric technology and development, having worked for brands like Vera Wang, Calvin Klein, and Oscar de la Renta. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Can love, money, and show biz successfully mix? Married couple Eric Berger and Dan Amboyer prove it's possible, albeit rare. You might recognize actor Amboyer from hit TV shows like Younger and Uncoupled, while his husband Berger is a Senior Vice President of Wealth Management at UBS. On this episode Living Not So Fabulously, hosts David & John Auten-Schneider dive deeper into their story of the financial and emotional impact of coming out in the entertainment industry, and securing their future together. Amboyer knew he would lose the 'leading-man' type of roles if he came out. "I do the Lifetime movies and the Hallmark movies. You're the straight guy and there's a certain audience that those companies are trying to appeal for....They're saying, can you also then play the straight guy in this? And so me just knowing I'm not gonna have necessarily all those same types of roles and that is gonna be a financial hit." Together, they have candid conversations about money, identity, and career risk considerations they tackled as a couple. Amboyer and Berger also reveal how they prepared financially for their family, including navigating the complex surrogacy and legal processes to have children. With humor and honesty, Berger and Amboyer offer valuable insights into getting on the same financial page as a couple, managing uncertainty, and creating long-term security. It's time to take their lessons and start building your own financial harmony, today. Hosts and husbands of Living Not So Fabulously, David & John Auten-Schneider, dive into real money stories with activists, allies, artists, tech-gurus, and trailblazers in the LGBTQ+ community to give you tangible takeaways to tackle your wallet woes. Find this episode's transcripts and more episodes of Living Not So Fabulously at http://finance.yahoo.com/videos/series/living-fabulously/. Have a money story of your own? Questions? Fan mail? Email us at [email protected]. 00:00-Eric Berger and Dan Amboyer joins Living Not So Fabulously 06:00-Coming out at a cost 8:00-Financial preparing for change 15:00-Uniqueness of family planning for same-sex couples 17:30-Preparing kids' finances Yahoo Finance's Living Not So Fabulously is hosted by David & John Auten-Schneider, and created and produced by Rachael Lewis-Krisky. Actor Dan Amboyer has been in hit TV shows like Younger and Uncoupled, while his husband Eric Berger is a Senior Vice President of Wealth Management at UBS. Amboyer and Berger shared their story with the world first in 2017, when they announced their marriage in People Magazine, inspiring us all. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ready for a masterclass in resilience? In this candid conversation, Hosts Living Not So Fabulously, David & John Auten-Schneider, speak with trailblazer Executive Vice President and head of Wells Fargo's Commercial Banking Diverse Segments, Ruth Jacks. She shares her remarkable journey of overcoming extreme poverty and societal challenges as a queer, Black woman, to ascend the corporate ladder over an inspiring 40-year career. Jacks opens up about her childhood struggles, the scarcity mindset, and how she turned financial hardship into a driving force for success. "Those were the biggest drivers for me. So when I say I didn't wanna be poor, it was that I didn't want to be hungry," she explained. And though no child deserves to have those thoughts, Jacks knew that she needed a plan: "I needed to educate myself. And so I read a lot. That was one of the things that I was in the library literally every day and every weekend...I do believe that financial literacy is critically important." Jack's valuable insights on financial literacy, mental health, and having a solid support network remind us that success is about knowledge, authenticity, and courage. She challenges the scarcity mindset and proves the power of having a plan. Don’t just watch or listen—take Jack's wisdom, own your journey, and start building the life you deserve. Hosts and husbands of Living Not So Fabulously, David & John Auten-Schneider, dive into real money stories with activists, allies, artists, tech-gurus, and trailblazers in the LGBTQ+ community to give you tangible takeaways to tackle your wallet woes. Find this episode's transcripts and more episodes of Living Not So Fabulously at http://finance.yahoo.com/videos/series/living-fabulously/. Have a money story of your own? Questions? Fan mail? Email us at [email protected]. 00:00-Ruth Jacks joins Living Not So Fabulously 02:00-How childhood poverty shaped Jacks' money mindset 05:00-Importance of financial literacy 12:40-Consequences of not being out at work 18:00-Corporate America facing DEI backlash Yahoo Finance's Living Not So Fabulously is hosted by David & John Auten-Schneider, and created and produced by Rachael Lewis-Krisky. Ruth Jacks is the Executive Vice President and head of Wells Fargo's Commercial Banking (CB) Diverse Segments team Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What if you didn't just survive a layoff, but thrived, instead? What if you could find real opportunities in a moment of hardship and set out to make a difference? Well that's exactly what the powerhouse CEO and founder of Out Leadership, Todd Sears did. In this episode of Living Not So Fabulously, David and John talked with Sears about career pivots, turning setbacks into launching pads, and how he transformed a layoff into founding Out Leadership. For decades, he's been paving the way for LGBTQ+ professionals in corporate boardrooms worldwide. In an age of DEI-cutbacks, he focuses on helping companies do better for equality in a way that benefits their bottom line: "My whole philosophy is how do we help companies do better? Backing companies into a corner and naming and shaming them is not the way to get them to change." Whether you're chasing financial independence or career growth, this episode offers the strategies and motivation to make it happen. Tune in for game-changing insights on wealth, leadership, and thriving in today's economy. The episode delves into how honest money talks—at home and work—are key to building lasting financial success. Hosts and husbands of Living Not So Fabulously, David & John Auten-Schneider, dive into real money stories with activists, allies, artists, tech-gurus, and trailblazers in the LGBTQ+ community to give you tangible takeaways to tackle your wallet woes. Find this episode's transcripts and more episodes of Living Not So Fabulously at http://finance.yahoo.com/videos/series/living-fabulously/. Have a money story of your own? Questions? Fan mail? Email us at [email protected]. 00:00-Todd Sears joins Living Not So Fabulously 02:30-Sear's money origin story 05:00-Focusing on life's driving force 06:30-LGBTQ+ generational gaps with finances 13:20-Using severance for good 18:30-The future of DEI in corporate America Todd Sears began his career in investment banking and became the first openly gay financial advisor at Merrill Lynch, where he created the first national team of financial advisors dedicated to serving the LGBTQ+ community. He founded Out Leadership in in 2010 to harness the power of business to advance LGBTQ+ equality. Yahoo Finance's Living Not So Fabulously is hosted by David & John Auten-Schneider, and created and produced by Rachael Lewis-Krisky. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Is it possible to prepare for every emergency, stacked like a disaster Jenga? Patrick L. Riley would argue it’s a tall order. During the COVID-19 pandemic, an electrical fire destroyed his home and exposed a lapsed insurance policy. Riley’s battle with insurance companies and reliance on support networks is a lesson in resilience and the importance of solid financial planning. His story also underscores that the standard three to six months of emergency savings may not cut it—especially for those in communities where fair wages are still a struggle. Hosts and husbands of Living Not So Fabulously, David & John Auten-Schneider, dive into real money stories with activists, allies, artists, tech-gurus, and trailblazers in the LGBTQ+ community to give you tangible takeaways to tackle your wallet woes. Find this episode's transcripts and more episodes of Living Not So Fabulously at http://finance.yahoo.com/videos/series/living-fabulously/. Have a money story of your own? Questions? Fan mail? Email us at [email protected]. 00:00-Patrick L. Riley joins Living Not So Fabulously 03:00-Riley lost everything in a house fire 05:30-Relying on your community is key 07:30-Importance of emergency funds 09:55-Dumb debt 17:30-Extravagance at a cost Yahoo Finance's Living Not So Fabulously is hosted by David & John Auten-Schneider, and created and produced by Rachael Lewis-Krisky. Patrick L. Riley, an award-winning journalist, multi-media personality, and author, is known for his work on BET, NBC, Black News Channel, and TV-One. He spent 13 years as a freelancer and senior field producer for The Oprah Winfrey Show and authored "That's What Friends Are For: On the Women Who Inspired Me." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Once upon a time, an architect got tired of hitting the concrete salary ceiling, so he pivoted to his other passion—movies! How does one leap from floor plans to film reels? What's the connection between drawing skyscrapers and directing stars? The answer: Michael Selditch, the writer, producer, and director behind hits like the OG 'Queer Eye for the Straight Guy' and the upcoming documentary Happy Clothes: A Film about Patricia Field. In a plot twist worthy of Hollywood, Selditch reveals how he seamlessly transitioned from the world of architectural design to the bright lights of film and television. He also shares the secret sauce behind his success: the art and power of networking. Dive into the intriguing journey of Michael Selditch, where architectural blueprints met cinematic scripts, and learn how a little creativity—and a fictional boyfriend—can take you a long way in showbiz. Living Not So Fabulously dives into real money stories with activists, allies, artists, tech-gurus, and trailblazers in the LGBTQ+ community to give you tangible takeaways to tackle your wallet woes. Find this episode's transcripts and more episodes of Living Not So Fabulously at http://finance.yahoo.com/videos/series/living-fabulously/. Have a money story of your own? Questions? Fan mail? Email us at [email protected]. 00:00-Michael Selditch joins Living Not So Fabulously 01:00-A toxic workplace 07:00-The importance of transferable skills in career changes 11:00-The power of community 13:00-A big break: Queer Eye for the Straight Guy Yahoo Finance's Living Not So Fabulously is hosted by David & John Auten-Schneider, and created and produced by Rachael Lewis-Krisky. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Living Not So Fabulously dives into real money stories with activists, allies, artists, tech-gurus and trailblazers in the LGBTQ+ community to give you tangible takeaways to tackle your wallet woes. With an absence of financial shows that considers the needs of the queer community—from politics and discrimination, to unique social and cultural experiences—hosts and husbands David & John Auten-Schneider bring you personal and professional stories every week. So that we all can live a little more fabulously. Living Not So Fabulously from Yahoo Finance airs every Wednesday at 12pm ET on your favorite podcast platform or watch the full vodcasts at https://finance.yahoo.com/videos/series/living-fabulously/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It was October 19, 1987, also known as Black Monday, and a young Jane Sasseen sat with horror watching what little finances she had disappear before her eyes, resulting in her reacting with a move that can only be described as pure panic selling. What else is a kid to do? She hasn't yet learned that the markets that go down, also go back up. This hard-earned lesson sent Sasseen into a career of award-winning finance journalism, as she focused on turning her mistakes into a masterclass on investing with resilience. Now, as the founding executive director of the McGraw Center for Business Journalism at CUNY, and co-chair of NewFest, New York’s leading LGBTQ+ film and media festival, Sasseen’s story is one-part finance wisdom, one-part celebration of diversity, and all-around insightful. Living Not So Fabulously dives into real money stories with activists, allies, artists, tech-gurus and trailblazers in the LGBTQ+ community to give you tangible takeaways to tackle your wallet woes. Find this episode's transcripts and more episodes of Living Not So Fabulously at http://finance.yahoo.com/videos/series/living-fabulously/. Have a money story of your own? Questions? Fan mail? Email us at [email protected]. 00:00-Jane Sasseen joins Living Not So Fabulously 03:15-The curse of Black Monday 05:00-All about time, not timing the market 07:20-LGBTQ+ folk's market struggles 08:25-Story time: market discrimination 10:46-Unique needs for unique people 14:55-Representation matters Yahoo Finance's Living Not So Fabulously is hosted by David & John Auten-Schneider, and created and produced by Rachael Lewis-Krisky. Jane Sasseen is a business journalist and the executive director of the McGraw Center for Business Journalism at the CUNY Graduate School of Journalism. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices