In this inaugural episode of the “Do.Different.Better” podcast, host Elaine Rasmussen, founder and CEO of Social Impact Now and ConnectUP Institute, delves into her personal finance journey and the essence of the show. Elaine opens up about her early financial struggles, her insights into wealth building, and the lessons learned along the way. This episode sets the stage for the podcast’s mission: to simplify finance for everyday people and provide them with the tools to build wealth.

This episode originally aired August 25, 2024: Are you ready to unlock the secrets to achieving financial independence and retiring early? Tune into this week’s episode of the “Do.Different.Better Show” with your host, Elaine Rasmussen, as we dive deep into the FIRE (Financial Independence Retire Early) movement. Whether you’re curious about how to start, looking for saving and investing strategies, or wondering if FIRE is right for you, this episode has got you covered! In this episode, we cover: The basics of the FIRE movement, including its principles and different paths like Fat FIRE, Lean FIRE, and Barista FIRE. Practical strategies for achieving FIRE, such as high savings rates, smart investing, and increasing your income through career growth and side hustles. An honest look at the pros and cons of FIRE, helping you decide if it’s the right path for your financial journey. Join us for this informative and motivating episode that will help you take the first steps toward financial freedom and an early retirement. Don’t miss out on valuable tips, actionable steps, and inspiring stories to keep you on track. #FIREMovement #FinancialIndependence #EarlyRetirement #WealthBuilding #InvestSmart #FinancialFreedom #MoneyManagement

In this exciting episode of Do.Different.Better, Elaine sits down with La Juana Whitmore, CEO of NextFemme Financial, to dive deep into the world of empowering women entrepreneurs through financial literacy and support. La Juana shares her journey and the inspiration behind launching NextFemme Financial, a platform designed to help women take control of their personal and business finances. We explore the historical barriers women have faced in accessing credit, banking, and investments, and how financial literacy directly impacts business success. La Juana also reveals actionable tips for overcoming common financial challenges, breaking through the funding gap, and building financial confidence. Whether you’re a seasoned entrepreneur or just starting out, this episode is packed with practical advice to help you take control of your financial future. Ready to learn how mastering your personal finances can lead to entrepreneurial success? Tune in for an insightful, empowering, and community-focused conversation! Key Takeaways: • Why financial literacy is crucial for women entrepreneurs today. • Overcoming the barriers women face in the world of finance. • Practical steps to build financial confidence and set your business up for success. • How NextFemme Financial is transforming the financial landscape for women. #NextFemmeFinancial #WomenInBusiness #FinancialLiteracy #FinancialConfidence #DoDifferentBetter #WomenEntrepreneurs #BusinessSuccess #EmpoweredWomen #ElaineRasmussen

This week Elaine talks about how to fund your dreams! Topics include mastering your cash flow, debt and equity. #FundYourDreams #CapitalReadiness #EntrepreneurLife #MoneyMoves #StartupStrategy

You already know how to earn. You’re responsible. You’re informed. You’ve done what you were “supposed” to do with money. So why does financial clarity still feel just out of reach? In this episode of the **Do.Different.Better Show**, Elaine Rasmussen names the quiet truth most finance conversations avoid: wealth isn’t built by tactics alone. It’s built by *how you decide*, *how you navigate power*, and *how you regulate yourself when money is on the line*. This is a deep, grounded conversation about the soft skills that actually shape long-term financial outcomes—discernment, negotiation, boundaries, and emotional regulation—and why high earners are often the least supported in developing them. This episode is for people who: • earn well but still feel financially uneasy • know the strategies but struggle with follow-through • feel overwhelmed by too many “smart” options • are tired of optimization culture and want clarity instead You’ll hear: • Why income stops feeling like safety • How decision fatigue quietly erodes wealth • The difference between access and agency • Why saying yes too often is financially expensive • How steadiness—not aggression—creates leverage This isn’t motivation. It’s integration. If you’ve been circling the same financial questions, this episode will help you slow down, name what’s really happening, and move forward with intention. 🎙️ Hosted by Elaine Rasmussen 📻 Aired on AM950 📺 Full episodes on YouTube 🌐 Learn more at **[www.dodifferentbetter.com](http://www.dodifferentbetter.com)** If this episode resonates, follow the show and start from the beginning—you’ll hear money, power, and ownership discussed in a way that actually respects your intelligence.

Discover how to align your investment portfolio with your personal values. This episode demystifies impact investing, ESG funds, and B Corps, explaining how to use these tools to create positive change without sacrificing financial performance. Learn to bust common myths about value-based investing and get a practical 30, 60, and 90-day action plan to get started.