Julien and Kiersten Saunders went from $200,000 in debt to becoming major influencers in the F.I.R.E. (financial independence, retire early) movement. Starting in 2017 with a blog, rich & REGULAR, their reach grew into a podcast, then multiple podcasts, a video series, and a recent book. This power couple will be the keynote at the NGPF Back to School Virtual Conference on Saturday, August 26th. Here are three reasons you don't want to miss their session: Finding YOUR Path to Wealth. 

1. Their book was named Best Overall Investing Book of 2023

That's right, you can hear directly from the authors of Cashing Out: Win the Wealth Game by Walking Away, named the Best Overall investing book of 2023 by Business Insider. According to Business Insider, "not only is "Cashing Out" great for people who want to retire early, but it's also a strong source of inspiration and a guide for how to make your money work for you. It's particularly useful for BIPOC readers, as the Saunders talk about how "traditional" wealth-building advice doesn't always apply to Black people the same way it does their white counterparts."

2. They frame money issues through storytelling

When the Saunders were on the NGPF Podcast earlier this year, they shared how many people know what to do when it comes to their finances, but the challenge is getting people to act on that knowledge. "Storytelling addresses some of the social and cultural issues that get in the way of people doing what they know to be true," said Julien. “We try to aim for the heart and not for the head.” Because stories address the emotional challenges of managing money well, they've had success in using this approach to help people take action. 

3. They recognize the need for nuance in personal finance

Kiersten shared on the podcast that the idea that there are strict financial rules of thumb that apply to everyone is outdated. "All of the -isms that we know about - sexism, ageism, ableism, racism - all of those things contribute to us having a different experience," she said. While they agree there are some tried and true golden rules like spending less than you earn and taking inflation into account when planning for the future, financial advice cannot be formulaic. They seek to empower people to ask themselves "What is the best move for you?"

Want to hear more?

Register now for the keynote session at 10:30am PT / 1:30pm ET on Saturday, Aug. 26th to learn more money gems from Kiersten and Julien and ask them questions directly. 

See what else we're offering at the Back to School Virtual Conference. 

About the Author

Hannah Rael

As NGPF's Marketing Communications Manager, Hannah (she/her) helps spread the word about NGPF's mission to improve the financial lives of the next generation of Americans.