Money Moves University Podcast

About Money Moves University Podcast

The Money Moves University Podcast helps entrepreneurs, professionals, and everyday people build wealth with clarity and strategy. Hosted by James Jackson III, each episode breaks down money, business, leadership, credit, entrepreneurship, and financial wellness in a practical, culturally relevant way.

Publisher

James Jackson III

Category

business · education

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

27 May 2026

Latest episode

19 Oct 2026

Latest episodes

14 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   19 Oct 2026

   How to Calculate Your Retirement Number in 5 Minutes

   summary This episode demystifies retirement planning by explaining how to calculate your retirement number, the importance of starting early, and the three-legged stool of retirement income. James Jackson III shares practical steps to secure your financial future regardless of your current age or savings status. keywords retirement planning, retirement number, financial independence, 4% rule, social security, 401k, Roth IRA, savings strategy, financial literacy key topics Retirement number calculation The 4% rule and withdrawal strategy The three-legged stool of retirement income (Social Security, employer plans, personal savings) takeaways Calculate your retirement number by multiplying your desired annual income by 25. Maximize your employer match and avoid cashing out your 401k. Start or contribute to a Roth IRA early for tax-free growth. Check your Social Security benefits at ssa.gov. Increase your savings rate by 1% annually to build wealth. sound bites "Retirement is not an age, it is a number." "The best time to plant a tree was 30 years ago." "Math is not scary when you understand it." Chapters 00:00 Understanding Your Retirement Number 05:47 The Three-Legged Stool of Retirement Income resources ssa.gov - https://ssa.gov (https://ssa.gov) Money Moves University - https://moneymovesuniversity.com (https://moneymovesuniversity.com)

2. 

   5 Oct 2026

   Investing Simplified: The Essential Guide to Building Wealth

   summary James Jackson III shares crucial insights on investing, emphasizing the importance of starting early, understanding key investment vehicles, and leveraging compound interest to build wealth over time. keywords investing, compound interest, stock market, index funds, Roth IRA, 401k, wealth building, financial education key topics The importance of starting investing early Understanding stocks, bonds, index funds, and ETFs The impact of compound interest over time Prioritizing employer match in 401k contributions Steps to start investing with limited funds sound bites "Stocks mean ownership, bonds mean loans." "Max out your 401k match first—it's free money." "Start with whatever you have, even $25 a month." Chapters 00:00 The Importance of Early Investment 09:10 Understanding Investment Basics resources Vanguard VTSAX Index Fund - https://www.vanguard.com (https://www.vanguard.com) Fidelity FZROX Index Fund - https://www.fidelity.com (https://www.fidelity.com) Schwab SWTSX Index Fund - https://www.schwab.com (https://www.schwab.com) Money Moves University - https://moneymovesuniversity.com (https://moneymovesuniversity.com)

3. 

   21 Sept 2026

   The Truth About Life Insurance: What You Need to Know

   summary James Jackson III shares essential insights on life insurance, emphasizing its importance, types, and how to determine the right coverage for your family. Learn why term life insurance is often the best choice for most people and how to avoid costly mistakes. keywords life insurance, term vs permanent, income replacement, financial planning, insurance tips, family protection key topics Difference between term and permanent life insurance How much coverage do you need? Why most people are underinsured The cost of not having life insurance How to get affordable coverage takeaways Term life insurance is the most affordable and suitable for most people. The best life insurance policy is the one you can afford to keep. Life insurance is about income replacement, not death. Most Americans are underinsured or uninsured. Run your 'dime number' to determine your coverage needs. sound bites "Most people are underinsured or uninsured." "The best policy is the one you can actually afford." "Buy term and invest the difference." Chapters 00:00 The Importance of Life Insurance 06:05 Determining Coverage Needs resources Policygenius - https://www.policygenius.com/ (https://www.policygenius.com/) SelectQuote - https://www.selectquote.com/ (https://www.selectquote.com/) guest links Website - https://moneymovesuniversity.com (https://moneymovesuniversity.com)

4. 

   7 Sept 2026

   How to Prepare for Your First Home Purchase

   This episode demystifies the home buying process, emphasizing the importance of preparation, understanding key financial metrics, and timing. It highlights that homeownership is a primary wealth-building tool for the American middle class and provides actionable steps for prospective buyers. key topics The importance of financial preparation before buying a home The step-by-step home buying process Understanding credit scores, DTI, and down payments The value of homeownership in wealth building Action steps to get ready for buying a home sound bites "Preparation starts years before you buy" "Never skip the home inspection" "Run your numbers and know where you stand" Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Wealth Building 05:45 Renting vs. Owning: The Financial Perspective 12:07 The Home Buying Process Explained resources Money Moves University - https://moneymoveuniversity.com (https://moneymoveuniversity.com)

5. 

   26 Aug 2026

   Special Announcement!

   Summary James Jackson III announces the release of his new book, Personal Finance Foundations, a comprehensive curriculum designed for both academic and personal use. He discusses its features, benefits, and how it complements his podcast to deepen financial literacy. Get the book now! Personal Finance Foundations (https://he.kendallhunt.com/product/personal-finance-foundations-know-rules-build-habits-own-your-future) keywords personal finance, financial literacy, education, curriculum, self-paced learning, financial planning, budgeting, investing, retirement, teaching resources key topics Launch of Personal Finance Foundations book Book features: 20 chapters, quizzes, active exercises Designed for college courses and self-paced learners How the book complements the podcast framework Target audience: students, educators, individuals Importance of active engagement in financial literacy Source-backed facts and figures for deeper understanding Curriculum tailored for semester-long courses Invitation for educators to review and adopt the curriculum James Jackson III's mission to make financial literacy accessible takeaways The book offers a structured, comprehensive personal finance education. It is suitable for both academic settings and self-study. Each chapter includes quizzes and exercises for active learning. The curriculum covers essential topics like budgeting, investing, and retirement. Educators can review the curriculum at no cost for potential adoption. Financial literacy requires active engagement, not passive listening. The book complements the podcast by providing depth and data. Anyone can use the book for self-paced learning on their own schedule. The goal is to make financial literacy accessible to all. sound bites "This book goes deeper than the podcast" "Financial literacy happens when you engage with the material" "Financial literacy should be accessible to everyone" Chapters 00:00 Announcement of the new book, Personal Finance Foundations 01:57 How the book provides active learning through exercises and quizzes 04:08 Encouragement for listeners to deepen their financial knowledge 05:15 The book as a next step for podcast listeners seeking more depth 06:01 Call for educators to review and adopt the curriculum 07:24 Contact information for curriculum review and partnership

6. 

   24 Aug 2026

   How to Buy a Car Without Getting Played: 5 Essential Steps

   Summary James Jackson III shares personal stories and expert insights on how to buy a car wisely, avoiding common pitfalls like negative equity and emotional decisions. Learn practical strategies to negotiate, finance, and protect your investment for long-term satisfaction. Keywords car buying, auto financing, negative equity, credit score, negotiation, financial literacy, Money Moves University Key topics The psychology of car dealership sales tactics The importance of pre-approval and credit score in auto financing How to negotiate the total price, not monthly payments Understanding negative equity and depreciation Steps to prepare before visiting a dealership Takeaways Always know your credit score and get pre-approved before shopping. Negotiate the total price of the car, not the monthly payment. Avoid buying new cars if you want to prevent negative equity. Maintain full coverage insurance until the car is paid off. Research the vehicle's value before negotiating. Sound bites "That feeling is not paranoia, it's accurate." "I bought my first dream car right after college." "Get pre-approved before you go to the dealership." Chapters 00:00 Navigating the Car Buying Experience 07:17 Understanding Dealership Tactics 12:56 Final Thoughts and Next Steps Resources Kelley Blue Book - https://www.kbb.com/ (https://www.kbb.com/) Edmunds - https://www.edmunds.com/ (https://www.edmunds.com/) CarGurus - https://www.cargurus.com/ (https://www.cargurus.com/) MyFICO - https://www.myfico.com/ (https://www.myfico.com/)

7. 

   10 Aug 2026

   Tool or Trap? The Truth About Credit Card Mechanics

   Episode Summary Are your credit cards working for you, or are you working for them? In this episode, James Jackson III opens up about his 15-year struggle with credit card debt—a cycle that began with a free t-shirt on a college campus and cost him thousands in interest. Today, those same financial instruments pay for his family's flights and Amazon purchases. James breaks down the hidden mechanics of credit cards, exposing the math behind APR and the minimum payment trap. Most importantly, he shares the five non-negotiable rules for transforming a credit card from a financial trap into one of the most powerful wealth-building tools in your wallet. Key Topics Covered The College Trap: How a lack of financial education turns young adults into targets. The Cost of Interest: Why the average American pays over $1,000 a year just for the privilege of carrying debt. The Minimum Payment Illusion: The math behind why making only the minimum payment keeps you in debt for decades. The 5 Golden Rules: A foolproof system to never pay credit card interest again. Building Credit from Scratch: How to use a secured credit card the right way. Next Episode Teaser: Auto financing—how to buy a car without getting played. Credit Card Mechanics Explained If you don't understand how the math works, the system will work against you. TermWhat It Actually MeansAPR (Annual Percentage Rate)The interest rate charged daily on your outstanding balance (average is 21-22%).Grace PeriodThe 21-25 day window between your statement closing and the due date. Pay in full here, and you pay zero interest.Minimum PaymentUsually 1-3% of your balance. It is designed to keep you in debt as long as possible while maximizing the issuer's profits. The 5 Rules for Credit Card Mastery To make the card work for you, adopt these five behavioral rules: Pay the full statement balance every month. Never just the minimum. This is the only rule that truly matters. Treat it like a debit card. Only charge what you currently have in your checking account. Keep utilization below 30%. High balances hurt your credit score, even if you pay on time. Set up auto-pay for the FULL balance. This creates a safety net so you never accidentally miss a payment or pay interest. Match the card to your lifestyle. Don't chase random rewards. Pick a card that rewards where you actually spend your money (travel, groceries, etc.). Notable Quotes "A 2% cash back reward on a balance you carry at 22% APR is not a reward. It is a discount on a very expensive loan." "The credit card is not the enemy. The behavior around it is. Fix the behavior, and your card becomes one of your best financial allies." Resources & Your Action Step This Week's Action Step: Pull your credit card statements and add up the interest you paid over the last 12 months. If you are carrying a balance, attack the card with the highest interest rate first. If you pay in full every month, review your cards to ensure the rewards match your current lifestyle. Bring Financial Education to Your Team: Visit moneymovesuniversity.com (http://moneymovesuniversity.com) to learn about structured, facilitator-led curriculum for your organization. Call to Action: Share this episode with someone who needs to hear the other side of the story—the one where a credit card becomes a tool, not a trap!

8. 

   27 Jul 2026

   How to Improve Your Credit in 12 to 18 months

   Episode Summary Your credit score is an invisible conversation that dictates your financial life—from renting apartments to securing car loans. In this episode, James Jackson III shares his 25 years of financial expertise and his personal journey going from a sub-600 to an 800+ credit score. Learn the FICO scoring model, the five factors that control your score, and a straightforward six-step strategy to rebuild your financial reputation. Chapter Markers 00:00 – Welcome & the invisible conversation 03:05 – The expensive reality of bad credit 06:30 – FICO score ranges explained 08:35 – The 5 credit score factors 12:30 – The 6-Step Rebuild Strategy 15:30 – Mindset, timelines, and action steps 17:49 – Next week: Credit cards FICO Score Ranges The FICO score ranges from 300 to 850 (the US average is 717). 300-579 (Poor): Most lenders decline or charge extremely high rates. 580-669 (Fair): Limited approvals, higher rates, deposits required. 670-739 (Good): Approved for most products; reasonable rates. 740-799 (Very Good): Strong approvals, near the best rates. 800-850 (Exceptional): Best rates and terms. The 5 Factors of Your Credit Score Focus on the top two factors, which make up 65% of your total score. Payment History (35%): Pay on time. One missed payment drops your score 50–100 points. Utilization (30%): Keep balances under 30% of your limit (ideally under 10%). Length of History (15%): Keep older accounts open to age your credit file. Credit Mix (10%): A healthy mix of cards and installment loans. New Credit (10%): Limit hard inquiries. Apply only when necessary. The 6-Step Rebuild Strategy Pull Your Report: Check all three bureaus for free and dispute errors. Auto-Pay: Set minimums on auto-pay to prevent accidentally missing payments. Attack Utilization: Pay down balances, starting with the card closest to its limit. Keep Old Accounts Open: Keep them active with small purchases paid off immediately. Secured Card: Use one if your credit file is thin to build positive history. Stop Applying: Let your score heal without adding new hard inquiries. Notable Quote "A credit score is not a verdict on your character. It is a reflection of your financial behavior over time—and behavior can change." Resources & Action Steps Free Credit Report: AnnualCreditReport.com (http://AnnualCreditReport.com) Show Website: moneymovesuniversity.com (http://moneymovesuniversity.com) Call to Action: This week, pull your free credit report, check your utilization, and tackle the first factor you need to fix. Share this episode with someone who is ready to rebuild!

9. 

   12 Jul 2026

   What Nobody Told You About Taxes

   James Jackson III shares insider tips on tax planning, deductions, and avoiding common pitfalls for both W-2 employees and side business owners. Learn how to optimize your taxes, leverage deductions, and work smarter with professional help. keywords tax planning, deductions, side business, W-2 employee, tax credits, IRS, tax tips, financial literacy, tax deductions, quarterly taxes key topics Tax planning vs withholding Maximizing deductions for side businesses Understanding tax brackets and credits Quarterly estimated taxes for freelancers The importance of professional tax help takeaways Tax withholding is not the same as tax planning. Deductions and credits significantly reduce your tax bill. Track every expense and mile for your side business. Revisit your W-4 after major life changes. Pay quarterly estimated taxes if you owe more than $1,000. sound bites "Withholding is not the same as tax planning." "You're taxed on what is left after deductions." "Write-offs reduce your taxable income." Chapters 00:00 Understanding the Tax System 07:04 Navigating W-2 Employment Taxes 14:43 The Importance of Professional Tax Help resources IRS Free File Program - https://www.irs.gov/filing/free-file-do-your-federal-taxes-for-free (https://www.irs.gov/filing/free-file-do-your-federal-taxes-for-free) VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) - https://www.irs.gov/individuals/free-tax-return-filing (https://www.irs.gov/individuals/free-tax-return-filing) Mileage IQ - https://www.mileageiq.com/ (https://www.mileageiq.com/) TurboTax - https://turbotax.intuit.com/ (https://turbotax.intuit.com/) H&R Block - https://www.hrblock.com/ (https://www.hrblock.com/) guest links Website - https://moneymovesuniversity.com (https://moneymovesuniversity.com)

10. 

    29 Jun 2026

    Stop Paying Bank Fees

    James Jackson III breaks down the essentials of managing your first paycheck, choosing the right financial accounts, and avoiding costly mistakes like payday loans. Learn practical steps to protect and grow your money from the start. keywords financial literacy, first paycheck, bank accounts, payday loans, savings, money management, financial education, credit unions, online banks, payment apps key topics Choosing the right bank account Understanding payday loans and alternatives High-yield savings accounts at online banks Using payment apps responsibly Common financial mistakes young adults make sound bites "Your decision now can cost or build you." "Check cashing fees can drain hundreds yearly." "The right conversation can save you thousands." Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Financial Literacy 06:05 The Importance of Choosing the Right Account 11:50 Action Steps for Financial Success resources Money Moves University - https://moneymovesuniversity.com (https://moneymovesuniversity.com)

11. 

    14 Jun 2026

    Know Your Number

    Do you know your number? In this episode of Money Moves University, James Jackson III explores why so many people are underpaid—not because they lack talent, but because they were never taught how to negotiate their value. James shares the career moment he froze during a salary conversation, the lessons he learned from leaving money on the table, and the four-step framework he now uses to confidently negotiate compensation. Learn how to research your market value, build your case, leverage your network, and walk into every conversation prepared to advocate for yourself. Because the number you accept today becomes the foundation for everything you earn tomorrow.

12. 

    1 Jun 2026

    How to Make Every Dollar Work for You

    Summary James Jackson III introduces the 70-10-10-10 system, a simple yet powerful approach to personal finance that helps you allocate every dollar before you spend it. This system replaces complicated budgets with a straightforward method to fund your life, savings, investments, and giving, ensuring your financial goals are achievable and sustainable. Keywords personal finance, budgeting, 70-10-10-10 system, savings, investing, giving, financial goals, money management Key Topics The 70-10-10-10 system for budgeting Why most budgets fail and how to fix them The importance of paying yourself first Balancing living expenses, savings, investing, and giving Adapting the system to different income levels Takeaways Every dollar should have a job before you spend it. Most budgets are either too complicated or reactive. The 70-10-10-10 system is simple, flexible, and effective. Start small if your expenses are high, and build over time. Consistent investing, even small amounts, builds wealth. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Money Moves University 09:16 Addressing Common Concerns with the System Resources Money Moves University - https://moneymovesuniversity.com (https://moneymovesuniversity.com)

13. 

    1 Jun 2026

    How Influences Shape Your Money Reality

    James Jackson III explores the deep connection between influences, mindset, and financial goal setting. Learn how to shape your thinking, replace limiting beliefs, and set SMART goals to build the financial life you desire. Key Topics: The 5 links in the influence-mindset-actions-results-lifestyle chain The impact of content and relationships on financial mindset Replacing stinking thinking with intentional influence Using SMART goals to turn dreams into actionable plans Takeaways Your influences shape your thinking, which drives your actions and results. Content consumption and relationships influence your financial mindset. Replacing limiting beliefs with empowering content is crucial for growth. SMART goals make your financial aspirations specific and achievable. Chapters 00:00 The Power of Mindset in Goal Setting 06:48 Understanding SMART Goals 12:51 Action Steps for Financial Success Resources Money Moves University - https://moneymovesuniversity.com (https://moneymovesuniversity.com)

14. 

    27 May 2026

    Podcast Premiere

    This is Episode 1. The series premiere of Money Moves University. Before we get into any curriculum, host James Jackson III lays it all out — where this show came from, where America stands financially right now, and what the next 26 episodes are going to do about it. James shares the credit card debt that started his financial education, the career path that took him from Wall Street to community banking to the classroom, and the moment he got his credit score above 800 after years below 600. Then he walks through five statistics on the state of American financial health — numbers that explain why this show exists and why right now is the right moment to be having this conversation. By the end of this episode you will understand what Money Moves University is, what this podcast covers across a full year, and exactly what your first action step is. Your action step: Go to annualcreditreport.com (http://annualcreditreport.com) and pull your free credit report from all three bureaus. Know where you stand.

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

Apple Podcasts (US)

5.0 / 5

3 ratings

Contact Money Moves University Podcast

Guest appearances

Does not typically book guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.