In this powerful Money Memoir episode, Lauryn Williams sits down with nurse, mom of three, and financial educator Naseema McElroy, founder of Financially Intentional, to talk about what it really looks like to build wealth—starting with very little.

Naseema shares how growing up with a single father and limited financial guidance shaped her early money mindset, how she navigated college financing without understanding the true cost, and how she eventually paid off nearly $1 million in debt—only to later rebuild intentionally and reach a seven-figure net worth.

This conversation goes far beyond numbers. Naseema opens up about motherhood as a turning point in her financial life, why she chose freedom over climbing the corporate ladder, and how she's raising her daughters to understand money through modeling, investing, and real-life conversations—starting as early as toddlerhood.

You'll also hear practical insights on student loans, investing while paying off debt, 529 plans, teaching kids about ownership versus consumption, and what financial independence really means when your goal is time with your family—not just retirement at 65.

If you're a parent (or future parent) who wants to break generational patterns around money and raise financially confident kids, this episode is for you.

Key Takeaways

• How childhood money messages shape adult financial behavior

• Why Naseema chose freedom and flexibility over career prestige

• What paying off nearly $1 million in debt actually looked like

• Why "good debt" is still debt—and how mindset matters

• How Naseema teaches her kids about investing, ownership, and money habits

• Creative, age-appropriate ways to introduce investing to children

• How 529 plans can function as a long-term family education fund

• What financial independence looks like when time is the real goal

Links & Resources Mentioned

• Financially Intentional: financiallyintentional.com

• Free Monthly Trainings: financiallyintentional.com/class

• Stockpile Investing App: stockpile.com

• Acorns Early (formerly Acorns Early / GoHenry-style allowance tools): acorns.com

• 529 College Savings Plans - https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/529-plans-questions-and-answers

Follow Us on Social Media

Follow Naseema on Instagram: @financiallyintentional

Join the Financially Intentional group on Facebook: @financiallyintentional

Follow Lauryn on Instagram: @worthwinning

Follow the Worth Listening Podcast: Apple Podcasts | Spotify

Connect with Lauryn on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/lauryn-williams

Ready to Take the Next Step?

If this episode got you thinking differently about money, freedom, and the life you want to build, you don't have to figure it out alone.

Join Lauryn Williams in one of her upcoming programs or retreats designed to help you build a financial plan that supports your real life—not just a spreadsheet.

Learn more at worth-winning.com.