#300 From Credit Chaos to Financial Freedom w/ Devin Norcross

I’m excited to introduce you to today’s guest, Josselyne Herman-Saccio. Josselyne is someone I’ve recently had the pleasure of meeting through a mutual friend, and from the moment we connected, I knew her story and approach to life would resonate with you. Josselyne’s journey is nothing short of inspiring. She started out as an aspiring singer, only to be told by her father that art couldn’t be a career. Yet, just a few years later, she landed a record deal and had a number one hit. What I love about Josselyne’s story is her unwavering commitment to pursuing her dreams, even in the face of doubt.   In our conversation, we’ll unpack what it means to be “unmessable with,” a powerful concept Josselyne uses to describe the ability to stay grounded in your vision, no matter what life throws your way. For over 25 years, Josselyne has worked with creatives, entrepreneurs, and high achievers, helping them break through limiting beliefs and take actions that truly align with their goals. Whether you’re an artist, a business owner, or simply someone who feels stuck in your life, there are valuable lessons here that will help you move forward with more clarity and confidence.  

In this episode, I open up about the dark moments that shaped my path, from losing everything and struggling to support my family, to discovering the principles that have allowed me to not just survive, but to thrive. I share how I turned my biggest failures into lessons that now guide my approach to money, health, and life. One of the most pivotal moments in my journey was when I realized that money isn’t just about numbers—it’s about mindset and behavior. Growing up in a challenging environment, I developed an intense drive to succeed, but that success came at a cost. I found myself in the same financial stress despite earning more money than I ever thought possible. This realization forced me to rethink everything I knew about money, and I learned the hard way that financial success without the right habits and understanding leads to a vicious cycle of earning and spending without true fulfillment. I discuss the irony of achieving financial success while sacrificing my health, leading to a complete collapse that taught me the true value of balance and the importance of investing in myself. This was when I developed the CURBS method, a system designed to help you manage your money in a way that builds real wealth and security. I also talk about the concept of "lifestyle creep"—the tendency for expenses to rise along with income—and how mastering spending is more crucial than simply earning more. Money, as I’ve come to understand, is a mirror that reflects our values and intentions. When managed well, it can lead to fulfillment and happiness; when misunderstood, it can cause anxiety and stress. That’s why I emphasize the importance of knowing your "Good Enough" number—a concept that’s crucial for financial peace of mind. Understanding how much is truly enough for you is key to living a life that’s rich in every sense of the word, not just financially.  

This episode features Devin Norcross, a long-time friend and credit expert who has spent over a decade helping people navigate the complex world of credit and debt management.   In our conversation, Devin and I tackled some of the most misunderstood aspects of credit. He explains how the credit industry often preys on young adults, offering credit cards with no education on their long-term impacts, highlighting the importance of understanding the system before diving in. We also discussed the critical difference between credit bureaus, which collect your financial data, and scoring agencies like FICO, which calculate your credit score. Understanding this distinction is crucial for managing your credit effectively.   Devin introduced us to VantageScore, an emerging alternative to FICO. While it’s not yet widely adopted, it’s something to watch as it could play a bigger role in the future. One of the more surprising insights was how paying off old collections can sometimes lower your credit score—underscoring the importance of timing and strategy when managing debt.   Devin also shared some practical tips, like keeping credit accounts open and active, and managing your credit utilization carefully. These small adjustments can lead to significant improvements in your credit score.  

This time, I have the pleasure of sitting down with Rachel Luna, an incredible financial health coach and author. Rachel and I delve into a conversation that's close to both our hearts: mastering money. We start by tackling the common myth that earning more money automatically leads to wealth. Rachel shares her personal journey from financial instability to financial freedom, emphasizing how focusing solely on income can trap us in a cycle of earning and spending without truly building wealth. We both agree that understanding the difference between income and wealth is crucial. The key lies in creating a personal balance sheet, which serves as a financial health checkup, showing where you stand and helping you make informed decisions. Rachel highlights the importance of knowing your financial freedom number – the amount of passive income needed to cover your lifestyle costs. This number acts as your North Star, guiding your financial decisions and strategies. We discuss practical steps to begin building wealth, such as starting with small, consistent investments, even if you’re currently living paycheck to paycheck. This approach helps you create a strong financial foundation over time. A significant part of our conversation focuses on mindset. Rachel and I explore how our beliefs about money shape our financial reality. By developing a healthy money mindset, we can break free from limiting beliefs and start making choices that lead to financial success. Rachel’s story is a testament to this, as she transforms her financial situation by changing her mindset and adopting disciplined financial practices. I hope you find this episode as insightful and empowering as I do. Remember, wealth is a journey, and every step you take brings you closer to financial freedom.  

In this episode, I had an enriching conversation with Jennifer Hill, an expert on human connection and psychological safety. We explored the growing epidemic of loneliness and the critical role of human connection in our personal and professional lives. One of the key points Jennifer highlighted was the concept of the "golden triangle of connection." This triangle emphasizes the importance of connecting with oneself, which then facilitates meaningful connections with others and a deeper sense of purpose. Jennifer shared her journey and practical advice on how to cultivate these connections in a world that often feels increasingly disconnected. We also delved into the significance of inner child work. Jennifer explained how acknowledging and nurturing our inner child can lead to better relationships and a healthier self. She described how this practice has transformed her life and helped her become more compassionate and less reactive. Another important topic we covered was the impact of social media on human connection. Jennifer discussed how our interactions on these platforms can either enhance or detract from our sense of connection, depending on the consciousness and intent we bring to them.  

Recently, I had the pleasure of being a guest on the Boss Up Babes podcast with Karissa Adkins. This was an incredible experience where we delved deep into some of the core principles of the Wise Money Method and discussed practical strategies for financial empowerment.   During the podcast, we touched on a variety of topics that I believe will resonate with many of you. From my journey in real estate and wealth management to the creation of multimillion-dollar businesses, we covered the essential aspects of financial literacy and personal growth. Karissa and I had a candid conversation about the challenges and triumphs that come with managing and growing wealth, and I shared some of the most impactful lessons I've learned over the years.   We also discussed the importance of mindset in achieving financial success. As many of you know, shifting our mindset around money can be transformative. I shared personal anecdotes and practical advice on how to develop a healthier relationship with money, emphasizing that financial freedom is within everyone's reach, regardless of where you start.  

I’m excited to share a special episode of the Wealthy Wellthy Podcast that dives deep into the world of stem cells and their potential for health and healing. In this episode, I had the pleasure of interviewing my friend, Christian Drapeau, a scientist whose journey is as unique as his discoveries. We were introduced through a mutual friend, Lynn Graft, and it's been a meaningful friendship ever since. Christian's background is anything but ordinary – from studying neurophysiology at the Montreal Neurological Institute to living in a monastery, his path has been a quest for deeper understanding and truth. During our conversation, Christian shared his transition into the world of stem cell research, which began with his study of a blue-green algae from Klamath Lake. His discovery that this algae acts as a stem cell mobilizer set the stage for his life's work. One of the most compelling parts of our discussion was Christian's personal story of healing and transformation. After a serious health scare that left me on five different prescriptions, I realized I needed a different approach to take control of my health. Christian's insights into natural healing and the body's innate ability to repair itself through stem cell mobilization resonated deeply with me. He explained how traditional medicine often focuses on treating symptoms rather than addressing the root cause, and how stem cell therapy offers a more holistic solution. Now, Christian is at the forefront of research into plant-based stem cell mobilizers, showing how these natural compounds can stimulate the body's repair systems. His work has led to real-life stories of healing, from reversing chronic diseases to repairing severe injuries. Listening to Christian, it's clear that his belief in the power of plants and natural healing is backed by rigorous science and a profound understanding of the body's potential.

Last week’s episode of the Wealthy Wellthy Podcast was about the importance of selecting and perfecting your personal story to engage or inspire your audience. After listening to it, some of you requested that I share my story, so this week you’re going to hear all about me!  Yes, this week, Ted Ryce interviews me on his Legendary Life Podcast.  We dive deep into some of the most transformative moments of my journey. During our conversation, we explored some of the most transformative moments of my journey, including my near-death experience in 2013, which completely reshaped my approach to life and success. I shared how I spent nearly half a million dollars and nine months seeing 20 doctors to finally get a diagnosis and regain my health. This intense focus on achievement and financial success had led to severe health issues, culminating in a life-changing breakdown. We discussed the concept of "future tripping," where I sacrificed almost everything to create a future I didn’t appreciate when I got there. I also opened up about the impact of childhood trauma and how it contributed to my health crisis. These experiences underscored the critical importance of investing in personal health alongside building financial wealth. I believe this interview will resonate deeply with many of you, especially those striving to find a balance between professional success and personal well-being. Ted's podcast is known for its insightful and thought-provoking content, and this episode is no exception.  

In this episode, Dino and I dive deep into his fascinating journey from childhood dreams of performing to becoming one of the most captivating speakers I’ve ever encountered. We first met at Mike Koenigs' Mastermind, and his ability to engage and motivate an audience is simply unparalleled. Dino shares how his passion for performing began at just nine years old, inspired by his early experiences with television and dreams of being a performer. His aspirations to be like Donnie Osmond and marry Marie reveal the depth of his childhood dreams. From working as a Disney dancer to navigating the hardships of early marriage and fatherhood, Dino’s journey is a testament to resilience and determination. Despite the challenges, he found ways to keep his passion alive while prioritizing his family. Learn how Dino transitioned from real estate to coaching and eventually found his niche in the orthodontics industry. His unique approach to speaking and training transformed many practices, showing how diverse experiences can converge into a successful career. Dino offers invaluable insights into the craft of speaking, emphasizing the importance of authenticity, storytelling, and connecting with your audience on a deeper level. His method involves not just speaking but performing, engaging, and leaving a lasting impact. We explore the significance of core values in building a successful business, a topic close to both of our hearts. Dino’s experiences with different business environments highlight the importance of aligning business practices with personal values. Some of the key moments from our conversation include Dino's realization that he could captivate an audience, not just through content, but through his performance and storytelling abilities; his story of how a simple real estate deal, buying a house for $10 and selling it for a $10,000 profit in a week, sparked his journey into coaching and speaking; the shift from acting to speaking in the orthodontics industry, where Dino found a unique niche that allowed him to use his talents in unexpected ways; his perspective on the importance of seeing things from an outsider’s viewpoint and how that fresh perspective can drive innovation in any industry; and the importance of core values and how maintaining them can lead to business success and personal fulfillment.  

I'm thrilled to share with you the latest episode of the Wealthy Wellthy Podcast, where I had the pleasure of interviewing Trademark Attorney Joey Vitale. Joey is an expert in trademark law and has a wealth of knowledge to help entrepreneurs protect their brands. Joey and I met at a lawyer event, where we quickly connected over our shared interests in business law and helping entrepreneurs navigate legal challenges. Joey’s journey from working in a traditional law firm to starting his own practice is both inspiring and informative. In this episode, we delve into the importance of trademarks for business owners, common legal mistakes entrepreneurs make, and the critical steps to ensure your brand is protected. During our conversation, Joey shares his personal story of how he transitioned from being the peacemaker in a big Italian Catholic family to a successful trademark attorney. He explains how his initial struggles in a traditional law firm led him to discover his true calling in business law, particularly helping entrepreneurs avoid legal pitfalls. One of the highlights of our discussion is Joey's advice on the first steps to take when considering a trademark. He emphasizes the importance of conducting a comprehensive search to ensure that your desired trademark is not already in use. This step can save entrepreneurs significant time and money by preventing potential legal disputes down the line. Joey also shares a compelling story about a client who received a cease-and-desist order while on vacation, highlighting the real-world consequences of not securing your trademarks early. This story underlines the importance of proactive brand protection and the peace of mind it can bring. Additionally, we discuss the practical aspects of using the TM symbol as a deterrent to potential copycats. Joey explained that while federal registration provides the strongest protection, even using the TM symbol can signal to others that you are serious about your brand.