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

Welcome to the Wealthy Wellthy Podcast, where we explore the intersection of wealth, health, and Entrepreneurship. I'm Krisstina Wise, and today I'm joined by Emily Rose, a coach for high-achieving professionals and entrepreneurs.    Emily is a graduate of both Wise Money CURBS and Wise Money CURBS For Business.   In this episode, we talk about breaking free from the month-to-month financial cycle that so many business owners face—even when they are making good money.    In addition to an amazing personal story of adventure and excitement, Emily shares her personal journey of burnout and financial struggles. She explains how mastering the fundamentals of money management through systems like CURBS helped her finally find stability, which permeates through all areas of her life.   If you’ve ever felt like you’re working hard but not gaining ground financially, this conversation will help you rethink how you manage your money and your business.    If want even more information and personal instruction on how to turn your hard work into financial security and freedom, register for my FREE Wealth Mastery: Your Path to Financial Security 5-Day Challenge using the link in the show notes or by going to    challenge.wisemoneymethod.com/  

I recently sat down with Trey Kaufmann for a candid conversation on the Wealthy Wellthy Podcast. Trey is the host of The Mosaic Life Podcast, and our discussion centers around living a life of fulfillment without getting caught up in the distractions that often clutter our lives. Trey opens up about his personal journey, sharing how he's been able to shift his focus from chasing success for the sake of it to embracing a more intentional way of living. He talks about the importance of understanding what truly matters and how to remove the unnecessary fluff that we often get caught up in. We touch on several practical ways to live with purpose and intention, including the value of authentic relationships and why it’s so important to define success on your own terms. Trey’s approach is thoughtful, practical, and deeply personal, and I believe there are many insights here that you might find helpful. If you're someone who’s trying to balance a busy life or feel like you're missing something despite your accomplishments, I think you'll resonate with this conversation. It's about stripping away the noise and focusing on what truly fulfills us.  

Today my good friend Dino Watt interviews me about what I’ve learned in decades of working as and with entrepreneurs. We talk candidly about a trap that many people fall into and that can destroy their lives…like it did mine.    That trap is the belief that earning more money will fix your financial problems. I share how this idea almost killed me. I tell Dino that "It’s not how much money we make that matters; it’s what we do with it that makes the difference." I learned this lesson the hard way—despite earning substantial income, I found myself in financial distress because I wasn’t focused on building wealth, only on keeping up with an expensive lifestyle.  

I recently had a deeply insightful conversation with Dawn Apuan on the Wealthy Wellthy Podcast. Dawn’s story will resonate with anyone who’s ever felt stuck in their financial situation, wondering if there’s a way out. Dawn was living on $2,700 a month as a pastor, barely making ends meet for her family of six. After the birth of her daughter, she realized she couldn’t continue in the same situation, emotionally or financially. This led her to explore ways to work from home, and in an unexpected twist, she found a path to entrepreneurship. Her journey started with a small investment in an online course and a lot of self-teaching. In a few short months, Dawn went from making $3,000 in eight months to $35,000 by the end of the year. But what truly transformed her was the shift in her mindset—from scarcity to abundance. It was no longer about “just getting by,” but about learning new skills and expanding her belief in what was possible. In our conversation, Dawn talks candidly about the mental shifts she had to make, from overcoming limiting beliefs around money to learning how to value herself and her work. She shares how, despite her fears and doubts, she invested in herself and kept pushing forward—proving that anyone can rewrite their financial story with the right mindset and effort. http://krisstina.com/call I am offering you the same CURBS program that changed Dawn’s life for $500-$1,000 OFF before the official launch on October 10th.If you’re interested in joining, saving a lot of your hard-earned money, and being guided through a proven financial blueprint to eliminate money-stress, and building unshakable wealth regardless of the economy click this link to book our quick 15-minute chat to discuss your unique situation and see if you’re right for the community. Book your call now :)

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.