Kate Ashford of NerdWallet on How to Start a Small Business

Kate Ashford of NerdWallet on How to Start a Small Business

Author: Next Gen Personal Finance December 11, 2025 Duration: 56:53

Tim Ranzetta interviews NerdWallet writer and personal finance expert Kate Ashford about entrepreneurship, financial education, and lessons from her career in journalism and freelancing. Kate shares early money memories, key insights she's gained from covering a wide range of personal finance topics, and practical advice for young entrepreneurs. From identifying a problem worth solving to funding a startup on a shoestring budget, the discussion explores business planning essentials. They discuss the evolving impact of AI, the importance of curiosity and communication skills, and why early jobs (even tough ones) can teach invaluable lessons. Kate offers guidance on mentorship, business structures, estate planning basics, and cultivating traits like perseverance, adaptability, and the "squeaky wheel" mindset. Packed with practical wisdom for educators and students alike, this conversation highlights what it really takes to build skills, start small, and stay flexible in a changing world.


Behind the mission of Next Gen Personal Finance-a nonprofit dedicated to ensuring every U.S. high school student takes a personal finance class-is a vibrant community of educators constantly refining their craft. The NGPF Podcast sits at the heart of that conversation. It’s a space where teachers, curriculum specialists, and sometimes even students share their real-world experiences and challenges in bringing financial literacy to life. You’ll hear practical discussions about what actually works in the classroom, from innovative lesson plans to navigating tricky topics like investing, credit, and behavioral economics. The episodes, often born from the organization's deep investment in teacher professional development, feel less like formal lectures and more like insightful coffee-break chats with colleagues who are just as passionate about empowering the next generation. Tuning into this podcast offers a direct line to the strategies and stories that are shaping financially capable young adults, all grounded in the high-quality resources NGPF is known for. It’s an essential listen for anyone invested in the practical side of financial education, whether you're in a classroom or simply believe in the critical importance of these skills for the future.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

NGPF Podcast
Podcast Episodes
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