Episodes

In this solo episode, Darrin breaks down the fundamentals of business credit — what it is, why it matters, and how to build it. He explains the difference between personal credit and business credit, then walks listeners through the first steps of establishing and growing a business credit profile. Darrin also highlights the key advantages of strong business credit, from access to business loans to qualifying for higher levels of funding. This episode is packed with practical insights for entrepreneurs, freelancers, and small business owners who want to understand how credit can be a powerful tool for growth.

In one of his most personal episodes yet, Darrin opens up about his journey as a caregiver for his father, who battled Alzheimer’s and kidney disease. Through this raw and emotional story, Darrin shares how caregiving shaped his perspective on life, money, and the importance of financial planning and security. He highlights why preparing for elder care is something families can’t afford to ignore. From having the right documents in place — like wills, trusts, and healthcare directives — to planning for medical expenses and caregiving responsibilities, Darrin offers practical advice rooted in his lived experience. This episode is a reminder that financial planning isn’t just about numbers on a spreadsheet — it’s about protecting your loved ones, preserving your peace of mind, and being ready for life’s hardest challenges.

In this inspiring episode, Darrin sits down with Yoga Instructor and Holistic Wellness Coach, Kenya Aissa. Together, they explore the powerful connection between self-care, physical health, and financial health. Kenya shares her personal journey from being an overly stressed-out social worker to finding her passion in yoga and wellness coaching. She opens up about how self-care not only transformed her own life but also how she now helps others reclaim balance through yoga. The conversation dives into how exercise impacts productivity and financial well-being, and Darrin shares his own experience with how working out helps him stay focused in business. The duo also discuss affordable ways to take care of your health, proving that wellness doesn’t have to break the bank.

n this inspiring episode, Darrin sits down with Wellness Coach Cat of Cat Fitness to talk about entrepreneurship, resilience, and the power of building something meaningful. Cat shares how a personal health scare became the turning point that pushed him to start his own fitness business. Through discipline, consistency, and a commitment to wellness, he not only built a business but also grew a social media following of over 100,000 people. Together, Darrin and Cat discuss the realities of entrepreneurship, from finding your “why” to leveraging social media for growth. They also provide practical advice for those just starting their entrepreneurial journey — and encouragement for those in the early stages who might be questioning whether it’s worth it.

In this special episode, Darrin flips the script and invites not one but two guests — up-and-coming comedians Don Sombra and JK the Laughing Stoic — for a hilarious, thought-provoking conversation about our relationship with money. This episode is packed with laughs, jokes, and real talk as the trio dive into money topics like: H ow upbringing shapes financial habits Gender roles and money dynamics The crazy things people might do for a big payday It’s an episode that proves financial conversations don’t have to be boring — they can be funny, relatable, and still hit home.

In this solo episode, Darrin gives a clear and practical introduction to the world of real estate investing. He starts by explaining what real estate really is, then breaks down the different types — from residential to commercial to investment properties. From there, Darrin explores the many ways people can make money in real estate, including rental income, flipping properties, and long-term appreciation. Listeners will also learn the basics of financing real estate, including how home loans work, what lenders look for, and why understanding loan structures is critical before diving into the market. This episode is designed for anyone curious about real estate and how it can be a path to building long-term wealth.

In this solo episode, Darrin breaks down everything you need to know about retirement planning. He explains the different types of retirement accounts — including 401(k)s, IRAs, and Roth IRAs — and how each one fits into building long-term wealth. Darrin also unpacks the role of Social Security, sharing important stats about its future and what it can realistically provide. Beyond the mechanics, he gives actionable advice on how listeners can start preparing for retirement now, regardless of their age or income. Whether you’re just starting your career or already mid-way through, this episode provides the tools and mindset you need to secure your financial future.

n this solo episode, Darrin unpacks the essentials of a business mindset for anyone thinking about starting their own venture. He begins by explaining what a business truly is and the differences between nonprofits and for-profit businesses. From there, he dives into the key things to consider before starting a business, including why passion matters, how to evaluate your idea, and what mental shifts are required to succeed. Darrin also shares his own experiences, offering personal insights into what worked, what didn’t, and how mindset made the difference. By the end of this episode, listeners will have a clear framework for approaching entrepreneurship with confidence and purpose.

Featuring Darrin Harvey

In this solo episode, Darrin breaks down the basics of investing in a way that’s approachable, clear, and practical for beginners. He explains the different investment options available — from stocks to real estate to other common vehicles — and provides an entry-level breakdown of how each works. Darrin also tackles one of the most common questions new investors ask: “When is the best time to invest?” Beyond the mechanics, this episode dives into the mindset and strategies that lay the foundation for successful investing. Listeners will walk away with both the knowledge and confidence to start their own investing journey.

In this solo episode, Darrin delivers a step-by-step guide to building true financial security. Starting with the foundation of setting clear financial goals, he walks listeners through how to create a realistic budget, track expenses, and even build a custom income and expense sheet — whether you’re single or managing money with a partner. From there, he emphasizes the importance of an emergency fund, then shifts into the often-overlooked protective tools like Wills, Trusts, Health Care Directives, and Powers of Attorney. The episode closes by reminding listeners that financial security isn’t about avoiding challenges — it’s about being prepared when they come. This is a must-listen for anyone who wants to move beyond money stress and into true stability.

In this solo episode, Darrin takes listeners inside the world of the FIRE movement — Financial Independence, Retire Early — and explores what it really means to pursue financial freedom. He breaks down the difference between financial independence, financial freedom, and retirement (early or traditional), showing how each concept plays into the bigger picture of living life on your own terms. The conversation covers the three types of income streams — Active, Semi-Active, and Passive — and explains why many FIRE followers focus heavily on building passive income. Darrin also speaks honestly about the challenges of pursuing FIRE, from lifestyle sacrifices to the discipline it takes, while sharing his own perspective and story on how he fits into the movement. This episode is equal parts roadmap and mindset-shift, helping anyone who’s ever thought about breaking free from financial stress and working toward independence.

In this solo episode, Darrin delivers a complete Credit Card 101 guide — covering everything from the basics of what credit cards are to advanced tips for using them wisely. He explains the differences between secured and unsecured cards, how merchant networks like Visa and Mastercard operate, and what terms like APR, balance transfers, and cash advances really mean. Darrin also shares his own experience, including his 800+ credit score, and offers tips on why credit cards are valuable for everyone — even debt-free, high-income earners. Along the way, he clears up common credit myths and shows listeners how to leverage credit cards for rewards, cashback, and building financial freedom.

In this solo episode, Darrin takes listeners deep into the world of credit — breaking down what it is, how it works, and why it matters for everyone. Using the FICO scoring system as a guide, he explains the five key factors that make up a credit score and how each one impacts your financial opportunities. Darrin doesn’t stop at theory — he connects credit education to real-life money management by showing how good credit habits can prevent credit card debt and set you up for financial stability. He also shares straightforward, actionable strategies to dig out of credit trouble if you’ve already made mistakes. This episode is your one-stop guide to understanding and mastering credit — whether you’re new to the game or looking to repair your score.

In this solo episode, Darrin delivers a comprehensive and eye-opening breakdown of student loan debt — what it is, how it works, and the lifelong impact it can have if not handled strategically. He explains the different types of loans (federal subsidized, unsubsidized, private) and offers his perspective on which to consider and which to avoid. Darrin shares how college tuition has doubled over the last 30–40 years, why debt spikes when students continue on to graduate school, and how these costs ripple into adulthood. Listeners hear a real-world example of a friend who graduated with over $60,000 in student loan debt, and what lessons can be taken from their situation. The episode also covers President Joe Biden’s student loan forgiveness program (as it stood in October 2022), the limitations of such relief, and Darrin’s honest take on whether college is worth the cost from a financial perspective. Packed with statistics, relatable examples, and clear advice, this is a must-hear…

In this solo episode, Darrin delivers a comprehensive, no-nonsense breakdown of debt — what it is, how it affects different generations, and how to take control before it takes control of you. From credit cards to student loans, mortgages to medical debt, Darrin explains the different types of debt, the stats behind them, and why they’ve become such a burden for so many people. Listeners will hear: Why certain generations (Boomers, Millennials, Gen Z) struggle with different types of debt Strategies for avoiding debt in the first place Practical, proven ways to pay it down and get out A real-world example of a friend’s debt situation and the lessons it holds for everyone This episode is packed with facts, perspective, and actionable advice to help you not just survive debt — but escape it.

In this emotionally powerful Introduction episode, Darrin shares the real story behind his journey toward financial planning—and it’s not what you might expect. After experiencing multiple personal tragedies, including the loss of his immediate family, Darrin found himself at a crossroads: continue surviving without direction, or redefine his relationship with money, purpose, and legacy. He chose the latter. This episode is about resilience, influence, and intention. It’s a reflection on how grief and hardship can fuel a deeper commitment to financial security, personal responsibility, and community service. Darrin doesn’t preach perfection—he shares his lived experience and the lessons that led him to build Financial State of Minds.

In this educational episode, Darrin is joined by Kwesi Dreams, a Financial Insurance Broker and Coach, for a deep and engaging conversation on how life insurance can be used for more than just protection — it can also be a powerful wealth-building tool. Kwesi breaks down how certain life insurance policies (like whole life and IULs) can be structured to provide long-term savings, tax advantages, and even investment opportunities. He explains how these tools compare to — and can complement — traditional stock market investing. This episode is packed with actionable insight for anyone interested in learning how to build financial security, legacy, and long-term growth through lesser-known strategies. Whether you're just getting started or already investing, this is a conversation that bridges education and empowerment.

In this solo episode, Darrin takes listeners on a financial journey through the entire education system, from Montessori and Pre-K tuition to college and graduate school debt. Drawing on real-life examples from families, students, and his own experience, he highlights how education—at every level—has become a major financial investment. Darrin gives parents and students a clear-eyed look at the long-term costs of schooling, breaks down how those expenses affect working families, and offers practical advice for anyone trying to plan ahead. Along the way, he talks about saving strategies (like 529 accounts), alternative paths (like trade schools), and how to avoid the emotional and financial pressure of "doing it the traditional way." This is the episode that parents wish they’d heard before enrolling—and students need to hear before signing that next loan.

📝 Episode Summary In this solo episode, recorded in Summer 2022, Darrin dives deep into the housing crisis—and why the dream of homeownership feels so out of reach for so many people. Using real stats, personal perspective, and listener-focused insight, Darrin explores how the market got this way, why it’s affecting first-time buyers the hardest, and what practical steps people can take even in an unfair system. From credit building strategies to breaking down the true cost of buying a home, this episode is part reality check, part roadmap. Darrin doesn’t sugarcoat the situation—but he also doesn’t believe people should give up. His message is clear: “The market is tough—but with the right game plan, you can still show up prepared.”