Episode Companion posts go beyond the mic — offering context, takeaways, and reflections connected to the podcast. Have thoughts? Leave a comment or send me a message — I’d love to hear from you.

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Episode 43 Companion Post: 

Building Abundance on Your Own Terms with Gregory True

In this episode of the Pink Money Podcast, Jerry Williams, MS-PFP, sits down with Gregory True — author of Proud Wealth: Building Abundance on Your Own Terms.

Gregory’s book offers a compassionate, step-by-step approach to building financial stability and growing wealth, with a special focus on the LGBTQ+ community. Whether you’re working on paying off debt, improving your credit, investing for the first time, or preparing an estate plan, Gregory helps break down intimidating financial concepts into clear, doable steps.

Through the lens of his own personal journey — including the heartbreaking loss of his husband — Gregory shares how to move from surviving to thriving while honoring your values and your authentic self.

Key Takeaways from This Episode

  • Financial basics, demystified: Gregory’s approachable guide makes tackling credit, debt, and investing less overwhelming.
  • Planning for the future: The book emphasizes the importance of estate planning, especially for LGBTQ+ individuals and couples.
  • Resilience through loss: Gregory’s personal story highlights the importance of taking action and being prepared, even in difficult times.
  • Empowerment through knowledge: The episode encourages listeners to take ownership of their financial journey and make confident, informed choices.

🎧 Listen Now

🔗 Play Episode 43 on Buzzsprout

Or find it on your favorite platform — Apple, Spotify, or just ask Alexa to “play episode 43 of the Pink Money Podcast.”

📌 Tags: LGBTQ, Financial Planning, Wealth Building, Personal Finance, Estate Planning, Financial Literacy, Podcast Interview

📅 Date: 15 September 2025

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🛡️ Life Insurance: The Companion Post to Episode 42

Why This Matters

Life insurance can feel complicated, even intimidating. In Episode 42 of the Pink Money Podcast (“My Life Insurance Experiment”), I shared my personal experience applying for coverage — the surprises, the frustrations, and the lessons I walked away with. This companion post is here to go deeper.

Lessons Learned 

  • Underwriting isn’t transparent. Companies don’t tell you exactly what they’re looking for, but every health detail, prescription, or test can affect whether you’re accepted or rated higher.
  • Insurance is about risk — not fairness. Companies want to collect as many premiums as possible before paying a claim. It’s business, not personal, even if it feels like it.
  • The right policy does its job. If it pays your beneficiaries when they need it most, then the policy worked — regardless of how many years of premiums you paid.

Key Takeaways 

✅ Apply sooner than later. Age and health changes make coverage harder and more expensive.

✅ Be prepared for the medical questions. Prescriptions, doctor visits, even past issues may come up.

✅ Don’t assume one company is the same as another. Get quotes, compare underwriting approaches, and consider working with someone independent.

✅ Know your “why.” Whether it’s protecting your spouse, kids, or estate, clarity helps you choose the right amount and type of policy.

Closing Thought

Life insurance isn’t about betting against yourself. It’s about protecting the people you love. My hope is that by sharing my own process, you’ll feel more empowered to explore what’s right for the full story on Episode 42: My Life Insurance Experiment.

insurance isn’t about betting against yourself. It’s about protecting the people you love. My hope is that by sharing my own process, you’ll feel more empowered to explore what’s right for you.

🎙️ Listen to learn more on Episode 42: My Life Insurance Experiment.

📌 Tags: insurance, estate planning, LGBTQ, financial planning

📅 Date: 1 September 2025

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The Perils of Procrastination: What Waiting Is Really Costing You

We all put things off — especially when they feel complicated, overwhelming, or uncomfortable. But when it comes to your finances, procrastination doesn’t just cost time. It can cost opportunity, peace of mind, and real money.

In Episode 40 of the Pink Money Podcast, we dive into the emotional and financial toll of waiting — whether it’s writing a will, paying down debt, or finally opening that retirement account.

💡 One key takeaway? Every delay has a price — but so does every decision. Doing something imperfectly now is often better than doing nothing at all.

👉 Want to take action today? Download our LGBTQ+ Financial Wellness Checklist (PDF) and get started on your own financial wellness journey.

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**Tags:** procrastination, financial planning, estate planning, LGBTQ

📅 Date: 18 August 2025

 

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Don’t Put Things Off: Financial Steps to Take Today

We all procrastinate — it’s human nature. But when it comes to your money, waiting too long can cost you time, stress, and serious dollars down the road. In Episode 40 of the Pink Money Podcast, I shared why putting things off is one of the most expensive financial habits — and what you can do to avoid it.

Here’s a simple checklist you can use right now to get moving in the right direction:

✅ Financial Steps to Take Today

1. Create or Update Your Will & Estate Documents

  • Draft a will and power of attorney.
  • Review every few years or after major life changes.
  • Especially critical for LGBTQ+ couples — don’t rely on marriage laws alone.

2. Review Your Insurance Coverage

  • Homeowner’s insurance: make sure your home is properly valued.
  • Car insurance: check liability limits, not just premiums.
  • Flood/disaster insurance: consider risks specific to your area.

3. Start (or Restart)

  • Saving Today. Even $50/month grows big with time on your side. 

  • Automate contributions to a savings or investment account.

  • Remember: waiting costs more than starting small now.

4. Protect Loved Ones with Proper Planning

  • If caring for aging parents, review income streams and annuities carefully.
  • Always add beneficiaries where possible to avoid losing value.
  • Get advice from trusted professionals — not just “word of mouth.”

5. Work with the Right Professionals

  • Choose reputable financial advisors and law firms with staying power.
  • If possible, seek out advisors familiar with LGBTQ+ issues.
  • Don’t delay meeting with a professional — it saves stress later.

Quick Action Tip

Pick one item from this list and tackle it this week. Even a small step forward beats standing still — and your future self will thank you.

✦ Listen to the full episode here: [Link to Episode 40]

✦ Want more? Explore resources, episodes, and tools at PinkMoneyPodcast.com.

 

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So why the hiatus?

Honestly? Life.

Real, unfiltered, beautifully challenging, messy life.

Behind the mic, I’m not just a financial professional — I’m also a spouse, a caregiver, and someone who’s been navigating personal challenges, including health, recovery, and reconnection. There were moments of burnout, moments of doubt, and even moments where I wondered if the podcast still mattered.

But deep down, I knew it did.

I created Pink Money because our community deserves honest, smart, and accessible conversations about money — and we deserve them from someone who gets what it means to walk through life as queer, as complex, and as powerful as we are.

Why I’m back now

Because there’s more to say. More stories to tell. More tools to share. And more moments where someone out there might hear an episode and feel seen, capable, and empowered.

Whether you’re just tuning in or you’ve been here from the beginning — thank you.

Thank you for your patience, your support, and your belief in this mission.

Pink Money is back, and I’m more focused than ever on making it matter.

Let’s keep growing together.

With gratitude,

Jerry Williams

Host, Pink Money Podcast

Date: July 2025