“I had to swallow the pill that it would get worst financially before it got better”This week on Money Chill Out podcast I sit down with Sydney Curtins to explore what it really takes to break free from the 9 to 5.👩👧 She was a mom who barely saw her kids. 💡 She said: “Enough is enough. I’ll figure it out.” 💸 She understood that all rewards come with risk—and yes, things got tougher before they improved.Here are some gold nuggets from the episode # 109?:✅ Every reward requires a risk✅ Realise how bad you want it ✅ Build your financial cushion: Sydney had 6 figures in savings and a paid-off home, enough to cover 3 years✅ Invest socially ✅ Took the leap while her husband stayed in his corporate role—they lived lean and smart.✅ Most people fail when fear kicks in—they run back to their corporate comfort zone.One of my favorite quotes from the episode:“61% of Americans want to be their own boss… But probably also 61% want a Ferrari. Financial goals must align with your work ethic.”📚 Resources recommended in the episode:Atomic HabitsNever Eat AloneYour Money or Your LifeThe Happiness Advantage🎧 Tune in now to get inspired, grounded, and better prepared to make your move
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#108 : Investing in carbon allowances - with Valentin Lautier
What if you could invest in one of the most impactful markets for fighting climate change, while also accessing strong returns?This week, I sat down with Valentin Lautier, co-founder of Homaio, to dive into the world of carbon allowances.🔑 Key insights from our conversation:Why emissions aren’t properly priced in today’s economic system.The difference between carbon credits (voluntary offsets) and carbon allowances (a €800B regulatory market).How allowances have delivered 25% average annual returns over the past 10 years.Why they behave like a hybrid asset : part commodity, part currency, part equity.The role of regulation, risks, and opportunities for investors.💡 Until recently, this market was off-limits to individual investors. Platforms like Homaio are changing that, making it possible to invest with as little as €1,000.If you’re curious about sustainable finance, portfolio diversification, or the mechanics of the EU carbon market, this episode is for you.
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#107 : Money, Power and Purpose - with Margherita Pagani
What happens when the stories we tell ourselves about success, purpose, and money start to break down, when logic fails and our minds can’t “solve” life anymore?In this powerful conversation about wealth, power and purpose with Margherita Pagani, we dive into the deeper layers of wealth, beyond bank accounts and balance sheets. Together, we explore a broader, more holistic view of wealth through 4 dimensions:IdentityVitality & healthRelationshipsResourcesBecause it’s never just about the money.✨ You might feel "successful on paper" but disconnected inside. ✨ You might be stuck in cycles : financial, emotional, generational. ✨ You might feel lost, or like your purpose has gone quiet.And that’s okay.You’re not alone. There are signs. The mind isn’t the first responder, it’s the last. But we can reclaim our lives. 🔑
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#106 : Investing in a climate fund - with David Kalfon
“What is not financial today will be financial tomorrow.”In this Money Chill out podcast episode with David Kalfon, we explore why responsible finance isn’t just a trend—it’s a necessary lens for evaluating long-term value.David started Sanso Longchamp AM 14 years ago. Today, the firm manages over €3 billion in AUM with a team of 40 investment professionals.Key insights from our conversation: 🔍 Responsible investing means more than just P&L—it’s about governance, social impact, and environmental risks. 🌍 Climate risk is real: floods, fires, and forced migration will impact every sector. 🛡️ A truly forward-thinking fund doesn’t just avoid fossil fuels, it actively assesses how companies adapt to climate risks. 🎯 Even non-renewable sectors (think software, manufacturing) must manage environmental exposure to remain viable. 💡 Sanso Longchamp distributes 10% of its management fees to associations, a decision that’s had a deep internal impact.💬 David also shares how market cycles have shifted since 2020, from a peak in ESG interest to recent pressures from inflation, energy prices with wars, and performance shortfalls.📈 So how do they build a responsible portfolio? ✔️ Climate risk filter ✔️ ESG indicators ✔️ Strong financialsIf you're curious about where responsible investing is going next, or how financial strategy can align with purpose, this one’s a must-listen.
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#105 : Financial freedom for social justice - with Michelle Campbell
💥 Michelle craved acceptance and belonging so deeply, it drove her into serious financial trouble.Despite juggling multiple jobs, she found herself buried in:💳 Personal loansA 4th repossession💔 Financial trauma📉 She wasn’t lazy. She worked hard. But the numbers never added up.The turning point? Hitting rock bottom and having a brave moment of honesty and accountability.💡 In this episode #105, we talked about:How financial illiteracy is a hidden barrier that keeps people stuckThe role of our environment, fears, and internalized beliefs in shaping our money mindsetHow financial instability affects our mental, emotional, and physical healthHer memoir "Bluebirds" which is a call to action to face reality, speak up and ask for helpWhy financial education must become a priority in social justice—because we can’t fix what we don’t talk about.Michelle also dives into her vision for #stability: 🌍 Launching free financial literacy programs this fall in Atlanta, then Mississippi 🚀 Her dream: Headquarters in every major U.S. cityThis is more than a conversation. It’s a movement.
Hi, I am Marieka, and welcome to Money Chill Out!
On this podcast, I want to dive into the world of the often unspoken topic of money. Effective personal finance management can be a great liberator but also a huge stress factor in our lives. After a 10y career on trading floors in London, I want to help demystify the intimidating world of finance and have an open, honest, and frank conversation. By opening the discussion I wish you identify yourself, learn, be inspired, and get empowered.
Every other week, I will be joined by guests for a conversation on money, mindset, investment habits, and any best practices they abide by!
So join me on this journey as we unpick the complexities of finance and get more comfortable talking about our money.
France