Send us a text Ever notice how almost everyone in America calls themselves “middle class”? But what does that really mean? Do you see yourself that way? Let’s talk about the technical definition and the messier, lived experience of being middle class today—and why getting clear on this matters if we want to build communities that truly understand and support one another. Links from today’s episode: Are you in the American middle class? Find out with our income calculator | Pew Research Cent...

Send us a text This week let’s chat about all of the reasons why some shoppers have decided to take a break from Amazon. Whether the environmental impact makes you uneasy, the treatment of their workers, or just the ease of impulse shopping- whatever rubs you the wrong way, you might be looking for ways to reduce your reliance on Amazon. Today let’s talk about a baby step you may have never considered before- buying your books on Bookshop.org. Thousands of independent bookstores have signed u...

Send us a text Think about a community issue that’s important to you. It could be a public health issue, it could be a matter of safety in your community, it could even be the overall happiness of your community. When it comes to donating towards those causes, there are three different ways you can tackle the same problem: research, services, or advocacy. In today’s episode, let’s talk about what it means to tackle an issue from those three different angles and why you might pick one or the ot...

Send us a text This week, I will share the simple process I used to move my investments to a more socially responsible index fund including the steps I followed and the mistakes that I made! Links from today’s episode: How to choose the best index fund | Forbes https://www.forbes.com/advisor/investing/how-to-choose-the-best-index-fund/ ICYMI another episode you might enjoy: Episode 76 The Surprising Truth About What ESG Investing Actually Means (recorded before the 2024 rebranding o...

Send us a text Today’s episode is the last installment of the first ever climate month here at Progressive Pockets. Did you enjoy the series? So far we have discussed how to deal with climate anxiety, how to create an outdoor space that’s sustainable but cute, how to move your cash to a more climate friendly bank. Today let’s chat about how to make our retirement accounts a little more earth friendly. Whether you are a new investor or more advanced and working with a financial advisor, you’ll ...

Send us a text Do you ever wonder what your bank is doing with your cash? They keep some of it in reserves, of course, in case you need to withdraw it. But they also make a lot of decisions- about who to lend it to, which companies and politicians to back, and where they will invest your cash to make their own profits. That’s a lot of decisions! And it’s possible that your bank isn’t making decisions that line up with your values when it comes to the environment. Today’s episode is a continuat...

Send us a text This is the second episode of the climate month series! Today’s topic is rethinking our outdoor spaces to be a little more sustainable while still being beautiful and functional for our lives. Whether you have a balcony or a sprawling lawn, whether you have never thought about sustainability in your landscaping or you’ve already implemented a few ideas, you’ll probably find at least one suggestion in today’s episode that you want to try. Are there other topics you’d like to hear...

Send us a text Welcome to the first ever climate month series on Progressive Pockets. As we dive into this series, let’s start by acknowledging a feeling many of us are having right now. According to the American Psychological Association, a staggering two-thirds of us are experiencing climate anxiety. In today’s episode, let’s explore practical strategies for reframing our approach to climate change. Let’s talk about how to shift from despair to action, and how to maintain the energy and resil...

Send us a text Are you ready for climate month at Progressive Pockets? Let’s talk about dealing with climate anxiety. Let’s dig into banks and retirement accounts that actually care about the environment. Let’s talk about sustainable landscaping... that’s still cute. Sound good? Subscribe to Progressive Pockets wherever you listen to podcasts. Love the book recos on this show? Check out the Progressive Pockets Bookshelf: https://bookshop.org/shop/progressivepockets As an affiliate of Bookshop...

Send us a text This week let’s chat about a great book by Ha-Joon Chang, it’s called 23 Things They Don’t Tell You About Capitalism. The book is easy to read, even if you don’t have a background in economics, or even if you’re a little suspicious of the field. ICYMI another episode you might enjoy: Episode#118 Maybe banks don’t have to suck: an intro to CDFIs Love the book recos on this show? Check out the Progressive Pockets Bookshelf: https://bookshop.org/shop/progressivepockets As an affili...

Send us a text Have you heard people talking about The Great Wealth Transfer and wondered what they were talking about? Do you feel like something’s missing from the conversation? Dive into today’s episode for a quick summary of what’s happening and what no one’s talking about. Links from today’s episode: What is the “great wealth transfer,” and who’ll benefit from it? | Marketplace | December 2024 https://www.marketplace.org/2024/12/12/what-is-the-great-wealth-transfer-and-inheritance-millen...

Send us a text How are you feeling today? Are you one of millions of Americans who are feeling stressed and on the verge of current events burnout? Today’s episode is about self care for times like these. Pour a mug of something warm and grab a notebook. The work of building a better world is challenging, and requires that we find opportunities for rest, joy, pleasure, and community. Links from today’s episode: Promoting self care and well-being among feminist activists and women’s rights defe...

Send us a text This week let’s chat about a wonderful new book by Jasmine Rashid, “The Financial Activist Playbook.” The book covers 8 strategies for everyday people to flex the power of their wallets. The book covers banking, shopping, donating, investing, and earning in ways that can feed our collective well being. Tune in to hear more about the book and find out how to get your own copy today. Links from today’s episode: The Financial Activist Playbook: 8 Strategies for Everyday People to R...

Send us a text This week, let’s chat about the beautiful legacy of philanthropy within the jazz community. Let’s talk about community building work by artists like Jon Batiste, Wynton Marsalis, Ella Fitzgerald and others. Links from today’s episode: Jazz and Philanthropy | Bridge Philanthropic Consulting https://bridgephilanthropicconsulting.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Iconic-Impact-__-Jazz-and-Philanthropy_v10-Final-1.pdf Wynton Marsalis: how music makes a difference https://www.ft.com/c...

Send us a text This week let’s chat about three ways to be more generous this year! Whether you have five minutes or you have more time, you'll find an idea in this episode that inspires you to become the more generous person that you want to be in 2025. ICYMI another episode you might enjoy: Episode#136 Where does Dolly Pardon donate her money? Love the book recos on this show? Check out the Progressive Pockets Bookshelf: https://bookshop.org/shop/progressivepockets As an affiliate of Booksho...

Send us a text Links from today’s episode: The History and Social Work Legacy of the Black Panther Party 2022, International Journal of Education and Human Developments https://ijehd.cgrd.org/images/vol8no1/1.pdf Black Panther Party Alumni Legacy Network https://bppaln.org/ The Black Panther Party: Challenging Police and Promoting Social Change, National Museum of African American History and Culture https://nmaahc.si.edu/explore/stories/black-panther-party-challenging-police-and-promoting-...

Send us a text Too often, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s philosophy has been simplified to a few memorable phrases from his iconic "I Have a Dream" speech. But did you know that Dr. King held some pretty radical money beliefs? Dr. King advocated for social justice and economic equality for all Americans and his ideas still resonate today. This is one of the most popular episodes of Progressive Pockets, so please enjoy it as we kick of Black History Month! Links from today’s episode: https://www...

Send us a text This week it has finally started to rain in LA and the fires are almost completely contained. As we think about how we can help, please consider supporting the most vulnerable and least supported populations affected by the fires. If you are still considering where to give, here are 8 specific places to consider: https://www.progressivepockets.com/p/la-fires-where-to-donate/ In today’s episode, let’s talk about giving after a natural disaster at four different phases, including:...

Send us a text Looking for healthy alternatives to going down the inauguration rabbit hole today? You’re not alone! Tune in to hear some practical self-care strategies to help you navigate today. We’ll explore practical techniques for managing stress, setting boundaries, and finding moments of peace. Whether you’re an activist, a concerned citizen, or just looking for ways to recharge, you’ll likely walk away with at least a few ideas that you can take action on today. Links from today’s episod...

Send us a text Are you ready to make a meaningful impact in the coming year? Today’s episode will help you reflect on your achievements from last year and guide you in making intentional choices about how you spend, donate, invest and bank in 2025. Together, we’ll explore ways to support local businesses, give generously to causes you care about, and invest in companies that align with your values. You'll leave with a personalized action plan to maximize your impact and create positive change i...

Send us a text This week let’s reminisce on the official Progressive Pockets predictions for 2024 and make some new predictions for 2025. In the meantime, please reach out with topics you’d like to hear covered this year on the show! ICYMI another episode you might enjoy: Episode#123 Poor People’s Campaign Connect With Genet “GG” Gimja: Website https://www.progressivepockets.com Twitter https://twitter.com/prgrssvpckts Work With Me: Email progressivepockets@gmail.com for brand partnerships, ...

Send us a text This week’s episode is a quick recap of the most popular episodes of 2024. Whether you’re a new listener or you want to take a walk down memory lane, enjoy these top picks of the year! Previous Recap Videos Episode#103 Most Popular Episodes of 2023 Episode#62 Most popular episodes of 2022 Most popular episodes of 2024: Episode#147 The surprising truth about what ESG actually means Episode#107 Dr. King’s Radical Money Beliefs Episode#144 How to help your clients invest for mor...

Send us a text Did you know that the US has offered tax breaks for charitable donations since income tax rates were increased to fund World War I? What does the IRS recommend to ensure that your donations qualify you for tax breaks? And is all of that effort even worth it? Tune in this week to find out more… Links from today’s episode: Tax deductions for charitable donations | Deloitte https://www2.deloitte.com/ua/en/pages/press-room/press-release/2024/tax-discount-for-charitable-expenses.htm...

Send us a text This week let’s chat about Gen Z and how they tend to invest. As digital natives, Gen Z investors tend to be more comfortable with various investing platforms and apps. As investors who have been exposed to more information about the world, Gen Z investors consider their environmental societal values when they decide whether or not to invest in a company. But just how far are Gen Z investors willing to go to live out their values? Tune in this week to find out. The answer may sur...