Being Self-Taught and Unpacking Religion’s Impact, with Jess Bost of Alpha Architect

As individuals in the wealth management industry, we excel at advising people on what to do with their money. But how did we get here? Money Chronicles aims to personalize the industry with featured guests sharing their unique stories and experiences with money, from piggy banks to 401(k)s. 

Jess Bost compares her initial relationship with money to food. It’s simple, you spend money and you eat food, especially when you’re just trying to survive.

What seems like a carefree childhood left Jess with unlearned lessons.

“Growing up with little meant no choices really had to be made,” she said.

Without a decision-making matrix modeled for her, she turned to the church to educate her on money, which brought its own complexities. So, she turned to herself.

Playing both the role of teacher and student meant she made mistakes – costly ones even – as she untangled and unlearned some of the wrong thinking she had interpreted from her church.

After wading through the shame and frustration, Jess developed her own money strategies. She knows what works best for her (no carrying cash or cards!). And she carries her self-determined spirit into her work as Vice President of Strategic Partnerships and Client Success at Alpha Architect, a “research-intensive asset management firm” based in Philadelphia. 

Jess joins co-hosts Johnny Sandquist of Three Crowns Marketing and Torie Happe of Holistiplan on a new episode of Money Chronicles. They unpack their collective memories around the collection plate in church, how religion factors into our early money lessons and more!

Click “play” above to listen to the full episode. For more personal money stories from more industry friends and experts, subscribe to Money Chronicles wherever you listen to podcasts. 

Key Takeaways

1. A decision-making matrix is integral to teach us when we should spend or save money.
2. Children trace their first money lessons and values to observing their parents, but the church can also heavily influence a young mind that’s searching for the how-to’s in regards to money.
3. Sometimes the best way to learn is by doing, even if that means making mistakes — costly mistakes.

Key Timestamps and Topics

• 00:01:14 – Jess Bost reflects on how a lack of money in her childhood taught her to spend freely as an adult, which caused costly, shame-filled mistakes.
• 00:04:00 – Without a decision-making matrix modeled for her as a kid, Jess had to learn for herself through trial and error. She shouts out Nick Maggiulli’s book “Just Keep Buying” as a resource that simplified money strategies.
• 00:04:00 – Our personality has a say in our money behavior. Knowing this, Jess figured out what she needed in order to be successful with money.
• 00:07:50 – Jess’s first money memory was the collection plate at church. As a kid who attended church 4-5 days a week, her initial education about money is intertwined with religious teachings, morals and character.
• 00:11:23 – Johnny’s first money memory collides with his first memory of sin 👀 Johnny, Jess and co-host Torie Happe untangle religious lessons they picked up as kids and how they shaped their money values.
• 00:16:31 – Jess reveals her funniest money mistake involving a foot race and a lecture on betting. 

Relevant Links

• Download our free ebook, The Advisor’s Guide to Starting a Podcast
• Connect with a member of our team
• Just Keep Buying by Nick Maggiulli on Amazon

About Three Crowns

Three Crowns is a full-service marketing partner, providing the financial industry with high quality custom blogs, website design, branding, podcast production and more. We help financial advisors and fintech companies find their message and amplify their voice. From strategy to click-worthy content, to SEO optimization and social media promotion, our team is ready to help you feel confident in your communication. Click here to connect with a member of the Three Crowns team today.