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Driven to Empower Others

Jaime Catmull shares her journey into the world of personal finance, podcasting, and being a working mom

Article by Gilbert City Lifestyle

Photography by Yasmine Carmen Photo

Originally published in Gilbert City Lifestyle

In the ever-evolving landscape of personal finance, Jaime Catmull stands as a towering figure of expertise and guidance. With a distinguished career spanning numerous publications, including Forbes, US News, Money.com, Business Insider, Yahoo Finance, INC, and more, Catmull has solidified her reputation as a trusted authority in personal finance for over 15 years.

Catmull's journey into the world of personal finance was fueled by a passion for empowering others and a relentless pursuit of knowledge. Starting out in her career, she never imagined being in personal finance.

"In the early stages of my career, I was fully entrenched in the fast-paced world of fashion," Jaime recalls. In those days, personal finance wasn't even on her radar, as she found herself immersed in the glitz and glamour of the fashion industry, rubbing shoulders with influencers at fashion week events and escorting VIPs down the red carpet.

But as Jaime navigated through the complexities of her own financial journey, she realized the profound impact that money management had on her life and the lives of those around her. The allure of the fashion and entertainment industry began to fade. "Despite the excitement of working in fashion and entertainment, I felt a growing sense of discontent," she explains. "I craved a deeper connection to my work, something that went beyond the surface-level glamour and prestige of the industry."

Driven to empower others and make a tangible difference in their lives, Jaime jumped at the chance when asked to join GOBankingRates.com. Leveraging her PR and strategic partnerships background, she tapped into her skills to forge connections and pitch a story to help grow the company to one of the industry's top-visited and trusted sites.

"It was a bit of a leap of faith," Jaime admits. "I never imagined myself delving into personal finance, but sometimes life has a way of leading us down unexpected paths."

"I've always been intrigued by the intersection of money and life," Jaime muses. "From budgeting and saving to investing and retirement planning, I've seen firsthand how financial decisions can shape our futures and define our destinies."

Jaime's foray into personal finance came at a time when the digital landscape was teeming with self-proclaimed experts offering a deluge of advice, much of it conflicting and unreliable. Recognizing the need for a guiding light amidst the chaos, Jaime saw an opportunity to carve out a niche for herself as a beacon of clarity and authenticity.

"When I was approached to start my column at GOBankingRates.com, I saw it as a chance to cut through the noise and deliver meaningful insights that people could trust," Jaime explains. "I wanted to be the person who finds the best expert for people's toughest money problems."

With a background in PR and brand partnerships, Jaime knew how to tap into some of the best minds in the industry to source the most reliable advice for her audience. Drawing on her extensive network of experts, she curated a lineup of thought leaders and industry insiders to provide actionable guidance on various financial topics.

"Through my experience in PR and brand partnerships, I knew how to connect with top professionals in the field and extract the most valuable insights for my readers," Jaime says. "Whether it was budgeting tips, saving strategies, or investment advice, I wanted to provide readers with the tools and knowledge they needed to take control of their financial futures."

Each week, Jaime's column offers a fresh perspective on common financial challenges and practical steps for readers to implement in their own lives. From creating a budget to maximizing savings and planning for retirement, her goal was to empower individuals to make informed decisions and achieve their financial goals.

In addition to her column, she launched the Live Richer Podcast, a platform she initiated with GOBankingRates.com, where she engaged in candid conversations with industry experts and thought leaders. From Fortune 500 CEOs to celebrities, professional athletes, and influencers, each episode offers a treasure trove of wisdom and actionable advice for listeners.

"As the host of the Live Richer Podcast, I had the privilege of tapping into the expertise of some of the most influential figures in the world of personal finance," Jaime reflects. "From their stories and insights, listeners gained valuable lessons and actionable strategies to improve their financial well-being."

Jaime's most valuable lessons came from her experiences navigating personal finance's highs and lows. From managing debt to weathering economic downturns, she understood the challenges firsthand and used her platform to share her journey with her audience.

"I've experienced many of life's money challenges personally, and I know how hard it can be to find advice you can trust in those trying situations," Jaime admits. "Through my column and podcast, I aimed to provide a sense of empathy and understanding, along with practical solutions to help people overcome their financial hurdles."

Regarding budgeting, Jaime's best advice is to set clear financial goals. "Identify your priorities and allocate your resources accordingly," she advises. "Whether it's saving for emergencies, paying off debt, or planning for retirement, having concrete objectives will guide your budgeting decisions and keep you on track." 

For those just starting out on their financial journey, Jaime emphasizes the importance of education and perseverance. "Don't be afraid to ask questions and seek out reliable sources of information," she advises. "And remember, it's okay to make mistakes along the way. What matters most is that you learn from them and keep moving forward."

Expanding on her budgeting advice, Jaime suggests incorporating technology into your financial management routine. "Consider downloading a budgeting app to your phone," she recommends. "These apps can help you track your spending, set savings goals, and stay accountable to your financial plans, all from the convenience of your mobile device.

In addition to her professional achievements, Jaime finds fulfillment as a dedicated mom to her 7-year-old son, Henry. Balancing the demands of motherhood with her career in personal finance, She cherishes the opportunity to instill valuable financial lessons in her son from an early age. Through everyday activities like grocery shopping and saving for special treats, Jaime involves Henry in age-appropriate discussions about money, teaching him the importance of budgeting, saving, and making wise financial decisions. She believes that instilling these values will empower Henry to navigate his financial journey with confidence and responsibility as he grows older.

Residing in Gilbert, Jaime enjoys the warm climate and vibrant community the state offers. In her free time, she relishes outdoor adventures with her family, exploring the scenic beauty of the desert landscape and taking advantage of the numerous family-friendly activities available in the area. Whether hiking trails, visiting local parks, or attending community events, Jaime treasures the quality time spent with her family amidst Arizona's natural wonders.

As she continues to make strides in personal finance, Jaime remains committed to her mission of empowering others. Through her insightful columns and engaging podcasts, she inspires individuals to take control of their financial futures and live richer, more fulfilling lives. With Jaime's guidance and expertise, readers and listeners alike can navigate the complexities of personal finance with confidence and clarity, knowing they have a trusted ally in their corner.

"I never imagined myself delving into personal finance, but sometimes life has a way of leading us down unexpected paths. I've always been intrigued by the intersection of money and life. From budgeting and saving to investing and retirement planning, I've seen firsthand how financial decisions can shape our futures and define our destinies."