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Pony Finance 101

Pony Finance 101

SMU Financial Literacy 21 Episodes Nov 11, 2025

SMU Financial Literacy presents Pony Finance 101, a podcast that simplifies complex money topics like budgeting, credit, and savings. Each episode features a guest who helps explain financial concepts. The show is created and produced by SMU student peer mentors.

Episodes

Our Summer Catchup & Our Semester Goals
Our Summer Catchup & Our Semester Goals Nov 11, 2025 1044 In this episode, we have a casual, chatty sit-down conversation talking about our summer and what we anticipate for this fall semester! We encourage y'all to create some academic and financial goals.
Learning the Ropes: A New Voice in Financial Wellness
Learning the Ropes: A New Voice in Financial Wellness Apr 22, 2025 1122 In this episode, we sit down with Grace Garcia, a sophomore at SMU majoring in Advertising and Psychology with a minor in Spanish. Grace shares her honest perspective on navigating personal finance as a college student, from saving habits to budgeting for campus life. Tune in as we explore financial wellness through the lens of a new generation and how small steps today can build a strong foundati
What Do You Really Know About Money? A Beginner’s Take
What Do You Really Know About Money? A Beginner’s Take Mar 14, 2025 1414 In this episode of Pony Finance 101, we welcome our newest peer mentor, Nelyda Salas! We put her financial literacy to the test, chatting about her current money habits, financial knowledge, and goals for the future. Tune in to hear her fresh perspective as she embarks on this journey with our team and continues to learn along the way!
Affording SMU-in-Taos with Financial Literacy's Peer Mentors
Affording SMU-in-Taos with Financial Literacy's Peer Mentors Dec 13, 2024 1110 In this episode of Pony Finance 101, we sit down with SMU senior and peer mentor, Paulina Esparza, to discuss her unforgettable experience during the January Term at SMU’s Taos campus in New Mexico. Paulina, an advertising major with minors in business and Spanish, shares how she made this unique academic opportunity financially feasible. From navigating scholarships and financial aid to budgeting
From Campus to Career: Finacial Lessons from a SMU Peer Mentor Alum
From Campus to Career: Finacial Lessons from a SMU Peer Mentor Alum Nov 23, 2024 1004 Welcome to Poney Finance 101! In this episode, we sit down with Elizabeth Guevara, an SMU alum and former peer mentor for the Financial Literacy Program, to explore how financial skills learned in college can transform life after graduation.Elizabeth shares her journey since graduating, the challenges of transitioning from student life to the real world, and the money tips she relied on to navigat
From Community College to Campus Life: Financial Tips for Transfer Students with Manuel Serrato
From Community College to Campus Life: Financial Tips for Transfer Students with Manuel Serrato Oct 31, 2024 1130 In this episode of Poney Finance 101, we’re joined by Manuel Serrato, an SMU senior and Political Science major who transferred from community college. Manuel shares his unique journey navigating the financial realities of transferring to a four-year university—from managing tuition differences to budgeting for campus life. We dive into the essential strategies he used to make his transition affor
Reintroduction
Reintroduction Oct 18, 2024 226 Welcome back to Poney Finance 101! On this episode, hosts Hedy Rojas and Paulina Esparza, peer mentors from SMU Financial Literacy, reintroduce themselves and provide highlights from some of the best episodes of last season.From learning essential financial resources with Mrs. Gomez to exploring creative scholarship hunting strategies with Syra Castillo, and getting expert advice on first-time ren
Utilizing Your School’s Resources for a Better Future
Utilizing Your School’s Resources for a Better Future May 3, 2024 1400 On this episode, we talked to Adam Neal from the Office of Engaged Learning, Evan Saperstein and Amanda Bobo from Hegi Career Center and Cheryl Posner from the Cox Career Management Center about different resources at SMU like the Career Closet, Big iDeas Pitch Contest and more.
The Basics of Investing
The Basics of Investing Apr 15, 2024 1663 Investing doesn't have to be as big of a deal as it seems to be. As soon as you know the basics, you can continue to grow your knowledge and make your money work for you. I talked with SMU professor, Eric Marrs about the basics of investing and how college students can get started.
Understanding Taxes
Understanding Taxes Apr 8, 2024 844 The U.S. deadline to file your taxes is April 15th. If you have never filed your taxes before or need a refresher, we talked with SMU professor, Wendy Wilson, about the basics of taxes. Learn what documents you need, what a deduction is and more in this episode
Figuring out FAFSA Simplification
Figuring out FAFSA Simplification Apr 3, 2024 1057 The Free Application for Federal Student Aid has experienced a major update this year under the FAFSA Simplification Act. I sat down with Director of Financial Aid at SMU, Dr. Mary Sauceda, to learn about the major changes which affect the process of submitting your FAFSA, the vocabulary used and how much aid you can receive.This podcast was created, produced and led by SMU Financial Literacy stud
First-Time Renter Essentials
First-Time Renter Essentials Mar 25, 2024 638 Renting an apartment for the first time can be daunting. There are a lot of unknowns like: How do I find the right apartment for me? What do I need to look out for in a lease? What kind of expenses should I expect? I talked with Dallas realtor, Gabe Soto, about these questions and more.This podcast was created, produced and led by SMU Financial Literacy peer mentor, Elizabeth Guevara.

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