Explorez tous les épisodes du podcast GreenPath Real Stories

Simon Komlos’ life has followed a winding road that began in a Hungarian orphanage. At six years old, he told his parents he would become a millionaire one day. When they laughed it off, their reaction only fueled his determination. Against the odds, he achieved that dream before turning 30—but reaching the top wasn’t what he expected, and the experience inspired his next chapter. 

That next chapter reflects Simon’s passion for financial literacy. He co-founded a popular financial education app and recently wrote his first book, Start Young and Build Freedom, which teaches entrepreneurship to teens. 

Drawing on his own experiences, Simon shares money and life lessons throughout the book—including how moments of greed derailed his finances. He also explains why practicing gratitude has become central to his view of a successful life. 

Ready to explore Simon’s lessons on entrepreneurship and financial freedom? Discover the book.

For listeners interested in entrepreneurship, GreenPath recently released the Small Business BootcampSmall Business Bootcamp, a free series of online courses that support new small business owners in building a strong financial foundation.  

2:56 Simon reflects on his childhood and his dream to become a millionaire. 

5:31 He struggles in school but develops other valuable life skills, like coding. 

10:24 He considers the cultural differences between Germany and the U.S. and how they shaped attitudes toward money. 

13:54 He learns a powerful lesson as a young entrepreneur. 

19:00 He gets caught up in the cryptocurrency bubble. 

24:58 He details the story of how he cofounded a successful financial education app. 

31:28 After achieving his childhood dream, Simon experiences “arrival fallacy.” 

33:39 He shares the story of how his book came to life. 

43:41 He shares practical advice from the book. 

46:17 He discusses the role gratitude plays in pursuing financial goals. 

51:50 Simon offers his perspective on debt. 

55:55 Our cohosts reflect on the themes from Simon’s story. 

GreenPath Financial Service

GreenPath is a trusted national nonprofit since 1961, learn how GreenPath’s Debt Management Program can help you pay off your debt in 3-5 years, while helping you develop sound financial literacy.

Emily grew up in a household where money was tight, shaping her mindset around finances as she entered adulthood. Eager to embrace life and support loved ones, she often found it hard to say no—leading to experiences she cherishes, but also to mounting debt she came to regret. 

After her boss suggested she reach out to GreenPath, Emily made the call—and felt immediate relief after speaking with a caring financial expert.

With GreenPath’s support, she transformed her approach to money and steadily paid down her debt. 

Years later, Emily is debt-free and looking toward the future with hope and excitement—dreaming of one day owning a cozy home down a quiet dirt road. 

2:19 Emily recalls how money was tight growing up and how her childhood influenced her spending patterns as she became an adult. 

5:12 She started using a credit card for her job that eventually caused her some financial struggle.  

8:00 As she helps her family members celebrate milestones, Emily’s finances get further strained. 

13:35 After she became overwhelmed with her debt, her boss recommended that she reach out to GreenPath. 

16:46 She recounts the relief she felt talking to GreenPath. 

22:35 Emily discusses how her spending approach with her family has changed as she has become more disciplined with her finances. 

25:47 She thinks back to the joyful feeling she had when she became debt- free. 

27:53 Her money that had been allocated towards her debts gets used for some unexpected travel and medical expenses. 

31:19 She shares her future dreams of homeownership. 

39:08 Our co-hosts reflect on the themes and lessons learned from Emily’s story. 

As we continue sharing stories like Emily’s, we’re also exploring new ways to bring real-life financial journeys to our audience. Soon, we’ll be testing a fresh format for Real $tories. More to come! 

GreenPath Financial Service

GreenPath is a trusted national nonprofit since 1961, learn how GreenPath’s Debt Management Program can help you pay off your debt in 3-5 years, while helping you develop sound financial literacy.

Basiliso’s relationship with money was shaped early as he grew up in a household navigating public assistance and the realities of financial instability.  

After facing significant personal hardship during and after a marriage, including debt, a declining credit score, and the challenge of starting over, Basiliso began the difficult process of rebuilding. Moving back in with family became a turning point, giving him the space to stabilize, save, and regain control of his financial future. 

The deaths of his ex-wife and mother brought both emotional and financial challenges but also highlighted the importance of preparation. Through life insurance and Social Security survivor benefits, Basiliso was able to navigate complex systems and access critical financial support during times of crisis. 

These lived experiences shaped his professional path. Today, as a certified financial social worker, Basiliso supports others at the intersection of money and mental health by advocating for caregivers, addressing financial trauma, and helping clients build plans that reflect their real lives.  

Basiliso offers practical, adaptable strategies grounded in one core truth: personal finance is never one-size-fits-all. Listen for an honest look at resilience, preparation, and the emotional and practical sides of money. 

3:28 Bas talks about growing up in a lower income household and how this shaped him as he entered adulthood. 

8:42 He discusses the life and financial challenges he faced during his separation. 

13:42 He recalls how life insurance and social security death benefits were pivotal to his finances after the death of his ex-spouse. 

18:04 Bas becomes a Certified Financial Social Worker. 

21:52 He shares his approach to integrating finances into his social work. 

24:29 He speaks about financial stress and financial abuse, both in his work and personal life. 

26:46 He gives his favorite financial tips. 

36:57 Bas considers his financial goals and dreams, including tackling his business debt. 

42:58 Our cohosts reflect on the themes from Bas’ story. 

GreenPath Financial Service

If you’re interested in building healthy financial habits, paying down debt, or saving for what matters most, take a look at these free financial tools.

Amanda’s financial journey began in college, where unexpected expenses pushed her to balance multiple responsibilities while managing student loan debt. Early on, she learned how quickly financial decisions can shape the future (and how little room there can be for missteps when money is tight).  

As a working parent, she navigated tight finances, high childcare costs, and the strain of an unsupportive partner. Her story highlights how money challenges are often shaped by the realities of caregiving, relationships, and the demands of everyday life. 

Over time, Amanda built more stability for herself and her family. Through persistence and self-advocacy, she improved her credit, purchased a home, and moved forward in her career—steps that reflect both financial progress and growing confidence. 

Even through setbacks, including job loss, Amanda continued to adapt and redefine her relationship with money. Her story is one of resilience, resourcefulness, and building a life on her own terms while staying connected to what matters most. 

2:49 Amanda reflects on her positive early experiences with money. 

4:32 With money tight in college, she learned how to juggle competing priorities. 

7:48 Amanda shares how taking out a private student loan with her father became a long-term financial burden. 

13:12 She speaks candidly about navigating money as a new parent. 

16:25 She shares practical strategies for stretching her budget with a young family. 

19:35 Amanda reflects on the financial impact of being in an abusive relationship. 

21:52 She recounts her journey to homeownership. 

24:21 Amanda shares how she took steps to substantially increase her salary. 

27:02 After being laid off, she relied on her PTO payout to help weather the financial uncertainty. 

30:30 After co-signing a loan to help a family member buy furniture, Amanda learned a lasting financial lesson. 

33:13 As an indie filmmaker, she has found passion in her work while continuing to navigate the challenge of funding a sustainable lifestyle. 

37:30 She shares some of her favorite budgeting advice. 

41:25 Our co-hosts reflect on the key themes that emerge from Amanda’s story. 

GreenPath Financial Service

If you’re interested in building healthy financial habits, paying down debt, or saving for what matters most, take a look at these free financial tools.