CJ Grimes on How to Break Free from Financial Insecurity

In this special episode, we’re doing something a little different — and I’m thrilled to share it with you. This is an episode from a show I truly admire, System Catalyst, hosted by my friend Jeff Walker — who you might remember from Passion Struck episode 99 — alongside English Sall. System Catalyst dives deep into the stories of change-makers who put their egos aside to transform the systems that shape our world.

Today, we spotlight Carri Joy (CJ) Grimes — a dynamic leader dedicated to dismantling the roots of financial insecurity. As a champion of economic justice, CJ Grimes has spent years working to break down systemic barriers, helping individuals and communities build sustainable financial futures. In this conversation, CJ opens up about the harsh realities of economic instability, the strategies needed for systemic change, and the crucial role of trust, community, and partnerships in creating long-lasting impact.

If you’ve ever felt trapped by financial struggles or wondered how we can create real solutions to break free from the cycle of poverty, this episode is for you. Get ready for an eye-opening discussion packed with insights and inspiration!

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Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Podcast Addict, Pocket Casts, Stitcher, Castbox, Google Podcasts, Listen Notes, Amazon Music, or on your favorite podcast platform. You can watch the interview on YouTube below.

The Path to Financial Freedom: CJ Grimes on Taking Control of Your Future

Financial security isn’t just about numbers—it’s about emotions, security, and having control over your future. In this special episode of Passion Struck, I bring you an insightful conversation from System Catalyst, featuring Carrie Joy Grimes (CJ), the powerhouse behind WorkMoney—a nonprofit with over 8.1 million members dedicated to helping Americans save money, boost financial stability, and build better lives.

CJ unpacks the harsh reality of economic insecurity in the U.S., where millions struggle to cover a $1,000 emergency expense. But this episode goes beyond just diagnosing the problem—it’s about solutions. CJ reveals how WorkMoney harnesses collective strength to challenge broken systems, push for better financial opportunities, and empower individuals to reclaim control over their economic futures. Her message is clear: we can’t wait for someone else to save us—real change starts with us.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode With Carrie Joy Grimes:

• Why financial well-being is about more than just money—it’s about emotions, security, and taking control of your future.
• The $1,000 emergency dilemma—why nearly half of U.S. adults are financially vulnerable and what it reveals about economic insecurity.
• How WorkMoney mobilizes millions through personalized financial tools and community-driven solutions to push for systemic change.
• The power of listening—why understanding people’s real needs is the first step to making meaningful financial and social change.
• Practical strategies for boosting financial stability—from saving for emergencies to making empowered money decisions.
• CJ’s advice for aspiring changemakers—how to build impactful movements and reshape broken systems from the ground up.

WHY IS THIS EPISODE A MUST-LISTEN?

This episode goes beyond the surface of financial advice—it dives into the emotional and systemic roots of financial insecurity. CJ Grimes doesn’t just talk about saving money; she reveals how true financial well-being is tied to control, security, and collective action. Whether you’re struggling to cover unexpected expenses, curious about how to push for economic change, or looking for practical strategies to build financial stability, this conversation will empower you to take charge of your financial future. It’s not just about waiting for help—it’s about joining a movement that’s actively reshaping the systems that impact us all.

🔗 If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to check out more from Systems Catalyst and follow the link in the show notes to explore their impactful work.

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WorkMoney: How Collective Action Fuels Financial Freedom

During this fascinating special episode, WorkMoney founder Carrie Joy Grimes shared the powerful mission behind her nonprofit and how it’s helping millions of Americans break free from financial insecurity. At its core, WorkMoney is not just about personal finance tips—it’s about using collective strength to push for systemic change and give people the tools they need to build financial stability.

With over 8.1 million members and growing, WorkMoney is founded on a simple yet revolutionary idea: financial well-being isn’t just about how much money you have—it’s about having control over your future, feeling secure, and knowing you have a support system behind you. CJ explained that many Americans struggle not because they don’t work hard enough but because the economic system is designed in a way that makes it difficult for them to get ahead.

One striking point CJ made was about the $1,000 emergency dilemma—nearly half of U.S. adults don’t have enough savings to cover an unexpected $1,000 expense. This isn’t just a personal problem—it’s a systemic issue that keeps people in a cycle of stress, debt, and instability. She emphasized that WorkMoney tackles this by providing practical tools and resources—like personalized financial advice, discount programs, and money-saving strategies—while also advocating for bigger policy changes that address the root causes of economic insecurity.

However, what truly sets WorkMoney apart is its focus on listening to real people. CJ highlighted how they gather feedback from their members, ensuring their strategies align with what people actually need—not what experts assume they need. It’s a grassroots approach to financial empowerment, driven by the belief that collective action is the key to lasting economic transformation.

The core message of this episode is clear: breaking free from financial insecurity isn’t just about saving more or spending less—it’s about reshaping the systems that hold people back. CJ Grimes and WorkMoney are proving that when people unite and push for change, they don’t have to wait for someone else to save them—they can create their own path to financial freedom.

THANKS, CARRIE JOY GRIMES

If you enjoyed this interview with CJ Grimes, let her know by clicking on the link below and sending her a quick shout on Instagram

Click here to show Carrie Joy Grimes your thoughts about today’s episode on Instagram

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If you want us to answer your questions or you want John to discuss a topic on one of our upcoming Momentum Friday episodes, drop us a line at [email protected].

RESOURCES FROM THE SHOW WITH CJ GRIMES

Please note that some of the links on this page (books, movies, music, etc.) lead to affiliate programs for which The Passion Struck podcast receives compensation. It’s just one of the ways we keep the lights on around here. Thank you so much for being so supportive!

1. Systems Catalyst Podcast
2. About SKOLL Foundation
3. CJ Grimes’s Website
4. CJ Grimes’s Instagram
5. WorkMoney’s Youtube Channel
6. Passion Struck Core Value System: https://passionstruck.com/the-passion-struck-core-belief-system/
7. Listen to Passion Struck’s interviews with New York Times bestselling authors Gretchen Rubin and Seth Godin.
8. Check out Passion Struck’s Episode Starter Packs on Spotify or Passion Struck starter packs to get started with the podcast.

Check my interview with Jeffrey C. Walker On The Criticality of Collaboration in Systems Change

My episode with Richard Dolan On the Importance of Financial Health in Life

Can’t miss my episode with Codie Sanchez on How to Gain Financial Freedom

Catch my interview with Adrian Brambila on 21 Brutal Money Lessons You Need Now

Listen to my solo epísode on Robert Breedlove on the Hidden War on Financial Freedom

About Today’s Guest, CJ Grimes

Carrie Joy Grimes (CJ) is the founder and CEO of WorkMoney, a groundbreaking nonprofit dedicated to helping millions of Americans achieve financial stability and build a better life. With a background in grassroots organizing and systemic change, CJ has made it her mission to address economic insecurity not just through individual solutions but by reshaping the very systems that keep people struggling.

Under her leadership, WorkMoney has grown to over 8.1 million members, offering personalized financial tools, money-saving resources, and collective advocacy to push for policies that benefit everyday people. Passionate about empowering others, CJ believes financial well-being isn’t just about dollars and cents—it’s about security, control, and creating a future where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.

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