#31 Reclaiming Control: Finance Expert Steph Wagner Guides Women Through Life’s Unexpected Turns

Welcome to another episode of Curveball, where host Scott Reich explores how we handle life’s unexpected challenges through the real stories of people who have overcome unimaginable obstacles. In today’s episode, Steph Wagner joins Scott Reich to share her remarkable journey.

A former Wall Street investment banker and private equity professional, Steph Wagner stepped away from a high-powered career to raise her children, never expecting her planned “short break” to turn into 13 years away from the workforce. Life took an unexpected turn when she went through a painful divorce, forcing her to rebuild both her personal and financial world from the ground up. Through honest conversation, Steph Wagner reflects on resilience, the intersection of money and freedom, and the importance of self-love and independence—especially for women facing major life curveballs.

This episode dives deep into the emotional and practical realities of starting over, the lessons learned from adversity, and how Steph Wagner turned her own struggles into a mission to help other women achieve financial empowerment. Tune in for an inspiring discussion about finding strength in vulnerability, reclaiming your purpose, and learning to soar after life’s biggest setbacks.

Listeners Will Learn: 

• Steph Wagner’s journey from a high-achieving Wall Street career to rebuilding her life after a painful divorce.
• The role of financial independence in personal empowerment, especially for women facing major life changes.
• Listeners will gain insights into how resilience, self-reflection, and confronting past trauma can lead to personal growth and healing.
• Listeners will also discover actionable advice for overcoming imposter syndrome and finding the confidence to start anew.
• The importance of self-care and loving oneself first in order to support others, particularly children, through adversity.
• The unique challenges women face around financial literacy, the cultural taboos surrounding money, and practical steps for building financial freedom.
• The inspiration behind Steph Wagner’s book, “Fly! A Woman's Guide to Financial Freedom and Building a Life You Love,” and why she believes every woman deserves the tools, not just the rules, to reclaim their financial future.

Key Moments: 

(00:00) Driven Through Challenges and Grit

(03:24) Building Resilience Through Experience

(08:31) Imposter Syndrome and Fulfillment

(12:04) Flipping the Script

(14:16) Defining Moment of Self-Motivation

(18:14) Navigating Divorce and Personal Growth

(21:26) Parenting Through Childhood Trauma

(25:17) Healing Starts With Self-Care

(26:53) Sit, Feel, Grow, Look Forward

(32:24) Fly: Financial Freedom and Liberation

(34:3) Reclaiming Financial Freedom

(38:33) Financial Freedom and Overcoming Challenges

(40:16) Battling Doubt, Embracing Dreams