The Money Misfits Syllabus

Guests: Dayana Romero & Areefa Ali
Host: Professor Stephen Heath

In this kickoff episode of Money Misfits: College Cash Conversations, Professor Heath sits down with two of his online managerial accounting students, Dayana Romero and Areefa Ali, to create the blueprint for Season 1 — the six money topics college students actually want to talk about.

Dayana opens up about moving out at 18, learning financial independence the hard way, and how credit card debt and job struggles reshaped her money mindset. Areefa shares a powerful story of growing up with deaf immigrant parents, translating adult financial decisions as a child, and how those experiences shaped her understanding of money, independence, and responsibility.

Together, they dive into:

The real struggles of budgeting and savings as a college student

Why financial literacy feels like trial by fire

How credit cards, roommates, and subscriptions can sneak up on your bank account

The emotional side of money — from burnout and toxic jobs to relationships and spending habits

Why investing early (even just a few dollars) might be the most powerful habit to build

By the end, the group locks in the six student-picked topics for Season 1: investing, budgeting, financial aid, buying a car, credit & credit scores, and relationships + money.