Ep 8 - Jessica Inskip - On Leaving Wall Street, Fighting Misinformation, and Redefining Financial Education
This week on Your Money Guide on the Side, I’m joined by the incredible Jessica Inskip—one of the sharpest, most grounded voices in modern investing. Jessica was the first female on Fidelity’s active trader desk, and you may have seen her breaking down complex strategies alongside Jim Cramer, or offering sharp, accessible takes on CNBC, Fox Business, Schwab Network, and Yahoo Finance.In this episode, we unpack her journey from nearly becoming an engineer to becoming a nationally recognized voice in financial education—and why she made the bold decision to give up her professional licenses in order to educate people where they’re actually learning: on TikTok, Instagram, and her #1-ranked personal finance podcast, Market MakeHer.Jessica shares the powerful story of how she pivoted careers after realizing that the people who needed the most help—young investors learning from unverified sources—weren’t being reached due to compliance constraints. The tragic case of Alex Kearns, and the inability for licensed professionals to correct misinformation in real-time, was a tipping point. From that moment on, Jessica committed to bridging the gap between Wall Street and the everyday investor, even if it meant leaving behind the traditional career path.We talk about how she built a media presence without compromising her authenticity, how she measures impact over virality, and why she believes good education, not flashy trends, is the antidote to financial misinformation online. She shares her approach to making complex topics like credit markets and macroeconomics accessible—and the surprising (and sometimes frustrating) viral moments that have shaped her platform.We also dive into:How she transitioned from Merrill to full-time educator and creatorThe emotional and professional weight of giving up her Series licensesThe difference between being a financial expert and simply playing one on social mediaWhy compliance rules continue to keep great educators out of the creator economyHow she balances family life, media work, and her growing personal brandHer podcast, Market MakeHer, and how it became a trusted resource for tens of thousandsJessica also reflects on what success really means in a digital world that rewards metrics over meaning. Her answer? It’s not about the followers. It’s about the impact—the emails, the DMs, the women who now feel confident speaking about bonds, credit markets, and earnings reports because someone took the time to meet them where they are.We wrap by talking about her work with Jim Cramer, the power of representation in finance, and how she’s planning a book that will finally explain the domino effect of markets—from interest rates to consumer behavior—in a way that actually makes sense.Whether you’re an active investor, a new creator, or just someone trying to be smarter with your money, Jessica offers a masterclass in clarity, commitment, and courage. This conversation is packed with insights, humility, and heart.🎙️ Take a listen—you won’t just learn about markets. You’ll learn why voice, vision, and values matter more than ever in today’s financial landscape.
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