In this episode of Academics and Their Money, hosts Neeka Miremadi and Inga Timmerman sit down with Philip Gibson professor of finance, associate dean at Winthrop University, and founder of ElationWealth LLC to explore money mindsets, academic career strategy, and teaching the next generation about finances.

Philip begins by sharing how his early experiences in Jamaica shaped a scarcity mindset that later evolved into intentional planning, education, and goal setting. He highlights the power of mentors, explaining how key guidance early on propelled him toward a PhD and a dual-path career in academia and financial planning.

The conversation covers:

• Why money should always be tied to purpose and quality of life.
• The emotional side of money, including fear, generosity, and stewardship.
• What he wishes he had done earlier (hint: it involves investing at 19).
• How academics can strategically navigate promotion, tenure, and deciding between research, teaching, and administration.
• Why time management and boundaries are critical to preventing burnout.
• The lessons he’s passing to his young children about saving, earning, confidence, and the joy of being “uncomfortable but resilient.”

Philip also walks through his path from assistant professor to associate, to full professor, and into administration, emphasizing the importance of reading your faculty manual, understanding institutional policies, and aligning your decisions with both your strengths and long-term happiness.

Practical, warm, and full of lived wisdom, this episode blends financial insight with real talk about academic life, career choices, and the realities of balancing work, family, and purpose.

If you’ve got questions, suggestions for future topics, or just want to say ‘hello,’ you can reach us at https://attainablewealthfp.com/schedule-a-call/.

Any product or financial recommendations provided by Academics and Their Money, Inga, or Neeka are made solely in the author’s opinion and do not constitute professional financial or legal advice. All content is for educational purposes only.