Kristen Ragusin joins us to explore central bank digital currencies (CBDC). Kristen has had quite the journey with money. It all started when she was just five years old, earning her allowance by explaining stock markets to her dad. After college, she spent 28 years at Merrill Lynch, managing money and building a practice. Now, she's at Raymond James doing more of the same. But her passion extends beyond traditional finance; she's also a money reformer, advocating for changes in the money system to create freedom and prosperity. Today we discuss:  Insights on the financial crisis of 2008 Kristen's views on cryptocurrency and blockchain Implications of banks creating money and it's ties to consumer debt Predictions for the future of money and finance Discusses the impact of CBDCs and the need for public awareness and pushback   Distinction between digital money and blockchain   Today's Panelists: Kirk Chisholm | Innovative Wealth Barbara Friedberg | Barbara Friedberg Personal Finance Megan Gorman | The Wealth Intersection   Follow on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/moneytreepodcast Follow LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/money-tree-investing-podcast Follow on Twitter/X: https://x.com/MTIPodcast   For more information, visit the show notes at https://moneytreepodcast.com/exploring-central-bank-digital-currencies-kristen-ragusin-602