We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Tiffany Cogdell a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Tiffany, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Coming up with the idea is so exciting, but then comes the hard part – executing. Too often the media ignores the execution part and goes from idea to success, skipping over the nitty, gritty details of executing in the early days. We think that’s a disservice both to the entrepreneurs who built something amazing as well as the public who isn’t getting a realistic picture of what it takes to succeed. So, we’d really appreciate if you could open up about your execution story – how did you go from idea to execution?
After joining myEcon, a personal financial success company, I had a dream that sparked a deep desire to help others with their finances. I began sharing my journey with family, friends, and coworkers, both in person and on social media. This led to my first clients, where I helped them with budgeting and debt elimination. Seven years ago, on my birthday, I launched That Makes Cent$, LLC, and it was incredibly rewarding to see my clients making significant strides toward their goals.
During the COVID pandemic, I was accepted into the Launch Raleigh program, a business development initiative designed to help entrepreneurs learn the ins and outs of business and network with other business owners. Over the next few years, I spent less time with clients but focused more on learning through webinars offered by myEcon, Wake Tech, and YouTube. I immersed myself in social media, marketing strategies, and connecting with other businesses while continuing to refine my financial knowledge.
This journey ultimately led to a role as the Coordinator of Student Money Management at Wake Technical Community College. There, I was able to apply the skills I’d acquired, building social media platforms, coaching students, presenting in classrooms, and engaging with students at events. Now, I’m shifting my focus back to growing my business and fostering new business relationships.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
About eight years ago, I made a life-changing decision to join a personal finance success company called myEcon. It was there that I was first introduced to simple yet powerful strategies that the wealthy use to build and preserve generational wealth. Applying these strategies in my own life was transformative—I paid off my car in just 23 months, established an emergency fund, began investing, and developed a long-term vision for my finances. But even more than the personal wins, something deeper was stirred in me—a passion to see others experience the same freedom and confidence in their financial journey.
That passion gave birth to That Makes Cents, LLC, a faith-based financial empowerment organization designed to educate, equip, and elevate individuals and families in their financial stewardship. At its core, That Makes Cents is about “Making Sense of Your Finances”—providing real-life strategies with practical, biblical insight to shift both financial habits and mindsets.
What We Offer
That Makes Cents, LLC provides a variety of coaching packages, financial workshops, and an affordable monthly membership that promotes consistent financial literacy and long-term accountability. Our topics include:
✔ Effective Goal Setting – Helping you define clear financial objectives and map out an action plan
✔ Budgeting & Debt Elimination – Creating realistic budgets and implementing strategies to eliminate debt
✔ Bank Account Optimization – Structuring accounts to streamline spending and saving
✔ Credit Overview – Understanding and improving your credit profile
✔ Investment Exploration – Demystifying investment options aligned with your goals
✔ Retirement Projection – Planning for a future that’s secure and purpose-driven
✔ Multiple Income Streams – Discovering ways to diversify and increase income
We meet clients where they are—offering guidance virtually so they can learn and grow from the comfort of their own homes.
The Problem We Solve
Many people are living paycheck to paycheck, burdened by debt, unaware of how to make their money work for them, or stuck in generational cycles of financial lack. At the root, it’s often a combination of wrong money mindsets, lack of financial education, and the absence of discipleship in stewardship. The Bible references money and stewardship over 2,000 times—clearly, it’s not just a financial issue, it’s a heart issue too.
At That Makes Cents, I bring a unique blend of biblical wisdom, practical financial tools, and personal accountability to help clients break those cycles and walk in financial wholeness.
What Sets Us Apart
Unlike many financial coaches or advisors, my approach is holistic. I don’t just focus on numbers—I focus on mindset, biblical principles, and long-term sustainability. I’ve walked the road myself, and I know what it’s like to desire financial peace and not know where to start. That Makes Cents is built on integrity, compassion, and faith-based empowerment.
What I’m Most Proud Of
I’m proud of the transformation I’ve seen in my clients—some have bought their first home, paid off tens of thousands in debt, or built thriving side businesses. Others have told me they now see money as a tool rather than a trap. Helping people unlock not just financial wins, but mindset shifts, is incredibly rewarding.
Final Word
Whether you’re trying to create your first budget, get out of debt, understand how to invest, or learn what God says about stewardship, That Makes Cents, LLC is here to walk with you. We help you stop living reactive and start living on purpose. My mission is simple: To equip you with tools to help you make sense of your finances.
What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?
I’ve had to unlearn several lessons, but one of the first was the belief that acquiring clients and building a business happens quickly. Early in my journey, I joined myEcon and began using the membership to learn income-shifting strategies and improve my financial literacy. As I started sharing my progress on social media, I quickly attracted interest and even formed a small group of people who signed up. I was thrilled by the momentum—until I started losing that same interest just as fast.
The truth was, I didn’t have a plan for building a team or a system to continue educating and supporting those who joined. That experience was humbling, but also incredibly valuable. It taught me that building a sustainable business takes more than excitement—it takes personal growth, strategy, wisdom, and surrounding yourself with like-minded individuals who are committed to the journey.
Since then, I’ve invested many hours into financial and business education, worked with a business coach for feedback and insight, and spent time intentionally building strong relationships. All of this has helped me grow not just as a business owner, but as a leader.
How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?
After working in financial aid for 12 years, I transitioned into a role as Coordinator of Student Money Management. Outside of my business, it’s been one of the most fulfilling positions I’ve ever held. It allowed me to build meaningful relationships with staff and students, lead financial literacy workshops, and coach students on the basics of personal finance. My background in both business and financial aid helped me thrive in this role and make a real impact.
But life took an unexpected and beautiful turn when my dear friend of 27 years asked me out. Eric and I met in college along with a group of friends who are still like family to this day. Over the years, our families remained closely connected. Eric’s late wife, Amanda, was one of my best friends—so this transition has been both deeply emotional and incredibly meaningful.
I’m now stepping away from my full-time role to embrace a new chapter as a wife, mother to three wonderful children, and entrepreneur. It’s more than I ever imagined—something I couldn’t have asked, hoped, or dreamed of. I’m deeply grateful to God for His sovereignty and goodness. Not only has He fulfilled my desire for a loving family, but He’s also opened the door for me to fully pursue my business with passion and purpose.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://thatmakescents.me
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thatmakescents.me/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ThatMakesCents.Me/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tiffanycogdell
- Other: https://linktr.ee/thatmakescents.me
Image Credits
Edgar Carrera, Lyndsae Green