WorkMoney Founder & CEO Carrie Joy Grimes - Why Collective Power Matters in the Modern Economy

Carrie Joy Grimes, Founder & CEO of WorkMoney, joins Clint Betts for a conversation on the shrinking middle class, the future of the American Dream, and how collective bargaining power could reshape the economy for everyday people.

WorkMoney has grown to more than 9 million members by helping Americans save money, lower bills, access discounts, and better navigate an increasingly difficult financial system. In this episode, Carrie explains why so many people feel financially stuck — and what can actually be done about it.

The conversation explores AI, economic inequality, remote work, monopolies, and why the next generation faces a dramatically different financial reality than previous generations.

00:00:00 - Introduction and Guest Welcome
00:00:10 - Founding of WorkMoney
00:00:25 - Mission and Vision of WorkMoney
00:01:14 - Economic Inequality and Wealth Transfer
00:02:04 - Challenges for the Next Generation
00:02:41 - WorkMoney's Membership and Scale
00:03:22 - Negotiating for Members' Benefits
00:03:33 - Impact of AI on Jobs and Economy
00:04:11 - Personal Financial Struggles and Housing Market
00:05:03 - Economic Challenges Over the Decades
00:06:18 - Capitalism and Wealth Distribution
00:07:00 - Rand Corporation Study on Income
00:08:37 - WorkMoney's Response to COVID-19
00:09:41 - Empowering Individuals Through Collective Action
00:10:53 - Personal Definitions of a Good Life
00:12:06 - Nonprofit vs. For-Profit Structure
00:13:23 - Growth and Member Engagement
00:14:52 - Remote Work and Organizational Culture
00:16:35 - Advantages of Remote Work
00:16:55 - A Day in the Life of the CEO
00:19:33 - How to Become a WorkMoney Member
00:20:04 - Negotiating on Behalf of Members
00:22:05 - Future Plans for Negotiation Services
00:24:26 - Revenue Model and Philanthropy
00:27:09 - Role of AI in WorkMoney
00:28:28 - Reading Recommendations
00:31:46 - Reflecting on Who Gave a Chance
00:34:25 - Closing Remarks and Gratitude

If you’re interested in leadership, economic mobility, AI, public policy, or the future of work and money, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss.