In this episode of The Designated Designer, I sat down with mortgage & lending expert Jim Gillespie to traverse a topic most creatives would rather sidestep: money, mortgages, and the financial systems that quietly shape our lives.

Jim breaks down the evolution of the mortgage industry, from the predatory lending that led to the 2008 crash, to the guardrails created by the Dodd-Frank Act. He explains how today’s lending standards actually work in plain English.

Together, we explore why so many creatives feel unprepared when it comes to home buying, what credit scores really measure, and how self-employed entrepreneurs can position themselves for approval.

Whether you're dreaming of buying a home, repairing your credit, or simply trying to build a healthier financial foundation, this episode gives you clear steps, grounded wisdom, and a much-needed crash course in financial literacy for the creative mind.

Perfect for entrepreneurs, freelancers, and anyone who wants their money self to finally catch up with their creative self!!