Claim OwnershipMerging Into Life
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The road to becoming a confident, capable adult is full of unexpected twists: financial questions, travel mishaps, car drama, and life choices that nobody really prepared us for. That’s where we come in.
Hosted by experts who understand what it’s like to figure things out as you go, we’re here to help you navigate it all. Buckle up as we merge into life together. It can be a wild ride, but this educational podcast is here to make the journey a little smoother.
The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are not necessarily the views of AAA Northeast, AAA and/or its affiliates.
Hosted by experts who understand what it’s like to figure things out as you go, we’re here to help you navigate it all. Buckle up as we merge into life together. It can be a wild ride, but this educational podcast is here to make the journey a little smoother.
The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are not necessarily the views of AAA Northeast, AAA and/or its affiliates.
30 Episodes
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What if you stopped waiting for the “perfect time” to travel and just went? In this episode of Merging Into Life, host Kim Rodrigues speaks with Mikah Meyer, who started visiting U.S. National Parks one day, and then didn’t stop until he had visited all 419. From growing up in a flat state with no outdoors experience to setting world records, Mikah’s story is proof that adventure doesn’t require credentials, just intention.They talk about what the outdoors can teach us about time, purpose, and grief; how to overcome the pressure to always be working; and why our own backyard might be the best place to start exploring. Watch short film "Canyon Chorus" free: https://www.mikahmeyer.com/documentaryDonate to Mikah's feature film "Wild Goose Chase": https://www.mikahmeyer.com/donateHomepage with video of Mikah's favorite National Park Service site: https://www.mikahmeyer.com/
1From student loans to credit cards, car payments to “Pay in 4” buttons at checkout, borrowing money has never been more common or more complicated. In this episode of Merging Into Life, we break down the modern borrowing landscape: what to know before taking out a loan, how credit scores really work, and are newer forms of credit like Buy Now, Pay Later a blessing or a financial trap.Julien and Kiersten are joined by William Black, a former managing director at Moody’s and longtime credit expert, to demystify the loan process and explore how your borrowing decisions can impact your credit, your stress levels, and your overall financial wellness.Will's LinkedIn: @william-black-nyc
We all know the basics: spend less than you earn, save regularly, and avoid unnecessary debt. But if it were really that simple, we’d all be doing it. The truth is, our emotions drive more financial decisions than we realize. In this episode of Merging Into Life, Julien dives into the emotional side of money with Certified Financial Planner™ Eoin McGee. They explore how stress, habits, identity, and even childhood experiences shape the way we spend, save, and think about our financial futures.From subconscious spending triggers to lifestyle creep, Eoin offers practical advice for building better habits, starting with understanding your mindset.Follow Eoin: @eoin_mcgee
Talking about money with your partner isn’t just a financial decision, it’s an emotional one. Whether you’re dating, married, or somewhere in between, how you communicate about spending, saving, and values can make or break trust in a relationship. Yet for many couples, these conversations feel daunting or even taboo. In this episode of Merging Into Life, we explore why financial transparency matters, how to approach money talks with less fear, and what it takes to truly align as a team. Kiersten and Julien are joined by Dr. Abby Medcalf, a psychologist and relationship expert who shares how couples can use financial conversations to build connection rather than conflict.
Nobody hands you a manual for adulthood, but that doesn’t mean you have to wing it alone! Season 2 of Merging Into Life is here to unpack the real questions we all face, from buying your first car to planning a family vacation, and finding the courage to bring up finances with your partner. This season is all about meeting life’s twists and turns with confidence. Hosted by a rotating cast of experts and storytellers, and powered by AAA Northeast, we’re not just talking about adulting, we’re helping you do it better. Meet the Hosts:Julien & Kiersten Saunders – Financial FuturesKim Rodrigues – Travel TransformedZack Klapman – Road ReadySabrina Pierotti – Everyday Mastery
What do you serve? Who do you invite? What’s the perfect number of guests? How do you spark great conversation?We've got the answers with Dana Marie Roquemore, Founder of The Dinner Party. She throws dinner parties for a living and knows how to deliver on food, hospitality, and conversation. There's really nothing like sitting down and sharing a meal with friends family and maybe even a few strangers. So pick a date, send out your invites (eight guests is the perfect number) and press play, because we've got you covered from how to get your guests to show up on time to gently guiding them out the door.ResourcesThe Dinner Party Project
Travelling to new places is always an adventure, but if you really want to escape the mundane and truly explore you might want to consider renting your own wheels during your time in a new place. But with great freedom comes great responsibility--and possibly some anxiet--around tiny parking spaces, narrow streets and unfamiliar rules of the road.But don’t let that hold you back! Terry Abromitis, aka Traveling Terry, has driven all over Europe, on both sides of the road. She has tips on discovering off-the-beaten-track destinations, avoiding parking tickets and navigating like a pro. Also on hand is Kevin Beresford, President of the Roundabout Appreciation Society, whose enthusiasm for traffic circles has to be heard to be believed!So listen in for everything you need to know about renting and driving in a new country!ResourcesInternational Driving Permit
Planning a wedding is a big deal! There are venues, food, flowers, vows, photographers...the list goes on! It’s supposed to be the happiest day of your life, but how do you balance all the stress with the joy of celebrating love?That’s where we come in. Meet Jessica Bishop, founder of Budget Savvy Bride, host of The Bouquet Toss podcast, and author of the bestselling Budget Savvy Wedding Planner and Organizer. She's here with tips and practical advice, to help plan your dream wedding without breaking the bank or losing your mind. Let’s make wedding planning fun, memorable, and totally doable.ResourcesThe Budget Savvy Bride
Ever wondered why cruises are such a big deal? Spoiler: they're basically floating resorts with skating rinks, private islands, and zero cooking or cleaning required. What’s not to like?But before you set sail, there’s a lot to figure out like a packing strategy, what’s worth splurging on, are the on-shore excursions worth it and what happens if you miss the boat? We’ve got the covered.Join Dana Hammond, travel journalist, editor, and certified cruise lover who’s been on over 100 cruises, and Ilana Schattauer from Life Well Cruised, a once-skeptic turned cruise superfan. They’re here to share insider tips and hacks to make your first (or next) cruise totally stress-free.ResourcesDana HammondIlana Schattauer’s Life Well Cruised
Independence usually means flying the nest. Getting out from under parental rule, making your own decisions and having some space for yourself.But life happens and sometimes that means returning home. Just because moving back in with your parents wasn’t on your adulthood bingo card, doesn’t mean it isn’t a good move.On this episode we’ll talk to Paige Mariah, a successful, vibrant, thirtysomething who returned to the U.S. from England and moved back in with her parents. She’s got first-hand tips on how to make the most of your time at home. And we also have Francesca Canzoneri from The Therapy Institute who helps get you in the right mindset when it comes to boundaries, boundaries and more boundaries.Resources:Paige Mariah: YouTube & InstagramThe Therapy Institute
On the one hand we have points programs, maybe insurance and credit building, but on the other there’s high interest rates, annual fees and the potential to rack up a lot of debt. How do we use credit cards for good and skip the tough lessons? Listen in to Katherine Fan, a personal finance journalist who breaks down the basics, like how to avoid common pitfalls, make the most of your cards perks and manage credit to your benefit, not your debt.
For many of us, retirement is a bit of an abstract idea. It’s far away in the future, it can be hard to picture. The unknowns are infinite. So how do we plan for that?Step one: Just start. The earlier the better, too, because we’ll just keep getting older and it’ll be nice to have a little something to make those later years more fun. Join our guest Pamela Capland, certified financial planner and accredited financial counselor who takes the shame out of money conversations and is a pro at simplifying and empowering. Then we also have Julien and Kiersten Saunders who explain the basics of the FIRE movement (financial independence, retire early).Resources:Pamela Capalad: Get ShamelessJulien & Kiersten Saunders: Rich & Regular
What’s more fun than looking back over the year and remembering all the great things that happened? Not much! So join us in the episode that finds all the fun and fascinating nuggets from the first 16 episodes of Merging Into Life. Each episode has its charm, and we’ve gathered as much as we could fit into this one episode as a thanks for coming along for the ride with us. Life-hacks, hot tips and all the takeaways you can handle. From buying a car, bringing home your first pet, heading to a theme park or moving back home with Mom and Dad, we’ve got you covered.
Fewer of us are rushing out to drive in the first year we’re eligible. But just because you don’t start driving as a teen doesn’t mean you never will. That driver’s license isn’t going anywhere without you!If you’re thinking about taking the wheel for the first time, or you want a refresher, listen as Linda Ricci, Assistant Manager at AAA’s Rhode Island Driving school walks us through the basics. She covers how to prepare for your test, what to be aware of and ways to get comfortable behind the wheel. And Gaelen Olinski on hand to share his successful but embarrassing early days of driving.
How far can an electric vehicle really go on a charge? What's it like to drive an EV? Do you ever have to replace the battery? And what about other routine maintenance?Buying an EV comes with a lot of questions, and on this episode we’ve got a lot of answers. Guests Ben Sullins is an EV advocate who has spent years digging into the data and is here to dispell some EV myths. Matt Ferrell is an expert in sustainable technologies and gives us the low-down on EV batteries.Resources:EV perks that come with a AAA membershipUndecided with Matt FerrellStill To Be Determined Podcast SeriesBen Sullins - YouTubePlugshare
Dust off those running shoes and let’s hit the road. Actually, shoes are important, so maybe get a well-fitted fresh pair. But regardless, if you’re hoping to incorporate running into your life or signing up for your first race, we’ve got you covered. Runner in Chief at Runner’s World, Jeff Dengate, is here to help you get on track. He’ll cover pacing yourself, gear, and how to incorporate running into your life. But we don’t want you to hurt yourself, so Mike Vaiano, a physical therapist at the Schwarz Institute, gives us the rundown on how to prevent an injury.
If you’ve ever dreamed of heading out into the world footloose and fancy free, a solo trip might be just what you need!Whether it’s a once in a lifetime voyage to a far flung locale or a quick trip to the next spot on the map, seeing new sites and meeting new people is one of life’s true joys. But getting your loved ones on board can be similar to herding cats, a little frustrating and often a bad use of time. In this episode, avid solo traveler Kim Rodrigues leads the way through how to make the best of your trip while staying safe. And on the logistics side, Jillian Young of AAA Northeast's Public Affairs team shares insight on the best times to travel and how to beat the crowds.Resources:AAA travel forecastKim Rodrigues' blog: K.Rod Collective
From identity theft to scams, fraud is a reality we all have to come to terms with. But rather than live in fear, let’s figure out what’s at stake and how to protect ourselves.In this episode we have Robert Siciliano, CEO of ProtectNowLLC. com, and Mike Breumer, Vice President of Consumer Protection for Experian. They’ll walk us through how to spot a scam, protect your identity, and how to make sure no one can access your credit except you. Constant vigilance helps, but people make mistakes. Listen in, and you'll feel empowered to handle whatever comes your way.
We know not to drive drunk, or impaired. Speeding is dangerous, and so is driving while distracted. But just as dangerous, though less talked about is drowsy driving.In this episode, we’re going to hear how one woman dealt with her sister’s death by becoming a victims' advocate for traffic safety. Jennifer Pearce will delve into the real dangers behind drowsy driving and how pushing ourselves to operate on less and less sleep isn’t just damaging to our health, but also to our safety. Alec Slatky will talk about some of the work AAA is doing to better understand drowsy driving, because as it turns out, we often don’t even know when we’re doing it.Resources:How To Avoid Drowsy Driving
Beating the garbage truck, staying on top of the dishes, exercising regularly…small but mighty accomplishments. Though, few can compare to the satisfaction of making and sticking to a budget. In this episode, Ashley Bove, workplace financial consultant with Fidelity Investments shares simple and straightforward ways to keep track of your money. She covers living expenses, saving, an emergency fund, debt repayment and how to make sure there’s something left over for you at the end of every month.
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