Merging Into Life

The money habits we carry into adulthood are often formed much earlier than we realize, and the conversations happening in your home right now are shaping how your kids will think about money for the rest of their lives. In this episode of Merging Into Life, host Sabrina Pierotti sits down with Jasmine Paul, certified financial education instructor, author, and founder of The Wealth Playground, to talk about how parents can raise kids who feel genuinely confident with money. From when to start the conversation and how it should evolve as kids grow to the real value of allowances, part-time jobs, and letting kids fail safely at home, Jasmine brings honesty and practical guidance to a topic that a lot of families quietly struggle with. Jasmine's website: thewealthplayground.com Have a question you want answered on the show? Record and submit your question at AAA.com/Podcast

Most of us travel to see something new, but the trips that really stay with you are the ones where you felt like you were actually part of the place you were visiting. In this episode of Merging Into Life, host Sabrina Pierotti sits down with Mark Wolters, travel expert, professor, and creator behind the popular YouTube channel Wolters World, to talk about what it actually means to travel like a local. From doing the right research before you leave home to knowing which questions to ask your waiter, your taxi driver, or the person sitting next to you on the train, Mark shares the small shifts that make a trip feel genuinely memorable.Watch Wolters World on YouTube: @woltersworldMark's website: woltersworld.comHave a question you want answered on the show? Record and submit your question at AAA.com/Podcast

Most of us have heard that we should have three to six months of savings set aside, but knowing where to start when money already feels stretched is a different story. In this episode of Merging Into Life, host Sabrina Pierotti sits down with Lori Atwood, personal finance expert and founder of Fearless Finance, to break down what a 90-day safety net actually looks like in real life. Lori walks through how to calculate your monthly number, why avoidance is the biggest threat to your financial health, and how to start building consistently even when the total feels overwhelming.Connect with Lori Atwood: fearlessfinance.comHave a question you want answered on the show? Record and submit your question at AAA.com/Podcast

Making friends as an adult is something almost everyone struggles with, but not many people talk about. In this episode of Merging Into Life, host Sabrina Pierotti sits down with psychologist and anti-loneliness advocate Vassia Sarantopoulou to explore why connection gets harder as we get older, and what we can actually do about it. From the emotional baggage that makes us slow to trust, to the limiting beliefs that keep us stuck at home, Vassia offers compassionate, practical insight into breaking the cycle of isolation and building friendships that actually feel meaningful.Vassia Sarantopoulou's website: antiloneliness.comMissed Vassia's first appearance on the show? Check out Season 2, Episode 11Have a question you want answered on the show? Record and submit your question at AAA.com/Podcast

Having a baby is one of the biggest life changes you'll ever face, and when it comes to advice and opinions on parenthood, the noise never stops. Between caring for a new life and surviving the sleepless nights, it can be nearly impossible to know what decisions are actually right for your family. In this episode of Merging Into Life, host Sabrina Pierotti sits down with Dr. Carole Keim, board-certified pediatrician, author, and host of The Baby Manual podcast, to cut through the noise and talk about what first-time parents actually need to know. From safe sleep and sleep training to postpartum emotions and building your support system, Dr. Keim brings calm, evidence-based answers to the questions new parents are often too nervous to ask. Because when it comes to raising a baby, there really are no stupid questions.DisclaimerThe views and opinions expressed in this podcast do not constitute medical advice and are not necessarily the views of AAA Northeast, AAA and or its affiliates. The Baby Manual by Dr. Carole Keim Dr. Carole Keim's website: carolekeim.comHave a question you want answered on the show? Record and submit your question at AAA.com/Podcast