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© 2025 Money Matters - Neighbors Federal Credit Union
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The podcast that focuses on how to use the money you have, make the money you need and save the money you want. Host Kim Chapman, Financial Wellness Director for Neighbors Federal Credit Union, explores the issues that can affect your financial well-being and discusses ways for you to enjoy the financial freedom you've been looking for.
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We trace the real costs of welcoming a second child and how a strict budget turned worry into confidence. From rising doula fees to two daycare bills, we share what changed, what we reused, and how we planned leave, space, and school decisions without losing joy. • daycare becoming the largest monthly expense • getting serious about budgeting to pay off debt • navigating higher medical and doula costs • planning for feeding costs and inflation • where thrifting works and where buying new win...
We unpack why money talks feel heavy and show how to make them safe, honest, and useful. Ericka Young shares her $90K debt payoff story, how “play money” reduced friction, and practical ways to teach kids about money without passing along anxiety. • the real reasons couples avoid money talks • using your money past to lower defensiveness • saver vs spender dynamics and finding balance • autonomy with transparency through “yours, mine, ours” • simple openers and ground rules for hard talks • ...
Carmen Million from the Better Business Bureau and Adrienne, a senior fraud investigator, join host Kim Chapman to discuss the alarming rise in financial scams powered by artificial intelligence and how to protect yourself. • Scammers are using AI to create convincing fake business websites that target vulnerable consumers • Phone spoofing has evolved to mimic not just financial institutions but actual customer phone numbers • It's not just seniors being targeted - younger generations are in...
Bankruptcy may be a taboo subject in personal finance, but it can be a necessary option for those facing overwhelming debt. Attorney Mitchell Dickson and bankruptcy specialist Nicole Duhon demystify the bankruptcy process and help listeners understand who should consider this path. • Chapter 7 bankruptcy involves the liquidation of assets and is typically for those with lower incomes needing a fresh start • Chapter 13 creates a 3-5 year repayment plan allowing individuals to keep homes and v...
The world of college athletics transformed when Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals became permissible for student-athletes in 2021, creating unprecedented opportunities for young athletes to monetize their personal brands. Taylor Jacobs, Associate Athletic Director of NIL and Strategic Initiatives at LSU, shares insights on how student-athletes can prepare for and navigate the complex NIL landscape. • Parents should help student-athletes identify their passions and strengths early to buil...
Kim Chapman shares five actionable strategies to boost your credit score quickly and effectively. These proven techniques address the key factors that influence your credit rating, helping you qualify for better loans and financial opportunities. • Pay bills on time as this accounts for 35% of your credit score • Keep credit utilization below 30% of your available credit limit • Don't close old accounts as they contribute positively to credit history • Limit opening new accounts as they can ...
Navigating the complex world of real estate requires expertise and guidance to avoid costly mistakes and maximize your investment potential. • Understanding the difference between realtors and real estate agents – realtors subscribe to a higher standard with the National Association of Realtors • The value a realtor brings goes far beyond showing houses – includes negotiation, market analysis, and spotting potential problems • Using the LOVE framework for home purchases: Location, Offer, Val...
Chef Ann Milneck from Red Stick Spice reveals how to transform inexpensive cuts of meat into flavorful grilled masterpieces through proper techniques and seasoning approaches. • Chuck steak can rival expensive cuts when using the "reverse searing" method - cooking low and slow before finishing on a blazing hot grill • Early salting (dry brining) is crucial for all proteins - use 1 teaspoon per pound at least a few hours before cooking • Always let meat come to room temperature before grillin...
Joseph Long from Relief Heating and Air joins us to discuss how to maintain your AC system during scorching Louisiana summers while keeping energy bills manageable. We explore maintenance essentials, temperature management strategies, and how to determine when it's time to repair versus replace your aging AC unit. • Annual AC maintenance checks are crucial for maximum efficiency and preventing costly breakdowns • Air filters should be changed monthly or bi-monthly, with standard pleated filt...
Our mortgage experts and real estate professional break down what financial readiness truly means for first-time homebuyers and why qualifying for a mortgage doesn't always mean you can afford homeownership. • Understanding the difference between what you can qualify for versus what you can truly afford • Warning signs that indicate you may not be ready to buy a home yet • The importance of budgeting for more than just your mortgage payment • How credit scores, income stability, and availabl...
Travel experts Cindy Chambers and Tutti Bonacarso from Pearson's Travel share insider tips on planning dream vacations while maximizing value and avoiding common pitfalls. • Benefits of using a travel agency include personalized service, passport verification, and having a local contact instead of navigating frustrating 1-800 numbers • Popular 2025 destinations include Italy, London, Scotland, Croatia, and river cruises in Europe • Book trips from two months to two years in advance—earlier b...
Money is a major stressor that affects our mental health, yet it remains a taboo topic many avoid discussing. Dr. Shannon Matthews joins us to explore the psychological impact of financial stress and how to develop a healthier relationship with money. • Financial stress affects everyone - even those with adequate resources worry about future economic uncertainty • Anxiety and depression are common responses to financial stress, often manifesting in physical symptoms like disrupted sleep and ...
Student loan borrowers face significant changes as collection practices resume and the Department of Education faces potential dismantling by December 2026. Deborah Paul from the Louisiana Office of Student Financial Assistance explains what borrowers need to know about these changes and how to navigate them effectively. • Student loans are considered in default after 270 days without payment • Only 38% of student loans are currently being paid as agreed • Default consequences include wage g...
Thrifting isn't just about stretching your budget – it's a legitimate way to generate extra income with minimal time investment. We explore how to turn other people's castoffs into your cash flow with experts Betty and Johnny Manella from the Fellowship Center. • Developing an eye for valuable items – look for quality materials, weight, and craftsmanship • Starting with items already in your home – if you bought it once, someone else probably wants it • Using Google Lens to quickly identify ...
We explore the transformative world of thrifting with Betty Mahika Milano and Steve Isaacs from America's Thrift Store, uncovering how secondhand shopping can dramatically stretch your dollar while supporting sustainability efforts. • Thrift stores source merchandise through donations and many contribute proceeds to community organizations • America's Thrift Store puts approximately 10,000 new items on the floor weekly • Popular thrift items include clothing, accessories, housewares, furnitu...
Carmen Million, President of the Better Business Bureau of South Louisiana, shares critical insights on protecting ourselves from financial predators targeting our money through sophisticated scams and identity theft tactics. • Grandparent scams are resurging with AI voice cloning technology that makes scammers sound like real family members in distress • The IRS will never call demanding immediate payment or gift cards - they always send official mail correspondence first • Tax identity the...
Dreaming of turning your talent or passion into a profitable business? This episode of Money Matters takes you behind the scenes with three successful entrepreneurs who've done exactly that. SCORE mentor Bob Breaux reveals why so many new businesses fail—and it's not what you might expect. "If it doesn't work on paper, it's not going to work in real life," he explains, emphasizing the critical importance of business planning before risking everything. His practical breakdown of the "six M's"...
In this engaging episode, we delve into the inspiring journey of Caroline Merryman, the creative force behind Caroline's Cookies. What began as a delightful pastime during the pandemic has flourished into a successful cookie business with multiple locations, capturing the hearts of cookie lovers everywhere. Caroline shares how she transformed her passion for baking into a bustling brand, navigating the challenges of entrepreneurship with innovation and creativity. From her initial cookie del...
Uncover the evolving world of financial scams in 2025 with insights from financial crimes expert Sergeant Brian Lashua. As we navigate the intricate web of scams, you’ll learn how AI plays a pivotal role in these fraudulent activities and why the infamous gift card scam remains a favorite among fraudsters. Discover which groups are most at risk and why no legitimate business ever demands gift cards as payment. With the holiday season and natural disasters often triggering spikes in certain sc...
Unlock the secrets to financial empowerment and take control of your future with insights from Jason Knapps, a seasoned LPL financial advisor. We promise you'll learn how personalized financial planning can bolster your confidence and help you realize your dreams. Jason takes us through his journey from Hibernia Bank to becoming a wealth management expert, sharing valuable strategies for assessing your financial profile, including income, spending habits, and risk tolerance. Dive into the pra...
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