Money Matters

We mark 100 episodes by reflecting on practical wins, welcoming two new financial wellness counselors, and recommitting to progress over perfection. Real stories, small habits, and a bigger team expand how we help people use, make, and save money with confidence.

• milestone reflections and recurring money themes
• family budgets, baby costs, school events, and tradeoffs
• everyday savings in the kitchen and home

We share how to file a simple return for free with IRS-certified volunteers, what to bring, who qualifies, and why filing on time supports bigger goals like homebuying and emergency savings. Super Tax Day details, ongoing site access, and added community resources round it out.

• what VITA is and who it serves
• why free beats low cost on simple returns
• super tax day time, place, and flow
• ongoing locations ...

We break down how personal credit and cash flow drive small business lending and share the simple steps that boost approval odds. From DSCR to down payments and the role of guarantors, we show founders how to prepare documents, avoid common pitfalls, and choose smart starter products.

• why personal credit signals business reliability
• how pay history, limits, and account mix affect approval
• cleaning up collecti...

We break down why money resolutions fail and turn them into specific, doable steps you can keep all year. From emergency funds and debt strategies to guilt-free spending and simple budgets, the focus stays on small actions and steady systems.

• causes of failed resolutions and vague goals
• how to make saving specific, small, and automated
• why emergency funds come before vacations and extras
• debt snowball v...

We share a simple plan to enjoy the holidays without debt or stress, from setting a real budget to spotting fake sales and making meaningful gifts. Practical steps help you find last‑minute cash, use credit wisely, and start saving for next year now.

• setting a holiday budget at 10% of take‑home pay
• using last‑minute tactics like no‑spend weeks and canceling subscriptions
• automating short bursts of savings and...

We break down the most common holiday scams and show how small choices—slowing down, going direct, and verifying—protect your money and your identity. Russell Barger, VP of Information Security, shares simple rules that stop most attacks at home and at work.

• seasonal lures through fake deals, social posts and tracking links
• warning signs: urgency, odd senders, spoofed domains, impersonal tone
• safer shopping b...

We share fast, clear ways to find food, rent help and local resources as government shutdown effects ripple through our parishes. Crystal Ward from Capital Area United Way explains how 211 works, which partners are active, and how donors can keep the safety net strong.

• increased calls for food support and essentials
• how 211 routes by parish and follows up
• Greater Food Bank access and monthly drives
• Fami...

We strip estate planning down to what matters: simple documents that protect your wishes and spare your family from conflict. Jason Knapps joins us to bust myths, map decisions by life stage, and lay out a clear starting checklist and next steps.

• what estate planning covers beyond assets
• essential documents: will, financial and medical powers, directives
• keeping beneficiaries aligned with current wishes
•...

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
• plannin...

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 transparen...

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 n...

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 ...

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 hel...

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 the...

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 pr...

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 ...

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
• ...

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 ...

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 c...