Money Matters

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...

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 financia...

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 loan...

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 yo...

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 fl...

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 card...

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...

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 entreprene...

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 seas...

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, inclu...

Elevate your financial game in 2025 with actionable insights on credit health improvement. Join me, Kim Chapman, alongside Tricia Arroyo from Confluent Strategies, as we unlock the secrets to mastering your credit score. From understanding why January is the perfect month to reassess your financial goals to deciphering the mysteries behind credit score variations among different bureaus, this episode is packed with strategies that ...

Uncover the secrets to a scam-free holiday season with insights from Carmen Million of the Better Business Bureau. As scammers grow more cunning, especially during the holidays, we're here to help you stay one step ahead. From sophisticated AI-driven tactics to classic scams like fake prize notifications and deceptive package alerts, Carmen and I break down how to identify and avoid these traps. You'll learn invaluable st...

Discover the secrets to stress-free holiday cooking with our special guest Anne Milneck, the savvy owner of Red Stick Spice. Anne brings her expertise to help you conquer the kitchen this holiday season, whether you're whipping up a small family feast or hosting a Friendsgiving extravaganza. From freezing portions of classic dishes to choosing smaller proteins like turkey breasts, Anne shares innovative ways to keep your meals...

Join me, Kim Chapman, as I engage in an enlightening conversation with Leslie Tayne, a veteran debt attorney with over two decades of experience in navigating the complicated world of debt management. Ever wondered why quick fixes for debt are often too good to be true? Leslie helps unravel this mystery, revealing why each financial dilemma requires a tailored approach and highlighting the critical role of budgeting in avoiding the...