Imagine facing higher interest rates, difficulty in loan approvals, and strained personal relationships all because of one simple thing: bad credit. On this episode of Money Matters, I, Kim Chapman, promise to demystify credit and its substantial influence on various facets of our lives, from job hunting to renting apartments. You'll gain a clear u…

What if there was a single phone number that could connect you to essential community services 24/7, 365 days a year? Join us, Kim Chapman, as we reveal the powerful impact of 2-1-1, a lifeline for individuals seeking vital health and human services. This episode features Edie Edison, Vice President of Community Impact at Capital Area United Way, J…

What if you could cut your energy bills in half this summer? Learn how simple changes and smart strategies can make your home more energy-efficient than ever before! In this episode of Money Matters, I, Kim Chapman, am joined by Emma Meyerkoff and Jessica Hendricks from the Alliance for Affordable Energy to share life-changing tips on keeping your …

Ever wondered if that towering oak in your yard could be a ticking time bomb during hurricane season? Join Kim Chapman in this vital episode of Money Matters, featuring Ricky Vincent, the expert owner of Tree Surgery by Ricky Vincent. Ricky shares invaluable insights into identifying hazardous trees, emphasizing the particular dangers posed by red …

Ever wonder how scammers craft such convincing schemes? Dive into the dark world of financial fraud with us as we're joined by experts Carmen Million of the Better Business Bureau, Adrienne from the Fraud and Forgery Department, and Cheri with Deposit Operations Network. We're tearing down the facade of those too-good-to-be-true offers and revealin…

Ever dreamt of traversing the globe without the fear of a dwindling bank account? Let Amy Lytle from House of Travel be your guide to mastering the fine art of budget travel. Our latest adventure in podcasting uncovers the myths of booking vacations, the surprising shifts in travel trends post-COVID, and the strategic timing for snagging the best d…

Can you imagine being the CEO of your own company at 13 years old? That's the reality Caden Harris is crafting with his innovative 'Caden Teaches' initiative, a project captivating youngsters with the allure of financial wisdom through flashcards, books, and a mobile classroom experience. Caden has been featured on Good Morning America and spoken a…

Get ready to unlock the secrets to savvy cooking and smart budgeting with Anne Milneck of Red Stick Spice. We traverse Anne's inspiring leap from culinary aficionado to the proprietor of a gourmet grocery haven, serving up indispensable advice for enhancing your meals without breaking the bank. As food costs rise, our conversation is more timely th…

Get ready to redefine your shopping strategy with the queen of thrift, Betty, as we uncover the secrets to turning thrifting into your wallet's best friend. With inflation nibbling away at our wallets, Betty shares a goldmine of tips on how to score big savings and keep your expenses in check. We journey down memory lane with her, from her humble b…

Get ready to navigate the complexities of tax season with confidence as we bring CPA extraordinaire Ms. Jody Buckner into the Money Matters fold. This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to avoid common pitfalls and make the most of their tax returns. We're not just talking about crunching numbers; we delve into the art of timing your filin…

Prepare to transform a dream windfall into a lasting legacy as attorney Kurt Panouses joins us to chart a course through the exhilarating, yet treacherous, terrain of sudden lottery wealth. Hitting the jackpot might be a one-in-a-million chance, but squandering that newfound fortune is all too common. Kurt, wielding his dual expertise in accounting…

Who says frugality can't be fun? Jen and Jill, the dynamic duo from the Frugal Friends podcast, join us to flip the script on saving pennies and show how it's truly about managing resources with intention. Our conversation promises to redefine your spending habits, ensuring you get the most bang for your buck without sacrificing the things that bri…

Navigate the financial fog with expert guidance from Atalia Williams and Cynthia Marshall, the vice presidents who help to steer the ship at Neighbors Federal Credit Union's Collections and Support Center. Imagine a roadmap that not only helps you steer clear of fiscal pitfalls but also shines a light on the hidden alleys of credit union intricacie…

Unlock the untapped potential within your high schooler as we traverse the exhilarating world of youth entrepreneurship with Dana Schloterer, from the Young Entrepreneurs Academy (YEA), and the inventive Caroline Sanchez of Crazy Cajun Confections. Our engaging dialogue not only peels back the curtain on YEA's inception and its symbiotic alliances …

Unlock the secrets to entrepreneurship with business consultant extraordinaire Mr. Bob Breaux, our distinguished guest on Money Matters. His journey from a paper route to owning several companies brings a unique perspective to the show, where he candidly shares the highs and lows of his business ventures. As we unpack each chapter, seasoned and asp…

Have you ever considered what happens when a person re-enters society after being incarcerated, particularly from a financial perspective? Today's episode of Money Matters brings this often-overlooked issue to the forefront of our conversations. We're joined by Christie Cheramie, Aaron Hauser, and Demetricy Moore who bravely recount their personal …

Have you ever pondered the possibility of a debt-free college education for yourself or maybe your child? Join us on this enlightening journey with seasoned academic strategist Jeannie Burlowski, author of "Launch: How to Get Your Kids Through College Debt-Free and Into Jobs They Love Afterward." Together, we'll investigate the staggering realities…

Ever wonder what it would be like to dive headfirst into the electrifying world of cryptocurrency trading? We're thrilled to be joined by Jamar James, a seasoned trader and influencer who has not only done it, but thrived. We break down the simple and complex aspects of digital currency, from its volatile nature to its potential for wealth creation…

When it comes to divorce, most people envision a battlefield of emotions and legal terms. We dive into the complexities of this life-altering event with our guest, Seth Nelson, an experienced divorce attorney. Seth unravels the intricate financial implications of divorce, reminding us that viewing separation as a win-lose situation will only lead t…

Ever wondered how to navigate the labyrinth of life insurance? Well, strap in as we break down the complexities of policies, premiums, and payouts and make it as simple as ABC. We're joined by the seasoned life insurance expert, John Ensley, whose wealth of knowledge will empower you to make informed decisions around your financial security. We del…

Who says gourmet meals are restricted to restaurant dining only? Tune in as we unravel the secret to crafting restaurant-quality meals right in your comfort zone with the Louisiana Culinary Institute's very own, Chef Dave Tiner! Dave will introduce you to the affordable and delightful cooking classes offered by the institute, designed to suit every…

Have you ever thought about the psychological impact your relationship with money has on your life? Money, our guest Myiesha Beard, a licensed professional counselor, points out, is deeply entangled with our emotions and family dynamics - and it's high time we explore this profound connection. A fascinating journey awaits you as we discuss everythi…

Guest: Jerry Linebaugh Founder, CEO, Financial Advisor and Fiduciary Game Changer Wealth Ever wondered how you can retain absolute control over your assets, both in life and beyond? Well, you're in the right place. We welcome back our astute guest, Jerry Linebaugh, a guru in wealth management, to unravel this mystery. Jerry expertly illuminates the…

Are you aware that teachers often spend hundreds of dollars from their own pockets to set up classrooms? We unravel the remarkable programs offered by Neighbors FCU that aim to alleviate this burden. From the unique Mascot Checking Program to Project Grants for Public Schools, Betty Mujica-Milano of Neighbors lays out how these initiatives not only…

Are you feeling overwhelmed by the recent developments in student loans? Well, we've got you covered. In our latest episode, we welcome Deborah Paul, Scholarship and Grant Director from the Louisiana Office of Student Financial Assistance, to break down the complexities of student loan management. What does the Supreme Court's decision to block one…

Have you thought about how to make the most out of your Medicare benefits? We promise you that this episode of Money Matters will equip you with all the knowledge you need to make informed decisions about your Medicare plans. We have the pleasure of hosting John Stockwell and Jennifer Lindsay from Stockwell Insurance, as they simplify the often com…

Ever wondered about the ins and outs of notarization? Well, you're in luck! We sat down with the incredibly knowledgeable Kirsten Roberson, a seasoned Notary Public, who demystified the world of notarized documents. We examined the role of a Notary, the crucial part they play in deterring fraud, and the weight of notarized documents in court procee…

Do you fantasize about your perfect wedding day but get instantly overwhelmed by the planning process? We've got you covered! Tune into this episode of Money Matters where we unravel the intricate business of wedding planning. Joined by our panel of experts, we delve into the highs and lows of wedding organization. From unique Louisiana traditions …

Your home is probably the biggest investment you'll ever make and buying your first home can be daunting. How much can I afford? How should I or do I have to put down? How much do I have to have at closing? These are all questions that first-time homebuyers find themselves asking. Join us as Kim sits down with Bridgette and Matthew, of the Neighbor…

Have you ever wondered how much credit card debt is too much? Or how to use your cards to improve your credit score? What is the difference between a secured and unsecured credit card? Kim visits with Lauren Simon, of GreenPath Financial, to discuss the ins and outs of credit cards. From discussing what a credit card is to how it can positively or …

Are real estate agents really necessary? Can't you just sell your house on your own? How hard could it really be? Well, it turns out that it's pretty hard. From knowing how to prep your home and price your home to getting the paperwork right, selling or buying without a real estate agent can be a challenge. Join Kim and guest Vernay Sanders, of Kel…

Car insurance is one of those things that isn't fun or galmorous but you have to have it. But what is it that you really need? What is the legal minimum? What kind of coverage should you look for? It's a lot to consider and let's be honest no one wants to pay too much for something that you hopefully will never use. Join Kim and Blaine Patin, owner…

Kim visits with Stephen Conyers, owner of SEC Heating & Cooling, to discuss how to maintain our air conditioners, how to prevent costly repairs, and what we should expect if we have to have repairs done. Stephen shares his expertise and 26 years of experience as an HVAC technician to try and help us save money on heating and cooling our homes. But …

Kim visits with Virginia Listach, Southern University's Director of Clinical Education, and Christian Fasullo, supervising attorney for the Southern University Low Income Tax Payer Clinic, to find out more about how the Southern University Law Clinic can help the underserved in our community. Offering multiple clinics with varying legal specialties…

Have you been wondering how your financial institution is doing lately? Have you wondered about how safe your money is? Now it's time to take a look at just how Neighbors FCU is doing and what we have to look forward to. Kim is joined by Neighbors FCU President/CEO Steve Webb to discuss the current state of the credit union as well as what the futu…

Saving for retirement can sometimes be tricky and the rules seem to be ever-changing. Are you familiar with the most current regulations when it comes to your retirement account? Kim and Neighbors IRA specialist, Terrell Collier, discuss the newest updates to the rules governing IRAs. What do these rules mean for you and what benefits do these new …

Thinking about getting started investing? Are you getting ready for retirement? (That question isn't just for our older audience.) When should you start thinking about it and what investment avenues are out there for you to make the most of what you have? Kim is joined by certified financial advisor & founder of Game Changer Wealth, Jerry Linebaugh…

Host Kim Chapman visits with Ms. Delores Hurst, Senior Direct of Community Impact and Equity with the Capital Area United Way, to learn more about the VITA program. A program that offers free tax preparation to qualifying members of our community. Learn who is eligible for this program and how to make your appointment. Kim and Ms. Hurst also discus…

So you've finally bought yourself that car you had your eye on for so long. It's exciting to get behind the wheel of that brand-new ride. Until it's not. Until you find out that this new ride of yours is a complete lemon. What do you do now? You just want your new car to work like it's supposed to and no one seems to be able to make that happen. Ki…

You can't turn on the news today without hearing the words recession and inflation but what does it all mean to everyday consumers? Host Kim Chapman and guest Lee Buckner, associate professor of economics, discuss what these terms mean and what they could mean for you in the future. Are we headed for a recession? How can you prepare for a recession…

Yeah, we've all heard the jokes and seen the memes about someone trying to contact you about your car's extended warranty but we're not trying to sell you anything. We just want to help. Extended warranties, tire and key packages, GAP insurance... It can all be very confusing when you're just trying to get the best bang for your buck on your new ri…

Join Kim and guests Jeffrey Aucoin and Jacob Brown of Advanced Office Systems as they discuss the dangers that cyber attacks pose for small businesses. Did you know that 1 in 5 small businesses will get hit this year with a cyber attack of some fashion? Are you prepared just in case you're the unlucky one? Learn about ways to keep your business and…

Join Kim and guests Henry Hays, co-founder of Disrupt Ready, & Mike Klein, co-founder of Disrupt Ready and founder of Cryptobull Capital, as they discuss the recent downfall of FTX. FTX, one of the largest crypto exchanges, went from being the talk of the town with celebrities and pro-athletes to claiming bankruptcy in one of the largest losses of …

Join Kim and guest Rod Griffin, Senior Director of Consumer Education & Advocacy at Experian, as they discuss how you can take care of your credit so that your credit can take care of you. Learn about changes in how your credit score is being calculated and how you can be proactive in improving your score today. So whether you're just getting start…

Join Kim and guest Denise Bottcher, State Director of AARP Louisiana, as they discuss the benefits of AARP and what it can do for you. Just a little hint, AARP is not just for retired people anymore. So whether you are retired, nearing retirement age, or just want to know what AARP is all about tune in for more. More information at: aarp.org/louisi…

Got a student that might need a little extra help? Kim sits down with Megan Thomas, with the State Library of Louisiana and HomeworkLA, and Julianne Watts, of Mathnasium, to discuss tutoring options in our area. Whether your student needs help with fractions or geomorphology, there's probably a tutoring program out there that can help. Learn more: …

Kim and Betty Mujica-Milano, Community Outreach Coordinator for Neighbors, talk about the Neighbors Capital Area Foundation its programs. You'll hear about scholarship opportunities, grant opportunities, free financial literacy courses, and our upcoming annual celebration of Neighbors Day. Find out more about how the Neighbors Capital Area Foundati…

Whether you're buying a previously owned home or new construction, you owe it to yourself to get a home inspection. Kim and guest Adam and Adam from House Call Home Inspection discuss the benefits of having your largest investment checked out by a professional. From the roof to the foundation, a qualified inspector can save you time, money, and agg…

Being your own boss, and going into business for yourself, are dreams we all have from time to time. Why not take the first steps in making that dream a reality? Anthony Pitalo and Darryl King of the Neighbors Commerical Services team talk with Kim about the first steps of starting your very own business and what you need to get that dream on track…

As Louisiana residents, we are all aware of our fifth season. Hurricane season. In this episode, Kim speaks with independent insurance agent Marissa Berteau about what you need to do to prepare your insurance coverage for hurricane season. Whether you own or rent, you should be prepared for the unexpected. Have an idea for a show or a question for …