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 round‑ups
• comparing prices and separating real deals from hype
• leveraging gift card bonuses for instant value
• using credit cards only with a clear payoff plan
• choosing homemade and low‑cost meaningful gifts
• opening a Christmas Club or dedicated savings for next year

Subscribe to the Money Matters Podcast, and visit neighborsfcu.org slash financial wellness for more tools to help you build a strong financial future

Have an idea for a show or a question for Kim? Send us a text message

Support the show

Welcome to Money Matters, the podcast that focuses on how to use the money you have, make the money you need and save the money you want – brought to you by Neighbors Federal Credit Union.

The information, opinions, and recommendations presented in this Podcast are for general information only and any reliance on the information provided in this Podcast is done at your own risk. This Podcast should not be considered professional advice.

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 by navigating directly to trusted sites
• workplace risks from HR and payroll phishing during year end
• how to verify without clicking and use second channels
• what to do after a risky click and quick password resets
• saving cards on big retailers versus small shops
• gift card scams: tampering checks and “boss” requests
• social engineering spikes and holistic message evaluation
• two golden rules: don’t click and were you expecting this

Subscribe to the Money Matters Podcast

Have an idea for a show or a question for Kim? Send us a text message

Support the show

Welcome to Money Matters, the podcast that focuses on how to use the money you have, make the money you need and save the money you want – brought to you by Neighbors Federal Credit Union.

The information, opinions, and recommendations presented in this Podcast are for general information only and any reliance on the information provided in this Podcast is done at your own risk. This Podcast should not be considered professional advice.

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
• Family Stability Program for eviction prevention
• practical info to have when calling 211
• typical 24–48 hour response times
• simple ways to donate through cauw.org
• tackling stigma and asking for help early

If you or someone you know needs help, dial 211 for local support
Visit cauw.org to give or to volunteer or to learn more ways to help
Subscribe to the Money Matters Podcast, and visit neighborsfcu.org/financialwellness for more tools to help you build a strong financial future

Have an idea for a show or a question for Kim? Send us a text message

Support the show

Welcome to Money Matters, the podcast that focuses on how to use the money you have, make the money you need and save the money you want – brought to you by Neighbors Federal Credit Union.

The information, opinions, and recommendations presented in this Podcast are for general information only and any reliance on the information provided in this Podcast is done at your own risk. This Podcast should not be considered professional advice.

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
• review cadence and triggers after life events
• common myths: not rich, too young, the state will handle it
• planning without children and charitable giving
• life stage priorities from 20s to 50s and beyond
• how to start: inventory, trusted people, advisor, attorney
• online forms versus professional customization
• real outcomes: family conflict versus smooth transitions
• contact details for expert guidance

Subscribe to the Money Matters Podcast, and visit neighborsfcu.org slash financial wellness for more tools to help you build a strong financial future

Have an idea for a show or a question for Kim? Send us a text message

Support the show

Welcome to Money Matters, the podcast that focuses on how to use the money you have, make the money you need and save the money you want – brought to you by Neighbors Federal Credit Union.

The information, opinions, and recommendations presented in this Podcast are for general information only and any reliance on the information provided in this Podcast is done at your own risk. This Podcast should not be considered professional advice.

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 wins
• reusing gear and avoiding first‑time parent traps
• housing trade‑offs and space planning for two kids
• preparing for two tuitions and kindergarten choices
• funding parental leave with PTO, STD and savings
• making room for meaningful splurges within the plan

Subscribe to the Money Matters Podcast, and visit neighborsfcu.org slash financial wellness for more tools to help you build a strong financial future

Have an idea for a show or a question for Kim? Send us a text message

Support the show

Welcome to Money Matters, the podcast that focuses on how to use the money you have, make the money you need and save the money you want – brought to you by Neighbors Federal Credit Union.

The information, opinions, and recommendations presented in this Podcast are for general information only and any reliance on the information provided in this Podcast is done at your own risk. This Podcast should not be considered professional advice.

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
• when to call a coach or therapist
• practical ways to teach kids give, save, spend
• language shifts that reduce money stress at home
• small weekly check-ins that build trust
• Ericka’s work with financial education and coaching

You can see more from Ericka at erickayoung.com and forbetterandworth.com

Subscribe to the Money Matters Podcast, and visit neighborsfcu.org/financialwellness for more tools to help you build a strong financial future.

Have an idea for a show or a question for Kim? Send us a text message

Support the show

Welcome to Money Matters, the podcast that focuses on how to use the money you have, make the money you need and save the money you want – brought to you by Neighbors Federal Credit Union.

The information, opinions, and recommendations presented in this Podcast are for general information only and any reliance on the information provided in this Podcast is done at your own risk. This Podcast should not be considered professional advice.

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 increasingly falling victim to scams
• Red flags include urgent requests, offers too good to be true, and requests for personal information
• Fear, greed, and manufactured urgency are psychological tactics scammers use to bypass critical thinking
• Financial institutions offer tools like card locking, transaction alerts, and enhanced authentication
• If scammed, immediately contact your financial institution, file a police report, and report to BBB Scam Tracker
• Always verify communications by contacting institutions directly through official channels, not links or numbers in suspicious messages
• Trust your instincts - that uneasy feeling when something doesn't seem right is often correct

Visit BBB.org/scamtracker to report scams and see what scams are active in your area. Use neighborsfcu.org/financial-wellness for more resources on protecting your finances.

Have an idea for a show or a question for Kim? Send us a text message

Support the show

Welcome to Money Matters, the podcast that focuses on how to use the money you have, make the money you need and save the money you want – brought to you by Neighbors Federal Credit Union.

The information, opinions, and recommendations presented in this Podcast are for general information only and any reliance on the information provided in this Podcast is done at your own risk. This Podcast should not be considered professional advice.

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 vehicles while paying what they can afford
• Most bankruptcies result from traumatic life events like divorce, death, medical issues, or disabilities – not financial irresponsibility
• Making only minimum payments on credit cards for years or falling behind on mortgages/car payments are red flags that bankruptcy might be appropriate
• The bankruptcy process typically involves three meetings with an attorney and one court appearance (now usually via Zoom)
• After filing, the "automatic stay" immediately protects from creditor actions like garnishments, foreclosures, and repossessions
• Bankruptcy doesn't mean losing everything – secured debts can be maintained if payments continue
• Credit unions often close accounts of members who discharge debts through bankruptcy, especially if the institution suffers a loss
• Recovery is possible – with responsible credit usage post-bankruptcy, financial healing can happen relatively quickly
• Free consultations with bankruptcy attorneys provide confidential, personalized information with no obligation to file

If you're considering bankruptcy, schedule a free consultation with a qualified bankruptcy attorney to receive professional advice tailored to your specific situation. Bankruptcy can be a financial reset rather than a financial death sentence.

Have an idea for a show or a question for Kim? Send us a text message

Support the show

Welcome to Money Matters, the podcast that focuses on how to use the money you have, make the money you need and save the money you want – brought to you by Neighbors Federal Credit Union.

The information, opinions, and recommendations presented in this Podcast are for general information only and any reliance on the information provided in this Podcast is done at your own risk. This Podcast should not be considered professional advice.