As we wrap up the year, one thing is on all of our minds: resolutions. Whether that be hitting the gym, eating healthier, or just bettering yourself in general, resolutions are notoriously hard to maintain. This week, we are starting off the episode with a new segment we call Twitter Nuggs where we read some of the funniest tweets on resolutions. In this episode, we’ll also talk about where the tradition came from, why we make resolutions, and why – for the most part – they fail. Stay strong in ...
Dec 17, 2020•41 min•Season 1Ep. 28
If you listen closely, you can hear Santa ringing the bell for The Salvation Army. That’s right! It’s December – the season of giving – so what better time to talk about Charitable Giving? This week, Katie and Cort will be breaking down the psychology behind giving. Yes, it does make us feel all warm and fuzzy inside when we donate, but there is so much more to it. Also, in this episode, we will talk about smart giving (don’t become a charity case when giving to charities!), tax benefits, types ...
Dec 10, 2020•48 min•Season 1Ep. 27
It’s finally December, y’all, so you can officially start the Christmas music and festivities! In this week’s episode, we’re talking all about the stress that goes along with this time of year. Why are the holidays so stressful, anyways? A lot of reasons, actually, including gift shopping and the budgeting (or lack thereof) that goes along with it. Take control of the holidays – and your emotions – this Christmas season by listening to Katie and Cort as they drop some wisdom. Learn how to stick ...
Dec 03, 2020•44 min•Season 1Ep. 26
Happy Thanksgiving, Y'all! Tune in to this mini episode on the drive to your Great-Aunt Gertrude's house. In this "appetizer" edition, we're talking about the only Thanksgiving movie that matters: Planes, Trains and Automobiles. Katie and Cort are also having the Great Thanksgiving Debate where they duke it out over Turkey Day traditions and dishes. May your belly be stuffed, your cup full, and the political conversations kept to a minimum. This week's Top 5: Breaking Down "Planes, Trains and Au...
Nov 26, 2020•16 min•Season 1Ep. 26
Thanksgiving is quickly approaching and so is the prospect of family members asking you to loan them some cash. Awkward, right? Well, it doesn’t have to be! This week, Katie and Cort will be discussing this tricky topic with some helpful tools. For instance, treat family loans as a business decision and keep emotions out of the equation! They’ll also be giving you some “safe” topics to discuss around the table such as “in Titanic, could Jack fit on the door with Rose?” Ah, the age-old question (...
Nov 19, 2020•41 min•Season 1Ep. 24
This week, we’re talking about identity theft and the real, lasting damage it can cause for victims. In fact, every two seconds a new victim is claimed by this growing problem. Join Katie and Cort as they break down the four types of identity theft, and the steps one can take to protect themselves. Who is the most vulnerable to identity theft? What is the most common form? If I am a victim, how can I recover? Join us for answers to all of this plus more. This week's Top 5: Movies or TV Episodes ...
Nov 12, 2020•40 min•Season 1Ep. 23
We are wrapping up our Debt series with this episode which is all about the woes of having a bad credit score. In the show, we’ll begin by recapping our credit score discussion from way back in Episode 15 . Then, we’ll talk about why bad credit happens and key examples of ways you can grow that score! What’s considered a good score? How is a credit score actually tallied? Which debts do I pay off first, and should I just cut up all of my credit cards now? Tune in to find out! This week's Top 5: ...
Nov 05, 2020•33 min•Season 1Ep. 22
Things are a little bit different for this week’s show. As we quickly approach the 2020 Election, we wanted to do an episode about politics. But when you talk politics, things get heated… quickly. So, how did we solve this presidential predicament? By talking only about pop culture, of course. This week, we are breaking down the best portrayals of U.S. presidents in pop culture. We even take it a step further and have our first-ever BullCast debate where Katie and Cort pit their roster of TV/Mov...
Oct 29, 2020•47 min•Season 1Ep. 22
This week is our spooktacular Halloween episode where we are continuing our discussion on buying a house. Pretty scary, right?! In part two of our “Buying a House” mega episode, we are breaking down how mortgages work today and the standards that exist because of the Housing Bubble and Financial Crisis of 2008. We also have a guest segment today. Nancy Krahl, Bank Mortgage Officer at Bank of Bartlett, will help us further understand what underwriting is and the key items banks look for when givi...
Oct 22, 2020•1 hr 4 min•Season 1Ep. 20
We’ve got another two-part episode for you as we continue our Debt series. This week, we are talking about buying a house, one of the biggest financial decisions a person will make. In part one, we’re breaking down the “American Dream” and what crucial factors go into purchasing a home: What function should a house serve? What’s the importance of location? Why should you tally up your needs vs. wants when house hunting? We’ll then talk about buying vs. renting, how a mortgage works, and the infa...
Oct 15, 2020•43 min•Season 1Ep. 19
In part two of this series, “picking you up” where they dropped you off last time, Katie and Cort are assuming you’re ready to get a car, you’ve figured out what you want, and now they’re “giving you a lift” through the actual acquisition process. Now that the research is done, we’re breaking down the topics of financing, buying v. leasing, and warranties. It’s the next episode in our debt series – that’s right, it’s the CAR LOAN! Some questions we’ll cover in this episode: Is your credit score ...
Oct 08, 2020•49 min•Season 1Ep. 18
Buckle up for this week’s episode. We’re shifting gears and talking all about buying a car in part one of this two-part series. Katie and Cort are riding shotgun with you today, giving you turn-by-turn directions when it comes to making this big purchase. Should you buy or lease a car? What research should you do beforehand? How does financing work, and how much cash should you put down? We’re not reinventing the wheel in this episode. Instead, we’re driving home the point that purchasing a vehi...
Oct 01, 2020•43 min•Season 1Ep. 17
With nearly 12 million Americans borrowing annually to help cover the costs associated with college, it’s no wonder student loans are one of the hottest financial topics for a lot of people. This week, we are discussing the evolution of college and how student loans came to be. We’ll dive into the different methods of how one can prepare in advance for college and start out on the right foot given that college can be one of the best (and biggest) financial decisions a person will make. Finally, ...
Sep 24, 2020•54 min•Season 1Ep. 16
Everyone is defined by two numbers in their life: their Social Security Number and their Credit Score. This week, we’re breaking down what a Credit Score actually is and why it is so important in our lives. Why are these numbers so crucial to lenders? How are scores calculated? And who the heck is FICO? Join us as we dive into some interesting statistics and facts so that you know what to be looking for next time you check your score. This week's Top 5: Sports Movies Hashtags of the week: #Credi...
Sep 17, 2020•44 min•Season 1Ep. 15
We’re going back to the early days of charge coins and charge plates, and taking a stroll through history to give you a better understanding of what a credit card actually is. The “magic card” — as some call it — creates an incredible temptation for a lot of people, and we are here to help guide you toward the best way to use credit cards. Is a credit card a good thing to own? Which card should I go with? How do late fees work? Join Katie and Cort as they talk about the history of credit, the in...
Sep 10, 2020•51 min•Season 1Ep. 14
Not everything in life is black or white. It would be easy to make choices if everything came down to the good choice and the bad choice, but rarely are any of life’s toughest questions that simple. Many people have been conditioned to believe that “debt” is a bad word and that you should strive for a life that is debt-free. Is all debt bad? Is there such a thing as “good debt?” In this episode, we’re breaking down “debt.” We are going to get real about the fact that for some people, debt is a n...
Sep 03, 2020•35 min•Season 1Ep. 13
This week, we are discussing how to successfully teach your kids about money. We’ll dive into the psychology behind how children often mirror their parents’ actions, both good and bad. It all starts with the parents, so we will be giving some cool tips, methods, and tools (including an app!) When should you start teaching your kids about finances? What are the different methods of encouraging sound financial decisions? We also have a special guest on this episode, Cassie Foote, who will be talki...
Aug 27, 2020•42 min•Season 1Ep. 12
This week, we’re making bucket lists and dreaming about vacations! Join us as we break down Vacation Planning Accounts. We’ll give you tips on how to keep that California Dreamin’ money in a safe place, and we’ll discuss some crucial steps for successful budgeting. What is a vacation fund? How do credit cards come into play with vacationing? Why should I even go on a vacation? We’ve got the answers, y’all, so grab your passport, buckle up, and tune in! This week's Top 5: Bucket list vacations Ha...
Aug 20, 2020•33 min•Season 1Ep. 11
This week, we are talking about who financial advisors are, what they do, and why you need one. Think of a financial advisor as the ultimate wingman, always there to help keep you on track. Financial Advisors are in the business of helping people make the best financial decisions, and it's important to truly understand what they do. We'll be answering a multitude of questions: Do you need a lot of money to have a financial advisor? When do you need one? What is FINRA and the SEC? How do you prep...
Aug 13, 2020•39 min•Season 1Ep. 10
This week, we're coming to you from Hot Springs Village! We are wrapping up our 4-part series on the basics of investments with Hard Assets. Listen in as we take you back to the cavemen days of trading woolly mammoth tusks and saber tooth tiger teeth, the original Hard Assets. What makes these tangible items different from cash? Who assigns value to these assets? What in the world are water rights and what is the Gold Standard? We're breaking all of this down to help you get a better grip on thi...
Aug 06, 2020•38 min•Season 1Ep. 9
Show me the money! This week, we're talking about Cash (which doesn't necessarily mean the $20 bill sitting in your wallet.) Cash is the lifeblood of your financials and the foundational element of having a strong financial future. In this episode, we're answering a ton of questions: What is the purpose of cash? What does "liquid" mean? What are levels of cash? What are CDs and a Money Market? How do banks make money? We're breaking all of this down to make sure you understand the importance of ...
Jul 30, 2020•35 min•Season 1Ep. 8
“A martini. Shaken, not stirred." (Cue the music!) This week is Episode 007 and its name is “Bonds, Explain Bonds.” In this action-packed podcast, we are breaking down what a bond is, how it differentiates from stocks, and just about everything in between. While diamonds are forever, let’s hold off on discussing hard assets until the next episode. For now, don't say Dr. No to this episode. Grab your bow tie, hop in your Aston Martin DB5, and tune in with Q's teched-out Seiko Wristwatch. This wee...
Jul 23, 2020•37 min•Season 1Ep. 7
We are starting a new series covering the 4 basic areas of investing: Stocks, Bonds, Cash, and Hard Assets. This week, we are talking all about stocks. What are they? What do they have to do with a corporation? What the heck is an IPO and why do companies “go public”? It’s not like they were being all that “private” to begin with! We are breaking down this jargon-filled area — diversifying a product line, raising capital, and investment banking — to help you gain a better understanding of this...
Jul 16, 2020•46 min•Season 1Ep. 6
This week, we're diving into part 2 of our mega-episode on budgeting. Now that we've broken down why you need a budget, we're talking about how to build a successful budget. Yes, we understand that "budget" is a scary word and most may see it as meaning you have to make cuts, but we're debunking myths and making it easy with 4 simple steps: Identify, Verify, Apply, and Live It (Love It)! Remember, creating a budget that works for you is not just a crucial element for your current situation, but ...
Jul 09, 2020•58 min•Season 1Ep. 5
This week's episode is part 1 of our two-part budgeting mega-episode, and we are asking the question, "why budget?" We break down the importance of a budget and coming to grips with having to hold yourself accountable in order to remain in control of your financial situation. A budget should be a living, breathing document that keeps you afloat — not chain you down. This week's Top 5: Things you should budget for... but don't Hashtags of the week: #KittyCardiologist #PIVOT! #BudgetFloaties — Pro...
Jul 02, 2020•38 min•Season 1Ep. 4
In today’s episode, we’re following up on episode 2’s topic, “Where Does Your Money Come From,” with the next most logical topic: “Where Does Your Money Go?” We’re breaking down the psychology behind spending, and taking a look at where most people spend their money. If you know where your money goes, you can effectively make a budget (that sticks!) This week's Top 5: How would you spend $1,000,000? Hashtags of the week: #BrewstersMillions #TigersBlood #CarrieBradshawVsTerryBradshaw — Produced b...
Jun 18, 2020•35 min•Season 1Ep. 3
It may seem like a simple concept, but knowing where your money comes from is an integral piece to the overall financial puzzle. It's also a fundamental step in developing a plan. That's why we decided to make this our first topic to tackle. In this episode, learn the different forms of income like fixed and variable, and understand the nature of income like guaranteed v. non-guaranteed. Show me the money! This week's Top 5: Most bizarre ways to make money Hashtags of the week: #TexasTea #ZsaZsa...
Jun 18, 2020•35 min•Season 1Ep. 2
Welcome to BullCast! In this introductory episode, you'll meet your co-hosts, Katie Pickler and Cort Winsett. Learn what BullCast means, what the purpose of the show is, and how we hope to make personal finance more accessible. Plus, you'll get a handful of pop-culture nuggets and random facts about the hosts. We look forward to where this personal-finance journey will take us, and we can't wait to hear from you, our incredible listeners. #BullCast Be sure to visit us online at www.bullcastpodca...
Jun 11, 2020•17 min
