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 importance of business planning before risking everything. His practical ...
Mar 12, 2025•51 min•Ep. 76
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 entrepreneurship with innovation and creativity. From her initial cookie de...
Feb 26, 2025•17 min•Ep. 75
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 season and natural disasters often triggering spikes in certain scams...
Feb 12, 2025•33 min
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, including income, spending habits, and risk tolerance. Dive into the p...
Jan 29, 2025•31 min
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 will set you on the path to financial empowerment. Curious about ...
Dec 18, 2024•35 min
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 strategies to keep your finances secure, from verifying suspicious ...
Dec 04, 2024•29 min
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 delightful and your budget intact. We'll also explore how g...
Nov 20, 2024•28 min•Ep. 70
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 debt trap. Our discussion also sheds light on the precarious rel...
Nov 06, 2024•33 min•Ep. 69
Tanya Taylor embodies the American dream, and her journey from arriving in the United States at just 16 with $100 to becoming a millionaire by the age of 48 is nothing short of extraordinary. Join us as we unravel her story—a tale of resilience, determination, and strategic financial planning. Tanya, a dynamic CPA, shares how she skillfully navigated her roles as a wife, mother, author, and entrepreneur, all while staying present for her children. Learn how her passion for personal finance led h...
Oct 23, 2024•29 min
Unlock the secrets to leveraging your career for maximum financial gain with Money Matters! I'm thrilled to be joined by Yolanda Whitmore, a seasoned expert in career advancement strategies, as we explore the art of negotiating a raise. Get ready to master the skills needed to confidently present your case based on performance, understand the timing, and avoid common pitfalls like ultimatums. This episode promises to equip you with actionable insights that can help transform your financial ...
Oct 09, 2024•36 min•Ep. 67
Unlock the secrets to making the right career move with our latest Money Matters episode! Dive into a wealth of knowledge as we chat with Yolanda Whitmore, VP of Human Resources at Neighbors, who brings decades of HR expertise to our discussion. Discover the top three factors to consider when evaluating job offers: aligning company values with your own, exploring benefits beyond just health and dental, and ensuring your new role supports a healthy work-life balance. This episode is packed with a...
Sep 25, 2024•34 min
Ever wondered what makes a top-notch property manager? In our latest episode of Money Matters, Grace Nabasabala spills the beans on her journey from necessity to mastery in the world of property management. From handling those midnight maintenance crises to screening tenants like a pro, Grace shares her wealth of experience and the intricacies of a role that goes far beyond mere rent collection. Whether you're a seasoned real estate investor or just stepping into the game, Grace's insi...
Sep 11, 2024•34 min
Unlock the secrets to navigating the FAFSA process with ease as we explore the recent changes with financial aid expert Deborah Paul. Have you ever wondered how the shift from Expected Family Contribution (EFC) to the Student Aid Index (SAI) could impact your eligibility for aid? Join us on Money Matters as Deborah breaks down these updates, including the simplified FAFSA form and the integration of the IRS data retrieval system, designed to streamline your application experience and potentially...
Aug 28, 2024•44 min•Ep. 64
What if you were never taught how to manage money but were suddenly thrown into financial independence? Join us as Ambrose Gabriel and Narin Sanders share their eye-opening experiences and reveal the challenges of navigating the financial maze of college life. They candidly rate their initial financial readiness at a mere two or three out of ten, shedding light on the pressing need for better financial education. Discover their stories of struggle and resilience as they learned to prioritize spe...
Aug 14, 2024•32 min•Ep. 63
Could your financial habits be the key to unlocking your dreams of homeownership or debt freedom? Join us on this special episode of Money Matters as we flip the script on our host, Kim Chapman, who unveils her innovative Blueprint for Financial Success program. You'll gain exclusive insights into how personalized financial counseling can transform your financial life, whether it’s improving your credit score, budgeting more effectively, or even buying your first home. We dive deep into the...
Jul 31, 2024•24 min
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 understanding of what credit is and its critical role in securing better financial opportunities. I'll walk you through how to access and rev...
Jul 16, 2024•22 min•Ep. 61
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, John Hudson, Community Impact Manager for 2-1-1, and LaDuan Butler, 2-1-1 Referral and Care Coordinator. Together, we break down how 2-1-1 connects com...
Jul 03, 2024•25 min
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 home cool and your wallet full. From sealing windows and doors to using Energy Star-rated appliances, we cover the essentials of home insulation and a...
Jun 19, 2024•24 min
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 oaks with shallow root systems. This episode promises to equip you with the knowledge you need to protect your property and loved ones from the devast...
Jun 05, 2024•52 min
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 revealing how artificial intelligence has become a tool for deception in the scammer's toolkit. Our guests unpack the latest in fraudulent anti...
May 22, 2024•30 min
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 deals on flights and accommodations. With Amy's wisdom, forged from her grandmother's wanderlust and honed through years of crafting itinerar...
May 08, 2024•46 min•Ep. 56
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 at institutions such as Rutgers University. During our heartfelt conversation, Caden tells us about his financial literacy bus—a classro...
Apr 24, 2024•19 min•Ep. 55
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 than ever—packed with tips that will transform your kitchen practices, from reducing waste to creative meal planning that makes every dollar count....
Apr 10, 2024•42 min•Ep. 54
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 beginnings as a teenage thrift enthusiast to her current status as a thrifting mastermind, navigating the fine line between thrifting, vintage hun...
Mar 27, 2024•40 min
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 filings, organizing your financial life like a pro, and the savvy moves that can enhance your financial well-being throughout the year. With Jody&apos...
Mar 13, 2024•22 min
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 and law, equips us with an arsenal of tools to fend off financial fiascos. From the critical choice between lump sum and annuity options to the subtl...
Feb 28, 2024•47 min•Ep. 51
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 bring you joy. We tackle the big-ticket items in life—homes, cars, and daily sustenance—with a focus on aligning purchases with personal values...
Feb 14, 2024•30 min•Ep. 50
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 intricacies. That's what you'll get in this empowering episode, where Atalia charts her 17-year odyssey through the financial trenches and reveal...
Jan 31, 2024•20 min•Ep. 49
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 with academia and commerce but also sets the stage for the meteoric rise of teen business savvy. Dana paints a vivid picture of the academy'...
Jan 17, 2024•33 min•Ep. 48
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 aspiring entrepreneurs alike will gain invaluable advice on creating robust business plans and the importance of resilience in overcoming the trials of e...
Jan 03, 2024•37 min•Ep. 47
