Money Matters Brought to you by Neighbors Federal Credit Union

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 classroom on wheels that ignites children's imaginations and encourages them to reach for entrepreneurial stars. His stories underscore the significant roles that schools, parents, and mentors play in shaping financially savvy citizens.

We are joined by Nyla Lawrence, a local high school student who recently completed a similar financial BootCamp experience. Nyla and Kim take this opportunity to pick the brain of this 13-year-old high school graduate phenom and learn what drives Caden to teach other young people about financial literacy. 

Join us for an inspiring episode that's bursting with the triumphs and aspirations of this remarkable young man, as he navigates and redefines the landscape of financial literacy and entrepreneurship.


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.

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.

Ever find yourself dismayed by the amount of food that ends up in the trash? Anne and I tackle this head-on, revealing how a 'stock bag' can turn scraps into rich homemade stock and discussing the power of proper food storage and labeling—techniques that not only minimize waste but also maximize flavor and freshness. We also unpack the art of managing bulk purchases, the merits of glass containers, and the glory of a well-utilized sheet pan to make your cooking routine as efficient as it is delicious.

If you're longing to keep your meals exciting without constantly reaching for the takeout menu, we've got you covered. Anne offers up her strategy for themed meals and the importance of a reliable fallback recipe, ensuring you've always got something up your sleeve for those hectic nights. We also step into the Red Stick Spice classroom, where cooking techniques are demystified for novices and food enthusiasts alike, proving that gourmet grocery stores are a treasure trove for anyone eager to learn. With these lessons in your apron pocket, you'll be cooking with confidence, reducing waste, and savoring every bite of your budget-friendly creations.
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.

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 hunting, and retail shopping. She's not just talking the talk but walking us through the ins and outs of snagging those unique finds and why the best time to thrift might just be when you least expect it.

If you've ever doubted the thrill of the thrift, this episode is here to turn skeptics into believers. Learn how Betty's strategic moves, like scoping out thrift stores in affluent neighborhoods for high-quality treasures, can lead to the wardrobe revamp of your dreams. But it's not just about the clothes; we'll talk about the ins and outs of online thrifting, where Betty's savvy has unearthed luxury items from Japanese sellers that seem too good to be true. Yet, it's not all sunshine and rainbows; we tackle the potential pitfalls to avoid, highlighting the importance of staying vigilant with strict return policies and the necessity of vetting electronics before making the purchase.

As if thrifting wasn't exciting enough, imagine turning it into a lucrative side hustle. In the final segment, Betty opens up her playbook on the art of reselling. She reveals how your forgotten closet items could be your ticket to an extra income stream. We'll share the secrets to picking out items with high resale value and discuss the best strategies for turning a modest investment into a significant profit. From a $2 steal to a $300 turnaround, the potential is staggering. So join us as we promise to not just talk about these strategies but put them to the test in a few months' time, when we'll bring our thrifting chronicles to life on YouTube, sharing the spoils of our money-saving, money-making adventures.
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.

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's expert guidance, you'll understand why sometimes a big refund isn't the win you might think it is and how adjusting your withholdings could be the smarter play.

When it's time to tackle those tax forms, do you find yourself swimming in a sea of receipts and regulations? Fear not, our discussion with Jody Buckner is your lifeline. She shares the secrets of a stress-free tax season with year-round strategies that go beyond the typical shoebox of receipts. We're talking about the power of digital organization and the overlooked credits that could be game-changers for your finances. Plus, we get into the nitty-gritty of whether to itemize or not to itemize—that is the question we answer, along with a peek into investment strategies that could defer your tax liabilities.

For the entrepreneurial spirits and small business owners tuning in, we've tailored this episode with your unique challenges in mind. Jody's tips on meticulous tracking and staying current with tax law changes are invaluable. We demystify the IRS, transform audit anxieties into audit preparedness, and underscore the peace of mind that comes from a strong CPA relationship. From choosing the right filing status to strategizing your deductions, this episode equips you with the tools to keep your finances flourishing. So, join us as we turn what could be your most dreaded time of the year into an opportunity for financial optimization.
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.

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 subtleties of sharing wealth and navigating office pools, this episode is a treasure map to maintaining your fortune for generations.

Chances are you've never considered joining two country clubs for the sake of privacy, but for lottery winners, such maneuvers are part of a new reality fraught with unique challenges. We explore the personal transformations that come with massive cash inflows, emphasizing the importance of a spending plan that secures your future while allowing for enjoyment. The 'six-month rule' is dissected, showcasing the art of balancing the thrill of a jackpot with the prudence of financial planning. Kurt shares poignant anecdotes and stern warnings, revealing that the most formidable opponent of a lottery winner is often their impulsive generosity.

As we sail towards the episode's conclusion, we tackle the dark underbelly of lottery winnings—the scams. Our gratitude goes out to Kurt, whose sage advice leaves us not just wise to the ways of wealth management, but also vigilant against those who prey on the unsuspecting millionaire-next-door. You'll leave armed with the knowledge to distinguish between legitimate lotteries and fraudulent fantasies, ensuring that when it comes to your ticket to paradise, you won't be left holding a counterfeit. Tune in to this episode to forge your financial savvy in the fires of fortune's favor.
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.

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, ensuring that each dollar spent is a step toward financial wellness and happiness.

Prepare to be armed with strategies that will transform your approach to impactful purchases. It's not just about the initial price tag; it's about the art of avoiding emotional spending and paying attention to the details that can save you thousands in the long run. Jen and Jill share their wisdom on how they saved big on vehicles and homes by researching, preparing, and staying unattached. They also get real about their own experiences and how those lessons have fueled their frugal living philosophy, from rejecting needless add-ons to strategically timing purchases to maximize savings.

As we wrap up, don't miss the scoop on Jen and Jill's Frugal Friends podcast and newsletter, which are treasure troves of financial wisdom and savvy spending tips. Their approach to value-based spending is not just about finding the lowest price, but investing in quality and utility. We discuss the pitfalls of impulse buying, especially during the tax refund season when temptations run high. Plus, they tease their upcoming book and recommend a podcast episode that's a must-listen for anyone looking to curb impulsive spending. Trust us, after this chat, you'll view your wallet and your life through a fresh, frugal lens.

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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.