Behind The Curtain: Money Made Simple

Rockland Trust
  • 5.0 (10)
  • Education
  • Biweekly

What if learning about money felt more like a backstage pass than a lecture? Behind the Curtain: Money Made Simple, hosted by Rockland Trust’s Financial Educator Julie Beckham, brings clarity, confidence, and creativity to personal finance. With expert guests, real talk, and a no-shame policy, Julie cuts through the jargon to help you understand the script of your financial story. Whether you're just starting out or ready for a new act, this podcast puts you and your finances center stage. Listen, learn, subscribe, and share! https://www.rocklandtrust.com/

  1. 3d ago

    Your Legacy, Your Plan: Frank Mule on Why Estate Planning Can't Wait

    In this episode of Behind the Curtain: Money Made Simple, host Julie Beckham welcomes Frank Mule, Estate Settlement & Trust Termination Officer at Rockland Trust, to discuss the importance of estate planning and why it's never too early to start. Frank explains how estate plans protect your assets, provide for loved ones, and ensure your wishes are honored if you become incapacitated. Together, they explore key life milestones that should prompt estate planning, the challenges of discussing finances with aging parents, and the responsibilities of executors and trustees. Julie shares her personal experience creating an estate plan, while Frank offers advice on choosing the right attorney and avoiding unnecessary stress for your family. Discover how planning today can bring peace of mind for tomorrow.  Key Points From This EpisodeKey Points From This Episode:  [00:00:00] Introduction  [00:00:50] Meet Frank Mule, Fiduciary Officer at Rockland Trust, and learn about his background in trusts and estates  [00:01:41] What is an estate, and why does everyone have one?  [00:03:08] The two essential purposes of estate planning: distributing assets and preparing for incapacity  [00:04:29] Why planning for medical and financial decision-making is important  [00:04:57] Julie shares her personal experience with procrastinating on estate planning  [00:06:23] Why having children makes estate planning important, regardless of your financial situation  [00:08:09] How estate planning can encourage important conversations between partners and blended families  [00:09:53] The benefits of discussing difficult decisions before an emergency occurs  [00:11:03] Major life milestones that should trigger creating or updating an estate plan  [00:12:45] Julie shares how a delayed probate process inspired her to create her own estate plan  [00:14:35] How experiencing a loved one's death or incapacity can motivate estate planning  [00:15:48] Approaching estate planning conversations with aging parents  [00:17:24] Resources and strategies for discussing financial organization with family members  [00:18:43] Why completing an estate plan can provide relief and peace of mind  [00:20:12] How professional executors and trustees can help reduce the burden on grieving families  [00:22:24] Why naming siblings as co-executors can create family conflicts  [00:23:11] Rockland Trust's free guide to estate planning documents and professional advisors  [00:24:38] What to expect from an initial estate planning attorney consultation  [00:25:50] Julie's experience finding an attorney who understood her family's needs  [00:27:55] Why trust and comfort matter when choosing an estate planning attorney  [00:30:07] The importance of working with a licensed attorney to prepare estate planning documents  [00:30:53] What it means to be a fiduciary and act in a client's best interests  [00:31:21] Rapid-fire questions: Frank's favorite and least favorite words  [00:32:00] Frank shares what motivates him to help families through difficult times  [00:32:45] Evaluating financial advice based on your personal goals  [00:33:05] Frank reflects on the importance of learning about retirement investing early  [00:33:39] Frank's challenge: Take one actionable step toward creating or reviewing your estate plan    Links:  Rockland Trust: https://www.rocklandtrust.com/  Julie Beckham on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/julie-beckham-05589534  Children’s Museum of Franklin: https://www.childrensmuseumfranklin.org/       Editing and post-production work for this episode was provided by The Podcast Consultant (https://thepodcastconsultant.com)    Investment and insurance products are: Not Insured by FDIC or Any Other Government Agency / Not Rockland Trust Guaranteed /Not Rockland Trust Deposits or Obligations / May Lose Value

    Your Legacy, Your Plan: Frank Mule on Why Estate Planning Can't Wait

  2. Oct 15

    Trust but Verify: Fraud Prevention Tips from Industry Expert Angela Diaz

    In this episode of Behind the Curtain: Money Made Simple, host Julie Beckham speaks with certified risk management professional Angela Diaz about fraud prevention and the growing threat of account takeovers. Angela explains how artificial intelligence is making scams more convincing, why fraudsters use urgency and fear to obtain credentials or move money, and how consumers can better protect themselves. They discuss monitoring account activity, verifying unexpected bank communications, using passkeys and layered authentication, and recognizing warning signs during suspicious interactions. Angela also explains why fraud can affect anyone and why talking openly about scams can help consumers protect themselves and others. ______________________________________________________________________ Key Points From This Episode: [00:00:00] Julie introduces Angela Diaz and the growing challenge of fraud prevention during Cybersecurity Month [00:02:38] How account takeovers have reached an industrialized scale and the role of artificial intelligence [00:03:05] What an account takeover is and why it can be difficult for financial institutions to detect [00:04:37] Why consumers should regularly monitor their own account activity [00:07:18] The connection between account takeovers, phishing scams, urgency, and social engineering [00:07:18] Why consumers should disconnect and independently contact their bank when suspicious communications occur [00:12:42] What normal bank communication can look like and warning signs consumers should recognize [00:15:15] How passkeys and layered authentication can make accounts harder for fraudsters to exploit [00:16:35] Comparing fraud risks in digital banking, mobile banking, and in-person banking [00:18:28] Angela's "trust, but verify" approach to fraud prevention [00:18:28] Why fraud education matters for consumers of every age and level of financial experience [00:20:13] How openly discussing fraud can reduce shame and help expose scammers' tactics [00:21:49] Angela answers rapid-fire questions about her personality and interests [00:24:06] Why fighting fraud motivates Angela in her work [00:24:57] Balancing retirement planning with enjoying and finding meaning in the present [00:26:40] How working with a financial planner changed Angela's approach to saving and spending [00:28:11] Angela's challenge to review passwords, passkeys, phone security, and everyday banking habits [00:28:11] Why families should discuss scams and safe banking practices with older adults, friends, and teenagers Links: Rockland Trust: https://www.rocklandtrust.com/ Julie Beckham on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/julie-beckham-05589534 Angela Diaz on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/angela-diaz-crmp-37430064/  Editing and post-production work for this episode was provided by The Podcast Consultant (https://thepodcastconsultant.com)

    Trust but Verify: Fraud Prevention Tips from Industry Expert Angela Diaz

  3. Oct 1

    Money, Relationships, and Conversations that Matter with Modern Husband’s Brian Page

    In this episode of Behind the Curtain: Money Made Simple, Julie Beckham speaks with Brian Page of Modern Husbands about the connection between money, relationships, and the responsibilities couples share at home. Brian explains how our childhood experiences and money stories can influence financial behaviors and relationships well into adulthood. He also explores the Fair Play system, the mental load of managing a household, and the importance of approaching money as a team. Brian shares practical ways couples can reduce conflict, create more equitable partnerships, and make money conversations more productive by focusing on shared goals, active listening, and joy. All credit products and services are subject to underwriting and approval. ______________________________________________________________________ Key Points From This Episode: [00:00:00] Julie introduces Behind the Curtain: Money Made Simple and guest Brian Page of Modern Husbands [00:03:36] Brian’s transition from focusing on his career to supporting his wife’s career and taking on more responsibilities at home [00:04:48] Adjusting to changing roles within a marriage and handing off household responsibilities [00:06:06] What financial therapy is and how it connects financial knowledge, personal money stories, and relationships [00:08:37] How childhood financial trauma can influence adult behaviors, financial success, health, and relationships [00:10:02] Understanding “big T” financial trauma and the lasting impact of significant financial experiences [00:12:08] How the Fair Play system helps couples create more equity when managing household responsibilities [00:16:10] The mental load behind everyday household tasks and why responsibility involves more than completing a chore [00:17:22] Using Fair Play principles to define ownership, standards, and equal leisure time within a relationship [00:21:41] Why couples often associate money conversations with stress, frustration, and conflict [00:23:12] Scheduling money conversations when emotions are low so couples can communicate more productively [00:23:43] Starting financial conversations with joy, abundance, and shared dreams instead of problems [00:24:27] Using financial choices to buy back time and support the life a couple wants to create together [00:25:20] Why regular money conversations can reinforce the idea that partners are on the same team [00:26:47] How couples can use Fair Play resources, cards, and facilitation to manage household labor more equitably [00:28:08] How dividing responsibilities can support each partner’s authentic self and create greater happiness at home [00:32:28] Brian’s advice for couples experiencing money conflict: schedule an intentional conversation [00:32:57] Using active listening to understand a partner’s perspective on money rather than waiting for a turn to respond [00:34:34] Brian answers Julie’s rapid-fire Behind the Curtain questions [00:36:15] Brian’s money lesson: there is more time to earn money, but time itself cannot be recovered [00:36:29] Brian’s challenge for listeners to schedule a monthly money meeting with their partner Links: Rockland Trust: https://www.rocklandtrust.com/ Julie Beckham on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/julie-beckham-05589534 Brian Page on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianhpage/ Modern Husbands: https://www.modernhusbands.com/  Editing and post-production work for this episode was provided by The Podcast Consultant (https://thepodcastconsultant.com)

    Money, Relationships, and Conversations that Matter with Modern Husband’s Brian Page

  4. Sep 24

    BONUS Episode: Students Closing the Financial Literacy Gap

    In this BONUS episode of Behind the Curtain: Money Made Simple, we celebrate Financial Literacy Day on Capital Hill by featuring recent local high school graduates Daniel Idemudia, Sophie Hong and Euniss Yoyo. Each of these students was motivated by a lack of access to financial education and turned that deficit into a mission to create opportunities to help their peers, their communities and themselves become financially literate.  Policy makers, community activists and entrepreneurs, these three college students are paving new pathways for financial empowerment. Meet the students behind the movement and let their stories motivate you to mentor or volunteer at your local youth organization or school. ______________________________________________________________________ Key Points From This Episode: [00:00:00] Julie introduces Daniel Idemudia, Sophie Hong, and Euniss Yoyo and their work in financial education and community empowerment. [00:05:25] Daniel explains how his family’s experience, online resources, investing mistakes, professional connections, and internships helped him become financially literate. [00:07:52] Sophie shares how a fifth-grade reality fair introduced her to budgeting and sparked her interest in personal finance. [00:10:53] Daniel discusses his vision for Fortune Avenue and creating a cycle of mentorship, leadership development, and succession among young people. [00:14:28] Sophie describes plans to continue writing, holding financial education workshops, and pursuing her growing interest in education and economic policy. [00:18:55] Sophie explains why students entering college would benefit from personal finance education, especially amid scams, debt traps, and gambling. [00:19:34] Daniel discusses his concern that many young people do not recognize the urgency of becoming financially literate. [00:20:56] Julie reflects on the importance of repeated exposure to personal finance concepts and the financial opportunities that can be missed without early education. [00:24:27] Euniss explains how involvement in a community organization helped broaden her perspective and showed her how she could help others. [00:26:36] Euniss identifies “you only live once” as money advice she would rather forget. [00:26:50] Euniss shares advice from her aunt about how financial habits developed now can shape her future. [00:27:20] Euniss challenges listeners to research local youth organizations and support them through volunteering or donations. Links: Rockland Trust: https://www.rocklandtrust.com/ Julie Beckham on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/julie-beckham-05589534 Editing and post-production work for this episode was provided by The Podcast Consultant (https://thepodcastconsultant.com)

    BONUS Episode: Students Closing the Financial Literacy Gap

  5. Sep 15

    Homebuying Myths and Realities with Bob Driscoll

    In this episode of Behind the Curtain: Money Made Simple, Julie Beckham speaks with Bob Driscoll, Director of Consumer Real Estate at Rockland Trust, about the myths and realities of buying a home. Bob explains why there is no universally “bad” time to buy, why a 20% down payment isn’t always necessary, and how first-time homebuyer and down payment assistance programs can create opportunities. They also discuss the value of getting pre-approved, understanding your credit, working with a loan officer you trust, and starting the education process well before you’re ready to make an offer. Bob encourages prospective buyers to stay curious, understand their options, and keep the joy in the homebuying process. ______________________________________________________________________ Key Points From This Episode: [00:00:00] Show introduction. [00:00:49] Julie introduces Bob Driscoll and the challenges and aspirations surrounding homeownership [00:02:49] Why Bob considers the idea that it’s a bad time to buy a home a myth [00:05:58] Keeping the home search enjoyable and knowing when to step away and reset [00:08:13] Why buyers don’t necessarily need a 20% down payment [00:08:51] How someone can qualify as a first-time homebuyer after previously owning a home [00:09:31] The importance of sharing your full financial story with a loan officer [00:10:52] Income guidelines for down payment assistance programs [00:11:25] HUD median income and affordable homeownership programs in Massachusetts [00:15:40] Why different mortgage lenders may have access to different loan programs and resources [00:20:03] Why getting pre-approved is an important step before seriously pursuing a home [00:24:14] Building trust and maintaining open communication with your loan officer [00:25:21] Why a perfect credit score isn’t required to buy a home [00:28:21] Why it’s never too early to speak with a loan officer [00:28:32] How long a mortgage pre-approval lasts and when to revisit it [00:29:43] Pre-approval as a no-cost, no-commitment opportunity to understand your buying power [00:30:24] Bob’s advice to prospective homebuyers: stay curious and start learning early [00:31:13] What motivates Bob to help borrowers and make a difference in communities [00:32:07] The money advice Bob wishes he could erase: waiting for a 20% down payment before buying [00:33:12] Separating financial needs from wants [00:33:39] Bob’s challenge to listeners: track spending and build an honest budget Links: Rockland Trust: https://www.rocklandtrust.com/ Julie Beckham on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/julie-beckham-05589534 Bob Driscoll: https://www.rocklandtrust.com/personal-banking/loans/bob-driscoll  Editing and post-production work for this episode was provided by The Podcast Consultant (https://thepodcastconsultant.com) All credit products and services are subject to underwriting and approval Rockland Trust is an Equal Housing Lender.

    Homebuying Myths and Realities with Bob Driscoll

  6. Sep 1

    Let’s Get Loud: Why it's Time to Talk About Money

    In this episode of Behind the Curtain: Money Made Simple, Julie Beckham kicks off a new season with a fresh intention: get loud about money. Inspired by the trend of “loud budgeting,” Julie explores what can happen when we openly explain the financial choices we make and start conversations about our goals, priorities, and challenges. From a former student’s well-loved kindergarten backpack to conversations about brunch, home buying, college costs, and retirement, Julie examines how our everyday choices send messages about money. She also shares practical ways to make financial conversations easier, including choosing the right moment and creating a regular cadence for talking about money with the people in your life. Editing and post-production work for this episode was provided by The Podcast Consultant (https://thepodcastconsultant.com) Rockland Trust: https://www.rocklandtrust.com/ Julie Beckham on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/julie-beckham-05589534

    Let’s Get Loud: Why it's Time to Talk About Money

  7. Jun 15

    The Power of Trying Again: Reflections on Financial Growth and Persistence

    In this season finale of Behind the Curtain: Money Made Simple, host Julie Beckham takes a moment to reflect on the podcast’s journey through two seasons of conversations about money, careers, entrepreneurship, and personal growth. Drawing from her own background in theater, Julie shares how persistence, resilience, and the willingness to keep trying have shaped both her professional path and her approach to financial education. She discusses the challenges of pursuing goals, the realities of setbacks, and why financial wellness is often built through small, imperfect steps. Julie also highlights the value of learning through stories and thanks the guests, listeners, and supporters who have helped make the podcast a success.  Editing and post-production work for this episode was provided by The Podcast Consultant (https://thepodcastconsultant.com) Rockland Trust: https://www.rocklandtrust.com/ Julie Beckham on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/julie-beckham-05589534

    The Power of Trying Again: Reflections on Financial Growth and Persistence

  8. Jun 1

    The Three Legal Documents that Make a Great 18th Birthday Gift

    In this episode of Behind the Curtain: Money Made Simple, Julie Beckham sits down with estate planning attorney Suzanne Bunszel to discuss a topic many families overlook when a child turns 18. While parents spend years protecting and advocating for their children, legal authority changes dramatically once a young adult reaches adulthood. Suzanne explains why essential documents such as a healthcare proxy, HIPAA release, and power of attorney can help families avoid costly legal hurdles during medical or financial emergencies. The conversation examines common misconceptions about estate planning, the challenges families face when these documents are not in place, and why proactive planning is an important step toward independence for young adults. This episode offers practical guidance for parents and young adults preparing for life after age 18.  ______________________________________________________________________ [00:00:00] Introduction to the legal documents young adults need after turning 18 [00:02:13] Why parents lose legal decision-making authority once a child becomes an adult [00:03:07] The two critical areas of planning: medical and financial decisions [00:04:33] Why every young adult should have a healthcare proxy, HIPAA release, and power of attorney [00:05:50] Understanding how a healthcare proxy works and when it becomes effective [00:07:21] What can happen if a parent needs to make medical decisions without a healthcare proxy [00:09:28] How young adult estate planning packages are structured and who chooses decision-makers [00:10:23] The role of a HIPAA release and how it differs from a healthcare proxy [00:12:49] Why professionally prepared healthcare documents can provide broader protection [00:13:24] How durable powers of attorney help with financial matters [00:15:53] Working with banks and financial institutions to ensure powers of attorney are accepted [00:17:49] Risks and considerations when using online legal document services [00:19:47] The value of professional guidance for legal, financial, and healthcare planning [00:21:34] Why awareness and advocacy around young adult estate planning are needed [00:22:31] Common misconceptions about estate planning for young adults [00:23:07] Lessons learned from COVID-19 about the importance of healthcare documents [00:23:49] Using legal planning as an opportunity for family conversations about independence and decision-making [00:27:11] Suzanne’s motivation for helping families create estate plans [00:28:28] The misconception that having a will alone is enough to avoid probate [00:29:31] The importance of financial education and investing at a young age [00:30:39] Why honest financial conversations are the foundation of long-term planning Links: Rockland Trust: https://www.rocklandtrust.com/ Julie Beckham on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/julie-beckham-05589534 Editing and post-production work for this episode was provided by The Podcast Consultant (https://thepodcastconsultant.com)

    The Three Legal Documents that Make a Great 18th Birthday Gift
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What if learning about money felt more like a backstage pass than a lecture? Behind the Curtain: Money Made Simple, hosted by Rockland Trust’s Financial Educator Julie Beckham, brings clarity, confidence, and creativity to personal finance. With expert guests, real talk, and a no-shame policy, Julie cuts through the jargon to help you understand the script of your financial story. Whether you're just starting out or ready for a new act, this podcast puts you and your finances center stage. Listen, learn, subscribe, and share! https://www.rocklandtrust.com/

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