The Source: People with Purpose – Inspiring Financial Wellness

First Source Podcast

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Education

The Source: People with Purpose – Inspiring Financial Wellness

4d ago

The Story Behind Paws & Pages - The Source E6

In this episode of The Source: People with Purpose – Inspiring Financial Wellness, Katie takes another step into the community by highlighting a partnership that is making a real difference for both children and shelter animals. Joined by Paige from the Anita's Stevens Swan Humane Society and Mariann from First Source, the conversation explores how the Paws & Pages program is helping young readers build confidence while giving animals a calmer environment as they wait to find their forever homes. What started as an idea quickly grew into a program that benefits everyone involved. Children spend time reading to cats and dogs in a relaxed setting, which helps improve their reading skills while reducing stress for the animals. Along the way, meaningful connections are formed that have even led to adoptions. It's a simple concept with an incredible impact on both literacy and animal welfare. Whether you're a parent looking for a fun summer activity, an animal lover, or someone who enjoys seeing creative ideas bring a community together, this episode is full of heartwarming stories and inspiring moments. It proves that sometimes the smallest acts of kindness can make the biggest difference. We Cover: • How the Paws and Pages program helps children build reading confidence while comforting shelter animals • Why reading aloud can reduce stress and help animals become more adoptable • The inspiring story behind a program that has already led to countless success stories and adoptions • How families can get involved and become part of the Paws and Pages community • Why this unique partnership is creating lasting impacts for children, animals and the Mohawk Valley --- Show Markers: --- First Source's Links: Website - https://www.fsource.org FB - https://www.facebook.com/fsourcefcu IG - https://www.instagram.com/fsourcefcu YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/user/fsourcefcu --- Anita's Stevens Swan Links: Website - https://www.anitas-sshs.org Reading Program - https://www.anitas-sshs.org/services/paws-and-pages-reading-program FB - https://www.facebook.com/sshs4pets IG - https://www.instagram.com/anitas_sshs --- Love Living Local Links: Podcast Email - media@lovelivinglocal315.com Website - https://www.lovelivinglocal315.com YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@lovelivinglocal315 Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/lovelivinglocal315 Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/lovelivinglocal315 TikTok - / lovelivinglocal315

17 min
Jun 17

The Evolution of the Utica Zoo - The Source E5

For generations, the Utica Zoo has been a place where families make memories, kids discover a love for animals, and visitors of all ages connect with the natural world. In this episode of The Source: People with Purpose – Inspiring Financial Wellness, Katie sits down with Andrea from the Utica Zoo and Pam from First Source to explore the zoo's lasting impact on the Mohawk Valley. From education and conservation to community partnerships and exciting new attractions, this conversation highlights why the Utica Zoo remains one of the region's most treasured destinations. Listeners will get a behind-the-scenes look at how First Source and the Utica Zoo have worked together over the years, from funding major projects and master planning efforts to helping the zoo achieve and maintain its prestigious accreditation. Along the way, Andrea shares fascinating insights about the zoo's educational mission, internship programs, conservation efforts, and some exciting new exhibits that are bringing national-caliber experiences right here to the Mohawk Valley. More than anything, this episode is a reminder that investing in a community goes far beyond dollars and cents. It's about creating places that inspire curiosity, foster learning, and bring people together. Whether you're a longtime zoo supporter or haven't visited in years, you'll leave this conversation with a new appreciation for the impact happening right in our own backyard. • How a long-standing partnership between First Source and the Utica Zoo helped bring major projects to life • The educational mission behind the zoo and why learning is at the heart of every visit • What it takes to earn and maintain prestigious zoo accreditation standards • The story behind the wildly successful dinosaur exhibit and its impact on the community • A preview of exciting new exhibits and projects coming to the Utica Zoo in the years ahead --- Show Markers: --- First Source's Links: Website - https://www.fsource.org FB - https://www.facebook.com/fsourcefcu IG - https://www.instagram.com/fsourcefcu YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/user/fsourcefcu --- Love Living Local Links: Podcast Email - media@lovelivinglocal315.com Website - https://www.lovelivinglocal315.com YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@lovelivinglocal315 Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/lovelivinglocal315 Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/lovelivinglocal315 TikTok - / lovelivinglocal315

20 min
Jun 3

Helping Kids Build Smart Money Habits - The Source E4

Opening a savings account might not seem like a big milestone, but the habits that start with that very first account can last a lifetime. In this episode of The Source: People with Purpose, Katie sits down with Amanda from the Rome Branch to talk about why financial education should start early and how youth accounts can help children build confidence, responsibility and healthy money habits from a young age. From birthday money and holiday gifts to first jobs and debit cards, this conversation explores how kids can begin learning the value of money at an early age. Katie and Amanda discuss how children can develop healthy habits around saving, spending and managing money responsibly. They also talk about how modern banking tools, mobile apps and reward programs can make financial education more engaging for younger generations. Along the way, they share practical ways parents can help guide important money conversations and build confidence that lasts well into adulthood. Whether you're a parent looking to set your child up for success or simply wondering when financial education should begin, this episode offers practical advice and a reminder that it's never too early to start building a strong financial foundation. We Cover: • Why opening a youth account can help build confidence and financial responsibility early • How saving programs and rewards can make learning about money fun for kids • The benefits of teaching children how checking accounts, debit cards, and credit work • Why giving kids ownership of their own accounts creates valuable life lessons • How small financial habits today can lead to stronger financial futures tomorrow --- Show Markers: (0:00) - Introduction & Background (1:00) - Youth Education (2:10) - First Source Youth Account Types (5:15) - Youth Debit Cards (8:00) - Digital Offerings (8:55) - Building Good Credit Habits Early (11:25) - Own Account vs. Sub Shares (13:45) - Asking Questions & Being Comfortable (15:05) - Don't Believe Everything You Hear Online (16:40) - It's Never Too Early, It's Never Too Late --- First Source's Links: Website - https://www.fsource.org FB - https://www.facebook.com/fsourcefcu IG - https://www.instagram.com/fsourcefcu YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/user/fsourcefcu --- Love Living Local Links: Podcast Email - media@lovelivinglocal315.com Website - https://www.lovelivinglocal315.com YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@lovelivinglocal315 Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/lovelivinglocal315 Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/lovelivinglocal315 TikTok - / lovelivinglocal315

18 min
May 20

Money Lessons We Wish We Learned Earlier - The Source E3

In this episode of The Source: People with Purpose, the conversation gets real about money myths, credit mistakes, saving habits and the financial lessons people wish they learned earlier in life. Katie sits down with Tom, Lynn, Lou, and Deb from First Source to talk through the realities of growing up financially. From seeing taxes come out of a first paycheck to learning the hard way about credit cards, debt and saving for the future. What makes this episode so relatable is how honest everyone is about their own experiences. There’s no pretending anyone had it all figured out in their 20s. The group shares stories about buying first homes, overspending on credit cards, learning to budget and realizing that small financial habits can have a huge impact over time. They also break down some of the biggest misconceptions younger generations have around money, investing and financial advice. This episode is full of practical advice, but more importantly, it’s a reminder that financial wellness is not about being perfect. It’s about building good habits, asking questions, learning as you go and understanding that it’s never too early or too late to start making smarter financial decisions. We Cover: • Why building credit early can make a huge difference later in life • The importance of saving small amounts consistently over time • Common money mistakes people make in their 20s and 30s • Why financial advice and education don’t have to cost money • Real stories and lessons from people who learned financial wellness the hard way --- Show Markers: (0:00) - Introduction & Background (1:00) - When Did Money Become Real? (3:30) - Wants vs. Needs (4:15) - Buying First House Wake Up (5:45) - Building Credit (7:45) - One Money Lesson For Younger Self (9:30) - First Source Educational Resources (10:15) - It's Okay to Have Hard Times (13:30) - Room to Room Lesson (15:05) - "I'll Start Saving Later" (17:30) - Best Time was Yesterday (20:30) - Teach Your Children Early (24:00) - Little Changes Compound --- First Source's Links: Website - https://www.fsource.org FB - https://www.facebook.com/fsourcefcu IG - https://www.instagram.com/fsourcefcu YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/user/fsourcefcu --- Love Living Local Links: Podcast Email - media@lovelivinglocal315.com Website - https://www.lovelivinglocal315.com YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@lovelivinglocal315 Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/lovelivinglocal315 Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/lovelivinglocal315 TikTok - / lovelivinglocal315

26 min
May 19

What Nobody Tells You About Buying a Car - The Source E2

In this episode of The Source, Katie Ullman sits down with Bobby Nole to break down what young buyers really need to know before signing on the dotted line. From pre-approvals and monthly payments to insurance, warranties and credit scores, this conversation keeps things practical without making it overwhelming. One of the biggest takeaways from this episode is that affordability means more than just “Can I make the payment?” Bobby and Katie talk through the hidden costs people forget about, the importance of budgeting and why buying the dream car too early can sometimes hold you back later in life. They also explain how First Source works with members at every stage, whether you’re buying your first car at 16 with a cosigner or rebuilding your credit after a few bumps in the road. We Discuss: • Why getting preapproved before shopping can save you money and stress • The real costs of owning a car beyond the monthly payment • How GAP protection and extended warranties can protect you • Why budgeting is one of the most important tools for any major purchase • How younger buyers can start building credit through teen auto loan programs and smart borrowing habits --- Show Markers: (0:00) - Introduction & Background (2:00) - Where to Start? (3:05) - Pre-Approval Process (4:30) - Affordability & Depreciation (6:00) - Considering all the Variables (7:15) - Budget Worksheet (8:20) - Credit History & 0% Offers (10:40) - Extras & Gap Insurance (13:25) - Financial Checkups (15:20) - Options For Different Stages of Life --- First Source's Links: Website - https://www.fsource.org FB - https://www.facebook.com/fsourcefcu IG - https://www.instagram.com/fsourcefcu YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/user/fsourcefcu --- Love Living Local Links: Podcast Email - media@lovelivinglocal315.com Website - https://www.lovelivinglocal315.com YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@lovelivinglocal315 Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/lovelivinglocal315 Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/lovelivinglocal315 TikTok - / lovelivinglocal315

17 min
May 19

First Time Home Buying - The Source E1

Love Living Local 315 is excited to team up with First Source on a new podcast, People with Purpose: Inspiring Financial Wellness. Buying your first home can feel overwhelming, but this pilot episode makes it feel a whole lot more doable. Katie Ullman from First Source sits down with mortgage experts Jamie Buley and Tony Fumarola to break down what people actually need to know before jumping into the home buying process. From understanding your financial picture to avoiding some of the most common mistakes, this conversation keeps things real, practical and easy to follow. What stands out most is how personalized the process really is. There’s no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to mortgages. Your income, spending habits, stage of life and long-term goals all play a role in what you can truly afford. The team also clears up some major misconceptions, like credit score myths and the idea that you can jump in with little to no preparation. The message is simple: with the right guidance and a little planning, homeownership is absolutely within reach. Whether you're ready now or just planting the seed for the future, it’s all about getting informed and taking that first step. You Will Learn: • Why knowing your full financial picture matters more than just your credit score • The biggest mistakes to avoid before closing, including job changes and new purchases • Breaking down mortgage options and debunking common first-time buyer myths • How to realistically think about renting vs. buying and what you can truly afford • Why it’s not always a “no” — sometimes it’s just “not right now” --- Show Markers: (0:00) - Introduction & Background (2:00) - Where to Start? (3:45) - Money In/Money Out & Budget Worksheet (5:00) - Different Stages of Life (6:00) - Different Mortgage Programs (9:00) - What Not to Do (11:55) - Affordability & Being Prepared (15:00) - Down Payment (16:40) - Keeping an Open Mind (17:40) - Not No, Not Right Now (18:15) - Community Heroes --- First Source's Links: Website - https://www.fsource.org FB - https://www.facebook.com/fsourcefcu IG - https://www.instagram.com/fsourcefcu YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/user/fsourcefcu --- Love Living Local Links: Podcast Email - media@lovelivinglocal315.com Website - https://www.lovelivinglocal315.com YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@lovelivinglocal315 Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/lovelivinglocal315 Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/lovelivinglocal315 TikTok - / lovelivinglocal315

20 min

6 Episodes

The Source: People with Purpose – Inspiring Financial Wellness

Creator

First Source Podcast
Years Active

2K
Episodes

6
Rating

Explicit
Copyright

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