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We give you permission to say no to holiday spending that breaks your budget and steals your peace. We share simple scripts, realistic alternatives, and a $500 holiday budget challenge so you can enjoy the season without January regret.  • why holiday spending pressure feels so intense  • separating love from price tags and gift expectations  • ways to say no with confidence and less guilt  • alternatives to buying for every adult in the family  • how to bow out of office Secret Santa gracefully  • talking with kids about budgets and gift limits  • cutting decoration costs by reusing what you have  • surprise costs like food, travel and last minute extras  • rapid fire worth it or skip it on common expenses  • building a simple $500 holiday spending plan  Stay on track with your financial journey. Subscribe to the Money Matters Podcast and visit neighborsfcu.org slash financial wellness for more tools to help you build a strong financial future. Have an idea for a show or a question for Kim? Send us a text message 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.

NIL sounds like instant millions until you look at the numbers and the fine print. We sit down with Tom Henskey, certified financial planner, financial educator, and author of The NIL Financial Playbook, to get honest about what most student athletes actually earn, how deals get approved, and why the “easy money” story rarely matches reality. If you’ve seen the cars, the headlines, and the hot takes, this conversation brings it back to what happens when real checks hit real bank accounts. We dig into the biggest early surprise: taxes. Tom explains why gross versus net income confuses even smart, motivated athletes and how that confusion fuels overspending and stress. From there, we talk about sudden wealth syndrome, why preparation matters as much as practice, and how athletes can set simple boundaries that still let them enjoy the moment. You’ll hear actionable frameworks like the 20-50-30 budgeting rule and Tom’s Four Ps for smarter decisions: pause, purpose, people, and plan. We also zoom out to the future of NIL and college sports, including transfer portal chaos, donor fatigue, and the idea of caps or guardrails that could push more money into savings or even retirement accounts like a Roth IRA. We close with concrete resources for parents and athletes, plus how programs can make financial literacy a real part of team culture. Subscribe to Money Matters, share this with a parent or athlete who needs it, and leave a review, what would you do with your first NIL check? Have an idea for a show or a question for Kim? Send us a text message 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.

We break down what credit really is, why your credit report matters as much as your credit score, and how to spot problems before they block your next goal. We also clear up common credit myths, explain credit utilization in plain language, and share ways to get no-judgment help through our financial wellness counselors.  • credit as the ability to borrow now and pay later  • why you should review the full credit report not only the score  • fraud and errors showing up on reports and why timing matters  • how often to check your credit report and why corrections can take months  • what appears on a credit report including old accounts and inquiries  • myth busting on checking your own credit and score impact  • the 30% credit utilization guideline and why carrying a balance is not required  • reasons a score may not rise even with on-time payments  • credit mix and length of credit history including challenges for young adults  • common mistake of opening too many new accounts at once  • Blueprint for Financial Success options for virtual phone or in-person support  • Credit Pit Stop details including quick sessions and free breakfast  Please go to our website, neighborsfcu.org. You've got to register.  Subscribe to the Money Matters Podcast, and visit neighborsfcu.org slash financial wellness for more tools to help you build a strong financial future.  Have an idea for a show or a question for Kim? Send us a text message 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.

We sit down with David Rogers, the creator of Black Blocks, to explore how a board game can make financial literacy feel exciting while teaching African American history. We break down how the game works, why it sparks better family conversations, and what money habits it helps players practice in real time.  • why games can teach financial education better than traditional seminars  • David’s motivation rooted in parenting, youth education, and Black history  • how Black Blocks works: starting cash, buying property, paying rent, and managing setbacks  • Fate cards that test Black history knowledge with real consequences  • Life cards that mirror everyday expenses and unexpected events  • using game night to talk about budgeting, mortgages, insurance, and smart choices  • common gaps in history knowledge and how curiosity drives deeper learning  • core financial concepts: strategy, cash flow, avoiding overbuying, and not going bankrupt  • where to buy the game and what David is building next  Stay on track with your financial journey. Subscribe to the Money Matters Podcast, and visit neighborsfcu.org slash financial wellness for more tools to help you build a strong financial future. Have an idea for a show or a question for Kim? Send us a text message 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.

We hand the studio over to two student interns, Mason and Liam, to hear what it’s really like learning money skills inside a credit union. They share how the internship changes the way they think about budgeting, credit, debt, and the real costs of senior year.  • joining the East Baton Rouge Parish Student Internship Program for the stipend and the experience  • getting matched with Neighbors Federal Credit Union and rotating through departments  • expectations versus reality across marketing, collections, lending support, and the support center  • what collections teaches about missed payments, overdrafts, and getting back on track  • why budgeting “makes or breaks” your future and how teens can start now  • how to use a first credit card responsibly by paying it off monthly  • what actually builds a credit score over time and why payment history matters most  • how to budget for senior year fees, applications, and surprise costs  • advice for other students considering the internship program  Stay on track with your financial journey. Subscribe to the Money Matters Podcast, and visit neighborsfcu.org slash financial wellness for more tools to help you build a strong financial future.  Have an idea for a show or a question for Kim? Send us a text message 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.

We connect the digital divide to real financial consequences, from job access and school success to budgeting tools that assume you have a laptop at home. Nicole Fitzgerald from CACRC shows why “being disconnected” costs more than dollars and how refurbished computers can change a family’s future.  • why a laptop or desktop still matters in 2026  • what the digital divide means beyond a cell phone  • hidden costs of relying on libraries for computer access  • how online banking and budgeting apps change money habits  • why seniors often need larger screens for financial tasks  • CACRC’s approach to recycling electronics and refurbishing devices  • real success stories of jobs gained and stability restored  • ways to donate electronics, give money, or volunteer in Louisiana  Subscribe to the Money Matters Podcast, and visit neighborsfcu.org slash financial wellness for more tools to help you build a strong financial future.  Have an idea for a show or a question for Kim? Send us a text message 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.

We break down the major student loan repayment changes after the SAVE plan ends and explain what borrowers need to do within the 90-day decision window to avoid default. We share practical ways to choose a plan, reduce stress, and protect your budget, whether you are already repaying or planning for college. • SAVE plan basics and what changes after June 30  • 90-day timeline to choose a new repayment plan  • Repayment Assistance Plan payments tied to income  • Income Based Repayment and long-term forgiveness rules  • Standard repayment and tiered standard options  • Why doing nothing leads to default risk  • What default can trigger for taxes wages and credit  • Public Service Loan Forgiveness eligibility and payment requirements  • Deferment versus forbearance and interest impacts  • How to find your servicer on studentaid.gov  • Advice for future students to borrow only what you need  • Grad PLUS changes and updated borrowing limits  • Parent PLUS borrowing caps and planning for cost of attendance  • Steps after graduation including exit counseling and record keeping  • Options for borrowers squeezed by rent insurance and basic bills  Stay on track with your financial journey, subscribe to the Money Matters Podcast, and visit neighborsfcu.org slash financial wellness for more tools to help you build a strong financial future. Have an idea for a show or a question for Kim? Send us a text message 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.

We talk with professional wedding planner Blakeley Santos about how to plan a wedding with clear priorities and a real budget so you don’t start marriage under financial pressure. We share what couples overspend on first, how to cut costs without hurting the guest experience, and what to book fast when the timeline is tight.  • January engagement rush and how wedding seasons work in Louisiana  • Common early mistakes like booking vendors before doing price research  • Handling family pressure and keeping the focus on the marriage  • Budget reality checks when inspiration photos don’t match the number  • Typical budget weight on venue plus catering and bar  • Floral sticker shock and how to quote the dream then scale back  • Smart savings like candles, repurposing ceremony florals, and DIY bundles  • Top priorities for 6 to 12 month weddings like venue, catering, band, photographer  • What a planner provides through packages, vendor connections, and a live budget spreadsheet  • Money conversations couples should have early, including who is paying  • Ways to save through season choices and even a Sunday wedding  Subscribe to the Money Matters Podcast, and visit neighborsfcu.org slash financial wellness for more tools to help you build a strong financial future.  Have an idea for a show or a question for Kim? Send us a text message 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.

We step away from pure budgeting and get honest about enjoying money through travel, with a focus on what “luxury” really means when time is your most limited resource. Angela Alesi of Heirloom Journeys shares how intentional planning turns a trip from a stressful expense into an investment in memories, health, and connection.  • redefining luxury travel as intentional travel built around time, purpose, and how you want to feel  • why “someday” delays dreams without requiring commitment  • how health, energy, and mobility shape the best itinerary long before you book  • common DIY travel planning mistakes, especially logistics and unrealistic pacing  • what a discovery call looks like and the questions we should ask, including what you do not want  • how destination relationships unlock unique experiences and help you pivot during disruptions  • how far ahead to plan for big trips to get better options and less stress  • why multi-generational travel has surged post-pandemic and how to plan for different ages  Plan the life you want. Pick one dream trip you've been putting off, add it to your budget, and treat it like a priority. Remember, tomorrow's not promised. Start a dedicated travel savings fund, set a timeline, and break it into small monthly goals. Use the right resources to maximize your experience. Travel doesn't have to be expensive, but it certainly can be luxurious. That's a wrap on today's Blueprint Building Blocks. Stay on track with your financial journey, subscribe to the Money Matters Podcast, and visit neighborsfcu.org slash financial wellness for more tools to help you build a strong financial future. Have an idea for a show or a question for Kim? Send us a text message 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.

We take our workout outside and prove you can build real strength using free public park equipment instead of paying for a gym. Kim Chapman and trainer Keldrick Emery walk through beginner-friendly and advanced options, plus simple safety rules that keep you consistent and injury-free.  • using BREC park equipment as a free outdoor gym option  • scaling push-ups from incline to more advanced positions  • improving balance for core and leg strength  • building core strength with knee raises and holds  • turning a park bench into squats, push-ups, and single-leg work  • avoiding injury with slower reps, better form, and stopping on pain  • choosing consistency over intensity for better results  • finding accessible equipment for mobility challenges  • making 10 minutes of movement count  Stay on track with your financial journey. Subscribe to the Money Matters Podcast, and visit neighborsfcu.org slash financial wellness for more tools to help you build a strong financial future. Have an idea for a show or a question for Kim? Send us a text message 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.

We get ahead of hurricane season with Louisiana’s state climatologist Jay Grymes, focusing on how storms create real and avoidable money stress. We map out practical ways to plan early, stock up smart, and protect our homes and families without panic spending.  • why Louisiana faces tropical threats every year and why “no threat” seasons are rare  • what a state climatologist does and how weather data supports real-world decisions  • deciding stay or go based on extended family needs and medical power requirements  • hidden evacuation costs like hotels, gas, traffic time, and meals  • building a storm budget with a cash reserve that can double as a holiday fund  • stocking essentials over time including water math, canned goods, and a manual can opener  • avoiding last-minute price spikes and shortages for water, gas, and generators  • low-cost damage prevention by walking the yard, trimming trees, and securing outdoor items  • using plastic sheeting with sandbags to slow floodwater seepage  • planning for power outages with chargers, power banks, and non-electric entertainment  • understanding named storm deductibles and what homeowners policies may not cover  • common after-storm financial mistakes like leaving cars in flood-prone spots  Subscribe to the Money Matters Podcast, and visit neighborsfcu.org slash financial wellness for more tools to help you build a strong financial future.  Have an idea for a show or a question for Kim? Send us a text message 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.

We connect the dots between financial stress and mental health, from sleep and mood changes to avoidance and overwork. We share practical ways to balance your money and your mind so you can stay aware without letting anxiety run your life.  • money stress as uncertainty that fuels anxious thoughts  • behavior changes that signal finances are taking a toll  • why avoiding money conversations keeps the fear growing  • building a plan that fits your real income and bills  • using regular check-ins to stay flexible and pivot  • knowing your numbers to replace worry with action  • retail therapy and the hidden emotional cost of spending  • strategies to slow impulse buying and reduce app temptation  • setting boundaries with economic news and social media  • financial infidelity and why couples need honest money talks  • signs it’s time to ask for help from a trusted person or professional  Schedule a financial wellness checkup. We’re here to help.  Subscribe to the Money Matters Podcast, and visit neighborsfcu.org slash financial wellness for more tools to help you build a strong financial future.  Have an idea for a show or a question for Kim? Send us a text message 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.

We talk with HVAC technician Joseph Long about how to stay comfortable in Louisiana heat without letting electric bills explode. We focus on the small habits and maintenance choices that cut cooling costs, reduce humidity problems, and prevent those dreaded weekend breakdowns.  • what drives high electric bills: usage, thermostat habits, equipment condition  • setting the thermostat higher when away without creating humidity issues  • why shutting the AC off all day can lead to moisture and mildew smells  • what HVAC maintenance looks like and what homeowners can safely do  • when frequent repairs and unit age point to replacement  • why refrigerant should not keep getting low and why leak checks matter  • how to pick an AC filter that protects airflow and fits your budget  • why breakdowns feel like they happen on Friday nights and what to check first  • choosing a reputable HVAC pro: licensing, confidence, quality work  • using blackout curtains and tracking indoor humidity for better efficiency  Subscribe to the Money Matters Podcast, and visit neighborsfcu.org slash financial wellness for more tools to help you build a strong financial future. Have an idea for a show or a question for Kim? Send us a text message 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.

We talk with Dr. Ni'Shawn Stovall about how EBR’s Learn and Earn Internship Program helps high school juniors and seniors build job skills while earning $1,500. We break down how placement works, what students learn in boot camp, and why mentorship and financial literacy can turn a first paycheck into a long term advantage.  • Learn and Earn Internship Program goals and who qualifies  • Differences between a typical summer job and a structured internship  • Intentional placement based on career interests and credentials  • Summer schedule expectations and why reliability matters  • Boot camp training on financial literacy, deductions, and workplace skills  • Common first paycheck mistakes and how to pace spending  • Where students can work across local business and health care partners  • Parent support requirements including hours, coursework, and transport  • Transportation limits during the school year and options in summer  • Application timing, early placement process, and program start dates  • Mentorship value for references, recommendation letters, and career clarity  • Option to use an existing part time job as an internship experience  • Subscribe to the Money Matters Podcast, and visit neighborsfcu.org slash financial wellness for more tools to help you build a strong financial future  Have an idea for a show or a question for Kim? Send us a text message 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.

We challenge the myth that healthy eating has to be expensive and break down the practical tricks that make nutritious meals doable on a real budget. With dietitian Angell Jordan from the Southern University Ag Center, we share simple shopping and cooking habits that help us waste less, eat better, and keep more money in our pockets.  • buying fruits and vegetables in season for lower prices and better taste  • doing a home inventory before shopping to avoid duplicates and waste  • shopping sales on proteins and freezing portions for later meals  • reframing “healthy costs more” by comparing food costs to medical costs  • using flavor and technique like oven-frying to make healthier meals satisfying  • shopping smarter by avoiding end caps and eye-level junk food traps  • cutting back on eating out and making better restaurant choices when we do  • stocking budget-friendly staples like dried beans and brown rice  • building healthier beans by limiting fatty meats and using lighter options  • starting meal prep slowly so it becomes a habit  • choosing cheaper cuts and trimming fat at home to stay on budget  Subscribe to the Money Matters Podcast, and visit neighborsfcu.org slash financial wellness for more tools to help you build a strong financial future.  Have an idea for a show or a question for Kim? Send us a text message 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.