Am I Doing This Right?

Anxiety is the most common mental health concern in the United States. This week, we disclose our own personal journeys with anxiety, while giving actionable steps on how to manage your own. Whether you've had anxiety your whole life or are experiencing it for the first time, this episode is for you.

Our Hosts:

Corinne Foxx - @corinnefoxx

Natalie McMillan - @nataliemcm

What we're drinking: McBride Sisters Collection Black Girl Magic California Rose 2019

INTRO

During this week's intro, Natalie finally reveals the strange and bizarre story behind her "prison paintings."

TOPIC

In this episode, Corinne mentions that she's an ambassador for NAMI, the National Alliance on Mental Illness.

In this episode, we discuss:

• What is anxiety?
• The emotional and physical symptoms of anxiety
• The commonality of anxiety: over 40 million Americans have an anxiety disorder.
• The types of anxiety disorder: Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Social Anxiety Disorder, Panic Disorder, Phobias
• The causes of anxiety: genetics vs. environmental
• How we've coped with our own anxiety:
• Tip #1 -- Talk To Someone
• Tip #2 -- Exercise
• Tip #3 -- Meditation
• Tip #4 --Creating a decompression routine
• Tip #5 --Expressive Art
• Lastly, we talk about medication and how that can be an option for managing anxiety.

END OF SHOW

This week, Corinne and Natalie rate the McBride Sisters Collection Black Girl Magic California Rose 2019 against Yara Shahidi.

McBride Sisters Collection Black Girl Magic California Rose 2019 : 7.5/Yara Shahidi

To wrap up the episode, Corinne and Natalie play Unpopular Opinion. Natalie reveals that she's never seen an Avengers movie, while Corinne reveals summer is her least favorite season.

If you have any questions, feel free to DM us @AmIDoingThisRightPod or email us [email protected]

Don't forget to rate and review!

What's the best way to meet your future financial goals? This week, we breakdown the differences between savings and investment accounts. We'll reveal which accounts are best suited for your goals -- all while enjoying a crisp Riesling.

Our Hosts:

Corinne Foxx - @corinnefoxx

Natalie McMillan - @nataliemcm

What we're drinking: 2014 Chehalem Ridgecrest Vineyard Riesling Sext

INTRO

Natalie goes into detail about her recent furniture-assembling woes and how her brother's assistance lead to disaster. Corinne thanks her boyfriend for his handy furniture-building skills. Corinne recommends Task Rabbit to Natalie. Corinne and Natalie hint at Natalie's recent prison paintings, which will be discussed next week.

TOPIC

What's the best way to meet your future financial goals? This week, we breakdown the differences between saving and investment accounts. We'll reveal which accounts are best suited for your goals -- all while enjoying a crisp Riesling.

In this episode, we discuss:

• The similarities between saving and investment accounts
• How you can start a savings or investment account
• The key attributes of savings accounts
• The low risk factor, hitting short term goals quickly, liquidity and loss of purchasing power.
• The key attributes of investment accounts
• The higher risk factor, fluctuating liquidity, beating inflation.
• Our recommendations for the best accounts for your personal goals
• Saving accounts -- best for short term goals
• Investment accounts -- best for long term goals

END OF SHOW

This week, Corinne and Natalie rate the 2014 Chehalem Ridgecrest Vineyard Riesling Sext against Blake Griffin

2014 Chehalem Ridgecrest Vineyard Riesling Sext : 7/Blake Griffin

To wrap up the episode, Corinne and Natalie play a quick round of More Context. The pair detail their infamous trip to New Orleans and a crazy absinthe trip.

If you have any questions, feel free to DM us @AmIDoingThisRightPod or email us [email protected]

Don't forget to rate and review!

This week, we delve into the pros and cons of living with alone vs. living with roommates. Both scenarios offer their own unique challenges, but also unique benefits. So if you’re deciding between the two OR you just want tips on how to maximize each experience, we’re here for you.

Our Hosts:

Corinne Foxx - @corinnefoxx

Natalie McMillan - @nataliemcm

What we're drinking: Ashes and Diamonds Rose #4

INTRO

Corinne surprises Natalie with a t-shirt from their favorite band, The 1975. They open up about their love-hate relationship with The 1975 and how they've travelled across the country to see them perform live.

TOPIC

Corinne and Natalie come from two different worlds; Corinne has always lived with roommates and Natalie has primarily lived alone. Both scenarios offer their own unique challenges and advantages. If you’re deciding between the two OR you just want tips on how to maximize each experience, we’re here for you.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Why would you choose to have roommates or to live alone?
• For example, they discuss how rent costs are a major factor for living with roommates, while privacy is a major factor for living alone.
• The benefits of living alone vs. the benefits of living with roommates
• The cons of living alone vs. the cons of living with roommates
• For example, they discuss how reliability could be a major con for living with roommates, while loneliness could be a major con for living alone.
• Their tips and tricks for maximizing your housing experience.
• Like, choosing the right roommate, taking safety precautions, being mindful of your mental health, and how to ask for privacy.

END OF SHOW

This week, Corinne and Natalie rate the Ashes and Diamonds Rose #4 against Canadian Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau.

Ashes and Diamonds Rose #4 : 8.5 /Justin Trudeau

To wrap up the episode, Corinne and Natalie play a quick round of 200 questions. Natalie answers, "What makes a good life?" -- while Corinne answers, "Who has impressed you most with what they've accomplished?"

If you want to play 200 questions, you can find the link here.

If you have any questions, feel free to DM us @AmIDoingThisRightPod or email us [email protected]

It's time to give the "period talk" a makeover. Long gone are the days of crunchy pads and chemical-laced tampons. This week, our hosts refresh everything we've learned about periods and break it down for the 21st century woman - all while sipping a rich & fruity Cabernet.

Our Hosts:

Corinne Foxx - @corinnefoxx

Natalie McMillan - @nataliemcm

What we're drinking: 2016 Merryvale Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley

INTRO

Corinne chats with Natalie about her recent natural hair journey. Corinne discusses the importance of normalizing curly hair as beautiful in media. Off that, Natalie recommends Tracee Ellis Ross's haircare line, which is dedicated to curly hair.

TOPIC

This week, we decided to revamp the “period talk." It's 2020 and a lot has changed when it comes to tackling that time of the month. We asked ourselves, how would we change the “period talk?” What would we recommend to each other? What questions do we still have?

In this episode, we discuss:

FEMALE WELLNESS PRODUCTS

• Menstrual cups, like Diva Cup
• Subscription services, like Lola
• Period underwear, like Thinx
• Other female wellness products, like Love Wellness, that provide other products like PH-balanced wipes and boric acid suppositories
• We also discuss the importance of quality products and how chemical-filled products are a danger to our vaginal health.

PAIN MANAGEMENT

• We knock down the "tough it out" mentality that we've been taught
• We discuss how birth control can be used a pain management strategy
• We reference CBD suppositories as another pain management tool, like the brand Foria Wellness
• We discuss TENS devices and how they can be used as a therapeutic tool. Corinne talks about her experience with Livia.
• Acupuncture as a pain management strategy
• We also discuss when pain is normal and not normal, and when to see a doctor about your pain.

UNANSWERED QUESTIONS

Corinne and Natalie answer some lingering questions that they still have about periods, like:

• What are periods poops?
• What is the bleeding you experience while you're on the pill?
• What are clotting disorders?
• What is cycle synching?
• How do you get blood out of anything?

END OF SHOW

This week, Corinne and Natalie rate the 2016 Merryvale Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley against pop queen & business mogul Rihanna.

Natalie references Day Drinking with Seth and Rihanna.

Hottie Of The Week: Rihanna

2016 Merryvale Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley: 9/Rihanna

To wrap up the episode, Corinne and Natalie play "Who'd You Rather?" Natalie must decide between Nick Jonas and Joe Jonas. Corinne must choose between Mike Meyers as The Cat In The Hat and Jim Carrey as The Grinch.

Follow the podcast on Instagram: @amidoingthisrightpod

Email us a life question to: [email protected]

Don't forget to rate and review!

This week, our hosts explore the confusing process of filing for unemployment. From eligibility to receiving your benefits, Corinne and Natalie break down everything you should know about unemployment insurance, all while enjoying a glass of red wine.

Our Hosts:

Corinne Foxx - @corinnefoxx

Natalie McMillan - @nataliemcm

What we're drinking: 2016 DeLille Roofline Red Blend

INTRO

Corinne discusses her reservations about living alone, while Natalie hypes her up. Natalie reveals the benefits of talking to her plants and her secret to keeping them alive: crystals. Corinne considers getting her first dog and Natalie explains her deep love for her own pup, Zeppelin.

In this episode, Natalie talks about her recent experience reading The Alchemist.

TOPIC

2020 is a unique and confusing time. During this year, the United States has experienced the highest unemployment rate in recent history. Before this year, the highest number of unemployment filings was 696,000 during the week of October 2, 1982. During the last week of March 2020, we reached a new high at 6.6 million. 

What Is Unemployment Insurance?

Unemployment Insurance - Started in 1935, unemployment insurance temporarily replaces a portion of wages for workers who have been laid off, as long as they’re looking and available for work.

What are my benefits and how long do they last? - Benefits vary state by state, BUT normally it provides 26 weeks of benefits to unemployed workers and, on average, replaces half of the worker’s previous wages.

What was the CARES Act? Because more people lose jobs during economic downturns, there is room for economic stimulus’ to these programs based on the severity of the recession. I.E. coronavirus or the CARES ACT $2 trillion stimulus package 

What is unemployment insurance vs. unemployment? Despite confusion, unemployment insurance and unemployment benefits are the same thing.

Where Does Unemployment Money Come From?

The U.S Department of Labor’s Unemployment Insurance program is funded through taxes paid by state and federal government. This is often-discussed payroll taxes all employers pay.

The rate is 6% of the first $7,000 of each employee’s wages. This rate is called FUTA ( Federal Unemployment Tax Act).

There are only three states that ask employees to contribute to unemployment insurance: New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Arkansas 

Federal vs. State Contributions - Unemployment is a “joint” compensation program between the federal and state governments.. US department of labor oversees the system, but overall it is mandated state by state and is run according to state laws. For example, each state gives a different amount of unemployment benefits. States also have a ton of flexibility in determining what benefits they can/will offer.

Replacement Rates - Hawaii’s UI average replacement rate of 55 percent was the highest, while D.C.’s average replacement rate of 21 percent was the lowest. Replacement rate is the amount of your wages lost that is being replaced by unemployment insurance, example is if your weekly wages were $1,000, and you lived in Hawaii, you would be covered for $550 a week.

We recommend knowing your states benefits and replacement rates, individually. We also recommend that you watch what is happening with unemployment federally. For example, right now, there’s an additional $600 stimulus to all claims made during this time. However, this could change at any moment.

How Do I Know If I'm Eligible?

To be eligible for unemployment, you must be:

• Totally or partially unemployed.
• Such as layoff or furlough, you are not eligible if you quit
• Define furlough: temporary layoff with the promise of returning to your job when operations begin /when you’re able to. You are not paid but you keep your benefits. 
• Fed gov allowing for more wiggle room here, example: 
• An employer temporarily ceases operations due to COVID-19, preventing employees from coming to work;
• An individual leaves employment due to a risk of exposure or infection or to care for a family member
• Unemployed through no fault of your own.
• Coronavirus, etc. but also injury, sickness, etc. 
• Physically able to work.
• Available for work.
• Ready and willing to accept work immediately.
• Per your state, meeting the required amount of time worked.
• There are requirements by your states whether the amount of money you previously made or the amount of time you previously worked to become eligible

How Do I Apply For Unemployment?

1. Contact your state’s unemployment insurance program (or go to their website)

2. File a claim:

• You can file a claim with the state that you worked in. (You can file a claim on the website usually). If you’ve worked in multiple states, you can reach out to the state unemployment office of the state that you live in to help you file claims in other states. 
• Visit the Department of Labor's website.
• When you’re filing your claim, you will get an option to have federal tax withheld. 
• What does this mean? The money you receive from unemployment insurance is taxable income. Therefore, when you go to pay your taxes, you’ll have to pay the federal government on that income. You can either pay now or pay later. I suggest that clicking “yes” to this button so you don’t have any surprises at tax time. 

3. Prepare the information needed:

• Address, dates of prior employment, wages from prior employment

I've Applied For Unemployment, What Should I Expect?

It generally takes two to three weeks after you file your claim to receive your first benefit check/direct transfer.

The amount of money you receive is based off your previous income and your state's replacement rate, plus the tier that you are in. 

• So my unemployment amount could be different than my friends based on my own income, etc.
• Your amount is individually calculated by your income and based on your state’s benefits.

You can receive a check OR a debit card.

• Once you receive your debit card, you need to activate the card and set a pin. 
• Right now most states are using this debit card method
• You can use the card as normal, including ATM withdrawals
• You can set your card up for a direct deposit to your personal checking or savings if you want to

Depending on your state, you will need to reapply for benefits (aka “certifying your continued benefits”) on a weekly (or every two weeks) basis to ensure that you still meet all requirements for eligibility. If you don’t reapply even for one week, your benefits will cease. 

The End of Unemployment

Your goal during this time is find employment again. Natalie explains that when you reapply for unemployment, you check a box that says you will take the job, if you are offered one.

End Of Show

This week, Corinne and Natalie rate the 2016 DeLille Roofline Red Blend against super-sexy, statuesque, rapper, A$AP Rocky.

Hottie Of The Week: A$AP Rocky

2016 DeLille Roofline Red Blend: 8.7/A$AP Rocky

To wrap up the episode, Corinne and Natalie play "More Context." They share a story about their experience at a house party with Drake, when they were only teenagers.

Follow the podcast on Instagram: @amidoingthisrightpod

Email us a life question to: [email protected]

Don't forget to rate and review!

How do you take a passion project and turn it into a profitable side hustle? This week, we discuss the journey from novice to artisan. We'll give you actionable first steps that you can take towards growing your side hustle. This episode comes paired with a glass of Sauvignon Blanc. 

Our Hosts:

Corinne Foxx - @corinnefoxx

Natalie McMillan - @nataliemcm

What We're Drinking: Freemark Abbey Sauvignon Blanc 2018

INTRO

While enjoying their Sauvignon Blanc, Corinne and Natalie discuss how they spent their weekends. Corinne talks about her recent 12-hour road trip to the Redwoods. Natalie recaps her recent experience using a wax pot, her failed attempts at self-tanning, and how she gave herself a hickey.

Lastly, Natalie talks about her recent dating profile song choice: Who Let The Dogs Out vs. Aaron’s Party. 

TOPIC

A lot of people are experimenting with crafts and trying new hobbies right now. From tie dying shirts to beaded bracelets to homemade candles, it seems as though many novices are turning into artisans. We want to help budding small businesses take the first steps towards creating a solid side hustle. 

STEP #1 CLEAR INTENTIONS

The first and most important step towards hustling your hobby is having a clear intention. You need to pinpoint exactly what your side hustle will be and be specific about it. If you’re a blogger, what will you blog about? If you’re selling a product, what is the product? Do you need a name? Or will you sell under your name?

The other side of clear intentions is about being realistic with yourself: How many hours a week do you want to dedicate to it? How will you balance your real job and your side hustle? What are your goals for the side hustle?

Specificity and expectations are the building blocks of clear intentions.

STEP #2 RESEARCH YOUR CRAFT & SPACE

RESEARCHING YOUR CRAFT

If you’re going to do something, do it well. For example, if you want to make candles, research how to actually make them. You should research how to do your craft, how to do it cost-efficiently and how to do it consciously. Before you can call yourself an artisan, you need to research your craft and its space. 

RESEARCHING YOUR SPACE

You should research your competitors, people that you admire in your space, what your craft's market landscape looks like, etc. You should be aware if people are making similar products to you. Then, you can decide how you will make you and your craft stand out.

RESEARCHING YOUR MATERIALS

This step is often overlooked. You need to research what materials and supplies you'll need to create your craft. If you want to start a YouTube channel, you'll need things like a camera and lights. If you want to tie dye t-shirts, you'll need to account for the costs of the dyes and shirts.

Natalie discusses the surprisingly high costs of shipping. This is something that you should take into consideration, before you begin to market your craft.

Corinne discusses how she was blindsided by the high costs of creating a website. She talks about how you should be prepared for the price of hiring a graphic designer, if you choose.

RESEARCHING TECHNIQUES

A great resource for researching is social media. YouTube, Instagram, Pinterest and Tik Tok are all great resources for you to research your craft and your space. Also, don't feel afraid to reach out to people on social media that you admire.

STEP #3 JUST DO IT

This is often the hardest step to take. Corinne and Natalie discuss how they've overcame imposter syndrome and the things that held them back from starting their businesses initially.

Corinne and Natalie reference the motivational speech from Shia Labeouf as funny inspiration for getting started on your side hustle.

The best way to get started is to "just do it." It sounds simple, because it is. The first step is always the hardest. Buy a domain name. Open an Etsy shop. Buy supplies. Take pictures of your products.

In this episode, Natalie talks about her first step of opening an Etsy shop. It's a great place to start selling crafted items.

STEP #4 KEEP IT FUN

Having a side hustle isn't worth it if you're not enjoying the process. Take the pressure off the business being a success overnight. One of our favorite parts of having our own side hustles has been the learning process, so embrace mistakes.

Something to keep in mind: Don't expect a side hustle to be your main source of income. Unless you're ready to make the leap from side hustle to main hustle, allow your side hustle to have room for error and for learning curves.

END OF SHOW

This week, Corinne and Natalie are rating the Freemark Abbey Sauvignon Blanc 2018 against early 2000s bad boy turned rebel royal, Prince Harry.

Hottie Of The Week: Prince Harry

Freemark Abbey Sauvignon Blanc 2018: 6/Prince Harry

To wrap up, Corinne and Natalie reveal their unpopular opinions: Corinne reveals that she does not believe anyone actually likes salad, while Natalie reveals that she doesn't like avocados.

Follow the podcast on Instagram: @amidoingthisrightpod

Email us a life question to: [email protected]

Don't forget to rate and review!

This week, we tackle one of the most important building blocks of adulthood: having good credit. But first and foremost, what the hell even is credit? Our hosts examine the ins and outs of establishing good credit, while enjoying an Oregon-coast Pinot Noir. 

Our hosts:

Corinne Foxx - @corinnefoxx

Natalie McMillan - @nataliemcm

What were drinking this episode: Drouhin Oregon Roserock 2016 Pinot Noir

Intro -

Corinne and Natalie catch up and discuss what they've been watching lately. Corinne reveals that she's been re-watching Twilight. They each reveal if they're Team Edward or Team Jacob.

In the episode, Natalie references Robert Pattinson's GQ Interview and its hilarity.

Topic -

Why we're passionate about understanding credit: It's a modern day resume to get things that you want and need. Especially during this time, people are relying on credit more than ever. Also, credit is something that affects everyone regardless of socio-economic status.

Definitions -

CREDIT - The ability of a customer to obtain goods or services before payment, based on the trust that payment will be made in the future.

CREDIT SCORE - Your financial health is often expressed by one number: your credit score. It’s a number between 300-850 that depicts your creditworthiness. The higher the number, the more attractive you are as a borrower. 

• HOW IT’S USED: getting an apartment, a car, “big ticket items”, nowadays they run credit when you get a job ( this shows your trustworthiness)

Benefits to having good credit:

Your credit score can be used to lower your auto loan percentage. Also, your mortgage loan percentage is based on credit score. Nowadays, it can affect getting the job that you want. A good credit score can help get you better credit cards, which can lead to accruing points with additional benefits (like travel).

Managing Credit -

• Five Ways To Build Your Credit Score: 
• 1. A credit card (secured card, store card, bank card)
• 2. Auto loans (buy or lease)
• 3. Multiple lines of credit
• 4. Credit utilization rate
• 5. Paying off your credit card (be aware of interest, can pay minimum if funds aren’t available, set up automatic payments, use extra cash to pay off cards, creditors are reporting every month to bureaus how much you’re paying off of your card)
• Five Common Mistakes People Make:
• 1. Paying late (sometimes a day or one week is okay, but the biggest mistake is 30 days late, you’ll take a huge hit and you’ll have to wait 7 years for the missed payment to be removed)
• 2. Only paying the minimum, when you can pay more
• 3. Utilizing too much credit (credit limit $1000, you’re always at $950)
• 4. Not paying medical bills will go on your credit
• 5. Not getting a credit card

Checking Your Credit -

You can go to www.annualcreditreport.com

The government says that you’re entitled to checking your credit once a year. You can choose between Equifax, Experian, Transunion. You can get one, all three or spread it out over the year.

FICO score: A credit monitoring service to check credit score myfico.com ($112 a year), alerts you if someone opens a new account, notifies you if credit score goes up by 10 pts or down by 10 pts.

MYTH: Checking your credit lowers your credit score. Back in the day, this was true. But, checking your credit score does not affect your credit now.

Wine rating and hottie of the week: Post Malone

This week, Corinne and Natalie rate the Roserock 2016 Pinot Noir against rap-legend and Natalie's future baby daddy, Post Malone.

Roserock 2016 Pinot Noir: 7/Post Malone

End of show:

To wrap up, Corinne and Natalie play Who'd You Rather. Natalie asks Corinne: Hulk Hogan vs. Nacho Libre. Corinne asks Natalie: Shia Labeouf vs. Post Malone.

Follow the podcast on Instagram, @amidoingthisrightpod

Email us a life question to: [email protected]

On this episode, 

You’ll meet the Am I Doing This Right? hosts, Corinne Foxx and Natalie McMillan. They’re best friends, millennials, confidants, business owners and don’t have a clue what they’re doing: 

Corinne Foxx, @corinnefoxx - An actress, model, mental health advocate, and CEO of the lifestyle platform, Foxxtales. With her toes dipped in many different ventures, she has gained insight into several industries. When she’s not balancing her busy schedule, Corinne has to manage the pressure of being the one woman show behind her company, Foxxtales. Her bright, fun, and authentic presence makes these life “how to’s” feel less intimidating and more relatable. 

Natalie McMillan, @nataliemcm - An artist, jewelry designer, and owner of Natalie McMillan, her namesake brand. After graduating college and launching her small business, she began navigating business ownership in addition to the uncertainties of her mid-late 20’s. Her incredible humor and infectious laugh adds comedic relief to the dread of juggling life’s ups and downs. Follow Natalie’s business, @shopnataliemcmillan

What we’re drinking this episode: 2017 Pomelo Sauvignon Blanc

What we’re talking about this episode: Working From Home

Working from home sounds easy, until it isn’t. We’ll deep dive into how to transition from a traditional 9-5 lifestyle to a more relaxed, yet somehow more chaotic, work from home business style. 

Corinne and Natalie have both worked from home for years. So while they say they’re “non-experts”, they might actually be experts on this one. 

They’ve compiled years of working from home to create five essential keys to working from home:

5 Keys To Successful Working From Home:

1. Structuring Your Day
2. Dress For The Job You Have 
3. Clocking Out
4. Creating Your Perfect Work Environment
5. Knowing the Unique Challenges of Your Household

Wine rating and hottie of the week:

This week, Corinne and Natalie rate the 2017 Pompelo Sauvignon Blanc against mega-hottie, Marvel superhero and the hero of our hearts, Chris Evans. 

- 2017 Pompelo Sauvignon Blanc: 9/Chris Evans

End of show game: 

Corinne and Natalie play Would You Rather? Corinne asks Natalie, “Would you rather spend a day with Carol Baskin, Joe Exotic or a tiger?” While Natalie asks Corinne, “Would you rather have an annoying song stuck in your head or only eat at an Applebee’s for the rest for life?”

Follow us on Instagram @amidoingthisrightpod

Email us at [email protected]

Am I Doing This Right? is a life "how to" podcast from the perspective of non-experts. Everything from filing your first tax return to buying your first home, our hosts, Corinne Foxx and Natalie McMillan, are here to "unofficially" answer all your questions. A glass of wine (or two) makes this life “how to” podcast feel more like casual, after-work drinks with your best friend than a lengthy lecture. 

First episode airs Tuesday 8/18!

Follow us on Instagram: @amidoingthisrightpod

Have a life question? We might have an answer! Email your question to: [email protected]

Don't forget to rate and review!