Basic Training

Chris is host of DIY Networks "Yard Crashers" and appears with Peyton on HGTV's "Going Yard" where they transform backyards, one house at a time.  Steve talks with Chris and Peyton about:

- Easy yard projects that give homes the biggest bang for their buck

- Starting small and building out when it comes to yard projects

- Picking plants and planning for long term for your yard

- What their audience doesn’t always get to see on TV

- How to decide what to plant for your local community

Are you promotion material?  Business consultant Susan Steinbrecher talks with Steve about the things you should be doing right now to maximize your chances of taking a huge step forward on your career path!

You need a raise!  But you've probably been too afraid or too cautious to ask.  That's where we come in.  Steve talks with author and negotiation expert Linda Swindling about the right way to ask for a raise.

You're out on your own after college and now that first paycheck is starting to burn a hole in your pocket!  Before you get the urge to spend it all, listen as Steve talks with Jamie Blum, Sr. Financial Consultant at Charles Schwab, about how to make good financial decision from the very beginning of your working life.

We talk with Dallas Central Appraisal District's Cheryl Jordan about how to save money on your property taxes.  We'll talk about why the appraisal district is NOT out to get the highest price for your house, what exemptions are available and how to get them, and the best ways to get them to lower your appraised value!

How to research a good, reputable, building contractor.

We talk with The Good Contractors List founder and CEO John Hill about what everyone can learn from the criteria they use to screen contractors.

The number of "free-standing" emergency rooms has skyrocketed, leaving consumers with serious questions about the difference between emergency and urgent care and the huge difference in price between them.  Dr. Jay Woody, founder and Chief Medical Officer of LegacyER explains the differences.

"America's Money Answers Man" Jordan Goodman talks with Steve about credit cards, credit card debt, airline cards, and the one state that routinely has the lowest credit card interest rates.

North Texas often takes a beating from wind, hail, and rain and Steve Noviello has a Basic Training special to help you repair the damage while protecting your money! 

QUICK TIPS: 1. Assess damage and then make temporary repairs 2. Contact your insurance company immediately. 3. Choose contractor carefully - ask neighbors for recommendations, check online reviews. 4. Be cautious of paying anyone in cash. 5. Final payment or completion agreement should never be made until you are happy with the work.

Credit is a financial tool.  Debt is a financial problem.

Rod Griffin with credit reporting company Experian discusses what goes into your credit score and how banks and lenders use it to evaluate you.