In this episode of the Cashology Podcast, Justin sits down with Esmé Ramos, a seasoned banking professional with 16 years of experience, to discuss effective strategies for managing student loan debt. Drawing from her expertise as a branch manager of one of FNBO's busiest locations, Esmé shares seven practical approaches to tackle not just student loans, but any type of loan debt.

The conversation explores various debt management strategies, from making extra payments and refinancing for better terms to setting up automatic payments and implementing biweekly payment schedules. Esmé emphasizes the importance of prioritizing high-interest loans and maintaining regular financial check-ups with trusted advisors. The discussion also touches on creative ways to boost income for debt repayment while maintaining a healthy work-life balance.

Throughout the episode, Esmé's passion for helping clients achieve their financial goals shines through, as she provides actionable advice that can be customized to individual situations and financial circumstances.

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In this episode of the Cashology Podcast, Justin welcomes Keri Mallory, Branch Manager at FNBO, for an insightful discussion on a foundational financial concept: net worth. Keri breaks down what net worth is, why it’s important, and how to calculate it by understanding your assets and liabilities. She also shares real-life examples to show how tracking your net worth can serve as a financial compass, helping you stay on course toward your goals.

Learn how to assess your financial health, set achievable savings goals, and avoid common pitfalls like focusing too narrowly on one aspect of your finances. Whether you’re looking to start your financial journey or refine your strategy, this episode offers practical advice to help you take control of your net worth and plan for the future.

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In this episode of the Cashology Podcast, Justin sits down with Julia Conover, Branch Manager at FNBO, to discuss a simple yet powerful budgeting tool: the 80/20 rule. Julia walks us through how this method prioritizes 20% of your after-tax income for savings, while the remaining 80% covers everything else. This flexible approach to budgeting can be easier to follow than the more detailed 50/20/30 method and works well for individuals who prefer not to overthink spending.

Learn practical ways to stay committed to saving by setting up multiple savings accounts, automating your savings contributions, and regularly reassessing your financial goals. Whether you’re looking to build savings or just want a simpler approach to managing your budget, this episode might help you feel more in control of your financial future.

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In this episode of the Cashology Podcast, Chris Turner, FNBO's Community Reinvestment Act officer, joins us. Chris shares her extensive background in banking and her passion for teaching financial literacy, driven by her experiences as a mother and professional. She discusses the concerning state of financial literacy in the U.S., highlighting a statistic that two-thirds of American adults can't pass a basic financial literacy test and more.

Chris and Justin explore the importance of financial education starting at a young age, and discuss the proactive steps FNBO is taking to address this issue, including partnering with schools and organizations like Junior Achievement to teach real-life financial skills. 

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In addition, you can refer to these sites for free financial education resources:

• Junior Achievement -  www.jausa.ja.org
• American Bankers Association's Teach Kids to Save - www.aba.com  
• Khan Academy -  https://www.khanacademy.org/
• FDIC's Money Smart - www.fdic.gov 

It’s time to discuss meal planning with Elyse Lyons, the Savvy Sagittarius. Elyse, celebrated for her no-spend challenges, shares her expertise in meal planning, which she describes as a crucial step toward financial wellness. She explains how meal planning not only helps to reduce grocery bills—one of the most flexible parts of anyone's budget—but also significantly cuts down food waste and prevents impulse buying. 

Throughout the discussion, Elyse provides actionable tips, such as checking one's weekly schedule to align meal preparation with actual available time, and suggests practical tools like digital grocery lists to streamline the process. Learn about using meal planning to foster healthier eating habits, save money, and enjoy stress-free dinners at home. Whether you're a busy parent or merely wanting to be more budget-conscious, Elyse's strategies promise to transform how you approach mealtime and manage your finances.

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In this Cashology Podcast, Justin welcomes back Elyse Lyons, also known as The Savvy Sagittarius, to discuss the empowering concept of "No Spend Months." Elyse shares her unique approach to these financial challenges and discusses how no-spend months have not only boosted her savings but also enriched her life by encouraging more meaningful engagements with family and friends. Throughout the episode, Elyse provides practical tips for preparing and succeeding in no-spend challenges, such as closely examining past spending habits and making bulk purchases to cut down on non-essential expenses. This episode is packed with insights on turning financial limitations into opportunities for growth, making it a must-listen for anyone looking to take control of their spending and enhance their financial wellness.

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In this episode of the Cashology® Podcast, Justin is joined by Elyse Lyons, also known as the "Queen of the No-Spend Months" and the creator behind The Savvy Sagittarius. Elyse shares her compelling debt-free journey, revealing how a simple need for a vehicle spiraled into $34,000 of debt, which she resolved through relentless dedication, including multiple jobs and side hustles. As a single mom and military veteran, Elyse's story is not only about overcoming financial burdens but also about the emotional and psychological aspects of managing money. 

This episode delves into effective strategies like the debt snowball method, the importance of realistic budgeting, and how understanding personal finance can be transformative. Elyse also touches on the challenges of financial education and offers practical tips for immediate financial improvement, making this a must-listen for anyone looking to enhance their financial literacy and gain control over their finances.

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You’ve heard of the five love languages: words of affirmation, physical touch, acts of service, quality time and gifts. We might use them all, but everyone has a dominant way they relate to others.

Everyone has a dominant way they relate to MONEY, too. Their ‘money personality,’ if you will. This could be learned from our parents or formed by our own life experiences. Learning about your money personality can help you discover more about yourself, and create a sound relationship between you and your finances.

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It’s almost never too early to start teaching your kids about money. Some key lessons about saving can start as early as two years old. These lessons and the habits they develop will last a lifetime. More valuable than money itself, teaching them about money, and how to save it, can be invaluable. 

Do we start when they’re two? Five? Thirteen?  Let’s dive in and find out in this episode.

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Are you into goal setting – but looking for something a little MORE inspirational than a written list?

A financial vision board can be a creative way to identify and think through your goals. Usually a collage of images that represent your goals and aspirations, A financial vision board can help you focus on aligning your money with where you want to be in the future. And…it can be fun to put together.

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