The Federal Reserve cut interest rates a few weeks ago, and may extend those cuts further. Pat and Jesse take a look at what this could mean for the economy going forward, especially how it could affect retirees and how best to plan for it.
The Purpose Driven Retirement Podcast is the podcast version of the weekly radio show with Pat Couture and Jesse Becker, financial advisors with Keystone, an Eau Claire, Wisconsin based firm. The program takes a look at topics related to retirement planning and the necessary areas to cover in putting together plans which are individually tailored to suit the needs to any particular individual or couple.

Presented by Fries Financial Group

The McDonell Macks brought home the WIAA Eight-PlayerFootball Championship this Fall and the head coach Mark Maloney joins us for this episode.  He takes us through thewhirlwind championship tour the team went on through town and the state.  We gain insight into the adversity the teamovercame and when it all seemed the click.  The importance of the leadership of 14 seniors and the lessons learned.

We also get an education on the differences between “8-Player” and the regular “11-Player” football people are accustomed to seeing.

The number one concern amongst parents across the country is a fear of bullying at schools.  Altoona Middle School Guidance Counselor Kaitlyn Ingrebretsen and the Middle School Dean of Students Kyle Rundquist go in depth on the topic from a local lens. What defines bullying?  Is the perception its increasing accurate?  The role bystanderscan appropriately play and how does the school teach proper behaviors.

In Altoona, how does the school proceed when someone feelsthey’ve been bullied?

Longtime area business owner, Natasha Plank-Ottum knowsintimately the strain of healthcare on employees and employers.  Costs cut into business growth and employee paychecks.  As such, she has become an advocatefor Advancing Free Market Healthcare, a group of employers who are working to raise awareness among policymakers on the impacts rising costs are having.

Dr. Usher and her discuss some roadblocks employers face and what practical things that can be done when it comes to providing healthcare coverage to employees.

In this episode we chat with a Boys and Girls Club staffmember who literally grew up at the Black River Falls center.  Keisha Matthews is currently the BRF location’s Assistant Center Director, who went from being a kid hanging around after school to now guiding the next generation. She is also a parent who placed her own child in the program.

Along the way, we learn how she once helped to win a $5kprize from Nickelodeon for her club 20 years ago!

Scott says why this really is the best UWEC MBB team in25 years, what Sunday’s crowd at the Sonnentag tells us about attendance potential with UWEC athletics and why what’s happening 45 minutes west in D3 footballis cause for optimism locally

This week Dan starts by talking about the upcoming holiday break scheduled for the podcast but the store staying open except for Christmas Day and New Years. He encourages people to stop by Marc On Shooting with new store organization and new membership pricing in the new year. They’ll also be offering remote classes and going to smaller communities around Wisconsin to do firearms and/or conceal and carry classes.

He recommends the podcast “Good Vibes” with Clark and Ryan created by a friend.

Dan addresses raids done in Wausau and Ashland and backlash against Federal ICE agents. He compares illegal immigration to cyber crimes or robberies with no physical

harm but still being considered federal crimes.

He emphasizes the importance of training younger US citizens to be productive members of society. He explains that observing other kids is frustrating when they require special treatment or being unaware of their surroundings.

He ends the episode by telling listeners to come visit the store over the rest of winter during the podcast’s holiday break.

The band DALLAHAN brings their blend of jazz, funk and popto the Heyde Center on Thursday January 15th.  On this episode, we talk with three of the band members, Benedict (fiddler), Ciarans (banjo) and Jack (guitarist andsinger) to learn more about the band, their influences and more.

The band has been together for over a decade, winningnumerous awards in the UK, with a collection of mostly original music that they call “world” music as it has pieces of many genres and cultures.

In this episode of Money Donuts, the hosts are joined by a special guest to dive into the financial realities of raising kids. From diapers to college tuition, the crew explores the various expenses parents face and offer tips on how to manage these costs effectively. Join us as we discuss the hidden costs, unexpected expenses, and strategies to help keep your family’s finances on track.

Christmas time provides the perfect opportunity to take a look at the ultimate winter sport...hockey; and where things stand with the NHL season