First Sip

First Sip

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First Sip episodes

  • Can Your Income Keep Up With Today’s Housing Costs? - New Realtor.com Report Says No | Ep. 134

    Watch the full episode on YouTube!

    Are home prices, mortgage rates, and income out of sync? In this episode, I break down Realtor.com's latest housing affordability report and what the 30% rule means in 2025.

    From Los Angeles to Philadelphia, I went over where homeowners still have a fighting chance, and what the government is doing to help. If you're feeling priced out or planning to buy, this one's for you.

    Subscribe to the newsletter, First Sip Weekly - for show updates, and weekly breakdowns that turn complex economic news into realistic moves you can make today!

    Chapters
    00:00 The Current Housing Market Crisis
    02:45 Regional Affordability Disparities
    06:03 Potential Solutions and Assistance Programs
    08:47 The Future of Homeownership and Crypto Assets

    What did you think about this episode?

    --------------------------------
    🎙️ Get a quick weekly read on business and money that breaks down what’s changing and what it could mean for you.

    In First Sip Weekly, I share stories worth knowing about, and lessons from building my business that you can apply to your own work and decisions.

    Subscribe here: https://firstsipweekly.beehiiv.com/

    CONNECT WITH DEKIMBE: 

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    12 min
  • Fed Freeze Explained: Why the Fed Won’t Cut Rates Yet | Ep. 133

    Federal Reserve news... rate cuts... mortgages... credit cards. In this episode we tackle the big question: Why isn’t the Fed cutting interest rates yet, and how does that choice hit your wallet right now?

    Subscribe to the newsletter, First Sip Weekly - for show updates, and weekly breakdowns that turn complex economic news into realistic moves you can make today!

    Chapters:
    00:00 Federal Reserve's Decision on Interest Rates
    02:46 Impact of Tariffs on the Economy
    05:59 Consumer Confidence and Spending
    08:48 Managing Personal Finances in a Stagnant Rate Environment

    What did you think about this episode?

    --------------------------------
    🎙️ Get a quick weekly read on business and money that breaks down what’s changing and what it could mean for you.

    In First Sip Weekly, I share stories worth knowing about, and lessons from building my business that you can apply to your own work and decisions.

    Subscribe here: https://firstsipweekly.beehiiv.com/

    CONNECT WITH DEKIMBE: 

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    For podcast sponsorship & advertising opportunities please contact: [email protected]

    13 min
  • Can Trump Get The Fed To Cut Rates? | Ep. 132

     Trump wants a massive rate cut, but will the Fed actually do it? In this episode, I break down the 2025 interest rate debate, why Trump is pressing Powell, and what it all means for your money. 

    Chapters
    00:00 The Fed's Dilemma: Interest Rates and Economic Growth
    02:57 Trump vs. Powell: The Political Pressure on the Fed
    05:53 The Impact of Rate Cuts on the Economy
    08:58 Navigating Financial Decisions in Uncertain Times

    What did you think about this episode?

    --------------------------------
    🎙️ Get a quick weekly read on business and money that breaks down what’s changing and what it could mean for you.

    In First Sip Weekly, I share stories worth knowing about, and lessons from building my business that you can apply to your own work and decisions.

    Subscribe here: https://firstsipweekly.beehiiv.com/

    CONNECT WITH DEKIMBE: 

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    FOLLOW THE PODCAST:

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    For podcast sponsorship & advertising opportunities please contact: [email protected]

    12 min
  • Homebuyers Have Been Waiting For This - 2025 Housing Market Update | Ep. 131

    Is the housing market finally turning in 2025? 

    Welcome back Family! This week I’m answering that question as I break down what the latest real estate data actually means for renters and first-time buyers, including shifts in home prices, inventory trends, and whether this could be the moment you’ve been waiting for.

    We’ll explore the root causes of today’s frustrating market conditions, what recent changes say about where things are headed, and what you should really focus on before deciding to rent or buy.

    Thank you for listening and as always, enjoy your first sip! 🙏🏾☕️



    What did you think about this episode?

    --------------------------------
    🎙️ Get a quick weekly read on business and money that breaks down what’s changing and what it could mean for you.

    In First Sip Weekly, I share stories worth knowing about, and lessons from building my business that you can apply to your own work and decisions.

    Subscribe here: https://firstsipweekly.beehiiv.com/

    CONNECT WITH DEKIMBE: 

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    For podcast sponsorship & advertising opportunities please contact: [email protected]

    14 min
  • The Advice I Needed When I Couldn’t Pick a Direction | Ep.130

    Not sure which of your skills to lean into? You’re not alone. This episode is for the multi-talented but directionless. 

    In this episode, I talked about what it feels like to have a bunch of ideas or talents but still no clear plan. I break down how to stop overthinking, pick something to test, and start moving forward with confidence, even if you’re not 100% sure it’s the right move. You'll eventually realize that it isn’t about having it all figured out. It’s about using what you already have to build momentum and clarity over time. 

    What did you think about this episode?

    --------------------------------
    🎙️ Get a quick weekly read on business and money that breaks down what’s changing and what it could mean for you.

    In First Sip Weekly, I share stories worth knowing about, and lessons from building my business that you can apply to your own work and decisions.

    Subscribe here: https://firstsipweekly.beehiiv.com/

    CONNECT WITH DEKIMBE: 

    YouTube

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    FOLLOW THE PODCAST:

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    For podcast sponsorship & advertising opportunities please contact: [email protected]

    16 min
  • How Student Loan Debt Became a $1.6 Trillion Crisis | Ep. 129

    Student loan debt, wage garnishment, tax refund seizures... What happens now that student loan collections are back in full force? In this episode, I break down how student loan debt ballooned to over $1.6 trillion, why millions of borrowers are at risk today, and the new collection tactics being implemented in 2025.

    What did you think about this episode?

    --------------------------------
    🎙️ Get a quick weekly read on business and money that breaks down what’s changing and what it could mean for you.

    In First Sip Weekly, I share stories worth knowing about, and lessons from building my business that you can apply to your own work and decisions.

    Subscribe here: https://firstsipweekly.beehiiv.com/

    CONNECT WITH DEKIMBE: 

    YouTube

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    FOLLOW THE PODCAST:

    Instagram
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    For podcast sponsorship & advertising opportunities please contact: [email protected]

    13 min
  • What Happens When We Tax the World? | Ep. 128

    Welcome back family — in this episode, I break down Trump’s renewed push for tariffs and what it could mean for your wallet, mortgage rates, and the overall economy. Prices are rising, rates are swinging, and we’re all trying to figure out what to do next. If you’re preparing to buy a home, invest, or just want to stay informed, this one’s for you.

    What did you think about this episode?

    --------------------------------
    🎙️ Get a quick weekly read on business and money that breaks down what’s changing and what it could mean for you.

    In First Sip Weekly, I share stories worth knowing about, and lessons from building my business that you can apply to your own work and decisions.

    Subscribe here: https://firstsipweekly.beehiiv.com/

    CONNECT WITH DEKIMBE: 

    YouTube

    Instagram  

    Facebook 

    LinkedIn

    FOLLOW THE PODCAST:

    Instagram
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    For podcast sponsorship & advertising opportunities please contact: [email protected]

    17 min
  • How to Turn Your Skills Into Income (Without Starting Over) ft. Isaiah Gaymon | Ep. 127

    In this episode, Isaiah Gaymon and I talk about how trusting yourself, collaborating with the right people, and showing up for your community can open doors both personally and professionally. We get into what it really looks like to pivot careers, and turn your skills into income.

    What did you think about this episode?

    --------------------------------
    🎙️ Get a quick weekly read on business and money that breaks down what’s changing and what it could mean for you.

    In First Sip Weekly, I share stories worth knowing about, and lessons from building my business that you can apply to your own work and decisions.

    Subscribe here: https://firstsipweekly.beehiiv.com/

    CONNECT WITH DEKIMBE: 

    YouTube

    Instagram  

    Facebook 

    LinkedIn

    FOLLOW THE PODCAST:

    Instagram
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    For podcast sponsorship & advertising opportunities please contact: [email protected]

    1 hr 27 min
  • Will A Recession Crush The Housing Market? | Ep. 126

    Could a trade war lower home prices? 

    In this episode, I broke down how a trade war and recession could impact mortgage rates, home prices, and your financial future. With the economy facing uncertainty, I dive into why consumer confidence is shifting, what it means for the housing market, and how to prepare for potential rate cuts.

    00:00 - Could a Trade War Lower Home Prices?
    01:20 - Why Mortgage Rates Are Stuck
    03:57 - How a Recession Could Impact Home Buyers
    05:45 - Will there be a Recession 
    08:05 - Understanding Tariffs & Economic Risks
    10:05 - Using a High Yield Savings Account

    What did you think about this episode?

    --------------------------------
    🎙️ Get a quick weekly read on business and money that breaks down what’s changing and what it could mean for you.

    In First Sip Weekly, I share stories worth knowing about, and lessons from building my business that you can apply to your own work and decisions.

    Subscribe here: https://firstsipweekly.beehiiv.com/

    CONNECT WITH DEKIMBE: 

    YouTube

    Instagram  

    Facebook 

    LinkedIn

    FOLLOW THE PODCAST:

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    For podcast sponsorship & advertising opportunities please contact: [email protected]

    12 min
  • Building Financial Security: Practical Tips on Savings, Investments & Wealth Building ft. Chris Skutnik | Ep. 125

    Want to learn how to save money & build wealth?

    In this episode, I sat down with Certified Financial Planner, Chris Skutnik, to learn about smart ways to save, invest, and stay on track with your money. Chris shared tips on  how to make the most of employer matches, why saving regularly matters, and how to stay disciplined with your finances.

    Chapters
    00:00 Starting the Journey: The Importance of Early Investment
    10:07 Understanding Personal Finance: Savings vs. Investment Returns
    19:50 Navigating Market Changes: Strategies for Young Investors
    29:51 The Role of a Financial Coach: Overcoming Emotional Barriers
    30:16 Financial Discipline and Structure
    33:14 Emergency Funds and Wealth Building
    35:56 Investment Accounts Explained
    40:28 The Importance of Financial Guidance
    41:51 Child Planning and Education Savings
    44:56 Navigating Cryptocurrency Investments
    48:36 Self-Discipline and Long-Term Success

    What did you think about this episode?

    --------------------------------
    🎙️ Get a quick weekly read on business and money that breaks down what’s changing and what it could mean for you.

    In First Sip Weekly, I share stories worth knowing about, and lessons from building my business that you can apply to your own work and decisions.

    Subscribe here: https://firstsipweekly.beehiiv.com/

    CONNECT WITH DEKIMBE: 

    YouTube

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    Facebook 

    LinkedIn

    FOLLOW THE PODCAST:

    Instagram
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    Spotify

    For podcast sponsorship & advertising opportunities please contact: [email protected]

    55 min

About First Sip

From the publisher's feed

Welcome to First Sip!


I'm Dekimbe Smith, your host, and every week we sit down for curious conversations about building wealth, growing a business, and showing up in your career…