Some holidays feel bright on the outside and heavy on the inside. We sit down with Liz Gaught from the Center for Children and Families to show what hope looks like when it’s built on everyday actions: a single recorded interview that spares a child from retelling trauma, a counselor stepping into a living room to spot strengths and needs, a wish list that becomes new clothes and a toy to open on Christmas morning.

Starting with CASA and growing across 48 parishes in Louisiana and seven counties in Mississippi, the Center pairs advocacy, education, and prevention with direct services that meet families where they are. Liz walks us through the Children’s Advocacy Center approach, why prevention trainings matter, and how the new Hope Center in West Monroe adds counseling and medication management for kids who need both therapy and clinical care. The thread running through it all is trust: families see the same team before and after the holidays, and donors know gifts reach specific children already in services.

We also talk about the Christmas Project—how it began with 50 soccer balls and now mobilizes businesses, churches, and neighbors to adopt wish lists, host collection sites, and fund essentials you won’t find under a tree. One powerful example: a partner donation purchased six mattresses for siblings who had been sleeping on air beds and the floor. That’s what local support can do when relationships are in place and needs are verified.

Behind these programs is a culture that protects the protectors. Liz shares how leadership builds a workplace where heavy stories meet real recovery—puzzles on the table, shared meals, short walks, and benefits that help teams stay grounded. We close with a reminder that the tunnel isn’t the end; there is light, and community keeps it burning. If you’re ready to help or need help, visit standforhope.org. If this conversation moved you, subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who believes hope should last longer than a season.

The holidays should feel warm and human, not like a budgeting panic. We sat down with Casey Messer to unpack how to enjoy a generous, memorable season without waking up to a January bill spiral. From setting a clear, per-person budget to automating weekly transfers into a dedicated holiday fund, we walk through practical steps that calm the mind and protect your money.

We start with planning that works even if you’re late to the party: build a simple list, put numbers beside names, and track what you’ve already bought with photos or a quick spreadsheet. Then we move into smarter tools—goal-based budgeting, category alerts, and transaction tags—so you see spending in real time instead of guessing. Casey shares why experiences often beat piles of gifts, how a well-run Secret Santa creates intention, and where traditions like matching pajamas can be fun without the annual cost creep.

Money stress often rises as the calendar fills, so we reset the mindset too. Define what the season means to you and let that guide choices about events, hosting, and gifts. If you’ve already overspent, skip the shame spiral and try a no-spend January while you set up next year’s plan. We also cover the hidden costs between now and December—groceries, travel, and parties—and how to stagger purchases to avoid last-minute premiums. With Centric’s mobile app, you can connect accounts, set budgets, tag holiday spending, and get nudges that help you stay on track.

Ready to trade excess for meaning and build a holiday that actually fits your life? Press play, save your favorites, and share this episode with a friend who needs a calm, clear plan. If you found value, follow Live Better, rate the show, and leave a quick review to help others find us.

August offers the perfect opportunity to reset your finances before the busy end-of-year season. Casey, a financial education specialist with over 10 years at Centric Credit Union, shares practical strategies to manage expenses during the costly back-to-school season and beyond.

• Back-to-school expenses can exceed holiday spending costs, with basic public school fees alone costing hundreds of dollars
• The free Centric Credit Union app features an Insights tool that automatically categorizes spending and helps create custom budgets
• Setting up spending alerts at 80% of your budget provides accountability and prevents overspending
• Distinguishing between needs versus wants is crucial during financially intensive seasons
• Taking time to evaluate your spending patterns can reveal "sneaky spending" habits that derail your budget
• The budgeting tools can automatically tag recurring vendors to specific categories, making expense tracking easier

Download or open your Centric Credit Union app to explore these financial management tools. Find more resources, tips and inspiration at mycentricorg. Centric is federally insured by the NCUA.

Unlock the full potential of your business with Centric's groundbreaking online banking upgrade, "Journey to Better." Join me and our insightful guest, Casey Messer, Centric's training manager, as we explore how this innovative platform is designed to streamline financial management for business owners. Experience the freedom of customized user access, enhanced security, and seamless integration with tools like QuickBooks and positive pay. Discover how the app's new "conversations" feature ensures quick, efficient communication with Centric staff, making transaction inquiries a breeze. As we prepare for the platform's exciting launch in March, you'll gain valuable insights into how these changes can transform your business operations.

As we conclude our dynamic two-part series, Casey and I share our enthusiasm for the Journey to Better living and business management. We express heartfelt gratitude for your support and encourage you to stay connected by subscribing to the Live Better podcast on your favorite platforms. Keep up with us on social media, including Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, TikTok, and YouTube, for the latest updates and content that enriches both your personal and professional life. Don't forget to visit our monthly blog at MyCentric.org for more in-depth exploration of these topics. Together, let's embrace a future of improved living and thriving business practices with Centric!