Money Matters

We connect the dots between financial stress and mental health, from sleep and mood changes to avoidance and overwork. We share practical ways to balance your money and your mind so you can stay aware without letting anxiety run your life. 
• money stress as uncertainty that fuels anxious thoughts 
• behavior changes that signal finances are taking a toll 
• why avoiding money conversations keeps the fear growing 
• building a plan that fits your real income and bills 
• using regular check-ins to stay flexible and pivot 
• knowing your numbers to replace worry with action 
• retail therapy and the hidden emotional cost of spending 
• strategies to slow impulse buying and reduce app temptation 
• setting boundaries with economic news and social media 
• financial infidelity and why couples need honest money talks 
• signs it’s time to ask for help from a trusted person or professional 
Schedule a financial wellness checkup. We’re here to help. 
Subscribe to the Money Matters Podcast, and visit neighborsfcu.org slash financial wellness for more tools to help you build a strong financial future. 

Have an idea for a show or a question for Kim? Send us a text message

Support the show

Welcome to Money Matters, the podcast that focuses on how to use the money you have, make the money you need and save the money you want – brought to you by Neighbors Federal Credit Union. 

The information, opinions, and recommendations presented in this Podcast are for general information only and any reliance on the information provided in this Podcast is done at your own risk. This Podcast should not be considered professional advice. 

We talk with HVAC technician Joseph Long about how to stay comfortable in Louisiana heat without letting electric bills explode. We focus on the small habits and maintenance choices that cut cooling costs, reduce humidity problems, and prevent those dreaded weekend breakdowns. 

• what drives high electric bills: usage, thermostat habits, equipment condition 
• setting the thermostat higher when away without creating humidity issues 
• why shutting the AC off all day can lead to moisture and mildew smells 
• what HVAC maintenance looks like and what homeowners can safely do 
• when frequent repairs and unit age point to replacement 
• why refrigerant should not keep getting low and why leak checks matter 
• how to pick an AC filter that protects airflow and fits your budget 
• why breakdowns feel like they happen on Friday nights and what to check first 
• choosing a reputable HVAC pro: licensing, confidence, quality work 
• using blackout curtains and tracking indoor humidity for better efficiency 

Subscribe to the Money Matters Podcast, and visit neighborsfcu.org slash financial wellness for more tools to help you build a strong financial future.

Have an idea for a show or a question for Kim? Send us a text message

Support the show

Welcome to Money Matters, the podcast that focuses on how to use the money you have, make the money you need and save the money you want – brought to you by Neighbors Federal Credit Union. 

The information, opinions, and recommendations presented in this Podcast are for general information only and any reliance on the information provided in this Podcast is done at your own risk. This Podcast should not be considered professional advice. 

We talk with Dr. Ni'Shawn Stovall about how EBR’s Learn and Earn Internship Program helps high school juniors and seniors build job skills while earning $1,500. We break down how placement works, what students learn in boot camp, and why mentorship and financial literacy can turn a first paycheck into a long term advantage. 

• Learn and Earn Internship Program goals and who qualifies 
• Differences between a typical summer job and a structured internship 
• Intentional placement based on career interests and credentials 
• Summer schedule expectations and why reliability matters 
• Boot camp training on financial literacy, deductions, and workplace skills 
• Common first paycheck mistakes and how to pace spending 
• Where students can work across local business and health care partners 
• Parent support requirements including hours, coursework, and transport 
• Transportation limits during the school year and options in summer 
• Application timing, early placement process, and program start dates 
• Mentorship value for references, recommendation letters, and career clarity 
• Option to use an existing part time job as an internship experience 
• Subscribe to the Money Matters Podcast, and visit neighborsfcu.org slash financial wellness for more tools to help you build a strong financial future 

Have an idea for a show or a question for Kim? Send us a text message

Support the show

Welcome to Money Matters, the podcast that focuses on how to use the money you have, make the money you need and save the money you want – brought to you by Neighbors Federal Credit Union. 

The information, opinions, and recommendations presented in this Podcast are for general information only and any reliance on the information provided in this Podcast is done at your own risk. This Podcast should not be considered professional advice. 

We challenge the myth that healthy eating has to be expensive and break down the practical tricks that make nutritious meals doable on a real budget. With dietitian Angell Jordan from the Southern University Ag Center, we share simple shopping and cooking habits that help us waste less, eat better, and keep more money in our pockets. 

• buying fruits and vegetables in season for lower prices and better taste 
• doing a home inventory before shopping to avoid duplicates and waste 
• shopping sales on proteins and freezing portions for later meals 
• reframing “healthy costs more” by comparing food costs to medical costs 
• using flavor and technique like oven-frying to make healthier meals satisfying 
• shopping smarter by avoiding end caps and eye-level junk food traps 
• cutting back on eating out and making better restaurant choices when we do 
• stocking budget-friendly staples like dried beans and brown rice 
• building healthier beans by limiting fatty meats and using lighter options 
• starting meal prep slowly so it becomes a habit 
• choosing cheaper cuts and trimming fat at home to stay on budget 

Subscribe to the Money Matters Podcast, and visit neighborsfcu.org slash financial wellness for more tools to help you build a strong financial future. 

Have an idea for a show or a question for Kim? Send us a text message

Support the show

Welcome to Money Matters, the podcast that focuses on how to use the money you have, make the money you need and save the money you want – brought to you by Neighbors Federal Credit Union. 

The information, opinions, and recommendations presented in this Podcast are for general information only and any reliance on the information provided in this Podcast is done at your own risk. This Podcast should not be considered professional advice. 

We break the myth that fitness has to be expensive and map out realistic ways to train at home without fancy gear. I talk with personal trainer Keldric Emery about consistency, accountability, and small steps that build strength without wrecking your budget. 
• why gym memberships and big plans fade fast 
• setting achievable goals instead of unrealistic timelines 
• using community and workout partners for accountability 
• starting with simple movements like chair squats 
• making adjustable “weights” with a gallon jug or household items 
• turning walking into a scalable workout through routes, pace, and intervals 
• choosing consistency over intensity and building time gradually 
• staying motivated by acting first and letting feelings follow 
• using yard work and gardening as free functional training 
• finding free park equipment and using public resources 
Subscribe to the Money Matters Podcast, and visit neighborsfcu.org slash financial wellness for more tools to help you build a strong financial future.

Have an idea for a show or a question for Kim? Send us a text message

Support the show

Welcome to Money Matters, the podcast that focuses on how to use the money you have, make the money you need and save the money you want – brought to you by Neighbors Federal Credit Union. 

The information, opinions, and recommendations presented in this Podcast are for general information only and any reliance on the information provided in this Podcast is done at your own risk. This Podcast should not be considered professional advice. 

We mark 100 episodes by reflecting on practical wins, welcoming two new financial wellness counselors, and recommitting to progress over perfection. Real stories, small habits, and a bigger team expand how we help people use, make, and save money with confidence.

• milestone reflections and recurring money themes
• family budgets, baby costs, school events, and tradeoffs
• everyday savings in the kitchen and home
• thrifting as a strategy not a sacrifice
• weddings, car buying, and avoiding lemons
• hurricane prep, maintenance, and deductibles
• the 24-hour rule for impulse control
• negotiation wins on insurance and bills
• launching a full financial wellness department
• meet counselors Nicole and Sylva
• credit union mission and community impact
• how to book guidance and what’s next

Subscribe to the Money Matters Podcast, and visit neighborsfcu.org slash financial wellness for more tools to help you build a strong financial future

Have an idea for a show or a question for Kim? Send us a text message

Support the show

Welcome to Money Matters, the podcast that focuses on how to use the money you have, make the money you need and save the money you want – brought to you by Neighbors Federal Credit Union. 

The information, opinions, and recommendations presented in this Podcast are for general information only and any reliance on the information provided in this Podcast is done at your own risk. This Podcast should not be considered professional advice. 

We share how to file a simple return for free with IRS-certified volunteers, what to bring, who qualifies, and why filing on time supports bigger goals like homebuying and emergency savings. Super Tax Day details, ongoing site access, and added community resources round it out.

• what VITA is and who it serves
• why free beats low cost on simple returns
• super tax day time, place, and flow
• ongoing locations through April 15
• income limits and eligible return types
• documents to bring and direct deposit
• avoiding predatory services
• extra benefits like classes and community resources
• importance of filing even with no refund
• where to find accurate site information

Subscribe to the Money Matters Podcast, and visit neighborsfcu.org/learn/financial-wellness/view-all-financial-resources for more tools to help you build a strong financial future

Have an idea for a show or a question for Kim? Send us a text message

Support the show

Welcome to Money Matters, the podcast that focuses on how to use the money you have, make the money you need and save the money you want – brought to you by Neighbors Federal Credit Union. 

The information, opinions, and recommendations presented in this Podcast are for general information only and any reliance on the information provided in this Podcast is done at your own risk. This Podcast should not be considered professional advice. 

We break down how personal credit and cash flow drive small business lending and share the simple steps that boost approval odds. From DSCR to down payments and the role of guarantors, we show founders how to prepare documents, avoid common pitfalls, and choose smart starter products.

• why personal credit signals business reliability
• how pay history, limits, and account mix affect approval
• cleaning up collections and old delinquencies
• understanding DSCR and why 1.25 matters
• equity injection norms for equipment and vehicles
• the role of personal guarantors in business loans
• what documents to bring and why a plan helps
• when business credit bureaus matter and when they don’t
• using a business credit card to start under $5,000
• how to contact us for commercial lending support

Stay on track with your financial journey. Subscribe to the Money Matters Podcast and visit neighborsfcu.org/financialwellness for more tools to help you build a strong financial future

Have an idea for a show or a question for Kim? Send us a text message

Support the show

Welcome to Money Matters, the podcast that focuses on how to use the money you have, make the money you need and save the money you want – brought to you by Neighbors Federal Credit Union. 

The information, opinions, and recommendations presented in this Podcast are for general information only and any reliance on the information provided in this Podcast is done at your own risk. This Podcast should not be considered professional advice. 

We break down why money resolutions fail and turn them into specific, doable steps you can keep all year. From emergency funds and debt strategies to guilt-free spending and simple budgets, the focus stays on small actions and steady systems.

• causes of failed resolutions and vague goals
• how to make saving specific, small, and automated
• why emergency funds come before vacations and extras
• debt snowball vs avalanche and choosing one target
• setting a guilt-free spending allowance
• budgeting as a simple plan with pen and paper
• weekly reviews and adjusting after setbacks
• consistency over intensity and building habits
• free financial counseling and ongoing support at Neighbors

Subscribe to the Money Matters Podcast, and visit neighborsfcu.org slash financial wellness for more tools to help you build a strong financial future

Have an idea for a show or a question for Kim? Send us a text message

Support the show

Welcome to Money Matters, the podcast that focuses on how to use the money you have, make the money you need and save the money you want – brought to you by Neighbors Federal Credit Union. 

The information, opinions, and recommendations presented in this Podcast are for general information only and any reliance on the information provided in this Podcast is done at your own risk. This Podcast should not be considered professional advice. 

We share a simple plan to enjoy the holidays without debt or stress, from setting a real budget to spotting fake sales and making meaningful gifts. Practical steps help you find last‑minute cash, use credit wisely, and start saving for next year now.

• setting a holiday budget at 10% of take‑home pay
• using last‑minute tactics like no‑spend weeks and canceling subscriptions
• automating short bursts of savings and round‑ups
• comparing prices and separating real deals from hype
• leveraging gift card bonuses for instant value
• using credit cards only with a clear payoff plan
• choosing homemade and low‑cost meaningful gifts
• opening a Christmas Club or dedicated savings for next year

Subscribe to the Money Matters Podcast, and visit neighborsfcu.org slash financial wellness for more tools to help you build a strong financial future

Have an idea for a show or a question for Kim? Send us a text message

Support the show

Welcome to Money Matters, the podcast that focuses on how to use the money you have, make the money you need and save the money you want – brought to you by Neighbors Federal Credit Union. 

The information, opinions, and recommendations presented in this Podcast are for general information only and any reliance on the information provided in this Podcast is done at your own risk. This Podcast should not be considered professional advice.