Host Shirley Rooker speaks with Bruce McClary of the National Foundation for Credit Counseling, who discusses the special needs of military and the many frauds targeting other consumers. He describes how the debt relief promised may only increase the debt load, how promises to erase credit card debt may backfire and other scams that trap consumers.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Host Shirley Rooker speaks with Herb Weisbaum, contributing editor at Consumers’ Checkbook Magazine, who discusses wiping personal data off devices before recycling them, the questions to ask before joining a gym and the move to limit high overdraft fees charged by banks 

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Host Shirley Rooker speaks with Chip Lupo of Wallet Hub, who describes deferred interest and how it can save you money but only if you understand its restrictions and the price you may pay if you don’t make payments on time. He also gives tips on the best gift cards and how the rules regarding their use have changed.  

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

It is sometimes called the winter blues but it is very real. Host Shirley Rooker speaks with Jill Robin Payne, a psychotherapist, who describes the symptoms of seasonal affective disorder and ways to treat it including bright lights and exercise.

In addition, she gives tips on getting along with relatives during the holidays and why empathy isn’t enough, it needs to be combined with banter.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Host Shirley Rooker speaks with Christie Matherne, editor at Wallethub, to discuss the reasons Maryland has the dubious honor of having the highest mortgage levels in the country. She also outlines ways to help deal with inflation, credit card debt and type budgets.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Host Shirley Rooker talks to John Berlau. The author of "George Washington, Entrepreneur" explores the greatness and intellect of our first president and his ventures into whiskey making and mule breeding as well as his vision about flight. He also discusses Washington's partnership with his wife Martha and her importance to his success.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Host Shirley Rooker speaks with psychotherapist and author Jill Robin Payne about various ways to alleviate stress, including “Bempathy,” a way of creating empathy through casual conversation.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Host Shirley Rooker speaks with Gene Marks of the Marks Group, who discusses artificial intelligence and its impact on small businesses. And we address the question: are women more reluctant to use AI than men?

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Host Shirley Rooker speaks with Rick Berman, RBB Strategies, who cites numerous studies that reveal very high levels of contaminants in the majority of the bottles tested. The simple solution is to clean them thoroughly, especially the lids and the grooves in the bottles, wash with soap and water daily and put in the dishwasher at least once a week.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Host Shirley Rooker speaks with Laura Levine, president and CEO of the Jump Start Coalition, who discusses the progress in schools providing financial education to children starting in kindergarten as well suggesting ways parents can introduce their kids to responsible use of credit cards, debit cards, and planning a budget.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.