Making It Count

In 2024, there was a noticeable increase in teen summer jobs from previous years, with employers adding 1,077,000 jobs between May and July. In the season finale of season 6, Hosts Cristina and Addison dive into the conversation with Gina from CareerSource Central Florida. Links: –Addition Financial Resource Center: https://resources.additionfi.com/ –Learn more about Addition Financial: https://hu...

Did you know that switching to store-brand or generic products can lead to bigger savings? Some consumers have reported saving up to 41% by choosing these alternatives over name-brand items! Hosts Cristina and Addison take a bite out of budget hacks and healthy snacking strategies with the guest, Dietician Megan Ware. Links: –Addition Financial Resource Center: https://resources.additionfi.com/ –L...

In this episode of Making It Count, Cristina and Addison are joined by expert guest Melissa Murphy Pavone to explore how to strike the right balance between saving and spending. From understanding the difference between impulsive and intentional purchases to learning mindful budgeting frameworks like the 50/30/20 rule, you’ll walk away with practical tips to help you enjoy your money—without losin...

Scams are getting smarter—and scarier. In this episode of Making It Count, Cristina and Addison team up with Cristin Blom from Addition Financial to explore the latest financial scams popping up in 2025, from AI-generated deepfakes to crypto cons and voice-cloning phone calls. Learn how to spot red flags, protect your personal information, and access trusted resources that can keep your finances s...

Thinking about buying your first car, home, or making a major financial commitment? In this episode of Making It Count, Cristina and Addison sit down with Rori from Addition Financial to walk through everything you need to know before making that leap. From credit prep and budgeting tips to research strategies and long-term planning, this episode will help you feel more confident and financially r...

In this episode of Making It Count, Cristina and Addison chat with thrift-savvy influencer Alexis Stuart about how secondhand shopping can be a game-changer for your budget. From saving thousands each year to flipping items for extra income, you’ll learn how to thrift smarter—not harder. Whether you're a seasoned bargain hunter or new to the secondhand scene, this episode is packed with practical...

In this episode of Making It Count, Cristina and Addison are joined by expert guest Chris Singel to explore how AI is transforming the way we manage our money. From smart budgeting tools to investment advice and fraud protection, we break down what AI can (and can’t) do for your financial future. Whether you’re curious about the benefits or cautious of the risks, this episode will help you navigat...

In this episode of Making It Count, Cristina and Addison are joined by Randy from Seminole State to break down the financial must-knows for Gen Z. From navigating student loans to budgeting your first paycheck and getting started with investing, this episode is packed with practical tips to help young adults build a strong financial foundation. Plus, don’t miss our rapid-fire financial literacy qu...

In this episode of Making It Count, Cristina and Addison kick off the Mindful Money series with a closer look at one of TikTok’s latest viral financial trends—the No-Spend Challenge. Whether you’re aiming to save more, reassess your spending habits, or just get your finances in check after the holiday season, this episode breaks it all down. Joining us is Larry Sargent, Jr., who shares expert advi...

Welcome to Season 6 of Making It Count! We’re kicking things off with a deep dive into the world of online banking and digital financial tools. Cristina and Addison are back behind the mic to explore how digital banking is changing the way we manage money—from security features like card controls and biometric authentication to budgeting tools, savings automation, and business banking benefits. Jo...

According to USA Today, Pew Research Center found that around 22 million employed adults in the U.S. work from home all the time. Working remotely can offer more flexibility, but how does it impact your finances? On this episode, Cristina and Randy spoke with Lauren and Justin, who work remotely as Director of Strategy and Development Director at GreenHouse Agency. Links: - Addition Financial Reso...

On Credit.com, it was reported that the total average cost of owning a dog per year can range from $773 to $1,848. If you’re a cat person, the total annual cost tends to range from $788 to $1,693. Responsible pet owners will need to understand what the potential expenses are when taking in a furry friend. On this episode, Crisitna and Randy gain helpful insight from Bethany Hsia, Doctor of Veterin...

Deal News reported that student discounts typically take around 10%-15% off of qualifying purchases, but you'll find some places that offer 50% off or even higher. There are many ways for students to boost their finances in college, and Crisitna and Randy brought on a local expert to share more tips. Hear from Randy Pawlowski, Director of Student Development at Seminole State College. Links: - Fin...

According to WalletHub, 85% of college students already have a credit card. It's tempting to keep accepting new credit card and loan offers, especially with the freedom to make big purchases. However, it’s important to make informed decisions. Cristina and Randy sat down with Gabrian Calkins, Assistant Manager of Consumer Lending at Addition Financial, for some expert insight. - Addition Financial...

In this episode, hosts Cristina and Randy delve into the complexities of financing a college degree. With millions of students facing student loan debt, CEO Chuky Ofoegbu from Sojourning Scholar joins the discussion to demystify financial aid options. Covering everything from applying for student loans and avoiding FAFSA mistakes to exploring grants and scholarships like Bright Futures, they equip...

In this episode of Making It Count, Randy and Cristina discuss the importance of avoiding fraud, noting the rise in credit card fraud cases. They share personal anecdotes and introduce guests Lee and Paul, IT experts from Addition Financial. The discussion covers common scams to watch for in 2024, red flags of financial scams, and tips for managing passwords and sensitive information online. They...

In this episode, Cristina and Randy discuss how to plan a wedding without breaking the bank. Special guest Jessica Bishop, creator of The Budget Savvy Bride, shares insights on managing wedding costs, finding deals from vendors, and creative ways to save on venues, food, and decorations. They also cover often-overlooked expenses and tips for effective budget tracking. Previous Wedding Episode from...

In this episode, hosts Cristina and Randy explore smart renting practices and red flags to watch out for. With 34% of U.S. housing units occupied by renters, there's a lot to consider when leasing. Real estate expert David Pupo joins the discussion to share essential tips on what to look for in a rental agreement, finding reliable roommates, identifying potential rental scams, and understanding ad...

In this episode, hosts Cristina and Randy tackle the often mystifying realm of paychecks. With over half of Americans confused about terms like HSA and FSA, Brandon and Andrew from Addition Financial join the discussion to shed light on paycheck breakdowns. They cover gross vs. net pay, types of deductions, common W-4 mistakes, and the differences between HSAs and FSAs. Exploring tax brackets and...

Welcome to the Season 5 premiere of Making It Count! In this episode, hosts Cristina and Randy explore expert ways to boost your savings. They discuss the importance of understanding different savings accounts and strategies with guest expert Dan Sheerin from Addition Financial. From retirement planning to debt management, Dan shares valuable insights to help listeners maximize their savings poten...

As we navigate the various stages of life, each one presents unique milestones. Yet, are we ever truly financially ready for these transitions? According to Annuity.org, 25% of Americans claim they lack a reliable source for financial advice. In the exciting season 4 finale of "Making it Count," we’re hoping to leave you with some valuable guidance for every life stage. Cristina and Randy welcome...

Who can resist the excitement of shopping, especially when you find a hard-to-resist coupon? According to Statista, about 90 percent of shoppers in the United States use coupons! In this fun episode of “Making it Count” we're diving into the world of shopping hacks that promise to keep your wallet happy. Cristina and Randy are joined by their money-smart friend, James Anderson, founder and CEO of...

Inflation is a topic that often elicits a sense of stress and concern. According to AP news, last year, in 2022, the average inflation rate was around 8% and reached a peak of 9.1% — which is the highest it's been in 40 years! However, don’t panic. There are effective methods that can help you navigate the potential impacts of inflation — and this episode of Making it Count will teach you how! Wit...