Money Well Studio

In this episode of the Home Buying series, hosts Julie Black and Jennifer Lowry are joined by Charles Runnels, realtor with Compass Real Estate to discuss the emotional journey of house hunting, the importance of negotiation, and how to build a wish list that aligns with your lifestyle and budget. They cover essential topics such as the home inspection process, understanding contracts and escrow,...

We are breaking in from our regular Home Buying Series to bring you a topical topic on the Federal Reserve. In this episode of Money Well Studio, hosts Jennifer and Julie explore the Federal Reserve's role in the economy, discussing its structure, functions, and the impact of its decisions on interest rates and mortgage rates. They explain the complexities of the Fed funds rate, the relationship b...

In this episode of  Money Well Studio , hosts Jennifer Lowry and Julie Black continue their Home Buying Series with a deep dive into the role of real estate agents. From their historical roots to the modern-day challenges of commissions and representation, the duo unpacks why agents matter and how to choose the right one. Listeners will learn the difference between agents and REALTORS®, why the ri...

From Dreams to Doorways—Let’s Get You Home. In this kickoff to our  Money Well Studio  Home Buying Series, hosts  Jennifer  and  Julie  unpack the emotional highs and financial must-knows of purchasing a home. Whether you're a first-time buyer or just need a refresher, this episode is your real estate roadmap—with practical advice, financial planning tips, and a little inspiration along the way. W...

In the final episode of our 3-part series,  Money Well Studio  hosts  Julie and  Jennifer kick off their tube socks and dive into the thrilling (and occasionally terrifying) world of  risk  in personal finance. From gut-check moments in market downturns to understanding why your brain panics when the stock market drops 5%, they break down how to assess your  risk profile , why  diversification  is...

🍸 Shaken, Not Stirred—But Always Fixed Income. In this episode of  Money Well Studio , Jennifer and Julie suit up to tackle the mysterious world of  bonds —not the 007 kind, but the ones that can fortify your retirement strategy. From decoding how bonds work to why credit ratings matter, they explore how these unassuming financial instruments help investors protect what they’ve built, earn passiv...

In this episode of  Money Well Studio , Jennifer and Julie crack open the vault on the world of investing. With clarity, humor, and a dash of history, they demystify how the stock market works, why equity matters, and how anyone—from novice to seasoned saver—can start building wealth today. From the swashbuckling days of the Dutch East India Company to the humble beginnings of Wall Street under a...

Jennifer and Julie swipe into the world of credit—its ancient roots, modern takes, and how to use it without falling into the debt trap. With a mix of history, humor, and hard truths, they show how credit can be a tool for empowerment or a fast track to financial headaches. Whether you’re building credit from scratch or untangling past mistakes, this episode will help you charge ahead with confide...

If building good money habits feels like climbing a financial mountain in flip-flops—this episode is for you. Jennifer and Julie dig into the  science of habits  and how to make saving, budgeting, and spending smarter feel more natural (and way less painful). They offer real-life tips, and show how small wins can lead to big financial confidence. 🎧  In this episode : ·       Why automating your s...

Ready to sign on the dotted line—but not sure what any of it means? Jennifer and Julie demystify the  closing process  in real estate, breaking down what actually happens at the finish line of home buying. From power of attorney surprises to title company truths, this episode delivers the insider info (and a few laughs) that every buyer needs—whether it’s your first home or your forever one. Want...

From cowrie shells to crypto, join Jennifer and Julie as they trace the wild ride of  currency —how it started, how it works, and why  trust  is the real backbone of your bank account. They unpack the difference between money and currency, highlight the overlooked role of women in financial history, and spill the tea on the Wildcat Banking era. It’s a crash course in what gives money its meaning—a...

In this episode of  Money Well Studio , hosts Julie and Jennifer take listeners on a guided tour through one of the most talked-about economic indicators: the  inverted yield curve . What does it mean when short-term interest rates outpace long-term ones—and why does it often make economists sweat? From the basics of bond yields to the psychology driving investor behavior, the hosts break it all d...

✨ Episode Summary: In this episode, Jennifer and Julie tackle one of the most underrated but life-changing money moves:  budgeting!   Whether you're rocking a steady paycheck, riding the waves of variable income, or just trying to tame the chaos of daily expenses, this conversation is packed with real-world advice and a lot of laughs. The Budget template we referenced from the FTC can be acce...

In this episode, we dive deep into the surprisingly fascinating world of  interest  ! We explore its ancient roots, the different ways it's been embraced (or banned) by cultures throughout history, and how it shows up in everyday financial decisions. From George Bailey's life lessons in  It's a Wonderful Life  to Bollinger-fueled wild parties courtesy of the LIBOR index, we unpack how interest can...

🎙️  Episode Title:   Investing in Your Children's Future with UTMA Accounts 🍹  Drink Pairing:  Milk Punch Ingredients: §  4 oz bourbon   §  3 oz Cognac   §  2 oz crème de cacao   §  1.5 oz Jamaican rum   §  16 oz half-and-half §  8 oz whole milk §  2.5 oz grade A or B maple syrup §  1 oz vanilla paste   Stir all ingredients well with ice and strain into glass, served over fresh crushed ice. Sprin...

  🎙️ Episode: “A Good College Try: The 529 Breakdown” College costs got you sweating like it’s finals week? In this lively episode, Julie and Jennifer mix a little nostalgia with some serious financial know-how. From late-night Jell-O shots to late-night FAFSA forms, they explore the smartest ways to fund a college education without drowning in student loans. You’ll get the scoop on 529 plans, gov...

🎙️ Episode Summary In this powerful and punchy two-part episode, Jennifer and Julie pull back the curtain on the financial lives of women—where we’ve been, where we’re going, and what it takes to build true financial confidence. Kicking things off with signature cocktails (Widow’s Kiss and in part 2, the Wonder Woman, of course), the hosts take listeners on a spirited ride (pun intended) through h...

🎙️ Episode Summary In this powerful and punchy two-part episode, Jennifer and Julie pull back the curtain on the financial lives of women—where we’ve been, where we’re going, and what it takes to build true financial confidence. Kicking things off with signature cocktails (Widow’s Kiss and Wonder Woman, of course), the hosts take listeners on a spirited ride (pun intended) through history, data, l...

Cocktails and Credit: A Fun Approach to Finance In this episode of Money Well Studio, hosts Jennifer and Julie explore the intricacies of credit scores while enjoying a themed credit score cocktail. They discuss what a credit score is, why it matters, and how it affects various aspects of life, including employment and insurance. The conversation covers practical steps for building credit, repairi...