Bleep the Budget🛑💸

Divorce is never easy, and neither is figuring out what your financial life looks like afterward. In this episode of Bleep the Budget, Meghan sits down with Courtney, a single mom who opens up about rebuilding after divorce. From owning two businesses with her former husband to choosing not to use attorneys in an effort to save money, Courtney shares what worked, what she wishes she'd done dif...

Having kids changes a lot of things. Your sleep schedule, your free time, and definitely your budget. In this episode of Bleep the Budget, Meghan sits down with fellow parent, Rebecca Clark, to talk about how becoming a parent completely changes your relationship with money. The things that once felt important suddenly don't, while expenses you never thought twice about become part of everyday...

This week we’re brewing up community & chaos with Scott Newman-Bale, CEO of Short’s Brewing Company and the man known as “The Magician” behind making big ideas actually happen.  We dive into Short’s upcoming move into Traverse City and the exciting plans for Logan’s Landing, what it really takes to keep creativity alive without blowing the budget, and why today’s craft beer landscape is more c...

What does it really take to start a business from nothing? In this episode, we sit down with a local business owner who launched her car detailing company just a few months ago, and has already experienced the highs and lows that come with building something from the ground up. From days of silent phones and slow starts to suddenly juggling more she than expected, she shares the real, unfiltered j...

What does it really take to pull off a successful festival? In this episode, we sit down with one of the masterminds behind northern Michigan favorites, Flapjack & Flannel and Suds & Snow, to go beyond the beer, wine, and flannel, and into the real story behind the scenes. From early financial risks and unexpected costs to what actually makes these events profitable, we’re breaking down th...

A coffee shop in a camper might sound like a fun experiment, but for Happy Camper Coffee Co it was just the beginning. In this episode, we talk about the unexpected leap from mobile setup to full storefront, how that transition happened so quickly, and the intentional choices that made it work, like keeping prices steady while everything else scaled up. It’s a story about timing, trust, and buildi...

Crocheting might look like a cozy hobby, but behind every handmade piece is time, strategy, and a whole lot of decision-making. In this episode, we sit down with the creator of Yarn Over Hook (YOH) to talk about what it really takes to turn a creative passion into a source of income. From the cost of materials and hours spent on each piece, to pricing, sellingon Etsy, and navigating craft shows, w...

Ever wonder how someone turns one short-term rental into a full-blown business? In this episode, we sit down with Dan Brady , owner of Adventure North Vacation Rentals, to talk about how he started with just one Airbnb and slowly grew it into a thriving portfolio of properties.   Dan shares the real story behind getting started, how he keeps each property budget-friendly, and the smart money moves...

Picture this. You just got to your vacation spot. Beach. Slopes. Hike. Nap. Whatever your vibe is. The last thing you want to do? Grocery shop. Loading the cart. Waiting in line. Hauling bags into your Airbnb. Playing pantry Tetris when all you want is a drink and a deep breath. Now imagine skipping all of it. Today we’re talking with the co-owner of Stocked, your fairy godmother of vacation groce...

What would you do if the chance to buy your business space popped up weeks before your wedding...and your honeymoon was suddenly on the chopping block? In this episode, we chat with a local chiropractor about his decision to purchase a building for his growing practice. He shares the financial shifts, preparation, and real-life lessons that came with moving from tenant to owner. The plot twist? Th...

What does a baby’s first year actually cost? (Spoiler: more than anyone casually mentions.) In this episode of Bleep the Budget , Meghan and Jenna, both new moms, share their perspective on the real expenses that show up during baby’s first year; diapers, formula, bills, childcare, and all the “wait… we have to pay for that too?” moments. We talk about what surprised us most, what felt manageable,...

Running a nonprofit is a nonstop hustle, and even more so when you’re responsible for a 130-year-old landmark. In this episode, we sit down with Chad Lindsey, Executive Director of the City Opera House, to break down what it really takes to keep a mission-driven organization alive today. We talk about fundraising, awareness, and community support, clearing up the “opera” misconception (spoiler: th...

From a few shirts and hats to a thriving downtown business, Abby Clear, the unstoppable woman behind Lakes and Grapes, breaks down what entrepreneurship really looks like. The good, the hard, and the decisions that changed everything. 

Michael got married in October, and this episode asks the question every engaged couple is quietly panicking over: how the heck are people paying for weddings these days?! We talk real wedding budgets, awkward family conversations, and the behind-the-scenes decisions that can turn a “dream wedding” into a spreadsheet nightmare. From guest lists and honeymoons, to a courthouse plan that did not sur...

In this week's episode of Bleep the Budget , We’re talking with Matt Harris , owner of Epic Power Co. who took a lifelong hobby and turned it into a career. His first “shop”? An actual bathroom he had to convert. We dig into the real costs of starting from scratch, the money decisions that matter, and what it really takes to turn passion into a paycheck, without blowing the budget. Epic story. Eve...

In this kickoff episode of Bleep the Budget , Meghan sits down with Intrepid Cycling founder Liz Belt to talk about how a simple love for riding turned into one of northern Michigan’s most empowering cycling communities. Liz gets real about the early days, the messy middle, and the money decisions no one prepares you for. We’re talking budgeting on the fly, pricing without a roadmap, surviving the...

Bleep the Budget 🛑💸 is your weekday dose of real talk about money, side hustles, and the hustle to stay afloat without losing your mind. Hosted by Meghan McDonald of 4Front Credit Union, this show skips the shame and gets into the actually useful stuff, through conversations with small business owners, nonprofit leaders, and everyday people doing big things on small budgets. It’s fun, bold, unfi...

In this week's episode of Tell Me It's Friday , we're sitting down with the City Opera House to celebrate our exciting new partnership for the 2025/2026 season! Tune in to hear all about the collaboration, what it means for the community, and how we're joining forces to bring the arts to life in new and inspiring ways.

It's time to help you plan for tomorrow or maybe even today! Learn how to budget for your future with smart, simple tips that set you up for long-term success in this week's episode of Tell me it's Friday. Tune in for expert advice, easy strategies, and a dose of fun to make your financial goals a reality!

On this week's episode of Tell me it's Friday, Nate Peterson is back to break down budgeting basics in a fun, easy-to-digest way! Whether you're just starting or looking to fine-tune your finances, Nate makes managing money simple and stress-free. Tune in for quick tips, practical advice, and a little humor to help you take control of your cash!

Get ready to level up your credit knowledge in this episode, of Dollars & Sense with Nate. Join Nate as he unveils a treasure trove of tools and tips to help you navigate the credit landscape at 4Front, like a pro. From apps that track your score to websites that offer invaluable advice, Nate’s got all the insider secrets to keep your credit game strong.

In this episode, we’re putting on our detective hats and diving into the murky waters of job and marketplace scams! Join us for a fun and insightful chat as we uncover the red flags you need to watch out for. From sketchy job postings to too-good-to-be-true offers, we’ll equip you with the savvy skills to spot the fakes and protect your hard-earned cash. 🕵️‍♀️💼✨

In this episode, we're diving into the world of credit with a splash of savvy! Join Nate Peterson, 4Front VP of Lending, as he breaks down the best behaviors to repair bad credit—what to do, what NOT to do, and how to keep your financial game strong once you've turned things around. Whether you’re on a quest to fix your score or just looking to maintain that shiny new status, Nate’s got the tips a...

Get ready to dive into the wild world of loan scams in this eye-opening episode of "Risk(y) Business"! Join us as we chat with experts from the 4Front Credit Union Risk Department to uncover the latest trends in sneaky scams that could leave your wallet feeling a little lighter. We’ll share some stories about the lengths scammers will go to, along with essential tips to help you spot the red flags...

In this quick and lively episode of "Dollars & Sense," Nate is here to dish out the best behaviors for building credit without putting you to sleep! In just 10 minutes or less, we’ll cover the do's and don'ts of credit management, from magical payments to the art of not maxing out your cards (spoiler: it's a real credit killer!). Get ready for some fun anecdotes and a dash of humor as Nate mak...