Money Matters

Our mortgage experts and real estate professional break down what financial readiness truly means for first-time homebuyers and why qualifying for a mortgage doesn't always mean you can afford homeownership. • Understanding the difference between what you can qualify for versus what you can truly afford • Warning signs that indicate you may not be ready to buy a home yet • The importance of b...

Travel experts Cindy Chambers and Tutti Bonacarso from Pearson's Travel share insider tips on planning dream vacations while maximizing value and avoiding common pitfalls. • Benefits of using a travel agency include personalized service, passport verification, and having a local contact instead of navigating frustrating 1-800 numbers • Popular 2025 destinations include Italy, London, Scotland...

Money is a major stressor that affects our mental health, yet it remains a taboo topic many avoid discussing. Dr. Shannon Matthews joins us to explore the psychological impact of financial stress and how to develop a healthier relationship with money. • Financial stress affects everyone - even those with adequate resources worry about future economic uncertainty • Anxiety and depression are common...

Student loan borrowers face significant changes as collection practices resume and the Department of Education faces potential dismantling by December 2026. Deborah Paul from the Louisiana Office of Student Financial Assistance explains what borrowers need to know about these changes and how to navigate them effectively. • Student loans are considered in default after 270 days without payment • On...

Thrifting isn't just about stretching your budget – it's a legitimate way to generate extra income with minimal time investment. We explore how to turn other people's castoffs into your cash flow with experts Betty and Johnny Manella from the Fellowship Center. • Developing an eye for valuable items – look for quality materials, weight, and craftsmanship • Starting with items alread...

We explore the transformative world of thrifting with Betty Mahika Milano and Steve Isaacs from America's Thrift Store, uncovering how secondhand shopping can dramatically stretch your dollar while supporting sustainability efforts. • Thrift stores source merchandise through donations and many contribute proceeds to community organizations • America's Thrift Store puts approximately 10,0...

Carmen Million, President of the Better Business Bureau of South Louisiana, shares critical insights on protecting ourselves from financial predators targeting our money through sophisticated scams and identity theft tactics. • Grandparent scams are resurging with AI voice cloning technology that makes scammers sound like real family members in distress • The IRS will never call demanding immediat...

Dreaming of turning your talent or passion into a profitable business? This episode of Money Matters takes you behind the scenes with three successful entrepreneurs who've done exactly that. SCORE mentor Bob Breaux reveals why so many new businesses fail—and it's not what you might expect. "If it doesn't work on paper, it's not going to work in real life," he explains...

In this engaging episode, we delve into the inspiring journey of Caroline Merryman, the creative force behind Caroline's Cookies. What began as a delightful pastime during the pandemic has flourished into a successful cookie business with multiple locations, capturing the hearts of cookie lovers everywhere. Caroline shares how she transformed her passion for baking into a bustling brand, navi...

Uncover the evolving world of financial scams in 2025 with insights from financial crimes expert Sergeant Brian Lashua. As we navigate the intricate web of scams, you’ll learn how AI plays a pivotal role in these fraudulent activities and why the infamous gift card scam remains a favorite among fraudsters. Discover which groups are most at risk and why no legitimate business ever demands gift card...

Unlock the secrets to financial empowerment and take control of your future with insights from Jason Knapps, a seasoned LPL financial advisor. We promise you'll learn how personalized financial planning can bolster your confidence and help you realize your dreams. Jason takes us through his journey from Hibernia Bank to becoming a wealth management expert, sharing valuable strategies for asse...

Elevate your financial game in 2025 with actionable insights on credit health improvement. Join me, Kim Chapman, alongside Tricia Arroyo from Confluent Strategies, as we unlock the secrets to mastering your credit score. From understanding why January is the perfect month to reassess your financial goals to deciphering the mysteries behind credit score variations among different bureaus, this epis...

Uncover the secrets to a scam-free holiday season with insights from Carmen Million of the Better Business Bureau. As scammers grow more cunning, especially during the holidays, we're here to help you stay one step ahead. From sophisticated AI-driven tactics to classic scams like fake prize notifications and deceptive package alerts, Carmen and I break down how to identify and avoid these tra...

Discover the secrets to stress-free holiday cooking with our special guest Anne Milneck, the savvy owner of Red Stick Spice. Anne brings her expertise to help you conquer the kitchen this holiday season, whether you're whipping up a small family feast or hosting a Friendsgiving extravaganza. From freezing portions of classic dishes to choosing smaller proteins like turkey breasts, Anne shares...

Join me, Kim Chapman, as I engage in an enlightening conversation with Leslie Tayne, a veteran debt attorney with over two decades of experience in navigating the complicated world of debt management. Ever wondered why quick fixes for debt are often too good to be true? Leslie helps unravel this mystery, revealing why each financial dilemma requires a tailored approach and highlighting the critica...

Tanya Taylor embodies the American dream, and her journey from arriving in the United States at just 16 with $100 to becoming a millionaire by the age of 48 is nothing short of extraordinary. Join us as we unravel her story—a tale of resilience, determination, and strategic financial planning. Tanya, a dynamic CPA, shares how she skillfully navigated her roles as a wife, mother, author, and entrep...

Unlock the secrets to leveraging your career for maximum financial gain with Money Matters! I'm thrilled to be joined by Yolanda Whitmore, a seasoned expert in career advancement strategies, as we explore the art of negotiating a raise. Get ready to master the skills needed to confidently present your case based on performance, understand the timing, and avoid common pitfalls like ultimatums....

Unlock the secrets to making the right career move with our latest Money Matters episode! Dive into a wealth of knowledge as we chat with Yolanda Whitmore, VP of Human Resources at Neighbors, who brings decades of HR expertise to our discussion. Discover the top three factors to consider when evaluating job offers: aligning company values with your own, exploring benefits beyond just health and de...

Ever wondered what makes a top-notch property manager? In our latest episode of Money Matters, Grace Nabasabala spills the beans on her journey from necessity to mastery in the world of property management. From handling those midnight maintenance crises to screening tenants like a pro, Grace shares her wealth of experience and the intricacies of a role that goes far beyond mere rent collection. W...

Unlock the secrets to navigating the FAFSA process with ease as we explore the recent changes with financial aid expert Deborah Paul. Have you ever wondered how the shift from Expected Family Contribution (EFC) to the Student Aid Index (SAI) could impact your eligibility for aid? Join us on Money Matters as Deborah breaks down these updates, including the simplified FAFSA form and the integration...

What if you were never taught how to manage money but were suddenly thrown into financial independence? Join us as Ambrose Gabriel and Narin Sanders share their eye-opening experiences and reveal the challenges of navigating the financial maze of college life. They candidly rate their initial financial readiness at a mere two or three out of ten, shedding light on the pressing need for better fina...

Could your financial habits be the key to unlocking your dreams of homeownership or debt freedom? Join us on this special episode of Money Matters as we flip the script on our host, Kim Chapman, who unveils her innovative Blueprint for Financial Success program. You'll gain exclusive insights into how personalized financial counseling can transform your financial life, whether it’s improving...

Imagine facing higher interest rates, difficulty in loan approvals, and strained personal relationships all because of one simple thing: bad credit. On this episode of Money Matters, I, Kim Chapman, promise to demystify credit and its substantial influence on various facets of our lives, from job hunting to renting apartments. You'll gain a clear understanding of what credit is and its critic...

What if there was a single phone number that could connect you to essential community services 24/7, 365 days a year? Join us, Kim Chapman, as we reveal the powerful impact of 2-1-1, a lifeline for individuals seeking vital health and human services. This episode features Edie Edison, Vice President of Community Impact at Capital Area United Way, John Hudson, Community Impact Manager for 2-1-1, an...

What if you could cut your energy bills in half this summer? Learn how simple changes and smart strategies can make your home more energy-efficient than ever before! In this episode of Money Matters, I, Kim Chapman, am joined by Emma Meyerkoff and Jessica Hendricks from the Alliance for Affordable Energy to share life-changing tips on keeping your home cool and your wallet full. From sealing windo...