We share how to file a simple return for free with IRS-certified volunteers, what to bring, who qualifies, and why filing on time supports bigger goals like homebuying and emergency savings. Super Tax Day details, ongoing site access, and added community resources round it out.

• what VITA is and who it serves
• why free beats low cost on simple returns
• super tax day time, place, and flow
• ongoing locations through April 15
• income limits and eligible return types
• documents to bring and direct deposit
• avoiding predatory services
• extra benefits like classes and community resources
• importance of filing even with no refund
• where to find accurate site information

Subscribe to the Money Matters Podcast, and visit neighborsfcu.org/learn/financial-wellness/view-all-financial-resources for more tools to help you build a strong financial future

Have an idea for a show or a question for Kim? Send us a text message

Support the show

Welcome to Money Matters, the podcast that focuses on how to use the money you have, make the money you need and save the money you want – brought to you by Neighbors Federal Credit Union.

The information, opinions, and recommendations presented in this Podcast are for general information only and any reliance on the information provided in this Podcast is done at your own risk. This Podcast should not be considered professional advice.

We break down how personal credit and cash flow drive small business lending and share the simple steps that boost approval odds. From DSCR to down payments and the role of guarantors, we show founders how to prepare documents, avoid common pitfalls, and choose smart starter products.

• why personal credit signals business reliability
• how pay history, limits, and account mix affect approval
• cleaning up collections and old delinquencies
• understanding DSCR and why 1.25 matters
• equity injection norms for equipment and vehicles
• the role of personal guarantors in business loans
• what documents to bring and why a plan helps
• when business credit bureaus matter and when they don’t
• using a business credit card to start under $5,000
• how to contact us for commercial lending support

Stay on track with your financial journey. Subscribe to the Money Matters Podcast and visit neighborsfcu.org/financialwellness for more tools to help you build a strong financial future

Have an idea for a show or a question for Kim? Send us a text message

Support the show

Welcome to Money Matters, the podcast that focuses on how to use the money you have, make the money you need and save the money you want – brought to you by Neighbors Federal Credit Union.

The information, opinions, and recommendations presented in this Podcast are for general information only and any reliance on the information provided in this Podcast is done at your own risk. This Podcast should not be considered professional advice.

We break down why money resolutions fail and turn them into specific, doable steps you can keep all year. From emergency funds and debt strategies to guilt-free spending and simple budgets, the focus stays on small actions and steady systems.

• causes of failed resolutions and vague goals
• how to make saving specific, small, and automated
• why emergency funds come before vacations and extras
• debt snowball vs avalanche and choosing one target
• setting a guilt-free spending allowance
• budgeting as a simple plan with pen and paper
• weekly reviews and adjusting after setbacks
• consistency over intensity and building habits
• free financial counseling and ongoing support at Neighbors

Subscribe to the Money Matters Podcast, and visit neighborsfcu.org slash financial wellness for more tools to help you build a strong financial future

Have an idea for a show or a question for Kim? Send us a text message

Support the show

Welcome to Money Matters, the podcast that focuses on how to use the money you have, make the money you need and save the money you want – brought to you by Neighbors Federal Credit Union.

The information, opinions, and recommendations presented in this Podcast are for general information only and any reliance on the information provided in this Podcast is done at your own risk. This Podcast should not be considered professional advice.

We share a simple plan to enjoy the holidays without debt or stress, from setting a real budget to spotting fake sales and making meaningful gifts. Practical steps help you find last‑minute cash, use credit wisely, and start saving for next year now.

• setting a holiday budget at 10% of take‑home pay
• using last‑minute tactics like no‑spend weeks and canceling subscriptions
• automating short bursts of savings and round‑ups
• comparing prices and separating real deals from hype
• leveraging gift card bonuses for instant value
• using credit cards only with a clear payoff plan
• choosing homemade and low‑cost meaningful gifts
• opening a Christmas Club or dedicated savings for next year

Subscribe to the Money Matters Podcast, and visit neighborsfcu.org slash financial wellness for more tools to help you build a strong financial future

Have an idea for a show or a question for Kim? Send us a text message

Support the show

Welcome to Money Matters, the podcast that focuses on how to use the money you have, make the money you need and save the money you want – brought to you by Neighbors Federal Credit Union.

The information, opinions, and recommendations presented in this Podcast are for general information only and any reliance on the information provided in this Podcast is done at your own risk. This Podcast should not be considered professional advice.

We break down the most common holiday scams and show how small choices—slowing down, going direct, and verifying—protect your money and your identity. Russell Barger, VP of Information Security, shares simple rules that stop most attacks at home and at work.

• seasonal lures through fake deals, social posts and tracking links
• warning signs: urgency, odd senders, spoofed domains, impersonal tone
• safer shopping by navigating directly to trusted sites
• workplace risks from HR and payroll phishing during year end
• how to verify without clicking and use second channels
• what to do after a risky click and quick password resets
• saving cards on big retailers versus small shops
• gift card scams: tampering checks and “boss” requests
• social engineering spikes and holistic message evaluation
• two golden rules: don’t click and were you expecting this

Subscribe to the Money Matters Podcast

Have an idea for a show or a question for Kim? Send us a text message

Support the show

Welcome to Money Matters, the podcast that focuses on how to use the money you have, make the money you need and save the money you want – brought to you by Neighbors Federal Credit Union.

The information, opinions, and recommendations presented in this Podcast are for general information only and any reliance on the information provided in this Podcast is done at your own risk. This Podcast should not be considered professional advice.

We share fast, clear ways to find food, rent help and local resources as government shutdown effects ripple through our parishes. Crystal Ward from Capital Area United Way explains how 211 works, which partners are active, and how donors can keep the safety net strong.

• increased calls for food support and essentials
• how 211 routes by parish and follows up
• Greater Food Bank access and monthly drives
• Family Stability Program for eviction prevention
• practical info to have when calling 211
• typical 24–48 hour response times
• simple ways to donate through cauw.org
• tackling stigma and asking for help early

If you or someone you know needs help, dial 211 for local support
Visit cauw.org to give or to volunteer or to learn more ways to help
Subscribe to the Money Matters Podcast, and visit neighborsfcu.org/financialwellness for more tools to help you build a strong financial future

Have an idea for a show or a question for Kim? Send us a text message

Support the show

Welcome to Money Matters, the podcast that focuses on how to use the money you have, make the money you need and save the money you want – brought to you by Neighbors Federal Credit Union.

The information, opinions, and recommendations presented in this Podcast are for general information only and any reliance on the information provided in this Podcast is done at your own risk. This Podcast should not be considered professional advice.

We strip estate planning down to what matters: simple documents that protect your wishes and spare your family from conflict. Jason Knapps joins us to bust myths, map decisions by life stage, and lay out a clear starting checklist and next steps.

• what estate planning covers beyond assets
• essential documents: will, financial and medical powers, directives
• keeping beneficiaries aligned with current wishes
• review cadence and triggers after life events
• common myths: not rich, too young, the state will handle it
• planning without children and charitable giving
• life stage priorities from 20s to 50s and beyond
• how to start: inventory, trusted people, advisor, attorney
• online forms versus professional customization
• real outcomes: family conflict versus smooth transitions
• contact details for expert guidance

Subscribe to the Money Matters Podcast, and visit neighborsfcu.org slash financial wellness for more tools to help you build a strong financial future

Have an idea for a show or a question for Kim? Send us a text message

Support the show

Welcome to Money Matters, the podcast that focuses on how to use the money you have, make the money you need and save the money you want – brought to you by Neighbors Federal Credit Union.

The information, opinions, and recommendations presented in this Podcast are for general information only and any reliance on the information provided in this Podcast is done at your own risk. This Podcast should not be considered professional advice.

We trace the real costs of welcoming a second child and how a strict budget turned worry into confidence. From rising doula fees to two daycare bills, we share what changed, what we reused, and how we planned leave, space, and school decisions without losing joy.

• daycare becoming the largest monthly expense
• getting serious about budgeting to pay off debt
• navigating higher medical and doula costs
• planning for feeding costs and inflation
• where thrifting works and where buying new wins
• reusing gear and avoiding first‑time parent traps
• housing trade‑offs and space planning for two kids
• preparing for two tuitions and kindergarten choices
• funding parental leave with PTO, STD and savings
• making room for meaningful splurges within the plan

Subscribe to the Money Matters Podcast, and visit neighborsfcu.org slash financial wellness for more tools to help you build a strong financial future

Have an idea for a show or a question for Kim? Send us a text message

Support the show

Welcome to Money Matters, the podcast that focuses on how to use the money you have, make the money you need and save the money you want – brought to you by Neighbors Federal Credit Union.

The information, opinions, and recommendations presented in this Podcast are for general information only and any reliance on the information provided in this Podcast is done at your own risk. This Podcast should not be considered professional advice.