Christmas in July might sound a little strange, but it could be the secret to enjoying a less stressful holiday season. In this episode of The Source: People with Purpose – Inspiring Financial Wellness, Katie Ullman and Rachel Zielenski share practical ways to start planning now instead of scrambling later. From creating a holiday budget to finding smart ways to save, this conversation is full of simple ideas that can make a big difference by December.

The discussion goes beyond gift shopping. Katie and Rachel talk about meal planning, cutting unnecessary subscriptions, using rewards points, shopping local and taking advantage of seasonal sales throughout the year. They also explain how small changes today can help you avoid debt after the holidays and start the new year on stronger financial footing.

Whether you're shopping for the holidays, saving for a vacation, or working toward another big goal, these tips can help you make your money go further. A little planning today can lead to more peace of mind tomorrow, and leave you with more time to enjoy the moments that matter most.

We Cover:
• Why starting your holiday budget in July can reduce stress and save money
• Creative ways to cut everyday expenses and grow your holiday savings
• How rewards programs, seasonal sales, and meal planning can stretch your budget
• The benefits of automating savings and setting money aside throughout the year
• Why the best holiday gift might be entering the new year without holiday debt

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First Source's Links:
Website - https://www.fsource.org
FB - https://www.facebook.com/fsourcefcu
IG - https://www.instagram.com/fsourcefcu
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/user/fsourcefcu


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Love Living Local Links:
Podcast Email - media@lovelivinglocal315.com
Website - https://www.lovelivinglocal315.com
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@lovelivinglocal315
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/lovelivinglocal315
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/lovelivinglocal315
TikTok - / lovelivinglocal315

Starting adulthood can feel exciting, overwhelming and a little confusing all at once. Whether you're heading to college, starting your first job, joining the military, or figuring things out one step at a time, there's a lot to learn. In this episode of The Source: People with Purpose – Inspiring Financial Wellness, Katie Ullman and Amanda Abbe break down the financial basics every young adult should know before stepping into the next chapter of life.

From building credit and choosing the right checking account to creating a budget and finding financial advice you can actually trust, this conversation is packed with practical tips that can make a big difference. Katie and Amanda also discuss the tools, rewards and resources available to help young adults build confidence with money while avoiding common mistakes along the way.

Whether you're just beginning your financial journey or you're a parent helping your child prepare for adulthood, this episode is full of simple advice that can create lasting habits. Adulting may not come with an instruction manual, but this conversation is a pretty good place to start.

We Cover:
• Why building a relationship with a trusted financial institution matters early on
• Simple ways to start building credit and develop healthy financial habits
• How budgeting and tracking your money can help you avoid common pitfalls
• Financial tools and resources that can make managing money easier for young adults
• Practical advice for parents and young adults navigating the transition into adulthood


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Show Markers:
(0:00) - Introduction
(1:30) - Finding a Credit Union You Can Trust
(3:00) - Focus on Financial Wellness
(4:15) - First Source Perks & Rewards
(7:15) - Building Credit in a Smart Way
(9:30) - Mobile App Features
(12:30) - Financial Journey

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First Source's Links:
Website - https://www.fsource.org
FB - https://www.facebook.com/fsourcefcu
IG - https://www.instagram.com/fsourcefcu
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/user/fsourcefcu


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Love Living Local Links:
Podcast Email - media@lovelivinglocal315.com
Website - https://www.lovelivinglocal315.com
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@lovelivinglocal315
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/lovelivinglocal315
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/lovelivinglocal315
TikTok - / lovelivinglocal315

In this episode of The Source: People with Purpose – Inspiring Financial Wellness, Katie takes another step into the community by highlighting a partnership that is making a real difference for both children and shelter animals. Joined by Paige from the Anita's Stevens Swan Humane Society and Mariann from First Source, the conversation explores how the Paws & Pages program is helping young readers build confidence while giving animals a calmer environment as they wait to find their forever homes.

What started as an idea quickly grew into a program that benefits everyone involved. Children spend time reading to cats and dogs in a relaxed setting, which helps improve their reading skills while reducing stress for the animals. Along the way, meaningful connections are formed that have even led to adoptions. It's a simple concept with an incredible impact on both literacy and animal welfare.

Whether you're a parent looking for a fun summer activity, an animal lover, or someone who enjoys seeing creative ideas bring a community together, this episode is full of heartwarming stories and inspiring moments. It proves that sometimes the smallest acts of kindness can make the biggest difference.

We Cover:
• How the Paws and Pages program helps children build reading confidence while comforting shelter animals
• Why reading aloud can reduce stress and help animals become more adoptable
• The inspiring story behind a program that has already led to countless success stories and adoptions
• How families can get involved and become part of the Paws and Pages community
• Why this unique partnership is creating lasting impacts for children, animals and the Mohawk Valley


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Show Markers:

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First Source's Links:
Website - https://www.fsource.org
FB - https://www.facebook.com/fsourcefcu
IG - https://www.instagram.com/fsourcefcu
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/user/fsourcefcu

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Anita's Stevens Swan Links:
Website - https://www.anitas-sshs.org
Reading Program - https://www.anitas-sshs.org/services/paws-and-pages-reading-program
FB - https://www.facebook.com/sshs4pets
IG - https://www.instagram.com/anitas_sshs


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Love Living Local Links:
Podcast Email - media@lovelivinglocal315.com
Website - https://www.lovelivinglocal315.com
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@lovelivinglocal315
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/lovelivinglocal315
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/lovelivinglocal315
TikTok - / lovelivinglocal315