Financial Education Blog
Preparing for Your First Big Purchase: Cars, Homes, and Smart Planning
In 2024, the average age of the first time home buyer hit a record high at 36 years old. In this episode, hosts Cristina and Addison discuss how you can prepare for your first big purchase alongside Rori from Addition Financial.
Mindful Money Series II: Thrift It Up and Master the Art of Budget-Friendly Finds
In 2024, the secondhand market was valued at $50 billion, increasing from $28 million in 2019. Thrifting and secondhand shopping continue to boom, so on this episode, hosts Cristina and Addison learn tips and tricks for when you are hunting for your next purchase with guest Alexis Stuart, Photographer & Creative Entrepreneur at LexTakePix.
AI and Money: The Role of Artificial Intelligence in Personal Finance
According to all About AI Online Resource, approximately 77% of consumers use AI for their banking and financial needs. And in AI, adoption in the financial sector is expected to rise to 85% by the end of 2025. On this episode, we will take a look at AI’s impact on your personal finances with guest Chris Singel.
Financial Literacy for Gen Z: Tackling Student Loans, Investments, and First Jobs
Did you know only 24% of Gen Z respondents could correctly answer four out of five basic financial literacy questions, according to FINRA? In this episode, we’ll talk about financial literacy for Gen Z and the topics of student loans, investments, and first jobs.
Mindful Money Series I: Rethinking Spending with the No-Spend Challenge
According to CNBC, the “No Spend Challenge” has been around for years, but hit the mainstream in 2024 thanks to TikTok. It encourages people to do a financial fast for a whole month, usually January, so you can pair it with your New Year’s Resolutions. This episode explores the challenge and welcomes Larry Sargent Jr. CEO and founder of the Teen Finance Academy. Teen Finance Academy’s primary mission is to give high school students, middle school students, and college students the tools they need to win with money.
Money U Part III: College Game Plan
From finding housing to learning where you can apply those student discounts, you’ll want to stay in the know. On Deal News, it was reported that student discounts typically take around 10%-15% off of qualifying purchases, but you'll find some places that offer 50% off or even higher. In this episode, Randy Pawlowski, Director of Student Development at Seminole State College, shares helpful money tips for students.
Smart Renting Best Practices + Red Flags
Forbes 2024 renting statistics reveal that 34% of housing units in the United States are occupied by renters – which is roughly 45 million units. How can all those tenants be sure they’re making the most of their living situation? What are some red flags to watch out for when signing an agreement? In this episode, Cristina and Randy are getting the answers from David Pupo, a real estate and property management expert.
De-Mystifying Your Paycheck
Paycheck questions? You’re not alone! For example, over half of Americans don't know the difference between HSA and FSA, according to a poll taken by Bend Financial. Luckily, today we have some help from two payroll and accounting experts from Addition Financial, Brandon and Andrew!
Expert Ways to Boost Your Savings
How can you start making your money work harder for you? According to Forbes Advisor 2024 savings trends, almost half of the people surveyed have opened a high yield savings account or a CD. However, that means that still nearly half have not taken advantage of an interest-bearing account for their savings. Today, Addition Financial’s Dan Sheerin will guide us through how we can all work to boost our savings – from account types to strategies!
Financial Advice for Every Stage of Life
As we navigate the various stages of life, each one presents unique milestones. Yet, are we ever truly financially ready for these transitions? According to Annuity.org, 25% of Americans claim they lack a reliable source for financial advice. In the exciting season 4 finale of "Making it Count," we’re hoping to leave you with some valuable guidance for every life stage!
Smart Shopping Hacks for Big Savings
Who doesn’t love snagging a good deal? According to Statista, about 90 percent of Americans have used coupons while shopping! While you’re out hunting for the next price drop, tune into this resourceful episode of Making it Count, where we give you the scoop on effective shopping hacks! Today we’re joined by our money-smart friend, James Anderson, Founder and CEO of SmartMov. With his help, Cristina and Randy dive into all the ways you can save money while shopping!
Season Finale: Kids and Summer Jobs: Building Financial Responsibility Early
Explore the benefits of teen summer jobs in building financial responsibility, featuring insights from experts on guiding kids toward smart money habits.
Mindful Money Series IV: Budget-Friendly Tips for Grocery Shopping and Eating Well
Discover budget-friendly grocery shopping tips and nutritious eating strategies from dietitian Megan Ware!
Scams to Avoid in 2025: Staying Safe in a Digital World
Learn about the most common scams of 2025 and get expert tips on how to protect yourself from falling victim to them.