Celebrating 100 Episodes While Expanding Financial Help For Our Community

We mark 100 episodes by reflecting on practical wins, welcoming two new financial wellness counselors, and recommitting to progress over perfection. Real stories, small habits, and a bigger team expand how we help people use, make, and save money with confidence.

• milestone reflections and recurring money themes
• family budgets, baby costs, school events, and tradeoffs
• everyday savings in the kitchen and home
• thrifting as a strategy not a sacrifice
• weddings, car buying, and avoiding lemons
• hurricane prep, maintenance, and deductibles
• the 24-hour rule for impulse control
• negotiation wins on insurance and bills
• launching a full financial wellness department
• meet counselors Nicole and Sylva
• credit union mission and community impact
• how to book guidance and what’s next

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

Transcript

SPEAKER_00 0:02

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. Now, here is your host, Ms. Kim Chapman.

Betty Returns And Family Money Lessons

SPEAKER_05 0:14

Welcome to a very, very special edition of Money Matters today. This is the 100th episode. Give me a round of applause. So whether you this is your first time tuning in or your 100th time tuning in, thank you so much. And for those new followers, hit subscribe because guess what? The best is yet to come. So today I have a special announcement. So, yeah, we'll talk about money, but I've got something really, really special that's a long time coming that I want to announce. But before we get to that, I have a returning guest. She was here from the very start. Episode number one. 99 episodes ago. Yes. Miss Betty Mohika Malan. I'm here, baby. I'm here. I'll be here whenever you need me. So 99 episodes ago, what were we doing? We were talking about me having a baby. And how in the world, what does that have to do with money?

SPEAKER_01 1:11

Everything, as it turns out, now that I have two baby pockets out, right? Uh the money, the money situation um is so important in our lives. It's like the conversation we have every day in raising our kids, in our work, and and it's been incredible, actually. It's been very transformational. And in the time of these 100 episodes, my husband and I have got undergone our own financial makeover, and it's been really awesome.

SPEAKER_05 1:41

And I've actually watched it really unfold. And I think it's just been an incredible journey to have expert after expert come in and sit down and talk about how to use the money you have. Because right, we all have money. You know, how to make the money you need and save the money you want, right? I think that you can identify with at least one of those concepts. And so that's really what this has been about being able to make an impact and help people reach those financial concepts, reach those financial goals.

Everyday Savings And Frugal Wins

SPEAKER_01 2:14

Absolutely. And like in the hundred episodes, it's like there hasn't been like one stone left unturned, in my opinion. And even if you don't do every piece of advice, you know, it's kind of like there's something that's going to speak to everybody. Um, and you know, my per some of my personal favorites, obviously, I've been here talking about having a baby, and then once you have the baby paying for that baby, and then once you got two kids paying for those kids. Um, but then, you know, in addition, like my love of thrifting and how that's factored in for me. Um, but then some of my favorite episodes that I haven't been a part of have been all of the ones about, you know, saving in the kitchen and saving on your house and really be mindful about the way that you live day to day um and how that can really impact your wallet.

Broad Topics Beyond Budgeting

SPEAKER_05 3:01

Oh, yeah. And I love what I actually love about this podcast is you're not just gonna get tips on budgeting and credit, your standard things. Hey, you're getting married. We're gonna help you figure out how to get married based on what your budget is. You know, did you ever buy a car and it was a lemon? We talked about that. I mean, I think we've scratched the surface. Or even, I mean, we're here based out of Louisiana, and what are we famous for besides food, hurricanes, right? So we've even had a tree expert come in and talk about is there a more cost-efficient way to get rid of those trees so they're not falling in your yard or falling in your house? And so, yeah, we've definitely covered so many topics, and I think what has been a good constant theme is progress over perfection.

SPEAKER_01 3:48

100%. I think that's like the biggest through line of all of this. It's not uh, you know, you have to do everything all at once. It's just picking and choosing those things you can implement. Um, for example, my dad, he just called me yesterday and he was very hype. He got their home insurance um bill reduced by half um by just being persistent, staying on the phone um, and negotiating with the insurance company. So people are out here doing it every day. And I tell you what, people underestimate how good it feels to save money. I never used to like feel so good about returning things. When I return something now, I feel as though I'm rich again, even if it's$10 just because of the way I view money is so different than when you started this podcast, which is wild.

SPEAKER_05 4:35

And I think another impactful thing is, is I'll go somewhere and I'll do a presentation and somebody will come up to me after the presentation and say, Hey, I listened to your podcast. I didn't know this. I and that's really the goal is to provide that education because sometimes that little nugget, that little piece of information can really have an impact on somebody's finances.

SPEAKER_01 4:58

100%. And as again, a student at the school of Kim Chapman, I really I've gotten to absorb it in person for six years, but the podcast is the next best thing. I get you to myself, but they get you in the podcast.

Impact Stories And Listener Wins

SPEAKER_05 5:18

It is free, right? The information is priceless, but it is free and it can really have an impact. And so I know our listeners are like, okay, so when are you gonna get to what the announcement is? So do you think it's time? I think it's time.

SPEAKER_01 5:33

I think it's long overdue, actually. I think we you've been working for this for a long time, and it's really exciting. And it's not only exciting because of what it is, but it's also exciting because of who it is.

SPEAKER_05 5:45

All right, so let's not tear up and get all the way.

SPEAKER_01 5:47

I know. I feel like I am gonna cry up.

Big Announcement: New Wellness Department

SPEAKER_05 5:50

So, so if you don't know a lot about my history, I've been at neighbor, seems like for forever. As a matter of fact, while we're celebrating our 100th episode, I'll make 20 years, and so this has almost been maybe 20 years in the making. So, as you know, I came to you as maybe the financial literacy coordinator, and then I became what the financial wellness director. We have finally expanded into a full-fledged department. So, what does that mean? More opportunities for us to have a greater impact. So, without further ado, I want to introduce you to our newest financial counselors at Neighbors Federal Credit Union, Miss Nicole Noah. Look, come sit, you take your rightful place. Yes, sit on the throne of money matters and Miss Silva Fatno. Come on in and join us. Yay! So, yes, so while it has been a team of one, seems like for a long time, and maybe you're tired of hearing my voice over the airways. But guess what? We're gonna have some new voices, some new knowledge, some new expertise joining us, and I am just so excited because not only is it new opportunities within the four walls of this podcast, but definitely for our listeners to be able to learn more about money for blueprint for financial success. We now have more opportunities for people to reach out to us to schedule those appointments, whether it's in person, by phone, or even virtual. So I'll I'll stop because they've been listening to me for a hundred episodes. Nicole, we are so glad to have you as part of the team.

SPEAKER_03 7:27

I'm glad to be here.

SPEAKER_05 7:29

So tell us, come on, why are you in financial wellness? What drew you to this department?

Meet Nicole: Helping Through Habits

SPEAKER_03 7:34

Okay, so for those that really know me, they know that I am one who loves to help people when and wherever I can. And I had the opportunity to shadow you for a little while and to see the many people that you did help because I actually saw myself in a lot of these people, and the things that you were able to do in the way that you lifted these heavy burdens off of their shoulders, I was like, wait a minute. I found somebody that's just like me. She likes helping people, and so that's that's really what drew me to this.

SPEAKER_05 8:08

And just yesterday, Nicole and I were talking, just having a conversation, and I was explaining, we were talking about the 24-hour rule, and Nicole, what did you say?

SPEAKER_03 8:17

I said that I actually did the 24-hour rule. Uh, my daughter, and I well, I guess I'll tell the story. But um, I told my daughter, because I really don't spend a lot of money, but from time to time I want to do something for myself, you know, as we should. As we should. So I told my daughter, I said, Hey, I want you to think of something. If it's anything that you can have that you want that you don't have, let me know. And you know, if it's not too crazy, we'll get it. Well, for me, it was a 154 bottle of dollar bottle of of Chanel Mademoiselle perfume. Yes. Well, okay. So I um I told her one day in my child she loves to procrastinate, which uh helped me out in the long run. But eventually, when I went to her a couple of days later, I was like, hey, you never told me what you wanted. And she was like, Mr.

SPEAKER_05 9:08

Opportunity Cam.

The 24-Hour Rule In Action

SPEAKER_03 9:09

I don't know. I don't know what I want. And I was like, okay, well, you know what? I'm still getting that perfume. But then when I thought about it, I was like, wait a minute, do I really need it? Because I don't go anywhere. So I'm basically paying$154 to smell good for myself. That means she's available for appointments.

SPEAKER_05 9:26

She just says she goes somewhere.

SPEAKER_03 9:29

So with that being said, I did not get the$154 bottle because also my daughter will be graduating high school in three months. Well, less than three months. So I know we have prom coming up, we have senior night for softball coming up. So that$154 could be well spent somewhere else.

Meet Sylva: From Branches To Guidance

SPEAKER_05 9:47

I love it. 24-hour rule in a fan. Yeah, I wasn't even trying to teach that lesson, but I tell you, if you've not been listening long to this podcast, there are so many little lessons that you will pick up. But I'm gonna go ahead and turn it over a little bit to Miss Sylval. Welcome, Miss Sylville.

CEO Joins: Mission And Momentum

SPEAKER_02 10:04

Hi, I'm so glad, you know, to be here. You know, it was really wasn't on my radar, but when I saw it now, I'm real new. Been sitting in this position for, ooh, this is day four. 72 hours. So it's just been like an eye-opener because, you know, I saw like the job description and I'm kind of like these two. I just want to help people. And in my current position, well, first of all, I've been with neighbors. We're going into like our 15 year, and I started like, you know, I was in the branches and stuff, then I did a little back office, did some lending, but I saw this, and basically it gave me the opportunity to just help, just to take it to another level. You know, because you help people a little bit, you know, telling them this, but this kind of opened the door for me to have a conversation. And so basically to have a conversation, to help somebody get, you know, to somewhere that they want to be and to know that it's attainable. Because listening just for the past three days, listening, you know, to Kim has just been like, unlike uh Nicole, an eye-opener for me as well. You should stop. Let's hang you back out. I saw myself, and it was like, well, and when you see yourself, it's easy to help people to see themselves as well. And so I just saw this as an opportunity, you know, to help a little bit, but then you're also helping the community. And when you see you're making a difference, it's like a wow.

SPEAKER_04 11:33

Making a difference. Yes.

SPEAKER_05 11:36

See, we are so full of surprises today. I told you this was gonna be a really good episode. So we're being joined.

SPEAKER_04 11:45

Well, I heard it's a special episode. I heard it's episode number 100, the Century World.

SPEAKER_05 11:52

Yes, yes. So joined by our CEO and president, Mr. Steve Webb. We don't get to have him come by too often, so we're definitely honored to have him stop by for our 100th episode.

SPEAKER_04 12:02

I don't get asked to come too often.

SPEAKER_05 12:04

I mean, I mean, well, there was that game show thing, but indeed.

SPEAKER_04 12:10

That was I do remember. That was a great one, indeed. So, what are we chatting about today?

SPEAKER_05 12:14

So, we are introducing our brand new financial wellness counselors and just what we're expecting next with this podcast and how we want to expand financial wellness and just have a greater impact. So, I'm just so excited to have them join the team. Well, uh as am I, because we've talked for years that we need to clone keep it. I think it's decades, but okay.

What’s Next And How To Connect

SPEAKER_04 12:35

I hadn't been around that long. Come on, please. Uh, and and really excited to have you ladies join the team and what the impact we'll have and not only with our members, but our community as well. So it's uh it's really why we're here. It's what a credit unions forum to do, is to help make our members' lives better financially. So don't feel the pressure, but y'all got a big task ahead of you. It's gonna be it's gonna be a great day. Glad to have y'all join the team.

SPEAKER_05 12:57

We're Hollywood South. I know they're a little maybe just slightly nervous about being in front of the camera, but I guarantee you by neck us next episode, they may have kicked me out of my chair. So again, we are so glad that you've been with us for these last 99 episodes. If you've enjoyed it, the best is yet to come. Indeed.

SPEAKER_00 13:16

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