Making It Count

According to USA Today, Pew Research Center found that around 22 million employed adults in the U.S. work from home all the time. Working remotely can offer more flexibility, but how does it impact your finances? On this episode, Cristina and Randy spoke with Lauren and Justin, who work remotely as Director of Strategy and Development Director at GreenHouse Agency. Links: - Addition Financial Resource Center: https://resources.additionfi.com/ - Learn more about Addition Financial: https://hubs.la/H0zbJ0W0 - Making It Count, Season 4, Episode 9: https://resources.additionfi.com/money-fun-going-abroad

Guest: Bethany Hsia

Deal News 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. There are many ways for students to boost their finances in college, and Crisitna and Randy brought on a local expert to share more tips. Hear from Randy Pawlowski, Director of Student Development at Seminole State College. Links: - Find Season 1, Episode 9, A Crash Course on College Finances here: resources.additionfi.com/college-finances - Learn more about Addition Financial: hubs.la/H0zbJ0W0 - Learn more about Seminole State College: www.seminolestate.edu/

According to WalletHub, 85% of college students already have a credit card. It's tempting to keep accepting new credit card and loan offers, especially with the freedom to make big purchases. However, it's important to make informed decisions. Cristina and Randy sat down with Gabrian Calkins, Assistant Manager of Consumer Lending at Addition Financial, for some expert insight. - Addition Financial Resource Center: https://resources.additionfi.com/ - Learn more about Addition Financial: https://hubs.la/H0zbJ0W0 - Learn more about Seminole State College: https://www.seminolestate.edu/

In this episode, hosts Cristina and Randy delve into the complexities of financing a college degree. With millions of students facing student loan debt, CEO Chuky Ofoegbu from Sojourning Scholar joins the discussion to demystify financial aid options. Covering everything from applying for student loans and avoiding FAFSA mistakes to exploring grants and scholarships like Bright Futures, they equip students with essential knowledge. In the rapid-fire round, they address differences between federal and private loans, scholarship application tips, and more. Learn more about the Addition Financial Foundation: https://foundation.additionfi.com/ Learn More about Sojourning Scholar: https://sojourningscholar.com/

In this episode of Making It Count, Randy and Cristina discuss the importance of avoiding fraud, noting the rise in credit card fraud cases. They share personal anecdotes and introduce guests Lee and Paul, IT experts from Addition Financial. The discussion covers common scams to watch for in 2024, red flags of financial scams, and tips for managing passwords and sensitive information online. They emphasize checking bank statements regularly and reporting suspected fraud to the FTC, banks, or the BBB. Addition Financial Fraud Blog: resources.additionfi.com/fraudulent-activity-transactions Learn More about Addition Financial: www.additionfi.com/

In this episode, Cristina and Randy discuss how to plan a wedding without breaking the bank. Special guest Jessica Bishop, creator of The Budget Savvy Bride, shares insights on managing wedding costs, finding deals from vendors, and creative ways to save on venues, food, and decorations. They also cover often-overlooked expenses and tips for effective budget tracking. Previous Wedding Episode from Season 2: resources.additionfi.com/wedding-budget Learn More about The Budget Savvy Bride: thebudgetsavvybride.com/ Learn More about Addition Financial: www.additionfi.com/

In this episode, hosts Cristina and Randy explore smart renting practices and red flags to watch out for. With 34% of U.S. housing units occupied by renters, there's a lot to consider when leasing. Real estate expert David Pupo joins the discussion to share essential tips on what to look for in a rental agreement, finding reliable roommates, identifying potential rental scams, and understanding additional fees like renter's insurance and pet rent. How to Save Money for a House Down Payment While Renting Article: https://resources.additionfi.com/how-to-save-for-a-house Learn more about Addition Financial: https://www.additionfi.com/ Learn more about Orange Blossom Homes: https://www.myobhomes.com/

In this episode, hosts Cristina and Randy tackle the often mystifying realm of paychecks. With over half of Americans confused about terms like HSA and FSA, Brandon and Andrew from Addition Financial join the discussion to shed light on paycheck breakdowns. They cover gross vs. net pay, types of deductions, common W-4 mistakes, and the differences between HSAs and FSAs. Exploring tax brackets and maximizing earnings, they offer valuable insights to help listeners navigate their paychecks more effectively. The Expert Bi-Weekly Paycheck Budget & Savings Plan: resources.additionfi.com/bi-weekly-savings-plan Learn More about Addition Financial: additionfi.com/

Welcome to the Season 5 premiere of Making It Count! In this episode, hosts Cristina and Randy explore expert ways to boost your savings. They discuss the importance of understanding different savings accounts and strategies with guest expert Dan Sheerin from Addition Financial. From retirement planning to debt management, Dan shares valuable insights to help listeners maximize their savings potential. Plus, they tackle common misconceptions and provide actionable tips for establishing healthy savings habits. Join us as we kick off another season of empowering financial advice on Making It Count! Resources: Money Management Tips: pages.additionfi.com/money-management-guide Learn more about Addition Financial: additionfi.com/

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. Cristina and Randy welcome their financially savvy friends, Katelyn Justice, Gabrien Calkins, and Leon LaChance from Addition Financial. Together, they share insightful financial tips for each stage of life! Links: – Addition Financial Resource Center: https://resources.additionfi.com/ – Learn more about Addition Financial: https://hubs.la/H0zbJ0W0

Who can resist the excitement of shopping, especially when you find a hard-to-resist coupon? According to Statista, about 90 percent of shoppers in the United States use coupons! In this fun episode of “Making it Count” we're diving into the world of shopping hacks that promise to keep your wallet happy. Cristina and Randy are joined by their money-smart friend, James Anderson, founder and CEO of SmartMov, and together they unpack everything you need to know about scoring the hottest deals! Links: – Addition Financial Resource Center: https://resources.additionfi.com/ – Learn more about Addition Financial: https://hubs.la/H0zbJ0W0 —SmartMov: https://www.smartmov.co/ —Connect with James on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-anderson-726413b2/

Inflation is a topic that often elicits a sense of stress and concern. According to AP news, last year, in 2022, the average inflation rate was around 8% and reached a peak of 9.1% — which is the highest it's been in 40 years! However, don't panic. There are effective methods that can help you navigate the potential impacts of inflation — and this episode of Making it Count will teach you how! With the help of Miriam Mitchell, a Chief Lending Officer at Addition Financial Federal Credit Union, Cristina and Randy take a deep dive into different financial strategies to beat inflation.

Traveling internationally can seem intimidating, but according to Pew Research Center, over 70% of Americans have done it! On this exciting episode of Making it Count, we're preparing you with all the traveling tips and tricks for you to start booking those long awaited trips abroad — without breaking the bank!. Today, we're joined by our money smart friends, Jeremy and Jenna, your go-to guides for travel tips and destination inspiration. With their help, Cristina and Randy do a tell-all into everything international travel on a budget. Links: – Addition Financial Resource Center: https://resources.additionfi.com/ – Quench Your Adventure: https://quenchyouradventure.com/ – Learn more about Addition Financial: https://hubs.la/H0zbJ0W0 – Travel Spend https://travel-spend.com/ – Too Good to Go https://www.toogoodtogo.com/en-us – World Packers https://www.worldpackers.com/

Did you know that 65 percent of Americans actually get their staycation inspiration from family and friends? On this episode of Making it Count, we've got you covered with all sorts of tips and tricks of planning a great staycation, all while staying within budget. With the help of Lauren Holloway, a content creator and local travel expert, Cristina and Randy dive into all sorts of staycation inspiration all while staying budget friendly! Links: –Addition Financial Resource Center: https://resources.additionfi.com –Sunshine and Keylime: https://sunshineandkeylime.com –Learn more about Addition Financial: https://hubs.la/H0zbJ0W0

Over two-thirds of Americans are budgeting for their travel this year, and more than half have cut back or changed their plans due to the economy. But no matter your budget, you can still plan a great vacation—and this episode of Making it Count will teach you how! With the help of Donna Shields, a vacation planning expert and travel blogger, Cristina and Randy take a deep dive into how you can turn travel planning from a chore into part of the fun while saving money along the way. –Addition Financial Resource Center: https://resources.additionfi.com/ –Open Mind Adventure: https://openmindadventure.com/ –Learn more about Addition Financial: https://hubs.la/H0zbJ0W0

Cristina and Randy are joined by Natalie Nieves, a recruiter for Addition Financial Credit Union, to talk all things job hunting and career development.

Did you know debt consolidation is the number-one reason people take out personal loans? In this episode of Making it Count, Cristina and Randy continue the Money Taboos mini series with a deep dive into debt consolidation and refinancing. They're joined by Monica Barboza, Member Experience Lead at Addition Financial Credit Union, to explore the differences between consolidation and refinancing, the benefits of both, and everything else you need to know to effectively manage debt. –Addition Financial Resource Center: https://resources.additionfi.com/ –Contact Monica: (407) 896-9411 ex. 7091 –Debt Consolidation Comparison Chart: https://pages.additionfi.com/debt-consolidation-comparison-chart –Learn more about Addition Financial: https://hubs.la/H0zbJ0W0

Tax season is almost upon us — so what better time to continue the Money Taboos mini series with a focus on all things taxes? In this episode of Making it Count, Randy and Cristina welcome Andrew Griffith, CPA and associate professor of accounting, and Ricky Laviña, CPA and founder of TaxFyle. From tax brackets to audits and everything in between, they cover all the basics you need to know to file taxes without fear. –Addition Financial Resource Center: https://resources.additionfi.com/ –Andrew's website: https://www.andrewgriffith.cpa/ –Andrew's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewgriffith –TaxFyle's website: https://www.taxfyle.com/ –Money Taboos Part II: Spotting Predatory Lending: https://resources.additionfi.com/predatory-lending –Learn more about Addition Financial: https://hubs.la/H0zbJ0W0

We're back with season four of Making it Count, a podcast that provides practical financial advice for every stage of life – with a twist! Our hosts, Cristina and Randy, aren't financial experts. They're just like you – trying not to stumble their way to financial success. So they invite their money smart friends to join them each episode to get the DL on managing their finances. So listen along for a continuation of our Money Taboos mini series and regularly scheduled episodes in between!

According to a study from Zapier, 40% of Americans have a side hustle—and Microsoft found that 70% of Gen Z plan to pursue a side hustle in the coming year. In this episode of Making it Count, Cristina and Randy welcome Valerie Filion, Assistant Branch Manager at MetroWest with Addition Financial, to explain how she turned her passion into a side hustle as an aesthetician. She shares her tips on finding the right side hustle, managing your time, and how you can grow your gig. Links: –Valerie's Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/valsvanity23 –Valerie's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vals.vanity_ –How to Start Your Career with the Best Foot Forward: https://resources.additionfi.com/starting-a-new-career –Learn more about Addition Financial: https://hubs.la/H0zbJ0W0

Did you know only 38% of Americans work with a financial advisor to manage their money? We look to experts for advice on so many topics, but most of us are still tackling money issues without professional help. In the season three finale of Making it Count, Cristina and Will welcome back certified financial coach Heidi Pauley to conduct a real consultation with members Chelsea and Desi! Listen to learn how a financial consultation can help you get on the right path with your money. Links: – Money Management Tips and Savings Strategies for Every Budget and Age: https://pages.additionfi.com/money-management-guide – Heidi Pauley: hpauley@additionfi.com – Learn more about Addition Financial: https://hubs.la/H0zbJ0W0

According to a Pew Research Study, 27 million Americans have bought, traded or used cryptocurrency. Yet for every person who understands cryptocurrency and blockchain, there are plenty of people who are a bit perplexed by it. In this episode of Making it Count, Cristina and Will welcome Lou Grilli from PSCU to explain how the blockchain works, the different kinds of cryptocurrencies, the dos and don'ts of investing and more! Links: –Addition Financial Resource Center: https://resources.additionfi.com/ –Lou's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lougrilli/ –Lou's Twitter: https://twitter.com/lougrilli –Retirement Strategies for People Under 40: https://resources.additionfi.com/retirement-strategies-under-40 –Learn more about Addition Financial: https://hubs.la/H0zbJ0W0

The world of insurance can seem rather daunting with all the complex vocabulary and legalities, but this latest episode of Making it Count helps to break down the most confusing aspects of insuring ourselves and our things so you can be protected no matter what life throws your way. Take a listen as Cristina and Will interview two experienced insurance experts from Hylant, Andria and Shawna, and then go out and review all of your policies to make sure you are appropriately insured! Links: –Hylant: https://www.hylant.com/ –Andria Herr: andria.herr@hylant.com –Shawna Andrews: shawna.andrews@hylant.com or 407-215-2202 –Learn more about Addition Financial: https://hubs.la/H0zbJ0W0

Wanting to make the switch to a more eco-friendly lifestyle but don't think it's within your budget? Sustainability can be accessible for everyone if you use the tips from this episode of Making it Count! Featuring UCF track and field athlete Rayniah Jones and returning Addition Financial expert Valerie Moses, you'll learn how to eat healthy and be kinder to the environment without breaking the bank. Take a listen to this new episode of your favorite financial education podcast! Links: –Truebill: https://www.truebill.com/ –ShareWaste: https://sharewaste.com/ –Rayniah Jones: @RayniahJones –Valerie Moses: vmoses@additionfi.com –Sign up for an Aspire or Choice checking account at AdditionFi.com/RJ –Listen to Wellness and Wanderlust at WellnessAndWanderlust.net –Learn more about Addition Financial: https://hubs.la/H0zbJ0W0

In part II of our Money + Lifestyle mini series, Cristina and Will interview returning guest Karina from Addition Financial and first-time participant Dr. Elliott Jaffa, a behavioral psychologist. They cover how to address those hard to shake unhealthy financial habits, like impulse purchases and lifestyle inflation. Learn strategies on how to identify any financial “don'ts” and how to turn them into “do's” on this episode of Making it Count! Links: –Addition Financial Resource Center: https://resources.additionfi.com/ –Karina's email: Krodriguez-Penalver@additionfi.com –Karina's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karina-rodriguez-763805186/ –Dr. Jaffa's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elliott-jaffa-686310b/ –Financial Advice One-pager: https://pages.additionfi.com/one-page-advice –Learn more about Addition Financial: https://hubs.la/H0zbJ0W0

It's not too late to set your financial New Year's resolutions and boy do we have a great episode to learn how to not only set them, but actually achieve them this year! Featuring two new guests, financial literacy educator David Maurice Sharp and Addition Financial Specialist Chelsea Conner, our hosts take a deep dive into setting SMART goals for every financial goal you'd want to accomplish – from paying down debt and cutting unnecessary expenses, to saving for a down payment and investing in your retirement. Links: –David Maurice Sharp: https://www.davidmauricesharp.com/ – Chelsea Conner: CConner@AdditionFi.com – SMART Financial Goal Setting Worksheet: https://hubs.la/Q0131KzT0 – Learn more about Addition Financial: https://hubs.la/H0zbJ0W0

Breakups suck, but at least our Making it Count hosts were brave enough to talk through the financial ramifications of ending a relationship with Samantha Garcia, a Wealth Advisor at Halbert Hargrove. Together they demystify those common questions around finances and divorce and shed light into the best way to protect your assets through the process. Even if you are currently rocking the single life, you'll want to tune into this episode – promise us, future you will be thankful. Links: –Halbert Hargrove: https://www.halberthargrove.com/ –Samantha Garcia on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samanthalowery/ –Samantha Garcia's email address: sgarcia@hhga.com –Money Management Tips & Savings Strategies: https://hubs.la/Q010T0hD0 –Learn more about Addition Financial: https://hubs.la/H0zbJ0W0

Considering lending money to a family member? You'll want to listen to this episode of Making it Count first! Cristina and Will invite Juan Velasco, a Member Experience and Sales Specialist at Addition Financial and Jennifer Lee, the Founder of Modern Wealth to share their thoughts on mixing money with family. This episode covers the risks and rewards of lending money to a family member, how to talk to your parents about their long-term care plan and how to help your child navigate student loans. Links: –Juan Velasco, 407-896-9411 ext. 3035 –Jennifer Lee, jennifer@modern-wealth.com, https://squeezethejuicebook.com/ –Real Talk: Why You Need an Estate Plan in 2021: https://hubs.la/Q0107ZkR0 –Learn more about Addition Financial: https://hubs.la/H0zbJ0W0

Discussing finances with friends? Talk about awkward… Unless, of course, you use the great tips from this episode of Making it Count! Our hosts Cristina and Will were joined by returning guest Richard Barbari from Addition Financial and new guest Erin Papworth, the Founder and CEO of Nav.it. They covered a whole spectrum of money topics as they relate to friendships – like how to navigate the dreaded bill splitting conversation at the end of dinner or what to do if a friend asks to borrow money. Links: -Rich Barbari: rbarbari@additionfi.com or call 407-869-9411 -Erin Papworth: https://navitmoney.com/ -Resource: https://hubs.la/H0_2jcC0 -Learn more about Addition Financial: https://hubs.la/H0zbJ0W0

Sprucing up key areas of your home is a great way to increase your property's value and attract the right buyers when you're ready to sell. On this episode of Making it Count we heard from Brad Fletcher, the Owner of Home Staging Pros, and Kathy Michaels, a Home Loan Specialist at Addition Financial, on how to tackle the practical and financial side of prepping your home for sale. From full-scale renovation projects to simple staging best practices, listen along as Cristina and Will learn how to create the best first impression to sell your home quickly and for top dollar. Links: –Kathy Micheals, Home Loan Specialist, Addition Financial: 407-896-9411 –Brad Fletcher, Owner, Home Staging Pros: 866-599-5133 or https://www.homestagingprosfla.com/ –The Step-by-Step Guide to Relocating and Starting a New Job: https://hubs.la/H0ZHpJD0 –Learn more about Addition Financial: https://hubs.la/H0zbJ0W0

Have you ever wondered what it actually means to declare bankruptcy? Find out what bankruptcy entails and the different types of bankruptcy in this episode of Making it Count. With the help of Annette Boyd, the Vice President of Collections at Addition Financial and Juan Velasco, a Sales & Member Experience Specialist at Addition Financial, you'll learn how the bankruptcy process works and what you can do to start your financial recovery today. Links: –Juan Velasco: 407-896-9411 ext. 3035 –9 Legitimate Strategies to Rebuild Your Credit Score: https://hubs.la/H0YssD80 –Learn more about Addition Financial: https://hubs.la/H0zbJ0W0

Welcome to season three, episode three of Making it Count, where hosts Cristina and Will learn how to spot and stop predatory lending in its tracks. In this episode we hear from Shelby Lord, Addition Financial's AVP Branch Manager at Forest City, and Sarah Paulson, CFP and Owner of Valkyrie Financial as they discuss the key signs of common predatory lending practices, how to recognize sketchy payday loans and what red flags to look out for in real estate lending. Links: –SMART Financial Goal Setting Worksheet: https://hubs.la/H0WplGL0 –Enrich Resources & Tools: https://additionfi.enrich.org –Shelby Lord: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shelbylordmba/ –Sarah Paulson: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-jane-paulson-cfp/ –Valkyrie Financial: https://valkyriefinance.com/ –Learn more about Addition Financial: https://hubs.la/H0zbJ0W0

In this episode of Making it Count we're tackling money taboos and how to overcome them with the help of our financial experts, Karina Rodriguez, the Youth Ambassador at Addition Financial and Nathan Grant, the Senior Credit Industry Analyst at Credit Card Insider. Listen along to learn where money taboos come from, how they can be detrimental to your finances and ways to break them in your everyday life. Links –Millennial Playbook to Paying Off Debt and Saving for the Future: https://hubs.la/H0VQz7j0 –Online Money Management Tools Comparison Chart: https://hubs.la/H0VQzc70 –Learn more about Addition Financial: https://hubs.la/H0zbJ0W0 –If you are interested in requesting Karina Rodriguez for a financial literacy presentation, you can contact her at krodriguez-penalver@additionfi.com. –Credit Card Insider: https://www.creditcardinsider.com/

Welcome to the first episode of season three of Making It Count! In this episode, Cristina and Will dive into the world of credit with two special guests, Heidi Pauley, a Certified Credit Counselor and Financial Coach with Addition Financial, and Valerie Moses, a Making it Count alumni and Addition Financial employee. Listen along to find out what goes into calculating your credit score, how to get your credit report and ways to improve your credit score. Links: –Heidi Pauley: hpauley@additionfi.com –Valerie Moses: vmoses@additionfi.com –How to Safeguard Your Credit Score Against Credit Card Debt: https://hubs.la/H0V4qpG0 –Money Myths Buster Quiz: https://hubs.la/H0V4qwz0 –Learn more about Addition Financial: https://hubs.la/H0zbJ0W0

We're back with season three of Making it Count, a podcast that provides practical financial advice for every stage of life – with a twist! Our hosts, Cristina and Will, aren't financial experts. They're just like you – trying not to stumble their way to financial success. So they invite their money smart friends to join them each episode to get the DL on managing their finances. So listen along for a continuation of our Money+ mini series and regularly scheduled episodes in between!

Welcome to the season two finale of Making it Count! This episode our hosts are joined by the show's executive producer, Lauren Buys, to hear all about infamous financial fraud cases. Together they discuss Ponzi schemes, pyramid schemes and shady multi-level marketing strategies to help listeners learn how to protect themselves. She covers the life of Charles Ponzi, a scheme involving the hit Broadway show Hamilton and the terrible practices of LuLaRoe. Links Learn more about Addition Financial: https://hubs.la/H0zbJ0W0

From the basics of opening a bank account to learning the importance of saving from an early age, this week's episode of Making it Count focuses on money lessons made just for teenagers. Cristina and Will are joined by Rod Griffin, Senior Director of Consumer Education & Advocacy at Experian, and Karina Rodriguez, Youth Ambassador here at Addition Financial. They both share great tips for parents with teens on what to teach their kids to help them grow into financially responsible adults (hopefully with minimal eyerolls). Links: Email Karina at Addition Financial: krodriguez-penalver@additionfi.com Youth Accounts from Addition Financial: https://www.additionfi.com/youth-accounts Join Experian's weekly #CreditChat: ex.pn/creditchat Addition Financial's TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@additionfinancial? Learn more about Addition Financial: https://hubs.la/H0zbJ0W0

Think kids under 13 can't learn financial basics? Think again! In Part II of our Money + Kids mini series, Cristina and Will learn tips and tricks for teaching younger children important money lessons. From explaining the differences between saving, spending, and giving to helping connect the dots between working and earning a paycheck, our guests, Clint Proctor from The Wallet Wise Guy and Karina Rodriguez from Addition Financial, provide great information for parents with young children. Help your kids become responsible financial experts after listening to our latest episode! Links The Wallet Wise Guy: https://walletwiseguy.com/ Email Karina at Addition Financial: krodriguez-penalver@additionfi.com Youth Accounts from Addition Financial: https://www.additionfi.com/youth-accounts Learn more about Addition Financial: https://hubs.la/H0zbJ0W0

Starting a family is a huge, exciting life milestone. In Part I of our Money + Kids mini series, hosts Cristina and Will learn all the financial considerations that should be covered before having a child. They are joined by John Stanton and Stefanie Flohr, financial advisors at CUNA Brokerage Services, who help listeners learn how to balance budgeting as a parent while saving up for your child's college education along the way. From grocery bills to insurance payments, learn how to financially prepare for starting a family by listening now! Links Investment Services at Addition Financial: https://hubs.la/H0HP7cM0 The Principal Guide to Achieving Financial Security When Settling Down: https://hubs.la/H0HP6V90 Learn more about Addition Financial: https://hubs.la/H0zbJ0W0

Planning to start a new career can be an exciting yet stressful experience. Listen along to learn how to find a compatible career that works for you. In this week's episode, Cristina and Will welcome Jordan George from Addition Financial and Cliff Marvin from CareerSource Central Florida to discuss the best practices of switching and starting new careers. Learn how to financially prepare for this transition and how to stand out in a competitive job market with the help of our financial experts. Links CareerSource Central Florida: https://www.careersourcecentralflorida.com/ Addition Financial Careers: https://www.additionfi.com/careers Learn more about Addition Financial: https://hubs.la/H0zbJ0W0

Welcome to the third part of our Money + Love mini series where hosts Cristina and Will discuss achieving post-honeymoon financial bliss with three special guests. They're joined by returning newlyweds, Jordan and Katie George from Addition Financial, and Clint Proctor from The Wallet Wise Guy. In this episode, our experts reveal ways newlyweds can combine finances, avoid debt, and plan for their future goals. Links The Wallet Wise Guy: https://walletwiseguy.com/ SMART Financial Goal Setting Worksheet: https://hubs.la/H0Gf1hR0 Learn more about Addition Financial: https://hubs.la/H0zbJ0W0

Who said planning a wedding had to be stressful? Tune into part two of our Money + Love mini series, where we explore how couples can save money while planning the wedding of their dreams. Cristina and Will are joined by returning newlyweds, Katie and Jordan from Addition Financial to welcome Kaila and Eryn from Frugal Twins. Learn how to create a sustainable wedding budget while avoiding common mistakes from our financial experts. Additionally, you'll learn about which expenses to prioritize while sticking to your budget. LINKS Frugal Twins: https://www.frugaltwins.com/ The Principal Guide to Achieving Financial Security When Settling Down: https://hubs.ly/H0D02hw0 Learn more about Addition Financial: https://hubs.la/H0zbJ0W0

Welcome back to Making it Count's first episode of 2021 where our hosts uncover the secrets to dating bliss – at least financially speaking! On this part one of our Money + Love mini series we ask our financial experts how couples can know if they are financially compatible. Cristina and Will are joined by returning guest Rod Griffin from Experian, as well as newlyweds Katie and Jordan from Addition Financial. Plus, stay tuned for a surprise segment at the end of the episode where producer Lauren jumps behind the mic to quiz our hosts and guests on how well they know their significant others! Links: the ascent Survey: https://hubs.ly/H0D05tf0 The Principal Guide to Achieving Financial Security When Settling Down: https://hubs.ly/H0D02hw0 Learn more about Addition Financial: https://hubs.la/H0zbJ0W0

Year-end financial planning is a good way to get your financial house in order for the coming year. And with all the changes 2020 brought to our typical “normal,” there are some critical differences we all should be aware of. On this episode of Making it Count, we wrap up our Money + The Holidays mini series with a discussion on why it is so important to evaluate your finances this time of year and what should be part of that evaluation. Our hosts, Cristina and Will, are joined again by Heidi Pauley from Addition Financial on this last episode of 2020! Links: Money Management Guide: https://hubs.la/H0Cylx40 Year End Financial Planning Checklist: https://hubs.la/H0CylxK0 Holiday Bonus Savings Plan Blog: https://hubs.la/H0Cyn9d0 Learn more about Addition Financial: https://hubs.la/H0zbJ0W0

Do you have an estate plan? Understand the basics of estate planning and how to start protecting your assets in 2021 by listening to the latest episode of Making it Count! Our hosts are joined by Mary Kaplan, attorney and owner of The Kaplan Firm, and Emily Ostresh, Legal Specialist at Addition Financial. We cover the important vocabulary and documents associated with the estate planning process so you can get started on your own plan today. Links Learn more about Addition Financial: https://hubs.la/H0zbJ0W0The Kaplan Firm: http://thekapfirm.com/ Planning Early (Elder Law) On-Demand Webinar: https://youtu.be/Cdtd54T-56c Retirement Strategies for People Over 40: https://hubs.la/H0BXn_40 Expert Strategies for Setting and Sticking to Your Retirement Investing Goals: https://hubs.la/H0BXp050

Who's ready to play the credit card points game? Learn all about maximizing your reward points and cash back this holiday season from returning guest Heidi Pauley and special guest Kevin Wright, the CIO at Addition Financial. They share tips on making the most of your holiday shopping using rewards credit cards on the latest episode of Making it Count. Links The Points Guy: https://thepointsguy.com/ Nerdwallet: https://www.nerdwallet.com/ The Ultimate Guide to Taking Charge of Your Credit Card: https://hubs.la/H0B3S7P0 The Savvy Seasonal Shopping Guide to Prevent Overspending: https://hubs.la/H0zbH_y0 Learn more about Addition Financial: https://hubs.la/H0zbJ0W0

We're back with season two of Making it Count, the podcast that explores everyday financial topics to debunk common money myths. We're your hosts – Cristina and Will. On this season of Making it Count, we're introducing the Money+ mini series where we tackle big financial topics over three shorter episodes. We'll hear from guests on how money influences the holiday season, our love lives, and even what we teach our kids. And in between each Money+ series, we'll be back with our regularly scheduled episodes. So, together, let's – make it count!

It's officially here – the first episode of season two of your favorite money smarts podcast, Making it Count! This episode is all about ways to prepare financially before the holidays and is part one of our Money + The Holidays mini series. Hear from guests Heidi Pauley from Addition Financial and Rod Griffin from Experian as they share expert tips for getting through the holidays without spending all your savings. Links The Holiday Season Financial Preparation Guide for Families: https://hubs.la/H0zbK-Y0 The Savvy Seasonal Shopping Guide to Prevent Overspending: https://hubs.la/H0zbH_y0 Experian #CreditChatLive: ex.pn/creditchatliveYT Learn more about Addition Financial: https://hubs.la/H0zbJ0W0

And that's a wrap on season one of Making it Count! We're sharing our favorite lessons learned and funny moments from the past nine episodes on the season one finale with special returning guest Valerie Moses and show producer Lauren Buys. You won't want to miss this behind-the-scenes look at your favorite financial education podcast! Links Subscribe for season two: AdditionFi.com/MakingItCount Learn more about Addition Financial: https://hubs.ly/H0rTfpZ0