Popcorn Finance

Will closing my credit card negatively affect my credit score? This week we hear from a listener who wants to close a credit card but they are afraid of what this might do to their credit score. There are 5 different components that determine credit scores and I’m breaking those down from most to least important to determine whether closing a credit card could result in any short or long-term negative impacts to your score. Read my Men’s Health article: The 'Avocado Toast’ Effect of Spending Is Totally Overblown Join Me on YouTube! https://www.youtube.com/PopcornFinance Want to submit a question to the show? Send an email to [email protected] Send me a message at PopcornFinance.com/Voicemail or Call 707-200-8259 Connect with me Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | YouTube | TikTok Thank you for listening to today’s episode! Help support the show by leaving Popcorn Finance a rating or review on Apple or Spotify! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Student loan forgiveness has been canceled, so now what are your options? It’s official, student loan forgiveness has been canceled and although this is not the outcome many people hoped for, this news probably won’t come as a big surprise if you listened to ep.385 with Nika Booth. In today’s episode, I’m sharing the Biden administration's response to the supreme court’s decision and what steps you should start taking now in order for you to be prepared for when repayments resume. Also, be sure to look out for an upcoming episode with Nika Booth about repayment plans and keep up to date with Popcorn Finance for any new updates about student loans. Join Me on YouTube! https://www.youtube.com/PopcornFinance Want to submit a question to the show? Send an email to [email protected] Send me a message at PopcornFinance.com/Voicemail or Call 707-200-8259 Connect with me Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | YouTube | TikTok Thank you for listening to today’s episode! Help support the show by leaving Popcorn Finance a rating or review on Apple or Spotify! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What do you do when you go out to eat with your parents and they are the world's worst tippers? Today I’m sharing an awkward story I’m sure a lot of us can relate to from my other podcast, This is Awkward. This listener’s dilemma centers around the fact that their parents haven’t changed their tipping habits in over 20 years. They don't want to offend their parents but also don't want their poor tipping habits to continue. They've tried dropping hints and leaving extra cash to no avail. Listen to find out how me and my cohost, Allison Baggerly would approach this awkward situation. Happy 4th of July! From everyone at Popcorn Finance, we hope you all have a safe and fun day however you choose to spend it. Links This is Awkward: Episode 70 My cohost: Allison Baggerly Join Me on YouTube! https://www.youtube.com/PopcornFinance Want to submit a question to the show? Send an email to [email protected] Send me a message at PopcornFinance.com/Voicemail or Call 707-200-8259 Connect with me Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | YouTube | TikTok Thank you for listening to today’s episode! Help support the show by leaving Popcorn Finance a rating or review on Apple or Spotify! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Could AI soon be used to help you make your next important financial decision? If you’ve had a chance to try out AI tools like ChatGPT you know just how powerful they are. Today we're taking on the hot topic of AI and discussing whether or not I think we’ll see it used in future financial planning. There’s a lot of talk about the ethics of AI and I’ve previously explored that in episode 364, but could there also be some positive benefits to it being used more in personal finance? Join Me on YouTube! https://www.youtube.com/PopcornFinance Want to submit a question to the show? Send an email to [email protected] Send me a message at PopcornFinance.com/Voicemail or Call 707-200-8259 Connect with me Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | YouTube | TikTok Thank you for listening to today’s episode! Help support the show by leaving Popcorn Finance a rating or review on Apple or Spotify! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Are you prepared for student loan payments to resume this summer? Back at the beginning of the year, Nika Booth aka Debt Free Gonna Be, gave us an update on where Biden’s Student Loan Forgiveness plan currently stands. She's back on the show to share some updates, including the date the payment pause will end and what the newest news about the potential Supreme Court ruling could mean for your unpaid student loans. Nika also shares her predictions for the coming weeks and how you can better prepare for payments to resume. Connect with Nika Debt Free Gonna Be | Instagram | Twitter Latest Student Loan Updates: https://studentaid.gov/announcements-events/idr-account-adjustment Join Me on YouTube! https://www.youtube.com/PopcornFinance Want to submit a question to the show? Send an email to [email protected] Send me a message at PopcornFinance.com/Voicemail or Call 707-200-8259 Connect with me Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | YouTube | TikTok Thank you for listening to today’s episode! Help support the show by leaving Popcorn Finance a rating or review on Apple or Spotify! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Are you finding it hard to stick to a budget? You’re not alone and the reason could be you’re just not using the best method for your lifestyle. There is no one-size-fits-all when it comes to budgeting. You have to find what works best for you. That could mean that you like to use pen and paper instead of Excel like my guest and co-host of This is Awkward podcast, Allison Baggerly. In today’s episode, Allison shares her top tips on creating a budget that makes you excited and helps to keep you motivated to stick to it. Plus, I’m also sharing some lesser-known and more unusual methods that could be the answer to your budgeting woes. Listen to my other podcast with Allison: This is Awkward Follow AllisonWebsite | Instagram | Twitter | Podcast Join Me on YouTube! https://www.youtube.com/PopcornFinance Want to submit a question to the show? Send an email to [email protected] Send me a message at PopcornFinance.com/Voicemail or Call 707-200-8259 Connect with me Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | YouTube | TikTok Thank you for listening to today’s episode! Help support the show by leaving Popcorn Finance a rating or review on Apple or Spotify! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Who else has been inundated with scam calls lately? Fraud and scam calls are nothing new but they are becoming more prevalent nowadays. They’re getting more clever by using tactics like phone spoofing or impersonating reputable businesses. That’s why in this episode of Popcorn Finance, I’m sharing my tips on how to stay safe and avoid getting swindled by scam callers. Join Me on YouTube! https://www.youtube.com/PopcornFinance Want to submit a question to the show? Send an email to [email protected] Send me a message at PopcornFinance.com/Voicemail or Call 707-200-8259 Connect with me Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | YouTube | TikTok Thank you for listening to today’s episode! Help support the show by leaving Popcorn Finance a rating or review on Apple or Spotify! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Is aggressively paying off your debt causing other areas of your life to suffer? Years ago my wife and I accumulated over $27k worth of debt and it haunted me every day until I paid it off. Credit card interest rates are some of the highest and debt can feel like a dark cloud hanging over you until it's paid off. However, after reading an article from Elizabeth Gravier that outlines four signs that you’re paying off your debt too fast, it made me think about that time in my life and what I might’ve done differently. Hopefully, today’s episode helps give you a new perspective on how you can pay down your debt without going broke or unnecessarily suffering. Elizabeth Gravier's article: 4 Signs You’re Paying Your Debt Down Too Fast Join Me on YouTube! https://www.youtube.com/c/PopcornFinance Want to submit a question to the show? Send an email to [email protected] Send me a message at PopcornFinance.com/Voicemail or Call 707-200-8259 Connect with me Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | YouTube | TikTok Thank you for listening to today’s episode! Help support the show by leaving Popcorn Finance a rating or review on Apple or Spotify! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What happens to the money saved in my 529 plan if my kid doesn’t go to college? This episode is all thanks to a question I received from a listener from my recent episode with Marc Russel (378) asking about what happens to the money saved in a 529 plan if your child decides they don’t want to go to a 4-year college or higher education at all. The good news is, you have options, and that money doesn’t have to go to waste. Find out all the different ways you can use this money, plus how the newest version of the Secure Act can help set up your kid for retirement. Listen to that episode with Marc: 378 Join Me on YouTube! https://www.youtube.com/c/PopcornFinance Want to submit a question to the show? Send an email to [email protected] Send me a message at PopcornFinance.com/Voicemail or Call 707-200-8259 Connect with me Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | YouTube | TikTok Thank you for listening to today’s episode! Help support the show by leaving Popcorn Finance a rating or review on Apple or Spotify! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How should we be thinking about risk when it comes to our investments? Investing has been a major topic of discussion these past few years with the rise and fall of crypto, NFTs, and the Gamestop saga of 2021. It can be hard to cut through all the noise of get-rich-quick investment tips, so how do we know how much risk we ACTUALLY should be taking with our investments? Jill Schlesinger, a certified financial planner CFP® and the host of the Jill On Money podcast is back on the show to share her simple, no-nonsense advice to investing for your future. Listen to my other episodes with Jill - Ep.371 & Ep.372! Follow Jill Website | Twitter | Instagram | Youtube | LinkedIn | Facebook Join Me on YouTube! https://www.youtube.com/c/PopcornFinance Want to submit a question to the show? Send an email to [email protected] Send me a message at PopcornFinance.com/Voicemail or Call 707-200-8259 Connect with me Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | YouTube | TikTok Thank you for listening to today’s episode! Help support the show by leaving Popcorn Finance a rating or review on Apple or Spotify! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Have you heard of the recent closure of First Republic Bank? Similar to Silicon Valley Bank, First Republic was placed under FDIC control and then quickly sold. In this episode we'll cover why this happened, who bought First Republic, and what happens next. Join Me on YouTube! https://www.youtube.com/c/PopcornFinance Want to submit a question to the show? Send an email to [email protected] Send me a message at PopcornFinance.com/Voicemail or Call 707-200-8259 Connect with me Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | YouTube | TikTok Thank you for listening to today’s episode! Help support the show by leaving Popcorn Finance a rating or review on Apple or Spotify! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Do you have a child in your life that you want to help pay for their college tuition? Tuition costs can range anywhere from $10k-$40k depending on if you attend a public or private college. Even on the lower end of the scale, that’s a lot of money to save and as someone who doesn’t have any kids but has a niece, I wanted to pick the brain of Marc Russell, the founder of BetterWallet to see if there’s any way I could help contribute to her college savings fund. Listen to today’s episode to get the details on contributing to a 529 plans as a non-parent,, taxes and everything in-between. Connect with Marc Website | Instagram | Podcast | Webinar Join Me on YouTube! https://www.youtube.com/c/PopcornFinance Want to submit a question to the show? Send an email to [email protected] Send me a message at PopcornFinance.com/Voicemail or Call 707-200-8259 Connect with me Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | YouTube | TikTok Thank you for listening to today’s episode! Help support the show by leaving Popcorn Finance a rating or review on Apple or Spotify! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Things are not looking good for student loan forgiveness. It looks like widespread student loan forgiveness might not be happening. But there's still some good news on the horizon. In this episode, we're diving into the latest developments on public student loan forgiveness (PSLF) and what they could mean for you with Nika Booth. Connect with NikaDebt Free Gonna Be | Instagram | Twitter Learning Lab: Taking Control of Your Student Loan Debt Join Me on YouTube! https://www.youtube.com/c/PopcornFinance Want to submit a question to the show? Send an email to [email protected] Send me a message at PopcornFinance.com/Voicemail or Call 707-200-8259 Connect with me Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | YouTube | TikTok Thank you for listening to today’s episode! Help support the show by leaving Popcorn Finance a rating or review on Apple or Spotify! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Have you been getting inundated with scam calls or fraudulent emails lately? Scammers are constantly finding new ways to try and get your personal and banking information. That’s why in today’s episode of Popcorn Finance I’m sharing the common scams found in your inbox and what to do when you get a scam call. Additionally, find out my top tips for how you can better protect yourself against these scams, including why it’s important to enable two-factor authentication for your most sensitive online information. Join Me on YouTube! https://www.youtube.com/PopcornFinance Want to submit a question to the show? Send an email to [email protected] Send me a message at PopcornFinance.com/Voicemail or Call 707-200-8259 Connect with me Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | YouTube | TikTok Thank you for listening to today’s episode! Help support the show by leaving Popcorn Finance a rating or review on Apple or Spotify! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If you need more time to file your taxes there is a simple and free option. Let's talk about why you'd want to file a tax extension, when you should make a payment, and the things you need to know if you decide to ask for some more time to get your taxes in. Today's bag of popcorn is brought to you by H&R Block!Get 15% off Do-It-Yourself Online Tax Filing Products with H&R Block through April 18th, 2023! https://PopcornFinance.com/HRBlock Join Me on YouTube! https://www.youtube.com/c/PopcornFinance Want to submit a question to the show? Send an email to [email protected] Send me a message at PopcornFinance.com/Voicemail or Call 707-200-8259 Connect with me Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | YouTube | TikTok Thank you for listening to today’s episode! Help support the show by leaving Popcorn Finance a rating or review on Apple or Spotify! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How has your budget strategy changed since inflation kicked in? Allison Baggerly, the creator of Inspired Budget and my cohost on the This is Awkward podcast is joining me today! She’s on the show to talk about how to budget amidst rising costs and how to avoid getting caught in comparison traps when it comes to our money. Allison also has a new book Money Made Easy: How to Budget, Pay Off Debt, and Save Money that is out now! Buy Allison’s book here Follow Allison Website | Instagram | Twitter | Podcast Today's bag of popcorn is brought to you by H&R Block! Get 15% off Do-It-Yourself Online Tax Filing Products with H&R Block through April 18th, 2023! https://PopcornFinance.com/HRBlock Join Me on YouTube! https://www.youtube.com/c/PopcornFinance Want to submit a question to the show? Send an email to [email protected] Send me a message at PopcornFinance.com/Voicemail or Call 707-200-8259 Connect with me Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | YouTube | TikTok Thank you for listening to today’s episode! Help support the show by leaving Popcorn Finance a rating or review on Apple or Spotify! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It feels like we get a million tax forms in the mail every year. In this special bonus H&R Block Tax Tip episode lets breakdown 3 of the most common 1099 forms that you should be on the look out for each year. Today's bag of popcorn is brought to you by H&R Block!Get 15% off Do-It-Yourself Online Tax Filing Products with H&R Block through April 18th, 2023! https://PopcornFinance.com/HRBlock Join Me on YouTube! https://www.youtube.com/c/PopcornFinance Want to submit a question to the show? Send an email to [email protected] Send me a message at PopcornFinance.com/Voicemail or Call 707-200-8259 Connect with me Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | YouTube | TikTok Thank you for listening to today’s episode! Help support the show by leaving Popcorn Finance a rating or review on Apple or Spotify! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Have you ever quit your job in pursuit of your dreams? The idea is great in theory, but what if your dreams don’t work out or you run out of money? Jill Schlesinger, a certified financial planner CFP® and the host of the Jill On Money podcast is back on the show to talk about how she did her own money reset and how she made the leap as a risk-averse person. Listen to find out more about her story and the stories highlighted in her new book, The Great Money Reset! Listen to Part 1! Follow Jill Website | Twitter | Instagram | Youtube | LinkedIn | Facebook Grab a copy of The Great Money Resethttps://www.jillonmoney.com/the-great-money-reset Today's bag of popcorn is brought to you by H&R Block!Get 15% off Do-It-Yourself Online Tax Filing Products with H&R Block through April 18th, 2023! https://PopcornFinance.com/HRBlock Join Me on YouTube! https://www.youtube.com/c/PopcornFinance Want to submit a question to the show? Send an email to [email protected] Send me a message at PopcornFinance.com/Voicemail or Call 707-200-8259 Connect with me Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | YouTube | TikTok Thank you for listening to today’s episode! Help support the show by leaving Popcorn Finance a rating or review on Apple or Spotify! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How did the pandemic change your perspective on work, money, and life? It’s been 3 years since the start of the pandemic and my guest today, Jill Schlesinger, a certified financial planner CFP® and the host of the Jill On Money podcast, is sharing how the pandemic became a catalyst for people to change all aspects of their personal and financial lives. Jill shares real-life examples of these changes found in her new book, The Great Money Reset. I have been a fan of Jill’s since college and I could not wait to get her on the show after all these years. Look out for more upcoming episodes with Jill, since we discuss so much more that simply couldn’t fit into just one episode. Follow Jill Website | Twitter | Instagram | Youtube | LinkedIn | Facebook Grab a copy of The Great Money Reset https://www.jillonmoney.com/the-great-money-reset Today's bag of popcorn is brought to you by H&R Block! Get 15% off Do-It-Yourself Online Tax Filing Products with H&R Block through April 18th, 2023! https://PopcornFinance.com/HRBlock Join Me on YouTube! https://www.youtube.com/c/PopcornFinance Want to submit a question to the show? Send an email to [email protected] Send me a message at PopcornFinance.com/Voicemail or Call 707-200-8259 Connect with me Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | YouTube | TikTok Thank you for listening to today’s episode! Help support the show by leaving Popcorn Finance a rating or review on Apple or Spotify! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It felt like Silicon Valley Bank Failed so quickly, what happened? In this special bonus episode let's break down three big factors that led to the seemingly overnight forced closure of Silicon Valley Bank. Today's bag of popcorn is brought to you by H&R Block! Get 15% off Do-It-Yourself Online Tax Filing Products with H&R Block through April 18th, 2023! https://PopcornFinance.com/HRBlock Join Me on YouTube! https://www.youtube.com/c/PopcornFinance Want to submit a question to the show? Send an email to [email protected] Send me a message at PopcornFinance.com/Voicemail or Call 707-200-8259 Connect with me Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | YouTube | TikTok Thank you for listening to today’s episode! Help support the show by leaving Popcorn Finance a rating or review on Apple or Spotify! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Let's talk about Silicon Valley Bank and what happened over the weekend. The FDIC has stepped in and along with the Treasury Department and the Federal Reserve to try and stabilize a rough few days for the banking industry. In this episode I will lay out what we know so far. Today's bag of popcorn is brought to you by H&R Block! Get 15% off Do-It-Yourself Online Tax Filing Products with H&R Block through April 18th, 2023! https://PopcornFinance.com/HRBlock Join Me on YouTube! https://www.youtube.com/c/PopcornFinance Want to submit a question to the show? Send an email to [email protected] Send me a message at PopcornFinance.com/Voicemail or Call 707-200-8259 Connect with me Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | YouTube | TikTok Thank you for listening to today’s episode! Help support the show by leaving Popcorn Finance a rating or review on Apple or Spotify! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Be honest, do you only use a handful of passwords for everything in your life? This episode is a reminder that you probably need to take a look at the passwords that you are using! Robb Dunewood from the Tech Jawn podcast is back on the show to share just how important it is to keep your information safe online and how password managers work to outsmart hackers and sophisticated computers from figuring out your passwords. Listen to Robb’s other episode on Popcorn Finance: 364 Could an Algorithm Stop You From Getting Your Next Apartment? Follow RobbWebsite | Twitter | Podcast | Instagram The Tech Jawn podcast Today's bag of popcorn is brought to you by H&R Block! Get 15% off Do-It-Yourself Online Tax Filing Products with H&R Block through April 18th, 2023! https://PopcornFinance.com/HRBlock Join Me on YouTube! https://www.youtube.com/c/PopcornFinance Want to submit a question to the show? Send an email to [email protected] Send me a message at PopcornFinance.com/Voicemail or Call 707-200-8259 Connect with me Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | YouTube | TikTok Thank you for listening to today’s episode! Help support the show by leaving Popcorn Finance a rating or review on Apple or Spotify! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Can your financial problems manifest into physical health problems if left unaddressed? My guest today is Jason Vitug, wellness advocate, author, and CEO of Phroogal and he believes that there is a clear correlation between mental health and financial wealth. In today’s episode, Jason talks about his new book, Happy Money Happy Life, and how everything in our life is connected. Jason is passionate about sharing his philosophy that money isn’t the goal; money is the tool to help achieve the goals. Listen to find out what steps Jason took to clean up his financial, physical, and mental health. Connect with Jason Instagram | Twitter | Website Today's bag of popcorn is brought to you by H&R Block! Get 15% off Do-It-Yourself Online Tax Filing Products with H&R Block through April 18th, 2023! https://PopcornFinance.com/HRBlock Join Me on YouTube! https://www.youtube.com/c/PopcornFinance Want to submit a question to the show? Send an email to [email protected] Send me a message at PopcornFinance.com/Voicemail or Call 707-200-8259 Connect with me Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | YouTube | TikTok Thank you for listening to today’s episode! Help support the show by leaving Popcorn Finance a rating or review on Apple or Spotify! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Do rising interest rates mean we should abandon our investment plans? The short answer is no and in this week’s episode, I’m sharing a snippet from a recent interview from my weekly segment on NBCLX where I explain why. Higher interest rates could mean you’re paying more on your mortgage or credit card debts however, it also means potential for higher returns on your short-term investments. Listen to find out what short-term investment options you might want to consider. Today's bag of popcorn is brought to you by H&R Block! Get 15% off Do-It-Yourself Online Tax Filing Products with H&R Block through April 18th, 2023! https://PopcornFinance.com/HRBlock Join Me on YouTube! https://www.youtube.com/c/PopcornFinance Want to submit a question to the show? Send an email to [email protected] Send me a message at PopcornFinance.com/Voicemail or Call 707-200-8259 Connect with me Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | YouTube | TikTok Thank you for listening to today’s episode! Help support the show by leaving Popcorn Finance a rating or review on Apple or Spotify! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Are you up-to-date on the changes being made to our tax system this year? This week we’ll be discussing 4 changes going into effect this tax season. These changes include a new tax filing deadline, updates to tax credits and charitable donations, plus a warning for all crypto investors. Today's bag of popcorn is brought to you by H&R Block! Get 15% off Do-It-Yourself Online Tax Filing Products with H&R Block through April 18th, 2023! https://PopcornFinance.com/HRBlock Join Me on YouTube! https://www.youtube.com/c/PopcornFinance Want to submit a question to the show? Send an email to [email protected] Send me a message at PopcornFinance.com/Voicemail or Call 707-200-8259 Connect with me Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | YouTube | TikTok Thank you for listening to today’s episode! Help support the show by leaving Popcorn Finance a rating or review on Apple or Spotify! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Is an algorithm the reason your rental applications aren’t getting approved? Robb Dunewood, the host of the popular podcast The Tech Jawn, is on the show today to talk about algorithms and the ways in which they are created that can negatively affect black and brown communities. Robb helps define what an algorithm is and breaks down a recent lawsuit against one of the leading algorithm-based tenant screening services used by landlords across the country. Today's bag of popcorn is brought to you by H&R Block! Get 15% off Do-It-Yourself Online Tax Filing Products with H&R Block through April 18th, 2023! https://PopcornFinance.com/HRBlock Follow Robb Website | Twitter | Podcast | Instagram The Tech Jawn podcast Join Me on YouTube! https://www.youtube.com/c/PopcornFinance Want to submit a question to the show? Send an email to [email protected] Send me a message at PopcornFinance.com/Voicemail or Call 707-200-8259 Connect with me Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | YouTube | TikTok Thank you for listening to today’s episode! Help support the show by leaving Popcorn Finance a rating or review on Apple or Spotify! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What are your money goals for 2023? In today’s episode, listeners sent in their personal finance goals they hope to achieve this year. The goals range from wanting to save for a family home to finally paying off credit card debt. I hope this episode serves as a reminder that you can set yourself goals any time of year and 2023 is the perfect year to start your personal finance journey! Today's bag of popcorn is brought to you by H&R Block! Get 15% off Do-It-Yourself Online Tax Filing Products with H&R Block through April 18th, 2023! https://PopcornFinance.com/HRBlock Join Me on YouTube! https://www.youtube.com/c/PopcornFinance Want to submit a question to the show? Send an email to [email protected] Send me a message at PopcornFinance.com/Voicemail or Call 707-200-8259 Connect with me Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | YouTube | TikTok Thank you for listening to today’s episode! Help support the show by leaving Popcorn Finance a rating or review on Apple or Spotify! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What is happening with student loans in 2023? Are student loan payments still paused and when does the student loan forgiveness plan start? If you’ve been wondering why there hasn’t been any news on student loan forgiveness then you’re not alone. Debt expert, personal finance content creator, and the Founder of Debt Free Gonnabe, Nika Booth is on the show this week to explain what’s going on. Nika is sharing why there has been a lack of updates and what happens if the plan is rejected by the supreme court. Connect with NikaDebt Free Gonna Be | Instagram | Twitter Learning Lab: Taking Control of Your Student Loan Debt Join Me on YouTube! https://www.youtube.com/c/PopcornFinance Want to submit a question to the show? Send an email to [email protected] Send me a message at PopcornFinance.com/Voicemail or Call 707-200-8259 Connect with me Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | YouTube | TikTok Thank you for listening to today’s episode! Help support the show by leaving Popcorn Finance a rating or review on Apple or Spotify! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How can we avoid the comparison trap when it comes to our finances? In today’s episode Shannah Game, host of Everyone’s Talkin’ Money podcast, and Certified Financial Planner is on the show to discuss how we can avoid getting stuck in a comparison trap and how to find what we truly want for our lives. Connect with ShannahEveryone’s Talkin’ Money | Instagram | Twitter Join Me on YouTube! https://www.youtube.com/c/PopcornFinance Want to submit a question to the show? Send an email to [email protected] Send me a message at PopcornFinance.com/Voicemail or Call 707-200-8259 Connect with me Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | YouTube | TikTok Thank you for listening to today’s episode! Help support the show by leaving Popcorn Finance a rating or review on Apple or Spotify! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Does making more frequent credit card payments actually make a difference? That's what two listeners wanted to know this week. In this episode we will take a look at how credit card interest is calculated and if the timing of your payments can actually save you money on interest. Sources https://www.experian.com/blogs/ask-experian/how-does-credit-card-interest-work https://www.valuepenguin.com/how-credit-card-interest-apr-calculated Join Me on YouTube! https://www.youtube.com/c/PopcornFinance Want to submit a question to the show? Send an email to [email protected] Send me a message at PopcornFinance.com/Voicemail or Call 707-200-8259 Connect with me Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | YouTube | TikTok Thank you for listening to today’s episode! Help support the show by leaving Popcorn Finance a rating or review on Apple or Spotify! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Some changes are coming to Popcorn Finance in 2023! Send Me Your 2023 Goals! Send me a message at PopcornFinance.com/Voicemail Call 707-200-8259 Send an email to [email protected] Connect with me Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | YouTube | TikTok Thank you for listening to today’s episode! Help support the show by leaving Popcorn Finance a rating or review on Apple or Spotify! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What do you do if you parents don't have enough saved for retirement and you're stating to feel the pressure? This week I'm joined by Marsha Barnes, founder of the The Finance Bar, to help a listener find a way to balance her mom's financial needs and her own financial future. Connect with Marsha The Finance Bar | Instagram | Twitter Join Me on YouTube! https://www.youtube.com/c/PopcornFinance Want to submit a question to the show? Send an email to [email protected] Send me a message at PopcornFinance.com/Voicemail or Call 707-200-8259 Connect with me Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | YouTube | TikTok Thank you for listening to today’s episode! Help support the show by leaving Popcorn Finance a rating or review on Apple or Spotify! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Has homeownership become another unattainable aspect of the American dream? For decades owning a home has been dubbed a right of passage in your adult life. However, with prices of homes skyrocketing over the past few years, owning a home might not even be possible for many young people. To add some perspective to this age-old debate of whether you should rent or buy a home, I’m sharing some key factors to consider and help in your decision-making process. Sponsor Today’s bag of popcorn is brought to you by, the Everyone’s Talkin’ Money podcast hosted by Shannah Game. Shannah is a money wellness expert and Certified Financial Planner. If you’re ready to learn everything about money that no one taught you, do yourself a favor and subscribe to the Everyone’s Talkin’ Money podcast! Join Me on YouTube! https://www.youtube.com/c/PopcornFinance Want to submit a question to the show? Send an email to [email protected] Send me a message at PopcornFinance.com/Voicemail or Call 707-200-8259 Connect with me Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | YouTube | TikTok Thank you for listening to today’s episode! Help support the show by leaving Popcorn Finance a rating or review on Apple or Spotify! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Should you believe the hype around I Bonds? In episode 355, Marc Russell of Better Wallet joined me on the show to discuss 529 plans and whether or not they’re a good option for an education fund for your child. In today’s episode, Marc is sharing whether or not the recently popularized I Bonds are worth the hype or if your college savings is better off in a 529 Plan. Listen to my previous episode with Mark: 355: Savings for College with a 529 Plan Connect with Marc Website | Instagram | Podcast | Webinar Sponsor Today’s bag of popcorn is brought to you by, the Everyone’s Talkin’ Money podcast hosted by Shannah Game. Shannah is a money wellness expert and Certified Financial Planner. If you’re ready to learn everything about money that no one taught you, do yourself a favor and subscribe to the Everyone’s Talkin’ Money podcast! Links Check out my episode on the Better Wallet podcast here Join Me on YouTube! https://www.youtube.com/c/PopcornFinance Want to submit a question to the show? Send an email to [email protected] Send me a message at PopcornFinance.com/Voicemail or Call 707-200-8259 Connect with me Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | YouTube | TikTok Thank you for listening to today’s episode! Help support the show by leaving Popcorn Finance a rating or review on Apple or Spotify! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Are you a new parent, who’s already thinking about your kid’s future education and where to put the savings for it? No need to worry because I’ve got you covered in today’s new episode with Marc Russell, the founder of BetterWallet and the BetterWallet podcast. Marc previously worked as a licensed stockbroker and financial advisor and is now a full-time entrepreneur and financial educator. He’s on the show today to discuss the ins and outs of 529 plans. In today’s episode, you’ll find out how 529 plans work and vary by state, what you can and can’t use them for, plus the tax benefits you could expect from starting one. Connect with Marc Website | Instagram | Podcast | Webinar Sponsor Today’s bag of popcorn is brought to you by, the Everyone’s Talkin’ Money podcast hosted by Shannah Game. Shannah is a money wellness expert and Certified Financial Planner. If you’re ready to learn everything about money that no one taught you, do yourself a favor and subscribe to the Everyone’s Talkin’ Money podcast! Links Check out my episode on the Better Wallet podcast here Join Me on YouTube! https://www.youtube.com/c/PopcornFinance Want to submit a question to the show? Send an email to [email protected] Send me a message at PopcornFinance.com/Voicemail or Call 707-200-8259 Connect with me Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | YouTube | TikTok Thank you for listening to today’s episode! Help support the show by leaving Popcorn Finance a rating or review on Apple or Spotify! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Have you ever had a friend or family member conveniently forget to bring their wallet when out to dinner? It’s Thanksgiving Week here in the US, and this marks the start of the holiday season which is always filled with some of the most awkward conversations of the year. To mark this occasion I’m sharing one of my favorite awkward stories from my other podcast, This is Awkward. In today’s episode, we’re talking about how to deal with a friend or family member who keeps taking advantage of your kindness and your hard-earned cash. From everyone here at Popcorn Finance, Happy Thanksgiving! LinksThis is Awkward: Episode 58 My cohost, Allison Baggerly Join Me on YouTube! https://www.youtube.com/c/PopcornFinance Want to submit a question to the show? Send an email to [email protected] Send me a message at PopcornFinance.com/Voicemail or Call 707-200-8259 Connect with me Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | YouTube | TikTok Thank you for listening to today’s episode! Help support the show by leaving Popcorn Finance a rating or review on Apple or Spotify! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Why are interest rates STILL rising and how long can we expect this to keep happening? Listen to today’s episode to find out, plus hear what the Federal Reserve Chairman has to say about the state of inflation. Previous Episode on Rising inflation Rates: 339 What is a Basis Point?: https://www.instagram.com/p/Ci1E0nnJx6j Sources Fed Fund Rate History https://www.federalreserve.gov/monetarypolicy/openmarket.htm Federal Reserve Press Release https://www.federalreserve.gov/monetarypolicy/files/monetary20220921a1.pdf Join Me on YouTube! https://www.youtube.com/c/PopcornFinance Want to submit a question to the show? Send an email to [email protected] Send me a message at PopcornFinance.com/Voicemail or Call 707-200-8259 Connect with me Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | YouTube | TikTok Thank you for listening to today’s episode! Help support the show by leaving Popcorn Finance a rating or review on Apple or Spotify! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Have you been limiting your job opportunities because you don’t have a personal brand? Building a personal brand is not just for influencers and celebrities, in fact, my guest today thinks we should all have one in order to further our careers. Mandi Woodruff-Santos of Mandi Money Media and the Brown Ambition Podcast is back on the show to share why having a strong professional brand is just as important as a resume and why you need to start building one today. Connect with Mandi Instagram | Twitter | Tiktok | Podcast Book a one-on-one coaching session https://www.mandimoney.com/coaching-sessions Join Me on YouTube! https://www.youtube.com/c/PopcornFinance Want to submit a question to the show? Send an email to [email protected] Send me a message at PopcornFinance.com/Voicemail or Call 707-200-8259 Connect with me Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | YouTube | TikTok Thank you for listening to today’s episode! Help support the show by leaving Popcorn Finance a rating or review on Apple or Spotify! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Why are hospitals pushing for you to pay with a Care Credit Card more now than in recent years? Find out the sneaky tactic hospitals are using to stop you from negotiating your medical bills with Christy Snodgrass, former RN turned healthcare activist. Christy talks about both the allure and potential danger these cards pose for people unable to pay off their medical bills. Listen to my previous episodes with Christy about our healthcare system: 344, 345, 349, & 350 Connect with Christy Tiktok | Instagram | www.healthcarereformed.org Join Me on YouTube! https://www.youtube.com/c/PopcornFinance Want to submit a question to the show? Send an email to [email protected] Send me a message at PopcornFinance.com/Voicemail or Call 707-200-8259 Connect with me Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | YouTube | TikTok Thank you for listening to today’s episode! Help support the show by leaving Popcorn Finance a rating or review on Apple or Spotify! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Is it an empty threat when a hospital says it will send your medical bill to collections? Find out the answer in today’s new episode with Christy Snodgrass, healthcare activist and former registered nurse. In this episode, Christy outlines the big changes coming in January 2023 concerning the collections process, including how your credit score could be affected. Listen to my previous episodes with Christy about our healthcare system: 344, 345, & 349 Connect with Christy Tiktok | Instagram | www.healthcarereformed.org Join Me on YouTube! https://www.youtube.com/c/PopcornFinance Want to submit a question to the show? Send an email to [email protected] Send me a message at PopcornFinance.com/Voicemail or Call 707-200-8259 Connect with me Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | YouTube | TikTok Thank you for listening to today’s episode! Help support the show by leaving Popcorn Finance a rating or review on Apple or Spotify! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Why are healthcare professionals leaving the industry in droves? To shed some light on why that may be is returning guest, Christy Snodgrass, a former registered nurse turned healthcare activist. In this episode, Christy shares what led her to leave her job and instead work towards changing our broken healthcare system. Look out for more upcoming episodes with Christy, as there is so much more to cover with as big of a topic as healthcare! Listen to my previous episodes with Christy about lowering your medical bills: 344 & 345 Connect with Christy Tiktok | Instagram | www.healthcarereformed.org Join Me on YouTube! https://www.youtube.com/c/PopcornFinance Want to submit a question to the show? Send an email to [email protected] Send me a message at PopcornFinance.com/Voicemail or Call 707-200-8259 Connect with me Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | YouTube | TikTok Thank you for listening to today’s episode! Help support the show by leaving Popcorn Finance a rating or review on Apple or Spotify! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Did you know that the IRS adjusts tax brackets annually to offset inflation? So why is it making headlines right now? Find out the answer, plus how and when your taxes could be affected in the final installment of my mini tax series. Listen to my previous episodes on taxes here: 346 & 347 Links Article: America's tax brackets are changing thanks to inflation Join Me on YouTube! https://www.youtube.com/c/PopcornFinance Want to submit a question to the show? Send an email to [email protected] Send me a message at PopcornFinance.com/Voicemail or Call 707-200-8259 Connect with me Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | YouTube | TikTok Thank you for listening to today’s episode! Help support the show by leaving Popcorn Finance a rating or review on Apple or Spotify! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Did you know that 9 states don’t have state income tax? We’re continuing the tax talk in today’s episode because honestly, taxes in the US are ridiculously over-complicated. So in order to help get your head around them easier, I’m going over federal income tax and its tier system. Links Tax calculators IRS - https://apps.irs.gov/app/tax-withholding-estimator H&R Block® - https://www.hrblock.com/tax-calculator Nerdwallet - https://www.nerdwallet.com/taxes/tax-calculator Join Me on YouTube! https://www.youtube.com/c/PopcornFinance Want to submit a question to the show? Send an email to [email protected] Send me a message at PopcornFinance.com/Voicemail or Call 707-200-8259 Connect with me Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | YouTube | TikTok Thank you for listening to today’s episode! Help support the show by leaving Popcorn Finance a rating or review on Apple or Spotify! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Did you know this one tax deduction could save you tons of money on your taxes? Tax season may seem far away but after getting sent an article on how tax brackets are changing because of inflation, I thought we could all brush up on how taxes work in the U.S. Today we’re talking about tax brackets, deductions, and returns. Look out for future episodes about taxes since it’s a subject that needs more than one bag of popcorn to fully pop! Article: America's tax brackets are changing thanks to inflation Join Me on YouTube! https://www.youtube.com/c/PopcornFinance Want to submit a question to the show? Send an email to [email protected] Send me a message at PopcornFinance.com/Voicemail or Call 707-200-8259 Connect with me Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | YouTube | TikTok Thank you for listening to today’s episode! Help support the show by leaving Popcorn Finance a rating or review on Apple or Spotify! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How far are you willing to go to lower your medical bills? This episode is part 2 of my conversation with Christy Snodgrass, a registered nurse turned advocate and activist. Christy shares how to avoid getting price gouged and what tactics hospitals use to shake down patients into paying higher fees. She also shares her favorite resources to help you better negotiate your medical bills. Listen to part 1 here! Connect with Christy Tiktok | Instagram | www.healthcarereformed.org Links https://dollarfor.org https://www.fairhealthconsumer.org https://www.impactinhealthcare.org Join Me on YouTube! https://www.youtube.com/c/PopcornFinance Want to submit a question to the show? Send an email to [email protected] Send me a message at PopcornFinance.com/Voicemail or Call 707-200-8259 Connect with me Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | YouTube | TikTok Thank you for listening to today’s episode! Help support the show by leaving Popcorn Finance a rating or review on Apple or Spotify! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Did you know that 80% of hospital bills have errors? Me neither! Christy Snodgrass, a registered nurse turned advocate and activist, knows first-hand how stressful unexpected and large medical bills can be. That’s why she’s on the show today to share her step-by-step guide on how to negotiate your medical bills and potentially not have to pay a dime. Keep an eye out for Part 2 of my conversation with Christy to learn more about the ins and outs of negotiating your medical bills. Connect with Christy Tiktok | Instagram | www.healthcarereformed.org Links https://dollarfor.org https://www.fairhealthconsumer.org Join Me on YouTube! https://www.youtube.com/c/PopcornFinance Want to submit a question to the show? Send an email to [email protected] Send me a message at PopcornFinance.com/Voicemail or Call 707-200-8259 Connect with me Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | YouTube | TikTok Thank you for listening to today’s episode! Help support the show by leaving Popcorn Finance a rating and review! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Do you remember your first thought or feeling about money? In today’s episode, Lindsay Bryan-Podvin, a Financial Therapist, is sharing how the language and messages we received about money as kids can affect how we interact with money as adults. Plus, listen to find out Lindsay’s advice on how to best approach talking about money with your kids. Check out the rest of my conversation with Lindsay from episodes 327 & 328. Connect with Lindsay Instagram | www.mindmoneybalance.com Links Lindsay's Money Personality Quiz https://www.mindmoneybalance.com/quiz Lindsay's Book - The Financial Anxiety Solution https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/The-Financial-Anxiety-Solution/Lindsay-Bryan-Podvin/9781646040070 Join Me on YouTube! https://www.youtube.com/c/PopcornFinance Want to submit a question to the show? Send an email to [email protected] Send me a message at PopcornFinance.com/Voicemail or Call 707-200-8259 Connect with me Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | YouTube | TikTok Thank you for listening to today’s episode. If you enjoyed it, I’d be grateful for your rating and review! Music from Uppbeat (free for Creators!) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Will your state be taxing student loan forgiveness? The student loan situation is constantly changing so this week I’m giving you an update on how each state is handling taxing forgiven student loans. This is a follow up to Episode 335: Popcorn To-Go: Could Student Loan Forgiveness Have a Big Tax Surprise? https://pod.fo/e/13dcfb Resources The College Investor https://thecollegeinvestor.com Debt Free Gonna Be https://debtfreegonnabe.com Join Me on YouTube! https://www.youtube.com/c/PopcornFinance Want to submit a question to the show? Send an email to [email protected] Send me a message at PopcornFinance.com/Voicemail or Call 707-200-8259 Connect with me Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | YouTube | TikTok Thank you for listening to today’s episode. If you enjoyed it, I’d be grateful for your rating and review! Music from Uppbeat (free for Creators!) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Could consolidating your credit card debt into a personal loan hurt your credit score? This is the question we are discussing today as we tackle part 2 of a question sent in from a listener. Join Me on YouTube! https://www.youtube.com/c/PopcornFinance Want to submit a question to the show? Send an email to [email protected] Send me a message at PopcornFinance.com/Voicemail or Call 707-200-8259 Connect with me Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | YouTube | TikTok Thank you for listening to today’s episode. If you enjoyed it, I’d be grateful for your rating and review! Music from Uppbeat (free for Creators!) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

With interest rates rising paying down credit card debt is a great idea. But is using a personal loan a smart way of eliminating credit card debt. This week a listener wrote in with this exact question so I will help walk them through what they should know before paying off their credit cards with a personal loan. Sources Average credit card APR - https://www.bankrate.com/finance/credit-cards/average-credit-card-apr/ Federal Reserve Consumer Credit Data - https://www.federalreserve.gov/releases/g19/current/ The Personal Finance Podcast - https://www.thepersonalfinancepodcast.com/get-rid-of-your-debt-once-and-for-all-with-chris-browning/ Join Me on YouTube! https://www.youtube.com/c/PopcornFinance Want to submit a question to the show? Send an email to [email protected] Send me a message at PopcornFinance.com/Voicemail or Call 707-200-8259 Connect with me Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | YouTube | TikTok Thank you for listening to today’s episode. If you enjoyed it, I’d be grateful for your rating and review! Music from Uppbeat (free for Creators!) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices