We break down why money resolutions fail and turn them into specific, doable steps you can keep all year. From emergency funds and debt strategies to guilt-free spending and simple budgets, the focus stays on small actions and steady systems.

• causes of failed resolutions and vague goals
• how to make saving specific, small, and automated
• why emergency funds come before vacations and extras
• debt snowball vs avalanche and choosing one target
• setting a guilt-free spending allowance
• budgeting as a simple plan with pen and paper
• weekly reviews and adjusting after setbacks
• consistency over intensity and building habits
• free financial counseling and ongoing support at Neighbors

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

Have an idea for a show or a question for Kim? Send us a text message

Support the show

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 – brought to you by Neighbors Federal Credit Union.

The information, opinions, and recommendations presented in this Podcast are for general information only and any reliance on the information provided in this Podcast is done at your own risk. This Podcast should not be considered professional advice.

We share a simple plan to enjoy the holidays without debt or stress, from setting a real budget to spotting fake sales and making meaningful gifts. Practical steps help you find last‑minute cash, use credit wisely, and start saving for next year now.

• setting a holiday budget at 10% of take‑home pay
• using last‑minute tactics like no‑spend weeks and canceling subscriptions
• automating short bursts of savings and round‑ups
• comparing prices and separating real deals from hype
• leveraging gift card bonuses for instant value
• using credit cards only with a clear payoff plan
• choosing homemade and low‑cost meaningful gifts
• opening a Christmas Club or dedicated savings for next year

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

Have an idea for a show or a question for Kim? Send us a text message

Support the show

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 – brought to you by Neighbors Federal Credit Union.

The information, opinions, and recommendations presented in this Podcast are for general information only and any reliance on the information provided in this Podcast is done at your own risk. This Podcast should not be considered professional advice.

We break down the most common holiday scams and show how small choices—slowing down, going direct, and verifying—protect your money and your identity. Russell Barger, VP of Information Security, shares simple rules that stop most attacks at home and at work.

• seasonal lures through fake deals, social posts and tracking links
• warning signs: urgency, odd senders, spoofed domains, impersonal tone
• safer shopping by navigating directly to trusted sites
• workplace risks from HR and payroll phishing during year end
• how to verify without clicking and use second channels
• what to do after a risky click and quick password resets
• saving cards on big retailers versus small shops
• gift card scams: tampering checks and “boss” requests
• social engineering spikes and holistic message evaluation
• two golden rules: don’t click and were you expecting this

Subscribe to the Money Matters Podcast

Have an idea for a show or a question for Kim? Send us a text message

Support the show

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 – brought to you by Neighbors Federal Credit Union.

The information, opinions, and recommendations presented in this Podcast are for general information only and any reliance on the information provided in this Podcast is done at your own risk. This Podcast should not be considered professional advice.