
Money Making Sense
The goal of Money Making Sense, a 4-time People's Choice Podcast Award finalist, is to help you find more financial peace. Host Heather Kelly and guest experts focus on personal finances and analyzing family decisions. The show discusses vacationing on a budget, how money affects relationships, retirement savings, reducing household expenses, and the financial impact of owning pets. Along with celebrity interviews from the Sundance Film Festival and FanX Salt Lake focusing on finances. Money Making Sense will give you practical ideas on how to improve your bottom line.
Episodes
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The Professor of Rock says investing in music for kids is invaluable
Adam Reader, aka - The Professor of Rock - says his secret sauce is the thousands of music books he has collected since he was a child. Reader has teamed with Grammy nominated band-leader, Caleb Chapman, to raise money for scholarships at the Caleb Chapman Soundhouse.
Reader says the Soundhouse is the best music program in the country as it instills confidence in kids; teaches them to look up from their shoelaces, which they can use all their lives. Students also get a chance to perform at Carnegie Hall and work with world renowned musicians, like Huey Lewis. AND Chapman and Reader have created the People's Music Hall of Fame.
You can follow this show on Instagram and Facebook. To see what Heather does when she's not talking money, go to her personal X (Twitter) page.
Be sure to email Heather with your questions and request topics you'd like her to cover here.
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SUNDANCE: Eric Bazilian
Songwriter, producer and musician, Eric Bazilian of The Hooters, says he started his first band the day after seeing The Beatles on the Ed Sullivan show. He wound up playing guitar riffs on two of Cyndi Lauper's best hits and was nominated for a Grammy.
Learn which songs these are, which fans in which country are the most faithful to his music, and how long it took The Hooters to financially recoup their 1984 record deal with Columbia Records. Find out which band Eric considers the Alpha and the Omega of music.
You can follow this show on Instagram and Facebook. To see what Heather does when she's not talking money, go to her personal X (Twitter) page.
Be sure to email Heather with your questions and request topics you'd like her to cover here.
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SUNDANCE: Jon Gosselin after Kate Plus Eight
How are Jon and Kate's kids are doing after the tv show? Jon Gosselin spoke with host Heather Kelly at the Sundance Film Festival where he was the Celebrity DJ at the Music Lodge. He also discusses current events in his personal and professional life.
You can follow this show on Instagram and Facebook. And to see what Heather does when she's not talking money, go to her personal X (Twitter) page.
Be sure to email Heather with your questions and request topics you'd like her to cover here.
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SUNDANCE: Death Education
Death is a taboo subject in China. Filmmaker Yuxuan Ethan Wu wants to start the conversation about dying with his short documentary "Death Education" now showing at the Sundance Film Festival.
Learn why some high school teachers in China now teach classes about death, including having students carry the ashes of 'unanamed' people from a crematorium to a public burial ground in this episode. Also, how long it took Wu to shoot the film and how much money it cost.
You can follow this show on Instagram and Facebook. To see what Heather does when she's not talking money, go to her personal X (Twitter) page.
Be sure to email Heather with your questions and request topics you'd like her to cover here.
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SUNDANCE: Third Act
Filmmaker Tadashi Nakamura had big shoes to fill following in his father's footsteps. So, he made a documentary about his dad, Robert A. Nakamura, the godfather of Asian-American Media.
In the film, Third Act, Tadashi follows his father's footsteps from his time in a Concentration Camp for Japanese Americans during WWII to his diagnosis with Parkinson's Disease. If you miss the Sundance Film Festival, you can see Third Act on PBS later this year.
You can follow this show on Instagram and Facebook. And to see what Heather does when she's not talking money, go to her personal X (Twitter) page.
Be sure to email Heather with your questions and request topics you'd like her to cover here.
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SUNDANCE: Rendezvous Cinema Center
Funding an independent movie just got a bit easier. That's according to Hedge Fund creators Michael Perrone, Slater Wayne, and Chris De La Rosa who bring Rendezvous Cinema Center to the Sundance Film Festival as the sponsor of the interview studio, Collider.
They say they they are more interested in the projects and people who take risks, than those who are only interested in how much money they can make. They put their filmmaking knowledge together with finance guy, Craig Mattus. to create Rendezvous Capital Holdings where qualified investors can invest in a flight of films, and independent artists can benefit financially.
You can follow this show on Instagram and Facebook. And to see what Heather does when she's not talking money, go to her personal X (Twitter) page.
Be sure to email Heather with your questions and request topics you'd like her to cover here.
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SUNDANCE: Tiger
Filmmaker Loren Waters brings the story of the Native American family who started the t-shirt company "Tiger" in 1977. It was a very small operation, working 24/7 to fill orders for JC Penny in its heyday.
Learn why the company went under in 1990 and watch "Tiger" through the Sundance Film Festival as well as at SXSW later this spring in this conversation with Loren.
You can follow this show on Instagram and Facebook. And to see what Heather does when she's not talking money, go to her personal X (Twitter) page.
Be sure to email Heather your questions and request topics you'd like her to cover here.
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SUNDANCE: Trango
In Pakistan in the Karakoram Range is a peak that has never been conquered by skiers, until now. Extreme skiers Christina ‘Lusti’ Lustenberger and Jim Morrison became the first people known to ever ski down the face of Trango on May 9, 2024 and it is all captured in this documentary. Christina also says what was not revealed in the film.
You can follow this show on Instagram and Facebook. And to see what Heather does when she's not talking money, go to her personal X (Twitter) page.
Be sure to email Heather your questions and request topics you'd like her to cover here.
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Is No Spend 2025 realistic?
Many people made a New Year's Resolution not to spend any money for anything other than essential needs, like food and shelter. Susan Speirs, the CEO of Utah Association of CPA's, discusses with host, Heather Kelly, what a better resolution should be -- and how to stick to it.
Tip #1: Put just five dollars a week into a High Yield Savings account and you can accrue interest on the your money.
Tip #2: Learn how to control your credit cards, don't let them control you.You can follow this show on Instagram and Facebook. And to see what Heather does when she's not talking money, go to her personal X (Twitter) page.
Be sure to email Heather your questions and request topics you'd like her to cover here.
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The cost of comic conventions - for you and for them
The producer of the FanX Salt Lake and three other comic conventions describes how he got his start in the business. Dan Farr, President of Dan Farr Productions, says the response to the first one in Salt Lake City was overwhelming.
He also discusses what happens behind the scenes, how celebrities deal with the fans, and what attendees can expect when you go.
You can follow this show on Instagram and Facebook. And to see what Heather does when she's not talking money, go to her personal X (Twitter) page.
Be sure to email Heather your questions and request topics you'd like her to cover here.
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FIRE: If you take care of your money, your money takes care of you
Having Financial Independence so you can Retire Early (FIRE) is achievable, if you know the right formula. Aaron Clark, owner of The Accounting Nerd, LLC says the first thing you need to do is change your mindset. Then invest in relatively safe, Index Funds.
Susan Speirs, the CEO of Utah Association of CPAs, says money is a very psychological and behavorial aspect to our being. So there must be discipline in order to live a FIRE lifestyle. And do you know the difference between 'Coast FIRE and Barista FIRE?'
You can follow this show on Instagram and Facebook. And to see what Heather does when she's not talking money, go to her personal X (Twitter) page.
Be sure to email Heather your questions and request topics you'd like her to cover here.
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Learn the signs of financial abuse relationships
The CDC says domestic violence is the number 1 public health issue in America. Research confirms 1 in 4 women and 1 in 7 men are victims of abuse in their relationships. Kim Scouller, author of How Money Works for Women, says one of the first things an abusive partner does is take control of the finances so their spouse feels like they can't leave. Start by stashing away cash -- even very small amounts will help.
National Domestic Violence Hotline 1-800-799-7233
Domestic Shelters -- find a shelter near you
Kim says communication is key and both partners need to step up and take responsibility for the finances in the relationship. It can be equally dividing up who pays which bills or have a joint account where only a part of each person's income goes into the same account and pay everything from there.You can follow this show on Instagram and on Facebook. And to see what Heather does when she's not talking money, go to her personal X (Twitter) page.
Be sure to email Heather your questions and request topics you'd like her to cover here
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The cost of heart inflammation
Chronic inflammation from diabetes, obesitity and other long term illnesses play a bigger role in heart disease than we realize. Dr. Andrew Freeman, the Director of Cardiovascular Prevention and Wellness at National Jewish Health in Denver, says changing your lifestyle is much more cost effective than surviving a heart attack or dying from one.
Dr. Freeman says a plant based diet, brisk exercise everyday, reducing stress, at least 7-hours of sleep each night and have a good support system around you. ALL five of these tips -- along with not smoking are the best way to reduce your risk of a heart attack. Go to CVDInflammation.com for more information.
You can follow this show on Instagram and Facebook. And to see what Heather does when she's not talking money, go to her personal X (Twitter) page.
Be sure to email Heather your questions and request topics you'd like her to cover here.
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Talk with your aging parents BEFORE they make bad financial decisions
Having tough conversations about how your aging family members are doing with bill paying or spending before things get out of hand is much easier than having a talk after their money is gone. That's according to Nico Pesci, founder and CEO of Momemtum Wealth. He says having a fiduciary advisor is an important ally in safe guarding your parents money because they have a LEGAL obligation to work for their clients best interests.
He also discusses how more family members try to take financial advantage of aging loved ones than do parents making bad decisions because of memory loss.
You can follow this show on Instagram and Facebook. And to see what Heather does when she's not talking money, go to her personal X (Twitter) page.
Be sure to email Heather your questions and request topics you'd like her to cover here.
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What is the economic impact of the election?
Now that we know who our next President will be, a lower inflation rate is not a guarantee. That's according to Senior Economist Robert Spendlove with Zions Bank. He says ecoomic theory dictates increasing tariffs -- which President-elect Donald Trump plans to do -- means higher inflation. He does say one of the biggest issues for next year's Congress will be taxation.
Susan Speirs, the CEO of Utah Association of CPAs, says the hope Trump has is that manufacturers will return the United States if tariffs are imposed, but right now they appear to be leaving China and going to Vietnam.
You can follow this show on Instagram and on Facebook. And to see what Heather does when she's not talking money, go to her personal X (Twitter) page.
Be sure to email Heather your questions and request topics you'd like her to cover here.
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Veterans generate $1.3 TRILLION dollars to the U.S. economy
If you truly want to support veterans, buy from their business or use their services. That's from Aikta Marcoulier, Regional Administrator for the Small Business Administration, who says veteran owned companies employee 5-Million people across the U.S. She says show your support using small, veteran owned business along with displaying a flag.
Veterans who are transitioning out of the military have lots of resources to help them, or family members, start a business in every state of the Union. SBA.gov/vetbiz is a great place to start. Here are other websites for vets or their families go from "boots to business."
Utah Veteran Business Resource Center
Veterans Business Outreach CenterYou can follow this show on Instagram and Facebook. And to see what Heather does when she's not talking money, go to her personal X (Twitter) page.
Be sure to email Heather your questions and request topics you'd like her to cover here.
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Where do the politicians you just voted for get their money?
Politicians on both sides of the aisle are raising campaign funds faster than ever before. Boyd Matheson, political consultant, says Super Pacs are a big part of that revenue stream. He says the pacs are where almost all the negative ads come from.
Boyd says people need to be humble about what they think they know and look outside their normal sources of information in order to find out if what they are being fed is true or not. The first borometer is -- if it sounds 'out there' it's probably not correct. Please remember to "Disagree Better."
You can follow this show on Instagram and Facebook. And to see what Heather does when she's not talking money, go to her personal X (Twitter) page.
Be sure to email Heather your questions and request topics you'd like her to cover here.
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BEST OF: Tell your money where to go, don't wonder where it went
Retirement is all about your cash flow. Jason Parker of Parker Financial and Sound Retirement Radio, has a formula to make sure you've saved enough for 'the golden years.' But, he says money isn't the most important item to have in order to gain wealth.
Hint: It's all about your relationships.
You can follow this show on Instagram and Facebook. And to see what Heather does when she's not talking money, go to her personal X (Twitter) page.
Be sure to email Heather your questions and request topics you'd like her to cover here.
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Event ticket prices could come down IF the Senate approves a new bill
Ticket Master/Live Nation makes $130 BILLION a year on fees selling tickets. The Ticket Act would remove Junk fees from live event ticket purchases. That's from Sally Greenberg, executive director of the National Consumers League, who also says there would be 'no more jumping through hoops on websites to see the actual price of a ticket and fake ticketing websites would go away.'
The Bill already passed the U.S. House of Representatives 388 to 24. Now it goes to the Senate for a vote. Please contact the Senators in your state to let them know how you want them to vote.
You can follow this show on Instagram and on Facebook. And to see what Heather does when she's not talking money, go to her personal X (Twitter) page.
Be sure to email Heather your questions and request topics you'd like her to cover here.
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Your grocery bills could get cheaper - IF a bill passes during this election
*After this episode was recorded, the Utah Education Association sued the state of Utah over the wording of Amendment A,*
A bill to remove the state sales tax from grocery store food has been approved. But it won't go into effect unless Amendment A passes in this year's election.The brief from Gardner Institute states Amendment A would allow legislators to re-allocate where monies collected from your Income Tax would go. Phil Dean, the Senior Economist at the Kem C. Gardner Institute says lawmakers want to shift some of the income tax away from education to the general state fund. Susan Speirs, the CEO of Utah Association of CPAs says some educators are worried their peice of the tax pie will get smaller.
Phil Dean says he believes the amount of money spent per pupil will actually increase under the proposed Amendment and Companion Bill. Also, find out what happens if the initiative doesn't pass.
You can follow this show on Instagram and on Facebook. And to see what Heather does when she's not talking money, go to her personal X (Twitter) page.
Be sure to email Heather your questions and request topics you'd like her to cover here.
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How being a sandwiched caregiver can affect your income
Too often women are made the caregivers of not only their children, but also their elderly parents. Lisa Peel, head of financial planning with Edward Jones, says this can greatly affect the amount of time they spend in the workforce, thus limiting their income.
Lisa says it is important to work closely with a financial planner to maximize the amount of income available both currently and for the future. She says it is extremely important to interview 2 or 3 advisors minimum, to find the right fit.
You can follow this show on Instagram and on Facebook. And to see what Heather does when she's not talking money, go to her personal X (Twitter) page.
Be sure to email Heather your questions and request topics you'd like her to cover here.
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Your tax dollars are hard-earned - do elected officials know how to handle the money?
Does the person you voted for have a financial background? It is critical to understand how local treasurers and auditors keep tabs on your taxes -- and who wants the job. Catherine Voutaz is running for Utah State Auditor and Sheila Srivastava for the Salt Lake County Treasurer positions. Find out why Sheila says every tax dollar is hard earned.
They explain why its important to have people in those offices who have financial backgrounds and what their roles are to assist the more well-known positions of governors, mayors and city councils. Susan Speirs, the CEO of Utah Association of CPAs, also joins the conversation to help explain why voters need to do their research on ALL the people listed on your ballot.
You can follow this show on Instagram and on Facebook. And to see what Heather does when she's not talking money, go to her personal X (Twitter) page.
Be sure to email Heather your questions and request topics you'd like her to cover here.
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Can you earn a living in the music industry?
Producer George David discusses how you can make money in the music industry without being a star. Licensing songs for tv commercials and movie soundtracks, producing others, building music studios and many other way will earn you six figures each year. Building a music studio is what led George to collaborating with the music group Train.
George says singers must now get a local following first, along with a big social media presence before record labels will sign them. HACK: everyone needs to learn computer programing and A.I. systems like Python to earn money.You can follow this show on Instagram and on Facebook. And to see what Heather does when she's not talking money, go to her personal X (Twitter) page.
Be sure to email Heather your questions and request topics you'd like her to cover here.
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Lowering heating and cooling costs for your home
HVAC systems must be able to make your home comfortable and be affordable at the same time. If you want more efficient systems, you need to get a higher number SEER and HSPF rating. It will cost a little more money up front, but save you in monthly utility bills.
Dennis Stinson, VP of Sales for Fujitsu General America.If you can't afford a new A/C or heat system, try putting in more insulation in your attic, getting newer energy efficient windows, and sealing up gaps around windows and doors. Make sure the airflow to your A/C and furnace are not blocked.
You can follow this show on Instagram and on Facebook. And to see what Heather does when she's not talking money, go to her personal X (Twitter) page.
Be sure to email Heather your questions and request topics you'd like her to cover here.
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How to eat for $30 per week
Food Security expert, Kimberley Gillan, says buy nutrient dense, low cost foods such as parsley, peas, and skim milk powder in order to save money and be healthy. Gillan details what to buy every week for a 5-week cycle and how much it will cost in her book "How Low Can You Go" to help lower your grocery bills by 60%.
HACK: canned fish like sardines and beans & lentils are a start.She also discusses several causes as to why food prices continue to increase and what we can do as individuals and as a society to get prepared for even higher prices and food shortages in the future.
You can follow this show on Instagram and on Facebook. To see what Heather does when she's not talking money, go to her personal X (Twitter) page.
Be sure to email Heather your questions and request topics you'd like her to cover here.
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Are you feeling the Vibecession?
If the experts believe the economy is in great shape, why does the average American feel like we're in a recession? That is what Nico Pesci, the founder and CEO of Momemtum Wealth, says is a 'vibecession.' When everyday people have the vibe things are going badly, while Wall Street is living high off the hog -- it's time to make a money plan for the stage of life you are in.
Nico says recessions are part of economic cycles. Things will improve. You just need to wait, if can, to cash out your retirement funds. Don't panic, learn to take a deep breath and understand what is really happening in the stock market.
You can follow this show on Instagram and on Facebook. And to see what Heather does when she's not talking money, go to her personal X (Twitter) page.
Be sure to email Heather your questions and request topics you'd like her to cover here.
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My529: Saving for all types of education
Higher education doesn't have to mean ONLY a 4-year expensive college. Troy Runnels, the CFO of My529, says you can put money into a plan which will pay for a trade school educaton, internet usage, housing, internships school supplies and much more.
Susan Speirs, the CEO of Utah Association of CPAs, says the funds you put into a MY529 plan qualify for a Credit on your taxes; and you can roll over any unused funds into a Roth IRA. Also, there are many opportunities available to help pay for your child's education.
You can follow this show on Instagram and on Facebook. And to see what Heather does when she's not talking money, go to her personal X (Twitter) page.
Be sure to email Heather your questions and request topics you'd like her to cover here.
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Being self-employed is both a blessing and a curse
Typically, going into business for yourself reduces your tax-burden. That's from Liz Steblay the author of "Succeeding as a Solopreneur" who says you will probably need to pull in about $110k as your own boss to break even on taxes from working for someone else.
Liz is also the CEO of PICA (Professional Independent Contractors of America). She says empowerment is a great benefit to going out on your own. But it will also be the hardest you ever do in your life as Fear, Uncertainty and Doubt (the FUD monster) can take you down at any time. HACK -- be confident and charge what you are worth.You can follow this show on Instagram and on Facebook. And to see what Heather does when she's not talking money, go to her personal X (Twitter) page.
Be sure to email Heather your questions and request topics you'd like her to cover here.
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Driving without a map for your money, leads to more stress
Not having a financial strategy can stress you out even more than without a plan. James Alexander, CFP with Edge Financial Advisors, says imagine driving somewhere unknown without a GPS or a road map or knowing anything about your car. When you draw a map for your money, you will feel much safer financially. What stage of your life should you hire a financial advisor?
James says taking control, even in small ways, of what you do with your money takes weight of your mind and is emotionally uplifting. You can hear more of his philosophy on Ed's Edge Podcast, where he is a co-host.
You can follow this show on Instagram and on Facebook. And to see what Heather does when she's not talking money, go to her personal X (Twitter) page.
Be sure to email Heather your questions and request topics you'd like her to cover here.
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How DEI language on applications affects your salary
You could be limiting your ability for interviews by the language used on your resume.
Cassie Whitlock, the Chief People Officer at Diversify, says companies are shifting toward skill based hiring vs pedigree educations. Both employers and employees need to be aware of their brand, and what are you trying to accomplish in your job search / job description.Susan Speirs, the CEO of Utah Association of CPAs, says it's important to understand what DEI really means:
Diversity = skills & background, gender identity, age, race, culture, etc.
Equity = everyone has the tools they need to complete the same job, no matter the impediments (too short, too tall, scocio-economic, etc).
Inclusion = you are part of the team, your input matters.You can use free websites to run job description postings and resumes through in order to edit out some potientionally off-putting language.
You can follow this show on Instagram and Facebook. And to see what Heather does when she's not talking money, go to her personal X (Twitter) page.
Be sure to email Heather your questions and request topics you'd like her to cover here.
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A SAVE student loan could be the key to investing in your future self
After several years of not having to pay student loans - or no interest added to them - everyone is back to paying their full payments. Brian Walsh, the head of advice and planning with SoFi, says a SAVE student loan program may be the way forward. But there have been changes.
- Currently, if you missed a student loan payment during the first year, it wouldn't be reported to a credit bureau. That is now going away.
- The percentage of your discretionary income used to calculate your monthly payments is changing -- but currently is facing a court fight.
You can follow this show on Instagram and on Facebook. And to see what Heather does when she's not talking money, go to her personal X (Twitter) page.
Be sure to email Heather your questions and request topics you'd like her to cover here.
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Protecting seniors from scams
How do you know if something "sounds too good to be real?" That's the question Nico Pesci, the founder and CEO of Momemtum Wealth, details in this episode. He says seniors are targeted in all sorts of scams because they typically have more money to lose than younger generations.
Nico also explains what signs you should look for if your loved ones are getting scammed. And who is doing the scamming? HACK: Do your homework on what the average 'return on investment' is and verify investment people through FINRA or Broker Check.
You can follow this show on Instagram and on Facebook. And to see what Heather does when she's not talking money, go to her personal X (Twitter) page.
Be sure to email Heather your questions and request topics you'd like her to cover here.
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Can you survive financially through retirement?
Over half of all Americans say they don't have enough money to either retire, or survive, in retirement. Indira Venkat, Senior Vice-President at with AARP says "its never too early and never too late to start saving." She says 57-Million workers don't have any type of retirement programs through their place of employment.
You can find help at: aarp.org/tools or thisispretirement.org
You can follow this show on Instagram and on Facebook. And to see what Heather does when she's not talking money, go to her personal X (Twitter) page.
Be sure to email Heather your questions and request topics you'd like her to cover here.
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War doesn't always disrupt your taxes or accountants
The war zones may be far away from the United States but many accountants are in the center of action. Valerie Bushell, corporate controller for BlueWind Medical, and Susan Speirs the CEO of Utah Association of CPAs say accountants may be deployed as part of the Armed Forces or work for companies who are based in war-torn countries.
They also discuss how they help refugees who come to the U.S. for political asylum or to escape the ravages of war.
You can follow this show on Instagram and on Facebook. And to see what Heather does when she's not talking money, go to her personal X (Twitter) page.
Be sure to email Heather your questions and request topics you'd like her to cover here.
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Accounting is the language of business!
If you are an entrepreneur, you need to have this skill. Chris Harding, Salt Lake County Auditor, and Susan Speirs, the CEO of UACPA, discuss accounting and the changing world of the tax field. It's not just for old, white men without a sense of humor anymore.
What role does A.I. hold in the world of accounting? And -- have you ever thought of Money Camp for your high school kids? Get more info from Susan Speirs HERE.
You can follow this show on Instagram and on Facebook. And to see what Heather does when she's not talking money, go to her personal X (Twitter) page.
Be sure to email Heather your questions and request topics you'd like her to cover here.
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BEST OF: If you love your loo, only flush pee and poo
Flushable wipes aren't actually flushable. And neither are make-up removers and baby wipes. Leland Myers, Executive Director of the Wasatch Front Water Quality Council and Jill Jones, District Manager for Central Davis Sewer District explains how expensive these 'conveniences' can be for homeowners.
Our sewer pipes were designed for our sanitary needs. Not for items which don't break down over time, like so-called flushable wipes. And it's costing many cities over $3,000,000.00 a year of taxpayer money to fix. Learn how dispose of them properly.
To see all the items discussed in this episode, go to the video version of the podcast
You can follow this show on Instagram and Facebook. And to see what Heather does when she's not talking money, go to her personal X (Twitter) page.
Be sure to email Heather your questions and request topics you'd like her to cover here.
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Save money shopping for designer clothes
Many can't afford to stay 'fashionable' with the high prices of clothing. Fair Allen, apparel technical designer, has tips on how to get what you want for less, and in an ethical manner.
She says it can be as simple as using a capsule wardrobe. Shopping at thrift stores will also feel better on your wallet and keep clothes out of landfills.
You can follow this show on Instagram and on Facebook. And to see what Heather does when she's not talking money, go to her personal X (Twitter) page.
Be sure to email Heather your questions and request topics you'd like her to cover here.
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Is subscription creep emptying your bank account?
Whether you have streaming services with auto-renewal, or multiple small add-ons to programs, you could be paying a lot more than you realize. Nick Wolny, Managing Editor with CNET, says Spring is a great time to review every subscription you have and get rid of ones you don't use very much or didn't realize the prices increased.
Nick also says it is so much easier to buy things. It only takes a swipe of a phone or a tap of a credit card and it doesn't hurt as much as when you write a check or pay with cash. Not paying close attention to all your swipes and taps can cost you a fortune in a very short time frame.
You can follow this show on Instagram and on Facebook. And to see what Heather does when she's not talking money, go to her personal X (Twitter) page.
Be sure to email Heather your questions and request topics you'd like her to cover here.
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Your taxes could prevent human extinction
All species on earth work to support man through clothing, food and medicines. When they start going extinct we risk our own survival. That's from Lowell Baier, author of "Earth's Emergency Room: Saving Species as the Planet and Politics Get Hotter."
Baier says the loss of habitat through climate change and expansion of commerce due to population growth is the number one reason we are losing animal and plant life. And why the Endangered Species Act is critical to fund.
You can follow this show on Instagram and on Facebook. And to see what Heather does when she's not talking money, go to her personal X (Twitter) page.
Be sure to email Heather your questions and request topics you'd like her to cover here.
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Warning! Are you sabotaging an inheritance?
Designating a retirement account to go to a Trust after you die will trigger taxation upon death. Attorney Cathleen Gilbert, the owner of Gilbert Law Office, says retirement accounts should be willed to an individual instead. In order to be fully prepared, Cathleen says you should have a will, a trust, a power of attorney and a medical directive to make sure all your wishes are carried out without excessive delays or complications.
Susan Speirs, the CEO of Utah Association of CPAs, explains what a fiduciary is and why it's important to have one when it comes planning for the inevitable -- death and taxes. And do you know how many death certificates you'll need after your loved one passes?
You can follow this show on Instagram and on Facebook. And to see what Heather does when she's not talking money, go to her personal X (Twitter) page.
Be sure to email Heather your questions and request topics you'd like her to cover here.
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Americans lost more than $10 BILLION dollars to scammers last year
Even though most people know scammers are working to take their money, they keep succeeding. Colin MacDonald, consumer protection attorney for the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) in the Northwest Region describes a few of the top ways scammers come after your money.
To learn more about Imposter Scams go to:
ftc.gov/impostersTo sign up for scam alerts go to:
FTC.gov/consumeralertsIf you have been a victim of fraud or a scam contact the FTC at:
ReportFraud.ftc.gov or 877-382-4357You can follow this show on Instagram and on Facebook. And to see what Heather does when she's not talking money, go to her personal X (Twitter) page.
Be sure to email Heather your questions and request topics you'd like her to cover here.
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How to identify text and email scams
Everyone says "don't open a scam email or click on a link in a text." But how do you know it's a scam without opening the messages? Host Heather Kelly explains a few ways to quickly identify those scam messages. She also has tips for those annoying phone calls from people asking for money or threatening police intervention.
You can follow this show on Instagram and on Facebook. And to see what Heather does when she's not talking money, go to her personal X (Twitter) page.
Be sure to email Heather your questions and request topics you'd like her to cover here.
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Discussing your Inheritance plans shows love and trust
In order to avoid jealousy, hurt feelings, or not knowing what a loved one wants after they pass, it is extremely important to have a plan in place and discuss the transfer of wealth with your loved ones. That's from Lena Haas, the head of Wealth Management Advice and Solutions leader at Edward Jones. She says its important to separate your emotions from the Inheritance discussion by bringing in a third party, like a financial advisor.
You can follow this show on Instagram and on Facebook. And to see what Heather does when she's not talking money, go to her personal X (Twitter) page.
Be sure to email Heather your questions and request topics you'd like her to cover here.
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Is this a good BOI or a bad BOI?
Beneficial Ownership Information, or BOI, is meant to put a stop to money laundering. However, it's estimated that 36 Million small business entities in the U.S. are required to file paperwork to register their companies with FINCEN -- or pay $591 A DAY if you miss the filing deadline.
Guests Brett Jensen, a Partner with Haynie & Company and Susan Speirs, the CEO of Utah Association of CPAs, explain what type of companies must comply with this 2021 federal law and which ones are exempt.
You can follow this show on Instagram and on Facebook. And to see what Heather does when she's not talking money, go to her personal X (Twitter) page.
Be sure to email Heather your questions and request topics you'd like her to cover here.
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Adopting pets at a reduced price
Currently, shelters across the U.S. are overcrowded with dogs. But Holly Sizemore, the Chief Mission Officer for Best Friends Animal Society, says they are about to get inundated with cats and kittens as well.
Now is the time to spay and neuter both indoor and all outdoor cats as females are currently in heat and will start producing offspring within the next couple of months. There are Trap, Neuter, and Release (TNR) programs across the country to help pay for the cost of these procedures.
Sizemore says most pets in shelters are human causes, not because the animal is damaged in someway. Their adoption fees are much less expensive than buying from a breeder or pet store.
You can follow this show on Instagram and on Facebook. And to see what Heather does when she's not talking money, go to her personal X (Twitter) page.
Be sure to email Heather your questions and request topics you'd like her to cover here.
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Your belief in yourself can affect your income.
Be thoughtful about the money you DO have. That's from Justin Janowski, coach and founder of Faith2Influence. He says the beliefs you hold about money -- good or bad -- can influence the amount of wealth you attain.
Justin says 50% of the world exists on only $2.00 a day. That means, the other 50% of the population has more money than we may we think we do. The stories we are telling ourselves about what money IS, could be what is holding us back.
You can follow this show on Instagram and on Facebook. And to see what Heather does when she's not talking money, go to her personal X (Twitter) page.
Be sure to email Heather your questions and request topics you'd like her to cover here.
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There is help for the lack of affordable housing
People need to rethink what a "starter home" looks like. That's from David Damschen, CEO of Utah Housing Corporation. The Vice-President of Financial Services for UT Housing Corp, Ariane Gibson says there are several programs available to help pay for rent or a mortgage, but agrees, rethinking the size of your home is important.
Susan Speirs, the CEO of Utah Association of CPAs, says the State and Federal programs available for low income earners do not affect their tax burden -- but they also won't get tax credits.
You can follow this show on Instagram and on Facebook. And to see what Heather does when she's not talking money, go to her personal Twitter page.
Be sure to email Heather your questions and request topics you'd like her to cover here.
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Credit card debt is cancer for your financial body
Americans are now carrying a record amount of credit card debt more than One-TRILLION dollars. Lou Scatigna, The Financial Physician, says it's time we think about our finances they way we should about nutrition.
Lou also says women are better with money than men as a general rule -- and it's important that both people in a relationship have an equal understanding of their finances.
You can follow this show on Instagram and on Facebook. And to see what Heather does when she's not talking money, go to her personal Twitter page.
Be sure to email Heather your questions and request topics you'd like her to cover here.
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What to know about ESG investing
Many companies around the world are changing where they put their own money based on Environment, Social and Governance rules. Marlo Oaks, the Utah State Treasurer, says this is the downfall of Capitalism. He says when corporations are required to change how they do business, it ties their hands from making even more money.
Guest host Andy Farnsworth from The Movie Show, and Susan Speirs, the CEO of Utah Association of CPA's both say it is important to keep informed of which companies are using the principles of ESG and decide if you wish to invest in them.
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Get off your emotional financial rollercoaster
Rule number one -- be accountable for your decisions, both financially and personally. That's from the author of Prepping for Success, Anmol Singh. He says when you learn to stick to your word, wealth of all sorts will follow you.
Anmol is also a stock market trader and discusses how to get control of your emotions when the markets are going up and down.
You can follow this show on Instagram and on Facebook. And to see what Heather does when she's not talking money, go to her personal Twitter page.
Be sure to email Heather your questions and request topics you'd like her to cover here.
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Your money and your lifestyle
Are you a spender or a saver? Amanda Sharratt, the chief operating officer with Whitaker Myers Wealth Managers, says you can create the muscle for saving -- like she had to do as a spender.
Amanda says staying out of debt, especially during the holidays, starts with having a plan ahead of time of how much you can spend within your budget. A good tip is to sell older items so you have some extra cash to buy gifts.
Amanda also discusses where to start paying off your debt and why it's important to have an emergency fund.
You can follow this show on Instagram and on Facebook. And to see what Heather does when she's not talking money, go to her personal Twitter page.
Be sure to email Heather your questions and request topics you'd like her to cover here.
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Students are leaving $42-MILLION in financial aid on the table every year
There are multiple ways to pay for higher education that don't include going into debt. Geoffrey Thomas Landward, the interim Commissioner for Utah System of Higher Education, says the "Keys to Success" app can show you how. He also discusses the Pell Grant, the Opportunity and Promose scholarships which are FREE.
Susan Speirs, the CEO of Utah Association of CPAs, also gets in on the discussion of filling out FAFSA forms for financial aid. Along with the importance of higher education; which doesn't always mean going to a college or university.
You can follow this show on Instagram and on Facebook. And to see what Heather does when she's not talking money, go to her personal Twitter page.
Be sure to email Heather your questions and request topics you'd like her to cover here.
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Unrelenting holiday scams
From shipping scams to people trying to get you to pay for things with gift cards, fraudsters are coming after your money in droves. Roberta (Bobbi) Tonelli, an attorney with the Federal Trade Commission, says it's important to learn how to spot a scam and then report them at: ReportFraud.ftc.com
You can learn more about various scams at FTC.gov/consumeralerts.
You can follow this show on Instagram and on Facebook. And to see what Heather does when she's not talking money, go to her personal Twitter page.
Be sure to email Heather your questions and request topics you'd like her to cover here.
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