Is real estate actually a smart investment… or is it overrated? In this episode of Millennial Money Matters, Kelly Turner and Derek Mazzarella dive deep into the age-old debate: Real estate vs. stocks. Whether you’re a millennial thinking about your first home, or a seasoned investor looking to grow your wealth, this breakdown will change how you think about buying, renting, and investing in 2025.

Reach out to Kelly Turner at kturner@totalmortgage.com and Derek Mazzarella at dmazzarella@mygfpartner.com

Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Homeownership sounds exciting—until you need a new roof, deck, or windows. In this episode of Millennial Money Matters, Kelly Turner and Derek Mazzarella sit down with Corey Turner of Turner Home Improvement, a third-generation contractor and Kelly’s husband, to break down the real costs of home improvement, the truth about contractor quotes, and how to spot red flags before hiring anyone.

We cover:

• The real cost of a new roof vs. a deck in 2024

• Why materials like composite decking have skyrocketed in price

• Common home maintenance myths that cost homeowners thousands

• How to know when it’s time to replace your roof or windows

• Why “two layers of shingles” could void your warranty

• The difference between replacement and new construction windows

• How COVID and tariffs permanently changed construction pricing

• Popular home design trends: farmhouse exteriors, composite decks, and black windows

• The truth about “value-adding” projects vs. required maintenance

• How to vet contractors using the Connecticut judicial and consumer protection websites

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Whether you’re a first-time homeowner, investor, or planning a renovation, this episode will help you understand the real numbers, avoid scams, and protect your biggest investment—your home.

Reach out to Kelly Turner at kturner@totalmortgage.com and Derek Mazzarella at dmazzarella@mygfpartner.com

Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Artificial Intelligence is everywhere — from ChatGPT to Siri to your inbox — but are we in danger of another tech bubble? In this episode of Millennial Money Matters, Kelly Turner and Derek Mazzarella break down the hype, history, and hard truths behind the AI investing craze.

They compare today’s AI boom to the dot-com crash of the 2000s, explore how companies like OpenAI, NVIDIA, and Microsoft are shaping the landscape, and ask the big question: Is AI truly the future… or just another financial bubble waiting to pop?

We cover:

• The difference between AI and past tech bubbles

• Why big companies (not startups) are driving this boom

• How AI investments compare to Pets.com and the dot-com era

• What makes NVIDIA the new “picks and shovels” of the AI gold rush

• The risks of overvalued tech stocks and circular spending

• How to invest in AI without losing your shirt

• Data collection, privacy, and why “you are the product”

• The future of AI tools in daily life, from self-driving cars to chatbots

• Why diversification still matters in a hype-driven market

Whether you’re an investor, tech enthusiast, or millennial just trying to make sense of the AI frenzy, this episode is packed with insight, humor, and real-world advice.

Reach out to Kelly Turner at kturner@totalmortgage.com and Derek Mazzarella at dmazzarella@mygfpartner.com

Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

It’s the question every future homeowner asks: When is the right time to buy a house? In this episode, we unpack what “ready” really means—financially, emotionally, and practically. From savings and credit scores to lifestyle and long-term goals, we’ll help you figure out the signs that it’s time to make the leap into homeownership.

And yes—we even talk about the real reasons people start house hunting… like finally giving your dog the backyard they deserve.

Whether you’re scrolling Zillow at midnight, daydreaming about backyard BBQs, or just wondering if buying makes sense for you, this conversation is all about clarity, confidence, and timing.

Reach out to Kelly Turner at kturner@totalmortgage.com and Derek Mazzarella at dmazzarella@mygfpartner.com

Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

The Federal Reserve makes headlines every time it changes rates—but what does that actually mean for your mortgage, credit cards, car loans, or savings account? In this episode of Millennial Money Matters, Kelly Turner and Derek Mazzarella break down the Fed, Jerome Powell, and how interest rate decisions ripple through the economy in ways that impact millennials every day.

We cover:

Who the Federal Reserve really is and what their two jobs are Interest rates vs. quantitative easing explained

Why the Fed raises or lowers rates (and what it signals) How Fed decisions affect mortgages, credit cards, and auto loans

Why mortgage rates don’t always follow Fed cuts

The history of rate hikes from 2020 through 2024

Refinancing 101: when it makes sense to refi and when it doesn’t

Closing costs, escrow accounts, and the hidden fees of refinancing

How rate cuts affect investing: bonds, stocks, and high-yield savings accounts T

he Fed’s balancing act between inflation, unemployment, and housing affordability

This episode demystifies the Fed’s decisions and shows how they really influence your money from home affordability to the stock market.

Reach out to Kelly Turner at kturner@totalmortgage.com and Derek Mazzarella at dmazzarella@mygfpartner.com

Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

You’ve seen the commercials. You’ve seen the billboards. But when it comes down to it—how do you know if you actually need a personal injury lawyer?

In this episode, we sit down with Hailey Rice, personal injury lawyer extraordinaire, to answer the questions everyone has but rarely asks. Why choose a personal injury attorney over your regular practitioner? What’s the very first thing you should do if you’re injured? And how can the right lawyer make all the difference in protecting your rights and your recovery?

Hailey brings her expertise, real-world advice, and a little myth-busting to the table in this must-listen conversation.

Reach out to Kelly Turner at kturner@totalmortgage.com and Derek Mazzarella at dmazzarella@mygfpartner.com

Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

We’re back—and bigger than ever! Season 3 launches with a fresh perspective, a brand-new studio, and a renewed commitment to bringing you the conversations that matter most.

In this premiere episode, we dive into the “Big Beautiful Bill.” What is it? Why should you care? And most importantly—what does it mean for you, your wallet, and your future? We break it down in real talk, cutting through the noise so you know exactly what’s at stake.

New season. New us. Let’s get into it.

Reach out to Kelly Turner at kturner@totalmortgage.com and Derek Mazzarella at dmazzarella@mygfpartner.com

Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

It’s the season finale, and we’re flipping the script. For our last episode of Season 2, we’re handing the mic to our producer, Justin, who’s putting us in the hot seat. He’s asking your questions—yep, the real ones you slid into our DMs with. From “Should I pay off my student loans faster or invest?” to “What’s the deal with first-time homebuyer programs?”—we’re answering the stuff you actually care about. No jargon. No judgment. Just real talk, real advice, and probably some chaotic energy. We’re wrapping Season 2 with the Q&A episode you didn’t know you needed. See you in September for Season 3! 💸💬

Reach out to Kelly Turner at kturner@totalmortgage.com and Derek Mazzarella at dmazzarella@mygfpartner.com

Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.