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.

You’ve seen the TikToks: “Be your own bank,” they say — using life insurance to build wealth, borrow from yourself, and never deal with lenders again. Sounds like a cheat code, right? In this episode, we’re breaking down what that actually means. We’re diving into the concept of using whole life insurance as your own personal bank, where the hype comes from, who it actually works for, and why it flops for most people. Think of this as your no-BS guide to a trending strategy with a lot of fine print. We’ll cover the pros, the real-life roadblocks, and what you need to know before jumping on the "infinite banking" bandwagon.

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 in our “side hustle season,” and this week we’re diving into Airbnb culture with Jessica Starr, a top realtor with LPT Realty and a seasoned Airbnb host who manages multiple properties across multiple states. In this episode, we unpack what it really takes to run a successful short-term rental: startup costs, management tips, red flags to avoid, and how to know if it’s the right fit for you. Whether you’re dreaming of passive income or wondering if this is just another Instagram trap, we’re breaking it all down. Spoiler alert: It’s not just fluff and fairy lights—this is a business.

Are you ready to host or should you just book the stay? Let’s find out.

Jessica can be reached at jessica@starrteam.com

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.

Your credit score can open doors—or slam them shut. In this episode of Millennial Money Matters, we’re joined by Stephen Robert, owner of BedRock Credit America, a nonprofit credit repair agency, to break down everything you need to know about credit. From fixing past mistakes to building strong financial habits, Stephen shares expert advice on boosting your score, navigating the credit system, and the changes coming that could impact your financial future. Whether you’re looking to buy a home, refinance, or just get your credit in top shape, this episode is packed with must-know info. Tune in now!

You can reach Stephen at https://bedrockcreditamerica.org/

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.

Market volatility got you spiraling? We get it. In this follow-up to our recession episode, we’re unpacking exactly what to do when the markets start doing the most. Should you move your money? Freeze your spending? Hide under a weighted blanket? (Maybe a little of all three.)

In this episode of Millennial Money Matters, we talk about how to stay financially steady when everything feels shaky. From investment strategies to mindset shifts, we're giving you the tools to protect your finances and your mental health when the economy starts acting up.

It’s real talk, real advice, and zero fear-mongering—because financial empowerment > panic mode.

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.