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.

We share fast, clear ways to find food, rent help and local resources as government shutdown effects ripple through our parishes. Crystal Ward from Capital Area United Way explains how 211 works, which partners are active, and how donors can keep the safety net strong.

• increased calls for food support and essentials
• how 211 routes by parish and follows up
• Greater Food Bank access and monthly drives
• Family Stability Program for eviction prevention
• practical info to have when calling 211
• typical 24–48 hour response times
• simple ways to donate through cauw.org
• tackling stigma and asking for help early

If you or someone you know needs help, dial 211 for local support
Visit cauw.org to give or to volunteer or to learn more ways to help
Subscribe to the Money Matters Podcast, and visit neighborsfcu.org/financialwellness 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.