Starting adulthood can feel exciting, overwhelming and a little confusing all at once. Whether you're heading to college, starting your first job, joining the military, or figuring things out one step at a time, there's a lot to learn. In this episode of The Source: People with Purpose – Inspiring Financial Wellness, Katie Ullman and Amanda Abbe break down the financial basics every young adult should know before stepping into the next chapter of life.

From building credit and choosing the right checking account to creating a budget and finding financial advice you can actually trust, this conversation is packed with practical tips that can make a big difference. Katie and Amanda also discuss the tools, rewards and resources available to help young adults build confidence with money while avoiding common mistakes along the way.

Whether you're just beginning your financial journey or you're a parent helping your child prepare for adulthood, this episode is full of simple advice that can create lasting habits. Adulting may not come with an instruction manual, but this conversation is a pretty good place to start.

We Cover:
• Why building a relationship with a trusted financial institution matters early on
• Simple ways to start building credit and develop healthy financial habits
• How budgeting and tracking your money can help you avoid common pitfalls
• Financial tools and resources that can make managing money easier for young adults
• Practical advice for parents and young adults navigating the transition into adulthood


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Show Markers:
(0:00) - Introduction
(1:30) - Finding a Credit Union You Can Trust
(3:00) - Focus on Financial Wellness
(4:15) - First Source Perks & Rewards
(7:15) - Building Credit in a Smart Way
(9:30) - Mobile App Features
(12:30) - Financial Journey

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First Source's Links:
Website - https://www.fsource.org
FB - https://www.facebook.com/fsourcefcu
IG - https://www.instagram.com/fsourcefcu
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/user/fsourcefcu


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Love Living Local Links:
Podcast Email - media@lovelivinglocal315.com
Website - https://www.lovelivinglocal315.com
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@lovelivinglocal315
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/lovelivinglocal315
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/lovelivinglocal315
TikTok - / lovelivinglocal315

In this episode of The Source: People with Purpose – Inspiring Financial Wellness, Katie takes another step into the community by highlighting a partnership that is making a real difference for both children and shelter animals. Joined by Paige from the Anita's Stevens Swan Humane Society and Mariann from First Source, the conversation explores how the Paws & Pages program is helping young readers build confidence while giving animals a calmer environment as they wait to find their forever homes.

What started as an idea quickly grew into a program that benefits everyone involved. Children spend time reading to cats and dogs in a relaxed setting, which helps improve their reading skills while reducing stress for the animals. Along the way, meaningful connections are formed that have even led to adoptions. It's a simple concept with an incredible impact on both literacy and animal welfare.

Whether you're a parent looking for a fun summer activity, an animal lover, or someone who enjoys seeing creative ideas bring a community together, this episode is full of heartwarming stories and inspiring moments. It proves that sometimes the smallest acts of kindness can make the biggest difference.

We Cover:
• How the Paws and Pages program helps children build reading confidence while comforting shelter animals
• Why reading aloud can reduce stress and help animals become more adoptable
• The inspiring story behind a program that has already led to countless success stories and adoptions
• How families can get involved and become part of the Paws and Pages community
• Why this unique partnership is creating lasting impacts for children, animals and the Mohawk Valley


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Show Markers:

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First Source's Links:
Website - https://www.fsource.org
FB - https://www.facebook.com/fsourcefcu
IG - https://www.instagram.com/fsourcefcu
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/user/fsourcefcu

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Anita's Stevens Swan Links:
Website - https://www.anitas-sshs.org
Reading Program - https://www.anitas-sshs.org/services/paws-and-pages-reading-program
FB - https://www.facebook.com/sshs4pets
IG - https://www.instagram.com/anitas_sshs


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Love Living Local Links:
Podcast Email - media@lovelivinglocal315.com
Website - https://www.lovelivinglocal315.com
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@lovelivinglocal315
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/lovelivinglocal315
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/lovelivinglocal315
TikTok - / lovelivinglocal315

For generations, the Utica Zoo has been a place where families make memories, kids discover a love for animals, and visitors of all ages connect with the natural world. In this episode of The Source: People with Purpose – Inspiring Financial Wellness, Katie sits down with Andrea from the Utica Zoo and Pam from First Source to explore the zoo's lasting impact on the Mohawk Valley. From education and conservation to community partnerships and exciting new attractions, this conversation highlights why the Utica Zoo remains one of the region's most treasured destinations.

Listeners will get a behind-the-scenes look at how First Source and the Utica Zoo have worked together over the years, from funding major projects and master planning efforts to helping the zoo achieve and maintain its prestigious accreditation. Along the way, Andrea shares fascinating insights about the zoo's educational mission, internship programs, conservation efforts, and some exciting new exhibits that are bringing national-caliber experiences right here to the Mohawk Valley.

More than anything, this episode is a reminder that investing in a community goes far beyond dollars and cents. It's about creating places that inspire curiosity, foster learning, and bring people together. Whether you're a longtime zoo supporter or haven't visited in years, you'll leave this conversation with a new appreciation for the impact happening right in our own backyard.

• How a long-standing partnership between First Source and the Utica Zoo helped bring major projects to life
• The educational mission behind the zoo and why learning is at the heart of every visit
• What it takes to earn and maintain prestigious zoo accreditation standards
• The story behind the wildly successful dinosaur exhibit and its impact on the community
• A preview of exciting new exhibits and projects coming to the Utica Zoo in the years ahead


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Show Markers:

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First Source's Links:
Website - https://www.fsource.org
FB - https://www.facebook.com/fsourcefcu
IG - https://www.instagram.com/fsourcefcu
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/user/fsourcefcu


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Love Living Local Links:
Podcast Email - media@lovelivinglocal315.com
Website - https://www.lovelivinglocal315.com
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@lovelivinglocal315
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/lovelivinglocal315
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/lovelivinglocal315
TikTok - / lovelivinglocal315