Millennial Money Matters

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...

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. ...

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...

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...

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 imp...

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 s...

Everyone’s throwing around the word recession—but what does it actually mean? And how do we know if we’re in one… or headed for one? In this episode, we break down the real indicators economists look at (like GDP and unemployment), the not-so-obvious ones (consumer confidence, anyone?), and why vibes sometimes do matter. If you're confused by all the mixed messages about the economy right now, this episode will help you make sense ...

Social media makes it easier than ever to find the latest trends—but is it also draining your wallet? In this episode of Millennial Money Matters, we dive into the impact of social media on millennial spending habits. From viral “must-have” products to the pressure of keeping up with influencer lifestyles, we break down how platforms like TikTok and Instagram shape financial decisions. Are these trends helping or hurting your finan...

Buying a home can feel overwhelming—especially for millennials navigating the process for the first time. In this episode of Millennial Money Matters, we break down the steps to homeownership with our very first guest, Jonathan Archer, a millennial realtor with William Raveis Real Estate. From getting pre-approved to making an offer (and avoiding common mistakes), Jonathan shares his insider knowledge on what buyers need to know. W...

So, you’ve decided to buy a house—congrats! Now comes the fun part: figuring out which mortgage won’t completely wreck your financial future. From FHA vs. conventional to VA and USDA loans, we’re breaking down your options in a way that won’t make your head explode.

Whether you're a first-time buyer wondering why there are so many acronyms or just trying to flex that Big Mortgage Energy, we’ve got you. Let’s talk loans, bust some my...

Move over oxblood and skinny jeans—2025 is bringing in a whole new batch of trends. We’re kicking things off with a deep dive into what’s hot this year, from the return of questionable fashion choices to why everyone suddenly needs a "friendcation." But the real glow-up? Your money.

This year, financial trends are getting a high-tech upgrade. We’re talking AI-powered everything, thematic investing (because apparently, our stocks nee...

In this episode of Millennial Money Matters, Kelly and Derek explore the challenges and rewards of merging finances with a partner. They discuss whether to combine bank accounts, how to handle debt as a team, and ways to set joint financial goals without sacrificing independence. With practical tips and real-life insights, Kelly and Derek help couples navigate the tricky terrain of love and money. If you’re preparing to share your ...

In this episode of Millennial Money Matters, Kelly Turner and Derek Mazzarella tackle the topic that excites and terrifies millennials: investing. From decoding stocks and bonds to understanding dividends and navigating the world of mutual funds, they break down the basics with humor and relatable analogies (yes, Monopoly is mentioned). Whether you're a seasoned investor or still figuring out how to spell "ETF," this episode will l...

In this episode of Millennial Money Matters, hosts Kelly and Derek take a deep dive into the millennial experience with student loans. They discuss how student debt has shaped an entire generation’s financial choices and explore practical strategies for managing it. From understanding repayment plans and forgiveness programs to sharing tips for tackling debt while still enjoying life, this episode is all about finding a balance. If...

In this episode of Millennial Money Matters, Kelly and Derek dive into the wild world of meme stocks, where internet culture meets Wall Street. From GameStop to AMC, they explore how these stocks became viral sensations and what it means for millennial investors. Is it a revolution in the making, or just a risky game? Join Kelly and Derek as they unpack the hype, discuss the potential rewards and pitfalls, and share tips on navigat...

Strap in, millennials—mortgage rates are constantly changing and full of drama! This week, Kelly and Derek break down everything you need to know about interest rates and how they’re actually calculated. They’ll spill the tea on why rates aren’t a one-size-fits-all, why everyone’s “special rate” varies, and how you can prep to lock in the best deal. Whether you’re a first-time buyer or just looking to up your mortgage game, get rea...

We have a newish president in office, again. With Donald Trump winning his second non-consecutive term, Kelly and Derek delve into what that means for our wallets. On this episode of Millennial Money Matters, we guide you through Donald Trump's economic policies and how they will impact the stock market, the bond market, future tax rates and we even discuss a hot new Google search item: Tariffs. Check out the episode to see how you...

On this episode of Millennial Money Matters, Kelly and Derek tackle the trending topic of house hacking, as seen on TikTok. With social media buzzing about how millennials can turn their homes into income-generating assets, they break down the concept, discussing what house hacking really means, the potential benefits, and the risks involved. Whether you're considering renting out part of your home or diving into the world of real ...

401ks are the top retirement account out there. Millennials every day make contributions to a plan they barely understand. In this episode of Millennial Money Matters, we delve into the mysterious world of 401k plans. We discuss the three main decisions you make with 401k plans, how target date fund works, 401k rules and many more. If you have many questions about 401k plans, this episode is for you.

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