Watching Trees Grow

Mailbag Series: A Post-Grad Perspective on Student Loans

You took out the student loans. Got the degree. What now? 

Gene and Rachel sit down to continue the conversation about student loans, this time from a “post grad” perspective.  

“I got three or four different options, but it turned out that income based repayment was the best for me.”

 

Rachel recommends: https://studentaid.gov/

Mailbag Series: Getting Real About Student Loans

Student loans can be daunting when you’re in college.

How do you know you’re not making any student loan mistakes? Will you encounter student loan issues?

 

Rachel and Gene have a candid discussion about the fears and apprehension of making student loan mistakes. Rachel shares her personal experience and talks about what she did to take control of her financial future.

 

#studentloans #finance #financialfreedom #financialliteracy #loans

Mailbag Series: Behind the Scenes of Charitable Giving with Goodwill

In this episode, Gene has a conversation with special guest Andrew Marano, Vice President of Retail at Goodwill of Southwestern Pennsylvania. Andrew’s passion grew with his experiences and led him to a place of leadership within the local non-profit sector. He tells us first-hand how impactful it is to receive different types of donations: time, money, physical goods, and even personal skills/talent. How valuable is a used sweater? You might be surprised!

You can learn more about Goodwill of Southwestern PA at www.goodwillswpa.org

The Story of My First Financial Plan

Maggie wrote her own financial plan and accomplished it!
How did she do it? How much time did it take?
You can make one too, listen to find out how Maggie got started

Exploring Panthers Forward

Are you nervous about student loans? Unsure what questions to ask, where to ask them and who to ask?

 

In this episode, Gene chats with Sarah Cullen, Director of Panthers Forward and Maggie Mayer, Panthers Forward alum. They discuss:

• Common questions about debt
• The importance of having a plan
• The balance between saving and paying off debt (hint: it is not an either/or decision)
• Why Panthers Forward has been successful for 98% of its participants!

If you'd like more information on Panthers Forward, or would like to sign up for a personalized goal planning session, click the link here!

Mailbag Series: Taxes & Charitable Giving?

Simone Quinerly, Troutwood CFO joins the podcast to talk taxes and philanthropy with Gene.

Mailbag Series: Giving Time vs. Money ep 1

As a student or young professional, how can you best support the organizations and social causes you care most about? While there is no right or wrong answer, when you are young, it is typically easier to give time than money - and doing so can be extremely helpful to non-profits. These organizations depend on volunteers as much as, if not more-so, than monetary donations. 

 

How can you help the causes you care most about?

Mailbag Series - Credit Card Pt 5: How NOT to use a Credit Card

What are the long-term affects of using your credit card the WRONG way? In this episode, Gene is joined by Christen Malone, Troutwood Brand and Marketing Officer. Christen lets us in on her credit card pitfalls. From getting her first card in college, to defaulting on a payment later on, she shares her journey of learning credit mistakes the hard way. Listen to find out how she repaired her credit in order to ultimately purchase her first home.  

Mailbag Series - Credit Cards Pt. 4: What happens after applying?

Have you ever considered what happens behind the scenes AFTER you apply for a credit card? Troutwood Co-founder & Chief Strategist, Jeff Davidek joins the podcast to share the difference between a hard and soft credit inquiry. Listen in, this conversation isn't just for first time applicants!

Mailbag Series - Credit Card Pt. 3: Nervous about applying for your first Credit Card?

We left off with Maggie & Aruj applying for their first Credit Card.  Listen in as both share the results from their recent Credit applications.

Will they be approved? Do either Maggie or Aruj NOW have their first credit card?  What factors determine Credit eligibility?

Join Aruj and Maggie on a quest to find out!