Money Making Sense
497 episodes - English - Latest episode: about 11 hours ago - ★★★★★ - 22 ratingsThe goal of Money Making Sense is to help you find more financial peace. Host Heather Kelly and guest experts focus on reviewing paychecks and analyzing family decisions. They also talk about vacationing on a budget, retirement savings on a limited income, reducing household expenses, the financial impact of owning pets and how money affects relationships. Money Making Sense will give you practical ideas on how to improve your bottom line. Money Making Sense is a 2017, 2018, 2020 and 2021 People's Choice Podcast Award Finalist.
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Episodes
How DEI language on applications affects your salary
July 17, 2024 07:00 - 41 minutes - 35.9 MBYou could be limiting your ability for interviews by the language used on your resume. Cassie Whitlock, the Chief People Officer at Diversify, says companies are shifting toward skill based hiring vs pedigree educations. Both employers and employees need to be aware of their brand, and what are you trying to accomplish in your job search / job description. Susan Speirs, the CEO of Utah Association of CPAs, says it's important to understand what DEI really means: Dive...
A SAVE student loan could be the key to investing in your future self
July 10, 2024 07:00 - 18 minutes - 16.1 MBAfter several years of not having to pay student loans - or no interest added to them - everyone is back to paying their full payments. Brian Walsh, the head of advice and planning with SoFi, says a SAVE student loan program may be the way forward. But there have been changes. Currently, if you missed a student loan payment during the first year, it wouldn't be reported to a credit bureau. That is now going away. The percentage of your discretionary income used to ...
Protecting seniors from scams
July 03, 2024 07:00 - 40 minutes - 34.8 MBHow do you know if something "sounds too good to be real?" That's the question Nico Pesci, the founder and CEO of Momemtum Wealth, details in this episode. He says seniors are targeted in all sorts of scams because they typically have more money to lose than younger generations. Nico also explains what signs you should look for if your loved ones are getting scammed. And who is doing the scamming? HACK: Do your homework on what the average 'return on investment' i...
Can you survive financially through retirement?
June 26, 2024 07:00 - 9 minutes - 8.2 MBOver half of all Americans say they don't have enough money to either retire, or survive, in retirement. Indira Venkat, Senior Vice-President at with AARP says "its never too early and never too late to start saving." She says 57-Million workers don't have any type of retirement programs through their place of employment. You can find help at: aarp.org/tools or thisispretirement.org You can follow this show on Instagram and on Facebook. And to see what Heather doe...
War doesn't always disrupt your taxes or accountants
June 18, 2024 19:00 - 26 minutes - 23 MBThe war zones may be far away from the United States but many accountants are in the center of action. Valerie Bushell, corporate controller for BlueWind Medical, and Susan Speirs the CEO of Utah Association of CPAs say accountants may be deployed as part of the Armed Forces or work for companies who are based in war-torn countries. They also discuss how they help refugees who come to the U.S. for political asylum or to escape the ravages of war. You can follow this...
Accounting is the language of business!
June 12, 2024 07:00 - 34 minutes - 30.3 MBIf you are an entrepreneur, you need to have this skill. Chris Harding, Salt Lake County Auditor, and Susan Speirs, the CEO of UACPA, discuss accounting and the changing world of the tax field. It's not just for old, white men without a sense of humor anymore. What role does A.I. hold in the world of accounting? And -- have you ever thought of Money Camp for your high school kids? Get more info from Susan Speirs HERE. You can follow this show on Instagram and on Face...
BEST OF: If you love your loo, only flush pee and poo
June 05, 2024 07:00 - 34 minutes - 29.5 MBFlushable wipes aren't actually flushable. And neither are make-up removers and baby wipes. Leland Myers, Executive Director of the Wasatch Front Water Quality Council and Jill Jones, District Manager for Central Davis Sewer District explains how expensive these 'conveniences' can be for homeowners. Our sewer pipes were designed for our sanitary needs. Not for items which don't break down over time, like so-called flushable wipes. And it's costing many cities over $3,000,000.00 a year...
Save money shopping for designer clothes
May 22, 2024 07:00 - 21 minutes - 18.5 MBMany can't afford to stay 'fashionable' with the high prices of clothing. Fair Allen, apparel technical designer, has tips on how to get what you want for less, and in an ethical manner. She says it can be as simple as using a capsule wardrobe. Shopping at thrift stores will also feel better on your wallet and keep clothes out of landfills. You can follow this show on Instagram and on Facebook. And to see what Heather does when she's not talking money, go to her pers...
Is subscription creep emptying your bank account?
May 08, 2024 07:00 - 28 minutes - 25.2 MBWhether you have streaming services with auto-renewal, or multiple small add-ons to programs, you could be paying a lot more than you realize. Nick Wolny, Managing Editor with CNET, says Spring is a great time to review every subscription you have and get rid of ones you don't use very much or didn't realize the prices increased. Nick also says it is so much easier to buy things. It only takes a swipe of a phone or a tap of a credit card and it doesn't hurt as much as...
Your taxes could prevent human extinction
May 01, 2024 07:00 - 20 minutes - 18.1 MBAll species on earth work to support man through clothing, food and medicines. When they start going extinct we risk our own survival. That's from Lowell Baier, author of "Earth's Emergency Room: Saving Species as the Planet and Politics Get Hotter." Baier says the loss of habitat through climate change and expansion of commerce due to population growth is the number one reason we are losing animal and plant life. And why the Endangered Species Act is critical to f...
Warning! Are you sabotaging an inheritance?
April 24, 2024 07:00 - 38 minutes - 33.4 MBDesignating a retirement account to go to a Trust after you die will trigger taxation upon death. Attorney Cathleen Gilbert, the owner of Gilbert Law Office, says retirement accounts should be willed to an individual instead. In order to be fully prepared, Cathleen says you should have a will, a trust, a power of attorney and a medical directive to make sure all your wishes are carried out without excessive delays or complications. Susan Speirs, the CEO of Utah Associ...
Americans lost more than $10 BILLION dollars to scammers last year
April 17, 2024 07:00 - 21 minutes - 18.8 MBEven though most people know scammers are working to take their money, they keep succeeding. Colin MacDonald, consumer protection attorney for the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) in the Northwest Region describes a few of the top ways scammers come after your money. To learn more about Imposter Scams go to: ftc.gov/imposters To sign up for scam alerts go to: FTC.gov/consumeralerts If you have been a victim of fraud or a scam contact the FTC at: ReportFraud.ftc.gov or ...
How to identify text and email scams
April 03, 2024 07:00 - 19 minutes - 17.3 MBEveryone says "don't open a scam email or click on a link in a text." But how do you know it's a scam without opening the messages? Host Heather Kelly explains a few ways to quickly identify those scam messages. She also has tips for those annoying phone calls from people asking for money or threatening police intervention. You can follow this show on Instagram and on Facebook. And to see what Heather does when she's not talking money, go to her personal X (Twitter) ...
Discussing your Inheritance plans shows love and trust
March 27, 2024 07:00 - 10 minutes - 8.94 MBIn order to avoid jealousy, hurt feelings, or not knowing what a loved one wants after they pass, it is extremely important to have a plan in place and discuss the transfer of wealth with your loved ones. That's from Lena Haas, the head of Wealth Management Advice and Solutions leader at Edward Jones. She says its important to separate your emotions from the Inheritance discussion by bringing in a third party, like a financial advisor. You can follow this show on Inst...
Is this a good BOI or a bad BOI?
March 20, 2024 07:00 - 32 minutes - 27.6 MBBeneficial Ownership Information, or BOI, is meant to put a stop to money laundering. However, it's estimated that 36 Million small business entities in the U.S. are required to file paperwork to register their companies with FINCEN -- or pay $591 A DAY if you miss the filing deadline. Guests Brett Jensen, a Partner with Haynie & Company and Susan Speirs, the CEO of Utah Association of CPAs, explain what type of companies must comply with this 2021 federal law and whic...
Adopting pets at a reduced price
March 13, 2024 07:00 - 22 minutes - 19.4 MBCurrently, shelters across the U.S. are overcrowded with dogs. But Holly Sizemore, the Chief Mission Officer for Best Friends Animal Society, says they are about to get inundated with cats and kittens as well. Now is the time to spay and neuter both indoor and all outdoor cats as females are currently in heat and will start producing offspring within the next couple of months. There are Trap, Neuter, and Release (TNR) programs across the country to help pay for the co...
Your belief in yourself can affect your income.
February 21, 2024 08:00 - 24 minutes - 20.9 MBBe thoughtful about the money you DO have. That's from Justin Janowski, coach and founder of Faith2Influence. He says the beliefs you hold about money -- good or bad -- can influence the amount of wealth you attain. Justin says 50% of the world exists on only $2.00 a day. That means, the other 50% of the population has more money than we may we think we do. The stories we are telling ourselves about what money IS, could be what is holding us back. You can follow th...
There is help for the lack of affordable housing
February 14, 2024 08:00 - 39 minutes - 34.3 MBPeople need to rethink what a "starter home" looks like. That's from David Damschen, CEO of Utah Housing Corporation. The Vice-President of Financial Services for UT Housing Corp, Ariane Gibson says there are several programs available to help pay for rent or a mortgage, but agrees, rethinking the size of your home is important. Susan Speirs, the CEO of Utah Association of CPAs, says the State and Federal programs available for low income earners do not affect their t...
Credit card debt is cancer for your financial body
January 24, 2024 08:00 - 23 minutes - 20.1 MBAmericans are now carrying a record amount of credit card debt more than One-TRILLION dollars. Lou Scatigna, The Financial Physician, says it's time we think about our finances they way we should about nutrition. Lou also says women are better with money than men as a general rule -- and it's important that both people in a relationship have an equal understanding of their finances. You can follow this show on Instagram and on Facebook. And to see what Heather doe...
What to know about ESG investing
January 17, 2024 08:00 - 30 minutes - 27.1 MBMany companies around the world are changing where they put their own money based on Environment, Social and Governance rules. Marlo Oaks, the Utah State Treasurer, says this is the downfall of Capitalism. He says when corporations are required to change how they do business, it ties their hands from making even more money. Guest host Andy Farnsworth from The Movie Show, and Susan Speirs, the CEO of Utah Association of CPA's both say it is important to keep informed ...
Get off your emotional financial rollercoaster
January 10, 2024 08:00 - 23 minutes - 20.1 MBRule number one -- be accountable for your decisions, both financially and personally. That's from the author of Prepping for Success, Anmol Singh. He says when you learn to stick to your word, wealth of all sorts will follow you. Anmol is also a stock market trader and discusses how to get control of your emotions when the markets are going up and down. You can follow this show on Instagram and on Facebook. And to see what Heather does when she's not talking money, ...
Your money and your lifestyle
January 03, 2024 08:00 - 30 minutes - 25.8 MBAre you a spender or a saver? Amanda Sharratt, the chief operating officer with Whitaker Myers Wealth Managers, says you can create the muscle for saving -- like she had to do as a spender. Amanda says staying out of debt, especially during the holidays, starts with having a plan ahead of time of how much you can spend within your budget. A good tip is to sell older items so you have some extra cash to buy gifts. Amanda also discusses where to start paying off your d...
Students are leaving $42-MILLION in financial aid on the table every year
December 27, 2023 08:00 - 38 minutes - 34.7 MBThere are multiple ways to pay for higher education that don't include going into debt. Geoffrey Thomas Landward, the interim Commissioner for Utah System of Higher Education, says the "Keys to Success" app can show you how. He also discusses the Pell Grant, the Opportunity and Promose scholarships which are FREE. Susan Speirs, the CEO of Utah Association of CPAs, also gets in on the discussion of filling out FAFSA forms for financial aid. Along with the importance o...
Unrelenting holiday scams
December 20, 2023 08:00 - 13 minutes - 11.1 MBFrom shipping scams to people trying to get you to pay for things with gift cards, fraudsters are coming after your money in droves. Roberta (Bobbi) Tonelli, an attorney with the Federal Trade Commission, says it's important to learn how to spot a scam and then report them at: ReportFraud.ftc.com You can learn more about various scams at FTC.gov/consumeralerts. You can follow this show on Instagram and on Facebook. And to see what Heather does when she's not talking ...
Do you know the tax rules for charitable giving?
December 13, 2023 08:00 - 23 minutes - 19.3 MBYou can give as much money as you want to a charity. However, Wade Watkins a CPA and Partner at Squire, says only approved organizations qualify as deductions on your taxes. Susan Speirs, the CEO of Utah Association of CPAs also has tips on making sure you send your money where you want it to go. And they both discuss the differences in cash vs non-cash donations. You can follow this show on Instagram and on Facebook. And to see what Heather does when she's not talk...
How to out-perform the stock market
December 06, 2023 08:00 - 28 minutes - 24 MB"The stock market is a grocery store for shares of corporate ownership. But it is restricted and requires a broker to shop." That's from Dan Calandro, a financial scientist. He says, contrary to popular teachings, you should NOT be fully invested and that only 15 different stocks are enough to out-perform the market. Find out when Dan says is the best time to buy and sell and why having a smaller portfolio is better than a larger one on this episode. You can also ge...
Finding a trusted charity to donate your money
November 29, 2023 08:00 - 14 minutes - 12.1 MBMore than 20 million people have stopped giving money to charities over the last two decades because of lack of trust. Thomas Tighe, the President and CEO of Direct Relief says there are websites you can use to find out if where you want to give is legit. CharityNavigator.org and CharityWatch.org are two such sites. However, if you can't give money due to lack of funds this year, Tighe says there are other things you can do to help in this episode. You can follow thi...
Holiday travel
November 22, 2023 08:00 - 12 minutes - 10.1 MBThis holiday season is slated to be the busiest ever for airports and airlines. Nicole Carriere, consumer travel expert with United Airlines, says planning ahead is your best bet to not get stressed. She says allow extra time for parking and getting through security. Carrier says for Thanksgiving, the day before (Wednesday) is still the busiest for airlines. But since the pandemic, people's schedules are slightly more flexible so both Monday and Tuesday before Turkey...
What happens if your insurance claim is denied?
November 15, 2023 08:00 - 26 minutes - 23.3 MBHiring an attorney for an injury claim typically gets you 3-times more money in compensation than without a lawyer. Jon Groth, a victim advocate attorney, says there are financial changes you can make before a problem arises to help you through unexpected accidents. Injuries aren't always due to car crash or fall in a restaurant. Groth says vaccine injuries are a big part of his practice; and you should always use an independent insurance agent. You can follow this s...
Uncommon financial strategies for retirement
November 08, 2023 08:00 - 25 minutes - 21.7 MBShould people rethink the most common advice typically given by financial planners? Advisor and author, Derek Mazzarella discusses several ways to invest for retirement not usually considered. You can get more info from his book "Just Retire Already: An Unconventional Retirement Guide." Tip #1 -- File a "Life Change" with the IRS when you retire or have big changes in your life, like disability, in order to help with Medicare payment rates. You can follow this show ...
Vaccine science with Neil deGrasse Tyson
November 01, 2023 07:00 - 20 minutes - 17.5 MBA new documentary "Shot in the Arm" discusses the myths and facts about vaccines. Academy award nominated producer and director, Scott Hamilton Kennedy, along with executive producer (and astro-physicist) Neil deGrasse Tyson, bring the film to life. The film explores the money behind the anti-vaccine movement along with big pharma. Learn why director Scott Kennedy says "anti-vaxxers are not just corrupt, they are corrosive" in this episode. You can follow this show ...
Financial checklist when loved one passes
October 25, 2023 07:00 - 32 minutes - 28.6 MBPlan on getting a minimum of 10 death certificates to deal with all the financial accounts (investments, insurance, savings, etc.) of your loved one. That's from Brad Barrett, partner and managing director at One Capital Management who also says it's extremely important to speak with your loved one's estate planner attorney and/or Power of Attorney to make sure everyone is on the same page. Brad also says after the post-life celebration, you need to speak with Social S...
Tips on curbing credit card spending
October 18, 2023 07:00 - 36 minutes - 31.4 MBThe average household has $10,000 dollars in credit card debt, which totals over 1-TRILLION dollars nationwide. Susan Speirs, the CEO of Utah Association of CPAs, discusses ways you can slow the amount of debt you are charging. HACK #1: Change the way you think about spending. You can follow this show on Instagram and on Facebook. And to see what Heather does when she's not talking money, go to her personal Twitter page. Be sure to email Heather your questions and r...
Menopause affects your oral health, and pocketbook
October 11, 2023 07:00 - 9 minutes - 7.81 MBIf you are in or past menopause, you may have bleeding gums, increased tooth sensitivity and dry mouth. Sarah Chavarria, president of Delta Dental of California, says women need to speak to their dentists about their symptoms sooner, rather than later. You can get more info about aging, menopause and oral health here. You can follow this show on Instagram and on Facebook. And to see what Heather does when she's not talking money, go to her personal Twitter page. Be s...
Financial issues more women face than men
October 04, 2023 07:00 - 27 minutes - 23.7 MBIt's not what you do FOR your paycheck, it's what you do WITH it. That's from Sharon Lechter, CPA and author of "How Money Works for Women: Take Control or Lose It." She says it's important to make financial decisions with your brain, and not your heart. Sharon and Heather also discuss how 99% of domestic abuse involves financial abuse and the importance of NOT having everything in joint names for credit reasons. You can follow this show on Instagram and on Facebook....
WARNING! Can you spot the latest consumer scams?
September 27, 2023 07:00 - 19 minutes - 17.3 MBImpersonator scams are on the rise. Kerry O'Brien, Regional Director of the Federal Trade Commission's Western Region, says more and more people are losing money to scammers who pretend to be from your bank, Amazon, or web protection services. Kerry says do NOT click on any hyperlink sent to you via text or email. You can learn how to identify scams at Consumer.FTC.gov. And if you've lost money to a scammer you need to report to the FTC, here. You can follow this s...
When should we begin teaching financial literacy to kids?
September 20, 2023 07:00 - 31 minutes - 27.1 MBStudies show buying habits begin much younger than we think -- as young as 8 or 9 years of age. However, most parents and school teachers don't have a basic grasp on money matters to teach it to kids. Vince Shorb, CEO of National Financial Educators Council, says even states which require financial literacy in the schools are failing to meet minimum education standards. Shorb says Financial Literacy is the one subject which benefits 100% of people, but is given the lea...
FAQ military personnel have about their taxes
September 13, 2023 07:00 - 38 minutes - 33.4 MBNot every state in the U-S gives the same tax credits for military personnel. How do you know which state to file taxes in when you are transferred during the calendar year? And how is deployment income taxed? Tackling these, and many other questions are Susan Speirs, CEO of Utah Association of CPAs; Derek Nelson - tax examiner manager & Steve Carlow - outreach training coordinator, both with the Utah State Tax Commission; and Brandon Olsen & Patrick Munson -- both pa...
How to travel Internationally on a budget
September 06, 2023 07:00 - 16 minutes - 13.4 MBGoing overseas for your vacation doesn't have to cost an arm and a leg. Kate Davis, Associate Producer for KSL Newsradio, says her two week vacation to Peru cost about $1500 - including airfare. Kate says her best advice is to be open to places you may not have considered as 'bucket list' items to visit. You can follow this show on Instagram and on Facebook. And to see what Heather does when she's not talking money, go to her personal Twitter page. Be sure to email ...
How to use your life insurance policy as a piggy bank
August 30, 2023 07:00 - 24 minutes - 20.8 MBLife insurance isn't always Death insurance. Vivian Weyll, found of Aria Financial Group, says a life insurance policy designed the right way with the right benefits can provide college funds for kids or retirement funds -- TAX FREE. Weyll says you can also get a "Cash Back" policy which returns all the money you paid in if you don't die at the end of the policy's term. You can follow this show on Instagram and on Facebook. And to see what Heather does when she's not ...
Warehouse vs standard grocery store prices
August 23, 2023 07:00 - 28 minutes - 24 MBAre you getting the best deals at a Costco or Sam's Club over a regular food store? Dan Spindle, news anchor for KSL 5 TV, says there are 3-things you need to do to save money, no matter where you shop. Dan and Heather also discuss if food delivery services are worth the cost. You can follow this show on Instagram and on Facebook. And to see what Heather does when she's not talking money, go to her personal Twitter page. Be sure to email Heather your questions and req...
The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly of STEM
August 16, 2023 07:00 - 35 minutes - 31 MBS.T.E.M. (science, technology, engineering and math) is touted as the they way for education and careers. Tami Goetz, director of Utah STEM Action Center, and Susan Speirs, CEO of Utah Association of CPAs, discuss why it's important to start teaching kids as young as 7-years old these courses. They also discuss some of the negative problems associated with STEM. And where people of all ages can go to get hands on learning in areas of STEM to help your kids or older pa...
Cultivating joy brings money
August 09, 2023 07:00 - 27 minutes - 24.2 MBSurviving our capitalist system requires having true joy and purpose. Quinn O'Briant, the "Joy Boss," says she faced a life of poverty and failure until she became INTENTIONAL about finding a different way to survive. Now she has a six figure income. O'Briant teaches that the link between joy, money and purpose are closely related. She's offering $200 off her 10-week course on her website. Use the code "Sense" at checkout to get the discount. You can follow this sh...
Turn your life insurance policy into cash
August 02, 2023 07:00 - 22 minutes - 19.5 MBInsurance companies don't want you know this Hack. David Rosell*, president of Rosell Wealth Management says selling your policy is better than surrendering it, and losing all it's value. David wrote the book "In the Know: Turning your Unwanted Life Insurance into Serious Cash" and explains what a 'Life Settlement' is and how it works. You can follow this show on Instagram and on Facebook. And to see what Heather does when she's not talking money, go to her personal T...
Understanding wills, trusts and estate planning
July 26, 2023 07:00 - 33 minutes - 28.8 MBEstate planning doesn't have to be intimidating. David York, attorney, CPA and estate planner with York Howell, says most of the time it simply comes down to taking a few steps. David also discusses how to avoid probate -- or expensive costs surrounding settling an estate. You can follow this show on Instagram and on Facebook. And to see what Heather does when she's not talking money, go to her personal Twitter page. Be sure to email Heather your questions and reques...
A Bolder Way Forward will help families and communities
July 19, 2023 07:00 - 29 minutes - 24.8 MBNational and statewide studies show women and girls are not thriving in critical areas. Emily Darowski, associate director of Utah Women in Leadership Project, and Susan Speirs, the CEO of Utah Association of CPAs, discuss why it's important to your pocketbook and companies bottom lines, to have more diversity, equity and inclusion. Emily says "as more and more women and girls thrive, so will families and communities." The project A Bolder Way Forward is designed to he...
How to identify fraudsters and scammers
July 12, 2023 07:00 - 30 minutes - 26.8 MBScammers use your emotions, instead of logic, to gain your trust. That's from Rob Woellhaf, vice-president of fraud management at Mountain America Credit Union. He says awareness of the tricks fraudsters use will help prevent you losing your money. HACK: NEVER give out your user name and password to any person for any reason, whatsoever. You can get more information at scams.utah.gov. You can follow this show on Instagram and on Facebook. And to see what Heather doe...
Military retirement and AAFMAA
July 05, 2023 07:00 - 27 minutes - 23.3 MBYou MUST enroll in Survivor Benefit Plan THIS year if you are a military retiree and haven't already. Retired Brigadier General Mike Meese, says this is a one-time allowance Congress has approved. Mike Meese is also President of AAFMAA (American Armed Forces Mutual Aid Association) and explains what the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) is and how military 401k programs work. Children of deployed service members should contact AAFMAA.com to get information about their benefit...
What does TRUE wealth mean to you?
June 28, 2023 07:00 - 26 minutes - 22.7 MBTrue wealth isn't always about money. Financial expert, Debra Schatzki, co-founder of BPP Wealth, says most of the time it's about your values. Debra also explains if you don't identify WHY you want financial change in your life and align your values to match, your wealth cannot grow. You can follow this show on Instagram and on Facebook. And to see what Heather does when she's not talking money, go to her personal Twitter page. Be sure to email Heather your question...
Greed is a war, with scammers trying to win
June 21, 2023 07:00 - 22 minutes - 19.5 MBAs if personal scamming attacks weren't bad enough, author Rob Doctors, says Corporate Greed is taking advantage of consumers as well. As author of the book "Ethics and Hidden Greed" Rob discusses five strategies of greed to understand in order to avoid getting scammed. HACK: Social media makes it easier to become a victim. You can follow this show on Instagram and on Facebook. And to see what Heather does when she's not talking money, go to her personal Twitter page. ...