Next Step Podcast artwork

Next Step Podcast

64 episodes - English - Latest episode: over 2 years ago - ★★★★★ - 1 rating

Regions' Next Step Podcast series is a collection of quick, educational podcasts filled with tips and advice to help you work toward and achieve your unique financial goals. Explore the podcast series to learn new financial strategies, improve your money skills and move your life forward.

Self-Improvement Education Business Investing financial education financial wellness financial literacy money budgeting saving credit home ownership
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Episodes

Credit Basics: Understanding Your Credit Score

October 26, 2021 12:00 - 13 minutes - 9.61 MB

In this podcast, you’ll hear about what your credit score means and what’s most important to look for from Eric Smith - founder of The EKS Group, and creator of The Financial Literacy Coach and The Money Game Literacy Program. You’ll hear Eric’s perspective on: What a credit score is and how it is used The factors that influence your credit score How to improve your credit score

Credit Basics: Building a Credit Checklist

October 26, 2021 12:00 - 14 minutes - 9.69 MB

In this podcast, you’ll hear tips for building a credit checklist from Eric Smith - founder of The EKS Group, and creator of The Financial Literacy Coach and The Money Game Literacy Program. Tune in to learn more about: Tips for establishing and building credit Tactics for maintaining credit balances and organizing payments

Credit Basics: Improving Your Credit Score

October 26, 2021 12:00 - 11 minutes - 8.13 MB

In this podcast, you’ll hear about steps you can take to help you fix your credit score from Eric Smith - founder of The EKS Group, and creator of The Financial Literacy Coach and The Money Game Literacy Program. Eric will be discussing: Checking your credit report for errors Better money management for paying bills on time and paying down debt Understanding how and when your credit score can be affected

Credit Basics: Checking Your Credit Score and Credit Report

October 26, 2021 12:00 - 6 minutes - 4.58 MB

In this podcast, you’ll learn about checking your credit score, finding your credit report and what to look out for in the process from Eric Smith - founder of The EKS Group, and creator of The Financial Literacy Coach and The Money Game Literacy Program. Tune in through the link below to hear Eric’s thoughts on: How to access your credit report and how often to do so How to check your credit score and what to look for What to do if your score is not as high as you’d like

Credit Basics: Building Your Credit: What to Avoid

October 26, 2021 12:00 - 4 minutes - 3.02 MB

In this podcast, Alicia Somers, Financial Wellness Relations Manager for Regions Bank in Jacksonville, Fla., will share tips on what to avoid when you are establishing credit for the first time or looking to improve your credit after some missteps. Tune in to learn from Alicia about: Why establishing credit is a must How making late payments can affect your credit The risks of using too much credit How to use credit cards to your benefit

Spotlight on Savings: Saving on Energy Bills

October 19, 2021 12:00 - 4 minutes - 3.37 MB

In this podcast, Alicia Somers, a Financial Wellness Relationship Manager for Regions Bank in Jacksonville, Fla., offers tips for making your home more energy efficient to help reduce your energy bills. Tune in to hear Alicia’s thoughts on the following: Gaining better control of your energy usage New appliances and tools for more savings Tracking monthly usage to target areas for cost savings

Spotlight on Savings: How to Save for a Vacation

October 19, 2021 12:00 - 4 minutes - 3.36 MB

In this podcast, Tamica Foster, a Financial Wellness Relationship Manager for Regions Bank in Jackson, Miss., shares financial planning tips to help you save for your dream vacation in as little as six months. You’ll hear Tamica’s perspective on these topics: Budgeting for a stress-free vacation Setting financial goals six months out from your travel date Organizing anticipated expenses and planning ahead to save Going on a spending diet before your travels

Spotlight on Savings: Saving Money on Sporting Events

October 19, 2021 12:00 - 3 minutes - 2.44 MB

In this podcast, Shaun Collings, a Financial Wellness Relationship Manager for Regions Bank in Atlanta, Ga., shares ways to help you save money when attending major sporting events. You’ll hear Shaun’s perspective on these topics: Sparing your wallet with money-saving tips Tips for buying tickets at the last minute and other game day wins Consider the weather, game day, tailgating and other ideas for minimizing costs

Spotlight on Savings: Saving Money on Vacation

October 19, 2021 12:00 - 7 minutes - 5.3 MB

In this podcast, Donna Medina, a Financial Wellness Relationship Manager for Regions Bank in Nashville, Tenn., shares advice for maximizing your vacation budget and continuing to save during your trip. Tune in to hear from Donna on: Stretching your dollar while on vacation Leveraging memberships for cost savings while you travel Budget-friendly activities the whole family will enjoy

Spotlight on Savings: Getting Started with Savings

October 12, 2021 12:00 - 5 minutes - 3.9 MB

In this podcast, Alicia Somers, a Financial Wellness Relationship Manager at Regions Bank in Jacksonville, Fla., discusses how to start your savings journey with practical savings tips, especially if you’re starting off at the beginning of a new year. Alicia provides tips on the following: Trimming your expenses to maximize your savings Local resources that can help boost your savings Tips for better money management and living life on a budget Revisiting financial assets to better accom...

Spotlight on Savings: Building Your Emergency Fund

October 12, 2021 12:00 - 3 minutes - 2.57 MB

In this podcast, Tamica Foster, a Financial Wellness Relationship Manager for Regions Bank in Jackson, Miss., discusses the importance of setting aside funds to help cover unexpected expenses. You’ll hear Tamica’s perspective on these topics: Why you should have an emergency fund and savings strategies to build that fund Emergency savings account options and tactics for growth How to build a strong financial foundation so you are prepared for the unexpected

Spotlight on Savings: The Rules of Thumb for Saving

October 12, 2021 12:00 - 7 minutes - 5.21 MB

In this podcast, Kariene Fortner, Financial Wellness Manager for Regions Bank’s North Region from Mobile, Ala., and Donna Medina, Financial Wellness Relationship Manager at Regions Bank in Nashville, Tenn., provide tips and best practices for starting and growing your savings. Listen to learn from Kariene and Donna about the following topics: Budgeting tips for simple money savings Prioritizing budgeting Setting realistic financial goals Holding yourself accountable to save

Spotlight on Savings: Money Saving Apps: Features for Success

October 12, 2021 12:00 - 4 minutes - 3.27 MB

In this podcast, Kariene Fortner, Financial Wellness Manager for Regions Bank’s North Region from Mobile, Ala., talks about what to look for in money saving apps and why you should consider using them to help you save. Listen to learn from Kariene on: Apps to help you save and manage finances Features you should look for when choosing savings apps Features like privacy, deal finding, loyalty programs and more that help you get ahead

Spotlight on Savings: Saving Money in Your Twenties

October 05, 2021 12:00 - 4 minutes - 3.24 MB

In this podcast, Donna Medina, a Financial Wellness Relationship Manager for Regions Bank in Nashville, Tenn., shares money saving tips for when you are in your twenties and shows how saving doesn’t have to mean sacrifice. Tune in to hear Donna’s thoughts on the following: The benefits of starting to save in your twenties Preparing for financial emergencies and retirement Paying down debt and sticking to a budget Tips for smarter spending

Spotlight on Savings: Teaching Teens to Save Money

October 05, 2021 12:00 - 4 minutes - 3.24 MB

In this podcast, Tamica Foster, a Financial Wellness Relationship Manager for Regions Bank in Jackson, Miss., discusses how to teach your teens to save money and help get them on their own path to financial success. Tune in to learn more from Tamica on the following topics: Teaching how money matters for navigating newfound financial freedom Helping teens to develop simple savings habits Differentiating between needs, wants and wishes Establishing a financial plan and goals together

Spotlight on Savings: Saving for College

October 05, 2021 12:00 - 5 minutes - 3.74 MB

In this podcast, Donna Medina, a Financial Wellness Relationship Manager for Regions Bank in Nashville, Tenn., discusses what to include in your college budget and tips for lightening your financial load. Donna gives tips on the following: Costs to consider when applying to and identifying which schools are right for you, including tuition, college fees, room and board, and transportation costs Ways to save on books and other class supplies Budgeting for personal expenses – from shopping ...

Insights for Students: Finding Scholarships

September 28, 2021 12:00 - 5 minutes - 4.02 MB

In this podcast, Alicia Somers, a Financial Wellness Relationship Manager at Regions Bank in Jacksonville, Fla., shares tips for finding the right scholarships for you. Alicia provides tips on the following topics: Researching and uncovering the wide variety of available scholarship opportunities Identifying which scholarships are the right fit for you and your needs When families and students should begin their scholarship search

Insights for Students: FAFSA and the Student Loan Process

September 28, 2021 12:00 - 7 minutes - 5.37 MB

In this podcast, Shaun Collings, a Financial Wellness Relationship Manager at Regions Bank in Atlanta, Ga., walks us through the FAFSA and student loan process. Including: The FAFSA basics, including how to apply and what factors into your financial aid  Determining how much you may need in student loans What you can expect student loans to cover

How to Increase Lifetime Value for Your Customers

September 21, 2021 12:00 - 9 minutes - 6.49 MB

Building customer relationships and loyalty are important ingredients for small business success. In this podcast, Bobby Hoyt, the Millennial Money Man, talks about how to increase lifetime value to keep customers coming back over time. Tune in below to hear Bobby’s thoughts on tracking a customer’s lifetime value, developing touchpoints to engage new and existing customers, and boosting lifetime value with advertising.

Small Business Marketing in a Digital World

September 21, 2021 12:00 - 9 minutes - 6.5 MB

In today’s virtual environment, it’s essential for small businesses to have a strong digital marketing strategy. In this podcast, Bobby Hoyt, the Millennial Money Man, talks about how small business owners can create an effective strategy that helps them reach potential customers and engage potential customers. Listen to hear tips on promoting your personal brand and story, trying online and social advertising approaches, and choosing the right paid platforms for your business.

Small Business Marketing: How to Connect With Customers Using Content

September 21, 2021 12:00 - 5 minutes - 3.91 MB

Creating and sharing content can be a great way to highlight your expertise and build trust with an audience or potential customers. In this podcast, Bobby Hoyt, the Millennial Money Man, discusses why content can be an effective way to market your business and shares tips about developing content that resonates well. Listen to learn from Bobby about easy ways to start creating content today and converting your readers into customers.

Questions to Ask Before Starting a Small Business

September 14, 2021 12:00 - 6 minutes - 4.29 MB

Before launching a business, there are a number of questions you may want to consider before you get too far down the road. In this podcast, Bobby Hoyt, the Millennial Money Man, talks about the questions and details one should be thinking about before starting a small business. Check out the link below to hear from Bobby on the financial and logistical details to consider, the importance of having a mentor during the planning stages, and questions to consider about yourself and why you’re g...

Building a Good Workplace Culture

September 14, 2021 12:00 - 4 minutes - 3.44 MB

Having a positive work culture can have a big impact on retaining employees and boosting productivity. In this podcast, Bobby Hoyt, the Millennial Money Man, discusses how to build a workplace culture in which employees enjoy their work, feel respected and are empowered to perform. You’ll hear his perspective on setting the right tone, developing strong relationships with your team and striking an appropriate work-life balance for you and your employees.

Importance of a Mentor for Small Business Owners

September 14, 2021 12:00 - 6 minutes - 4.52 MB

Having a mentor can provide much-needed support, motivation and guidance as you establish and expand your small business. In this podcast, Bobby Hoyt, the Millennial Money Man, shares how mentors have helped him grow his business and what he has learned along the path to success. Listen to learn about the value of a mentor-mentee relationship and tips for finding insightful mentors. 

Young Professionals: Overcoming Common Challenges at Work

September 07, 2021 12:00 - 23 minutes - 15.9 MB

In this podcast, we explore the challenges that many young professionals today often face in their careers, and how to innovate and overcome them. Tune in to hear how four successful young leaders are overcoming obstacles in the workplace, as told by: Shannon Beube, Commercial Banking Solutions Relationship Manager for Regions Bank Chyna Bowen, Regional Director of Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship Kendra Elaine, Millennial Leadership Expert and Certified Corporate Trainer Jason R. H...

Young Professionals: Challenges That Come with Career Advancement

September 07, 2021 12:00 - 22 minutes - 15.2 MB

In this podcast, you’ll hear from five successful, young professionals about challenges that come as people are promoted and gain more responsibilities in the workplace. Tune in to hear tips for establishing a better work-life balance, managing up and down, and becoming an effective leader, as told by: Megan Ganschow, Branch Manager at Regions Bank’s Mill Creek Branch Ben Goldberg, Founder and Co-Owner of Strategic Hospitality Jennifer Hill, Quality Strategy and Administration Manager for...

Young Professionals: Clearing Career Hurdles

September 07, 2021 12:00 - 8 minutes - 5.85 MB

In this podcast, you will hear about some of the biggest hurdles that four young professionals have faced in their careers and the steps they took to overcome them. Tune into to hear how these young professionals turned their obstacles into successes, as told by: Gwen. A Cole, Branch Manager, Regions Bank, Parkside West Branch Briana Holmes, CEO and Founder of Millennials of Atlanta Joey Womack, CEO and Founder of Goodie Nation Labriah Lee Holt, Outreach and Engagement Director at AIPAC ...

Young Professionals: Avoiding Burnout at Work

September 07, 2021 12:00 - 18 minutes - 12.8 MB

In this podcast, you will hear young professionals offer tips for avoiding burnout in the workplace, such as mastering delegation and finding the right mentor to serve as your career guide, as told by: Will Davis, Branch Manager and Vice President at Regions Bank’s Alder Trails Branch Pierce Bush, CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters Lone Star Kelly McCormick, Managing Director at UH RedLabs Grant Pinkerton, Founder of Pinkerton BBQ Ryan Soroka, President and Co-Founder of 8thWonder Brewery ...

Young Professionals: A Look at the Road to Success for 4 Professionals

August 31, 2021 12:00 - 19 minutes - 13.2 MB

In this podcast, we explore how four innovative, young professionals found their own professional passions and what drives each of them to succeed.  Tune in to hear about how these modern professionals are approaching career growth in today’s business environment, what finding empowerment means to them and the importance of mentorship, as told by: Shannon Beube, Commercial Banking Solutions Relationship Manager for Regions Bank Chyna Bowen, Regional Director of Network for Teaching Entrepr...

Young Professionals: Millennials Moving Up

August 31, 2021 12:00 - 18 minutes - 13.1 MB

In this podcast, you’ll hear from five successful young professionals about moving up in the workplace. Tune in to hear what they did to set themselves apart, take on leadership positions early in their careers, and achieve their goals in the workplace, as told by: Megan Ganschow, Branch Manager at Regions Bank’s Mill Creek Branch Ben Goldberg, Founder and Co-Owner of Strategic Hospitality Jennifer Hill, Quality Strategy and Administration Manager for Nissan North America Marcus Whitney,...

Young Professionals: Networking Your Way Up the Leadership Ladder

August 31, 2021 12:00 - 20 minutes - 14.3 MB

In this podcast, you’ll hear from some of today’s brightest business leaders about the importance of networking. Hear how they are making time for networking, paving the way for their own career growth in a busy world and the qualities they look for in a great leader, as told by: Shannon Beube, Commercial Banking Solutions Relationship Manager for Regions Bank Chyna Bowen, Regional Director of Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship Kendra Elaine, Millennial Leadership Expert and Certified ...

Young Professionals: The Importance of Communication in the Workplace

August 24, 2021 12:00 - 13 minutes - 9.3 MB

In this podcast, we discuss the importance of communication in the workplace and discuss how developing better communication habits can help professionals overcome obstacles, as told by: Will Davis, Branch Manager and Vice President at Regions Bank’s Alder Trails Branch Pierce Bush, CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters Lone Star Kelly McCormick, Managing Director at UH RedLabs Grant Pinkerton, Founder of Pinkerton BBQ Ryan Soroka, President and Co-Founder of 8thWonder Brewery This podcast i...

Young Professionals: Jumpstarting Your Career & Leveraging Social Media

August 24, 2021 12:00 - 15 minutes - 10.7 MB

In this podcast, we explore how five young professionals in Houston jumpstarted their careers and found their passions. We also hear their perspective about how to best leverage social media to boost professional development. Tune in to hear about how modern professionals are approaching career advancement in today’s business environment, as told by: Will Davis, Branch Manager and Vice President at Regions Bank’s Alder Trails Branch Pierce Bush, CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters Lone Star K...

Young Professionals: Finding Your Passion and the Right Mentor

August 24, 2021 12:00 - 12 minutes - 8.41 MB

In this podcast, we discover how four successful young professionals found careers that fit their passions, as well as the keys to finding the right mentor to help grow your career and professional skillset. Listen to hear how these young professionals balance and manage their busy schedules, use their passions to give back to their community and how important mentorship has been to the growth of their careers, as told by: Gwen. A Cole, Branch Manager, Regions Bank, Parkside West Branch Br...

Better Budgeting: Creating a Grocery Budget

August 17, 2021 12:00 - 3 minutes - 2.45 MB

In this podcast, Kariene Fortner, Financial Wellness Manager for Regions Bank’s North Region from Mobile, Ala., talks about the importance of grocery budgeting and shares cost-cutting tips for your next trip to the store. Listen to learn from Kariene about the following topics: Using coupons to help reach your savings goals Buying generic rather than brand name products Cutting down on food waste

Better Budgeting: Creating a Grocery Budget

August 17, 2021 12:00 - 3 minutes - 2.45 MB

In this podcast, Kariene Fortner, Financial Wellness Manager for Regions Bank’s North Region from Mobile, Ala., talks about the importance of grocery budgeting and shares cost-cutting tips for your next trip to the store. Listen to learn from Kariene about the following topics: Using coupons to help reach your savings goals Buying generic rather than brand name products Cutting down on food waste

Insights for Students: Budgeting After Landing Your First Job

August 17, 2021 12:00 - 5 minutes - 4 MB

In this podcast, Mark Senter, Student Athlete Financial Wellness Program Manager at Regions Bank in Birmingham, Ala., and Tamica Foster, Financial Wellness Relationship Manager at Regions Bank in Jackson, Miss., offer tips for budgeting after getting your first job after college. Mark and Tamica offer some easy to follow tips on:  Understanding your fixed and variable expenses Setting savings goals against your earnings Establishing emergency savings Managing debt

Better Budgeting: Budgeting with Variable Income

August 17, 2021 12:00 - 4 minutes - 3.36 MB

In this podcast, Alicia Somers, a Financial Wellness Relationship Manager for Regions Bank in Jacksonville, Fla., teaches how to manage a budget when living on a variable income. Check out the podcast to hear from Alicia on the following: Establishing fixed and variable expenses Zero-based budgeting Including a savings line item within your budget Prepaid cards

Better Budgeting: Budgeting the Decision to Stay Home

August 17, 2021 12:00 - 3 minutes - 2.72 MB

In this podcast, Donna Medina, Financial Wellness Relationship Manager for Regions Bank in Nashville, Tenn., talks about what you should consider when deciding whether to stay home with your kids or remain in the workplace. Check out the podcast to hear Donna's thoughts on: Saving on childcare costs by staying home Insurance options How it will affect your retirement plans The emotional side of the decision to stay home or in the workplace

Better Budgeting: Budgeting for Financial Fitness

August 10, 2021 12:00 - 4 minutes - 3.2 MB

In this podcast, Alicia Somers, Financial Wellness Relationship Manager for Regions Bank in Jacksonville, Fla., talks about the best practices for creating a budget to help improve your financial health. Check out Alicia’s perspective on: Assessing your financial fitness Setting financial targets and goals Breaking down your goals into actionable tasks

Better Budgeting: Budgeting with Prepaid Cards

August 10, 2021 12:00 - 4 minutes - 3.48 MB

In this podcast, Shaun Collings, Financial Wellness Relationship Manager at Regions Bank in Atlanta, Ga., shares his insights on how to use prepaid cards as a helpful budgeting tool.  Check out the podcast to hear from Shaun on: Tracking purchases and overall spending with prepaid cards Choosing the right prepaid card Adding funds to prepaid cards

Better Budgeting: Creating a Monthly Budget

August 10, 2021 12:00 - 4 minutes - 3.27 MB

In this podcast, Kariene Fortner, Financial Wellness Manager for Regions Bank’s North Region from Mobile, Ala., walks through how to create a monthly budget in six easy steps. Listen to the podcast to get insights on the following and more: Changing your mindset about budgeting Utilizing technology and tools to help budget Finding new and different ways to pinch pennies

Spotlight on Savings: Tips for Family Budgeting

August 10, 2021 12:00 - 4 minutes - 3.03 MB

In this podcast, Alicia Somers, a Financial Wellness Relationship Manager at Regions Bank in Jacksonville, Fla., discusses how to create and stick to a family budget plan to help boost your savings. Alicia provides tips on the following: Developing specific financial goals that get the entire family involved Working together as a team to streamline expenses and savings Determining how much money you need to put aside to reach your goals Involving your kids in money matters

Insights for Students: Preparing for Life After College

July 27, 2021 12:00 - 9 minutes - 6.63 MB

In this podcast, Alicia Somers, a Financial Wellness Relationship Manager at Regions Bank in Jacksonville, Fla., shares advice on preparing for adult life after you graduate college. Listen to learn from Alicia about the following topics: Tips to help you better transition to life after college Building your network and finding a mentor Polishing your social media presence before the job search Sprucing up your credit and learning about student loan repayment options

Insights for Students: Pay for a New College Degree

July 27, 2021 12:00 - 4 minutes - 3.14 MB

In this podcast, Kariene Fortner, Financial Wellness Manager for Regions Bank’s North Region from Mobile, Ala., provides tips on how to afford a new degree if you’re thinking about going back to school. Tune in to hear Kariene’s thoughts on: Smart savings strategies for reducing student loan debt to give you a head start toward a new degree Picking a program to suit your needs and figuring out how much you will need Resources for financial aid and when to consider student loans

Insights for Students: Managing Student Loan Debt

July 27, 2021 12:00 - 20 minutes - 13.8 MB

In this podcast, you’ll hear tips for managing student loan debt from Eric Smith, founder of The EKS Group, and creator of The Financial Literacy Coach and The Money Game Literacy Program.  Check out the podcast to hear from Eric on: How student loan debt can impact one’s life and borrowing in the future Practical tips for paying off your student loans What it means to consolidate or refinance your student loans and whether these options are right for you

Insights for Students: Protecting Your Account from Fraud

July 20, 2021 12:00 - 11 minutes - 7.61 MB

In this podcast, Jon Kucharski, Head of Fraud Governance and Strategy at Regions Bank talks about the recent banking scams that are targeting students. Listen to learn about the following topics from Jon: Different types of student fraud scams Red flags to look out for and how to be proactive protections against potential threats What to do if you suspect a scam or notice fraudulent activity

Insights for Students: Budgeting for College Living Expenses

July 20, 2021 12:00 - 3 minutes - 2.49 MB

In this podcast, Shaun Collings, a Financial Wellness Relationship Manager for Regions Bank in Atlanta, Ga, discusses his top tips for budgeting for daily college life. Tune in to hear Shaun’s thoughts on the following: Creating a budget that covers daily college expenses (aside from tuition) Adding up your income, fixed expenses and flexible expenses to evaluate your college budget

Insights for Students: 5 Financial Terms to Know Before College

July 13, 2021 12:00 - 5 minutes - 3.7 MB

In this podcast, Mark Senter, a Student Athlete Financial Wellness Program Manager at Regions Bank in Birmingham, Ala., breaks down five financial terms every student should know before going off to college. Listen to learn from Mark about the following topics: Money terms that will help you manage your personal finances, including debit, credit and available balance What automatic drafts are, and the advantages and disadvantages of setting them up When and why overdrafts occur, and how t...

Insights for Students: Creating a Financial Plan for College

July 13, 2021 12:00 - 5 minutes - 3.74 MB

In this podcast, Kariene Fortner, Financial Wellness Manager for Regions Bank’s North Region from Mobile, Ala., discusses how to create a financial plan for your first year of college. You’ll hear Kariene’s perspective on these topics: Costs and expenses, outside of tuition, students should plan for in their first year of college Creating a realistic financial plan to help minimize unexpected expenses throughout the school year Initial college costs vs. potential ongoing college expenses ...