Trump's "One Big Beautiful Bill" and What it Means for Business Owners
Tax expert Robert Baird sits down with us to walk through Donald Trump's proposed "One Big Beautiful Bill Act" and what it could mean for business owners here at home. Robbie has a real gift for taking complex tax topics and breaking them into simple, practical insights you can actually use. In this conversation, he explains the major pieces of the proposal, how it may affect private and family-owned businesses, and the key areas to keep an eye on as the conversation in Washington continues to unfold. If you're looking for clarity, direction, and a calm understanding of what may be ahead, this episode is a great place to start. Tune in to hear Robbie's full breakdown.
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Talk Your Way to Savings: The Art of the Bill Negotiation
Bills go up. You sigh, grumble a little, and pay them anyway. But what if you didn't have to? In this episode, Jill and Ashley walk you through how to politely negotiate lower rates on the everyday things we all pay for. They'll share personal stories, proven talking points, and easy ways to make those awkward money calls feel totally doable, and worth every penny you save.
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The Cashless Envelope System: How To Budget With Multiple Bank Accounts
Ready to give your budget a glow-up without carrying around stacks of cash? In this episode, we sit down with our mentee, Pyper Colp, to unpack her cashless "envelope" system that uses multiple bank accounts to keep spending intentional and stress-free. You will learn how to choose the right categories, name and fund separate accounts, set up automatic transfers on payday, and spend from one card while protecting yourself from fraud. Pyper also shares real-life tips for avoiding common pitfalls and staying consistent so your goals actually get funded. If you want a simple, upbeat way to save for trips, holidays, car costs, and emergencies without the guesswork, this one is for you. Tune in and start organizing your money like a pro today.
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The Power of Local Partnership: Building a Fiber Future with Protek
If you've ever tried to stream a movie, work from home, or help your kids with homework in a rural area, you know the frustration of slow internet all too well. That's changing in Southern Illinois thanks to Protek Fiber, a local company that decided to take matters into its own hands, and found the right partner in Farmers State Bank to make it happen. In this episode, we're sitting down with Protek co-owners Cam McCurdy and Josh Watson, along with Chris Healy, President of Guaranteed Lending at Farmers State Bank, to talk about the $20 million financing package that's helping expand high-speed broadband across our region. From climbing homemade towers to securing USDA-backed funding, this conversation is all about what can happen when local innovators and local lenders team up to bridge the digital divide and build a stronger Southern Illinois.
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What's Really Happening in the Southern Illinois Short Term Rental Market
The short-term rental market in Southern Illinois is shifting, and hosts across the region are feeling it. This week, Allison Hasler, owner of Southern Illinois Vacation Rentals (SIVR), joins us to give an insider's look at what's really happening, from slower bookings and changing traveler habits to the rise of mid-term stays and what's still working in 2025. Whether you already own a cabin or are thinking about diving into vacation rentals, this episode breaks down the real trends shaping our local market and how to stay ahead in a changing industry.
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