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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W-4 Forms Made Simple
Ever stared at your W-4 and thought, "What does any of this mean?" You're not alone. In this week's episode of Isn't That Rich, Jill and Ashley break down one of the most confusing forms in your new-hire packet, the W-4. From what "qualifying child" really means to how "other dependents" can actually lower your tax bill, we're explaining it all in plain English (and with a few laughs along the way). If you've ever wondered why your paycheck changes or how to make sure you're not over- or under-withholding, this episode is for you.
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The Four Spending Personalities: Why you spend the way you do
Ever wonder why you spend the way you do? Whether you're the one obsessively checking your savings account, the friend who can't resist a good sale, the person avoiding your bank app at all costs, or the dreamer with a cart full of "future me" goals, this episode is for you. Join us as we break down the four money personalities: Saver, Spender, Avoider, and Dreamer, and share the funny, all-too-real ways they show up in everyday life. We even took the quiz ourselves (and the results might surprise you). It's equal parts relatable, insightful, and laugh-out-loud honest, because when it comes to money, understanding your habits is the first step to mastering them. Tune in and find out which one you are!
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The Business Behind the Bass: From Southern Illinois to the Elite Series with Trey McKinney
What does it take to go from a small-town fisherman in Southern Illinois to the youngest Bassmaster Elite Rookie of the Year, and do it all by age 20? Trey McKinney has already reeled in record-breaking wins, secured major sponsorships, and built a reputation as one of the most exciting names in professional fishing. But behind the trophies is a young entrepreneur learning to balance prize money, branding, and smart investing, all while staying true to his roots in faith, family, and the outdoors. In this episode, Trey sits down with us to share his journey, the business behind professional fishing, and what it really takes to build a future on and off the water.
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