The Activity Tax: What Extracurriculars Actually Cost a Family of Four
If you've ever paid a $185 tournament registration fee from a parking lot while eating drive-through for dinner, this episode is for you. The real cost of kids' extracurriculars for a typical family of four goes way beyond the number on the flyer. We're talking about the gear, the costumes, the spirit wear, the coach gifts, and the travel hotel that shows up six weeks after you were already emotionally committed. According to LendingTree, 42% of parents have taken on debt to cover activity costs, and most families have never actually added up the full annual number before signing up. This episode gets honest about why it's so hard to pump the brakes, what the warning signs are, and six practical steps to make it all sustainable. Your kid will remember you showing up. They won't remember whether it was the travel team or the local league.
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5 Money Regrets You Don't Want to Make And How to Avoid Them
We all have that one money decision we wish we could go back and redo. Maybe it's the stack of impulse purchases collecting dust in your closet, or the years you spent not contributing to your retirement fund because it just felt so far away. Financial regret is one of the most universal human experiences, and yet it's one of the least talked about. In this episode of Isn't That Rich, we get real about the five biggest money mistakes we see over and over again, share personal stories that are equal parts relatable and eye-opening, and give you the tools to make sure you don't end up adding these to your own list. Whether you're just starting out or well into your financial journey, this one is packed with wisdom, laughs, and a few gentle wake-up calls.
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A Vision for Serving: Starting an Eyecare Practice with Dr. Sykes Thompson
This week, we're sitting down with a Dr. Sykes Thompson, who is in the middle of something big, opening his very own eye care practice right here in our community! He shares how he's always known this was the path for him, but as you'll hear, knowing your calling and actually building it are two very different things. From finding the right location to making major financial decisions, hiring a team, and preparing for opening day, this conversation gives a real look at what it takes to start a practice from the ground up. We talk through the excitement, the pressure, and all the behind-the-scenes moments most people never see before the doors officially open. And at the heart of it all is something that stood out to us the most, his genuine passion for serving this community and doing it the right way. If you've ever thought about starting something of your own, or you just love hearing how a vision turns into reality, this is one you'll want to listen to.
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What If You Were Unreasonably Hospitable
When was the last time a business truly wowed you? Not just did their job, but genuinely went above and beyond in a way you'll never forget? That's the question at the heart of this month's Isn't That Rich Book Club pick, Unreasonable Hospitality by Will Guidara, the restaurateur who transformed Eleven Madison Park from a 50th-place also-ran into the best restaurant in the world. Spoiler: the secret wasn't perfection. It was making people feel something.
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What Happens When You Say Yes to Growth with Aaron Streuter
We sat down with Aaron Streuter, one of our own from our Herrin branch, to talk about his experience going through the Farmers State Bank mentorship program and what he took away from it. This conversation is real, honest, and a great look at what it actually feels like to step outside your comfort zone and figure out where you belong. Aaron shares what surprised him, what challenged him, and how the program helped him see new opportunities for his future. If you've ever wondered what growth can look like inside a company or you're trying to figure out your next step, this episode is one you'll want to hear.
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