ISN'T THAT RICH PODCAST | Farmers State Bank of Alto Pass | Illinois

5 Fun Savings Challenges to Kickstart Your New Year

If saving money feels like a chore or something you'll "get around to later," than this episode is for you. We're sharing 5 practical and creative savings challenges to help you jumpstart your financial goals this year. These aren't complicated plans or impossible commitments - they're fun, easy ways to build better habits and watch your savings grow. Whether you're setting aside $5 bills, rounding up spare change, or challenging yourself to skip unnecessary spending, we've got tips that fit into your everyday life. Let's make saving something you look forward to, not something you dread. It's time to take that first step toward your goals - let's get started!

Emergency Funds: Your Financial Safety Net

What if your furnace dies in the middle of winter or your car decides to quit on you during Monday morning rush hour-would you be ready? In this episode of the Isn't That Rich podcast, we're tackling emergency funds: what they are, why you need one, and how to actually build one without breaking a sweat. We're serving up practical tips, side hustle inspo, and a few laughs (Jared's "First Dibs Account" might be our best accidental invention yet). Tune in to learn how to protect your wallet from life's curveballs - because when it rains, you want to be holding an umbrella, not an empty bank account!

2024 Marketing Highlights: A Year in Review

What a year 2024 has been! In this episode, we're taking a look back at all the exciting marketing events and campaigns we hosted in 2024. From community partnerships that made a difference to creative projects that pushed the envelope, we're sharing the stories, highlights, and lessons learned along the way. Whether you're looking for event inspiration or just want to hear how we turned big ideas into reality, this episode is a fun, insightful recap of a year packed with creativity and impact. Join us as we relive the moments that made 2024 unforgettable!

2025 Business Survival Guide: New Laws You Need to Know

The laws are changing in 2025, and if you're a small business owner in Illinois, you need to be ready! We sat down with small business lawyer Martin Parsons to unpack the key updates and what they mean for you. From the final minimum wage increase to $15/hour, expanded pay stub requirements, and new transparency laws in job postings, we cover everything you need to know to stay compliant and protect your business. We also dove into updates on the Illinois Human Rights Act, including new protections for family responsibilities and reproductive health decisions, as well as the latest on Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI) reporting. Since our recording, a federal court has paused BOI reporting requirements, giving businesses a temporary reprieve - but Martin explains why staying prepared is still critical. Whether it's avoiding fines, understanding whistleblower protections, or tackling payroll compliance, this episode is packed with practical advice to keep your business running smoothly in 2025. Don't miss it!

Small Business Owners, Listen Up: How to Get the Loan You Deserve

Think getting a small business loan is impossible? Think again! In this episode, we're pulling back the curtain on SBA loans - the funding tool every entrepreneur needs to know about. From uncovering the myths to spilling the secrets of how to get approved, we're sitting down with Chris Healy, President of Small Business Lending, to give you the insider knowledge you can't afford to miss. Whether you're dreaming of starting your business or taking it to the next level, this episode is your ultimate roadmap to securing the cash you need to make it happen. Don't skip this one - it could be the game-changer your business has been waiting for!