Next Step Podcast: Recent Episodes
Regions Bank
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.
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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 accommodate for savings
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
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
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
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 and dining out, to gym memberships and bills
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
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
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.
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.
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.
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 going into business.
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.
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.
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 Nissan North America
- Marcus Whitney, President of Briovation
- Brad Smith, former CEO of Aspire Health
This podcast is the second of a two-part series featuring a discussion with some of the young leaders in Nashville’s business community. Be sure to also take a listen to part one.
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
This podcast is the second of two parts recorded at a live event in Atlanta. Be sure to also take a listen to part one.
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
This podcast is the third of a three-part series recorded at a live event in Houston. Check out the first and the second parts.
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. Hall, Co-Founder and CEO of Arch to Park, LLC
This podcast is the second of a three-part series recorded at a live event in St. Louis. Be sure to check out the first and third parts.
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, President of Briovation
- Brad Smith, former CEO of Aspire Health
This podcast is the first of a two-part series featuring a discussion with some of the young leaders in Nashville’s business community. Be sure to also take a listen to part two.
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 Entrepreneurship
- Kendra Elaine, Millennial Leadership Expert and Certified Corporate Trainer
- Jason R. Hall, Co-Founder and CEO of Arch to Park, LLC
This podcast is the first of a three-part series recorded at a live event in St. Louis. Be sure to check out the second and third parts.
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 Corporate Trainer
- Jason R. Hall, Co-Founder and CEO of Arch to Park, LLC
This podcast is the third of a three-part series recorded at a live event in St. Louis. Be sure to check out the first and second parts.
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 is the second of a three-part series recorded at a live event in Houston. Check out the first and the third parts.
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
- Kelly McCormick, Managing Director at UH RedLabs
- Grant Pinkerton, Founder of Pinkerton BBQ
- Ryan Soroka, President and Co-Founder of 8thWonder Brewery
This podcast is the first of a three-part series recorded at a live event in Houston. Check out the second and the third parts.
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
- 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
This podcast is the first of two parts recorded at a live event in Atlanta. Be sure to also take a listen to part two.
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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 to avoid them
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 in the first year
In this podcast, Shaun Collings, a Financial Wellness Relationship Manager for Regions Bank in Atlanta, Ga., shares tips to help you remodel or improve your home. Listen to learn Shaun’s perspective on the following topics:
- How to remodel to increase your home’s resale value
- How to avoid prioritizing costs over quality when remodeling
- The importance of gathering several remodeling estimates
- Monitoring progress and preparing for the unexpected
In this podcast, Abby Willens, a Mortgage Loan Officer for Regions Bank in Birmingham, Ala., talks about the different options for financing home improvement projects. Tune in to hear Abby’s thoughts on the following:
- How to prepare for home improvement costs
- Common home improvement loan options
- Helping you choose an option for your financial situation
In this podcast, Tamica Foster, a Financial Wellness Relationship Manager with Regions Bank in Jackson, Miss., offers practical home improvement tips for getting your home ready for potential buyers that won’t break the bank. Tune in to learn:
- Home improvement tips to make the selling process easier
- Advice for focusing on curb appeal and depersonalizing to sell
- Tips for getting your home ready for viewing
In this podcast, Tamica Foster, a Financial Wellness Relationship Manager with Regions Bank in Jackson, Miss., shares tips on prepping for and navigating your home inspection. Tune in to hear Tamica’s perspective on the following topics:
- How to conduct a thorough home inspection before sealing the deal
- Questions to ask and prepare during your home inspection
- What to check for during the inspection and common problems
In this podcast, Abby Willens, a Mortgage Loan Officer for Regions Bank in Birmingham, Ala., discusses what to consider when buying a home warranty. You’ll hear Abby’s perspective on these topics:
- The difference between a home warranty and homeowner’s insurance
- What a home warranty covers
- How to choose the right home warranty for your needs
In this podcast, Kariene Fortner, Financial Wellness Manager for Regions Bank’s North Region from Mobile, Ala., discusses some considerations to keep in mind when buying homeowners insurance for your new home or re-evaluating your existing policy. Listen to learn Kariene’s perspective on the following:
- The components of a policy and what they mean
- How these components can provide solutions for home ownership
- Understanding terms from deductibles to what’s included in flood insurance
In this podcast, Kreg Newman, a Mortgage Loan Officer for Regions Bank in Birmingham, Ala., discusses everything you need to know about adjustable rate mortgages, including:
- Differences between a fixed-rate mortgage and an adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM)
- How to determine which type of mortgage is right for you
In this podcast Jeff Prior, a Mortgage Loan Officer for Regions Bank in Birmingham, Ala., shares what you need to know when buying a vacation home or rental property. Jeff provides tips on:
- Determining whether to buy a second home
- What to keep in mind when financing a second property
- The difference between renting out a second home or using it as a vacation property
In this podcast, Kreg Newman, a Mortgage Loan Officer for Regions Bank in Birmingham, Ala., discusses how your home can act as a financial tool. Listen to learn from Kreg on the following topics:
- Considerations when borrowing against your home
- How to tap into your home’s equity with cash out refinance, HELOCs or HELOANs
- How to choose which option is right for your financial goals
In this podcast Jeff Prior, a Mortgage Loan Originator for Regions Bank in Birmingham, Ala., shares helpful information for the mortgage loan application process. Tune in to hear Jeff discuss the following:
- What lenders generally consider when reviewing your information for loan approval
- Steps to take when applying for a loan for your first home
- What it means to be pre-qualified and how to navigate the process
In this podcast, Alicia Somers, a Financial Wellness Relationship Manager for Regions Bank in Jacksonville, Fla., and Shaun Collings, a Financial Wellness Relationship Manager for Regions Bank in Atlanta, Ga., share what you need to know when buying a home. Alicia and Shaun provide tips on the following topics:
- Preparing for upfront costs
- Understanding all of the steps involved in buying a home
- Transition from homebuyer to homeowner
In this podcast, Shaun Collings, a Financial Wellness Relationship Manager for Regions Bank in Atlanta, Ga., discusses costs associated with buying a home aside from the purchase price. Shaun will provide his perspective on:
- Closing costs and what’s involved
- How much money to set aside for a home inspection and appraisal
- Other costs to plan for, including homeowner’s insurance and private mortgage insurance
In this podcast, Tamica Foster, a Financial Wellness Relationship Manager with Regions Bank in Jackson, Miss., takes you through a few tips for starting your home ownership journey. You’ll hear Tamica’s perspective on these topics:
- General guidelines to determine if you can afford a house
- Understanding your total purchasing power and the costs you’ll need to pay
- How reviewing your credit report can save money in the long run
In this podcast, Donna Medina, a Financial Wellness Relationship Manager for Regions Bank in Nashville, Tenn., discusses factors to consider when deciding whether to buy or rent a home. Tune in through the link below to hear Donna’s thoughts on the following:
- Calculating the costs of buying a home
- The monthly expenses associated with renting or buying a home
- Other factors that can help you decide which option is best for you