After a short break (only 2 years!) Shawn and Monica are back with the podcast! In this episode we catch up on our lives during the pandemic and past two years. We also talk about inflation and how to keep your grocery bill low. Hint: the key is planning ahead. Monica gives her annual rant on paying for tax prep services. See links below for places to do your taxes for free or low cost. We also give our list of upcoming show topics we'd like to cover. Enjoy!

Episode 6- We're Back!

Monica and Shawn are back with an episode all about student loans. The Supreme Court struck down President Biden’s student loan forgiveness plan which would have forgiven up to $20,000 for federal student loan borrowers. We recorded the episode before the news, but our predictions were correct. 
In this episode we cover student loan forgiveness plans, scams, if you should take out student loans to begin with and a new segment called Stupid Stuff People spend their money on. Shawn thinks it is bottled water and Monica thinks it’s exotic pets.

Student Loans, Servals and Pie

It starts with a direct message, maybe from someone you know or just a random social media friend. They have an opportunity for you! It's going to make a lot of money! Your new best friend wants you to join their multi-level marketing (MLM), network marketing, or direct marketing business. In this episode Shawn and Monica share their thoughts MLMs and the questions you should ask yourself before getting into one.

Episode 7: Multi-level Marketing, what we really think

Join Monica and Shawn as they dive into the Deferred Resignation Program, a controversial offer from the Trump administration that gives federal workers the chance to resign while still collecting a paycheck and benefits until September 30, 2025. With over 40,000 employees already opting in—but legal challenges putting the program on hold—this decision comes with major implications.

In this episode, we break down key questions:
🔹 Can you return to the government later—and at the same level?
🔹 How should you make the most of your "paid break"?
🔹 What opportunities exist to pivot your skills into new work?

If you’re a federal worker (or just fascinated by government policy), don’t miss this discussion on what might be the deal of a lifetime—or a gamble you can’t afford.

NOAB Special: Would You Take an 8 Month Paid Vacation?

Shawn and Monica bring you a special podcast extra about scammers taking advantage of the COVID-19 crisis. Some examples are: grandparent scam with a COVID twist, stimulus check scams and predatory lending, medical equipment scams and of course good old snake oil, cure scams.

Podcast Extra: COVID-19 Scams

What exactly is an emergency? Shawn and Monica break it down for you and talk about why now more than ever you need an emergency fund.

Episode 4: The one where you get an emergency fund

In this episode, Monica confesses to Shawn that she is a mess. When it comes to keeping papers organized, she uses the box method. Fill up papers in random boxes, then about three times a year go through those boxes and file everything, unless something is needed sooner. Keeping your papers organized can make a big difference in keeping your finances in order. Also in this episode tips for getting papers in order, a story of theft and a banking nightmare, and when to call it quits and file for bankruptcy.

Episode 5: Organize your life, organize your finances

Natives on a Budget is a podcast for Indigenous people who are working to manage their finances.

Natives on a Budget Podcast

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