Great Points

On today's episode of Great Points, Matt talks about the impact credit card debt can have on your financial plan. With interest rates rising over the last couple years, the variable rates on credit cards have risen even faster. Take a few minutes to review your current credit card balances and see what if any interest you are currently paying. If you have balances you are currently carrying, considering using some emergency funds to reduce the interest you owe. Or if you have multiple cards, look into which card currently gives you the best rate.

On today's episode of Great Points, Matt speaks with personal stylist, Mary McRae. As a men's stylist for J. Hilburn, Mary offers some insights on ways you can reduce your environmental impact by being intentional with your clothing choices. Between buying higher quality, longer-lasting pieces, choosing ethically manufactured products, or donating unneeded clothes, there are many ways you can build an economical and sustainable wardrobe.

On today's Earth Day themed episode of Great Points, Matt interviews Janelle Rolke, the Waste Reduction Coordinator for the city of Salem, MA. They discuss the various programs in Salem designed to reduce the impact of waste on the environment. Between refillable products and containers, composting, and effective recycling, learn more about what how you can do to help protect our planet.

On today's episode of Great Points, Matt interviews licensed acupuncturist, Christine Almeida of Salem Acupuncture Therapy. Learn how Christine discovered acupuncture through a debilitating injury at a young age, and how it changed the way she looks at both pain relief and preventive health care. Originating in Eastern medical practices, acupuncture has been around for millennia, but there are many reasons it's still popular today. Christine dispels some common concerns about acupuncture therapy and details the many benefits her patients experience.

On today's episode of Great Points, Matt talks gives some practical tips for turning Financial Literacy principles into healthy habits. Just like with any skill, the concepts of Financial Literacy will only become ingrained with practice. If you're wondering how to teach a student, young adult, or even yourself how to manage day to day finances, repetition and real life examples will help to make the lessons stick.

On today's episode of Great Points, Matt speaks with Physical Therapist and Personal Trainer, Mike Stare. They talk about aging and how we can all add qualify of life to our years rather than just years to our life. Whether you are in your 40s, 70s, or 90s, Mike shares tips and advice for how to maintain and improve your physical fitness.

On today's episode, Matt talks with Stephen DiGregorio, the founder and owner of "Protecting your Assets LLC," a legal firm focused on Estate Planning. Matt and Steve talk about what it means to have an estate plan, and they take on some misconceptions people frequently have. What is a Health Care Proxy or a Springing Power of Attorney? Whether you have $50 in the bank or $10 million in assets, knowing some of the basics of estate planning is vital to protecting you and your loved ones.

On today's episode of Great Points, Matt talks about whether college is worth the cost and he gives some examples of the right questions to ask. What are some things to consider before deciding to enroll in an expensive college education? What are the other options? As with many financial decisions, there is not just one right answer, but having a plan and doing some calculations can help you find the right answer for you.

On today's episode of Great Points, Matt reacts to an article he read on LinkedIn about supporting local by paying in cash. Is paying in cash actually better for a business? And more importantly, what makes more sense for you? Matt talks through the psychology of using cash versus credit and some tips for making the most of both approaches.

On today's episode of Great Points, fresh off re-watching Schitt's Creek, Matt talks through some of the money lessons that came to mind. How can you raise your kids to understand money? Matt shares some tips for helping your children understand the value of a dollar. Whether they are young kids, recent graduates, or mid-career professionals who may inherit some money, communication is key.