Your Credit Today

Maximize your Tax Refund

What are you doing with your tax return this year? Before you do anything, in this episode of "Your Credit Today," Angela challenges the common advice of using your tax refund to pay off credit card debt and offers smart, strategic alternatives. Discover how to break the cycle of debt and make smarter money moves for long-term financial success. * Understand why relying on a tax refund to pay off debt isn't solving the core financial problem. * Learn about the importance of investing in yourself and starting an emergency fund with your tax refund. * Discover how to create a monthly plan to tackle expenses and reduce debt consistently. * Explore the potential for using your tax refund to invest in your future and strategic opportunities. * Gain insights into reworking your budget for financial control rather than just debt relief. THANK YOU FOR LISTENING TO YOUR CREDIT TODAY! IF YOU HAVEN’T SUBSCRIBED YET, MAKE SURE TO HIT THAT BUTTON, AND SHARE THIS EPISODE WITH FRIENDS AND FAMILY WHO WANT A FINANCIALLY PEACEFUL HOLIDAY SEASON. FOR PERSONALIZED FINANCIAL COACHING, REACH OUT BY EMAILING ME AT ANGELAS@CONQUERCREDIT.COM OR VISITING ANGELABESSARD.COM [https://open.acast.com/networks/647fb40dd2c79000113c4d7d/shows/647fb4675ac7e90011bbf009/episodes/www.angelabessard.com]. AND IF YOUR ORGANIZATION COULD USE SOME FINANCIAL WELLNESS TRAINING, DON’T HESITATE TO CONTACT ME—I’D LOVE TO HELP YOU AND YOUR TEAM ENJOY A STRESS-FREE HOLIDAY SEASON! HTTPS://ANGELABESSARD.COM/CONTACT/ [https://angelabessard.com/contact/] HTTPS://WWW.INSTAGRAM.COM/REALCREDITQUEEN/ [https://www.instagram.com/realcreditqueen/] HTTPS://WWW.LINKEDIN.COM/IN/ANGELA-SETTERS-BESSARD/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/angela-setters-bessard/] If you found this episode helpful, save it, share it, and don’t forget to subscribe for more empowering conversations about building credit, wealth, and financial confidence 00:00 In "Your Credit Today," host Angela Setters Bessard advises against using tax refunds to pay off credit card debt and offers alternatives for long-term financial success. Subscribe for tips on better financial management. 04:14 Don't rely solely on tax refunds to manage debt; instead, change financial habits and consider investing in yourself. 08:52 Plan and invest wisely to secure your financial future, regardless of income level. 10:40 Plan yearly to avoid financial pitfalls and ensure cash flow covers debts. 16:08 Coaching her to track spending daily on a whiteboard was healing, revealing unconscious spending habits. 18:04 Modern finance is digital and accessible, requiring discipline and awareness of spending, savings, and taxes, regardless of wealth. 21:31 Stay focused on your goals, remove negative influences, and make smart financial decisions. ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

Spring Cleaning for Your Credit

Reset your financial situation and make 2025 your best financial year yet with Angela Setters Bessard, the real credit queen. Dive into essential strategies to refresh your credit, manage your debt, and revamp your budget. * Learn how to effectively check and update all three of your credit reports. * Discover methods to consolidate and manage credit card debt, including using balance transfer cards and personal loans. * Understand the importance of increasing your credit limits and maintaining positive credit history. * Uncover the snowball and avalanche methods for tackling debt repayment. * Refresh your budget focusing on cutting unnecessary spending and automating your savings and investments. 00:00 Reset your credit score to improve finances. 05:49 Ensure personal information on your credit report is accurate and up-to-date, including addresses and social security number. Consider using a P.O. Box for stability if you're renting. 08:29 File disputes with all three credit agencies to improve your middle credit score. 13:03 Apply for multiple zero percent interest balance transfer cards on the same day. Research card terms carefully and plan to pay them off diligently to avoid debt. Keep credit card usage under 30% and use them every 90 days to maintain good credit relationships. 17:25 Pay your credit card balances to avoid debt snowballing and maintain good relationships with creditors. 19:54 Increase credit limits to manage debt better and improve your financial standing for future credit needs. 24:35 Choose the snowball method to pay off small debts first for motivation or the avalanche method to pay high-interest debts first to save money, depending on your financial needs. 27:41 Re-evaluate your budget, cut unnecessary expenses, focus on debt repayment and savings, pay yourself first, and do tax planning. 29:38 Automate savings and 401k contributions; allocate income: 50% to needs (rent, bills), plan and document finances. 32:41 Refresh your credit, pay down debt, and set financial goals by checking credit reports, choosing a debt plan, and creating a strategy. THANK YOU FOR LISTENING TO YOUR CREDIT TODAY! IF YOU HAVEN’T SUBSCRIBED YET, MAKE SURE TO HIT THAT BUTTON, AND SHARE THIS EPISODE WITH FRIENDS AND FAMILY WHO WANT A FINANCIALLY PEACEFUL HOLIDAY SEASON. FOR PERSONALIZED FINANCIAL COACHING, REACH OUT BY EMAILING ME AT ANGELAS@CONQUERCREDIT.COM OR VISITING ANGELABESSARD.COM [https://open.acast.com/networks/647fb40dd2c79000113c4d7d/shows/647fb4675ac7e90011bbf009/episodes/www.angelabessard.com]. AND IF YOUR ORGANIZATION COULD USE SOME FINANCIAL WELLNESS TRAINING, DON’T HESITATE TO CONTACT ME—I’D LOVE TO HELP YOU AND YOUR TEAM ENJOY A STRESS-FREE HOLIDAY SEASON! HTTPS://ANGELABESSARD.COM/CONTACT/ [https://angelabessard.com/contact/] HTTPS://WWW.INSTAGRAM.COM/REALCREDITQUEEN/ [https://www.instagram.com/realcreditqueen/] HTTPS://WWW.LINKEDIN.COM/IN/ANGELA-SETTERS-BESSARD/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/angela-setters-bessard/] If you found this episode helpful, save it, share it, and don’t forget to subscribe for more empowering conversations about building credit, wealth, and financial confidence ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

Love and Money - How Can Two Walk Together Unless They Agree?

Angela, The Real Credit Queen, invites her husband, Ralph Bessard, to discuss the critical aspects of managing finances within a relationship. They share their journey through the peaks and valleys of financial management together, and the importance of teamwork, financial self-love, and repairing relationships with money. Angela and Ralph draw from their rich personal and professional experiences and share actionable insights into building a successful financial partnership. Financial challenges and misunderstandings are common in relationships, yet open communication and strategic planning can transform these obstacles into opportunities for growth. Angela and Ralph discuss their early experiences of navigating life together, offering practical advice for young couples looking to establish a strong financial foundation. By focusing on financial self-awareness and aligning individual and joint financial goals, couples can thrive both personally and financially. This episode is filled with essential advice for integrating love and money, fostering transparency, and strategically planning for a prosperous future. KEY TAKEAWAYS: * Teamwork and Communication: Successful financial management in a relationship relies heavily on understanding each other's strengths and creating an open, communicative partnership. * Individual Financial Identity: Each partner should maintain their credit identity while working together, which can provide a safety net and individual security. * Transparent Financial Discussions: Openly discussing financial habits, knowledge, and goals is vital for avoiding misunderstandings and developing mutual financial strategies. * Investment in Relationships: Finances are an integral part of relationship-building that should involve both partners equally, supporting each other's aspirations and growth. * Love and Finances Connection: Emphasizing financial self-love and strategic planning can enhance relationship stability and prevent financial issues from causing discord. * THANK YOU FOR LISTENING TO YOUR CREDIT TODAY! IF YOU HAVEN’T SUBSCRIBED YET, MAKE SURE TO HIT THAT BUTTON, AND SHARE THIS EPISODE WITH FRIENDS AND FAMILY WHO WANT A FINANCIALLY PEACEFUL HOLIDAY SEASON. FOR PERSONALIZED FINANCIAL COACHING, REACH OUT BY EMAILING ME AT ANGELAS@CONQUERCREDIT.COM OR VISITING ANGELABESSARD.COM [https://open.acast.com/networks/647fb40dd2c79000113c4d7d/shows/647fb4675ac7e90011bbf009/episodes/www.angelabessard.com]. AND IF YOUR ORGANIZATION COULD USE SOME FINANCIAL WELLNESS TRAINING, DON’T HESITATE TO CONTACT ME—I’D LOVE TO HELP YOU AND YOUR TEAM ENJOY A STRESS-FREE HOLIDAY SEASON! HTTPS://ANGELABESSARD.COM/CONTACT/ [https://angelabessard.com/contact/] HTTPS://WWW.INSTAGRAM.COM/REALCREDITQUEEN/ [https://www.instagram.com/realcreditqueen/] HTTPS://WWW.LINKEDIN.COM/IN/ANGELA-SETTERS-BESSARD/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/angela-setters-bessard/] If you found this episode helpful, save it, share it, and don’t forget to subscribe for more empowering conversations about building credit, wealth, and financial confidence ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

Creating a Financial Vision for 2025

AS WE APPROACH A NEW YEAR, IT’S EASY TO GET CAUGHT UP IN TRADITIONAL GOAL-SETTING—BUT WHAT IF THERE’S A BETTER WAY? IN THIS EPISODE OF YOUR CREDIT TODAY, ANGELA SETTERS BESSARD CHALLENGES YOU TO RETHINK YOUR APPROACH BY FOCUSING ON FINANCIAL INTENTIONS RATHER THAN RIGID GOALS. INTENTIONS TAP INTO YOUR DEEPER “WHY,” KEEPING YOU MOTIVATED AND INSPIRED—EVEN WHEN LIFE THROWS CURVEBALLS. WHAT YOU’LL LEARN: INTENTIONS VS. GOALS: DISCOVER WHY SETTING FINANCIAL INTENTIONS IS MORE EFFECTIVE THAN TRADITIONAL GOAL-SETTING. LEARN HOW TO CONNECT YOUR FINANCIAL VISION TO WHAT MATTERS MOST TO YOU. VISION-BUILDING EXERCISES: WRITE A LETTER FROM YOUR “FUTURE SELF” IN 2025, DESCRIBING YOUR FINANCIAL SUCCESS, AND REVERSE-ENGINEER THE STEPS NEEDED TO GET THERE. INTENTIONAL DEBT & SAVINGS PLANS: FIND OUT HOW SHIFTING YOUR MINDSET CAN MAKE PAYING DOWN DEBT OR SAVING MONEY FEEL PURPOSEFUL AND REWARDING. MONTHLY ‘INTENTION CHECK’: STAY ON TRACK WITH MONTHLY CHECK-INS THAT HELP YOU ADJUST YOUR FINANCIAL ACTIONS WHILE KEEPING YOUR LONG-TERM VISION IN FOCUS. KEY TAKEAWAYS: YOUR FINANCIAL JOURNEY IS MORE THAN A LIST OF GOALS—IT’S ABOUT BECOMING THE PERSON YOU ENVISION. BY LEADING WITH INTENTION, YOU’LL BUILD A FINANCIAL FUTURE ROOTED IN MEANING, NOT JUST METRICS. ANGELA’S COACHING CAN HELP YOU CREATE A PERSONALIZED FINANCIAL PLAN ALIGNED WITH YOUR UNIQUE VALUES AND VISION. LISTEN NOW AND TAKE THE FIRST STEP TOWARD CREATING A FINANCIAL LIFE THAT INSPIRES YOU IN 2025! THANK YOU FOR LISTENING TO YOUR CREDIT TODAY! IF YOU HAVEN’T SUBSCRIBED YET, MAKE SURE TO HIT THAT BUTTON, AND SHARE THIS EPISODE WITH FRIENDS AND FAMILY WHO WANT A FINANCIALLY PEACEFUL HOLIDAY SEASON. FOR PERSONALIZED FINANCIAL COACHING, REACH OUT BY EMAILING ME AT ANGELAS@CONQUERCREDIT.COM OR VISITING ANGELABESSARD.COM [www.angelabessard.com]. AND IF YOUR ORGANIZATION COULD USE SOME FINANCIAL WELLNESS TRAINING, DON’T HESITATE TO CONTACT ME—I’D LOVE TO HELP YOU AND YOUR TEAM ENJOY A STRESS-FREE HOLIDAY SEASON! HTTPS://ANGELABESSARD.COM/CONTACT/ [https://angelabessard.com/contact/] HTTPS://WWW.INSTAGRAM.COM/REALCREDITQUEEN/ [https://www.instagram.com/realcreditqueen/] HTTPS://WWW.LINKEDIN.COM/IN/ANGELA-SETTERS-BESSARD/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/angela-setters-bessard/] If you found this episode helpful, save it, share it, and don’t forget to subscribe for more empowering conversations about building credit, wealth, and financial confidence ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

Mind Over Money

AS 2024 COMES TO A CLOSE, ANGELA SETTERS BESSARD TAKES A DEEP DIVE INTO THE EMOTIONAL SIDE OF MONEY, UNCOVERING HOW PAST EXPERIENCES, FEARS, AND FINANCIAL TRAUMA INFLUENCE OUR FINANCIAL BEHAVIORS TODAY. IN THIS EPISODE, ANGELA SHARES ACTIONABLE TIPS AND POWERFUL INSIGHTS TO HELP YOU SHIFT YOUR MINDSET AROUND MONEY AND CREDIT, EMPOWERING YOU TO START THE NEW YEAR WITH CONFIDENCE AND FINANCIAL CLARITY. DON'T MISS THIS OPPORTUNITY TO TAKE CONTROL OF YOUR FINANCIAL FUTURE! * The Emotional Side of Money: Angela delves into how past financial struggles and emotional trauma can shape current financial behaviors. She explores how many people associate money with fear and anxiety, stemming from experiences of financial hardship or even generational patterns. * Recognizing and Changing Financial Patterns: Angela highlights common financial habits, like avoidance of budgeting, fear of tracking expenses, and overspending, showing how to recognize and break these patterns. She emphasizes practical tools, like tracking expenses visually (even on a whiteboard), to help individuals become more conscious of their spending. * Building Financial Confidence Through Mindset Shifts: Angela provides strategies for reframing financial setbacks as growth opportunities, teaching listeners to view their financial journey as one of empowerment. By setting small, achievable goals, she encourages her audience to rebuild confidence step-by-step. THANK YOU FOR LISTENING TO YOUR CREDIT TODAY! IF YOU HAVEN’T SUBSCRIBED YET, MAKE SURE TO HIT THAT BUTTON, AND SHARE THIS EPISODE WITH FRIENDS AND FAMILY WHO WANT A FINANCIALLY PEACEFUL HOLIDAY SEASON. FOR PERSONALIZED FINANCIAL COACHING, REACH OUT BY EMAILING ME AT ANGELAS@CONQUERCREDIT.COM OR VISITING ANGELABESSARD.COM [https://open.acast.com/networks/647fb40dd2c79000113c4d7d/shows/647fb4675ac7e90011bbf009/episodes/www.angelabessard.com]. AND IF YOUR ORGANIZATION COULD USE SOME FINANCIAL WELLNESS TRAINING, DON’T HESITATE TO CONTACT ME—I’D LOVE TO HELP YOU AND YOUR TEAM ENJOY A STRESS-FREE HOLIDAY SEASON! HTTPS://ANGELABESSARD.COM/CONTACT/ [https://angelabessard.com/contact/] HTTPS://WWW.INSTAGRAM.COM/REALCREDITQUEEN/ [https://www.instagram.com/realcreditqueen/] HTTPS://WWW.LINKEDIN.COM/IN/ANGELA-SETTERS-BESSARD/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/angela-setters-bessard/] ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.