Behind The Curtain: Money Made Simple

Cameron Huddleston on Family Finances and Tough Conversations

In this episode of Behind the Curtain: Money Made Simple, Julie Beckham sits down with award-winning journalist and author Cameron Huddleston to address one of the hardest financial conversations families face: talking about money with parents and children. Cameron shares her personal story of losing her father unexpectedly and later helping her mother through Alzheimer’s without knowing the details of her finances—experiences that inspired her book Mom and Dad, We Need to Talk. Together, Julie and Cameron explore why it’s crucial to start these conversations early, the key documents every family should have, and how to balance supporting adult children while protecting your own financial future. They also discuss scams, long-term care planning, and practical strategies for building peace of mind through preparation and honesty.    _____________________________________________________________     [00:00:00] Julie introduces Cameron Huddleston and the challenge of managing finances across generations.  [02:29] Cameron shares the personal story of her father’s death without a will and the difficulties that followed.  [04:50] How her mother’s Alzheimer’s diagnosis pushed Cameron to secure critical estate planning documents.  [06:58] The importance of explaining wills, powers of attorney, and long-term care in simple terms.  [09:44] Why these conversations with parents are awkward, and how to research before initiating them.  [11:22] Cameron describes having estate planning talks with her own young adult children.  [15:30] Assigning children as executors and powers of attorney—why preparation matters.  [18:25] Creating peace of mind by putting wishes in writing and reducing stress for families.  [19:53] Cost of estate planning documents, alternatives like online services, and when to hire an attorney.  [24:16] Julie highlights resources at Rockland Trust and other financial institutions.  [25:50] Supporting adult children after college without jeopardizing retirement savings.  [29:57] How high costs of living and shifting job markets affect parental financial support.  [31:21] Setting boundaries with adult children while teaching independence and budgeting.  [34:03] The financial challenges that arise in every life stage.  [36:02] Why open communication about money with partners, children, and parents makes crises easier to handle.  [38:12] Understanding that money conversations with family are a series of talks, not a one-time event.  [40:09] Free resources Cameron offers, including emergency organizers and scam red flag sheets.  [42:02] Rapid-fire curtain call questions with Cameron, from favorite words to biggest money lessons.  [46:08] The advice Cameron wishes she’d known sooner: start saving for retirement early.  [48:02] Cameron’s financial challenge for listeners: align your spending with your true priorities.  [49:23] Julie reflects on the conversation and the importance of using personal experience to help others.      Links:    Cameron Huddleston on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cameron-huddleston-187b633/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/cameron-huddleston-187b633/]   Rockland Trust: https://www.rocklandtrust.com/ [https://www.rocklandtrust.com/]  Julie Beckham on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/julie-beckham-05589534 [https://www.linkedin.com/in/julie-beckham-05589534]

Two Moms, One Dream: Building a Children’s Museum

In this episode of Behind the Curtain: Money Made Simple, Julie Beckham sits down with Meg Hagan and Erin Gallagher, co-founders of the Children’s Museum of Franklin. The conversation follows how a casual conversation between two moms turned into a fully operational nonprofit serving thousands of families. Meg and Erin share how they built a business plan, formed a board, and leaned on community connections to bring their vision to life. They also explain the financial structure of a 501(c)(3), the importance of multiple revenue streams, and how partnerships and curiosity helped them move forward despite uncertainty. This episode highlights how purpose, collaboration, and persistence can turn an idea into a lasting community resource. ______________________________________________________________________ [00:00:00] Introduction to the podcast and overview of the Children’s Museum of Franklin [00:01:57] The moment Meg and Erin discovered their shared vision [00:03:14] Turning the idea into action with a business plan and nonprofit setup [00:03:54] Building a brand, mission, and early community engagement [00:05:08] Leveraging professional backgrounds and expanding expertise through advisors [00:07:28] Role of advisory board members and community experts [00:09:53] Advice for parents pursuing big goals while raising children [00:11:00] Importance of partnership and accountability in building a business [00:12:38] Market research and understanding audience reach [00:13:00] Early success metrics and visitor growth [00:13:31] Designing an inclusive and accessible museum experience [00:15:34] Defining core values: belonging, joy, curiosity, connection, and respect [00:17:06] Why the museum operates as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit [00:18:19] Impact story highlighting accessibility and community value [00:20:41] Revenue streams: admissions, events, fundraising, and donations [00:22:22] Membership structure and early adoption success [00:24:42] Building a team, hiring staff, and engaging volunteers [00:26:16] Partnerships with schools and community organizations [00:27:24] Staying grounded in mission and celebrating meaningful moments [00:29:58] Rapid-fire insights on motivation, challenges, and money lessons [00:31:59] Final advice: stay curious and take action even when uncomfortable Links: Rockland Trust: https://www.rocklandtrust.com/ [https://www.rocklandtrust.com/] Julie Beckham on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/julie-beckham-05589534 [https://www.linkedin.com/in/julie-beckham-05589534] Children’s Museum of Franklin: https://www.childrensmuseumfranklin.org/ [https://www.childrensmuseumfranklin.org/] Editing and post-production work for this episode was provided by The Podcast Consultant (https://thepodcastconsultant.com [https://thepodcastconsultant.com])

Inside Ms. Money’s Classroom: A Conversation with the “Coins”

In this Financial Literacy Month episode of Behind the Curtain: Money Made Simple, Julie Beckham reunites with former cast members of Ms. Money and the Coins, Carol Smolinski and Mike Charles. They reflect on performing the musical for thousands of students and how those early lessons shaped their lives and careers. Carol shares her path to becoming an accredited financial counselor, while Mike discusses building his own entertainment business. Together, they revisit key concepts like needs versus wants, saving, and the importance of early financial education, highlighting how simple lessons can influence long-term financial confidence and decision-making. ______________________________________________________________________ [00:00:00] Introduction to Financial Literacy Month and the origins of Ms. Money and the Coins. [00:01:50] How the musical was created in response to a national call for financial education. [00:04:08] Carol’s audition story and early career stage before joining the production. [00:04:52] Carol’s transition into financial counseling and education work. [00:06:34] Mike’s background, including overcoming cancer and starting his career. [00:07:01] Mike’s role at Radio Disney and path to joining the cast. [00:08:04] Mike’s current work as a business owner in the events industry. [00:09:41] Lessons learned from performing for students, including creative problem solving. [00:11:02] The importance of understanding needs versus wants in everyday life. [00:12:15] How financial lessons from the show stayed with audiences over time. [00:16:42] Carol on the importance of understanding compound interest early. [00:19:56] Mike on the lack of practical financial education in schools. [00:20:48] The long-term financial impact of learning money management skills early. [00:22:13] Rapid fire segment begins with personal insights and fun questions. [00:24:26] Mike’s goal of building a $10,000 business safety net. [00:26:15] Carol’s advice to start saving immediately, no matter the amount. [00:26:48] The importance of planning for “future you” through saving and investing. [00:27:30] Carol shares her current work and how to connect with her organization. [00:28:29] Mike shares his business and where to find his services online. [00:28:42] Closing thoughts and encouragement to take action on financial goals. Links: Rockland Trust: https://www.rocklandtrust.com/ [https://www.rocklandtrust.com/] Julie Beckham on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/julie-beckham-05589534 [https://www.linkedin.com/in/julie-beckham-05589534] Editing and post-production work for this episode was provided by The Podcast Consultant (https://thepodcastconsultant.com [https://thepodcastconsultant.com])

Sports Betting: A Financial Gamble for Gen Z

In this episode of Behind the Curtain Money Made Simple, Julie Beckham is joined by Jonathan D. Cohen, author of Losing Big: America’s Reckless Bet on Sports Gambling, along with a special guest—her son, Adam. Together, they examine the rapid expansion of sports betting following the 2018 Supreme Court decision and how mobile apps have transformed gambling into an always-accessible activity. The conversation explores how prediction markets, investing platforms, and gambling are increasingly intertwined, especially for young men. Jonathan shares why he views this as a growing public health concern, offering perspective on financial nihilism, loss chasing, and the need for “friction” to help individuals make more intentional decisions with their money.  ______________________________________________________________________    Key Points From This Episode:  [00:00:00] Introduction to the episode and the growing concern around sports gambling  [00:02:32] The 2018 Supreme Court decision and rapid legalization across the U.S.  [00:03:28] How modern sports betting differs from traditional gambling environments  [00:03:53] Expansion beyond sports into prediction markets and broader gambling access  [00:05:01] Challenges parents and educators face addressing gambling with teenagers  [00:06:17] Legal age limits vs. widespread access through unregulated platforms  [00:08:56] The blurred line between investing, speculation, and gambling  [00:09:37] Integration of gambling into financial platforms and its risks  [00:11:03] Lack of awareness among families and early exposure for young users  [00:12:27] The concept of “friction” and how it can reduce harmful behaviors  [00:13:27] Loss chasing and how it accelerates risky financial decisions  [00:14:56] Real-life example of escalating bets and addictive behavior patterns  [00:16:14] Financial nihilism and its influence on young men’s gambling habits  [00:16:49] Rise of parlays and their high-risk, high-reward appeal  [00:18:26] Psychological effects of near-wins and false expectations  [00:20:09] Practical advice for young adults engaging in sports betting  [00:21:00] Importance of setting limits and understanding app design  [00:23:21] Addressing gambling behavior through open conversations  [00:24:14] The need for cultural change rather than relying on regulation alone  [00:27:24] Personal reflections on money habits and investing  [00:27:49] Encouraging parents to understand gambling platforms firsthand        Links:  Rockland Trust: https://www.rocklandtrust.com/ [https://www.rocklandtrust.com/]  Julie Beckham on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/julie-beckham-05589534 [https://www.linkedin.com/in/julie-beckham-05589534]  Jonathan Cohen on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/jonathan-cohen-6219b989 [https://www.linkedin.com/posts/jonathan-cohen-6219b989]  Losing Big: America’s Reckless Bet on Sports Gambling: https://www.amazon.ca/Losing-Big-Americas-Reckless-Gambling/dp/B0DGS6G35H [https://www.amazon.ca/Losing-Big-Americas-Reckless-Gambling/dp/B0DGS6G35H]    Editing and post-production work for this episode was provided by The Podcast Consultant (https://thepodcastconsultant.com [https://thepodcastconsultant.com/])

Talking Taxes with Rockland Trust’s Rita Yeung

In this episode of Behind the Curtain: Money Made Simple, Julie Beckham speaks with Rita Yeung, Manager of Tax Services at Rockland Trust, about how individuals can approach tax season with more clarity and confidence. Rita shares how her background in accounting led her to a career solving financial puzzles and helping clients understand complex tax rules. The conversation covers key filing deadlines, the difference between standard and itemized deductions, and what gig workers should know about reporting income and expenses. Rita also highlights recent tax law updates, explains how large refunds may signal over-withholding, and discusses how proactive planning throughout the year can help individuals reduce stress and make smarter financial decisions.  ______________________________________________________________________    Key Points From This Episode:  [00:00:00] Julie Beckham introduces the podcast and welcomes Rita Yeung to discuss tax season.  [00:01:32] Rita explains her background in accounting and why she enjoys solving financial problems.  [00:02:30] The importance of the April 15 tax deadline and what taxpayers need to file and pay.  [00:03:23] How filing a tax extension works and why it does not extend the payment deadline.  [00:04:13] The difference between standard deductions and itemized deductions.  [00:06:10] How recent tax changes increased the standard deduction and influenced filing choices.  [00:07:35] Tax responsibilities for gig workers and independent contractors.  [00:08:57] Common deductible business expenses such as mileage, equipment, and home office costs.  [00:10:22] When it makes sense to consult a tax professional for more complex financial situations.  [00:12:18] Why tax laws change frequently and why professional guidance can be helpful.  [00:13:00] Overview of recent tax law updates, including new deductions and credit adjustments.  [00:16:09] Increased child tax credits and higher limits for state and local tax deductions.  [00:17:46] Why a large tax refund may indicate too much withholding during the year.  [00:18:53] How taxes can reveal broader financial habits and planning opportunities.  [00:20:25] Why effective tax planning should happen throughout the year, not just before filing.  [00:21:37] Last-minute retirement contributions that may reduce taxable income before the deadline.  [00:23:25] How to file an amended return if a mistake or missed deduction is discovered.  [00:28:05] Rita’s challenge: spend time each month reviewing income, expenses, and tax planning.      Links:  Rockland Trust: https://www.rocklandtrust.com/ [https://www.rocklandtrust.com/]  Julie Beckham on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/julie-beckham-05589534 [https://www.linkedin.com/in/julie-beckham-05589534]  Rita Yeung on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rita-yeung-cpa [https://www.linkedin.com/in/rita-yeung-cpa]    Editing and post-production work for this episode was provided by The Podcast Consultant (https://thepodcastconsultant.com [https://thepodcastconsultant.com/])