Episodes

  • Tax Season Survival: Gen Z’s First-Time Filing Field Guide
    Jun 11 2025

    Taxes can be confusing—especially when no one ever taught you how they work. In this episode of Financially Free Gen Z, Rachel and Joshua break down everything you wish you learned in school about filing taxes. From W-2s and 1099s to deductions, estimated payments, and choosing how to file, we share our real-life experiences and tips to help you prepare for next tax season with confidence. Whether you're a first-time filer or just figuring out how to handle freelance income, we’ve got you covered.

    This podcast is brought to you by Coulee Bank. Member FDIC.

    Show More Show Less
    18 mins
  • Bluffs, Bites & Brews: La Crosse Adventures
    Apr 7 2025

    Financially Free Gen Z is back for Season 3! Join Joshua Herrmann and Rachel Munger in this unique episode discussing the community of La Crosse, Wisconsin. Hear their recommendations, as well as recommendations from Coulee Bank La Crosse Market President, Jodi Ehrenberger.

    Show More Show Less
    14 mins
  • Coal, Cash, and Christmas Cheer: Brilliant Budgeting for Holiday Gifting
    Dec 16 2024

    On this episode, Rachel and Joshua discuss some some last-minute holiday shopping tips to avoid a huge credit card bill come January.

    Holiday shopping can very quickly get out of hand with multiple parties to attend to, family to buy gifts for, and coworker celebrations. The cost can add up really quickly. This can lead to having not so Happy New Year when your credit card bill comes in January. So how can we avoid this? And what steps can we take to set ourselves up for financial success?

    Get the transcipt here: https://www.couleebank.net/8base/media/documents/Financially-Free-Gen-Z-Season-2-Ep-7-Transcript.pdf

    Show More Show Less
    16 mins
  • Tricks no Treats: Fighting Financial Fraud
    Nov 5 2024

    In this episode, Rachel and Joshua discuss recent fraud trends that are targeted to Gen Zers. Special guests Janel Garrick and Sarah Laxton discuss essential advice for staying safe online. This podcast is brought to you by Coulee Bank. Member FDIC.

    • Find the investment scam tracker here: https://dfi.wi.gov/Pages/Securities/InvestorResources/InvestmentScamTracker.aspx
    • Find the episode transcript here: https://www.couleebank.net/8base/media/documents/Financially-Free-Gen-Z-Season-2-Ep-6-Transcript.pdf
    Show More Show Less
    33 mins
  • The Craft of Compounding Cash
    Aug 27 2024

    In this episode, we dive into the magic of compound interest and how it can transform your financial future. Rachel and Joshua break down the basics, share real examples, and provide practical tips on how to start investing early. Additionally, special guest Cal Christensen joins the podcast to offer additional insights on the power of compound interest.

    View the compound interest calculator discussed in the episode here: https://www.investor.gov/financial-tools-calculators/calculators/compound-interest-calculator

    Show More Show Less
    30 mins
  • Credit Clarity: The Credit Score Conundrum
    Jul 10 2024

    In this episode of Financially Free Gen Z, Rachel and Joshua discuss credit scores, their importance in financial matters, and practical tips on building and maintaining a healthy score. Our guest, Annie Bertram (AVP, Treasury Management), offers practical advice on how to build and maintain a healthy credit score, sharing actionable tips that are particularly relevant for young adults just starting out.

    Show More Show Less
    35 mins
  • Job Search Jamboree: Journeying Through the Jobland Jigsaw
    Apr 24 2024

    In this episode of Financially Free Gen Z, Rachel and Joshua dive deep into the quest every Gen Z listener is either facing or about to face: landing your first professional job. As the world of work evolves, so do the strategies to kickstart your career. We're not just talking about polishing your resume or acing your interviews; we're exploring how to truly stand out in a sea of applicants and make a mark from day one.

    Join us as we chat with Lori DuMars, Human Resources Generalist, as she shares insider tips on resume creation, acing the interview, and how to stand out to hiring managers.

    This podcast is brought to you by Coulee Bank. Member FDIC.

    You can read our sources here:

    • https://hbr.org/2014/02/how-to-write-a-cover-letter
    • https://www.wsj.com/articles/18-resume-writing-tips-to-get-you-noticed-11605107446

    The transcript for this episode can be found here: https://issuu.com/couleebank/docs/financially_free_gen_z-_season_2_episode_3_transc

    Show More Show Less
    52 mins
  • The Loan Ranger: Wrangling Student Debt
    Mar 1 2024

    In this episode of Financially Free Gen Z, Rachel and Joshua discuss student loans: the terminology used, the different types of loans, and tips for paying them back. Devon Plecas joins the podcast to share his knowledge on the topic.

    This podcast is brought to you by Coulee Bank. Member FDIC.

    You can read our sources here:

    · https://www.ohe.state.mn.us/mPg.cfm?pageID=165

    · https://studentaid.gov/understand-aid/types/loans/interest-rates#older-rates

    · https://www.usatoday.com/money/blueprint/student-loans/student-loan-interest-rates/

    · https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/loans/student-loans/student-loans-5-biggest-winners-of-bidens-new-idr-plan

    · https://www.consumerfinance.gov/paying-for-college/repay-student-debt/student-loan-debt-tips/

    · https://www.ramseysolutions.com/debt/how-to-pay-off-student-loans-quickly

    The transcript for this episode can be found here: https://issuu.com/couleebank/docs/season_2_ep_2_transcript

    Show More Show Less
    24 mins