Episodes

  • Beware of debt relief offers
    Dec 20 2025


    Host Shirley Rooker speaks with Bruce McClary of the National Foundation for Credit Counseling, who discusses the special needs of military and the many frauds targeting other consumers. He describes how the debt relief promised may only increase the debt load, how promises to erase credit card debt may backfire and other scams that trap consumers.

    See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    Show More Show Less
    25 mins
  • The Consumer Man's top tips
    Dec 20 2025

    Host Shirley Rooker speaks with Herb Weisbaum, contributing editor at Consumers’ Checkbook Magazine, who discusses wiping personal data off devices before recycling them, the questions to ask before joining a gym and the move to limit high overdraft fees charged by banks

    See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    Show More Show Less
    25 mins
  • This deferred option may pique your interest
    Dec 20 2025

    Host Shirley Rooker speaks with Chip Lupo of Wallet Hub, who describes deferred interest and how it can save you money but only if you understand its restrictions and the price you may pay if you don’t make payments on time. He also gives tips on the best gift cards and how the rules regarding their use have changed.

    See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    Show More Show Less
    25 mins
  • Are you SAD??
    Dec 13 2025

    It is sometimes called the winter blues but it is very real. Host Shirley Rooker speaks with Jill Robin Payne, a psychotherapist, who describes the symptoms of seasonal affective disorder and ways to treat it including bright lights and exercise.

    In addition, she gives tips on getting along with relatives during the holidays and why empathy isn’t enough, it needs to be combined with banter.

    See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    Show More Show Less
    25 mins
  • Maryland is number one – in increased mortgage debt
    Dec 6 2025

    Host Shirley Rooker speaks with Christie Matherne, editor at Wallethub, to discuss the reasons Maryland has the dubious honor of having the highest mortgage levels in the country. She also outlines ways to help deal with inflation, credit card debt and type budgets.

    See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    Show More Show Less
    25 mins
  • Our first president as businessman and innovator
    Nov 29 2025

    Host Shirley Rooker talks to John Berlau. The author of "George Washington, Entrepreneur" explores the greatness and intellect of our first president and his ventures into whiskey making and mule breeding as well as his vision about flight. He also discusses Washington's partnership with his wife Martha and her importance to his success.

    See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    Show More Show Less
    25 mins
  • Yes, banter can better the world
    Nov 22 2025


    Host Shirley Rooker speaks with psychotherapist and author Jill Robin Payne about various ways to alleviate stress, including “Bempathy,” a way of creating empathy through casual conversation.

    See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    Show More Show Less
    25 mins
  • Put AI to work for your small business
    Nov 15 2025

    Host Shirley Rooker speaks with Gene Marks of the Marks Group, who discusses artificial intelligence and its impact on small businesses. And we address the question: are women more reluctant to use AI than men?

    See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    Show More Show Less
    25 mins