Episode 1: Uncle Tucker's Getting Married
Tim relates the news that his crazy Uncle Tucker is getting married. Emily is surprised to hear that Uncle Tucker is finally giving up his bachelorhood and settling down. But, as the big day approaches, Uncle Tucker must act fast in order to make sure that unforeseen obstacles don't turn into wedding-day disasters.
Episode 2: Jeff's Pancake Car
A hurricane has brought a huge storm through the hosts' inland city. Emily's brother's car was smashed by a tree during the storm. Tim advises that Jeff, Emily's brother, use a payday loan instead of taking the hit of overdraft fees to fund his car repairs.
Episode 3: Powerless Emily Hunts for a Generator
Emily is still without power from the severe hurricane-storm that came through. She considers buying an at-home generator and using a payday loan to help. She talks about looking into other payment methods, including Credit Card Cash Advances and the pitfalls that come with that option.
Episode 4: Tim Explains His Love for Check 'n Go
Emily recounts her positive experience with using a payday loan to help her buy a generator. She thanks Tim for recommending Check 'n Go, and he explains the features that make him like Check 'n Go so much.
Episode 5: Bill's New Place
Tim brings his new neighbor, Bill, onto the show to talk about his payday loan experience. Bill recently started a new job in the city and was staying with a friend until he found a new place to live. He searched for over a month to find the right place, but once he found it, he needed to come up with the first and last month's rent and the security deposit right away.
Episode 6: Lauren Welcomes Rob's New Job
Because Bill's story was so good, Emily brings on her friend, Lauren, as a guest to discuss her positive payday loan experience. Lauren's spouse was changing jobs and had his first paycheck held over a pay period upon starting the new position. To keep from defaulting on their mortgage payment that month, Lauren considered a payday loan.
Episode 7: Yo-Yo Needs Surgery
Tim describes a situation with his mom's dog, Yo-Yo, who needs ACL surgery. His mom could pay for the surgery, but she's worried that that may put her at risk for making late payments to other bills. Tim describes the unattractive qualities of dealing with late fees and talks about convincing his mom to use a payday loan to help with the surgery.
Episode 8: Emily's Parents Go House Hunting
Emily's parents are selling their house and looking for a smaller one now that their kids have all moved out. They found a great place, but they need to sell their old house first. After talking to a Realtor, they discover that remodeling the bathroom and kitchen would increase their house value and may help them sell it faster. They consider using a payday loan to help.
Episode 9: Why Choose Check 'n Go?
Tim and Emily have a guest caller, Julie, who has to make an unexpected car repair. She's considering taking out a payday loan, but Julie wants to know more about the details. Tim and Emily clarify the process and explain why Check 'n Go is a reputable payday lender.
Episode 10: Payday Loans Should Not Be Abused
Emily gives the advice that payday loans should only be used occasionally and for the right reasons, like essential purchases. Several budgeting and money management web sites are given out during this edition, too.
Episode 11: Prepaid Debit Cards
Emily's hairdresser wants to find a great graduation gift for her grandson, so Emily suggests a pre-paid debit card available at Check 'n Go. Find out why Emily suggests this safe, reliable, and convenient option.
Episode 12: Personal Unsecured Bank Loans Compared to Payday Loans
Tim really shows his knowledge of personal unsecured bank loans and how they compare to payday loans. When is a good time to use either? Tim breaks it down for the listeners in an easy way to understand.
Episode 13: Online Payday Loans
Some people like to handle their finances in person, while others prefer to find solutions online. Tim and Emily talk about the benefits of using Check 'n Go's web site.
Episode 14: Interest Rate Myths
Heard some confusing things about payday loan interest rates and fees? To help you find your best financial solution, Tim and Emily clarify what these interest rates and fees really are and compare them other financial options.
Episode 15: Payday Loans as Another Financial Option
Emily does some research and finds an interesting economic comparison study about two neighboring states (one with payday loans, the other without) and how their economies are impacted.
Episode 16: National Center for Missing and Exploited Children
Brian Anderson, a Check 'n Go store manager, joins Tim and Emily to talk about Check 'n Go's corporate charity, the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.
Episode 17: Payday Loans versus Taking Money from Retirement Savings
The economy is taking a toll on people's bank accounts, and many people are taking money out of their retirement savings. Tim suggests that you avoid drawing from your long-term savings, like a 401k or IRA, when you need money quickly. If you need money quickly, and will be able to pay it back quickly, payday loans are a better way to go in both long-term and short-term scenarios.
Episode 18: 36% APR Cap and its Economic Effects
Some states have started instituting annual percentage rates (APR) caps as a way to protect their residents from obscene interest charges. While this may seem like a nice piece of government protection, it can also hurt consumers who need a short-term financial option. Tune in to learn why.
Episode 19: Social Media – Why is Check 'n Go Taking a Part
Emily takes the lead on "What is social media, and why is Check 'n Go doing it?" Check 'n Go's main goal for its website is not only to get the word out about the company and their payday loan product, but also to provide visitors with as much useful financial information as possible. Social media allows individuals to tell their stories and learn from each other.
Episode 20: Check n' Go's Do it Yourself Tips for Summertime
Summer is the time to do projects around your house, and they can be very costly. Tim and Emily run you through tips on how to save on landscaping, yard work, and big projects like building a deck. Don't forget to think about the risks involved; if there's risk for injury you may want to hire someone.
Episode 21: Job Searching in a Recession
Unfortunately many Americans are looking for a job right now. Emily has several tips on how to spiff up your resume, what to do in job searching to set you above your competition, and what costs you can apply as a tax deduction.
Episode 22: Preparing for Graduations
Summer is almost here, which means cookouts, baseball and graduations. Hosting a graduation party, and giving graduation gifts, can get very costly. So Emily has some easy tips to make this time of the year less costly, and you can still have a great time at the graduation party and still give great gifts.
Episode 23: Vacation or Staycation? Helping You Make Wise Money Saving Decisions.
Thinking of taking a family vacation this summer, but are somewhat hesitant if you can do so within your financial means? Listen in on Tim and Emily, as they discuss vacation money saving tips and why staycationing may be a better alternative.
Episode 24: Check 'n Go's Partnership with NCMEC
Jeff Kursman, Director of Public Relations for Check 'n Go, an industry leading payday loan provider, joins Tim and Emily via phone to discuss Check 'n Go's partnership with the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC). Tune in and learn what the charity is all about.
Episode 25: How to Save Money on Utilities this Summer
Tim and Emily walk you through easy ways to save energy and money on your utilities this summer. Air sealing, energy audits, fans, and who would have thought...your refrigerator all have a big impact on energy usage. Tune in to learn how you can save money this summer!
Episode 26: Back-to-School Savings
Back-to-School is an exciting and expensive time of the year. Listen to Tim and Emily's tips on how to save money on purchasing back-to-school items so you won't have to take out a payday loan with Check 'n Go.
Episode 27: Title Loans from Check 'n Go
We all know Check 'n Go offers payday loans. But did you know they also offer Title Loans? Tim and Emily give you the facts you need to know about what a Title Loan is, and how to take one out if you need to.
Episode 28: Check 'n Go Goes Green!
Check 'n Go not only helps you with offering payday loans, but they help the Earth by their partnership with American Forests. Learn about what Check 'n Go does to help the environment we all live and breathe in.
Episode 29: Planning the Ultimate Labor Day Picnic
Labor Day is where the Summer and Fall seasons overlap. Cookouts, family and friends are what this weekend is all about. Tim and Emily know it can get pricey to host a cookout for everyone, so instead of taking out a payday loan, they offer up some money saving tips.
Episode 30: Opening a Savings Account (And Keeping Money in it!)
Tim and Emily run you through what to look for when you're thinking about opening a savings account. Not all savings accounts are created equal, and you want to look out for certain things that will work for you.
Episode 31: What's New at Checkngo.com
Check `n Go, a leader in the payday loan industry, has revamped its website over the past year, including an On-site Blog, and more information on the My Account section. Tim and Emily give you a glimpse into what these two items are all about.
Episode 32: Seven Identity Theft Protection Tips that Every Consumer Should Know
Emily gives a refresher on how to protect your identity. And some are things you may not even think about. Emily will cover topics including what financial institutions, such as a payday loan provider, can and cannot ask for regarding personal identity information. This is definitely a podcast you don’t want to miss out on!