The unfiltered realities of money through stories from small business owners, Michigan legends, nonprofit leaders, and some serious side hustlers.
Hi, it's me, your host, Meghan. Welcome to your dose of real talk about money. We're skipping the shame and lectures and getting into the stuff that matters. I'm sitting down with small business owners, nonprofit leaders, and everyday people doing big things on a small budget. So, tune in for some fun and unfiltered stories about the realities of money and budgeting.
New episodes are released every other week on Tuesday.
What does it really take to pull off a successful festival?
In this episode, we sit down with one of the masterminds behind Northern Michigan favorites, Flapjack & Flannel and Suds & Snow, to go beyond the beer, wine, and flannel, and into the real story behind the scenes.
From early financial risks and unexpected costs to what actually makes these events profitable, we’re breaking down the numbers, the lessons learned, and the moments that almost made him walk away. If you’ve ever thought about starting your own event, side hustle, or business, this one’s packed with real talk you won’t hear anywhere else.
We sat down with Brock from Happy Camper Coffee Company to talk about what it really takes to turn a side hustle into a brick-and-mortar business.
We get into the money decisions behind the move, the risks that almost stopped him, and the surprising costs (hint: espresso machines are no joke). Plus, Brock shares what actually matters most when building a business—and it might not be what you think.
If you’ve ever thought about starting something of your own, this one’s for you.
In this episode, we sit down with the creator of Yarn Over Hook (YOH) to talk about what it really takes to turn a creative passion into a source of income. From the cost of materials and hours spent on each piece, to pricing, selling on Etsy, and navigating craft shows, we’re breaking down the business side of handmade goods.
We also get into the real questions: Is it actually profitable? What’s worth the time, and what’s not? And how do you balance doing something you love with making sure it pays?
If you’ve ever thought about turning your hobby into a side hustle… this episode is your reality check.
We sit down with Dan Brady, owner of Adventure North Vacation Rentals, to talk about how he started with just one Airbnb and slowly grew it into a thriving portfolio of properties.
Dan shares the real story behind getting started, how he keeps each property budget-friendly, and the smart money moves that helped him grow without going broke along the way.
Even better? Dan genuinely loves helping others get started in the short-term rental world, so we dig into the lessons he’s learned, mistakes to avoid, and why this business can be more accessible than people think.
We're talking with the co-owner of Stocked, a vacation grocery delivery service that makes sure your fridge is full before you even walk through the door.
We dive into what it actually takes to start and grow a business like this. The financial leap. The risk. The logistics. The real lessons behind building something that solves a problem people genuinely have.
Meghan sits down with Dr. Ken, a local chiropractor, to talk about the decision to purchase a building for his growing practice. He shares the financial shifts, preparation, and real-life lessons that came with moving from tenant to owner and investing in commercial real estate for his small business.
Whether you’re a chiropractor, entrepreneur, or small business owner thinking about commercial property investment, this episode offers a grounded, real-world perspective.
In this episode of Bleep the Budget, Meghan and Jenna, both new moms, share an honest, judgment-free look at the real expenses that show up during a baby’s first year. From diapers and formula to childcare, bills, and all the “wait… we have to pay for that too?” moments, this conversation pulls back the curtain on new-parent money reality.
Share it with us! We want to know the good, the bad, and the ugly!
