Bleep the Budget🛑💸

Hosted by 4Front Credit Union

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Episodes

Latest episode

May 2026

Language

EN-US

About the show

Bleep the Budget 🛑💸 is your weekday dose of real talk about money, side hustles, and the hustle to stay afloat without losing your mind. Hosted by Meghan McDonald of 4Front Credit Union, this show skips the shame and gets into the actually useful stuff, through conversations with small business owners, nonprofit leaders, and everyday people doing big things on small budgets. Real money talk. No fluff. It’s fun, bold, unfiltered, and yeah, there’s a little financial literacy baked in (but we promise, it won’t feel like homework). Because money? We’re all just figuring it out.

Listen to episodes

60 recent

June 16, 2026Episode 1538 min

It's Not About Me Anymore: Parenting & Money

Having kids changes a lot of things. Your sleep schedule, your free time, and definitely your budget. In this episode of Bleep the Budget, Meghan sits down with fellow parent, Rebecca Clark, to talk about how becoming a parent completely changes your relationship with money. The things that once felt important suddenly don't, while expenses you never thought twice about become part of everyday life.From daycare and convenience spending to future costs that already have us sweating, we get honest about what raising kids really looks like financially today, and how different it feels from when we were growing up.Because the biggest financial surprise of parenthood isn't always how much kids cost. It's how quickly your priorities change.

May 27, 2026Episode 1438 min

Brewing Up Community and Chaos

This week we’re brewing up community & chaos with Scott Newman-Bale, CEO of Short’s Brewing Company and the man known as “The Magician” behind making big ideas actually happen. We dive into Short’s upcoming move into Traverse City and the exciting plans for Logan’s Landing, what it really takes to keep creativity alive without blowing the budget, and why today’s craft beer landscape is more challenging than many people realize.We also get into building something bigger than beer, creating places people connect with, leaving a positive mark on Northern Michigan, and the balancing act of growing while staying true to who you are.Plus: money talk, risk-taking, behind-the-scenes realities, and plenty more.Listen now!

May 12, 2026Episode 1326 min

From Silent Phones to Fully Booked; A Car Detailing Startup Story

What does it really take to start a business from nothing? In this episode, we sit down with a local business owner who launched her car detailing company just a few months ago, and has already experienced the highs and lows that come with building something from the ground up. From days of silent phones and slow starts to suddenly juggling more she than expected, she shares the real, unfiltered journey of getting a business off the ground. We talk about thepower of persistence, figuring out the financial side as you go, and the people and tools that helped turn an idea into something real.

April 28, 2026Episode 1236 min

The Business of a Good Time: Behind the Scenes of Profitable Events

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.

April 14, 2026Episode 1124 min

Small Start, Smart Scale: The Happy Camper Coffee Story

A coffee shop in a camper might sound like a fun experiment, but for Happy Camper Coffee Co it was just the beginning.In this episode, we talk about the unexpected leap from mobile setup to full storefront, how that transition happened so quickly, and the intentional choices that made it work, like keeping prices steady while everything else scaled up.It’s a story about timing, trust, and building something your town shows up for again and again.

March 31, 2026Episode 1057 min

Hooked on Hustle: Turning Crochet into Cash

Crocheting might look like a cozy hobby, but behind every handmade piece is time, strategy, and a whole lot of decision-making. 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, sellingon 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, in the best way.

March 17, 2026Episode 935 min

From One Key to Many Doors: Growing a Short-Term Rental Business

Ever wonder how someone turns one short-term rental into a full-blown business?In this episode, 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. If you’ve ever thought about owning a vacation rental, or just love a good entrepreneurial story, this episode is packed with insight.

March 3, 2026Episode 842 min

From Empty Fridge to Full-On Business: The Stocked Story

Picture this. You just got to your vacation spot.Beach. Slopes. Hike. Nap. Whatever your vibe is.The last thing you want to do? Grocery shop.Loading the cart. Waiting in line. Hauling bags into your Airbnb. Playing pantry Tetris when all you want is a drink and a deep breath.Now imagine skipping all of it.Today we’re talking with the co-owner of Stocked, your fairy godmother of vacation grocery shopping, the team that makes sure your fridge is full before you even walk through the door.And we’re not just talking convenience. We’re talking about what it takes to start a business like this, the financial leap, the risk, and the real lessons behind building something that solves a problem!

February 17, 2026Episode 727 min

Lease or Leave? The Real Talk on Buying Your Business Home

What would you do if the chance to buy your business space popped up weeks before your wedding...and your honeymoon was suddenly on the chopping block?In this episode, we chat with a local chiropractor about his 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.The plot twist? The opportunity came right before his wedding, and his wife agreed to postpone their honeymoon to help make the purchase happen. Talk about commitment; to marriage and real estate.If you’ve ever wondered whether owning your business space is worth the risk, this episode delivers honest insight, practical advice, and a behind-the-scenes look at what it really takes to make the leap.

February 3, 2026Episode 623 min

Baby’s First Year Expenses: A New Mom’s Honest Take

What does a baby’s first year actually cost? (Spoiler: more than anyone casually mentions.) In this episode of Bleep the Budget, Meghan and Jenna, both new moms, share their perspective on the real expenses that show up during baby’s first year; diapers, formula, bills, childcare, and all the “wait… we have to pay for that too?” moments.We talk about what surprised us most, what felt manageable, what completely wrecked the budget, and the little wins that had a BIG impact. If you’re expecting, planning for kids, or already deep in the newborn phase, this is an honest, judgment-free look at new-mom money reality… with a little humor to survive it.