small change: Money Stories from the Neighborhood

Latest Episodes:

Money & Tradition Nov 09, 2020

Show notes

In every conversation we asked, “What did you learn from your parents about money?” Everyone’s initial response? Nothing.

Yet as our conversation continued, something wonderful happened. Each person started sharing stories about what they learned from their parents actions, not words. We heard about work ethic, religious practices, side hustles and other practices that help shape how they thought about money.

We tend to think of traditions as stories that are passed down or understandings shared among family and community members. The reality is that traditions are rooted in actions. This seems to be especially true when it comes to learning about money. Some of these lessons we heard about are hard and some are heartwarming. All of them shaped how they made choices with their finances.

For additional resources, visit https://www.smallchangestories.org/episode/2020/11/09/money-tradition

Money Needs & Wants Oct 26, 2020

Show notes

A classic personal finance question: Is that a want or a need? The framing of the question suggests needs are necessities and wants are luxuries. Yet no one we interviewed for the podcast talked about luxuries. They said they wanted opportunities to take care of their families and to do better.

Jennifer Garbow is an Ojibwe from the Bois Forte Indian Reservation. She’s also a financial educator for the University of Minnesota teaching to tribal communities. We met her in Bemidji, Minnesota, a college town a few hours north of the Twin Cities. We asked her what people don’t understand about money?

For additional resources, visit https://www.smallchangestories.org/episode/2020/10/26/money-needs-wants

Money & Personal Assets Oct 19, 2020

Show notes

Personal assets include your talents and the skills of people you trust. Making use of personal assets is a creative way to solve many money problems.

For resource links visit https://www.smallchangestories.org/episode/2020/10/19/money-personal-assets

Money and Disability Oct 12, 2020

Show notes

People with disabilities must navigate a complex system of government benefits and support. Many work, although many more would like to be employed. The disabled also confront limitations created by misperceptions about what people living with disabilities are capable of and have the desire to do.

For resource links visit https://www.smallchangestories.org/episode/2020/10/12/money-and-disability

Money and COVID-19 Oct 05, 2020

Show notes

The pandemic has affected everyone. But some individuals and families have been hit much harder than others, especially minorities and low-wage workers. Everyone we interviewed for the podcast had a story about how the pandemic impacted them.

For resource links visit https://www.smallchangestories.org/episode/2020/10/05/money-and-covid19

Money and Entrepreneurship Sep 25, 2020

Show notes

Many people with low and unstable incomes start a business. Their entrepreneurial drive is rooted in community and the need to put food on the table.

Of course, you need money to start a business. Money is a tool--a powerful tool. But money is far from the most important ingredient. Opening a business takes an idea, a passion and, as we find out in this episode, community. Additional Resources:

An ecology of knowledge, advice, and support for would-be entrepreneurs exists in Minnesota and elsewhere. The organizations listed here offer a wide range of support and services for anyone looking to start a business. Each one of these links offers a variety of additional links and opportunities for the entrepreneur-to-be to explore.

WomenVenture

Meda – Metropolitan Economic Development Association

SCORE – retired executives counsel small business owners

Neighborhood Development Center (NDC)

Metropolitan Consortium of Community Developers (MCCD)

Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED)

Latino Economic Development Center (LEDC)

Southwest Initiative Foundation

African Development Center of MN

Small Business Administration (SBA)

Small Business Development Centers: SBDCs offer one-stop assistance to individuals and small businesses by providing a wide variety of information and guidance.

Introducing small change: Money Stories from the Neighborhood Sep 23, 2020

Show notes

small change: Money Stories from the Neighborhood is a podcast and learning platform highlighting smart, practical and collaborative money skills developed by people living with lower and unstable incomes. Hosts Chris Farrell and Twila Dang talk to community members who are redefining wealth and poverty, the value of community and the purpose of money. Money wisdom taught by the true experts – people who have learned from experience. From MPR News.