Merging Into Life

Most of us have a rough idea of where our money goes every month, but the rough idea and the reality are often very different things. In this episode of Merging Into Life, host Sabrina Pierotti sits down with Jessica Moorhouse, money expert, bestselling author, financial planner, and host of the More Money podcast, to talk about how to actually audit your finances without the guilt and overwhelm that usually comes with it. Jessica walks through how to pull three months of bank statements, what to do with them once you have them, and how to spot the invisible leaks: forgotten subscriptions, bank fees, and the spending patterns we inherit from our families without even realizing it. You can find Jessica Moorhouse online at jessicamoorhouse.com Jessica's book: More Money for Life Have a question you want answered on the show? Record and submit your question at AAA.com/Podcast

What if building healthy habits has less to do with willpower and more to do with intention? There's a psychology behind why our habits fall apart the moment life gets busy: decision fatigue, all or nothing thinking, and the myth that it only takes 21 days to change are all working against us! In this episode of Merging Into Life, host Sabrina Pierotti speaks with Dr. Carol Perlman, a licensed psychologist and host of the Healthy Habits 4 Life podcast, to break down why our habits fail, how to build a morning routine that actually sticks, and what it really takes to feel healthy and in control even when life feels too full to function. You can find Dr. Carol Perlman online at carolperlman.com Have a question you want answered on the show? Record and submit your question at AAA.com/Podcast

What if overspending isn’t a lack of discipline, but an emotional search for comfort? There’s a psychological side of personal finances, and there are a million different things using that against us that cause us to make more impulsive and emotional purchases! Lack of discipline is probably a part of it, but we all fall victim to these tricks! In this episode of Merging Into Life, host Sabrina Pierotti speaks with Cara Nicole, The Financial Freedom Girl, to help us find ways to navigate this world without constantly overspending, how to keep our emotions out of our purchases, and pump the brakes on impulsive decision making. You can find Cara Nicole online @TheFinancialFreedomGirl Youtube | Instagram | TikTok Have a question you want answered on the show? Record and submit your question at AAA.com/Podcast

The money habits we carry into adulthood are often formed much earlier than we realize, and the conversations happening in your home right now are shaping how your kids will think about money for the rest of their lives. In this episode of Merging Into Life, host Sabrina Pierotti sits down with Jasmine Paul, certified financial education instructor, author, and founder of The Wealth Playground, to talk about how parents can raise kids who feel genuinely confident with money. From when to start the conversation and how it should evolve as kids grow to the real value of allowances, part-time jobs, and letting kids fail safely at home, Jasmine brings honesty and practical guidance to a topic that a lot of families quietly struggle with. Jasmine's website: thewealthplayground.com Have a question you want answered on the show? Record and submit your question at AAA.com/Podcast

Most of us travel to see something new, but the trips that really stay with you are the ones where you felt like you were actually part of the place you were visiting. In this episode of Merging Into Life, host Sabrina Pierotti sits down with Mark Wolters, travel expert, professor, and creator behind the popular YouTube channel Wolters World, to talk about what it actually means to travel like a local. From doing the right research before you leave home to knowing which questions to ask your waiter, your taxi driver, or the person sitting next to you on the train, Mark shares the small shifts that make a trip feel genuinely memorable. Watch Wolters World on YouTube: @woltersworld Mark's website: woltersworld.com Have a question you want answered on the show? Record and submit your question at AAA.com/Podcast

Most of us have heard that we should have three to six months of savings set aside, but knowing where to start when money already feels stretched is a different story. In this episode of Merging Into Life, host Sabrina Pierotti sits down with Lori Atwood, personal finance expert and founder of Fearless Finance, to break down what a 90-day safety net actually looks like in real life. Lori walks through how to calculate your monthly number, why avoidance is the biggest threat to your financial health, and how to start building consistently even when the total feels overwhelming. Connect with Lori Atwood: fearlessfinance.com Have a question you want answered on the show? Record and submit your question at AAA.com/Podcast

Making friends as an adult is something almost everyone struggles with, but not many people talk about. In this episode of Merging Into Life, host Sabrina Pierotti sits down with psychologist and anti-loneliness advocate Vassia Sarantopoulou to explore why connection gets harder as we get older, and what we can actually do about it. From the emotional baggage that makes us slow to trust, to the limiting beliefs that keep us stuck at home, Vassia offers compassionate, practical insight into breaking the cycle of isolation and building friendships that actually feel meaningful. Vassia Sarantopoulou's website: antiloneliness.com Missed Vassia's first appearance on the show? Check out Season 2, Episode 11 Have a question you want answered on the show? Record and submit your question at AAA.com/Podcast

Having a baby is one of the biggest life changes you'll ever face, and when it comes to advice and opinions on parenthood, the noise never stops. Between caring for a new life and surviving the sleepless nights, it can be nearly impossible to know what decisions are actually right for your family. In this episode of Merging Into Life, host Sabrina Pierotti sits down with Dr. Carole Keim, board-certified pediatrician, author, and host of The Baby Manual podcast, to cut through the noise and talk about what first-time parents actually need to know. From safe sleep and sleep training to postpartum emotions and building your support system, Dr. Keim brings calm, evidence-based answers to the questions new parents are often too nervous to ask. Because when it comes to raising a baby, there really are no stupid questions. Disclaimer The views and opinions expressed in this podcast do not constitute medical advice and are not necessarily the views of AAA Northeast, AAA and or its affiliates. The Baby Manual by Dr. Carole Keim Dr. Carole Keim's website: carolekeim.com Have a question you want answered on the show? Record and submit your question at AAA.com/Podcast

What does it actually mean to take a restful vacation when our phones come with us everywhere? In this episode of Merging Into Life, Sabrina sits down with Frank from StationeryAt4 to talk about analog living, digital burnout and how to plan a vacation that helps you truly disconnect. From journaling and vinyl records to phone boundaries, quiet mornings, and the myth that rest happens instantly, Frank shares how slower, more intentional routines can help us feel more present at home and away. Have a question you want answered on the show? Record and submit your question at AAA.com/Podcast

What if the pressure to find your “dream job” is actually what’s keeping you stuck? In this episode of Merging Into Life, Sabrina Pierotti sits down with career coach Sam DeMase to unpack the realities of career pivots, burnout, toxic work environments, and why modern careers no longer follow a straight line. Sam DeMase explains why today’s careers look more like mosaics than ladders, how Gen Z and millennials are redefining loyalty in the workplace, and why changing paths doesn’t mean starting over. Together, they dive into the emotional side of career transitions, from identity loss and fear to the guilt of leaving jobs that no longer fit. Whether you’re quietly questioning your current role, navigating burnout, or dreaming about something new, this conversation is a reminder that it’s never too late to pivot toward a career that actually supports your life. Read Power Mood Have a question you want answered on the show? Record and submit your question at AAA.com/Podcast

Whether you’re dreaming of a Pinterest-worthy kitchen or just want to refresh your living room walls, home projects can feel overwhelming—especially if you’re doing it yourself. But it doesn’t have to be intimidating. In this episode of Merging Into Life, host Sabrina Pierotti talks with DIY creator Kat Sanders about how she transformed a former cow shed into her dream family home—and what she’s learned from ten years of renovating it one project at a time. They talk about how to get started (even when you’re scared), how to create a space that feels like you, and how to stretch your budget with secondhand finds and hands-on work. Connect with Kat: @thebarnrenovation

Whether it’s the sudden unraveling of a relationship, the loss of a job, or a lingering feeling of disconnection, the emotional impacts don’t always show up the way we expect. In this episode of Merging Into Life, host Sabrina Pierotti sits down with psychologist Vassia Sarantopoulou, founder of AntiLoneliness, to talk about how to recognize the signs of emotional burnout, how to take the first step in choosing a therapist, and all about how to move through those hard seasons with more resilience and less shame. Connect with Vassia Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vassia.sar/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vassia-sarantopoulou/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@vassiasar Website: www.antiloneliness.com / www.vassiasar.com Guide: 7 tips to Stop Overthinking

Navigating the workplace isn't just about your resume- it's about knowing your worth and learning how to speak up for it. In this episode of Merging Into Life, host Sabrina Pierotti is joined by career confidence coach and author Sam DeMase to break down the tools that help people feel more empowered at every stage of their career. From handling imposter syndrome to navigating interviews, setting boundaries, and asking for a raise, Sam shares tangible strategies for building confidence without burnout. Read Power Mood

Trying to decide between leasing or buying your next car? You’re not alone—and there’s a lot more to consider than just the monthly payment. In this episode of Merging Into Life, Zack Klapman is joined by Chris Hardesty, Senior Advice Editor at Kelley Blue Book and Autotrader, to unpack the financial, lifestyle, and long-term factors that come with car ownership in today’s market. From building equity and managing depreciation to understanding car loan lengths, leasing fees, and how interest rates impact your total cost, Chris shares smart, real-world advice to help you make the best decision for you.

Whether you’re curious about e-bikes, new to biking, or finding more eco-friendly ways to travel, micro-mobility is becoming an increasingly popular (and practical) way to get around. But with more people riding on the road, safety, confidence, and smart planning matter more than ever. In this episode of Merging Into Life, host Zack Klapman talks with Tangier Barnes Wright, Deputy Director of Shared Micromobility at PeopleForBikes, about how cities can better support cyclists and how riders can better support themselves. They cover everything from choosing your first route to making yourself visible at night and practicing good etiquette on shared trails Learn more: https://www.peopleforbikes.org/

You don’t have to be a mechanic to handle a roadside emergency with confidence, you just need a little know-how. In this episode of Merging Into Life, Zack Klapman is joined by Audra Fordin, founder of Women Auto Know, to walk listeners through the car safety basics that every driver should know. From how to change a flat tire to what to put in an emergency car kit, Audra shares simple DIY car skills that can help you stay calm, act smart, and avoid costly mistakes. Connect With Audra www.driversautoknow.com www.womenautoknow.com

Eco-friendly tourism doesn't have to be an all-or-nothing philosophy. In this episode of Merging Into Life, host Kim Rodrigues is joined by Claire Martin, an eco-conscious travel creator and founder of Claire’s Footsteps, to talk about how we can all make more mindful travel choices. It doesn't matter if it is in far-flung Sri Lanka or on spring break, the smallest effort can have a big impact. Especially if we all pitch in. From slow travel to over-tourism, supporting local businesses to spotting greenwashing, Claire offers practical, shame-free ways to reduce your impact and connect more deeply with the places you visit.

Planning a trip for toddlers, teens, parents, and grandparents? It may sound impossible but it may be a lot easier than you think! In this episode of Merging Into Life, host Kim Rodrigues is joined by Nik Kennett of the YouTube travel channel Away Together, to share his advice for making multigenerational travel not only doable, but enjoyable. From setting expectations and picking destinations to packing smart and navigating group budgets, Nik offers practical wisdom from his own experiences traveling with his wife, daughter, and extended family. Follow Nik @awaytogether

What if you stopped waiting for the “perfect time” to travel and just went? In this episode of Merging Into Life, host Kim Rodrigues speaks with Mikah Meyer, who started visiting U.S. National Parks one day, and then didn’t stop until he had visited all 419. From growing up in a flat state with no outdoors experience to setting world records, Mikah’s story is proof that adventure doesn’t require credentials, just intention. They talk about what the outdoors can teach us about time, purpose, and grief; how to overcome the pressure to always be working; and why our own backyard might be the best place to start exploring. Watch short film "Canyon Chorus" free: https://www.mikahmeyer.com/documentary Donate to Mikah's feature film "Wild Goose Chase": https://www.mikahmeyer.com/donate Homepage with video of Mikah's favorite National Park Service site: https://www.mikahmeyer.com/

From student loans to credit cards, car payments to “Pay in 4” buttons at checkout, borrowing money has never been more common or more complicated. In this episode of Merging Into Life, we break down the modern borrowing landscape: what to know before taking out a loan, how credit scores really work, and are newer forms of credit like Buy Now, Pay Later a blessing or a financial trap. Julien and Kiersten are joined by William Black, a former managing director at Moody’s and longtime credit expert, to demystify the loan process and explore how your borrowing decisions can impact your credit, your stress levels, and your overall financial wellness. Will's LinkedIn: @william-black-nyc