I know planning – and paying – for college is an experience that should start as soon as possible. As parents of a two-year-old, my husband and I have already started a college fund for her. But, aside from monetary planning, I know there are other things parents and students should do in preparation for the transition from high school to college.

During this podcast we’ll discuss:

• Saving for college
• Preparing for college
• Applying for financial aid – and,
• Paying back student loans

With us today to talk about planning for college is Ryan Ito, marketing manager at Ent.

Most of us know there are many objectives of estate planning. What we might not understand is why a trust might be a smart option even when there is a will in place.

During this podcast we’ll discuss:

• Basic estate planning
• The reasons to create a trust
• Trust requirements,
• and the types of trusts

Here with us today to talk about the benefits and basics of trusts is Paula Pollet, senior trust officer with Investment Trust Company.

We know business ownership is not a step that should be taken lightly, even by those with past experience or considerable resources. One of the first things to decide is how to structure the business based on several factors, including how the business will be financed, managed and taxed. To help you better understand business entities, this podcast will cover:

• The most common business structures
• 10 questions to ask yourself before choosing an entity
• And, resources to help make your decision

Our expert today is Jeff Mohrmann, an attorney with Hancock and Lambert, LLC. Jeff partners with the Colorado Springs SBDC and presents seminars on this very topic.

For most of us, borrowing money is part of our financial lives. Home, auto and college loans allow us to afford things beyond our current financial reach. And credit cards provide convenience and buying power many of us believe is essential in our daily lives. Today we’ll talk about some basics of credit, building new credit and some steps to take if you need help rebuilding after some credit missteps along the way.

During this podcast we’ll discuss:

• Credit reports and scores
• Building new credit
• Renovating existing credit – and
• Credit repair scams

Here with us today to talk about “Credit Construction” is Michele Brander, an Ent Senior Lending Specialist.

Whether you are just starting a business or are an established business owner, you may have business related questions that you need answered – and you may wonder where to turn for the answers.

During this podcast we’ll discuss resources such as:

• The Colorado Springs Small Business Development Center (SBDC)
• Service Corps of Retired Executives (SCORE)
• Procurement Technical Assistance Center (PTAC) and
• Other available business resources

Here with us today to talk about “Resources for Your Business” is Shawna Markiewitz, Assistant to the Director of the Colorado Springs SBDC.

We probably all keep important documents long after they could be tossed – or, we accidentally throw away a vital document because of poor organization. In either case, you can help avoid problems by creating a plan for keeping track of your important documents.

During this podcast we’ll discuss some general guidelines on:

• The types of records to keep
• How long to keep records – and
• Where to keep records

Here with us today to talk about Record Retention and Storage is Lois Carlock, Ent’s Education Manager.

If you’re like many Americans, you haven’t thought much about what you will need in retirement or how to make your assets last a lifetime. Planning for retirement is crucial, especially because we are living longer, inflation will shrink your buying power, and Social Security may not provide the income you will need. That’s why an Individual Retirement Account, or IRA, can be an important part of a sound financial strategy.

During this podcast we’ll discuss:

• Traditional IRAs
• Roth IRAs and
• Converting a Traditional IRA to a Roth IRA

Here with us today to talk about IRAs is Connie LaChance.

For most of us, borrowing money is part of our financial lives. Home, auto and college loans enable us to afford things beyond our current financial reach. And credit cards provide convenience and buying power many of us believe is essential in our daily lives. Taking out a loan carries many responsibilities, and deciding when to borrow should include several important considerations.

During this podcast we’ll discuss:

• Preparing to borrow
• Establishing credit
• Credit cards
• Car buying
• Home buying

Here with us today to talk about “Preparing to Borrow” is Michele Brander, Ent’s credit administrator.

If you own a business, there are probably challenges you face every day. That’s why Ent offers electronic money management options to help you operate your business more effectively and efficiently.

During this podcast we’ll discuss:

• Business Online Banking with Free Bill Pay
• ACH Credit for Direct Deposit and
• Remote Deposit Capture (RDC)

Here with us today to talk about electronic money management products for businesses is Gregg Cawlfield, Director of Ent Business Banking. Gregg, can we start with Business Online Banking and how that can help a business run more efficiently?

We all make mistakes. And when mistakes involve writing a check or using your debit or ATM card when you don’t have the money to cover the transaction, there are consequences. Overdraft protection can help you deal with unexpected events, like a problem with your direct deposit, a late paycheck or a withdrawal your spouse forgot to tell you about.

During this podcast we’ll discuss:

• The definition of an overdraft
• Ent’s overdraft payment options, including:
  • Transfers from other accounts
  • Personal lines of credit
  • And Courtesy Pay service

 
Here with us today to talk about Overdraft Protection is Liz Finn, Ent’s Director of Operations.