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.

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.

Running a nonprofit is a nonstop hustle, and even more so when you’re responsible for a 130-year-old landmark.

In this episode, we sit down with Chad Lindsey, Executive Director of the City Opera House, to break down what it really takes to keep a mission-driven organization alive today. We talk about fundraising, awareness, and community support, clearing up the “opera” misconception (spoiler: there’s no opera), and the constant balancing act between honoring history and staying relevant. Add in the reality of operating like a business and a nonprofit at the same time, and the challenge gets real fast.

This conversation pulls back the curtain on the behind-the-scenes work it takes to keep a historic community institution open, accessible, and thriving.

From a few shirts and hats to a thriving downtown business, Abby Clear, the unstoppable woman behind Lakes and Grapes, breaks down what entrepreneurship really looks like. The good, the hard, and the decisions that changed everything.

Michael got married in October, and this episode asks the question every engaged couple is quietly panicking over: how the heck are people paying for weddings these days?!

We talk real wedding budgets, awkward family conversations, and the behind-the-scenes decisions that can turn a “dream wedding” into a spreadsheet nightmare. From guest lists and honeymoons, to a courthouse plan that did not survive family input, this episode is equal parts relatable, chaotic, and reassuring, proof you can say “I do” without completely wrecking your finances.

In this week's episode of Bleep the Budget, We’re talking with Matt Harris, owner of Epic Power Co. who took a lifelong hobby and turned it into a career. His first “shop”? An actual bathroom he had to convert.

We dig into the real costs of starting from scratch, the money decisions that matter, and what it really takes to turn passion into a paycheck, without blowing the budget.

Epic story. Even more epic lessons.

In this kickoff episode of Bleep the Budget, Meghan sits down with Intrepid Cycling founder Liz Belt to talk about how a simple love for riding turned into one of northern Michigan’s most empowering cycling communities. Liz gets real about the early days, the messy middle, and the money decisions no one prepares you for.
We’re talking budgeting on the fly, pricing without a roadmap, surviving the chaotic startup phase, and trusting your gut even when the numbers get loud. She’s honest, funny, and wildly inspiring, the perfect guest to launch a podcast about doing big things on a real-life budget.

Interested in learning more about Intrepid Cycling? Click here!

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.

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 budgeting is hard. Swearing is fun.

And money? We’re all just figuring it out.