Collective Conversations

Just because you can automate your finances, should you? We're back to unpack the real pros and cons of autopay and AI powered money tools. From reducing mental load to subscription creep, we'll talk through the “Automate + Audit” rule to help you stay efficient and informed.

Now that we're in the thick of tax season, we're breaking down two powerful IRS tools that many taxpayers overlook: your IRS online account and the Identity Protection PIN (IP PIN). Learn how to monitor your tax information, safely authorize your accountant with Power of Attorney, and protect yourself from fraudulent filings. 

We're glad to welcome back Jackie Rogers to dive into the investment mistakes many of us make but rarely talk about. From staying stuck in cash to exiting the market too soon, we explore how to learn from these moments and use tools like rebalancing to stay aligned with your goals.

The 2025 Money Women Collective Conference brought together hundreds of women ready to learn, lead, and level up their financial confidence. Join us as we reflect on the highlights, favorite sessions, and aha moments—and get ready for what’s next! We’ll share details on our February networking event designed to keep building the relationships, ideas, and momentum sparked at the conference.

We first heard Laura speak at Money Women Collective and knew she needed to join us for a deeper conversation. She talks us through AACF’s impact, why upstream, systemic work is essential for improving outcomes for kids and communities, and simple, accessible ways individuals can engage with policy work.

The clock is ticking on 2025 tax opportunities, but there’s still time to make meaningful changes. Join us as we break down the strategies you should consider now and the planning habits that will make next year even easier.

HR 1 brings some of the most sweeping tax updates in years. We cover what’s changing, what’s permanent, what’s temporary, and how individuals and small businesses can prepare now for a smoother 2026 and beyond.

This week, we’re joined by Jody Dilday, Philanthropic Advisor with the Arkansas Community Foundation. As we approach the end of the year, we're discussing  year-end giving strategies like donor-advised funds, and QCDs, and how a community foundation can help keep your giving local and maximize your impact. 

Beloved client, Bianca Montoya, is back to share her personal money story and how financial coaching helped her step into her power and finally look at her finances head-on. We discuss how feelings of fear & shame can influence our money decisions but by striving for progress, not perfection, we can make small changes to our habits that add up to big changes.

We're joined by StillPoint Office Manager, Makayla Brazelton, who shares her insight handling sensitive client data, and the common scams and threats she's seen. Learn the common tactics we've seen scammers use to try to get access to your financial data, and our recommendations for how to keep your information safe! 

This week, we're diving into some of the latest AI tools making headlines to explore the tradeoff between convenience and privacy. Can AI really simplify domestic work and become your new personal assistant? Or are the tools not quite there yet to simplify your life?

In a follow-up to our first AI episode, we're continuing to explore the impact artificial intelligence is having on the workforce. As AI tools become more common, the rise of “workslop” and our need for real human connection remind us that accounting (and most work, really) is at its best when there’s a person on the other end.

Artificial intelligence is reshaping the job market and entry-level positions may be among the first to go. In this episode, we're joined by Tiffany Benitez, head of Data Governance for Compass USA, Founder and President of Women In Tech NWA, and host of Women In Tech Trailblazers podcast to dig into what the future of work could look like as AI changes how businesses operate and hire. If entry-level roles disappear, how will we build seasoned professionals in fields like accounting, banking, and law? Inspired by the Axios article, "A White Collar Bloodbath", we're looking into the integration of AI into the business world and how we begin to adapt.

Hiring your first employee is a big milestone—but it also comes with new responsibilities. In this episode, we invite in Katie Campbell, attorney at the Friday Firm, to help us explore what small business owners should know about employment law. We cover the basics of when most employment laws kick in (hint: often at 9+ employees), what compliance looks like as your business grows, and common pitfalls to avoid.

Let's get into the psychology of spending! Making a purchase feels good - and the marketers know that! Having awareness of the physical reaction you get from spending, including how different it can feel to use cash vs a card, helps you make intentional choices and gives you control in your spending, allowing money to be a tool to support your goals and vision and not the be-all-end-all of your identity. Featuring data and analysis from William Burke's Personal Finance for Teens: Personal Finance For Teens | Goodreads

In this episode, we're excited to highlight Collective Catalyst, our women’s mastermind group designed to spark open, real conversations about money in a laid-back, supportive space. Featuring Catalyst member, Carla Spencer of Across the Creek Farms, we discuss the value of bringing together a group of women to explore their financial journeys and announce our intentions for 2026!

Getting started with investing can feel overwhelming—but it doesn’t have to be. In this episode, we're back with Jackie Rogers, wealth advisor and founder of Elevated Wealth to walk through the first steps of how to begin, from choosing between financial advisors, investing apps, or a do-it yourself approach. We’ll weigh the pros and cons of each option and share tips on how to stay on track with your plan so your investments keep moving you closer to your goals.

Jackie Rogers, wealth advisor and founder of Elevated Wealth, is back for part 2 in our investment to discuss one of the most important parts of investing: understanding risk. We’ll talk about how to assess risk in your own financial life, the different types of investments and what they mean for you, and the retirement account options available. Finally, we’ll explore how to match your investments to your goals so that your money is working in alignment with the future you want to build.

We're joined by Jackie Rogers, wealth advisor and founder of Elevated Wealth break down what financial planning really means, how to set meaningful goals, and the importance of building a plan that works for your life. From budgeting and saving strategies to understanding how investing fits into the bigger picture, this conversation is about helping you connect the dots between everyday money decisions and long-term financial independence.

Laura Ferner, partner with Crouch, Harwell, Fryar & Ferner, PLLC is back to dig into the economic impact of immigrants on Northwest Arkansas, as shared in the Global Talent report released in 2016 by New American Economy, Winthrop Rockefeller Foundation and EngageNWA (link below).  By starting new businesses that create local jobs, supporting the workforce of the region’s key industries, buying homes, and paying taxes, immigrants make significant contributions to the region’s economy and shape our region’s growth and vitality. Global Talent Report: https://www.americanimmigrationcouncil.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/pnae_nwarkansas_v23-1.pdf

Laura Ferner specializes in immigration and nationality law as a partner at Crouch, Harwell, Fryar & Ferner, PLLC and she joins us for a two-part series on immigration. In this episode, we unpack the key terms, processes, and pathways for coming to the United States. We explore the different ways people arrive, how individuals move through the immigration process and discuss the timeframes, costs, and resources often involved.

Jenna Fogleman Saifi is here to break down how a Like-Kind Exchange can help investors defer capital gains taxes when selling investment property. Together we'll cover the essentials, from what a 1031 exchange is and who qualifies, to what types of property are eligible and the strict timelines investors must meet. Listen in for a deep dive into a widely known but often misunderstood topic.

Strong boards build strong nonprofits. In this episode, Katie Eaves joins us to break down essential governance practices every nonprofit board should follow. Tune in for a practical look at what good governance really means.

Katie Eaves is back to unravel the basics of a nonprofit. We'll break down the different legal entities a nonprofit might structure as, plus what it means to have tax-exempt status. We'll also dive into the role of a board and what makes a strong board member. Jump in as we cover everything you need to know before taking a seat at the board table.

It's not just binders and pens, getting ready for back to school often includes new outfits, fresh kicks, and stocking up the school lunch account. Let's talk about the real cost of sending kids to school in the fall and some tips and tricks to spread the spending out across the summer.

Katie Eaves, of the Eaves Firm, joins us for the final episode of our Life Changes series. In this episode, we take an honest look at the complexities of widowhood, including the “widow’s penalty”  and survivor benefits - and resisting pressure from the "casserole ladies".  Whether you're supporting someone through loss or facing it yourself, we're here with insight on what to consider when losing a spouse.

Mary Schneider, partner of Miller, Butler, Schneider, Pawlik and Rozzell PLLC, is here to give guidance on a complicated and difficult life change - divorce. As both a mediator and an attorney, Mary shares her thoughts on how to avoid the judge making the final say on your assets (spoiler: mediation) and how the five stages of grief show up as you work through the "death" of your marriage. Plus, we'll cover the tricky topics of alimony and child support. Tune in for what you need to know if you're navigating this process, or helping a friend get through.

Kate Verkamp, financial advisor with Arvest Wealth Management is back to share her perspective on the real costs of becoming a parent. We'll also dig into the invisible workload for moms, tax breaks for dependents, and smart savings accounts like 529s to help you prepare financially for parenthood.

In the next episode in our life changes series, we're again joined by  Kate Verkamp, financial advisor with Arvest Wealth Management to explore the the financial side of getting married—from joint accounts and splitting expenses to tax implications and money conversations every couple should have. Plus, we'll discuss getting married later in life, including what happens when adult children and inheritance planning come into the picture.

In this empowering episode, we're joined by Kate Verkamp, financial advisor with Arvest Wealth Management to kick off a series on life changes. In this episode, we're focusing in on the messy, beautiful, and often unexpected journey of career transitions. We'll talk our craziest transition stories, and then get into the real-life logistics of severance, unemployment, and transferring benefits. 

We're back with another candid conversation with Bianca Montoya of Fuss Consulting to get to the heart of how to market yourself. Whether you're interviewing for your next job, or looking to start a service-based business, Bianca gets real on finding your identity and using authenticity to build your personal brand.

Our most unfiltered conversation yet! This two part-series with Bianca Montoya of Fuss Consulting explores what it really takes to grow a business without breaking the bank or losing your soul. Bianca breaks down her creative strategy and her emphasis on presence and connection to build a marketing strategy that works.

In the final episode of our 3-part series on Business Evolution, Rebecca Hurst, Attorney and Managing Partner at Smith Hurst PLC is back to help us focus in on one of the most significant milestones in the business lifecycle: selling your business. From valuing your business accurately to how to prepare for sale, we break down all the steps that drive a successful transaction.

We're back with Rebecca Hurst, Attorney and Managing Partner at Smith Hurst PLC to take a deep dive into business succession planning—a critical but often delayed part of building a sustainable company. Discover why succession planning should begin early, ideally during your business’s growth phase, and why it’s not a one-time event but an ongoing strategy. Together, we break down what succession planning actually involves: developing a roadmap for transitioning leadership and ownership, identifying key roles and potential successors, and ensuring a smooth handoff whether to internal leaders or outside buyers.

In this first episode of our 3-part series on business evolution, we're joined by Rebecca Hurst, Attorney and Managing Partner at Smith Hurst PLC to explore what it really takes to start a business—from both a legal and strategic perspective. Learn the essentials of forming an LLC, including naming your business, appointing a registered agent, filing a Certificate of Organization, and understanding the fees involved. We also cover the pros and cons of using online legal services and break down the key differences between an LLC and an S Corp.

Vision is not just what you see, but how you see.” In this episode, we explore how to set a vision, both professionally and personally, how to align it with your values, and when to revisit it to stay on course. When you use your vision as a compass to guide decision-making, it brings clarity, builds trust, and gives you permission to say "no." Revisit your vision setting with us this week—is it still pointing you in the right direction? And check out @stillpointcollective on Instagram for links to vision and values resources!

Ever looked at a nonprofit’s Form 990 and thought, “What am I even looking at?” You’re not alone. Let's decode the most revealing document in the nonprofit world and understand what they say about an organization’s priorities, leadership pay, financial health, and how your contributions (or career) fit into the bigger picture. Whether you’re giving, working, or leading in the nonprofit world, we’re here to help you read between the lines. 

A special 3rd episode in our series around new job readiness, we're joined by StillPoint Staff Accountant and recent University of Arkansas graduate, Gracie Daniel! Gracie gives real life perspective on reviewing job offer letters, her best advice for new graduates, and how Gen Z looks at work-life balance. Whether you’re a new grad yourself or guiding someone who is, Gracie’s honest take and lived experience will leave you feeling more confident, informed, and ready for what comes next.

You've landed your first real job, a new dream job, or you’retransitioning in your career – how does that impact your financial picture? We’ll walk you through setting up a realistic budget, exploring smart investment options, and building your “peace out” fund—because financial freedom starts early. Whether you're dreaming of future flexibility or just trying to make that first paycheck stretch, we’re back with the guidance, humor, and real talk to help you own your money from day one.

Join us for episode 8, as we discuss navigating career transitions, whether you’re just graduating or starting a new job. From start paperwork to decoding benefits packages, we break down the financial fine print so you can step into your career with confidence. Whether you're a recent grad or just landed that dream role, we've got the tips, insights, and stories to help you thrive from day one.

It's the moment of truth - how much do you owe, or how big is your refund? If you're living in regret of your tax return outcome, this episode is for you. Together with StillPoint co-founder, Lauren Kimbrough, we break down the changes you can make to impact the result you want on your return - and discuss just how you might spend your refund money. 

We're in the thick of tax season, so to bring a little levity to your day, this episode of Collective Conversations brings you real-life tax horror stories—missteps, surprises, and big bills —so you can learn from others' mistakes. Joining us is StillPoint co-founder, Lauren Kimbrough, and together we're reveling in the past experiences that have brought stress, and big "uh-ohs" to clients and ourselves! 

Setting up your inheritance isn’t just about passing on assets—it’s about protecting your legacy and ensuring your lovedones are cared for. In this next episode in our series with Katie Eaves, estate planning expert and founder of The Eaves Firm (https://eavesfirm.com/), we explore why you might consider a trust to avoid probate, reduce taxes, and control asset distribution. We’ll also discuss the benefits of gifting during your lifetime and the importance of guardianship planning for minor children. Tune in to learn how strategic estate planning can provide peace of mind and financial security for future generations.

Inheriting assets isn’t always straightforward—especially when probate is involved. We're again joined by Katie Eaves, estate planning expert and founder of The Eaves Firm (https://eavesfirm.com/) to help break down the probate process, what it means for heirs, and how it impacts different types of assets. We’ll also discuss how probate delays distributions, when court approval is needed, and ways to potentially avoid probate altogether. Listen in to gain essential knowledge about probate and learn what you may encounter when receiving an inheritance. 

Receiving an inheritance can be both a financial blessing and a complex challenge. This is our first episode in a series where we're joined by Katie Eaves, attorney and estate planning expert of The Eaves Firm (https://eavesfirm.com/). Together, we're breaking down what you need to know when inheriting assets—from real estate to 401(k)s and bank accounts. We’ll cover key tax implications, including estate, income, and inheritance taxes, and simplify just what "step-up in basis" actually means. Tune in to build a foundational understanding of the key financial, tax, and legal aspects of receiving an inheritance, so you can navigate the process with confidence.

According to a recent Bloomberg article, by 2030 women are projected to control $34 trillion in investable assets—a seismic shift in financial power. But what does this mean in the context of the persistent gender pay gap and the evolving role of women in financial decision-making?In this episode, we dive into the forces shaping this economic transformation, the challenges women still face in wealth accumulation, and the strategies to close the gap and take control. We break down how women are changing the financial landscape, what they can be doing to adapt, and how individuals can start to build wealth with confidence.Join us as we explore how women are reshaping the future of wealth—and how you can be part of the movement.

Are accountants just for tax season? Think again! In this episode, we break down why having an accountant is crucial for businesses and individuals alike. We also dive into the changing landscape of the accounting profession, fewer practitioners, rising fees, and increasing complexity, plus tips on how to be a great client once you find a trusted accountant. To wrap up, we highlight the upcoming tax deadlines you can't afford to miss. Whether you're a business owner, freelancer, or just looking to stay ahead of your finances, this episode is packed with insights to help you navigate tax season and beyond. Tune in now!