Between the Ts

Ever wonder why some small businesses with steady customers still struggle to stay afloat? In this episode of Between the Ts, we take a practical look at the financial habits and overlooked decisions that can quietly hold entrepreneurs back. From cash flow blind spots and mixing personal and business finances to the challenges of planning for slower seasons, this conversation breaks down what often gets missed when a passion project turns into a profitable business. You’ll also hear how lenders evaluate financial health and what it really means for a business to be “bankable” in today’s economy. Tune in for straightforward, real-world insights that can help you avoid common pitfalls and set your business up for more stable, sustainable growth. Member FDIC and Equal Housing Lender. All lending products offered by Texas Bank and Trust are subject to credit approval.

It’s never too early to begin teaching children the value of money and wise ways to save for their future. April is Teach Children to Save Month and in this edition of Between the Ts, we discuss ways to make learning about money fun and interactive for children of all ages. After listening to our conversation, be sure to check out our engaging animated lessons called The Money Project at www.thisismytbt.com. Also, if you find value in our content, like, share, and subscribe for future episodes.

Have you ever wondered what first-time home buyers miss when they jump straight into house hunting? In this episode of Between the Ts, we sit down with TBT Mortgage lenders Lace Deibert and Jon Weakley to unpack the "real" home buying journey. We discuss the steps to pre-qualification, gaps between lender approvals and our actual budget, and everyday costs (i.e. taxes, insurance, and monthly subscriptions) that can catch many of us off guard.  Join us as we dive into the world of home ownership and explore ways to remove the mystery that surrounds this exciting journey.  Between the Ts is a production of Texas Bank and Trust, Member FDIC and Equal Housing Lender. All TBT lending products are subject to credit approval. NMLS # 402927

Are you tired of fintech frustrations and impersonal big-bank service when running your small business? In this episode of Between the Ts from Texas Bank and Trust, host Aaron May and Treasury Management expert Cameron Robb reveal why community banks deliver the same advanced treasury tools—like ACH payments, remote deposit capture, and mobile merchant services—paired with real relationships and responsive support that fintechs often struggle to match. Hear how banks with roots in the local community give them a personalized connection to the customers they serve while still being strong enough to provide protection from fraud. Tune in to discover how high-tech meets high-touch for small business banking.   #SmallBusinessBanking #CommunityBank #FintechVsBank

AI is rapidly changing our world and how we interact with technology – and each other. The hidden irony of this technological advancement is that it may just drive us back to personal engagement with other humans. Join us in this edition of Between the Ts as we discuss the rise of AI, how it is shaping our world, and how we can protect ourselves and our money in an age of deepfakes and digital deception.   #AI #AIandSociety #CyberSecurity #TechTalk #Digital Privacy #AIFuture #AIinBanking

What if your investments could make a difference, not just in your future but also in the world around you? In this edition of Between the Ts, we discuss how values-based investing turns your 401(k) and stock picks into real impact by being intentional in searching out companies that give to causes you care about as an individual. Additionally, we examine how to remain financially prudent and how to avoid sacrificing market performance in exchange for a values alignment. Whether you’re a seasoned investor or just starting your financial journey, this conversation has something for you. Investment products are not a deposit or obligation of Texas Bank and Trust, not guaranteed by Texas Bank and Trust, not insured by FDIC or any federal government agency, and may go down in value.

Does holiday shopping stress you out? Do you ever wonder if you are losing sight of the reason for the season because you get caught in the trap of buying gifts for everyone under the sun? In this edition of Between the Ts, we will discuss how to escape the holiday spending trap and bring back a spirit of joy to the holiday. Join us as we share practical budgeting tips and heartfelt insights that help us keep our sanity, avoid overspending, and celebrate what truly matters. 

What do we do when we face a financial emergency? Whether it is the result of a pandemic, job loss, medical expense, home repair, or some other unexpected event, the way we manage our money now can affect how well we make it through a financial crisis. Just as doctors use “triage” to prioritize the treatment of life threatening wounds over scrapes and bruises, we can use a similar “triage” approach to managing our money by defining clear priorities with our spending. In this episode, we discuss some things to consider when preparing our finances for the unexpected.

Ever feel like your stuff is owning you? In this edition of Between the Ts, we unpack the emotional and financial cost of clutter, the freedom of downsizing, and how life transitions can teach us what "enough" really means.  Letting go isn't about giving up. It's about making room for the life you actually want. 

What if you could retire in your 30s or 40s—would you take the leap? This episode of Between the Ts explores the FIRE movement (Financial Independence, Retire Early), where ambitious savers are flipping the script on traditional retirement. We talk with a wealth management banker about how Millennials and Gen Z are designing lives around freedom, not paychecks—using strategies like geoarbitrage, house hacking, and savvy tax planning. But living life by FIRE isn’t without sparks. From market swings and healthcare gaps to purpose and identity post-retirement, we reveal the risks that can scorch even the best-laid plans. Tune in to learn how to chase the FIRE of early financial freedom—without getting burned by what you didn’t see coming. Investment products are not a deposit or obligation of Texas Bank and Trust | Not guaranteed by Texas Bank and Trust | Not insured by any Federal Government agency | May go down in value

Ever wonder if your money could be working harder for you? In this episode of Between the Ts, we break down the basics of investing – what it is, why it matters, and how to get started even if you only have a few dollars. This conversation is perfect for millennials and Gen Z who are ready to take control of their financial future.   Investment products offered by TBT Wealth Management are not a deposit or obligation of Texas Bank and Trust, not guaranteed by Texas Bank and Trust, not insured by any Federal Government agency, and may go down in value.

What happens when two people with totally different money styles say "I do?" In this episode of Between the Ts, we sit down with TBT Team members Becky and Aaron Jack, a couple who have turned financial friction into a foundation for partnership. From early budgeting battles to learning the art of compromise, they share the real talk about how they've grown together - financially and emotionally.  Because when it comes to marriage and money, it's not about who is right - it's about getting it right together.   Member FDIC | Equal Housing Lender | All loans subject to credit approval | NMLS# 402927

Cybercrimes and scams are everywhere, and the continual advances in artificial intelligence make recognizing scams more difficult than ever before. The need to be vigilant and aware of how to protect our online identity is important for both small businesses and individuals, no matter who we are. In this edition of Between the Ts, we discuss the risks of cybercrime and the best practices we can consider as we seek to keep our personal data secure in an increasing risk environment. This is a conversation you won’t want to miss.

Another year is coming to an end. But, before you set your resolutions for next year, let’s pause and reflect on your financial goals from this past year. In this edition of Between the Ts, we sit down with Justin McFaul, Senior Vice President and Wealth and Trust Officer for Texas Bank and Trust’s Wealth Management Division, to discuss ways we can examine our previous year’s finances and use this knowledge to strategically plan attainable goals in the future.

While November is a time to pause a reflect on the blessings we have received in life, it also provides an opportunity to recognize the world around us and see many people who do not experience the same type of blessings. So how do we shift our mindset to focus our life on being a blessing to others? In this episode of Between the Ts, we are joined by Rogers Pope, Jr., Vice Chairman and CEO of Texas Bank and Trust, to discuss ways his family seeks to meet the needs of others through charitable, and individual, giving. We hope this discussion encourages you to make a difference in the lives of those around you as well.

October is National Cyber Security Awareness Month and we at TBT take cyber security very seriously, especially when it comes to educating our employees and customers about the dangers of scams and fraud that can catch even the most sophisticated among us off guard. Tune in to our newest episode of Between the Ts to learn tips for protecting yourself from financial fraud.  Have a topic you'd love to hear us discuss on our program? Let us know in the comments section.

Looking for a bank that truly understands your needs? Community Banks offer more than just financial services – they build personal connections through face-to-face relationships and customized solutions. Discover how they support local businesses, provide personalized service, and keep you money working for your community. Tune in to our latest episode of Between the Ts and learn why these banks are essential to local growth.

Summer is coming to an end and school is almost back in session. And, with this transition comes the expenses of school supplies, new clothes for growing kids, and other items that are needed kick the school year off on the right foot.  In this edition of Between the Ts, we sit down with Kelly Rankin, TBT Customer Support Supervisor for Treasury Management to discuss her passion for budgeting and her tips for saving money during Back to School Shopping.  If you have any fun ideas for saving money on school shopping, tell us about them in the comments. We'd love to hear from you!

Recent cybercrimes and phishing attempts have taken on a higher level of sophistication that make them even harder to detect. Even some of the most tech savvy among us can fall victim to these scams, which often begin with a text message that resembles a legitimate fraud alert from a bank and end with a compromised bank account when login credentials are shared over the phone or through a fake banking website.   In this episode of Between the Ts, we sit down with TBT Bank Operations Manager Chris Graham and TBT Manager of Treasury Management services Alex Myer to discuss these current trends in fraudulent activity and share ways to recognize the scams and safe when sharing financial information with others or online. This is one discussion you won’t want to miss.

Buying a home can be one of the most exciting experiences as young adults. But the process can also be very daunting as we navigate the fees, terminology, and paperwork that is involved in the transaction. This is where a good realtor and mortgage lender come in handy. In this episode of Between the Ts, we sit down with long-time lenders Barbara Berry and Adam Norton from TBT Mortgage to discuss the home buying process, and how we can make sure we are financially ready to step into home ownership. Between the Ts is a production of Texas Bank and Trust, Member FDIC and Equal Housing Lender. All TBT lending products are subject to credit approval. NMLS # 402927

Summer vacation season is right around the corner. But did you know it is possible to save a significant amount of money on vacation by doing a little pre-planning? In this episode of BETWEEN THE Ts, Kelly Rankin, Treasury Management Customer Support Supervisor for Texas Bank and Trust, shares how her family saves thousands of dollars on vacations, and how our listeners can use some simple steps to maximize their budgets, both on the go or while “stay-cationing” close to home.

Have you ever wondered how a bank makes the determination on loan applications? What factors are considered when they either approve or deny a loan? While a credit score is one of the primary items reviewed, there are times when even a good credit score may not be enough to qualify for a loan. In this edition of Between the Ts, we sit down once again with TBT Lending Officer Zach Gilbert to discuss how loan decisions are made, as well as tips on how we can evaluate the difference between what we can qualify for and what we can actually afford.

Just when we thought the holiday season was behind us, along comes the little white envelopes reminding us just how much those precious memories cost us. That’s right. ‘Tis the season for credit card statements. While credit cards are just one of many types of credit, they are the most common product that introduced many of us to the idea of borrowed money. Join us on this episode of Between the Ts as we sit down with Commercial Loan Officer Zach Gilbert to break down the proper uses of credit, how it works, and the potential dangers that can happen with credit is abused or mismanaged.

Have you ever made a purchase just to “fit in,” or solely for the purpose of impressing others? Whether it is new shoes, clothes, cars, or even a big pink cup, statistics show that approximately 40% of us tend to overspend to buy things we do not need just to “keep up with the Joneses.” Join us in this episode of BETWEEN THE Ts as we tackle the myth of social status and discuss ways we can change our mindsets about money in the New Year. 

Dealing with financial setbacks can feel like a long, slow, crawl through the mud. It can be emotionally and physically draining, especially when tough choices are made between paying a bill or buying food. As we wrap up our budgeting series for Between the Ts, we sit down once again with Blake Bradshaw and Rachelle Carter to discuss practical methods for dealing with overwhelming debt loads and developing an effective path to financial stability. If you have ideas for future show topics, please let us know in the comments.

What do we do when we face a financial emergency? Whether it is the result of a pandemic, job loss, medical expense, home repair, or some other unexpected event, the way we manage our money now can affect how well we make it through a financial crisis. Just as doctors use “triage” to prioritize the treatment of life threatening wounds over scrapes and bruises, we can use a similar “triage” approach to managing our money by defining clear priorities with our spending. In this episode, we discuss some things to consider when preparing our finances for the unexpected.

Would you trust a contractor to build your dream home if he said he would figure out the floorplan as he goes? Or would you expect a detailed blueprint that describes where every element of the house will be placed? Shouldn’t we expect the same type of planning when it comes to our money? Surprisingly, studies show that many Americans live paycheck-to-paycheck with very little saved for emergencies. Even among those who use a budget, many admit to overspending and not sticking to the plan they made. Do NOT let the concept of a budget feel like handcuffs or a list of rules that rein in your ability to enjoy life. Instead, think of a budget like a blueprint that actually give you permission to enjoy life within your means by making sure you plan for the most important things first.  In this conversation, BTT Host Aaron May sits down with co-host Blake Bradshaw and guest Rachelle Carter to discuss the common myths about budgeting and a method for creating an effective financial plan that puts you in control of your money. 

A common misconception is that estate plans are only for the super wealthy with a ton of assets. Another misconception is estate plans are only for older individuals who are retired and nearing the end of life. The truth, however, may surprise you. Even young adults can benefit from an estate plan because the documents it contains can give directions for your care during a medical crisis, as well as provide instructions for who will care for minor children in the event of your death. In this episode, we sat down with TBT Wealth Management Director Craig Chaikin to discuss what we need to do to prepare for the unexpected and how we can ensure our wishes are fulfilled if something happens to us. Note: The information discussed in this podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. Please speak with a licensed professional about your specific situation. Investment products offered by TBT Wealth Management are not deposits or obligations of Texas Bank and Trust, not guaranteed by Texas Bank and Trust, not insured by any federal government agency, and may go down in value.