The LowDown Podcast

Time Stamps00:00 Getting Started with Investing in Your 20s01:09 Introduction to Our Guests: Brie Danton and Nicole Jankowskis02:53 Why Early Career Professionals Should Think About Retirement06:25 Understanding Employer-Sponsored Retirement Plans10:29 Maximizing Your Retirement Contributions12:33 The Importance of Automation in Saving13:23 Portability and Vesting in Retirement Plans16:12 Tax Advantages of Retirement Plans17:59 How Much Should You Save for Retirement?27:17 Exploring Additional Savings and Investment Options30:50 The Basics of Investing for Retirement35:43 Key Takeaways and Final Thoughts 

Time Stamps00:00 Introduction01:54 Understanding Personal Lines Insurance03:28 Home Insurance Basics05:04 Renters Insurance Explained07:21 Liability Coverage in Renters Insurance09:03 Reading and Understanding Your Policy11:41 Deductibles and Premiums15:15 Condo and Townhome Insurance16:36 Auto Insurance Tips22:40 Factors Affecting Auto Insurance Premiums27:12 Final Thoughts and Advice

Time Stamps00:00 Introduction00:24 Employee Benefits with Eric Charles02:00 What Are Employee Benefits?02:39 Types of Insurance in a Benefits Package03:19 Choosing Between PPO and High Deductible Plans04:13 Examples of Using Different Coverages06:20 Importance of Medical Insurance and Short-Term Disability07:46 Key Terms in Health Insurance13:09 Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)18:14 Navigating Open Enrollment and Plan Selection20:12 Finding Healthcare Providers and Cost-Saving Tips22:55 Options for Health Insurance Without Employer Benefits24:32 Final Tips and Considerations

Timestamps00:00 Introduction01:06 Meet Julie Bingham: Career Overview01:42 Understanding Compensation Consulting03:06 Defining Compensation and Rewards04:03 Hourly vs. Salary: Key Differences06:57 Overtime and Work Hours09:40 Bonuses and Incentives11:13 Negotiating Your First Job Offer16:44 Salary Growth and Increases18:52 Market Dynamics and Pay Disparities21:19 Benchmarking and Online Data26:21 Evaluating Job Offers28:55 Education and Compensation30:22 Performance and Pay32:40 Company Culture and Compensation33:28 Final Thoughts on Compensation 

Time Stamps00:00 Introduction01:18 Meet the Experts: Nicole and Brie01:38 Foundations of Personal Finance03:56 Budgeting Basics and Strategies06:40 Behavioral Finance and Money Mindset20:48 Credit and Debt Management27:48 Good Debt vs. Bad Debt30:26 Final Thoughts and Takeaways

We’re excited to share that we’ve partnered with MJ Sorority to bring you a new series on financial literacy—made possible through a grant from the Sigma Kappa Foundation. Our first episode will release Jan. 1, we hope you tune in!

Jessica's Website Get the book!  Check out the 'Your Twenties' community!Follow Jessica on Instagram

Links Follow Tiffany on TikTokTiffany Eckert | CBS Article

Join us as we talked to board certified infectious disease pharmacist Alysa Martin! On this episode we talk about the importance of care in both the medical field and at home.

LinksActiveMinds.orgSigma Kappa | Mental Health ResourcesTalkspace and Sigma KappaTalkspaceFor members of Sigma Kappa don't forget to check out The Learning Center for other materials mentioned in this ep!

Read the latest Sigma Kappa TriangleHistory [email protected] Kappa Digital Archive Acknowledging the Past Follow-UpWe know some of our members have been impacted by exclusionary and discriminatory practices and invite those of marginalized identities and allies to join a focus group to share their experiences. This will be a space for members to respectfully and safely talk about their lived experiences.Links to register can be found in the latest issue of the LowDown. Additional sessions will be added as the meetings reach capacity.Thursday, May 5 – 11 p.m. EST/8 p.m. PSTMonday, May 9 – 8:30 p.m. EST/5:30 p.m. PSTWednesday, May 11 – 8:30 p.m. EST/5:30 p.m. PST 

Clifton Strengths

Resources:TalkspaceTalkspace for Sigma Kappa Members

Resources TalkspaceTalkspace for Sigma Kappa Collegians & AlumnaeMindstead.orgIf you or someone you know is in immediate crisis call 1-800-273-TALK or text MHA to 741741. This 24hr service is provided by  Mental Health America.Get Connected Follow JRNY Counseling on Instagram - @jrnycounselingFollow Melanie on Instagram -  @melshort5555 

Resources Mentioned in this episodewww.payscale.comwww.glassdoor.comWant to keep up with the latest from Careerhouse? Check out Lindsay's website  and follow her on Instagram!

Sigma Kappa is excited to announce the relaunch of the LowDown Podcast. In this episode, get to know the hosts, Morgan Negri, director of multimedia design and Meredith Trapper, social and digital media specialist. We’ll focus on topics like health, wellness, the fraternity and sorority community, higher education, and life skills that women need in all stages of their lives. We’ll also feature stories from inspiring and empowering Sigma Kappas. Check out the Sigma Kappa website for regular updates and new episodes.

In this episode, Alex and guest co-host, Meredith, are getting the lowdown on all things self-confidence- why it’s important and what messages women send out that show they are confident. Erin talks through the importance of authentic self-confidence and how to find the sweet spot between over confidence and under confidence. She explains how we are naturally drawn to confident people. Learn the three ways we send out messages to show our confidence and words to avoid that show under confidence.

Today, Sara and Alex are getting the lowdown on how everyone can increase their confidence because “nothing looks better on someone than confidence.” Lisa teaches us about negative body behaviors like a lack of personal space and poor facial expressions. Speaking of facial expressions, do you know what micro expressions are or that you are using them on a daily basis? Listen to find out!

Today, Sara and Alex are getting the lowdown about mindset from consultant Rebecca Fleetwood Hession. Rebecca discusses if mindset is all about being positive and how mindset and self-care are connected. Rebecca gives actionable ways to flip the script on your mindset and how to use it to your advantage when it comes to your life and career.

In this episode, Sara and Alex bring Angela Guillory (Sister G) back on the podcast to learn more about this amazing past national president. Angela talks about how she had never intended to join a sorority and even talked her friend out of going through recruitment. She also talks about her family and how important family is to her. Sister G is a storyteller by nature and has some of the best stories. You don’t want to miss this episode.

Today, Alex and Sara are getting the lowdown on how an executive in the health care industry makes the decision to leave her six-figure job to work for herself. Rachel talks about the highs and lows of her journey and what she personally does to keep herself in check. You’ll be surprised to hear what one of her biggest fears about leaving her job was and how it actually played out.

Today, Alex and Sara are getting the lowdown on why it’s so important to be our truest, most authentic self from HR professional Shana Ross. Shana discusses why authenticity, self-development, self-improvement and self-awareness are such popular themes these days, and why she believes there is such a need in this area. She also talks about how to know when you are really “free” from your personal prison…and if can ever be completely free.

In this Life LowDown, Alex and Sara get the lowdown on the life of lifestyle blogger Nicole Green, who considers herself more of a blogger than an influencer. Nicole talks about how she decided to go into blogging full-time, as well as one tip she uses to determine what clothes to buy. Additionally, being multiracial, Nicole talks about her struggle with racial identity growing up, as well as the lack of diversity and inclusion we see in the blogging and influencer industry today and how she speaks out about it.

Today, Sara and Alex are getting the lowdown about a buzzword of the last couple years: self-care. While self-care is something many people probably think they need, often they can get overwhelmed on how to actually do it. They talk with Talkspace therapist Rachel O’Neill about what exactly self-care is, and she shares how self-care isn’t as difficult as you may think, while also providing tips on how you can build a self-care routine for yourself—which doesn’t have to include bubble baths, or it could!

This week, Sara and Alex are getting the lowdown strengths from HR consultant and CliftonStrengths coach JoDee Curtis. JoDee goes over the power of knowing your strengths, both personally and professionally and how much insight into yourself you can gain from the personality assessment.

In this episode, Alex and Sara are getting the life lowdown of three guests! Three past leadership consultants talk about how the LC program has changed throughout the years--from calling cards to cell phones, a lot has changed! Kat Held, Sara Elgart and Kira Rysiewicz talk about the highs and lows of LC life and how it changed their lives and the skills they were able to take away from their time as consultant and use in their current professional jobs.

In this episode, Alex and Sara are getting the lowdown on relational agility from talent and leadership development consultant Erin Correa. What is relational agility? As Erin describes it, it is being able to quickly know the stories you’re telling yourself in a particular moment and being able to adapt as needed effectively; it is the relationship you have with the beliefs you have about yourself, other people and how things work in the world. Still a bit confused? We all tell ourselves stories because our brains want to fill in the gaps if we don’t have the full details on a situation—these stories may not serve us positively and they may not be true! Relational agility is all about determining if these stories are actually serving us and how to adapt if they aren’t.

Today, Sara and Alex are getting the lowdown on compassionate courage from Talkspace therapist Dr. Karmen Smith. Karmen talks about her own experiences with being seen as a sexual object by men and how she has learned to be loving and protective of herself and her body and how she developed the courage to advocate for herself and others. Karmen also discusses how the #MeToo movement has been significant in giving women a platform to speak out on.

Today, Alex and Sara talk to Deseri Garcia who is a coaching, team-building and leadership development expert. She talks about the difference between your role vs. your identity and why it is important to know both. We also talk about mindfulness and what that means, whether it’s being fully present in a situation or including others in a conversation that may be more hesitant to speak. Sara and Alex share their personal experiences when it comes to being mindful and what that means to them.

In this Life LowDown, Alex and Sara get the lowdown on the life of inaugural 35 Under 35 honoree Christina Parle. Christina talks about life being a first-generation college student and being the only person in her family to have a masters degree. Additionally, they talk about Christina’s journey into the higher education field--from working in student conduct at a university to working in conduct and curriculum at a fraternity--she actually wanted to be a police officer! Finally, Christina gives her view on inclusion and what actually makes diversity important.

In this episode Alex and Sara (both millennials) bring back Lindsay Boccardo (also a millennial) to talk about one of her favorite topics, millennials. It's no secret that millennials have gotten a bad wrap over the years and Lindsay helps us uncover where that comes from. There is no greatest generation and no generation is better than the other, so why do we put labels on each generation? Listen to find out!

Today, Sara and Alex are getting the lowdown about being a pro troublemaker from the original pro troublemaker herself, Stefanie Krievins. Stefanie is passionate about allowing her clients to realize their awesome-ness and coaches individuals and organizations on how they can get out of their own “stuck and stalled” places so they can start innovating and growing again. Being a troublemaker often has a bit of a negative connotation, but Stefanie explains that a pro troublemaker is someone who is optimistic, challenges the status quo and is growth-oriented.

In this Life LowDown, Alex and, guest co-host, Sarah Eller get the lowdown on the life of a Sigma Kappa who grew up on a farm, has been active in FFA since high school and currently works in the agriculture industry. Kellie Bray talks about growing up on her family’s farm, nerding out about parliamentary procedure and why she is so passionate about agriculture. Addtionally, they talk about growing up with an identical twin, who is also a Sigma Kappa, and how similar they are even as adults. Finally, Kelly gives her thoughts on being present in a world full of technology and how important human interaction is.

In this episode, Alex and Sara get the lowdown on all things graduate school--from simply deciding to apply, to taking the GRE or GMAT, to the differences between undergraduate and graduate school. Maggie is currently pursuing her PUT DEGREE HERE at East Tennessee State University, and has been attending a higher education institution for nine years. She and Sara, who was recently admitted into a masters of business administration program provide a look at their experiences with the application and what to expect once classes begin.

In today’s episode, Alex and Sara talk to Nicole Stephenson about the importance of women knowing how to self-promote in the workplace. There is a double standard when it comes to strong women in the workplace and Nicole gives tangible tips to help them authentically-self promote themselves. Nicole talks about her passion to expand influence of women leaders and what she does at her job to make that happen.

We all have things we’re passionate about—we just have to find them. Today, Alex and Sara are getting the lowdown from Jason Barnaby, founder of Firestarters, Inc., on why it’s so important to find your fire and what you’re passionate about in life. Jason gives steps you can take today to overcome fears that might be keeping you stuck and how to determine if you’ve found what you’re meant to do, and most importantly, what to do once you’ve found it.

In this Life LowDown, Alex and Sara are getting the lowdown on what it’s like to be an agent with Homeland Security Investigations from Colby Award winner Kelly Harrison. Kelly talks about what it’s like investigating trasnational child exploitation and human trafficking--from the highs to the lows. She discusses what she does to unwind and why her work-life balance is something she’s rather proud of, given her line of work.

Today, Sara and Alex are getting the lowdown about being their most authentic selves through clothes with owner and founder of Nicole Blair Wear, Nicole Busch. Nicole is a stylist, image and wardrobe consultant, and personal shopper, and shows women how to take the pieces they already own to create stylish outfits that make them feel good about themselves. Nicole is a firm believer that we all are limited edition, so we shouldn’t try to be anyone but ourselves, and we can showcase this through our wardrobes.

Most of us hate public speaking, right? Even if we’re extroverted, speaking in front of large crowds can be a bit nerve wracking. In this episode, Alex and Sara get the lowdown from Alex Ruffato-Perry about how to feel more confident when you have to give a speech or presentation. It’s more than just being prepared, it’s about owning your presence--executive presence as Alex calls it.

This week, Alex and Sara are talking to Dr. Rebecca Edelmayer, director of scientific engagement for the Alzheimer’s Association--a cause near to every Sigma Kappa, as one of our philanthropic partners. Rebecca gives an overview of the Alzheimer’s disease landscape in the U.S. And as the sixth leading cause of death, we need more research to find a way to prevent the disease, if not cure it. Rebecca also shares a new study that the Alzheimer’s Association is embarking on that they’re hopeful will provide evidence as to how lifestyle intervention can play a role in cognitive impairment...meaning how lifestyle intervention could help to prevent the disease.

In this bonus episode, Alex and guest co-host Sarah (she’s back!) get the life lowdown of Jennifer Rainey, a systems engineer, avid traveler and Sigma Kappa’s national vice president for finance. Jennifer shares stories about how she and her husband met in “Cube Land” at her first post-graduate job in Idaho, how they decided to adopt their son and how just quickly he became a part of the family (they found out they had been matched less than 24 hours before he was born!), and some of the unique places the three of them have traveled recently.

Today, Alex and Sara are getting the lowdown on the challenges that Fraternity and Sorority life still face today and how leaders can better articulate their experience on their resumes and cover letters. Leaders come in all shapes and sizes and you don’t have to be chapter president in order to be a leader. Wendi has worked her way up from a Panhellenic president to the president for the Association of Fraternity/Sorority Advisors and she credits it all to others seeing something in her that she didn’t see.

Today, Sara and Alex are getting the lowdown about how to be less awkward in interviews from body language expert Lisa Mitchell. Most everyone is at least a little bit nervous in interviews, but that doesn’t mean you need to be awkward. Lisa has studied body language for years and provides tips that you can put into practice to show you are confident and poised and make the best first impression possible, as well as ways you can read the interviewer’s body language to determine if they think it is going well.

We’ve heard it all before—Millennials are the worst! Well with two podcast co-hosts who fall into the Millennial generation, they can’t say they agree. Today, Alex and Sara are getting the lowdown from generational expert Kim Lear on what makes each generation unique and how Millennials, Gen Z, Baby Boomers, and Gen X can work best together in the workplace. Kim also debunks the idea that many people imagine Millennials as 12 year olds, when, at this point, they’re all at least older than 24. She also gives tips on how Millennials and Gen Z can have their voices heard at a company when the older employed generations may be a little resistant to change.

In this bonus episode, Sara and Alex talk with Julia Broglie, founder of the Broglie Box, a quarterly subscription box for mental health and stress relief, that was named in honor of her brother who died by suicide in 2014. We get the lowdown about Julia’s life, including her own mental health journey, and how she has coped with her brother’s death, and what it’s like to have founded her own company in memory of him. If you or someone you know is having suicidal thoughts or experiencing anxiety or depression and need support, please call the National Suicide Prevention Hotline (1-800-273-8255) or the National Depressive/Manic-Depressive Association Hotline (1-800-826-3623).

Today, as part of Mental Health Awareness Month, Sara and Alex are getting the lowdown about anxiety. Dr. Amy Cirbus discusses several different things that occur in most every woman’s life and how these can cause or trigger anxiety. She provides practical tips and ways for you to change your mindset on these events that may be part of the reason behind anxiety you are feeling or struggling with.

This week, Sara and Alex are getting the lowdown on all things feedback—why it’s important, how to do it, and how to do it well. Based on the research, virtually every employee in an organization wants feedback, or wants more of it, but isn’t receiving it—but we’re either not giving it enough or we’re doing it very well. Erin gives advice for how to begin giving feedback today and how to also be a good receiver of it. She also talks about the ways you can instantly stop a conversation on feedback whether you’re giving or receiving it.

In this bonus episode, Sara and Alex talk with Susan Willis, Sigma Kappa National Housing Corporation’s president. They get the lowdown on what it’s like being a manager in the restaurant industry having never been a server or bartender! And because many celebrities call Atlanta home, she’s met quite a few in her time. Additionally, they learn about life as an only child and how Sigma Kappa gave her the sisters she always wanted.

This week, Sara and Alex are getting the lowdown of preparing for a job interview from career coach Jessica Smith. They learn about how to prepare for the who, the what, and the why, and also learn how to prepare physically and mentally. Jessica gives actionable tips that you can do today to help with any interview you have coming up. As a tech recruiter, she not only shares stories of interviews she’s had but also conducted, and you’ll finish the podcast ready to rock your next job interview.

We also talk about… Coaching school Real drama triangles Lauren, Alex and Sara have all dealt with How to know if your well-intentioned actions to assist a coworker in dealing with a tough situation with another coworker is actually helping or hurting How we deal with conflict differently depending on our generation Relational wealth a.k.a. the importance of networking (Seriously! It’s important! Check out this podcast for more.)