For generations, the Utica Zoo has been a place where families make memories, kids discover a love for animals, and visitors of all ages connect with the natural world. In this episode of The Source: People with Purpose – Inspiring Financial Wellness, Katie sits down with Andrea from the Utica Zoo and Pam from First Source to explore the zoo's lasting impact on the Mohawk Valley. From education and conservation to community partnerships and exciting new attractions, this conversation highlights why the Utica Zoo remains one of the region's most treasured destinations.

Listeners will get a behind-the-scenes look at how First Source and the Utica Zoo have worked together over the years, from funding major projects and master planning efforts to helping the zoo achieve and maintain its prestigious accreditation. Along the way, Andrea shares fascinating insights about the zoo's educational mission, internship programs, conservation efforts, and some exciting new exhibits that are bringing national-caliber experiences right here to the Mohawk Valley.

More than anything, this episode is a reminder that investing in a community goes far beyond dollars and cents. It's about creating places that inspire curiosity, foster learning, and bring people together. Whether you're a longtime zoo supporter or haven't visited in years, you'll leave this conversation with a new appreciation for the impact happening right in our own backyard.

• How a long-standing partnership between First Source and the Utica Zoo helped bring major projects to life
• The educational mission behind the zoo and why learning is at the heart of every visit
• What it takes to earn and maintain prestigious zoo accreditation standards
• The story behind the wildly successful dinosaur exhibit and its impact on the community
• A preview of exciting new exhibits and projects coming to the Utica Zoo in the years ahead


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Show Markers:

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First Source's Links:
Website - https://www.fsource.org
FB - https://www.facebook.com/fsourcefcu
IG - https://www.instagram.com/fsourcefcu
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/user/fsourcefcu


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Love Living Local Links:
Podcast Email - media@lovelivinglocal315.com
Website - https://www.lovelivinglocal315.com
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@lovelivinglocal315
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/lovelivinglocal315
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/lovelivinglocal315
TikTok - / lovelivinglocal315

Opening a savings account might not seem like a big milestone, but the habits that start with that very first account can last a lifetime. In this episode of The Source: People with Purpose, Katie sits down with Amanda from the Rome Branch to talk about why financial education should start early and how youth accounts can help children build confidence, responsibility and healthy money habits from a young age.

From birthday money and holiday gifts to first jobs and debit cards, this conversation explores how kids can begin learning the value of money at an early age. Katie and Amanda discuss how children can develop healthy habits around saving, spending and managing money responsibly. They also talk about how modern banking tools, mobile apps and reward programs can make financial education more engaging for younger generations. Along the way, they share practical ways parents can help guide important money conversations and build confidence that lasts well into adulthood.

Whether you're a parent looking to set your child up for success or simply wondering when financial education should begin, this episode offers practical advice and a reminder that it's never too early to start building a strong financial foundation.

We Cover:
• Why opening a youth account can help build confidence and financial responsibility early
• How saving programs and rewards can make learning about money fun for kids
• The benefits of teaching children how checking accounts, debit cards, and credit work
• Why giving kids ownership of their own accounts creates valuable life lessons
• How small financial habits today can lead to stronger financial futures tomorrow


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Show Markers:
(0:00) - Introduction & Background
(1:00) - Youth Education
(2:10) - First Source Youth Account Types
(5:15) - Youth Debit Cards
(8:00) - Digital Offerings
(8:55) - Building Good Credit Habits Early
(11:25) - Own Account vs. Sub Shares
(13:45) - Asking Questions & Being Comfortable
(15:05) - Don't Believe Everything You Hear Online
(16:40) - It's Never Too Early, It's Never Too Late

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First Source's Links:
Website - https://www.fsource.org
FB - https://www.facebook.com/fsourcefcu
IG - https://www.instagram.com/fsourcefcu
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/user/fsourcefcu


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Love Living Local Links:
Podcast Email - media@lovelivinglocal315.com
Website - https://www.lovelivinglocal315.com
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@lovelivinglocal315
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/lovelivinglocal315
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/lovelivinglocal315
TikTok - / lovelivinglocal315

In this episode of The Source: People with Purpose, the conversation gets real about money myths, credit mistakes, saving habits and the financial lessons people wish they learned earlier in life. Katie sits down with Tom, Lynn, Lou, and Deb from First Source to talk through the realities of growing up financially. From seeing taxes come out of a first paycheck to learning the hard way about credit cards, debt and saving for the future.

What makes this episode so relatable is how honest everyone is about their own experiences. There’s no pretending anyone had it all figured out in their 20s. The group shares stories about buying first homes, overspending on credit cards, learning to budget and realizing that small financial habits can have a huge impact over time. They also break down some of the biggest misconceptions younger generations have around money, investing and financial advice.

This episode is full of practical advice, but more importantly, it’s a reminder that financial wellness is not about being perfect. It’s about building good habits, asking questions, learning as you go and understanding that it’s never too early or too late to start making smarter financial decisions.

We Cover:
• Why building credit early can make a huge difference later in life
• The importance of saving small amounts consistently over time
• Common money mistakes people make in their 20s and 30s
• Why financial advice and education don’t have to cost money
• Real stories and lessons from people who learned financial wellness the hard way


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Show Markers:
(0:00) - Introduction & Background
(1:00) - When Did Money Become Real?
(3:30) - Wants vs. Needs
(4:15) - Buying First House Wake Up
(5:45) - Building Credit
(7:45) - One Money Lesson For Younger Self
(9:30) - First Source Educational Resources
(10:15) - It's Okay to Have Hard Times
(13:30) - Room to Room Lesson
(15:05) - "I'll Start Saving Later"
(17:30) - Best Time was Yesterday
(20:30) - Teach Your Children Early
(24:00) - Little Changes Compound

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First Source's Links:
Website - https://www.fsource.org
FB - https://www.facebook.com/fsourcefcu
IG - https://www.instagram.com/fsourcefcu
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/user/fsourcefcu


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Love Living Local Links:
Podcast Email - media@lovelivinglocal315.com
Website - https://www.lovelivinglocal315.com
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@lovelivinglocal315
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/lovelivinglocal315
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/lovelivinglocal315
TikTok - / lovelivinglocal315