It’s been a minute since the last episode of the Smart Living Podcast, but I am so excited to be back recording at the BBB Studio! On this episode, I sat down with my long-time friend, fellow valley journalist, and absolute travel maven, Geri Koeppel.

With plane tickets and gas prices sky-high right now, we are all feeling the pinch. But Geri and I both refuse to let high prices get in the way of a luxury vacation. We dug deep into the world of credit card points, hidden hotel perks, and why you should never just "sit" on your rewards.

If you missed the episode, don’t worry—I’ve got the biggest takeaways and insider "discoverables" right here to help you hack your next bucket-list trip.

If you’ve ever walked into a grocery store and walked out wondering where your money went, you’re not alone. I’ve made it my mission to help Arizonans and anyone who buys food stretch their grocery dollars without sacrificing quality or joy.

For over two years, I’ve been building a workshop called Grocery Guru, designed to teach anyone no matter your income or family size how to save big at the grocery store. It’s packed with practical strategies, smart shopping habits, and easy-to-use apps that help you compare prices, cut waste, and even get a workout while you shop!

Thanks to a wonderful partnership with the City of Phoenix Public Library System, Grocery Guru is completely free to attend. All you need is a Phoenix Public Library card which is also free!

Ever wonder what it’s like to sell everything, live out of a backpack, and travel the world on a budget? My friend Carol has done it for 9 years across 41 countries—and now calls Spain home!

From $2 bottles of wine to her top pick for the cheapest country to live in, she shares how to turn “stuff” into unforgettable experiences.