Debt & Credit Listen to Episodes

Credit utilization is one of the most important — and most misunderstood — parts of your credit score. In this episode of the Pink Money Podcast, Jerry Williams breaks down how credit utilization works, why it accounts for 30% of your credit score, and how even responsible borrowers can accidentally damage their credit rating. Using a real-life experience while helping manage his mother’s finances, Jerry explains how credit card balances can quietly exceed limits and negatively affect credit ...

Teacher, meet your retirement superpowers. We unpack why 403(b) plans confuse so many people, what a 457(b) really is, and how the two can work together to help educators save more for retirement—without the jargon.

In this episode of Pink Money, Jerry Williams shares his surprising experience using ChatGPT as a financial planning tool. From creating a debt payoff strategy in seconds—comparing the “debt avalanche” vs. “debt snowball” methods—to suggesting investment options for as little as $60 a week, Jerry explores how AI can deliver practical, actionable financial insights. He highlights the pros and cons, explains why ChatGPT’s speed and specificity are eye-opening, and discusses how this technology can complement (not replace) traditional advisors. Whether you’re tackling credit card balances, building an investment plan, or just curious about how AI might help with your money, this episode shows why ChatGPT is more than just a research tool—it’s a financial game-changer.

Do you ever feel like your money is out of control? Host Jerry Williams dives into what being “terrible with money” really means—and how to fix it with a clear, step-by-step strategy. From setting realistic goals and creating a budget that works, to building an emergency cushion, paying down debt, and planning for retirement, Jerry lays out a roadmap for financial success. With tips on accountability, avoiding risky advice, and making your money work harder for you, this episode gives you the foundation to reach your first $10,000 and beyond.

In this episode of Pink Money Podcast, Jerry answers a listener’s question about how to remove a co-signer or joint owner from a car loan and title. He explains what banks look for before releasing the other party, including creditworthiness, payment history, and loan-to-value considerations. The discussion expands to practical steps like checking your credit reports, understanding credit utilization, and building a strong relationship with your bank. Jerry also highlights the importance of full coverage insurance, gap insurance, and knowing how deductibles impact your finances. Finally, he draws parallels between refinancing a car loan and refinancing a mortgage, especially in today’s high-interest-rate environment. This episode gives you a clear roadmap for taking ownership of your vehicle—or your home loan—on your own terms.

In this episode of the Pink Money Podcast, Jerry tackles the heavy burden of student loan debt—especially for those misled by predatory for-profit schools. He explains how the Borrower Defense to Repayment program can help cancel loans tied to fraud or deception, shares real-world stories of crushing debt, and offers step-by-step guidance on where to apply. Jerry also emphasizes the importance of mental health, reminding listeners that overwhelming debt is not the end of the road and that help and hope are available.

In this episode of Pink Money Podcast, Jerry Williams welcomes back financial advisor Grace McLen to tackle one of the most important (and sometimes intimidating) money topics—credit. Together, they break down how credit scores are calculated, why checking your report regularly matters, and what to do if you’re facing collections or identity theft. From rebuilding with secured cards to negotiating with lenders, Jerry and Grace share practical, real-world strategies to help you protect, repair, and strengthen your credit.