Quicken Loans Zing Podcast

There are so many benefits to getting outside of your comfort zone and learning about another culture, and what better time to do it than in college? On this episode of the Zing Podcast, we get all the tips and tricks to make the most out of your study abroad experience.

Whether you’re running a business from your house, working from home a few days a month or just need an area in your home to focus in, having a home office can be incredibly useful. On this episode of the Zing Podcast, we talk with Richelle Stewart of Pots Floral, a floral company she runs out of her home, about the transition of turning your house into your office, how to keep work and home life separate and tips to stay focused while working from home. DISCLAIMER: The information provided in this podcast is not financial advice. Consult with a financial professional before purchasing a home. The opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the speaker and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Quicken Loans. The participation of persons or firms in this podcast is for entertainment purposes only. The information provided is not intended to be considered as a recommendation or an endorsement by Quicken Loans. Please do your own research before making any decisions regarding the hiring of any professional. Equal Housing Lender, licensed in all 50 states, Nationwide Mortgage Licensing System Number 3030.

Pack your suitcase and fill up your gas tank because on this episode of the podcast, we’re talking to Jim Ross of American Fleet Support and Jason Vitug of Phroogal to make sure you and your car are road-ready.

In this episode of the Zing Podcast, we talked to Adam Justice, the vice president and general manager of ConnectSense about smart homes and home automation. For years, smart homes seemed like something from “The Jetsons”: a thing that would happen in the future – not today. But we’re seeing it here and now! Smart technology is changing the way we live and think about our homes. The idea of a home that works for you isn’t that far off. Justice gave us a great piece of advice for those just starting to dip their toes into the wide world of home automation. You don’t have to go all out at first; pick one area of your home you really want automated, and start there. Be sure to look for high-quality, secured smart home products, too. There are a lot of benefits to automating your home – less money on energy and convenience being two of them – but you want to be prudent about it. If you’re putting your home online, you want to make sure it’s secure. After you listen to the podcast, take a look at some of our other articles about smart home technology and see how you may want to incorporate smart technology in your home! DISCLAIMER: The information provided in this podcast is not financial advice. Consult with a financial professional before purchasing a home. The opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the speaker and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Quicken Loans. The participation of persons or firms in this podcast is for entertainment purposes only. The information provided is not intended to be considered as a recommendation or an endorsement by Quicken Loans. Please do your own research before making any decisions regarding the hiring of any professional. Equal Housing Lender, licensed in all 50 states, Nationwide Mortgage Licensing System Number 3030.

We’ve been making purchases online for over a decade now, but within the last few years there’s been a transition happening. We’re not just making purchases online anymore, we’re budgeting, paying bills, doing our banking – even paying back our friends. When is the last time you went into a bank to deposit a check? Ordered checks? How about to the ATM to get cash to pay back your buddy? There are so many apps now that eliminate the need to actually go into your branch office or to the ATM. On this episode of the Zing podcast, we sat down with John Rampton, founder and CEO of Due.com, to discuss a few of the exciting things happening in the world of financial technology, or FinTech, as it’s more commonly known. We talked about everything from online budgeting tools like Mint, to the future of money transfers. DISCLAIMER: The information provided in this podcast is not financial advice. Consult with a financial professional before purchasing a home. The opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the speaker and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Quicken Loans. The participation of persons or firms in this podcast is for entertainment purposes only. The information provided is not intended to be considered as a recommendation or an endorsement by Quicken Loans. Please do your own research before making any decisions regarding the hiring of any professional. Equal Housing Lender, licensed in all 50 states, Nationwide Mortgage Licensing System Number 3030.

If you’re like many Americans, the start of a new year brings with it the excitement and promise of self-improvement. Around half of us commit to a New Year’s resolution every year, according to a University of Scranton study in the Journal of Clinical Psychology, but only around 8% of people are successful in achieving their resolution. But we’re not here to dampen your spirits – quite the opposite. On this episode of the podcast we take two of the most popular New Year’s resolutions – losing weight and quitting smoking, and talk to a couple of experts about how you can maximize your chances of seeing those commitments through. Psychotherapist Victoria Duda helps us understand the root causes of addictions and provides some helpful advice on how to rid yourself of an unwanted habit. We’re also joined by Tessa Ferrier, personal trainer, who provides helpful insight into how to approach weight loss from a diet and exercise standpoint. Tune in and let us help you see your New Year’s resolution through to completion! DISCLAIMER: The information provided in this podcast is not financial advice. Consult with a financial professional before purchasing a home. The opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the speaker and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Quicken Loans. The participation of persons or firms in this podcast is for entertainment purposes only. The information provided is not intended to be considered as a recommendation or an endorsement by Quicken Loans. Please do your own research before making any decisions regarding the hiring of any professional. Equal Housing Lender, licensed in all 50 states, Nationwide Mortgage Licensing System Number 3030.

‘Tis the season for holiday parties! Whether you’re heading out to a work bash or a friend’s soiree, you want to make sure you’re putting your best foot forward. To help demystify the unwritten rules around behaving at parties, we brought in an expert. Arden Clise is an etiquette consultant and founder of Clise Etiquette. In this episode of the Zing Podcast, we’ll cover everything you need to know when attending that holiday party. How do you network at work functions when you don’t know who you’re talking with? What are some common etiquette mistakes that we all make in social situations? How can you wow the host and fellow partygoers when attending parties? Listen now and find out! DISCLAIMER: The information provided in this podcast is not financial advice. Consult with a financial professional before purchasing a home. The opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the speaker and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Quicken Loans. The participation of persons or firms in this podcast is for entertainment purposes only. The information provided is not intended to be considered as a recommendation or an endorsement by Quicken Loans. Please do your own research before making any decisions regarding the hiring of any professional. Equal Housing Lender, licensed in all 50 states, Nationwide Mortgage Licensing System Number 3030.

Cold temperatures tend to freeze activity in the real estate market. So if you live in a cold-climate area of the country, selling your home in winter may pose some challenges. But is selling a home when there’s snow on the ground really a bad idea? To talk through some of the myths associated with cold weather home buying and selling, we brought back Mario Como, Metro Detroit real estate expert and old friend of the podcast. Should cold-climate sellers keep their homes on the market during the snowy season? How does winter affect the number of homes on the market? How can sellers make sure they’re maximizing their chances of attracting available buyers during the winter months? What can buyers expect if they brave the cold in search of a new home? If you’re looking to buy or sell a home in the next few months, you won’t want to miss out on these helpful tips and insights. Listen now! DISCLAIMER: The information provided in this podcast is not financial advice. Consult with a financial professional before purchasing a home. The opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the speaker and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Quicken Loans. The participation of persons or firms in this podcast is for entertainment purposes only. The information provided is not intended to be considered as a recommendation or an endorsement by Quicken Loans. Please do your own research before making any decisions regarding the hiring of any professional. Equal Housing Lender, licensed in all 50 states, Nationwide Mortgage Licensing System Number 3030.

For many bargain hunters, the minute the Thanksgiving turkey leg is put down, the shopping shoes are strapped on. So-called Black Friday can be a day of incredible deals for those who are willing to brave the cold temperatures, long lines and thousands of like-minded shoppers. But is this once-a-year retail frenzy really necessary in this increasingly digital world? Can shoppers expect savings big enough to outweigh the hassle of driving from store to store, waiting in line? How can shoppers get the best deals if they brave the Black Friday madness? On this episode of the Zing Podcast, we sit down with Bobby Lee, author of the 2 Minute Finance Blog to answer all of those questions and more. Don’t get your holiday shopping started before you listen! DISCLAIMER: The information provided in this podcast is not financial advice. Consult with a financial professional before purchasing a home. The opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the speaker and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Quicken Loans. The participation of persons or firms in this podcast is for entertainment purposes only. The information provided is not intended to be considered as a recommendation or an endorsement by Quicken Loans. Please do your own research before making any decisions regarding the hiring of any professional. Equal Housing Lender, licensed in all 50 states, Nationwide Mortgage Licensing System Number 3030.

For many of us, wine can be a little intimidating. There are dozens of varieties, thousands of different vineyards and prices that can range from a few bucks to the cost of a nice midsize car. You have to know how to store it, pour it, sniff it, swirl it, spit it and so on. On this episode of the Zing Podcast, we demystify wine with the help of sommelier Joseph Allerton from Michael Symon’s Roast restaurant in Detroit. He dazzles us with a blind taste test, showing us how the pros can deduce exactly what they’re drinking. We also delve into how to pair wine with food, keep it fresh and enjoy every last drop to its fullest potential. DISCLAIMER: The information provided in this podcast is not financial advice. Consult with a financial professional before purchasing a home. The opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the speaker and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Quicken Loans. The participation of persons or firms in this podcast is for entertainment purposes only. The information provided is not intended to be considered as a recommendation or an endorsement by Quicken Loans. Please do your own research before making any decisions regarding the hiring of any professional. Equal Housing Lender, licensed in all 50 states, Nationwide Mortgage Licensing System Number 3030.

More and more people are going all out on Halloween, creating elaborate fright-filled displays to scare and entertain their neighbors. So-called “lawn haunting” is on the rise, and we want to help you get your house ready for this phenomenon. In this episode of the Zing Podcast, Sean T. Johnston, Jen Hansen and Michelle Giorlando speak with one of the preeminent scare masters in Michigan, Ed Terebus, owner of Erebus Haunted Attraction. Ed has devoted his life to terrorizing Michigan residents with his four-story haunted house, so we pick his brain on how to turn your home into a fear factory. Learn the art of fright from an industry pro, along with some cool tricks to make your display as spooky and scary as possible. DISCLAIMER: The information provided in this podcast is not financial advice. Consult with a financial professional before purchasing a home. The opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the speaker and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Quicken Loans. The participation of persons or firms in this podcast is for entertainment purposes only. The information provided is not intended to be considered as a recommendation or an endorsement by Quicken Loans. Please do your own research before making any decisions regarding the hiring of any professional. Equal Housing Lender, licensed in all 50 states, Nationwide Mortgage Licensing System Number 3030.

Having an aging family member means families sometimes have to have tough conversations. Everyone wants what’s best for their elderly relatives, so it’s always good to have a plan in place to help care for them should the need arise. In this episode of the Zing Podcast, we talk to Letty Azar, Chief Development Officer for the Detroit Area Agency on Aging. She shares advice on how families can work together to help ensure our elderly family members can get the care they need. When should families start talking about plans? What resources are available for short or long term care? How does everything get paid for? We answer all of this and more, so tune in. DISCLAIMER: The information provided in this podcast is not financial advice. Consult with a financial professional before purchasing a home. The opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the speaker and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Quicken Loans. The participation of persons or firms in this podcast is for entertainment purposes only. The information provided is not intended to be considered as a recommendation or an endorsement by Quicken Loans. Please do your own research before making any decisions regarding the hiring of any professional. Equal Housing Lender, licensed in all 50 states, Nationwide Mortgage Licensing System Number 3030.

Your home takes a beating during the winter. On this installment of the Zing Podcast, we bring back the boys from Young and Sons Drying and Restoration for another go at getting ready for the cold season. Last time we talked about worst case scenarios. This time, Robert Young, Jason Pulaski, Tim K. and I chat about preventative maintenance. What are some of the things that should be on your “Honey Do” list before the snow starts falling? What are some simple things you can do to prevent cold-related catastrophes? What maintenance items can you do yourself, versus enlisting a professional? We cover all of that and more. Listen now and get ahead of the winter storms. DISCLAIMER: The information provided in this podcast is not financial advice. Consult with a financial professional before purchasing a home. The opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the speaker and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Quicken Loans. The participation of persons or firms in this podcast is for entertainment purposes only. The information provided is not intended to be considered as a recommendation or an endorsement by Quicken Loans. Please do your own research before making any decisions regarding the hiring of any professional. Equal Housing Lender, licensed in all 50 states, Nationwide Mortgage Licensing System Number 3030.

Between data breaches at large retail chains and the constant threat of scammers trying to swindle financial information via phone and email, the modern world is not safe place for your sensitive data. In this episode of the Zing Podcast, we sit down with Quicken Loans Director of Information Security, John Carr, to better understand the threats to your personal and financial information, and more importantly, how to avoid them. How do scammers steal credit card information? What happens to that data once it’s stolen? How can you sniff out a phishing attack? How do cybersecurity experts protect their own personal data? Tune in and get the “download” on how to keep your important data safe from attackers. DISCLAIMER: The information provided in this podcast is not financial advice. Consult with a financial professional before purchasing a home. The opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the speaker and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Quicken Loans. The participation of persons or firms in this podcast is for entertainment purposes only. The information provided is not intended to be considered as a recommendation or an endorsement by Quicken Loans. Please do your own research before making any decisions regarding the hiring of any professional. Equal Housing Lender, licensed in all 50 states, Nationwide Mortgage Licensing System Number 3030.

As we make our slow, sweaty crawl toward the last days of August, life will begin to change. Kids go back to school, leaves will start changing colors, and the fun and frivolity of summer will soon subside. But the good news is there’s so much great foods you can enjoy this time of year! It’s grill season. All sorts of fresh vegetables are ripening and ready to be devoured. It’s time to grab hold of these last few days of summer and enjoy the bounty of great food that’s at our disposal. On this episode of the Zing Podcast, Sean T. Johnston and Jen Hansen chat with Chef Nick Apone from Eurest Dining about the variety of summer cooking options we have at our disposal right now. From backyard barbeques to romantic dinners, we’ve got you covered with some delicious meal suggestions and recipes. Grab a fork and tune in, we’re about to make your mouth water. Visit the Quicken Loans Zing Blog for more amazing insights on home, money and life – http://www.quickenloans.com/blog. DISCLAIMER: The information provided in this podcast is not financial advice. Consult with a financial professional before purchasing a home. The opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the speaker and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Quicken Loans. The participation of persons or firms in this podcast is for entertainment purposes only. The information provided is not intended to be considered as a recommendation or an endorsement by Quicken Loans. Please do your own research before making any decisions regarding the hiring of any professional. Equal Housing Lender, licensed in all 50 states, Nationwide Mortgage Licensing System Number 3030.

Budgeting, managing bills, and investing your money have been made easier by mobile apps that can save you money. These apps give you the power to access coupons at some of your favorite places to shop, create an in-depth budget for yourself, and pave the road to a successful investment plan that can ultimately help your retirement. In this episode of the Zing Podcast, Dawn and I talk to our friend Jeremy Caverly, the Digital Product Manager over at In-House Realty, about the many different financial mobile apps that can help you better manage, invest and save your money. He shares his expert opinion on which apps are best for those who are starting from scratch and wanting to get into managing and saving their money. Visit the Quicken Loans Zing Blog for more amazing insights on home, money and life – http://www.quickenloans.com/blog. DISCLAIMER: The information provided in this podcast is not financial advice. Consult with a financial professional before purchasing a home. The opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the speaker and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Quicken Loans. The participation of persons or firms in this podcast is for entertainment purposes only. The information provided is not intended to be considered as a recommendation or an endorsement by Quicken Loans. Please do your own research before making any decisions regarding the hiring of any professional. Equal Housing Lender, licensed in all 50 states, Nationwide Mortgage Licensing System Number 3030.

It’s natural human instinct to be afraid of uncertainty. This couldn’t be more relevant than in the world of investments. When it comes to your money, you don’t want to take any chances. It’s not just a portfolio, it’s your child’s college education, or your livelihood when you retire. For many of us, the fear of losing vastly outweighs the potential of winning. But are we more afraid than we should be? How do we balance the emotional (feelings) with the rational (data) when investing our money? How do we invest in the future without keeping ourselves up at night? Our good friend Todd McClain, a partner at Plante Moran, stops by to share his wisdom on the subject of risk tolerance. Whether you’re a newbie investor looking for tips on how to get started, or a seasoned trader looking for a gut check, you might learn a thing or two. Visit the Quicken Loans Zing Blog for more amazing insights on home, money and life – http://www.quickenloans.com/blog. DISCLAIMER: The information provided in this podcast is not financial advice. Consult with a financial professional before purchasing a home. The opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the speaker and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Quicken Loans. The participation of persons or firms in this podcast is for entertainment purposes only. The information provided is not intended to be considered as a recommendation or an endorsement by Quicken Loans. Please do your own research before making any decisions regarding the hiring of any professional. Equal Housing Lender, licensed in all 50 states, Nationwide Mortgage Licensing System Number 3030.

Short of buying a business, or an airplane, or a Rembrandt, your home will likely be the most expensive purchase you make in your life. Your real estate agent is the shepherd through a lengthy and sometimes confusing process. So, when you’re investing tens or hundreds of thousands of dollars into the house of your dreams, you need someone you can trust. In this episode of the Zing Podcast, Jen Hansen and Sean T. Johnston talk to Brandon Mulrenin from In-House Realty about how important your real estate agent is and why you should choose one carefully. As an added bonus to help illustrate this point, the Zing Podcast Players present another gripping radio drama on what can happen when you pick the wrong person to help you buy your home. Visit the Quicken Loans Zing Blog for more amazing insights on home, money and life – http://www.quickenloans.com/blog

In this episode of the Zing Podcast, we speak with two Quicken Loans team members and former servicemen about making the transition from military to civilian life. We provide veteran job seekers with advice on seeking employment in the civilian job market. We also explore why hiring managers should take a good look at candidates with military service when filling roles in their corporate ranks. Visit the Quicken Loans Zing Blog for more amazing insights on home, money and life – http://www.quickenloans.com/blog DISCLAIMER: The information provided in this podcast is not financial advice. Consult with a financial professional before purchasing a home. The opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the speaker and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Quicken Loans. The participation of persons or firms in this podcast is for entertainment purposes only. The information provided is not intended to be considered as a recommendation or an endorsement by Quicken Loans. Please do your own research before making any decisions regarding the hiring of any professional. Equal Housing Lender, licensed in all 50 states, Nationwide Mortgage Licensing System Number 3030.

The financial aid qualification process is a daunting one, even to those who are financially savvy. We sat down with Wayne State University’s Senior Director of Student Financial Aid, Gabriela Garfield, to talk about the FAFSA process and what you need to know to stay smart when it comes to your student loans. Visit the Quicken Loans Zing Blog for more amazing insights on home, money and life – http://www.quickenloans.com/blog DISCLAIMER: The information provided in this podcast is not financial advice. Consult with a financial professional before purchasing a home. The opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the speaker and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Quicken Loans. The participation of persons or firms in this podcast is for entertainment purposes only. The information provided is not intended to be considered as a recommendation or an endorsement by Quicken Loans. Please do your own research before making any decisions regarding the hiring of any professional. Equal Housing Lender, licensed in all 50 states, Nationwide Mortgage Licensing System Number 3030.