Navigating parenthood often comes with a hefty price tag. From diapers to daycare and unexpected expenses, it can feel like you’re constantly treading water financially. Many parents find themselves overwhelmed trying to balance the costs of raising children with other financial responsibilities. The pressure to provide while staying afloat can lead to stress and uncertainty about the future.

In this special episode of UNrattled, we sit down with Stephen Searcy and Amy Lassiter from First Horizon Bank to discuss practical financial first steps for parents. Whether you’re expecting your first child or managing a growing family, this episode will equip you with tools to budget, build savings, and plan for your family’s future without feeling overwhelmed.

Stephen and Amy share real-world advice on creating a family budget that works, starting an emergency fund even when money is tight, managing debt without added stress, and building a financial foundation for your child’s future. They also discuss banking programs designed specifically to support families and how small steps today can lead to long-term financial stability.

This episode is packed with insights that will help parents feel more confident and in control of their money, empowering them to focus on what matters most—their family.

• Budgeting for Family Life: Learn how to create a flexible budget that grows with your family's needs.

• Building an Emergency Fund: Understand the importance of having savings to handle life's surprises and how to start, even with limited income.

• Debt Management: Strategies for managing existing debt while balancing new expenses that come with parenting.

• Saving for Your Child’s Future: Insights on college savings, insurance, and small steps to secure your child’s financial future.

• Banking Benefits for Families: Learn about banking programs designed specifically to support families and parents.

[00:00] Introduction to Financial Challenges Parents Face

[04:15] Budgeting Strategies for Families

[12:30] Building an Emergency Fund on a Tight Budget

[19:00] Managing Debt Without Overwhelm

[26:45] Planning for Your Child’s Future Expenses

[33:10] Family-Friendly Banking Options & Tools

Parenting is hard, but you don’t have to do it alone. Connect with us and join the conversation! Follow us on Instagram: @unrattledpodcast 
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Visit our website for more resources: www.unrattledpodcast.com
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Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
Description: Provides monthly food assistance benefits to eligible low-income individuals and families to help them purchase groceries.
Website: myDHR Alabama SNAP

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) – Family Assistance Program
Description: Offers cash assistance to low-income families with children to help cover basic needs like food, shelter, and utilities.
Website: Alabama DHR - Family Assistance

Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) Program
Description: Provides nutrition education, breastfeeding support, and healthy food benefits to pregnant women, new mothers, and children under 5.
Website: Alabama Public Health - WIC

Medicaid
Description: Offers healthcare coverage for low-income individuals, families, pregnant women, elderly individuals, and people with disabilities.
Website: Alabama Medicaid Agency

ALL Kids Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP)
Description: Provides low-cost health coverage for children under 19 in families that earn too much to qualify for Medicaid but need affordable health insurance.
Website: ALL Kids Alabama

Childcare Subsidy Program
Description: Helps low-income families pay for quality childcare services, allowing parents to work or attend school.
Website: Alabama DHR - Childcare

Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
Description: Assists low-income households with their heating and cooling energy costs.
Website: ADECA Energy Assistance

Alabama Housing Finance Authority (AHFA) – Home Assistance Programs
Description: Provides affordable home loans, down payment assistance, and housing resources to help families achieve homeownership.
Website: AHFA

Alabama Department of Rehabilitation Services (ADRS)
Description: Offers services to individuals with disabilities, including employment assistance, therapy, and support for families with children who have special needs.
Website: ADRS

Alabama 211
Description: A free and confidential service that connects people with local resources for food, housing, healthcare, and other essential services.
Website: Alabama 211

Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
Description: Provides monthly financial assistance to individuals with disabilities, low-income seniors, and blind individuals.
Website: Social Security Administration - SSI

Alabama Food Assistance Program (Food Banks)
Description: Partners with local food banks and pantries to provide emergency food assistance to families in need.
Website: Feeding Alabama