Personal Finance Episodes

What does it really mean for a community to come together — not just to support small businesses, but to rally behind causes like Alzheimer’s disease? In this episode of The Prosperity Lounge, host Joey Ruffalo talks with Julie Blaylock, President & CEO of the Farragut West Knox Chamber of Commerce, along with Sara Dickson from the Alzheimer’s Association Tennessee Chapter and Janice Wade from Alzheimer’s Tennessee. You’ll discover: ✅ How chambers of commerce build strong businesses and stron...

In this episode of The Prosperity Lounge, host Joey Ruffalo sits down with Glenn Jacobs—WWE Hall of Famer and current Knox County Mayor—to explore essential lessons on leadership, trust, and legacy. Glenn shares his journey from the wrestling ring to public office, offering powerful insights on building trust, leading with purpose, and creating a legacy that outlasts titles. You’ll hear about Operation Heroes Hill, a transformative project for veterans, and how mentorship, humility, and communi...

In this episode of The Prosperity Lounge, host Joey Ruffalo talks with Lisa Yount (Co-Founder) and Julie Scruggs (Executive Director) of Secret Safe Place for Newborns of Tennessee about the Tennessee Safe Haven Law and its impact on community care, family well-being, and prosperity. Discover how this law — updated in July 2025 to allow 45 days for safe surrender — is saving lives and providing mothers in crisis with a confidential and judgment-free option. We’ll explore the difference between ...

What if the lowest point in your life wasn’t the end — but the beginning of your greatest purpose? In this episode of The Prosperity Lounge, host Joey Ruffalo sits down with Jessica Strunk — known by many as Gracie’s mom from Baked by Grace and as a top producer in East Tennessee real estate. But behind her success is a powerful story of faith, recovery, and encouragement. Jessica shares: What life looked like at rock bottom during her battle with addiction and despair How family, faith, and...

In this Community Spotlight episode of The Prosperity Lounge, we explore how Dog Daze IX is doing more than entertaining crowds — it’s driving small business growth and strengthening community connections. Every August, Farragut, TN transforms into the splashiest spot in East Tennessee as this nationally sanctioned DockDogs International event takes over the Village Green Shopping Center. With over 150 canine athletes competing and more than 10,000 fans cheering, it’s a weekend packed with exci...

In Part 1, Kent Morrell shared his 6,821-day struggle with chronic pain—and the miraculous healing that changed everything. Now in Part 2, we explore what comes after the breakthrough. Joined by his wife Jennifer, Kent shares how healing brought new questions, deeper purpose, and the unexpected weight of surviving what others didn’t. Together, they reflect on faith, marriage, identity, and learning to live every day like a bonus. You’ll hear about: The first days of life without pain Jennif...

What happens when you just keep showing up in the context of financial wellness and community leadership? In this episode of The Prosperity Lounge, Joey Ruffalo, engages with Knox County Commission Vice Chair Kim Frazier to explore how presence, purpose, and persistence can significantly impact wellness and community growth. From her small-town origins to become a community-first leader, Kim shares insights on leading with intention — even in uncomfortable situations. Whether you're looking to ...

Would You Take Business Advice from a 20-Year-Old that Leads 1,400 People? You Should! In this episode of The Prosperity Lounge, discover how financial wellness and leadership intersect as Joey Ruffalo sits down with Adilynn Walker, Regimental Commander of the Virginia Tech Corps of Cadets. At just 20 years old, Adilynn leads over 1,400 cadets — and her leadership lessons are a must-hear for every business owner, entrepreneur, or team leader. Rooted in the values of pride, fortitude, transpare...

In this special July 4th episode of The Prosperity Lounge, Joey Ruffalo gets personal. He opens with a powerful tribute to his father, Joseph J. Ruffalo Jr., a Vietnam War veteran, community leader, and advocate for the blind. You’ll hear Joey’s dad read the poem “It’s the Veteran” and learn how his life shaped Joey’s views on freedom, finances, and faith. Then, Joey dives into the Declaration of Independence, pulling out 5 key phrases and showing how they still apply today — not just to natio...

In this episode of The Prosperity Lounge, Joey Ruffalo talks with Whitney Holliday, owner of Camp Honey Coffee in Knoxville, TN. Whitney shares how she left a stressful job, faced burnout, and started a new business with purpose. They talk about money mindset, taking risks, and building a small business from the ground up — even without a detailed plan. You’ll hear real talk about budgeting, community, and how business can be part of healing. Whether you’re looking for small business growt...

In this episode of The Prosperity Lounge, we explore the crucial connection between financial wellness and effective home maintenance with Brad Fleming, owner of HomeSmiles Knoxville. Financial wellness is essential for securing your financial future, and maintaining your home is a key part of that strategy. We delve into actionable budgeting tips and financial insights that empower listeners to protect their investments and avoid costly repairs that can derail your finances. Whether you're in t...

In this episode, Joey Ruffalo explores financial wellness strategies for young entrepreneurs, highlighting real-world tips around budgeting, money mindset, and business growth. He’s joined by 14-year-old Gracie, founder of Baked By Grace, who shares her journey of building a profitable baking business while navigating Tennessee’s cottage food laws, managing orders, and balancing homeschool with entrepreneurship. From personal finance to small business strategy, this conversation delivers a...

Is it smarter to pay off debt or invest in retirement — and how do you know when to hit pause? In this episode of The Prosperity Lounge, Joey Ruffalo breaks down the most emotionally loaded question in personal finance: “Should I pause my retirement contributions to pay off debt?” You’ll discover: ✅ The exact debt payoff strategies that work (Snowball, Avalanche, Hybrid & more) ✅ How your age and proximity to retirement change the entire conversation ✅ Why the math says YES — and when it does...

Feeling overwhelmed by money stress? You’re not alone. In this episode, Joey Ruffalo shares how financial anxiety impacts your health, relationships, and mindset—and what habits can bring peace. Learn how to budget with intention, reduce guilt, and start talking about money without the fight. 📲 Get free tools, guides, and join the community at theprosperitylounge.com financial wellness, money stress, budgeting tips, mental health and money, financial coaching, values-based budgeting, money and ...

What happens when budgeting isn’t enough? You hustle—with purpose. In this powerful episode of The Prosperity Lounge, Joey Ruffalo shares how he and his family used side hustles to pay off over $370,000 in debt—and how you can create financial breathing room, margin, and momentum using what’s already in your hands. We’ll walk through: Why most people don’t have an income problem—they have an only one income problem How to find your “Sweet Spot” for a profitable side hustle Tips to get start...

What if the problem isn’t you — it’s the budget? In this episode of The Prosperity Lounge Radio Show, Joey Ruffalo shares the hard truth about why most budgeting strategies fail and how to flip the script to create a plan that brings peace, not pressure. From common traps like rigid templates and guilt-based spending to real-world solutions like values-based budgeting and “fun money” flexibility, Joey breaks it all down with humor, honesty, and real-life experience. He also dives into the $1.7...

In the premiere episode of The Prosperity Lounge Radio Show, Joey Ruffalo shares the powerful story behind his journey — from crushing debt to financial freedom, and how faith, grit, and strategy created a new path forward. This isn't just his story — it's the beginning of yours. Tune in to discover what prosperity really means and how this show will help you unlock it in your finances, your business, and your life. Listen live on Saturdays on 96.3FM in East Tennessee, or subscribe on your favo...