Tax season does not have to be overwhelming — or expensive.

In this episode of Bree on a Budget, host Bree Pappan is joined by Luanne Maes and Adrian Gomez to break down how the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program helps Pueblo residents file their taxes for free.

During the conversation, listeners also learn that United Way of Pueblo County is celebrating 20 years of the VITA program in Pueblo, marking two decades of free, trusted tax preparation for working individuals, families and seniors across the community.

Operated by United Way of Pueblo County, VITA provides free tax preparation and filing for individuals and families earning $69,000 or less with simple returns. The program helps ensure taxpayers receive all eligible credits and deductions, including expanded benefits for families with children and older adults.

Maes and Gomez explain who qualifies, how to schedule an appointment, what documents to bring and why working with IRS-certified volunteers can reduce stress and protect refunds. They also share how community members can get involved as VITA volunteers — no prior tax experience required.

If you are looking to file with confidence, stretch your refund or avoid costly tax preparation fees, this episode is a reminder that free, reliable help is available right here in Pueblo.

Appointments for VITA services run from late January through April 15 and are available by appointment only.

State of Art | January 2026: Art, Advocacy and What’s Ahead for Pueblo

In the first State of Art conversation of the new year, host Bree Pappan brings together three voices shaping Pueblo’s creative and civic landscape for a candid, forward-looking discussion. Artist and community advocate Tom Carrigan, artist Tia Monson, and Donielle Kitzman, vice president of the Greater Pueblo Chamber of Commerce and Visit Pueblo, explore what 2026 holds for artists, small businesses, cultural organizations and the broader tourism economy.

Recorded Jan. 9, this episode looks at how art, advocacy and economic development intersect in Pueblo, and why collaboration across sectors matters now more than ever. The conversation spans grassroots creativity and big-picture strategy, highlighting how artists and institutions are working together to tell Pueblo’s story, attract visitors, and strengthen the community’s creative economy.

From what artists can expect in the year ahead to how local organizations are elevating art as a driver of tourism and identity, this episode offers insight, optimism and a call to stay engaged. It is a timely listen for anyone invested in Pueblo’s cultural future and the role art plays in shaping place, pride and possibility.

In this timely holiday episode of Bree on a Budget, Bree sits down with Luanne Maez of the United Way of Pueblo County and longtime Pueblo advocate Tom Carrigan for an honest, heartfelt conversation about navigating the festive season during economic uncertainty.

As holiday expectations collide with rising costs, shifting priorities, and real financial stress, this episode explores how individuals and families are finding balance, resilience, and support. Luanne brings deep insight from her work as Economic Mobility and Opportunity Manager at United Way, sharing how community resources, financial education, and compassion-driven systems can help people move forward, especially during emotionally and financially charged times of year. Tom adds a grounded, lived perspective shaped by his experience as a veteran, artist, and tireless supporter of Pueblo’s creative and civic life, reminding listeners that community connection matters just as much as financial planning.

The conversation is practical, reflective, and human. Listeners get to know Luanne beyond her professional role, learning about the experiences and values that shape her work and her belief that everything happens for a reason. Throughout the episode, Bree guides a thoughtful discussion centered on dignity, hope, and the importance of meeting people where they are.

This episode is a reminder that the holidays do not have to be perfect to be meaningful. With honesty and real talk about money, support systems, and community care, Bree on a Budget offers listeners reassurance, resources, and a sense that they are not alone as they navigate the season.