BONUS Ep 08: Breaking Down the CFPB's New Advisory Opinion on Earned Wage Access

In this bonus episode of the Instant Payments Podcast, host Tal Clark, CEO of Instant Financial, and Heather Heebner, head of compliance at Instant Financial, discuss the CFPB advisory opinion released December 23, 2025. The conversation delves into the current regulatory environment of earned wage access (EWA) at both the federal and state levels, the history of advisory opinions from the CFPB, and the implications for employers and EWA providers. They also explore how this new ruling affects compliance, the differences between previous advisory opinions and the current one, and what it means for the overall industry. The episode provides valuable insights for employers considering offering EWA as a benefit to their employees.

00:00 Welcome to the Instant Payments Podcast

00:33 Introducing Heather Heebner and Today's Topic

01:02 Understanding Earned Wage Access (EWA)

03:18 The CFPB's Advisory Opinions on EWA

08:44 Implications for Employers and Providers

10:40 State-Level Legislation and Its Impact

13:56 Final Thoughts and Industry Outlook

16:49 Conclusion and Contact Information

CFPB Advisory Opinion: https://files.consumerfinance.gov/f/documents/cfpb_earned-wage-access-advisory-opinion_2025-12.pdf

Instant Financial: instant.co

Connect with Tal Clark: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tal-clark-a60776b/

Connect with Heather Heebner: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heather-heebner-8b59615/

Get in touch with Instant: marketing@instant.co

In this episode of the Instant Payments podcast, host Tal Clark, CEO of Instant Financial, continues the conversation with Britt Landrum, CEO of Landrum, Inc. They discuss the impact of AI on staffing, including Landrum's AI, 'Abby,' for recruiting. The conversation extends to the evaluation of tools like payroll cards and earned wage access for worker impact and business ROI. Britt touches on Landrum, Inc.'s industry reach, recent acquisitions, and new office openings. The discussion also delves into Britt's personal interests, including his journey in music and triathlons, and the integration of physical and mental health. Britt shares advice for HR and business leaders about being adaptable and flexible, emphasizing the importance of communication and creativity. The episode concludes with rapid-fire questions about Britt's recommendations and future expectations for AI and automation in HR.

00:00 Introduction and Welcome

00:26 Impact of AI on Staffing

01:56 Evaluating Payroll Solutions

03:27 Industries Served by Landrum

05:10 Expansion and Acquisitions

08:02 Musical Talents and Early Influences

14:09 Triathlon Journey and Fitness

20:10 Advice for HR and Business Leaders

23:07 Rapid Fire Questions and Conclusion

Instant Financial: instant.co

Landrum, Inc: https://landruminc.com/

Connect with Tal Clark: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tal-clark-a60776b/

Connect with Britt Landrum: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brittlandrum/

Pensacola Business Community: https://www.pensacolachamber.com/

Ep 07 Part 1: Navigating Growth in the Staffing and PEO Industry with the CEO of Landrum, Inc.

In this episode of the Instant Payments podcast, host Tal Clark, CEO of Instant Financial, interviews Britt Landrum, CEO of Landrum, Inc — two companies based in Pensacola, Fla. Britt shares insights on the history of his family staffing and PEO business, the technological advancements in staffing and HR, and the importance of earned wage access for hourly workers. They explore the impact of AI on employment, the adaptability required for future growth, and the significance of maintaining personal relationships and trust in business. Tune in to hear about Landrum's journey from a local staffing firm to a major player in the HR industry.

00:00 Introduction to the Instant Payments Podcast

00:35 Meet Britt Landrum: CEO of Landrum, Inc.

02:03 The History of Landrum, Inc.

07:25 Adapting and Thriving in the Staffing Industry

12:27 The Role of Technology in Modern HR

18:45 The Impact of AI on Employment

20:45 Conclusion and Future Discussions

Instant Financial: instant.co

Landrum, Inc: https://landruminc.com/

Connect with Tal Clark: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tal-clark-a60776b/

Connect with Britt Landrum: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brittlandrum/

Pensacola Business Community: https://www.pensacolachamber.com/

Ep 06 Part 2: Driving Labor Efficiency and Employee Development in the Restaurant Industry

In this episode of the Instant Payments Podcast, Tal Clark, CEO of Instant Financial, continues the conversation with Matt Umholtz, President of AllianceHCM, delving into the labor challenges faced by the restaurant industry. The discussion navigates the importance of an 'hourly first mindset,' career advancement opportunities, and the role of training in reducing turnover rates among young workers. They explore the benefits of earned wage access as an incentive for employees, dispelling misconceptions about it being akin to payday loans. The episode also highlights the significance of cutting-edge HR technologies and AI for improving operations and profitability. Lastly, tips for budding restaurant operators and the importance of leadership understanding their employees' experiences are shared, emphasizing the need for empathy and innovative solutions in the industry.

00:00 Introduction and Welcome

00:20 Labor Challenges in the Industry

00:47 Understanding the Hourly First Mindset

03:10 Earned Wage Access and Its Misconceptions

09:42 Technology and Innovation in the Restaurant Industry

13:34 AllianceHCM's Role and Innovations

19:10 Rapid Fire Questions and Insights

24:48 Conclusion and Farewell

Workforce Warriors Award: https://www.instant.co/workforce-warrior/

Instant Financial: instant.co

AllianceHCM: alliancehcm.com

Connect with Tal Clark: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tal-clark-a60776b/

Connect with Matt Umholtz: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattumholtz/

In this episode of the Instant Payments podcast, CEO Tal Clark interviews Matt Umholtz, President and CRO of AllianceHCM. They discuss Matt's journey from working in high-end kitchens to becoming a leader in payroll and HR technology. The conversation highlights key industry challenges such as labor and food costs, turnover rates, and the importance of specialization in multi-unit restaurant operations. Matt shares insights on how technology can improve operational efficiency and employee engagement. The episode also spotlights the Workforce Warriors Award, an initiative to recognize exceptional hourly workers.

00:00 Welcome to the Instant Payments Podcast

00:41 Introducing Workforce Warriors Awards

01:05 Meet Matt Umholtz: Payroll and HR Technology Expert

02:15 Matt's Journey: From Kitchens to Payroll

05:12 Merging Companies and Specializing in Payroll Solutions

08:27 Challenges and Opportunities in the Restaurant Industry

13:35 Labor and Food Costs: Managing Restaurant Operations

20:16 Success Stories: Building for Growth Without Losing Culture

21:44 Conclusion and What's Next

Workforce Warriors Award: https://www.instant.co/workforce-warrior/

Instant Financial: instant.co

AllianceHCM: alliancehcm.com

Connect with Tal Clark: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tal-clark-a60776b/

Connect with Matt Umholtz: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattumholtz/

In this episode of the Instant Payments Podcast, host Tal Clark, CEO of Instant Financial, continues the conversation with Kep Sweeney, CEO of PDQ Restaurants. They delve into the business environment of the quick-service restaurant (QSR) space, discussing the handling and implications of tips, employee compensation, the free market, and industry trends. Kep and Tal also explore the challenges distressed restaurant brands face, common pitfalls, and the evolving role of AI in enhancing operations and financial forecasting. The discussion wraps up with advice for emerging restaurant leaders on gaining diverse experiences and taking advantage of educational opportunities. To learn more, visit instant.co/podcast.

00:00 Introduction and Welcome

00:19 Discussing Employee Tips in QSR

07:22 Employee Well-being and Management

11:38 Challenges in Distressed Restaurant Brands

14:48 AI in the Restaurant Industry

20:07 Final Advice for Future Leaders

23:05 Conclusion and Farewell

To learn more about PDQ: eatpdq.com

Connect with Kep: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kep-sweeney-a19a3b5/

Connect with Tal: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tal-clark-a60776b/

Ep 05 Part 1 Restaurant Industry Insights with Kep Sweeney, CEO of PDQ and Former Wall Street Analyst

In this episode of the Instant Payments podcast, host Tal Clark, CEO of Instant Financial, interviews Kep Sweeney, the CEO of PDQ Restaurants. Kep shares his extensive background in the restaurant industry, from working in kitchens as an executive chef to transitioning to an analyst role on Wall Street and ultimately leading PDQ restaurants. The discussion covers PDQ's business model, its focus on quality, workforce management, and current challenges in the restaurant industry. Kep also provides insights into the quick-service restaurant (QSR) space and how businesses can navigate market pressures. Tune in for part two, where Tal and Kep will discuss tipping etiquette, restaurant trends, and AI applications in the industry. To learn more, visit instant.co/podcast.

00:00 Welcome to the Instant Payments Podcast

00:39 Introducing Today's Guest: Kep Sweeney

01:40 Kep Sweeney's Journey in the Restaurant Industry

04:00 Transition to Wall Street and Analytics

07:56 Joining PDQ Restaurants

10:15 PDQ's Business Model and Employee Focus

15:07 Current Challenges in the Restaurant Industry

20:51 Conclusion and What's Next

Learn more at www.instant.co/podcast.

Check out www.eatpdq.com.

In this episode of the Instant Payments podcast, host Tal Clark, CEO of Instant Financial, interviews Dr. Martin Armstrong, Vice President of Payroll Shared Services at a Fortune 100 telecommunications company. They discuss Martin's extensive career in payroll, his journey from the Navy to becoming a recognized leader in the industry, and the technological advancements that have transformed payroll practices. They also touch on the benefits of modern payroll solutions like earned wage access and robotic process automation. Martin shares his insights on the future of payroll and offers advice for payroll practitioners looking to advance their careers.

00:00 Welcome to the Instant Payments Podcast

00:43 Introducing Dr. Martin Armstrong

02:13 Martin's Journey into Payroll

03:29 Martin's Military and Business Career

10:15 The Evolution of Payroll

13:47 The Importance of Earned Wage Access

21:51 Future of Payroll Technology

25:49 Advice for Payroll Practitioners

27:41 Closing Remarks and Farewell