MakingCents with Navy Federal
Education Podcasts
Welcome to MakingCents, a podcast brought to you by Navy Federal Credit Union. Your hosts, Emily Bigham and Brandi Gomez, will be chatting with Navy Federal's experts on how to help you make sense of your money. As members of the military, veterans and their families, financial health can mean anything from transitioning to civilian life, re-thinking your budget during a time of economic uncertainty, discussing how to have “the money talk” with family, and so much more. Emily and Brandi are here to ask the right questions and make sure you’re getting the information you need to make the most of your money. Subscribe today and tune in each week. Tell us the financial questions you want answered, today. You can reach Emily, Brandi and the team at makingcents@navyfederal.org. From Emily, Brandi and the team, welcome to MakingCents—"Making Your Financial Health Our Mission."
Location:
United States
Description:
Welcome to MakingCents, a podcast brought to you by Navy Federal Credit Union. Your hosts, Emily Bigham and Brandi Gomez, will be chatting with Navy Federal's experts on how to help you make sense of your money. As members of the military, veterans and their families, financial health can mean anything from transitioning to civilian life, re-thinking your budget during a time of economic uncertainty, discussing how to have “the money talk” with family, and so much more. Emily and Brandi are here to ask the right questions and make sure you’re getting the information you need to make the most of your money. Subscribe today and tune in each week. Tell us the financial questions you want answered, today. You can reach Emily, Brandi and the team at makingcents@navyfederal.org. From Emily, Brandi and the team, welcome to MakingCents—"Making Your Financial Health Our Mission."
Language:
English
Website:
http://navyfederal.org/podcast
Episodes
Financial Planning Made Simple
9/17/2025
Financial planning doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. With the right guidance, it’s more manageable than you think. In this episode, we’re diving into the how and why of planning ahead can empower you to stay aligned with your financial goals. From smart investing to effective debt management, discover how our expert financial planners can help you stay focused, confident, and on track.
Explore how these Navy Federal Investment Services* can help you stay the course of your money goals.
Navy Federal Investment ServicesDigital Investor Find an Advisor NFIS Disclosures
*Investments are only sold through Navy Federal Investment Services. Investment products are not insured, not obligations of NFCU, and may lose value.
Duration:00:41:16
Beyond the Branch: Smarter Money Management in a Connected World
8/13/2025
Managing your finances today is easier, more intuitive, and more personalized than ever. In this episode, we explore how our digital services can help you stay on track with your financial goals. From intuitive mobile banking to advanced budgeting tools, discover how we’ve modernized the way you can manage your money.
Explore the new features in our all-in-one financial hub that can help our members budget, build their credit profiles (1*), and reach financial goals. (2*)
Digital Banking TutorialsChecking Account ResourcesHow to Enroll in Digital BankingDigital Security Tips1. Recurring Payment Reporting Tool Disclosure *
2. Message and data rates may apply. Visit navyfederal.org for more information.*
Duration:00:21:41
Shifting Gears: The Road to a New Car
7/14/2025
In this episode, we break down one of the most common financial decisions many families face—buying a car. Two experts in the consumer lending space at Navy Federal, Joe Pendergast and Kevin Wince, share their insights into the car buying process.
With modern tools and the right strategy to back you up, you can get behind the wheel of your own car without much trouble.
Leasing vs. Buying a Car – Pros and ConsCar Buying: How a Preapproval Can Put You in the Fast LaneThe Servicemember’s Guide to Car BuyingWhen Is the Best Time to Buy a Car?Test Drive Your Finance OptionsWhen you’re ready to apply for financing, Navy Federal Credit Union is here for you. Learn how to apply and search for cars domestically and internationally.
Disclosures:
Credit and collateral subject to approval.Active Duty and Retired Military Member discountSenior Enlisted Program discountCARFAX Vehicle History Reports™Guaranteed Asset Protection (GAP)
Duration:00:26:42
Travel Smarter and Stretch Your Vacation Dollars
6/12/2025
Emily Bigham sits down with guest Thomas Racca, Manager, Personal Finance Management, to share tips on how to budget for travel plans, earn extra money for your travel funds and stretch your vacation dollars further so you can plan an affordable trip without compromising the fun. Here’s what we’re covering this episode:
· Creating a Realistic Travel Budget (2:04)
· Automating Saving and Utilizing Credit Cards (8:11)
· Budget-Friendly Activities (14:53)
· Using AI as a Travel Agent (22:08)
If you're planning to travel, Navy Federal Credit Union shows you how to save for your trip and secure your finances while traveling.
· Top Travel Tips to Save You Money and Make Your Trip a Success
· Save to Make Your Dream Vacation a Reality
· A Beginner’s Guide to Using Credit Card Points for Travel
· Vacation Security Essentials
Navy Federal Credit Union® Credit Card Disclosures
Duration:00:27:32
Serving is a Family Affair
5/12/2025
In this episode, guest host and Retired Marine One Pilot, Clay Stackhouse takes a moment to honor those who serve in our military and the families who support them. Together with Chelsea Smith, Marketing Specialist and military spouse at Navy Federal, they share their personal stories and how we’re connected to those who serve.
Whether you’re deployed, relocating or transitioning to civilian life, you'll find support for military families at Navy Federal—it's what we do.
Active Duty & Military Families Resources and BenefitsMilitary Life – MakingCentsUSO Letter Writing Campaign
Duration:00:22:18
3 Ways to Polish Up Your Savings Plan & Get to Your Goals
3/10/2025
Spring is in the air, so it's the perfect time to refresh your financial goals and give your savings plan a thorough spring clean. CJ Pointkowski, assistant vice president of savings products operations, and Thomas Racca, manager of personal finance management, join the podcast to share 3 approaches members can use to get a head start on reaching their financial goals.
Navy Federal has the tools to help you stay on track. Whether it's setting up an automatic transfer to a savings account, reviewing your current savings plan or exploring a new savings product, you’ll find great resources to help you stay on top of your money.
MakingCentsMy MakingCentsFree Personalized Finance Counseling
*Investments are only sold through Navy Federal Investment Services. Investment products are not insured, not obligations of NFCU, and may lose value.
Duration:00:29:28
ROTC All-American Scholarship Program
1/24/2025
Navy Federal Credit Union’s ROTC All-American Scholarship Program honors the best and brightest ROTC seniors across the nation. Since 2018, the program has received nearly 1,300 ROTC student nominations and donated over $540,000 to ROTC cadets. Navy Federal chooses 15 finalists—five per branch of military service—to become ROTC All-American Scholarship recipients.
Brandi joins the 2024 ROTC All-American Scholarship Program ‘Students of the Year’, who were selected as the top Air Force, Army and Navy/Marine students. Tune in to learn more about these students who best embody the pillars of the program: Leadership, Military Excellence, Scholarship and Service.
Duration:00:19:28
Giving Back through Dollars for Doers
12/3/2024
Our team members at Navy Federal log serious volunteer hours. Listen in to find out how 2 volunteer leaders used our Navy Federal Serves programs, like Dollars for Doers, to give the people and places we live and serve the most support they could.
Duration:00:32:02
How to Use Your Credit Card During the Holiday Season
11/26/2024
Drew Tsitos, Navy Federal’s Manager of Credit Card Products, shares tips on how to make the best use of your credit card during the holiday season and how Navy Federal’s newest card may complement your lifestyle perfectly.
Duration:00:25:36
Benefits of Banking with a Credit Union
11/21/2024
Becoming a member of a financial institution, such as a credit union, lays the foundation of your relationship to money. From there, you can determine how your lifestyle can align with your financial priorities. Mehdi Dinia, Vice President of Membership, and Clay Stackhouse, Regional Outreach Manager, discuss the benefits of a credit union and how we put members' best interest first.
Duration:00:25:49
Financial and Economic Check-In
10/21/2024
Between rising interest rates and the fluctuating cost of living, many are wondering when we might start to see some relief—and it could be sooner rather than later. Host Emily Bigham sits down with Corporate Economist, Robert Frick, and Personal Finance Manager, Thomas Racca, to get a pulse on the economy and how members can feel in control of their finances.
Duration:00:27:03
Choosing the Best Credit Card
7/30/2024
There’s a wide range of credit cards out there. Our credit card expert, Rick Conyers, breaks down which Navy Federal card may be right for you. Tune in to hear advice, from finding the best card to improving your credit score.
Duration:00:19:15
Above and Beyond Service
4/26/2024
Brandi Gomez and Navy Federal’s Executive Vice President of Branch Operations—and former U.S. Navy Blue Angel—Keith Hoskins, take a closer look at the world-class service members find at their local branches, and the relationships they build as a result. Hear how passionate we are about going above and beyond to support our members.
Duration:00:22:28
New Generation of Savers
4/18/2024
Brandi Gomez and Navy Federal’s Assistant Vice President of Savings Products Operations, CJ Pointkowski, talk about raising the next generation of savers with powerful tips and tools for their youngest members. Tune in to hear how you can start bringing financial awareness to your children, instilling strong habits in them that they'll carry into adulthood.
Duration:00:24:16
The College Financing Journey
3/21/2024
Navy Federal’s Assistant Vice President of the Education Lending team, Caroline Currie, and Manager of Personal Finance Management, Thomas Racca, discuss the financial responsibility attached to higher education. They’ll explore various aspects of the college journey, including preparation, saving and post-graduation planning.
Duration:00:39:23
The Mission Continues: Service to Military Veterans
11/6/2023
In honor of Veterans and Military Families Month, Marine Corps Veteran and president of The Mission Continues, Mary Beth Bruggeman, joins the podcast with Brandi Gomez. They discuss Navy Federal's partnership with The Mission Continues, and how together they support Veterans by connecting them with leadership opportunities in their own communities.
Let a special Veteran in your life know what their service means to you at Navy Federal’s #GratitudeMission Challenge.
Duration:00:32:26
What You Should Know About Managing Your Credit Cards
6/30/2023
Explore how credit cards can be a powerful tool for you and your finances with this week's episode. Assistant Vice President Elly Szymanski shares tips and insights to help you better manage your credit cards and make the most of your money.
Duration:00:21:13
Commitment Connects us - Service Beyond Banking
4/26/2023
Host Brandi Gomez sits down with veteran, military spouse and Navy Federal’s VP of Winchester and Contact Center Operations, Dottie Day. Dottie dives in on how Navy Federals' service goes beyond banking. Listen to how our commitment to service connects us to the military, our members and the communities we serve in.
Duration:00:27:09
Making Home-Buying Easier
3/21/2023
In this episode, host Brandi Gomez welcomes Navy Federal’s AVP Field Mortgage, Christopher Davis. Tune in to gain some home-buying tips and hear about the different services Navy Federal offers to help ease the home-buying process.
Duration:00:21:18
Managing Your Budget During a Changing Economy
12/20/2022
In this episode, Navy Federal’s Assistant Vice President Corporate Economist, Robert Frick and Manager of Personal Finance Management, Thomas Racca join the podcast to share their thoughts on the current state of the economy and offer tangible tips to help you budget during rough economic conditions.
Duration:00:32:20