Perfect Cents Podcast

On this episode of the podcast, Alex Becerra & Hector Madueno talk about the Credit Union Difference and the various, unique ways SAFE Credit Union embodies the philosophy of “People Helping People.” Throughout the episode they discuss SAFE’s Financial Capability Month and Building CommYOUnity Month campaigns while spotlighting the work that is being done to advance financial education opportunities and community impact efforts for community members across the Sacramento region. Tune in and get the inspiration you need to create lasting positive impact in your community... because embracing the Credit Union philosophy of people helping people just makes Perfect Cents! To check out some of the resources highlighted in this episode visit the links below. CBS News / Good Day Sacramento | Rebuilding Together Sacramento (nonprofit) SAFE Credit Union - Refer Your Friend To access Financial Capability Month resources visit: https://www.safecu.org/community/financial-education#financial-guides To learn more about SAFE's Community Impact work visit: https://www.safecu.org/community/community-impact To register for an upcoming Financial Wellness webinar visit: https://www.safecu.org/community/events To read the latest edition of SAFE's Beyond Everyday Banking blog visit: https://blog.safecu.org/ To learn more about SAFE Credit Union products and services visit: https://www.safecu.org/ To contact the podcast team, email Podcast@safecu.org

On this episode of the podcast, Hector Madueno and Miriam Dougherty welcome Sallie Mae’s Director of Relationship Management, Jeff Lackey, to discuss the importance of the FAFSA for new college students. Together they provide helpful insights into the process of completing the FAFSA, various types of financial aid students may qualify for, and much more! Tune in and learn how to set your future college student up for success as they continue their journey of pursuing higher education... because understanding the different ways you can pay for a college education just makes Perfect Cents! To check out some of the resources highlighted in this episode visit the links below. Federal Student Aid - FAFSA Sallie Mae Sallie Mae - How America Pays for College California Student Aid Commission SAFE Credit Union - Student Loans SAFE Credit Union - Scholarships SAFE Credit Union - Refer Your Friend To contact the hosts, email us at Podcast@safecu.org To register for an upcoming Financial Wellness webinar visit: https://www.safecu.org/community/events To read the latest edition of SAFE's Beyond Everyday Banking blog visit: https://blog.safecu.org/ To learn more about SAFE Credit Union products and services visit: https://www.safecu.org/

On this episode of the podcast, Alex and Miriam welcome SAFE Credit Union’s Senior Insurance Specialist, Lisa Lomeli to discuss the importance of loan insurance and payment protection products. Together, they share valuable insights into various types of loan insurance including GAP (Guaranteed Asset Protection,) MBI (Mechanical Breakdown Insurance,) SAFE Payment Protection and more! They also share true stories that highlight the real-world benefits of protecting your loans, as well as, your credit standing and overall financial wellness. Tune in today and learn how to protect your loans, assets, and finances by utilizing loan insurance... because strategically using loan insurance products to ensure your financial wellness and give you extra peace of mind, just makes Perfect Cents! To check out some of the resources highlighted in this episode visit the links below. Insurance You May Not Know You Need | SAFE Credit Union Beyond Every Day Banking Blog SAFE Credit Union | Insurance and Protection Options SAFE Credit Union Insurance and Protection HOTLINE: (916) 971-8764 Investopedia | Is Loan Protection Insurance Right for You? SAFE Credit Union - Refer Your Friend To contact the hosts, email us at Podcast@safecu.org To register for an upcoming Financial Wellness webinar visit: https://www.safecu.org/community/events To read the latest edition of SAFE's Beyond Everyday Banking blog visit: https://blog.safecu.org/ To learn more about SAFE Credit Union products and services visit: https://www.safecu.org/

On this episode of the podcast, Savannah and Alex discuss 5 tips for improving your credit in 2024. Together they discuss the importance of narrowing down your specific credit goals, understanding your complete financial picture, digging deep into your annual credit report, and more! Tune in today and get the inspiration YOU need to finally achieve your good credit goals... because following these 5 tips to build healthy credit habits just makes Perfect Cents! To check out some of the resources highlighted in this episode visit the links below. The 5 Factors of Credit | SAFE Credit Union Beyond Everyday Banking Blog AnnualCreditReport.com CreditKarma Equifax Experian TransUnion Debt Snowball vs. Debt Avalanche SAFE Credit Union - Refer Your Friend To contact the hosts, email us at Podcast@safecu.org To register for an upcoming Financial Wellness webinar visit: https://www.safecu.org/community/events To read the latest edition of SAFE's Beyond Everyday Banking blog visit: https://blog.safecu.org/ To learn more about SAFE Credit Union products and services visit: https://www.safecu.org/

On this episode of the podcast, Alex, Brit, Savannah, and Miriam share last-minute holiday spending tips submitted by fellow SAFE Credit Union employees. During the discussion they mention creative strategies for reducing spending, responsibly utilizing credit cards, deciding between wants vs. needs, alternative gift giving ideas, and much more! They also share insightful data around common holiday shopping trends, increases in gift-giving costs, and consumer spending habits. Tune in and get the support you need to cross those last-minute gifts off your checklist... because enjoying the festivities of the holiday season without the stress of overspending just makes Perfect Cents! To check out some of the resources highlighted in this episode visit the links below. Bankrate.com | How to do Holiday Shopping on a Budget Bankrate.com | Americans to Slash Holiday Budgets due to Inflation Bankrate.com | After an Expensive 2023, 52% of Americans are Staying Home for the Holidays SAFE Credit Union - 12-Month Certificate Special SAFE Credit Union - Refer Your Friend To contact the hosts, email us at Podcast@safecu.org To register for an upcoming Financial Wellness webinar visit: https://www.safecu.org/community/events To read the latest edition of SAFE's Beyond Everyday Banking blog visit: https://blog.safecu.org/ To learn more about SAFE Credit Union products and services visit: https://www.safecu.org/

On this episode of the podcast, Alex and Savannah talk about increasingly popular specialty savings accounts - specifically, FSA (Flexible Spending Accounts) and HSA (Health Savings Accounts.) Together they discuss the benefits of taking advantage of specialty savings accounts, the importance of fully understanding your employer benefits, helpful tips for getting the most out of your benefits offerings, preparing for your next open enrollment period and much more! Tune in and discover new ways to help YOU stretch your dollar further, cover your most essential needs, and ensure your future self is set up for continued success!.. because maximizing your health benefits to enhance your financial wellness just makes Perfect Cents! To check out some of the resources highlighted in this episode visit the links below. FSA Store HSA Store National Institutes of Health | The Difference Between a Flexible Spending Account (FSA) and a Health Savings Account (HSA) Investopedia | Health Savings vs. Flexible Spending Account: What's the Difference HealthEquity | HSA vs FSA: Which Account is Right for Me? FSA Store | Does my FSA Have a Grace Period or Rollover? SAFE Credit Union - Refer Your Friend To contact the hosts, email us at Podcast@safecu.org To register for an upcoming Financial Wellness webinar visit: https://www.safecu.org/community/events To read the latest edition of SAFE's Beyond Everyday Banking blog visit: https://blog.safecu.org/ To learn more about SAFE Credit Union products and services visit: https://www.safecu.org/

On this episode of the podcast, Alex once again welcomes SAFE Credit Union's Certified Financial Educator, Miriam Dougherty, to discuss the strong connections between money and relationships. Together they provide insights on the importance of discussing money matters with your significant other, helpful tips for having financial conversations at ALL stages of a relationship, statistical data about the impact of financial stress on relationships, setting common goals, and more! Whether you are in a long-term relationship, newly married, or are navigating a new relationship, this episode offers valuable insights to help you and your partner have effective and productive conversations about money... because talking about finances to strengthen your relationship and achieve your mutual goals, just makes Perfect Cents! To check out some of the resources highlighted in this episode visit the links below. Fidelity - 2021 Couples & Money Study BBC - The 'Financial Infidelity' That Can Sink Couples The Knot - The Money-Related Questions to Ask When Dating Investopedia - Financial Infidelity: When Couples Lie to Each Other About Money Wealthspire - Domestic Partnership vs. Marriage: Financial Considerations SAFE Credit Union - Refer Your Friend To contact the hosts, email us at Podcast@safecu.org To register for an upcoming Financial Wellness webinar visit: https://www.safecu.org/community/events To read the latest edition of SAFE's Beyond Everyday Banking blog visit: https://blog.safecu.org/ To learn more about SAFE Credit Union products and services visit: https://www.safecu.org/

On this episode of the podcast, Alex and Brit are joined once again by SAFE Financial Educators Miriam Dougherty and Savannah Brown. Together the podcast team discusses recent updates on the status of the Biden Administration’s student loan forgiveness efforts, student loan repayments, and programs that may assist graduates with navigating the shift to upcoming Student Loan payments. They also highlight useful tips for shifting your budget to make room for continuing payments while encouraging you to seek out nonprofit community organizations, Alumni associations, and other resources to help with essential goods and services. Tune in today and get the inspiration you need to tackle your student loans because realizing that YOU can payoff your student debt... just makes Perfect Cents! To check out some of the resources highlighted in this episode visit the links below. Federal Student Aid (FSA) - Federal Student Loan Debt Relief Federal Student Aid (FSA) - Loan Simulator Her Money - Your Student Loan FAQ Answered, with Tara Siegel Bernard (Article) Her Money with Jean Chatzky - All Of Your Student Loans Questions Answered with Tara Siegel Bernard (Apple Podcasts) Her Money with Jean Chatzky - All Of Your Student Loans Questions Answered with Tara Siegel Bernard (Spotify) NPR - 12 Things Student Loan Borrowers Should Know About The Return To Repayment Forbes - 6 Student Loan Forgiveness And Repayment Updates As Interest Starts Accruing ShopSavvy Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services Placer Food Bank Elk Grove Food Bank Fair Oaks-Orangevale Food Bank Rancho Cordova Food Locker Yolo Food Bank Sacramento Public Library Placer County Library Yolo County Library Libby To contact the hosts, email us at Podcast@safecu.org To register for an upcoming Financial Wellness webinar visit: https://www.safecu.org/community/events To read the latest edition of SAFE's Beyond Everyday Banking blog visit: https://blog.safecu.org/ To learn more about SAFE Credit Union products and services visit: https://www.safecu.org/

September is Building CommYOUnity Month at SAFE Credit Union and the podcast team is celebrating with a nonprofit spotlight! On this episode of the Perfect Cents Podcast, Alex & Brit are joined by Amber Stott from Food Literacy Center, a Sacramento-based nonprofit. The mission of Food Literacy Center is to, "inspire kids to eat their vegetables" by teaching children in low-income elementary schools cooking, nutrition, gardening, and active play to improve our health, environment, and economy. Together, they discuss the amazing work that Food Literacy Center is doing in honor of Food Literacy Month, the positive impacts of enriching the lives of local youth and their families through healthy eating programs, and the uplifting power of community partnerships. There's simply no time like the present to get more involved in your community so tune in today to find out how you can support. Because eating your vegetables... just makes Perfect Cents! To check out some of the resources highlighted in this episode visit the links below. Food Literacy Center Food Literacy Month (September 1-30, 2023) Oak Park Farmer's Market Oak Park Farmers Market relaunches with $500,000 grant under new nonprofit (ABC10) To contact the hosts, email us at Podcast@safecu.org To register for an upcoming Financial Wellness webinar visit: https://www.safecu.org/community/events To read the latest edition of SAFE's Beyond Everyday Banking blog visit: https://blog.safecu.org/ To learn more about SAFE Credit Union products and services visit: https://www.safecu.org/

Attention! The interns have taken over! On this episode of the Perfect Cents Podcast, SAFE's 2023 High School Interns are in the hosting seat and turning the tables on the podcast team. Tune in as the students take turns interviewing Alex, Brit, and Savannah about SAFE's Community Impact projects, financial advice for high school Seniors, the keys to professional success, and so much more! It's a discussion that ranges from humorous and light-hearted to thoughtful and poignant - all the while showcasing an amazing group of students and their experience participating in SAFE Credit Union's 2023 Summer Internship program, because working together to uplift the future leaders of tomorrow... just makes Perfect Cents! To check out some of the resources highlighted in this episode visit the links below. Interns Paint Classrooms, Sort Donations for Single Mom Strong 2023 SAFE Credit Union Interns (Instagram) Cordova High School Business Technology Academy - SAFE Credit Union, an Official Partner SAFE Credit Union, Securing Our Community's Future Through Education (Comstock's Magazine) To contact the hosts, email us at Podcast@safecu.org To register for an upcoming Financial Wellness webinar visit: https://www.safecu.org/community/events To read the latest edition of SAFE's Beyond Everyday Banking blog visit: https://blog.safecu.org/ To learn more about SAFE Credit Union products and services visit: https://www.safecu.org/

On this episode of the Perfect Cents Podcast, Brit and Alex welcome two of SAFE's best and brightest Professional Experts (Dominic Davenport and Louis Mariner) to discuss the positive impact of having Money Conversations with Kids. Tune in as they share valuable insights and ideas to help YOU share the gift of financial wellness with the youngsters in your life. Together, they discuss some of the biggest challenges in helping kids create smart money habits, financial lessons they wished they had learned earlier in their lives, and strategies for piquing a kid's interest for responsible spending, saving, and managing money. Because preparing the children to achieve financial wellness tomorrow... just makes Perfect Cents! To check out some of the resources highlighted in this episode visit the links below. nelly and fitz (Instagram) Up | Carl & Ellie Fredericksen (YouTube) HISO SAC Il Pizzaiolo Taylor's (yelp) To contact the hosts, email us at Podcast@safecu.org To register for an upcoming Financial Wellness webinar visit: https://www.safecu.org/community/events To read the latest edition of SAFE's Beyond Everyday Banking blog visit: https://blog.safecu.org/ To learn more about SAFE Credit Union products and services visit: https://www.safecu.org/ To learn more about SAFE Financial Services (financial advisors, wealth management, and financial planning) visit: https://www.safecu.org/wealth-management

Season 5 has arrived! On this episode of the Perfect Cents Podcast, Alex, Brit, Miriam and Savannah share candid updates on their individual debt payoff challenges and discuss the changing life circumstances that have influenced their overall debt profiles. Then, the podcast team dives into a conversation about enjoying Summer on a budget. Listen as our hosts highlight tips, tricks, and thoughtful considerations to help YOU save money during these hot weather days. Tune in and get ready to spend the rest of the season staying cool without burning your money because... making a plan to save money during the Summer just makes Perfect Cents! To check out some of the resources highlighted in this episode visit the links below. Nerd Wallet - Pay Off Debt: Tools & Tips Principal - 3 Ways to Pay Off Your Debt SMUD - Energy Savings Tips AllTrails SAFE Credit Union, Beyond Everyday Banking Blog - The 5 Factors of Credit Perfect Cents Podcast - Invest in the Planet, Earth Day 2022 (featuring SMUD) To contact the hosts, email us at Podcast@safecu.org To register for an upcoming Financial Wellness webinar visit: https://www.safecu.org/community/events To learn more about SAFE Credit Union products and serv ices visit: https://www.safecu.org/

On the Season 4 finale of the Perfect Cents Podcast, Alex & Brit welcome Jazmine Chatman, Joseph Mayeux, and LaTroya Johnson from SAFE's Black@SAFE (B@S) Employee Resource Group to recognize the importance of Juneteenth, which became a federal holiday in 2021. Throughout the episode, they chat about the significance of Juneteenth, what the holiday means to them, how SAFE supports Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging initiatives within the organization, and so much more! Join us as we send off the fourth season of the podcast with a humbling conversation about what it means to create a stronger sense of community, connection, and understanding amongst all groups of people while honoring and celebrating Juneteenth as a monumental celebration of American freedom, marking the official end of African American slavery in 1865... because getting curious and learning more about Juneteenth, just makes Perfect Cents! To check out some of the resources highlighted in this episode visit the links below. Louisiana Heaven Restaurant Q1227 Restaurant Zach and Zoe Sweet Bee Farm Mary and Berries Beauty ROYAL Dancers To contact the hosts, email us at Podcast@safecu.org To register for an upcoming Financial Wellness webinar visit: https://www.safecu.org/community/events To learn more about SAFE Credit Union products and services visit: https://www.safecu.org/

May is Mental Health Awareness Month! Join Alex & Brit as they sit down with SAFE's Chief Human Resources Officer, Colleen Nerius to discuss the various connections between mental health and financial wellness. Throughout the discussion they uncover the impacts of financial stress on one's overall wellness, how that affects their productivity in the workplace, and different ways people can find support to help them through times of financial stress. They also share about the proactive ways SAFE supports its own employees through financial wellness resources and benefits, SAFE's wellness committee and its EAP (Employee Assistance Program.) Finally, Colleen shouts out a few of her favorite local restaurants and business in the Sacramento region. To check out some of the resources highlighted in this episode visit the links below. Purdue Today | Mental well-being inherently connected to financial wellness American Psychological Association | Speaking of Psychology: The stress of money, with Linda Gallo, PhD ForbesWomen | How Financial Stress Impacts Your Health Financial Health Network | Financial Health Pulse 2022 U.S. Trends Report Mas Taco (Sacramento) Mehfil Indian Restaurant (Roseville Ginger Elizabeth Chocolates (Sacramento) Insight Veterinary Wellness Center (El Dorado Hills) To contact the hosts, email us at Podcast@safecu.org To register for an upcoming Financial Wellness webinar visit: https://www.safecu.org/community/events To learn more about SAFE Credit Union products and services visit: https://www.safecu.org/

Big Day of Giving is here once again and the Perfect Cents Podcast team is celebrating by sharing the love with several amazing nonprofits serving our community. Join Alex & Brit as they spotlight ten nonprofits that SAFE will be supporting for Big Day of Giving 2023. Listen as our co-hosts are joined by guests from The Gathering Inn, Single Mom Strong, Shriners Children's of Northern California, PRIDE Industries, Health Education Council, Habitat for Humanity, and All About Hope who share inspiring stories of the work they are doing to support communities throughout the Greater Sacramento region. Additionally, Alex & Brit provide information about the other wonderful nonprofits that SAFE is supporting this year, RRUFF Healing Heroes, Sacramento Lavender Library, and Her Health First. It's a nonprofit celebration and we encourage you to pull out your wallet and give to one or more local nonprofits... because supporting charitable causes that are near and dear to your heart, just makes Perfect Cents! To check out some of the resources highlighted in this episode visit the links below. Big Day of Giving The Gathering Inn Single Mom Strong Shriners Children's Northern California PRIDE Industries | The Michael Ziegler PRIDE Industries Foundation PRIDE Industries | I AM ABLE Helpline / (844) 426-2253 Health Education Council Habitat for Humanity of Greater Sacramento All About Hope RRUFF Healing Heroes Sacramento Lavender Library Her Health First Beyond Everyday Banking Blog (SAFE) | Show Your Generosity For BDOG 2023! To contact the hosts, email us at Podcast@safecu.org To register for an upcoming Financial Wellness webinar visit: https://www.safecu.org/community/events To learn more about SAFE Credit Union products and services visit: https://www.safecu.org/

On this episode of the Perfect Cents Podcast Alex & Brit welcome the owners of Of Land & Sea Co. to discuss the various ways YOU can go green this Earth Day! During their conversation they chat about the benefits of shopping at a local refill store and the positive environmental impacts of choosing Earth-friendly swaps, while debunking some common misconceptions about the true cost of investing in sustainability. Tune in and join us for this special Earth Day celebration... because saving money while doing your part to save our planet just makes Perfect Cents! To check out some of the resources highlighted in this episode visit the links below. Of Land & Sea Co. Website (Sacramento) Of Land & Sea Co Instagram: @of_land_and_sea_co KC Kombucha (Sacramento) East Village Bookshop (Sacramento) To contact the hosts, email us at Podcast@safecu.org To register for an upcoming Financial Wellness webinar visit: https://www.safecu.org/community/events To learn more about SAFE Credit Union products and services visit: https://www.safecu.org/

On this episode of the Perfect Cents Podcast Alex & Brit welcome Sarah Soteroff from Too Good To Go to discuss the various ways YOU can go green by reducing food waste this Earth Day! During their conversation they chat about the positive impacts of eliminating unnecessary food waste and the innovative concept of the Too Good To Go app, while debunking some common misconceptions about the true cost of investing in sustainability. Tune in and join us for this special Earth Day celebration... because saving money while doing your part to save our planet just makes Perfect Cents! To check out some of the resources highlighted in this episode visit the links below. Too Good To Go Greenhouse Juice Co. (Toronto) Summerhill Market (Toronto) Eataly (Toronto) Ginger Elizabeth Chocolates (Sacramento) To contact the hosts, email us at Podcast@safecu.org To register for an upcoming Financial Wellness webinar visit: https://www.safecu.org/community/events To learn more about SAFE Credit Union products and services visit: https://www.safecu.org/

April is Financial Literacy Month and the Perfect Cents Podcast team is here to highlight all the exciting things SAFE Credit Union is doing to celebrate! Join Alex, Brit, Miriam and Savannah as they share progress updates on their individual debt payoff journies and discuss the many ways SAFE is increasing access to Financial Education for our entire community. Whether YOU are attending one of our newly updated webinars, reading our financial education blogs, or cheering on the official launch of SAFE's Budget Cents program for High School students in the Greater Sacramento region, there are so many ways to get involved... because sharing the gift of financial literacy just makes Perfect Cents! To check out some of the resources highlighted in this episode visit the links below. Investopedia | Financial Literacy: What It Is, and Why It Is So Important KCRA 3 | Bill would require California high school students to take personal finance class California Department of Education | State Funds for Financial Literacy and Funds to Train 1000 Teachers Beyond Everyday Banking Blog (SAFE) | Why We Celebrate Financial Literacy Month To contact the hosts, email us at Podcast@safecu.org To register for an upcoming Financial Wellness webinar visit: https://www.safecu.org/community/events To learn more about SAFE Credit Union products and services visit: https://www.safecu.org/

On this episode of the Perfect Cents Podcast, Alex & Brit sit down with Hannah Berkowitz from zogo, a fun and exciting mobile app that provides on-demand learning modules with a focus on financial education topics. Together they chat about SAFE's recent partnership with zogo, the benefits of having financial education at your fingertips, and how YOU can start earning pineapples today! Hannah also shows some love to her favorite local businesses in Austin, TX. Be sure to check out the app, use access code PODCAST, and take the next step towards improving your financial wellness today... because using zogo to learn and earn just makes Perfect Cents! To check out some of the resources highlighted in this episode visit the links below. zogo (Use access code: PODCAST) Terry Black's Barbecue Whisler's Latchkey To contact the hosts, email us at Podcast@safecu.org To register for an upcoming Financial Wellness webinar visit: https://www.safecu.org/community/events To learn more about SAFE Credit Union products and services visit: https://www.safecu.org/

On this episode of the Perfect Cents Podcast, co-hosts Alex & Brit sit down with SAFE Credit Union's first female CEO & President, Faye Nabhani in celebration of Women's History Month. Throughout the discussion they chat about Faye's lifelong credit union journey, the importance of building financial freedom and the lasting positive impacts of mentorship. Faye also shares her passion for supporting STEM Education programs and provides a few words of inspiration to empower fellow women in the workplace. To check out some of the resources highlighted in this episode visit the links below. Artfully Rooted Marketplace (Folsom) To contact the hosts, email us at Podcast@safecu.org To register for an upcoming Financial Wellness webinar visit: https://www.safecu.org/community/events To learn more about SAFE Credit Union products and services visit: https://www.safecu.org/