Affinity Federal Credit Union presents the Wellbeing And Your Wallet podcast! In the thirty-first episode, expert hosts Shawn Lubitz and Grant Gallagher are joined by Oscar Cordoba, Financial Education & External Affairs Manager at Affinity. Grant, Shawn, and Oscar kick off the episode centered around financial literacy and wellbeing by discussing the importance of understanding credit. They break down the relationship between financial stress, mental health, and the role financial literacy plays in overall wellbeing. Some additional topics included:Tips for exploring free financial education resources and tools Incorporating financial literacy into daily activities and decision-makingHow to handle a financial crisis Following the main discussion, Grant pulled a submitted question from the member mailbag, and the team shared their responses: Two years ago, I purchased a car that I thought was within my budget. However, as time has passed, I've realized I bit off more than I can chew, and the monthly payments are starting to become unmanageable, and I still have a couple of years left on my loan. What options do I have to alleviate this situation without severely damaging my credit score or financial future?Finally, Grant concludes the discussion by highlighting Affinity’s tools and financial wellbeing resources, including blogs, educational events & webinars, credit counseling tools, and more.Just a reminder if you have a question or comment for a future Member Mailbag segment, please send it to @affinityfcu on Facebook or X/Twitter with #MemberMailbag.Rate, like, and subscribe for more from the Wellbeing and Your Wallet podcast. Visit www.affinityfcu.com for additional information about financial wellbeing and Affinity products.Thanks for listening and be well.

Affinity Federal Credit Union presents the Wellbeing And Your Wallet podcast! In the thirtieth episode, expert hosts Shawn Lubitz and Grant Gallagher take part in a “financial purge”. Grant and Shawn kick-off the episode by reviewing their spending habits from last year, and what they can improve on for this year. They also check in on their new year's resolutions, and how they are progressing toward their financial goals. Some additional topics included: Actionable steps to conduct your own “financial purge”Shifting everyday spending habits to help you save Following the main discussion, Grant pulled a submitted question from the member mailbag, and the team shared their responses: While going to Starbucks was my daily highlight, a financial review revealed its huge impact on my bank account. I  received a coffee machine for Christmas, and I am certain using it would benefit my finances. However, these daily visits are part of my routine and I look forward to them. Is it that damaging to continue? Would this choice significantly affect my overall financial well-being?Finally, Grant concludes the discussion by highlighting Affinity’s tools and financial wellbeing resources, including blogs, educational events & webinars, credit counseling tools, and more.Just a reminder if you have a question or comment for a future Member Mailbag segment, please send it to @affinityfcu on Facebook or X/Twitter with #MemberMailbag.Rate, like, and subscribe for more from the Wellbeing and Your Wallet podcast. Visit www.affinityfcu.com for additional information about financial wellbeing and Affinity products.Thanks for listening and be well.

Affinity Federal Credit Union presents the Wellbeing And Your Wallet podcast! In the twenty-ninth episode, expert hosts Shawn Lubitz and Grant Gallagher provide an overview of all of the various financial products and services consumers should consider. Grant and Shawn kick-off the episode by discussing what credit unions offer and why they are important. They break down the different financial products and services available to consumers including checking and savings accounts, investment services, loans, credit cards, CDs, and more. Some additional topics included: Credit union membership benefits Financial wellbeing and financial education tools Following the main discussion, Grant pulled a submitted question from the member mailbag, and the team shared their responses: For someone new to managing finances, I'm interested in exploring credit cards for everyday use. Could you recommend a credit card that has practical benefits for daily expenses, and what key features should I consider when making a choice?Finally, Grant concludes the discussion by highlighting Affinity’s Cash Back Debit card, a great checking account where you can earn 1% cashback on purchases for up to $1,000 a month to help you earn more toward your financial goals.Just a reminder if you have a question or comment for a future Member Mailbag segment, please send it to @affinityfcu on Facebook or X/Twitter with #MemberMailbag.Rate, like, and subscribe for more from the Wellbeing and Your Wallet podcast. Visit www.affinityfcu.com for additional information about financial wellbeing and Affinity products.Thanks for listening and be well.

Affinity Federal Credit Union presents the Wellbeing And Your Wallet podcast! In the twenty-eighth episode, expert hosts Shawn Lubitz and Grant Gallagher are joined by returning guest Heather Hurilla, Member Development Officer at Affinity.  In the second edition of splitting the check: how couples manage their financial wellbeing, the team begins their discussion on managing financial stress. They analyze couples with different characteristics, like spenders vs. savers, and share strategies budgeting with your partner. Some additional topics include:Strategies for affording childcare expensesThe importance of open communication between partners How couples can save for life's big purchases and creating dedicated saving “buckets” Following the main discussion, Grant pulled a submitted question from the member mailbag, and the team shared their responses: My partner and I are big savers. We currently rent and have big plans of purchasing our dream home. The issue we are running into is the timing just never seems right. Either the house isn’t the right fit, or the price is just way out of our budget. How can we manage this? We are starting to feel like there is no light at the end of the tunnel. To wrap up this week, Grant highlights the reopening of the Denville Branch location coming soon, and reminds listeners about Affinity’s SmartStart Savings account, which has a 4% APY on the first $10,000 savings. Just a reminder if you have a question or comment for a future Member Mailbag segment, please send it to @affinityfcu on Facebook or X/Twitter with #MemberMailbag.Rate, like, and subscribe for more from the Wellbeing and Your Wallet podcast. Visit www.affinityfcu.com for additional information about financial wellbeing and Affinity products.Thanks for listening and be well.

Affinity Federal Credit Union presents the Wellbeing And Your Wallet podcast! In the twenty-seventh episode, expert hosts Shawn Lubitz and Grant Gallagher are joined by Kim Cole, Community Engagement Manager at Navicore Solutions. Kim joins the podcast to discuss all things credit. Grant, Shawn, and Kim kick-off the discussion by breaking down what a credit score is and why it is so important in our financial lives. Additionally, they discuss what a good credit score is versus a bad credit score, and the difference between a credit score and credit history. Some additional topics included: How credit impacts mortgage rates and options for first-time homebuyers Common misconceptions about credit scores and credit reportsFollowing the main discussion, Grant pulled a submitted question from the member mailbag, and the team shared their responses: I am considering leaving my current job to go out on my own to start my own business. I’d likely need to secure a business loan to get things off the ground, but I am concerned that my personal credit score, which isn’t great, will impact my ability to secure a business loan. Does my personal credit have an impact on my ability to secure a business loan? What steps can I take to strengthen my credit profile before applying for the loan?Finally, Grant concludes the discussion by highlighting Affinity’s Credit Counseling Services through Navicore Solutions. Their certified counselors will gain a clear understanding of your personal situation to create a personalized plan of action to assist you. Just a reminder if you have a question or comment for a future Member Mailbag segment, please send it to @affinityfcu on Facebook or X/Twitter with #MemberMailbag.Rate, like, and subscribe for more from the Wellbeing and Your Wallet podcast. Visit www.affinityfcu.com for additional information about financial wellbeing and Affinity products.Thanks for listening and be well.

Affinity Federal Credit Union presents the Wellbeing And Your Wallet podcast! In the twenty-sixth episode, expert hosts Shawn Lubitz and Grant Gallagher are joined by Antinea Middleton, AVP of Retail Branch Operations at Affinity. Antinea joins the crew to discuss the importance of emergency savings and the concept of “Fed Up” money.Grant, Shawn, and Antinea kick-off the discussion by sharing tips for setting up automated transfers to your savings account each month. They also break down tips for automating your expenses, and actionable steps you can take to reach your emergency savings goals. Some additional topics included: Impulse holiday spending and how to get back on track in the new year Doing your homework and understanding ways you can saveFollowing the main discussion, Grant pulled a submitted question from the member mailbag, and the team shared their responses: As the holiday season comes to an end and we transition into the new year, I encountered a high-priced item while shopping. Although the initial excitement was undeniable, buyer's remorse kicked in, only to realize it was beyond the return policy. Now, I'm left wondering if this purchase will disrupt my finances in the coming year.Finally, Grant concludes the discussion by highlighting Affinity’s award-winning SmartStart Savings account! Whether you’re saving for a down payment, dream vacation, or rainy day, Affinity is here to help you earn more toward your financial goals with this high-yield account.Just a reminder if you have a question or comment for a future Member Mailbag segment, please send it to @affinityfcu on Facebook or X/Twitter with #MemberMailbag.Rate, like, and subscribe for more from the Wellbeing and Your Wallet podcast. Visit www.affinityfcu.com for additional information about financial wellbeing and Affinity products.Thanks for listening and be well.

Affinity Federal Credit Union presents the Wellbeing And Your Wallet podcast! In the twenty-fifth episode, expert hosts Shawn Lubitz and Grant Gallagher discuss financial goals and resolutions heading into the new year. Grant and Shawn kick-off the discussion by sharing tips for revamping your budget in 2024, and discuss taking the time to audit your expenses and subscriptions. Additionally, they analyze various budgeting strategies and the importance of an emergency fund. Some additional topics included: How to set children up for success financially Strategies for overcoming setbacks and staying resilient in pursuing financial goalsMethods for managing and paying off debtFollowing the main discussion, Grant pulled a submitted question from the member mailbag, and the team shared their responses: I've struggled with saving money, and it always seems like unexpected expenses derail my plans. How can I create a realistic savings goal for the new year that accounts for life's uncertainties and helps me stay on track?Finally, Grant concludes the discussion by highlighting Affinity’s financial wellbeing resources you can take advantage of for the year ahead. Check out Affinity’s credit counseling services, blog, and webinars to learn more!Just a reminder if you have a question or comment for a future Member Mailbag segment, please send it to @affinityfcu on Facebook or X/Twitter with #MemberMailbag.Rate, like, and subscribe for more from the Wellbeing and Your Wallet podcast. Visit www.affinityfcu.com for additional information about financial wellbeing and Affinity products.Thanks for listening and be well.

Affinity Federal Credit Union presents the Wellbeing And Your Wallet podcast! In the twenty-fourth episode, expert hosts Shawn Lubitz and Grant Gallagher discuss spending and budgeting during the holiday season.Grant and Shawn kick-off the discussion by sharing insights on effectively setting and sticking to your budget during the holiday season. They discuss tips for saving money on travel during the holidays, and how to manage food and entertainment costs at family gatherings. Some additional topics included: How consumers can be more informed shoppers Ways to protect yourself against financial scamsHow you can get back on track financially after the holiday seasonFollowing the main discussion, Grant pulled a submitted question from the member mailbag, and the team shared their responses: Every holiday season, I find myself getting stressed out, not just about money, but also about making sure everyone is happy, buying the right gifts, and meeting all the holiday expectations. It sometimes feels overwhelming and takes away from the joy of the season. How can I manage this financial and emotional stress better, and actually enjoy the holidays without feeling like I'm constantly on the edge?Finally, Grant concludes the discussion by highlighting Affinity’s Cash Back Debit card, a great checking account where you can earn 1% cashback on purchases for up to $1,000 a month to help you earn more toward your financial goals.Just a reminder if you have a question or comment for a future Member Mailbag segment, please send it to @affinityfcu on Facebook or X/Twitter with #MemberMailbag.Rate, like, and subscribe for more from the Wellbeing and Your Wallet podcast. Visit www.affinityfcu.com for additional information about financial wellbeing and Affinity products.Thanks for listening and be well.

Affinity Federal Credit Union presents the Wellbeing And Your Wallet podcast! In the twenty-third episode, expert hosts Shawn Lubitz and Grant Gallagher are joined by formally known Community Ambassador and now newly Member Development Officer Heather Murphy to discuss building community and Affinity’s recent Impact Day of service. Grant, Shawn and Heather kick-off the discussion by sharing their personal journeys with community service and recent experience volunteering during Impact Day where over 300 Affinity team members volunteered across multiple locations netting nearly 1,000 volunteer hours. Some additional topics included: Why giving back in-person mattersHow volunteering can improve your wellbeingHow to make community service a part of your life How you can give back using your skillsFollowing the main discussion, Grant pulled a submitted question from the member mailbag, and the team shared their responses: I have been a proud member of Affinity for several years now, and I’m inspired by the community involvement and volunteering initiatives that your organization is known for. I have always wanted to contribute, but I am not sure where to start. Are there specific volunteer opportunities, events, or programs that I can participate in?Finally, Grant concludes the discussion by highlighting Affinity’s award-winning SmartStart Savings account! Whether you’re saving an emergency fund, for a milestone purchase, or a dream vacation, Affinity is here to help you earn more toward your financial goals with this high-yield account.Just a reminder if you have a question or comment for a future Member Mailbag segment, please send it to @affinityfcu on Facebook or X/Twitter with #MemberMailbag.Rate, like, and subscribe for more from the Wellbeing and Your Wallet podcast. Visit www.affinityfcu.com for additional information about financial wellbeing and Affinity products.Thanks for listening and be well.

Affinity Federal Credit Union presents the Wellbeing And Your Wallet podcast! In this episode, expert hosts Grant Gallagher and Shawn Lubitz are joined by Jason Vitug, author and wellness entrepreneur focused on the intersection of money and happiness.The team kicks off the episode by discussing the basics of financial wellness, and the essential first steps or habits someone should embrace in their daily life. Additionally, the team shares insight on how our daily financial choices impact our overall sense of happiness and wellbeing. Some additional topics included: The idea of investing in experiences over material goodsTips for personal growth and overcoming limits, including prioritizing mental health and continuous learningFollowing the main discussion, Grant pulled a question from the member mailbag: After a recent health scare, I've been re-evaluating my life and realized I'm constantly consumed by money worries, even though I have a stable job and savings. This stress has taken a toll on my health and relationships. What steps can I take to break this cycle and find a healthier balance with my finances?Finally, Grant concludes the discussion by highlighting Affinity’s Member Appreciation Week! Visit us in our branches, where we will be hosting free wellness events to show our commitment to our members and their overall wellbeing November 6 - 11, 2023. Just a reminder if you have a question or comment for a future Member Mailbag segment, please send it to @affinityfcu on Facebook or X/Twitter with #MemberMailbag.Rate, like, and subscribe for more from the Wellbeing and Your Wallet podcast. Visit www.affinityfcu.com for additional information about financial wellbeing and Affinity products.Thanks for listening and be well.

Affinity Federal Credit Union presents the Wellbeing And Your Wallet podcast! In the twenty-first episode, expert hosts Shawn Lubitz and Grant Gallagher break down maintaining financial wellness during a career change.The hosts kick-off the discussion by sharing advice on building confidence and feeling secure during a job or a career change. They discuss the job application process, and emphasize the importance of having savings in place during a career transition. Additionally, the team discusses trying out different things to find what you're passionate about and enjoy, and understanding the  “why" before making a career change, as it's crucial for job satisfaction and avoiding the same problems in a new role.Some additional topics included: Exploring the financial fears and misconceptions that individuals often face when considering a career changeSteps to ensure their long-term financial health and wellbeing as they move into a new career pathFollowing the main discussion, Grant pulled a submitted question from the member mailbag, and the team shared their responses: I’m facing a significant career decision. After spending years in a traditional nine-to-five job, I want to follow my dream of becoming a content creator and social media influencer. I'm passionate and ready to dive in, but I’m also aware of the highly competitive nature of this industry, where income can be inconsistent, especially in the beginning. How can I prepare for this change in my career, knowing what challenges are ahead? Finally, Grant concludes the discussion by highlighting Affinity’s award-winning SmartStart Savings account! Whether you’re saving for a down payment, dream vacation, or rainy day, Affinity is here to help you earn more toward your financial goals with this high-yield account.Just a reminder if you have a question or comment for a future Member Mailbag segment, please send it to @affinityfcu on Facebook or X/Twitter with #MemberMailbag.Rate, like, and subscribe for more from the Wellbeing and Your Wallet podcast. Visit www.affinityfcu.com for additional information about financial wellbeing and Affinity products.Thanks for listening and be well.

Affinity Federal Credit Union presents the Wellbeing And Your Wallet podcast! In the twentieth episode, expert hosts Shawn Lubitz and Grant Gallagher discuss the concept of money buying happiness.The hosts kick-off the discussion emphasizing the importance of creating a financial plan to achieve your individual goals. They share advice for people striving to find a balance between pursuing financial success and happiness in their lives. Additionally, the team talks about balancing saving for the future with enjoying your money in the present, and how this affects your overall wellbeing. Some additional topics included: Maintaining financial wellbeing and happiness in the age of social mediaSetting realistic short-term and long-term financial goals to increase happiness Following the main discussion, Grant pulled a submitted question from the member mailbag, and the team shared their responses: As my income increases, there is a temptation to increase my spending. How can I avoid lifestyle inflation and prioritize saving and investing for long-term happiness?To wrap up this week, Grant highlights the Cash Back Debit card, a great checking account for students who can earn 1% cashback on purchases for up to $1,000 a month. Other perks include free member to member online banking transfers, which can help when parents send money to their child attending college. Affinity is there to help you earn more toward your financial goals.Just a reminder if you have a question or comment for a future Member Mailbag segment, please send it to @affinityfcu on Facebook or X/Twitter with #MemberMailbag.Rate, like, and subscribe for more from the Wellbeing and Your Wallet podcast. Visit www.affinityfcu.com for additional information about financial wellbeing and Affinity products.Thanks for listening and be well.

Affinity Federal Credit Union presents the Wellbeing And Your Wallet podcast! In the nineteenth episode, expert hosts Shawn Lubitz and Grant Gallagher are joined by middle school teacher and Grant’s wife, Katie Gallagher, to discuss budgeting and shopping for children as school is now back in session. The start of the discussion centers around managing your budget at the outset of the school year, while being mindful parents may need to purchase additional school and clothing items throughout the year. Shawn warned against over-purchasing items, such as clothes, at the beginning of the year as children often grow as the school year progresses. Katie advised not to be swayed by name brands of certain items, for instance store brand crayons work just as well as the name brand. She also suggested checking in with your child in the middle of the school year to see if they need more supplies, like notebooks or filler paper.Additionally, the hosts talked about all of the costs involved in extracurricular activities, sharing advice on making the purchase process less stressful and a little more affordable. Shawn and Grant discussed the benefit of taking your child on shopping trips to help them understand the costs involved and, as they get older, how the family budget may force the child to cut back a little on their ‘wants’, like getting a less expensive pair of shoes than they ultimately desired. Grant shared a tip for saving – check out deals around the end of the school year to plan for the year ahead and assess what can be reused, like your child’s pencil case and markers. Shawn and Katie also discussed how families who are able to make a few extra supply purchases can benefit families in need. Grant also brought up the purchase of big ticket items and advised students to utilize student discounts, if applicable.Some additional topics included: How Affinity can help you prepare ahead of time to budget for school and activity-related costsManaging stress related to financial concerns while being an educatorFinancial education programs for teachersCommon misconceptions parents have about educatorsFollowing the main discussion, Grant pulled a topic from the member mailbag, and the team answered: I have two kids who are 8 and 6 years old. I don’t have any money saved for their college education. I know how expensive college can be, and I don’t want them taking out massive loan amounts when the time comes. I don’t really have any room in my budget right now to put money away for their college, so I was curious what tips you guys had for saving for college when your budget doesn’t really allow for it? Listen to the episode to hear how the panel responded to the question!To wrap up this week, Grant highlights the Cash Back Debit card, a great checking account for students, who can earn 1% cashback on purchases for up to $1,000 a month. Other perks include free member to member online banking transfers, which can help when parents send money to their child attending college. Affinity is there to help you earn more toward your financial goals.Just a reminder if you have a question or comment for a future Member Mailbag segment, please send it to @affinityfcu on Facebook or X/Twitter with #MemberMailbag.Rate, like, and subscribe for more from the Wellbeing and Your Wallet podcast. Visit www.affinityfcu.com for additional information about financial wellbeing and Affinity products.Thanks for listening and be well.

Affinity Federal Credit Union presents the Wellbeing And Your Wallet podcast! In this episode, expert hosts Grant Gallagher and Shawn Lubitz are joined by Mara Hoogerhuis, an expert in learning, leadership and change at Gallup, and the group discusses the five pillars of wellbeing. The team kicks off the episode by defining wellbeing, and what it means for them. Then, Maura provides an overview of the five different pillars of wellbeing and how Gallup defines them. Additionally, the team shares insight on how the five pillars are connected, and how they affect an individual’s overall health and happiness. Some additional topics included: Determining what aspects of wellbeing you should prioritize Insights into trends in financial wellbeing and bankingAn overview of the economy and how it can impact your overall wellbeingFollowing the main discussion, Shawn pulled a question from the member mailbag: When I was in my 20’s, I made some bad financial decisions and ended up with a lot of credit card debt. Now that I am in my 30’s, my financial situation is better than it was, but I am still paying the price with my low credit score. Do you have any tips for raising or repairing your credit? I would like to buy a house within the next 2-3 years.Finally, Grant concludes the discussion by highlighting Affinity’s award-winning SmartStart Savings account! Whether you’re saving for a down payment, dream vacation, or rainy day, Affinity is here to help you earn more toward your financial goals with their high-yield SmartStart Savings account.Just a reminder if you have a question or comment for a future Member Mailbag segment, please send it to @affinityfcu on Facebook or Twitter with #MemberMailbag.Rate, like, and subscribe for more from the Wellbeing and Your Wallet podcast. Visit www.affinityfcu.com for additional information about financial wellbeing and Affinity products.Thanks for listening and be well.

Affinity Federal Credit Union presents the Wellbeing And Your Wallet podcast! In the seventeenth episode, expert hosts Shawn Lubitz and Grant Gallagher discuss how reliable Chat GPT can be with financial advice by asking the artificial intelligence tool financial questions and seeing how it responds. The start of the discussion centers around AI. Shawn and Grant talk about incorporating it into everyday life, mainly focusing on utilizing AI tools, like ChatGPT, and their roles at Affinity. Grant mentions using AI like “Google on steroids” to find detailed information, recommendations, and templates, especially for tech-related queries. Grant also highlights the benefits of AI-powered smart assistants for managing schedules, traffic updates, and stress reduction.Additionally, the team talks about incorporating AI into financial wellbeing. Grant and Shawn discuss how AI can offer advice and recommendations for improving one’s credit score. However, they stress the importance of getting individualized advice and recommendations from a professional, like a credit counselor. They say going that route is crucial due to the complexity of personal financial situations, which often require a personalized approach. Some additional topics included: Preparing to purchase a home Federal student loan payment resumption Following the main discussion, Grant pulled a discussion from the member mailbag, and the team answered the member-submitted question: I am in my early 60s, and I really would love to retire soon. I am worried I don’t have enough saved for the entirety of my retirement and obviously don’t want to run out of money. How can I really know if I am prepared financially to retire? Listen to the episode to hear how ChatGPT responded to the question!To wrap up this week, Shawn highlights the SmartStart Savings account, which can be a great savings vehicle whether you are saving for a down payment, a dream vacation, or a rainy day. The SmartStart savings account earns a 4% annual yield on the first $10,000 of savings. Affinity is there to help you earn more toward your financial goals.Just a reminder if you have a question or comment for a future Member Mailbag segment, please send it to @affinityfcu on Facebook or Twitter with #MemberMailbag.Rate, like, and subscribe for more from the Wellbeing and Your Wallet podcast. Visit www.affinityfcu.com for additional information about financial wellbeing and Affinity products.Thanks for listening and be well.

Affinity Federal Credit Union presents the Wellbeing And Your Wallet podcast! In this episode, expert hosts Grant Gallagher and Shawn Lubitz are joined by Affinity’s Assistant Vice President of Risk Operations, Bryan Watkinson! The team kicks off the episode centered around protecting yourself from financial scams. They begin the discussion about common financial fraud topics and concerns, including phishing, text messaging, identity, and job scams. Additionally, the team emphasizes the importance of safeguarding your information, and what you can do if you detect some type of fraud. Some additional topics included: The role of digital banking in financial fraudStrategies for maintaining privacy and security in online transactionsHow Affinity detects and mitigates fraud risksFollowing the main discussion, Grant pulled a question from the member mailbag: I am interested in finding another source of income. The idea of starting a side hustle sounds great, but I lack the motivation and have no idea where to get started. I follow some influencers on social media who make side hustles look so easy to start, but in my real life I find it to be challenging. Any ideas on how to get started? Finally, Grant concludes the discussion by highlighting Affinity’s free scam hub where consumers can learn the latest advice on protecting yourself against all of the latest scams out there. Just a reminder if you have a question or comment for a future Member Mailbag segment, please send it to @affinityfcu on Facebook or Twitter with #MemberMailbag.Rate, like, and subscribe for more from the Wellbeing and Your Wallet podcast. Visit www.affinityfcu.com for additional information about financial wellbeing and Affinity products.Thanks for listening and be well.

Affinity Federal Credit Union presents the Wellbeing And Your Wallet podcast! In this episode, financial wellbeing expert and host Grant Gallagher is joined by very special guest Madison Friedman, a Berkeley College undergrad.The beginning of their discussion is centered around money-saving tips for recent graduates. Madison shares insight into her spending habits from when she was a teenager in high school to now. Then, Grant and Madison both share how their savings habits have changed and the goals they are working towards. Following the initial discussion, Grant and Madison discuss and share strategies for recent graduates transitioning into college or their post-graduate careers.Additional topics include:The importance of pursuing scholarships and grants to help pay for school and what to consider when taking out student loans Financial tips for living on your own for the first timeThe importance of saving for long-term financial goals and building an emergency fundGrant and Madison also take a question from the member mailbag: I am on track to attend my dream university, but I’m worried about the total cost to attend. My financial aid doesn’t cover the full balance of tuition, and my parents aren’t in a place to help me cover the rest. Where can I turn to help pay for school? I am worried I won’t be able to pay off high-interest loans after college and it's causing a lot of stress. Finally, Grant concludes the discussion by highlighting Affinity’s award-winning SmartStart Savings account! Whether you’re saving for a down payment, dream vacation, or rainy day, Affinity is here to help you earn more toward your financial goals with their high-yield SmartStart Savings account.Just a reminder if you have a question or comment for a future Member Mailbag segment, please send it to @affinityfcu on Facebook or Twitter with #MemberMailbag.Rate, like, and subscribe for more from the Wellbeing and Your Wallet podcast. Visit www.affinityfcu.com for additional information about financial wellbeing and Affinity products.Thanks for listening and be well.

Affinity Federal Credit Union presents the Wellbeing And Your Wallet podcast! In this episode, financial wellbeing experts and hosts Grant Gallagher and Shawn Lubitz discuss Affinity’s 2023 Cost of a Day at the Jersey Shore & Spring Wellbeing and Your Wallet Index findings. The team dives into their discussion surrounding the 2023 Cost of a Day at the Jersey Shore findings and provides an overview of the price increases at the shore. Grant and Shawn share strategies for planning a family vacation and explore ways you can save money this summer.The discussion shifts to an overview of the 2023 Spring Wellbeing and Your Wallet Index findings, and the team analyzes the financial wellbeing sentiment of members in their communities. Additional topics include:Tips for combatting higher costs at the shore this summerAvailable resources to take advantage of if you are stressed about your finances The importance of budgeting and planning for the long termGrant and Shawn also take a question from the member mailbag: Every summer my significant other and I take a vacation with our kids. We just had another child earlier this year, which has really tightened our budget, and I don’t think we can afford to go on a trip this summer. Obviously, I don’t want to miss out on these memories with my family, but I also don’t want to stretch us too thin. Any tips on how to manage this?  Finally, the team concludes the discussion by highlighting Affinity’s award winning SmartStart Savings account! Whether you’re saving for a down payment, dream vacation, or rainy day, Affinity is here to help you earn more toward your financial goals with their high-yield SmartStart Savings account.Just a reminder if you have a question or comment for a future Member Mailbag segment, please send it to @affinityfcu on Facebook or Twitter with #MemberMailbag.Rate, like, and subscribe for more from the Wellbeing and Your Wallet podcast. Visit www.affinityfcu.com for additional information about financial wellbeing and Affinity products.Thanks for listening and be well.

Affinity Federal Credit Union presents the Wellbeing and Your Wallet podcast! In this episode, financial wellbeing experts and hosts Jacqui Kearns, Shawn Lubitz, and Grant Gallagher discuss budgeting for your annual family vacation.The team dives into vacation saving and budgeting strategies, including how to establish a realistic budget for annual vacation costs, planning a fun and rewarding vacation that meets your overall lifestyle needs and goals, and managing the stress associated with vacation planning. The team also discusses ways to save money in real-time during the trip - and why a “staycation” can be just as beneficial to your overall wellbeing.Additional topics include:Planning for unexpected or hidden expenses while on vacation Tips for managing your vacation budget in real-time while enjoying your tripCommon mistakes people make when budgeting for and on vacation The team also takes a question from the member mailbag: My significant other and I are traveling together for the first time and trying to figure out how to split costs. We both have reward credit cards, and both want the points. What is a fair way to split so that we both maximize the savings for the trip? Finally, the team concludes the discussion by highlighting the Cash Back Debit Card, which is free with all Affinity checking accounts. The Cash Back Debit card enhances the Affinity member experience and promotes overall financial wellbeing, earning up to $120 per year in cash back on everyday purchases with no fees, and the ability to get paid sooner via direct deposit. Just a reminder if you have a question or comment for a future Member Mailbag segment, please send it to @affinityfcu on Facebook or Twitter with #MemberMailbag.Rate, like, and subscribe for more from the Wellbeing and Your Wallet podcast. Visit www.affinityfcu.com for additional information about financial wellbeing and Affinity products.Thanks for listening and be well.

Affinity Federal Credit Union presents the Wellbeing and Your Wallet podcast! In this episode, financial wellbeing experts and hosts Jacqui Kearns, Shawn Lubitz, and Grant Gallagher, are joined by Pam Cohen, Senior VP People Culture & Administration to discuss the importance of providing meaningful mental health resources to employees. The team dives into the episode with an ice breaker question, we all know that it’s important to work out and take care of our physical bodies, but often time we tend to neglect our mental health. What are some things you do to put yourself and your mental health first? Pam and the team weigh in with some ways to put your mental health first.Additional topics include:Importance of self-careBudgeting and planning ahead, to rid that financial stressMeet with a financial counselor for helpThe team also takes a question from the member mailbag: Between the state of our economy, coming off the stress of the COVID-19 pandemic, and pressures in my own personal life, I feel my finances slowly slipping out of my control. What are some ways I can prioritize my mental health and best manage my financial stress as someone with a lower income?Finally, the team concludes the discussion by highlights Enrich, which is an online personal finance tool to help you learn about money management, personal credit, insurance, and retirement through online modules. As well as webinars, blogs featured on our website for resource to help you out.Just a reminder if you have a question or comment for a future Member Mailbag segment, please send it to @affinityfcu on Facebook or Twitter with #MemberMailbag.Rate, like, and subscribe for more from the Wellbeing and Your Wallet podcast. Visit www.affinityfcu.com for additional information about financial wellbeing and Affinity products.Thanks for listening and be well.