Wellbeing and Your Wallet

Affinity Federal Credit Union presents the Wellbeing and Your Wallet podcast! In this episode, hosts Grant Gallagher and Shawn Lubitz are joined by Bryan Watkinson, Vice President of Risk Operations at Affinity, to break down how cyber threats are becoming one of the biggest risks to your financial security.Key discussion topics include the rise of phishing scams and AI-generated fraud, where consumers are most vulnerable, what protections are available if you're impacted, and the everyday habits that can help you stay safe online.Following the main discussion, the team discusses a question from the member mailbag. Grant pulls the following submission: My elderly mom recently got a call claiming to be from a government agency, saying she owed money and needed to pay immediately. Thankfully, she checked with me first, but it really scared her. How can I help protect her from scams like this without making her feel like I'm taking over her finances?Finally, Grant concludes the discussion by highlighting Affinity’s award-winning SmartStart Savings account. Whether you’re building your emergency fund or saving for a down payment, Affinity is here to help you earn more toward your financial goals with this high-yield savings account.Just a reminder if you have a question or comment for a future Member Mailbag segment, please email them to us @membermailbag@affinityfcu.com.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, hosts Grant Gallagher and Shawn Lubitz are joined by Roger Tashjian, Affinity’s Board Chairman and Co-Founder of Bergen Realty Team, to talk about leadership, community, and what today’s homebuyers really need to know.Key discussion topics include Roger’s path from member to board chair, what’s happening in the local housing market, the real challenges buyers face, and what it takes to prepare for homeownership in a competitive and changing environment.Following the main discussion, the team discusses a question from the member mailbag. Grant pulls the following submission: My rent just went up by $300 a month, and it feels like my budget has been completely thrown off. I can cover it, but only if I cut back on saving. What’s the best way to adjust when housing costs suddenly take up a much bigger slice of your income?Finally, Grant concludes the discussion by highlighting Affinity’s mortgage offerings. Whether you're a first-time homebuyer or experienced homeowner, Affinity can support you every step of the way with competitive rates, fixed and adjustable-rate mortgage options, and expert guidance.Just a reminder if you have a question or comment for a future Member Mailbag segment, please email them to us @membermailbag@affinityfcu.com.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, hosts Grant Gallagher and Shawn Lubitz are joined by Katie Gallagher, a middle school teacher and Grant’s wife. As back to school season begins, they discuss how to budget for a successful year.Key discussion topics include pacing a budget throughout the year, targeting cheaper off-brand supplies, paying for extracurricular activities, navigating the financial aspects of the school year as an educator, and involving your kid in the shopping process for financial education.Following the main discussion, the team discusses a question from the member mailbag. Grant pulls the following submission: 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?Finally, Grant concludes by highlighting Affinity’s Cash Back Debit Card, which comes free with their checking account and allows users to earn up to 1% cash back on purchases.Just a reminder if you have a question or comment for a future Member Mailbag segment, please email them to us @membermailbag@affinityfcu.com.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, hosts Grant Gallagher and Shawn Lubitz are joined by Katie O'Shea from Navicore Solutions to reflect on the financial lessons they wish they learned sooner.Key discussion topics include common money mistakes in your 20s, building good habits early, understanding credit, managing peer pressure around spending, and setting both short- and long-term goals that grow with you.Following the main discussion, the team shares their response to a question from the member mailbag. Grant pulls the following submission: My partner and I both work freelance jobs with irregular income, and it feels impossible to budget when some months are great and others are tight. We’re tired of feeling like we’re always catching up or overspending when we have a good month. How can we build a budget or system that actually works with unpredictable paychecks?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 savings account.Just a reminder if you have a question or comment for a future Member Mailbag segment, please email them to us @membermailbag@affinityfcu.com.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, hosts Grant Gallagher and Shawn Lubitz welcome Ilona Limonta-Volkova, host of the “Money Memories” podcast, to discuss building healthier financial habits and a positive mindset around money.Key discussion topics include: why financial guilt sticks with us, how family and upbringing shape our money mindset, practical ways to move past shame, and tips for creating healthy financial habits with confidence and support.Following the main discussion, the team shares their response to a question from the member mailbag. Grant pulls the following submission: I’m preparing to relocate for a job opportunity in a new city, and while it’s exciting, I’m realizing how expensive moving actually is. Between deposits, furniture, and the cost of getting settled, it’s overwhelming. What should I prioritize financially during a big life transition like this?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 email them to us @membermailbag@affinityfcu.com.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.Take a listen to the Money Memories podcast here: https://www.npr.org/podcasts/947650726/money-memoriesThanks for listening and be well.

Affinity Federal Credit Union presents the Wellbeing and Your Wallet podcast! In this episode, expert hosts Shawn Lubitz and Grant Gallagher dive into the everyday financial choices that can quietly shape your financial wellbeing. From navigating car loans and resisting online impulse buys to managing subscriptions and social spending, they break down how small decisions can add up, and how to stay in control.Key discussion topics include: smarter ways to evaluate convenience spending, tips for comparing financing options, the hidden impact of Buy Now, Pay Later services, and practical strategies to avoid budget drains in daily life.Following the main discussion, the team shares their response to a question from the member mailbag. Grant pulls the following submission: My child is graduating high school soon and is headed off to college this fall. I'm excited but also feeling overwhelmed by all the financial decisions we need to make. Beyond tuition, what are some common money decisions parents overlook when preparing for a kid to leave the nest?Finally, Grant concludes the discussion by highlighting Affinity’s partnership with Greenlight, a debit card and app that teaches teens how to spend, save, and invest money wisely. Just a reminder if you have a question or comment for a future Member Mailbag segment, please email them to us @membermailbag@affinityfcu.com.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.