On this episode of the Best Life Podcast, Tony speaks with Altra Federal Credit Union’s Fraud Department Manager Crystal Clark to learn more about recognizing and avoiding potential scams and fraud trying to get at your accounts and your personal information. In their discussion, you’ll learn about the rise of imposter scams, what the FBI is calling “The Phantom Hacker Scam,” and the worst kind of stuffing you can experience and that’s credential stuffing.

Below are some helpful links to learn more and how to recognize and report scams and fraud:

Altra Secure ID, Report Fraud to the Federal Trade Commission, Internet Crime Complaint Center (ic3.gov)   

In this episode of the Best Life Podcast, we discuss the growing and ever-present payment option for products and that is Buy Now, Pay Later. To learn more about what consumers should know about buy now, pay later, or BNPL, Tony speaks with Michelle Reinen, Administrator for the Division of Trade and Consumer Protection, which is part of the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection, or known as DATCP. Michelle and Tony speak about what consumers should know about the advantages and disadvantages of BNPL as a payment option, and how the Division of Trade and Consumer Protection helps Wisconsin consumers and small businesses in the state.

More information and resources from the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection can be found at datcp.wi.gov. Those with consumer questions or complaints in Wisconsin can also call the state’s Consumer Protection Hotline at: 1-800-422-7128.

In this episode of the Best Life Podcast, Tony is joined by some of Altra’s friendly and knowledgeable Financial Coaches to learn more about what they do to improve members’ financial outlook and why they enjoy doing it. Lindale, TX office manager Nohemi Garza, Financial Services Representative Carol Finch, and Solution Specialist Team Lead Kirsten Wallace all take time to be on the podcast to educate about this great program.

To learn more about Altra’s Financial Coaches and to schedule an appointment, visit our website at altra.org or call 800-755-0055

On this episode of the Best Life Podcast, Tony is joined by Andrea Irvin and Amber Miller who are both Partner Experience Managers for GreenPath Financial Wellness. We discuss what student loan payments resuming means for borrowers, what options are available, like studentaid.gov and their Loan Simulator, and who to talk to if you’re struggling to make it all work.

So, if in your wildest dreams you’d like to tell student loans you’re never, ever getting back together and would rather have a blank space where your student loan balance is listed, this is the podcast for you.

More resources and education can be found at altra.org.

In this episode of the Best Life Podcast, Tony invites Jackie Urban, Credit Management Supervisor at Altra Federal Credit Union, to tackle the challenges posed by rising inflation and mounting credit card debt, with total US balances now surpassing $1 trillion. Jackie emphasizes the need to distinguish between needs and wants in a spending plan while promoting a thoughtful, frugal approach to spending. This episode also talks about recognizing the signs of financial strain, where to seek help, and highlighting the many resources at Altra, like our Financial Coaches in our offices and GreenPath Financial Wellness. This episode will guide listeners toward financial stability in these uncertain times.

Making the decision to purchase a vehicle can be a big decision, whether you’re buying new or used, it’s important to have all your information and research ready for your upcoming purchase. Since this is such a big topic, Tony speaks with Mark Rather, who is the Section Chief — Dealer & Agent Unit for the Wisconsin DOT - DMV - Bureau of Vehicle Services on this episode of the Best Life Podcast.

On this episode of the Best Life Podcast, we welcome back Altra’s VP of Deposit and Payment Strategies, Jennifer Cyert as she talks about the different ways Altra can help your savings grow. Whether you’re saving up for an emergency or a special purchase, saving your money can be just as fun as spending – the hardest part is getting started. We hope this gives you the jumpstart you need to kickoff your savings for the New Year!
Be sure to check out the video version of our podcast on our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCeMUMDwYc_P2cscX454L_dg

A new year will soon be upon us, and a great way to get ready for 2022 is to put together a spending plan that will take care of your needs, create money to save, pay down debts, and accomplish your financial goals. Altra’s Credit Management Supervisor, Jackie Urban, sits down with Tony discuss how to get started or reaccustomed with a spending plan. This episode has great, straight-forward advice to set yourself up for financial success in 2022.

On this episode of the Best Life Podcast, we discuss how to make your money grow through investing and achieve your future financial goals. Tony sits down with VP of Wealth Management Sue Breyer, CRPC, for Altra Financial Advisors, and Brent Wohlers, CRPC, who is also a Financial Advisor with Altra Financial Advisors. 
To learn more about Altra Financial Advisors and access educational webinars and resources, visit https://www.altra.org/invest-insure/altra-financial-advisors