Investing isn’t complicated.
But emotions make it feel that way.

Most people understand the basics—buy low, sell high, stay invested. Yet time and time again, investors make decisions that work against them. Not because they lack information, but because fear, panic, overconfidence, and the urge to “do something” take over when uncertainty shows up.

In this episode, financial advisors Tyler Pearson and Nick Haberling break down the psychology behind investing decisions and explain why emotional reactions often matter more than market conditions. We explore how action bias, media noise, and short-term thinking quietly erode long-term results—and why passive investing still requires discipline and intention.

This conversation isn’t about picking stocks or predicting the market. It’s about understanding how your emotions influence your decisions, especially during volatility, and why staying calm is often harder—and more valuable—than being right.

Because in the end, investing is simple.
But whether you succeed or struggle is determined by how well you manage your reactions when things don’t go as planned.

If you’ve ever felt tempted to react to headlines, adjust your strategy in the moment, or second-guess a long-term plan, this episode will help you approach investing with a clearer, steadier mindset.

Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DollarsAndSense.Podcast

Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hapoccu/ https://www.instagram.com/dollarsandsense.podcast/

This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

What happens when people at different life stages are given the same income and asked to build a budget?

In this episode of Dollars & Sense, we run The Budget Experiment — giving each guest the exact same income, expenses, and framework, then watching how their priorities, values, and life stage shape the outcome.

From young professionals to parents with kids, this conversation shows why budgeting isn’t about restriction — it’s about tradeoffs. You’ll hear what each person protected, what they struggled to cut, and why comparing budgets rarely tells the full story.

🎥 Watch the full episode on YouTube: @DollarsAndSense.Podcast
📲 Follow us on Instagram: @hapoccu | @dollarsandsense.podcast

Most financial advice sounds good… but doesn’t stick.

In this episode of Dollars & Sense, we break down five practical financial habits that actually matter in 2026 — not trendy hacks or unrealistic rules, but simple actions that help reduce stress, improve clarity, and build consistency over time.

We talk about:

• Why checking in on your money once a month matters more than perfection
• How automation can quietly do the heavy lifting for you
• The role interest and credit play in long-term financial health
• Why small habits are often more powerful than big financial goals

Whether you’re starting fresh in 2026 or just looking to feel more in control of your finances, these habits are designed to meet you where you’re at — and help you move forward with intention.

👉 You don’t need to do everything at once. Start with one habit, build momentum, and adjust as you go.

This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

🎥 Watch the full episode on YouTube: @DollarsAndSense.Podcast
📲 Follow us on Instagram: @hapoccu | @dollarsandsense.podcast

In this episode of Dollars and Sense, Scott Cowan interviews Chris Dlugozima, a financial counselor and podcast host for GreenPath Financial Wellness, discussing the complexities of debt accumulation, the psychological barriers to seeking help, and the importance of financial literacy. They explore common signs of financial distress, the impact of life events on debt, and share success stories from debt management programs. The conversation emphasizes the need for open discussions about money struggles and encourages listeners to seek help when needed.

Takeaways

Debt often accumulates over time rather than appearing suddenly.
Many people feel shame about their financial situations, which prevents them from seeking help.
Debt doesn't discriminate; it can affect anyone regardless of income level.
Signs of financial distress include unopened bills and reliance on minimum payments.
Using new credit to pay off old debt can lead to a worse financial situation.
Debt management programs can provide structure and support for those struggling with debt.
Unexpected life events, such as medical emergencies, can lead to significant debt.
It's common for people to delay seeking help until they reach a breaking point.
Talking about financial struggles can be cathartic and lead to solutions.
Community resources, like financial coaching, can provide valuable support.

GreenPath Financial Wellness Podcast: https://www.greenpath.com/podcasts/

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Financial Literacy and Guest Background
03:15 Understanding Debt Accumulation and Its Causes
05:20 Signs of Financial Distress and Debt Management
08:42 The Cycle of Minimum Payments and New Debt
10:33 Exploring Debt Management Programs
13:24 Unexpected Life Events Leading to Debt
16:03 Success Stories from Debt Management Programs
20:50 Realizations and Seeking Help for Financial Issues
24:28 The Psychological Barriers to Seeking Financial Help
26:42 Real Stories of Financial Struggles and Recovery
33:59 The Importance of Follow-Up and Community Support
36:17 Final Thoughts on Seeking Help and Financial Wellness

🎥 Watch the full episode on YouTube: @DollarsAndSense.Podcast
📲 Follow us on Instagram: @hapoccu | @dollarsandsense.podcast

What does it really take to build generational wealth that lasts?

In this episode of Dollars & Sense, we sit down with Tony and Brenna from Christiansen Inc., a three-generation family business that grew from a one-bedroom house and six employees into a billion-dollar company supporting more than 400 team members.

Their story is not about luck or shortcuts.
It is about courage, sacrifice, leadership, and the mindset required to build something that outlives you.

In this conversation you will learn:
 • True generational wealth is more than just money.
 • Tony’s parents took risks to build their future.
 • Struggle, not comfort, shapes responsible children.
 • Preparing the next generation without creating entitlement is important.
 • Family businesses need systems and structures to survive.
 • Brenna’s experience in the business changed her views on money.
 • Advice for building a legacy includes being mindful of creating entitlement.

Whether you come from money, grew up struggling, or are building something for your kids right now, this episode gives you a playbook for thinking long term, grounding your values, and creating impact that spans generations.

If you are interested in leadership, family business, legacy building, or financial freedom, this is a conversation you will not want to miss.

🎥 Watch the full episode on YouTube: @DollarsAndSense.Podcast
📲 Follow us on Instagram: @hapoccu | @dollarsandsense.podcast

Healthcare is one of the biggest expenses in the average American household — yet almost no one knows how to use their insurance to get the best care and the best price.

This conversation with Clayton from Alliant exposes the hidden habits and costly assumptions that cause millions of people to overspend on their health each year.

We unpack the psychology of “reactive healthcare,” how to enter the system at the right place (ER vs. urgent care vs. telehealth), why understanding your deductible changes everything, the truth about HSAs and FSAs, and why the explanation of benefits might be your most underrated financial tool.

If you’ve ever felt confused, frustrated, or blindsided by a medical bill, this episode will help you understand the game — and finally use it to your advantage.

🎥 Watch the full episode on YouTube: @DollarsAndSense.Podcast
📲 Follow us on Instagram: @hapoccu | @dollarsandsense.podcast

This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

When technology sounds human, it’s hard to know what’s real.

In this episode of Dollars and Sense, we sit down with Eli and Sarah, a couple who lived through one of the most shocking examples of AI-powered fraud we’ve ever heard. A single phone call that sounded exactly like Eli’s mother sent their entire family into panic. What unfolded over the next two hours felt like a movie, but it was all real.

This story exposes the emotional side of AI scams, the fear, confusion, and heartbreak that logic can’t overcome, and what we can all learn from it.

🎥 Watch the full episode on YouTube: @DollarsAndSense.Podcast
📲 Follow us on Instagram: @hapoccu | @dollarsandsense.podcast

Hackers don’t just steal — they operate like businesses.
In this episode, we sat down with Jeremy Karmy, founder of DevFusion, a managed IT and cybersecurity company that protects organizations across 13 states — from small businesses to major enterprises. With years of experience helping clients recover from real ransomware attacks, Jeremy has seen firsthand how today’s cybercriminals think, plan, and profit.

He reveals the shocking truth about how modern hackers operate — the money, the psychology, and the dark economy built around digital extortion. From fake CEO emails and AI-generated scams to ransomware negotiations that feel more like customer service calls, this conversation exposes just how organized cybercrime has become.

Whether you’re a business owner, a tech professional, or someone who just wants to stay safe online, this episode will change the way you think about cybersecurity.

🎥 Watch the full episode on YouTube: @DollarsAndSense.Podcast
📲 Follow us on Instagram: @hapoccu | @dollarsandsense.podcast

🎮 Think gaming is just fun and games? Think again.

In this episode of Dollars and Sense, we explore how the gaming industry became a $250 billion machine by mastering one thing: human behavior. From paying to skip ads, to spending real money on digital outfits, to buying power and progression — games have perfected how to turn your attention, emotion, and identity into revenue.

Whether you're a gamer, a parent, or just curious about how the economy of entertainment works today, this episode unpacks the psychology behind why we spend and how the business of gaming got so good at asking us to.

🧠 Topics we cover:

• How gaming outgrew Hollywood and music
• The rise of “pay to play” and microtransactions
• Why cosmetics and skins are so profitable
• The behavioral economics behind modern game design

🎧 Tune in and see how a controller became one of the most powerful tools in business.

🎥 Watch the full episode on YouTube: @DollarsAndSense.Podcast
📲 Follow us on Instagram: @hapoccu | @dollarsandsense.podcast

In this episode of Dollars and Sense, we’re joined by Max Lucas, a loan officer at HAPO, and Connor MacDougall, a local real estate agent, to talk about how homeownership reshapes your relationship with money.

It’s not just about mortgages and maintenance — it’s about the mindset shift that happens when you go from renting to owning. From unexpected costs to long-term planning, this is a real-world look at the growth that comes with buying a home.

In this episode:
• How homeownership builds discipline
• What surprises new buyers the most
• Why it’s more than just a mortgage payment
• Lessons from two real estate pros who see it every day

🎥 Watch the full episode on YouTube: @DollarsAndSense.Podcast
📲 Follow us on Instagram: @hapoccu | @dollarsandsense.podcast