Dollars & Sense

Watch the full-length episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DollarsAndSense.Podcast

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

Most people think they’ll figure out investing later.

The problem is, later gets expensive.

In this episode, we sit down with Cameron Ridgeway from Petersen Hastings to break down the biggest financial mistake people make in their 20s and why waiting to start investing can cost you more than you realize.

We talk about why time is your biggest advantage, how compounding actually works in real life, and what happens when you delay even a few years. From Roth IRAs to 401k contributions and employer match, this episode simplifies what you should be doing right now to set yourself up for the future.

We also get into the psychology behind why people wait, how lifestyle choices impact long-term wealth, and how to build a simple plan that works for your real life.

If you’ve ever thought “I’ll start later,” this is the episode you need to hear.

Watch the full-length episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DollarsAndSense.Podcast

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

There’s a lot of advice online about how to “fix” your credit.
Quick wins. Loopholes. Disputes that magically erase everything. The reality is this isn’t how it works.

In this episode, we sit down with a credit dispute specialist who works directly with credit reports every day to break down what’s actually happening behind the scenes and clear up some of the biggest misconceptions people have about their credit.

We cover:

Why your credit score doesn’t update right away
What happens when you file a dispute
The truth about credit repair companies
Why paid-off accounts still show on your report
The difference between late fees and being reported late
What actually moves your credit score in the right direction

If you’ve ever been confused by your credit or felt like you’re doing everything right but not seeing results, this episode will give you the clarity you need. Because fixing your credit isn’t about hacks.
It’s about understanding how the system actually works.

Watch the full-length episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DollarsAndSense.Podcast

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

Tax season can feel confusing, stressful, and overwhelming—especially if you’re filing for the first time. But it doesn’t have to be.

In this episode of Dollars and Sense, we sit down with Ken from AARP Foundation Tax-Aide, a free tax preparation service that helps thousands of people file their taxes correctly every year.

We talk through some of the most common things people misunderstand about filing taxes, what documents you actually need before you sit down to file, and how free tax help programs work. Ken also shares insights from years of helping people through tax season—what trips people up, how to prepare ahead of time, and how to make the process smoother.

Whether you’re filing your taxes for the first time or just want to avoid common mistakes, this conversation will help you walk into tax season a little more prepared and a lot less stressed.

In this episode we discuss:
• Common misconceptions about filing taxes
• What documents you should gather before filing
• The difference between credits and deductions
• What first-time filers should know
• How free tax preparation services work
• Tips to make tax season easier

If you’ve ever felt unsure about taxes, this episode is for you.

Don’t forget to follow the show for more real stories and smart money talk.

Brenna's Socials: https://www.tiktok.com/@bren.nery?lang=en https://www.instagram.com/brenna.nery/?hl=en
Kekoa's IG: https://www.instagram.com/kekoa.nery/?hl=en

Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7dIYZRus5g9rjftdPkGVCL?si=41c4d1ded22442ad
Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/dollars-sense/id1788376326

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

Buying your first home is a milestone most people dream about, but very few understand the process behind it.

In this episode, Brenna and Kekoa share what it actually took to buy their first home at 19 and 20 years old. It wasn’t smooth. It wasn’t simple. And it definitely wasn’t guaranteed. They put in eight offers before one was accepted. Interest rates jumped from 3% to 5.5% while they were shopping.
Their projected payment increased by nearly $800 a month. At one point, they were ready to walk away.

We talk about:

What first-time buyers underestimate
How rate changes impact affordability
The reality of bidding wars
Why preparation matters more than timing
What lenders and realtors are really looking for
How to know if you’re actually ready to buy

Whether you’re 19, 29, or just starting to think about homeownership, this episode breaks down the real process from pre-approval to closing day and the mindset shift that makes it possible. If buying a home feels intimidating, you might be closer than you think.

Brenna and Kekoa are also hosting a First-Time Homebuyer Workshop where you can ask questions, learn the process, and build a plan. Keep an eye on social for details. 

If you’ve ever wondered what it really takes to get your first set of house keys this episode is for you.

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.