Curious about how refinancing could become your financial lifeline amid rising mortgage rates? Join us as we welcome Laura Hawthorne, Centric's Chief Consumer Lender, who brings over 25 years of expertise to unravel the complexities of mortgage rates and refinancing. Laura shares her invaluable insights into the current state of mortgage rates, discusses the resulting affordability concerns for potential homeowners. You'll learn about Centric's comprehensive support services, including financial counselors and a dedicated mortgage team ready to guide first-time homebuyers through the maze of borrowing, insurance, and property taxes.

Discover the pivotal role refinancing can play in enhancing cash flow and how it aligns with your personal financial goals. We emphasize the importance of understanding your current interest rate and clarify the motives behind refinancing, whether it's to secure a lower rate or to create more manageable monthly payments. This episode highlights the crucial benefit of consulting with financial counselors and explores debt consolidation as a means of simplifying payments. We also touch on the advantage of seeking pre-approval for new purchases and leveraging tools to find the best deals, even beyond your local area. Tune in for a wealth of expert advice that could transform your financial future.

Unlock the secrets to protecting your finances from fraud with expert insights from Zane Dubois, Centric's Cards Manager. With over ten years of experience in the banking world, Zane joins us on the Live Better podcast to discuss practical strategies for securing your debit and credit cards. From the advantages of mobile wallets to the critical role of EMV chip technology, we guarantee you'll walk away with actionable tips to navigate our increasingly digital financial landscape safely.

Tune in as we share a personal story about an unexpected Amazon alert that highlights the importance of vigilance and quick action when fraud strikes. Learn how to recognize early warning signs, such as small test charges by scammers, and discover why keeping your contact information updated is crucial. We also shed light on avoiding impersonation scams and securing mobile wallets, ensuring you are armed with the knowledge to protect your financial well-being. Don't forget to subscribe for more episodes packed with valuable advice and follow us on our social media channels for ongoing updates.

Ever wondered how a simple overdraft privilege can be a financial game-changer? Join me, Kelli Green, on the latest episode of the Live Better podcast by Centric, where I sit down with Whitley Johnson, Centric's seasoned Overdraft Coordinator, to uncover the secrets of managing financial crunches with ease. Whitley, who has been a cornerstone at Centric for nearly nine years, shares her expert insights on how the Overdraft Privilege Program can step in to cover unexpected expenses, from gas to daycare payments, without the long-term strings attached.

In this episode, we explore how Centric is innovating to make financial management more accessible, including their thoughtful approach to waiving fees for overdrafts under $5. Whether it's those sneaky Apple subscriptions or a quick snack from the vending machine, small transactions no longer need to be a burden. Learn how this program can serve as a lifeline during financially tight times, offering a practical alternative to the high costs and embarrassment often associated with payday lenders. Tune in for valuable tips and real-life stories that illustrate how overdraft privilege can be a smart tool for living better.

For more information related to our Overdraft Privilege Program you may learn more here. 

Can managing your finances during the back-to-school season save your sanity? Join us as we uncover valuable strategies with Lynette Kovack, Centric's Solutions Recovery Specialist, who reveals how skip-a-pay and loan deferrals can ease financial stress without harming your credit score. You'll gain insights into scrutinizing bank statements to cut unnecessary expenses and the power of a well-crafted budget that puts you in control. Lynette and I discuss the often overlooked costs of school supplies and extracurricular activities, offering practical advice to help you navigate this financially demanding time with confidence.

Experiencing a job loss or medical expenses? Discover the array of financial relief options Centric offers to support you through both short-term and long-term hardships. Learn the benefits of early communication with your credit union and explore refinancing options that come with a 90-day no-payment grace period. We also emphasize the unique advantages of being part of a credit union and Centric's unwavering commitment to its members, regardless of their financial situation. Stay connected with us by subscribing to the Live Better podcast and following Centric Federal Credit Union on social media for ongoing tips and updates.

Unlock the secrets to financial stability with our latest episode of the Live Better Podcast! Join Kelli Green, Centric's Senior Vice President of Marketing, and Linette Kovach, Solutions Recovery Consultant at Centric Federal Credit Union, as we navigate the complex world of debt relief. Learn how to effectively manage financial challenges, from contacting Centric's Solutions Department for interest reductions and payment adjustments to making informed decisions about significant purchases like vehicles. With the rising cost of living, maintaining flexibility and open communication with financial institutions is more crucial than ever. 

Discover the power of being proactive and open-minded. Linette shares invaluable insights into the tailored financial solutions offered by Centric, including debt consolidation loans and free credit counseling, available to both members and non-members. We emphasize the importance of setting up a budget, obtaining a credit report, and staying informed to enhance your financial health. Empower yourself with the knowledge to tackle debt head-on and achieve long-term financial stability. Tune in and take the first step towards a more secure financial future!

Ever wondered how to shield your wallet from the sting of inflation? Join us as we dive into an insightful conversation with Laura Hawthorne, Chief Consumer Lending Officer at Centric Federal Credit Union. Laura unpacks the complex dynamics of inflation, revealing the forces behind rising costs in groceries, housing, and the car industry. Understand the intricate balance of supply and demand, and discover how inflation is affecting loan and savings rates. Don't miss Laura’s expert advice on how to navigate these turbulent times with practical strategies, including Centric's car buying program designed to help you make smarter financial decisions.

Ready to make your money work harder for you? This episode is packed with actionable tips to help you maximize savings despite soaring prices. Learn the benefits of loan repricing and adjusting payment frequencies to lower your interest costs. Laura also emphasizes the critical distinction between needs and wants in your budget, and the role of financial counselors in streamlining your expenses. From investing in high-yield certificates to leveraging the security of NCUA insurance, we cover all bases. Plus, discover how building a robust credit score can pave the way for better borrowing terms in the future. Tune in and equip yourself with the tools to stay financially resilient!

Unlock the door to your future home with confidence as Ashley Owens, Centric FCU's VP of Mortgage, joins us to clarify the journey of home ownership and the art of securing an advantageous mortgage. If you've ever felt baffled by the fluctuating housing market or tangled in the web of credit scores and interest rates, this episode is your beacon through the fog. Ashley disentangles market trends and illuminates how a sterling credit score is more than just a number—it's your ticket to a rate that smiles back at your wallet. Our chat navigates through the often-overlooked debt-to-income ratio and arms you with strategies to anchor yourself in a rate that won't leave you adrift when financial tides shift.

Step through the threshold of your first home with ease, as we explore Centric's tailored program for first-time buyers that's changing the game—one without private mortgage insurance or the confines of zip codes. Ever pondered the secret passages an experienced real estate agent might reveal or how to prepare for the financial surprises that life likes to throw our way? We've got you covered, filling your toolbox with the essentials for not only acquiring the keys to your new abode but also crafting a budget to keep the hearth of your home life glowing. From pre-qualification to post-purchase peace of mind, this episode is your guide through the labyrinth of home-buying to ensure your journey ends with a welcome mat at a place you can truly call your own.

Unlock the secrets to planting the seeds of financial wisdom in our youth with Melanie Moffett, our whirlwind of a Marketing Coordinator who's making waves in the community. In celebration of Youth Month, we're putting the spotlight on the need for early financial education, and Melanie is here to share how she's engaging young minds on this vital topic. With the help of our lovable mascot Sprout, we're guiding kids to understand the value of a dollar and the significance of saving, starting with some enticing April promotions that make opening a KidSaver account or getting a student debit card more rewarding than ever.

Our conversation with Melanie isn't just about piggy banks and allowance—prepare to navigate the more sophisticated aspects of financial literacy for youngsters. We discuss the tangible impact of financial responsibility when unforeseen expenses like Chromebook repairs arise, offering practical tips for kids to manage and grow their savings. Meanwhile, for parents fretting about oversight, we illuminate how the convenience of ATMs and ITMs can provide easy access to funds while still allowing parental control. As Youth Month marches on, let's commit to empowering the next generation with a robust financial toolkit that will serve them for life.

Unlock the secrets to a smooth path toward owning your first home, with guidance from Ashley Owens, the powerhouse Vice President of Mortgage at Centric. In our heartfelt discussion, she brings a trove of experience—16 years, to be exact—to demystify the home buying process. Ashley showcases Centric's unique offerings, like 100% financing options sans PMI, and how they intertwine with local real estate expertise to keep your budget in check. Her personalized approach to financial guidance doesn't just end with getting you a set of keys; it’s about nurturing the confidence to make well-informed decisions every step of the way.

Prepare to have all your home buying myths busted and your queries quelled, as we zoom in on the essentials of financial literacy for first-time buyers. Think of this episode as your personal advisory session, where we'll walk you through credit checks, savings tips for sprucing up your new space, and the unexpected costs that can crop up. Ashley's comprehensive rundown on pre-qualification illuminates the path from browsing listings to becoming a bona fide homeowner, while emphasizing the joy and achievement that come with purchasing your very own piece of the American dream.