A credit score might seem like just a number, yet it can raise or lower the cost of everything from a car loan to your monthly insurance bill. Joining me is Valerie Lentz, Senior Vice President at Performance Pro Consulting and a self‑described credit nerd who has spent more than two decades teaching credit‑union teams how to read reports line by line and spot the stories hidden in the fine print. 

Valerie breaks down what those three digits really measure, why on‑time payments and low card balances carry the most weight, and how even a single late fee can be repaired with smart moves like share‑secured loans or starter cards. We also tackle the biggest misconceptions; income and a wallet full of new cards do not boost your score, and we share practical tips for building credit from scratch, checking all three bureaus before big purchases, and steering clear of soaring variable‑rate cards. 

If you have ever wondered how to crack the code on credit and keep more money in your pocket, this conversation will make the mystery feel a whole lot smaller.

Episode Highlights: 

[01:45] Valerie can read a credit report better than anybody I've ever seen.

[02:00] A credit score is a number ranging from 850 to 300. Credit scores predict the rate you will pay and can even determine if you get a job.

[03:03] Landlords use credit reports to qualify you to rent and to determine your security deposit. Auto insurance companies also pull a copy of your credit report to determine premiums.

[05:20] Misconceptions about credit scores include shopping for credit can actually hurt you. Stick with two to three new counts a year. Credit score is not based on your income. Being an authorized user can help you or hurt you depending on the credit of that account.

[07:40] Credit monitoring using services like Credit Karma.

[09:05] Building a good credit history from scratch.

[10:57] Start building credit before you need it.

[12:49] Recovering from credit mistakes like a missed payment. Strategies include to start making payments on time and continue making them on time. A secured loan with on time payments could also help.

[15:34] If you see something inaccurate you can go to the credit bureaus: TransUnion, Experian and Equifax and report it.

[17:55] Payment history and how you handle credit card limits affect your score. Keep it around 30% to maximize your credit.

[20:21] Keep in mind the type and amount of interest that you are paying on your credit cards.

[22:24] Make sure you read the disclaimers and disclosures on your card.

[23:03] We learn who has inspired Valerie the most when it comes to her use of credit.

Resources & Links: 

• Acclaim Federal Credit Union
• Performance Pros Consulting
• Valerie Lentz - Performance Pros Consulting
• Valerie Lentz - LinkedIn
• Credit Karma

Financial freedom isn’t just about building wealth; it can be a lifeline. In this episode, we’re diving into a crucial but often overlooked issue: financial abuse in domestic violence situations. Survivors face countless barriers when trying to break free, and economic control is one of the biggest reasons many feel trapped. But what if there were real financial solutions to help them regain independence?

Today, we’re joined by Shirley Senn and Jonathan “JT” Taylor, co-founders of FI SAFE, an initiative dedicated to helping survivors navigate financial abuse and rebuild their lives. With decades of experience in the credit union industry, Shirley and JT are on a mission to show how credit unions can be a powerful force for change, offering financial tools, support, and pathways to safety that traditional banking often overlooks.

We’ll explore the realities of financial abuse, the role financial institutions can play, and the concrete steps credit unions can take to support survivors. If you’ve ever wondered how financial empowerment can change lives, this is an episode you won’t want to miss. 

Episode Highlights: 

[01:18] FI SAFE is about financial safety for all. It focuses on the financial abuse aspects of domestic violence.

[02:29] We learn about how “JT” has a fire in his belly for taking on financial abuse. 

[04:20] Shirley's been in the credit union industry for 30 years. 

[05:23] Studies show that 94 to 99% of domestic abuse survivors have been exposed to economic and financial abuse.

[06:02] There was a need for products and services in credit unions to specifically help these women.

[07:33] Shirley's challenges for credit unions to partner and help with assisting these people.

[08:54] How financial abuse plays a role in domestic violence situations. Without access to finances it's almost impossible to break away from the situation,

[11:38] It's about empowering people with options to free their funds and heal their credit, so they can get back on their feet.

[13:02] FI SAFE is trying to put all of the pieces together to create a smooth path for survivors to break away.

[13:47] One out of three women have suffered sexual violence or domestic abuse. 75% have stayed with an abusive partner, because they had nowhere to go.

[18:16] Abuse cannot survive in the light.

[21:05] Purple Bridges is a charitable arm focused on the process of getting folks from the outside world over to a resource center and then to a credit union.

[25:32] Abusers are obsessed with having all of the control. They've stripped away the survivors' identity. Not having a credit score will affect the ability to get all the basic needs to survive.

[28:37] We need to think about the impediments we've put in place that are preventing these people from getting on their feet and pulling back a little.

[30:08] Compassionate banking opportunities include training employees to recognize someone who may be in an abusive situation and need a different approach.

[37:15] There has been a stigma on survivors. Instead of society trying to help, they put so much on the survivor. The credit union was formed to meet unmet needs in the community. Helping with financial abuses is one of those needs.

[39:04] JT and Shirley talk about ways to help.

[44:38] Establish a credit union that's trustworthy and train your employees.

[46:49] We need the brightest impact of people helping people now more than ever. 

Resources & Links: 

• Acclaim Federal Credit Union
• FI SAFE
• Jonathan Taylor - LinkedIn
• Shirley Senn - LinkedIn

Fraud isn’t new, but scammers are getting more creative every day. Protecting our money requires awareness, vigilance and strategy. In this episode, we’re diving into financial red flags, common scams and how to protect your cash.

I’m joined by Chelsea Treboniak, West Point graduate, U.S. Army veteran and financial fraud prevention leader. With her expertise in critical infrastructure protection and financial security Chelsea shares wisdom on traditional fraud schemes, modern cyber scams and the psychology behind financial crimes. From elder fraud and imposter scams to account takeovers, she helps us understand how to detect and prevent fraud before it’s too late.

Whether you manage your own finances or are looking out for loved ones, this conversation will give you actionable steps to stay one step ahead of the scammers. Tune in as we break it down, explore the warning signs and make financial literacy more accessible for everyone.

Episode Highlights: 

[00:45] We are going to talk about financial red flags and avoiding scams and protecting our money.

[01:07] We're joined by West Point graduate Chelsea Treboniak who's passionate about critical infrastructure protection.

[02:25] It's Chelsea's passion to give back.

[03:27] Fraud is nothing new. We're just comparing a more traditional fraud perspective with a more modern fraud perspective.

[04:42] Fraud actors have become more sophisticated with things like cyber fraud by layering things that worked in the past into a digital world.

[06:50] We talk about the need to protect people from the older generation who may be more trusting. 

[07:33] We talk about the importance of keeping our staff up to date on forms of elder abuse.

[08:25] Being proactive and recognizing fraud before it's too late. Ask yourself if this is too good to be true? 

[09:06] Your financial institution will not encourage you to take urgent action. Do something on the front end to protect yourself and your financial institution.

[10:10] Keep educating because repetition is crucial. Explain clues about unusual communications such as typos in email and links to click on. If asked for critical information, just hang up.

[12:12] We talk about strategies to better protect your identity. Slow down. Security goes down with convenience on the rise.

[13:55] Take a step back. Have a colleague check it.

[14:49] There's also a lot we can do as far as rules and tools. We can create necessary friction points. We can also deploy tools to reinforce these rules.

[15:53] Chelsea talks about tools used to monitor and keep accounts safe.

[18:44] As a credit union, you can also cater your awareness campaigns around the average age of your members.

[20:33] A unique scam story. Psychology is a significant part of lessons learned from the scam. 

[22:00] The psychology of the fraud triangle. 

[23:07] There's also a layer of embarrassment that sticks with people.

[24:11] Education is key with our credit union members.

[25:04] Chelsea shares who has made a meaningful impact in her life when it comes to financial literacy and our conversation today. 

Resources & Links: 

• Acclaim Federal Credit Union
• Chelsea Treboniak - Critical Ops
• Chelsea Treboniak - LinkedIn
• Chelsea Treboniak - CUNA

What does it take to spend over 40 years in the credit union movement and still get excited about making a difference? Today we find out with someone who has done just that—Denise Wymore, a true credit union lifer.

Denise started as a teller and has become one of the most vocal advocates for small credit unions and financial inclusion. As the Marketing Manager for Small Credit Union Initiatives at Zest AI and President of the De Novo CU Collective, Denise has spent her career advocating for the smaller institutions and making sure they survive in a changing financial world. With awards like being named a CU Times Woman to Watch and inducted into the HERstory Hall of Fame, Denise brings not only expertise but a passion for the credit union philosophy of “people helping people.”

We have a wonderful conversation about the importance of small credit unions in our communities and how technology and grassroots efforts can help preserve their value. We also covered setting and tracking financial goals, paying yourself first, short and long term savings and budgeting for emergencies, travel and homeownership.

Denise shared about the emotional side of money and spending. We talk about buy-now pay-later and too many subscriptions. Denise encourages young people to start saving early, especially through 401(k)s. She also talked about financial literacy education, practical money management tips and shared her personal journey in the credit union industry, how she saves and how her husband has influenced her financial decisions. You won’t want to miss this!

Episode Highlights:

[01:57] According to Denise, starting as a teller is her superpower. It was one of the most valuable experiences ever.

[03:39] Setting realistic financial goals for the new year. With technology, it's very easy to get a snapshot of our yearly spending. This creates an easy option to review our prior year.

[07:18] Denise shares strategies for staying motivated and tracking financial progress towards goals including paying yourself first in an account you don't easily see.

[13:38] Balancing long term and short term goals. Advice includes be aware of hidden spending like unused subscriptions.

[21:03] Mindset and financial roles and how to shift your thinking. Being aware of the emotion behind money, earning, and spending.

[31:48] We talk about buy now pay later options including studies that show it encourages overspending.

[33:54] Denise shares a rewarding financial goal she has achieved. We discuss retirement and how employer 401k matches are easy money. She is now putting in her max catch up amount.  

[36:39] Stop saying retirement to young people and phrase it as a super smart way to save money.

[38:28] If goals are met at Acclaim, they make a discretionary deposit in your 401k.

[39:47] How in a snap of a finger, you can go from the youngest person in the workforce to the oldest.

[41:47] We learn who has influenced Denise as far as financial and other goal setting.

[42:50] Denise talks about her husband's great financial habits and benefits of keeping your money separate.

[47:32] The objective of this podcast is if we can help change someone's life.

Resources & Links:

●    Acclaim Federal Credit Union

●    Denise Wymore

●    Denise Wymore - LinkedIn

●    Zest AI

●    Tattoos: The Ultimate Proof Of A Successful Brand

●    The 2020 Vision of Marketing: A Focus on Purpose

Welcome to the first episode of Make It Make Cents, a podcast powered by Acclaim Federal Credit Union that breaks down the sometimes complex world of financial literacy into practical, easy-to-understand ideas. I'm your host Christie Smith, and I'm delighted to have you join us for our inaugural episode. Whether you're just getting started or looking to improve your financial skills, we're here to help you connect to financial wellness one episode at a time.  

Today's episode features Scott Baxter, President and CEO of Kontoor Brands—the company behind iconic clothing brands like Wrangler and Lee. Kontoor has a long-standing connection with Acclaim Federal Credit Union, united by our shared goal of empowering communities through financial education. Together, we’ll explore why financial literacy matters, especially for young adults, and how mastering essential skills like budgeting, managing debt, and making smart investments can shape a brighter financial future. 

Scott shares personal insights from his experience, such as how he learned to manage debt and maintain discipline throughout difficult times like the 2008 crisis. We also talk about the relationship between financial well-being and mental health, the importance of delaying pleasure, and practical tips for making better financial decisions. This talk is jam-packed with wisdom and actionable advice.

Episode Highlights: 

[02:33] Acclaim and Kontoor Brands have a great history together. We are thrilled to dive into financial literacy. 

[03:08] Bad decisions can have a snowball effect. It's important to take some courses in financial literacy in college.

[04:03] It's crucial to build a budget and avoid or eliminate debt. Debt can be an albatross.

[05:08] When young people are financially literate, it gives them options.

[06:21] Finances can be one of the biggest stressors in life. This is why we focus on financial wellness.

[07:17] Scott shares the importance of using cash and not carrying debt. Paying off debt gives you options for everything you want to do in the future.

[08:50] Scott shares personal stories that affect how he handles finances today. Out of school, he hunkered down and paid off his debt. He also started learning everything he could about finances.

[09:45] The crash in 2007 and 2008 was very eye-opening.

[11:48] It's a good idea to keep some cash on hand and have available liquidity.

[12:27] Kontoor has been innovative with financial literacy. 

[13:12] Ways to increase financial knowledge include taking classes, talking with people, reading magazines, and watching shows about finances. Knowledge will help you understand how investments work. 

[15:00] Scott talks about the myth of being too far in debt. Buckle down, change the way you're doing things, and make better decisions. Write down your plan and your goal and follow it.

[16:02] Acclaim teaches financial literacy for different nonprofits and organizations. Write it down, track your expenses, and watch out for subscriptions.

[17:03] Scott's best mentor is his wife. 

Resources & Links: 

• Acclaim Federal Credit Union
• Kontoor Brands
• Scott Baxter - Kontoor Brands
• Scott Baxter - LinkedIn