In this episode of Making It Count, Cristina and Addison are joined by expert guest Melissa Murphy Pavone to explore how to strike the right balance between saving and spending. From understanding the difference between impulsive and intentional purchases to learning mindful budgeting frameworks like the 50/30/20 rule, you’ll walk away with practical tips to help you enjoy your money—without losing sight of your long-term goals. Tune in to learn how to splurge smarter and save with purpose.

AFCU Blog Resource: https://resources.additionfi.com/how-addition-financial-can-support-your-debt-free-journey

Learn More about Melissa and the Mindful Financial Partners here: https://mindfulfinancialpartners.com/

Thinking about buying your first car, home, or making a major financial commitment? In this episode of Making It Count, Cristina and Addison sit down with Rori from Addition Financial to walk through everything you need to know before making that leap. From credit prep and budgeting tips to research strategies and long-term planning, this episode will help you feel more confident and financially ready to take on life’s biggest purchases.

AFCU Blog Resource: https://resources.additionfi.com/online-banking-features

Scams are getting smarter—and scarier. In this episode of Making It Count, Cristina and Addison team up with Cristin Blom from Addition Financial to explore the latest financial scams popping up in 2025, from AI-generated deepfakes to crypto cons and voice-cloning phone calls. Learn how to spot red flags, protect your personal information, and access trusted resources that can keep your finances secure in an increasingly digital world.

AFCU Blog Resource: https://resources.additionfi.com/debt-relief-scams

In this episode of Making It Count, Cristina and Addison chat with thrift-savvy influencer Alexis Stuart about how secondhand shopping can be a game-changer for your budget. From saving thousands each year to flipping items for extra income, you’ll learn how to thrift smarter—not harder. Whether you're a seasoned bargain hunter or new to the secondhand scene, this episode is packed with practical tips, digital tools, and money-saving insights to help you make every dollar count.

Addition Financial Resource: https://resources.additionfi.com/consumer-debt-impact

Find out more about Alexis at @alexisjaneestuart and lextakepix.com

In this episode of Making It Count, Cristina and Addison are joined by expert guest Chris Singel to explore how AI is transforming the way we manage our money. From smart budgeting tools to investment advice and fraud protection, we break down what AI can (and can’t) do for your financial future. Whether you’re curious about the benefits or cautious of the risks, this episode will help you navigate the rapidly evolving world of tech-powered personal finance.

AFCU Blog Resource: https://resources.additionfi.com/ai-for-personal-finance

Learn more about Chris here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RKXUeFRbbp8

https://deltadigitalagency.com/press/

In this episode of Making It Count, Cristina and Addison are joined by Randy from Seminole State to break down the financial must-knows for Gen Z. From navigating student loans to budgeting your first paycheck and getting started with investing, this episode is packed with practical tips to help young adults build a strong financial foundation. Plus, don’t miss our rapid-fire financial literacy quiz and a resource to help you keep learning!

AFCU Blog Resource: https://resources.additionfi.com/learning-about-money

Learn More about Seminole State: https://www.seminolestate.edu/

In this episode of Making It Count, Cristina and Addison kick off the Mindful Money series with a closer look at one of TikTok’s latest viral financial trends—the No-Spend Challenge. Whether you’re aiming to save more, reassess your spending habits, or just get your finances in check after the holiday season, this episode breaks it all down.

Joining us is Larry Sargent, Jr., who shares expert advice on how to successfully complete a No-Spend Challenge, avoid common pitfalls like “revenge spending,” and build better budgeting habits moving forward.

Our Best Money Advice & a Personal Finance Checklist

Use this free resource from Addition Financial to prep your budget and separate your essential and non-essential expenses: https://resources.additionfi.com/best-money-advice

Learn more about Larry Sargent Jr. on Instagram at @thewealthacademyfl

Welcome to Season 6 of Making It Count! We’re kicking things off with a deep dive into the world of online banking and digital financial tools. Cristina and Addison are back behind the mic to explore how digital banking is changing the way we manage money—from security features like card controls and biometric authentication to budgeting tools, savings automation, and business banking benefits.

Joining us for the season premiere is Camryn Sanchez from Addition Financial Credit Union, who shares expert insights into the features you should be using in your mobile or online banking app. Whether you're looking to simplify your money management, stay on top of financial goals, or run your business more efficiently, this episode will help you make the most of the tools already at your fingertips.

Links:

https://www.additionfi.com/about-us/digital-banking

According to USA Today, Pew Research Center found that around 22 million employed adults in the U.S. work from home all the time. Working remotely can offer more flexibility, but how does it impact your finances? On this episode, Cristina and Randy spoke with Lauren and Justin, who work remotely as Director of Strategy and Development Director at GreenHouse Agency.

Links:

- Addition Financial Resource Center: https://resources.additionfi.com/

- Learn more about Addition Financial: https://hubs.la/H0zbJ0W0

- Making It Count, Season 4, Episode 9: https://resources.additionfi.com/money-fun-going-abroad