MakingCents with Navy Federal

Think you can spot a scam? Think again. In this episode of MakingCents, host Thomas Racca is joined by Chip Kohlweiler, Navy Federal's SVP of Fraud and Global Security and a Navy Federal employee who shares his first-hand experience with a convincing jury duty scam. Together, they explore how authority impersonation scams, phone scams and Bitcoin ATM scams use fear and urgency to manipulate victims. Plus, get practical steps you can take to protect yourself and your money.

Chapters

• A Real-Life Authority Impersonation Scam (3:20)
• Why These Scams Are So Effective (11:59)
• Red Flags and Fraud Prevention Tips (25:08)
• What to Do If You're Targeted (33:45)

Resources

• Protect Yourself From Fraud and Scams: Learn how to recognize common scams and keep your accounts secure.
• Contact Navy Federal: If you think you may have been targeted by a scam or notice suspicious activity on your account, contact Navy Federal immediately.

Having a clear plan on how to pay for college can help simplify this milestone moment in your or your child’s life. Whether you're applying for financial aid, comparing student loan options, opening a 529 plan or using military education benefits, it helps to study your resources before tuition is due.

In our latest episode of MakingCents, host Emily Bigham sits down with Caroline Owens, AVP of Education Lending, and Thomas Racca, Manager of Personal Finance Management, to chat through how to pay for college with less stress. Join our experts as they cover Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) deadlines, 529 plans, federal and private student loans, GI Bill benefits, the Yellow Ribbon Program and repayment strategies after graduation.

Tune in, and you’ll learn more about:

• Exploring Federal and Private Loan Options (10:29) 
• How GI Bill Benefits and the Yellow Ribbon Program Can Help Eligible Students Cover College Costs (12:43)
• Long-Term Financial Planning (22:02) 

Plan your path with these helpful Navy Federal resources:

• Financing Options for College
• Saving for College: 529 Plans & ESAs
• Undergraduate Student Loans: Review funding options and use the GI Bill Calculator to estimate college costs and benefits.
• Graduate Student Loans: Explore graduate school financing options and use the GI Bill Calculator to help plan for education expenses.

Disclosures: 

Yellow Ribbon Program: The Yellow Ribbon Program is tied to participating schools that help cover tuition and fees not paid by the Post-9/11 GI Bill, with the Department of Veterans Affairs matching the school's contribution.

529 Disclosure: Before opening or contributing to a 529 plan, review the plan's official disclosure documents and consider investment objectives, risks, charges, and expenses, along with any tax or financial implications. Benefits may vary by state.

When nature strikes, your finances can take a serious hit, too. In this episode of MakingCents, host Thomas Racca sits down with Luz Cordero, AVP of Branch Operations for San Diego and Hawaii, to share simple and practical tips on how to storm-proof your money before, during and after the unexpected happens. 

In this episode, you'll learn how to:

• Start small and build an emergency savings fund (3:15)
• Organize key documents and digital access before disaster strikes (6:58)
• Spot and avoid the scams that often follow a disaster (10:55)

As Thomas says, "Dig the well before you're thirsty." Tune in and start protecting what matters most today. 🎧

Check out more of these helpful Navy Federal resources:

• Be Prepared and Protect Your Finances in a Disaster 
• Name Your Accounts in Digital Banking –  Create custom account names like "Emergency Fund" or "Rainy Day Savings" to help organize your finances and track your preparedness goals.
• Emergency Fund Calculator
• Emergency Savings Hub 
• 24/7 Member Support: 1-888-842-NFCU (6328) 

Starting out on your own can feel exciting and a little overwhelming, especially when it comes to money. In this episode of MakingCents, host Thomas Racca Jr. sits down with Navy Federal intern Ashley Colatarci to talk about building simple money habits that actually work for young adults.

Ashley shares what it’s really like managing money for the first time, from budgeting and subscriptions to social media pressure and unexpected expenses. Together, they break down how small, consistent actions (like checking your account, setting alerts, or saving just a few dollars a week) can make a big difference over time.

• Why Financial Confidence Matters (2:00)
• Social Media & Money: Perception vs. Reality (8:13)
• Managing Money Stress as a Young Adult (10:05)
• Building Money Habits That Stick (26:28)

Whether you’re heading to college, starting your first job, or just trying to build better habits, this episode will help you feel more confident with your money—one small step at a time.

• Track Your Spending: Monthly Spending Calculator
• Get a Full View of Your Money, including our Subscription Manager: Money Management Tool 
• Set Up Account Alerts & Notifications: Manage Notifications 

Message and data rates may apply. Visit navyfederal.org for more information.

Account balancing isn’t about perfection — it’s about clarity. In this episode of MakingCents, guest host Thomas Racca sits down with Sun Bayless, SVP of Membership and Deposit Products, to talk through smart, realistic ways you can manage money across your checking, savings and other accounts. Skip the stress and balance your accounts with confidence!

• Building a Savings Buffer (8:15)
• Best Practices for Saving (11:08)
• Balancing Short-term and Long-term Goals (15:18)

Whether you’re juggling multiple accounts, building your savings, or just want more peace of mind, below are resources that can help you feel more in control.

• My MakingCents - Track spending, create a budget, monitor credit and view all accounts and investments (even those at other banks)—for free
• Saving Resources – Helpful tips to make your savings experience easier 

Message and data rates may apply. Visit navyfederal.org for more information.

On this episode of MakingCents, guest host Clay Stackhouse, Regional Outreach Manager, talks with Brian Parker, Vice President of Member Experience Innovation, about the real financial challenges military members and their families face throughout their service.

Drawing on their military backgrounds, they unpack common misconceptions about military pay and benefits, share practical money moves for deployments and PCS transitions, and offer guidance for planning ahead from budgeting and emergency savings to preparing for life after service. 

Listen in for insights on:

• Misconceptions About Military Finances (3:20)
• Building a Financial Foundation for Servicemembers (10:07)
• Preparing for PCS Moves and Deployments (16:15)
• First Steps and Available Resources (19:59)

Discover additional Navy Federal tools and resources to support members through every stage of the military journey.

• Preparing for a PCS – Get tools and financial resources to help you manage military transitions
• PCS Checklist for Military Moves – Use our step-by-step guide to stay organized before, during and after a move
• Military Life Financial Resources – Get support for deployments, family life, benefits and big transitions
• Transitioning From Military to Civilian Life – Find financial planning tips and tools for life after service

In this episode of MakingCents, host Emily Bigham sits down with Thomas Racca, Personal Finance Manager at Navy Federal Credit Union, to unpack the growing impact of sports betting and how it can quietly affect financial well‑being.

With sports betting more accessible than ever, Emily and Thomas break down how betting works, why it’s so easy to get pulled in, and the common red flags that signal when entertainment may be turning into financial risk. Thomas shares how small, seemingly harmless bets can add up over time—and why even knowledgeable, disciplined people can be vulnerable.

Listeners will gain insight into the psychology behind betting, including loss chasing and “almost wins,” along with practical ways to set boundaries, recognize warning signs early, and explore safer alternatives for building income and long‑term financial stability. The episode also highlights how Navy Federal supports members through financial counseling, tools, and resources—ensuring no one has to navigate these challenges alone.

• Understanding Spots Betting: Risks and Realities (4:22)
• The Psychology Behind Betting: Chasing Losses (8:10)
• The Impact of Technology on Sports Betting (12:15)
• Alternatives to Sports Betting: Building Financial Health (16:39)
• Finding Balance: Moderation in Sports Betting (21:05) 

Looking to stay informed and protect your money? Here are resources to learn how awareness, planning, and trusted guidance can help you stay in control:

• Free Personal Financial Counseling
• Total Money Management in One Place
• Saving & Budgeting Tips

In this episode of MakingCents, host Emily Bigham talks with Carrie Foran Sepulveda, Vice President of Fraud and Physical Security Strategy at Navy Federal, about romance scams — an increasingly common form of fraud, especially in the digital age when many people are seeking connection online.

Together, they explain how romance scams work, the common red flags to watch for, and why these schemes can be so emotionally and financially damaging. Carrie shares insights from working directly with members, emphasizing how trust and emotional connection are often exploited, and why anyone can be vulnerable.

Listeners will also learn practical steps to protect themselves, what to do if something feels off, and how Navy Federal supports members through fraud prevention and recovery, ensuring no one has to navigate these situations alone. Want to take the next step toward protecting your money? 

• Real Romance Scam Stories (00:58)
• Recognizing Red Flags (11:29)
• Practical Steps to Protect Yourself (20:43)

Check out these resources designed to help you stay informed and secure.

• What’s a Financial Scam and How Do You Report One? 24/7 Navy Federal Support
• Common Scams Targeting Active Duty Servicemembers, Veterans and Their Families
• Avoid Phone Scams and Vishing (Voice Phishing)

In this episode of MakingCents, guest host Thomas Racca, Manager of Personal Finance Management at Navy Federal, sits down with Heather Long, Chief Economist at Navy Federal, to break down the financial landscape heading into 2026. Together, they outline why households feel squeezed, what’s changed in the economy, and the practical steps you can take to reset your budget, tackle debt, and rebuild savings using tools like our Emergency Fund Calculator and Mission: Credit Confidence® dashboard.

Thomas and Heather also open up about the personal experiences that shaped how they think about money today. From early missteps to hard‑earned lessons, they reflect on how those moments influence the guidance they give members—and why the supportive, member‑focused approach of a credit union can make navigating finances feel more grounded and attainable.

• Budgeting for Financial Wellness (16:26)
• Strategies for Financial Resilience (24:48) 
• Navigating Homeownership Challenges (33:26)

Ready to start the year strong? Explore resources designed to help you take control of your financial goals.

·         Free Personal Financial Counseling

·         My MakingCents

·         Monthly Spending Calculator

In this episode of MakingCents, guest host Clay Stackhouse, Marine veteran and Regional Outreach Manager at Navy Federal, joins Jesse Border, Army veteran and AVP of Branch Operations, and Tracy Owens, Navy veteran and Senior Programs Manager at Support The Enlisted Project (STEP). Together, they share practical strategies and resources to help veterans and their families thrive. You’ll hear insights on financial planning for servicemembers making the transition, how Navy Federal provides personalized banking and planning tools, and STEP’s mission to promote financial self-sufficiency and holistic support for military families. Plus, Clay, Jesse, and Tracy open up about their own experiences, offering real-world perspective and advice.

·         From Combat Boots to Corporate Life (00:03)

·         Meet the Heroes Behind the Mic (3:06)

·         Your Transition Toolkit (8:37)

·         Impact Beyond Service (12:49)

Ready for your next chapter? Check out our expert resources designed to support transitioning servicemembers.

·         Transitioning From Military to Civilian Life

·         Financial Checklist for Military Transition: Planning for Veterans and Retirees

·         How to Start a Business as a Veteran