n this special Thanksgiving episode, Drew, Melissa, and Jessie step away from the usual financial talk to share a heartfelt message of gratitude. They reflect on the people and the moments that made this year meaningful - including you, our listeners and viewers. Whether you've tuned in for financial guidance, community updates, or simply to connect, we are truly thankful for your support. Let us know in the comments: What are YOU thankful for this year.

Ever wondered what goes on inside the mind of a scammer?Welcome to the Heist Unmasked, the podcast episode where the robbers spill the secrets, so you don't get robbed. Your hosts, who are dressed in robber costumes, dive into the world of frauds and scams, from romance scams to crypto cons. With humor and expert insight, we expose the common scams and how you can spot the warning signs before it's too late.

In this episode, our IT team takes the mic to talk about oneof the most important topic in today's connected world, cybersecurity. Every click, login, and online interaction comes with risks, and protecting your data is everyone's responsibility. We will discuss practical ways to stay safeonline, from using a password manager to being mindful about what you share. Whether you are at work, home, or on the go, our experts share real-world advice and easy steps to help you protect yourself and your organization from digitalthreats.

In this episode, our VP of Business Banking, Alicia Dahl, shares how North Star Credit Union supports local business owners with tools, guidance, and personalized service. Alicia's approachable style helps entrepreneurs feel confident as they grow their businesses. She is passionate about building strong relationships and watching businesses across our communities succeed and thrive.

Struggling with debt or just looking for smarter ways to pay it down? In this episode of North Star Credit Union's (NSCU) Financial Compass, we are joined by April Sanderson, Financial Counselor with LSS Financial Counseling, to talk about strategies that can help you manage and repay debt more effectively. Members of NSCU have access to six free financial counseling sessions each year, a valuable resources to guide you through budgeting, debt management, and long-term planning.

School is back and session, and so are the money lessons! In this episode, we are talking about the importance of financial education in the schools and the community. Haylie Nelson, Training and Development Specialist, at North Star Credit Union, joins us to share why starting good money habits early makes a difference for students and families.

Drew, Jessie, and Melissa head out on a field trip to showcase our backyard in northeastern Minnesota - a landscape filled with forests, lakes, trails, and history. Along the way, we highlight several of the communities near our branch locations of Nashwauk, Mountain Iron, Duluth, and Cook, giving visitors a chance to see how our communities connect. For added fun, Drew stands next to a mining tire at a mining truck during our stop at a mining overlook in Hibbing to see how tall he stands. Tune in for a tour that blends local stories, stunning scenery, and plenty of small-town spirit. We love how our communities are connected!

The "Five Best Days of Summer" - also known as the St. Louis County Fair - has arrived! In this podcast, Jessie and Melissa look at ways to attend the fair for less money, while still making the most of the time. They also share their favorite fair stories and food, and lots of laughter.

North Star Credit Union is celebrating I Love My Credit Union Day with a prize basket giveaway. In this episode, Drew, Jessie, and Melissa share the reasons why they're passionate about the credit union different. Tune in to hear their stories and learn how much the members mean to North Star.Plus, find out how you can get involved in two upcoming events:

• Community Day of Kindness at the Farm: 1 to 3 p.m. August 10 at Cook's Country Connection
• Minnesota Credit Union Day at Target Field: August 10

What happens to your bank account after you pass away—and how can you make sure your loved ones aren’t left scrambling?

In this episode, we sit down with NSCU Regional Branch Manager Christie to discuss practical steps you can take now to prepare your accounts for the future.

From adding beneficiaries and joint owners to understanding account access, Christie breaks down the essential moves every member should consider. Whether you’re creating a will, helping a parent prepare, or simply trying to get organized, this conversation offers valuable insights to guide your financial planning journey.

Key Takeaways:

• The difference between a joint owner and a beneficiary

• What “Payable on Death” means for your accounts

• Steps to ensure your finances are easily accessible to the right people

• Common mistakes to avoid when planning ahead