Perfect Cents Podcast

America Saves Week 2023 is here and we want YOU to celebrate by listening to our 5-episode miniseries discussing all things saving! Join Brit & Alex for Episode 2 as they sit down with special guest LaTroya Johnson (Contact Center Service Representative at SAFE Credit Union) to talk about the importance of Saving for the Unexpected. Throughout the episode they share wisdom and provide valuable insights on determining wants vs. needs, sticking to a budget, and taking advantage of free resources to help you save money for a rainy day... because saving today for what might happen tomorrow just makes Perfect Cents!

To check out some of the resources highlighted in this episode visit the links below.

Slim & Husky's (Sacramento)

For more information about America Saves Week visit: https://americasavesweek.org/

Beyond Everyday Banking Blog: Gain Financial Confidence with SAFE During America Saves Week

SAFE's 2023 High School Scholarship Program: www.safecu.org/2023scholarship - current cycle is open through March 15, 2023.

To contact the hosts, email us at [email protected]

To register for an upcoming Financial Wellness webinar visit: https://www.safecu.org/community/events

To learn more about SAFE Credit Union products and services visit: https://www.safecu.org/

America Saves Week 2023 is here and we want YOU to celebrate by listening to our 5-episode miniseries discussing all things saving! Join Brit & Alex for Episode 1 as they sit down with special guest Mike Knitter (VP, Total Rewards at SAFE Credit Union) to talk about strategies for saving automatically. Throughout the episode they discuss easy and accessible ways to increase your savings by utilizing and maximizing your employee benefits. Topics include: 401(k) matching programs, Flexible Savings Accounts, Health Savings Accounts, Direct Deposit options and more!.. because Saving Automatically just makes Perfect Cents!

To check out some of the resources highlighted in this episode visit the links below.

For more information about America Saves Week visit: https://americasavesweek.org/

Forbes - What Is A 401(k) Match?

Forbes: Healthcare FSA vs. HSA - Understanding The Differences

SAFE's 2023 High School Scholarship Program: www.safecu.org/2023scholarship - current cycle is open through March 15, 2023.

To contact the hosts, email us at [email protected]

To register for an upcoming Financial Wellness webinar visit: https://www.safecu.org/community/events

To learn more about SAFE Credit Union products and services visit: https://www.safecu.org/

On this episode of the Perfect Cents Podcast, co-hosts Alex & Brit chat with special guest Jeff Lackey from Sallie Mae to discuss all things related to paying for college! Tune in as they covers topics such as scholarships, grants, student loans, FAFSA, financial aid packages and more! Not applying for college or financial aid anytime soon, but know someone who is? Hit that share button and send this episode to a loved one... because planning ahead for your future educational goals just makes Perfect Cents!

To check out some of the resources highlighted in this episode visit the links below:

SAFE's 2023 High School Scholarship Program: www.safecu.org/2023scholarship - current cycle is open through March 15, 2023.

Student Loan Information on SAFE Credit Union's website (Sallie Mae Scholarship Search is on this page!): https://www.safecu.org/personal/borrow-money/student-loans

FAFSA application: https://studentaid.gov/

Questions? Comments? Want to share something with the hosts? Email us at [email protected]

To register for an upcoming Financial Wellness webinar visit: https://www.safecu.org/community/events

To learn more about SAFE Credit Union products and services visit: https://www.safecu.org/

Season 4 is officially here!

On this episode of the Perfect Cents Podcast, Alex, Brit, Miriam and Savannah candidly discuss their personal experiences with debt, the different types of debt, and their goals for paying off debt in 2023. The podcast team also highlights three common strategies for paying down debt: The Snowball, The Avalanche and Debt Consolidation. Tune in and get the inspiration YOU need to take control of your debt and take the next step on your journey toward financial wellness... because paying off debt to relieve financial stress just makes Perfect Cents!

To check out some of the resources highlighted in this episode visit the links below.

Nerd Wallet - Pay Off Debt: Tools & Tips

Principal - 3 Ways to Pay Off Your Debt

SAFE Credit Union, Beyond Everyday Banking Blog - The 5 Factors of Credit

To contact the hosts, email us at [email protected]

To register for an upcoming Financial Wellness webinar visit: https://www.safecu.org/community/events

To learn more about SAFE Credit Union products and services visit: https://www.safecu.org/

On this short two cents episode, Alex & Brit introduce listeners to our awesome Financial Wellness Educators at SAFE Credit Union, Miriam Dougherty and Savannah Brown!

Miriam and Savannah are a wealth of knowledge when it comes to personal finance and are thrilled to contribute their expertise to the podcast. Be sure to stay tuned for more content and join us in officially welcoming these two amazing Professional Experts to the Perfect Cents Podcast team. Both Savannah and Miriam will be regularly featured guests throughout Season 4 and beyond!

To check out some of the resources highlighted in this episode visit the links below.

Strapping Store - Sacramento

Slim & Husky's - Sacramento

Good Friends Hawaiian Poke - Davis (yelp)

Village Pizza & Pints - Davis

Sudwerk Brewing Co. - Davis

To contact the hosts, email us at [email protected]

To register for an upcoming Financial Wellness webinar visit: https://www.safecu.org/community/events

To learn more about SAFE Credit Union products and services visit: https://www.safecu.org/

Should auld acquaintance be forgot... Join Alex & Brit as they wrap-up Season 3 and share the final updates on their annual goals! On this episode of the Perfect Cents Podcast our co-hosts recap the 52-Week Savings Challenge and their respective 22 for 2022 lists, all while reflecting on the biggest wins of the year and revealing the lessons they learned throughout the process. Additionally, they drop some hints about the 2023 Debt Payoff challenge that they will be embarking on in the New Year. Tune in to get the encouragement YOU need to keep working towards your goals and set the course for another year of continued personal and professional growth... because checking in on your goals and adjusting them when needed, just makes Perfect Cents!

To check out some of the resources highlighted in this episode visit the links below.

To read the Beyond Everyday Banking "52-Week Savings Challenge" blog and download the fillable PDF tracker visit: https://blog.safecu.org/52-week-savings-challenge

*Note: 23 for 2023 is inspired by the Happier with Gretchen Rubin Podcast. For more information visit: https://gretchenrubin.com/resources

To learn more about Food Literacy Center visit: https://www.foodliteracycenter.org/

To find a blood donation site near you visit: https://www.vitalant.org/

To contact the hosts, email us at [email protected]

To register for an upcoming Financial Wellness webinar visit: https://www.safecu.org/community/events

To learn more about SAFE Credit Union products and services visit: https://www.safecu.org/

Bonus! Alex's Top 5 Songs of 2022

1) Antihero, Taylor Swift

2) Eddie, Red Hot Chili Peppers

3) This Is Why, Paramore

4) Sidelines, Phoebe Bridgers

5) I Want a Dog, Weezer

Content Warning: This episode discusses the topics of estate planning and death. While we understand that these topics may be sensitive for certain individuals, we ask you to review the full episode description below and proceed accordingly.

Join Alex & Brit as they welcome Ed Fong (Attorney-at-Law) for a discussion about the importance of establishing an Estate Plan. Together they discuss the fundamentals of Estate Planning, the various forms of trusts, powers of attorney and the difficulties that many people encounter when going through probate court. Additionally, Ed Fong shares real-life stories that highlight the critical need for individuals to establish an Estate Plan to determine the fate of their assets when they reach end-of-life. This episode will surely inspire YOU to be brave and initiate difficult but important conversations with your family members and loved ones... because being prepared and having an Estate Plan to guide your loved ones, just makes Perfect Cents!

To check out some of the resources highlighted in this episode visit the links below.

The Law Office of Ed Fong

Former Zappos CEO Tony Hsieh died a millionaire, but without a will.

Zinfandel Grille

To contact the hosts, email us at [email protected]

To register for an upcoming Financial Wellness webinar visit: https://www.safecu.org/community/events

To learn more about SAFE Credit Union products and services visit: https://www.safecu.org/

Join Alex, Brit & SAFE's AVP, Enterprise Risk Management David Techau, for an episode focused on helping YOU prevent fraud and stay safe! On part 2 of this double-episode of the Perfect Cents Podcast our co-hosts chat with David about common check scams and potential warning signs you can look out for to protect your finances, identity and other personal information from would-be fraudsters . Additionally, they discuss simple strategies you can use to protect yourself from falling prey to sneaky scams. Tune in and find out how you can improve your current fraud prevention practices and keep yourself protected when receiving unsolicited communications or urgent requests for money... because taking preventative steps to keep your personal and financial information safe from scammers, just makes Perfect Cents!

To check out some of the resources highlighted in this episode visit the links below.

SAFE Beyond Everyday Banking (blog) - 5 Steps to Take Now to Reduce Your Risk of ID Theft

SAFE Beyond Everyday Banking (blog) - How to Keep Your Financial Data Secure

SAFE Beyond Everyday Banking (blog) - Why Do I Have to Wait for My Check to Clear?

What to Know About Credit Freezes and Fraud Alerts - Federal Trade Commission

J Wild's - https://www.jwilds.com/

To contact the hosts, email us at [email protected]

To register for an upcoming Financial Wellness webinar visit: https://www.safecu.org/community/events

To learn more about SAFE Credit Union products and services visit: https://www.safecu.org/

Join Alex, Brit & SAFE's VP, Information Security Farrell Mapp, for an episode focused on helping YOU stay safe online! On part 1 of this double-episode of the Perfect Cents Podcast our co-hosts chat with Farrell about common scams conducted by online fraudsters and share steps you can take to thwart would-be scammers. Additionally, they discuss simple strategies you can use to protect your personal and financial information while shopping online and more! Tune in and find out how you can improve your current fraud prevention practices and keep yourself safe when conducting business online... because staying vigilant to thwart online fraudsters and scammers, just makes Perfect Cents!

To check out some of the resources highlighted in this episode visit the links below.

SAFE Beyond Everyday Banking (blog) - 5 Steps to Take Now to Reduce Your Risk of ID Theft

SAFE Beyond Everyday Banking (blog) - How to Keep Your Financial Data Secure

What to Know About Credit Freezes and Fraud Alerts - Federal Trade Commission

Bacon and Butter - https://baconandbuttersac.com/

To contact the hosts, email us at [email protected]

To register for an upcoming Financial Wellness webinar visit: https://www.safecu.org/community/events

To learn more about SAFE Credit Union products and services visit: https://www.safecu.org/

On this episode of the Perfect Cents Podcast, Alex & Brit welcome Kevin Buffalino from Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services and Joe Robustelli from Alchecmist CDC to discuss the idea of giving graciously during the holiday season. Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services and Alchemist CDC both received grants from SAFE Credit Union in quarter 3 and the featured non-profits provide various programs to help families and community members overcome food insecurity in and around Sacramento County. Listen as Kevin & Joe share all about the work their organizations do and get inspired to give back to your community during this season of giving...

Because taking time during the holidays to give back to your community, just makes Perfect Cents!

To check out some of the resources highlighted in this episode visit the links below.

Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services Website: sacramentofoodbank.org

Donate to SFBFS: sacramentofoodbank.org/give

Volunteer with SFBFS: sacramentofoodbank.org/volunteer

Run to Feed the Hungry Website: runtofeedthehungry.com

El Novillero Website: elnov.com

Alchemist CDC website: https://alchemistcdc.org/

Donation to Alchemist CDC: https://alchemistcdc.org/donate/

Volunteer with Alchemist CDC: https://alchemistcdc.org/volunteer/

Tomato Alley: https://tomatoalley.com/

Joe's email [email protected]

To contact the hosts, email us at [email protected]

To register for an upcoming Financial Wellness webinar visit: https://www.safecu.org/community/events

To learn more about SAFE Credit Union products and services visit: https://www.safecu.org/