Pocket Change Podcast

As you begin to financially plan for your retirement, there are many questions you may have about how to maximize your wealth. On the latest episode of Pocket Change, we talk with Kevin Smith, LPL Financial Planner with Leaders Investment Services, who shares his advice on how you can make the most of your financial situation to have a secure future. Whether you want to build a lake house, purchase an RV, or travel the world, learn how you can make your goals for retirement come true by listening to this episode of the Pocket Change Podcast.

Highlights

2:24: What is income planning?

3:10: How has retirement income planning changed?

5:00: How will social security change in the upcoming years?

6:01: What tools can we use to create additional income for our retirement?

8:47: What advice would you have to those who are 30, 20, and 10 years out from retirement?

10:18: What makes Leaders Investment Services different from other brokers?

11:17: What is the best way to contact Leaders Investment Services?

Are prepared for your retirement or do you have questions about income planning? Learn more and schedule an appointment at https://www.leaderscu.com/investments.

Pocket Change Podcast is presented by Leaders Credit Union. Learn more at https://www.leaderscu.com/.

Are you curious about what is happening in the Jackson-Madison County School System? Join Carrie and Shea as they talk with the JMCSS Chief of Staff, Melissa Spurgeon, as she shares what's been the current trends in education. Listen to the latest episode of the Pocket Change Podcast to learn the importance of public education, what upcoming projects are in the future for schools in Madison County, and how you can make an impact in supporting your local school system.

Highlights

1:42: What Does Being the Chief of Staff Entail?

2:21: Why is Public Education So Important?

3:04: How Do You Feel that Education Has Evolved or Changed?

6:11: What Projects are Happening in the Jackson-Madison County School System?

6:51: What does S.T.E.M. Stand For?

10:48: What is One Your Favorite Things About Being a Teacher?

13:20: Why is It Important for Local Business and Organizations to Partner with the School System?

The Pocket Change Podcast is presented by Leaders Credit Union. To learn more, visit www.leaderscu.com.

With an ever-changing housing market, buying a home can feel overwhelming and stressful. Listen to the new episode of the Pocket Change Podcast, where you can learn from experts on how to make wise financial decisions that will benefit your future. Chris Gray, Chief Mortgage Officer at Leaders Credit Union, sits down with Shea and Carrie and provides insights on the housing market and ways to be prepared to buy. It's don't miss for anyone in the home buying process.

Highlights

2:09: Updates for Home Buyers

4:01: What is Your Advice for Someone Who is Unsure About the Home Buying Journey?

4:53: What is the Best Way to Get in Contact?

5:57: What are Some Down Payment Assistance Programs People and Borrowers May Qualify For?

8:14: What Would You Say Makes Leaders Different from Other Mortgage Companies?

Ready to start your home buying journey? Learn more and get pre-qualified today at https://www.leaderscu.com/home-loans.

Pocket Change Podcast is presented by Leaders Credit Union. Learn more at https://www.leaderscu.com.

Dreaming of buying your own home but feeling lost in the process? In this episode of the Pocket Change Podcast, Maddie and Shea chat with Brent Ward, CEO of CWTAR, about all things home buying.

In this episode, you'll discover:

• Why finding the right realtor is crucial: Brent emphasizes the importance of interviewing multiple realtors to find someone you feel comfortable with, has local expertise, and communicates clearly.
• The benefits of homeownership: From building equity to long-term wealth building, Brent sheds light on the many advantages of owning your own home.
• Essential considerations for making an informed decision: Brent stresses the importance of understanding the current housing market and getting advice from multiple realtors and mortgage lenders including your local bank or credit union.

Highlights:

1:14 – What does CWTAR stand for?

2:31 – What is your advice to a first-time homebuyer?

4:35 – What should people look for in a real estate agent?

5:29 – Is there a difference between an agent and a realtor?

6:52 – Tips for second or third home buyers or sellers.

8:36 – Do you have any advice for the process of financing a home?

10:11 – What are the benefits to home ownership versus renting?

12:45 – Where do you see the real estate market going in the next few years?

This episode is packed with practical insights and expert advice to guide you on your journey. Listen now and gain the confidence you need to make informed decisions and achieve your dream of owning your own home.

If you are ready to take the first step towards homeownership, reach out to one of our mortgage champions to help walk your through the process. Get pre-qualified today at https://www.leaderscu.com/home-loans/champions.

Pocket Change is presented by Leaders Credit Union. Learn more at leaderscu.com.

Feeling overwhelmed by the endless cycle of debt? You're not alone. Debt consolidation can be a powerful tool to manage your finances and get out of debt faster. In this episode of the Pocket Change Podcast, Angela Utley, a senior underwriter at Leaders Credit Union, dives deep into the world of debt consolidation, equipping you with the knowledge and strategies you need to conquer your debt and achieve your financial goals.

Highlights:

2:59-3:33 - What is debt consolidation?

3:44-4:12 - How can debt consolidation help our members?

5:10-6:33 - Difference between unsecured and secured loans

6:37-7:52 - Other options to consolidate debt

8:03-8:38 - What factors effect the loan you qualify for?

9:01-11:00 Debt Snowball vs. Debt Avalanche

Ready to learn more? Schedule a free check-up with a financial champion at Leaders Credit Union to discuss your debt consolidation options and take control of your financial future.

Pocket Change Podcast is presented by Leaders Credit Union. Learn more at leaderscu.com.

For full details and disclosures on Leaders Debt Consolidation Loan options, visit https://www.leaderscu.com/personal-loans#debt-consolidation.

For full details and disclosures on Leaders introductory rate on their balance transfer credit card, visit https://www.leaderscu.com/credit-cards.

If you're in the market for a new home this year, you need to tune into this episode of Pocket Change. David McLemore, president of the West Tennessee Home Builders Association, join Shea and Maddie to discuss the housing market in 2024 and why it's a buyer's market right now.

Highlights: 2:59-4:10 - Update on current housing market 4:14-7:37 - How to take advantage of buyer's market 8:30-9:57 - Blue Oval City's impact on the housing market 10:03-11:21 - Why is home ownership so important 12:00-14:25 - Biggest advice for 2024

If you need help with a home purchase of your own, reach out to a Leaders mortgage champion at https://www.leaderscu.com/home-loans.

Pocket Change Podcast is brought to you by Leaders Credit Union. Learn more at https://www.leaderscu.com/.

Looking to improve your finances in 2024? On this special episode of Pocket Change Podcast, Jonathan Jones, financial counseling coordinator, joined Shea and Maddie for the first episode of the new year. He shares financial wisdom and advice to help you kickstart this new year with a solid budget and a healthy credit score. We are also celebrating one year of our Pocket Change podcast. Thanks for tuning in!

2:26-4:00 - Jonathan's best piece of advice for 2024

4:10-5:25 - How to recover from spending too much around the holidays

5:48-9:25 - Budgeting tips

9:35-12:40 - Why money is relational

13:00-22:20 - what effects your credit score

22:35-25:15 - Why Leaders has certified financial counselors

25:30-29:15 - Financial success stores

If you'd like to meet with a financial counselor, visit our website https://www.leaderscu.com/financial-wellness/tools.

Pocket Change Podcast is presented by Leaders Credit Union. Learn more at leaderscu.com.

On this episode of Pocket Change Podcast, we explore the unique culture and mission of Leaders Credit Union through a conversation with our CEO, Todd Swims. Shea and Maddie dive into Todd's 33-year journey with Leaders, highlighting the credit union's growth and his personal experience. Leaders with Love, an annual community service project around the holidays driven by our employees, exemplifies the credit union's commitment to its members and the local community.

1:23-2:50 - Todd's history at Leaders

2:58-5:32 - What is Todd most proud of?

6:05-7:30 - Purpose behind Leaders with Love

7:40-10:15 - Todd's favorite Leaders with Love projects

11:00-11:53 - Why should we give back?

12:01-14:05 - Our mission at Leaders/the credit union difference

Watch our full Leaders with Love 2023 video to see some of the incredible projects our financial champions came up with: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6ABd505SMcg&feature=youtu.be

Pocket Change Podcast is presented by Leaders Credit Union. Learn more at https://www.leaderscu.com/.

On this episode of Pocket Change Podcast, we talk to Jackson's own Lauren "Lolo" Pritchard, a singer-songwriter whose journey has taken her from Broadway to giving back to her hometown. She shares the story behind her annual Christmas show, her passion for supporting local artists, and why she believes in investing in the Jackson community.

1:13-4:01 - About Lolo's career

4:11-6:10 - Lolo Christmas show

6:15-8:33 - Snack Backpack Program at RIFA

10:35-11:43 - Ticket info for Christmas show

11:47-15:42 - The importance of giving back to community

15:52-19:52 - Why Lolo moved back to Jackson

20:05-12:20 - No Reverse Records

20:23-24:19 - Best advice for a new artist

You can purchase tickets to Lolo's Christmas show on her website https://www.lolomusic.com/christmas. If you'd like more information on the Snack Backpack program at RIFA, visit their website https://www.rifajackson.org/ministries/snack-backpack/. The Pocket Change Podcast is presented by Leaders Credit Union. Learn more at https://www.leaderscu.com/.

In this episode of the Pocket Change podcast, we discuss the frustrations people may experience with their banking and the process of switching accounts. Brandy Ahlquist, the Vice President of Member Experience and Innovation at Leaders Credit Union, shares valuable insights on making the switch and how our members can have a step-by-step guide to walk them through the process.

1:35-2:40 - About Brandy & member experience

3:16-5:20 - The first step in switching

6:00-7:31 - Next steps in switching

7:36-8:12 - The hardest part in switching

8:51-10:52 - Personal experience switching

11:31-12:22 - How does our guide help member experience?

12:28-13:08- Why do people think it's hard to switch?

12:18-14:20 - Why would you choose Leaders?

14:41-15:30 - Why has Brandy stayed at Leaders so long?

Are you thinking of making the switch? You can visit leaderscu.com/switch, where you can find the Ditch & Switch Kit and access additional resources for a seamless account-switching experience.

The Pocket Change Podcast is brought to you by Leaders Credit Union. Learn more at leaderscu.com.