What does it take to spend over 40 years in the credit union movement and still get excited about making a difference? Today we find out with someone who has done just that—Denise Wymore, a true credit union lifer.

Denise started as a teller and has become one of the most vocal advocates for small credit unions and financial inclusion. As the Marketing Manager for Small Credit Union Initiatives at Zest AI and President of the De Novo CU Collective, Denise has spent her career advocating for the smaller institutions and making sure they survive in a changing financial world. With awards like being named a CU Times Woman to Watch and inducted into the HERstory Hall of Fame, Denise brings not only expertise but a passion for the credit union philosophy of “people helping people.”

We have a wonderful conversation about the importance of small credit unions in our communities and how technology and grassroots efforts can help preserve their value. We also covered setting and tracking financial goals, paying yourself first, short and long term savings and budgeting for emergencies, travel and homeownership.

Denise shared about the emotional side of money and spending. We talk about buy-now pay-later and too many subscriptions. Denise encourages young people to start saving early, especially through 401(k)s. She also talked about financial literacy education, practical money management tips and shared her personal journey in the credit union industry, how she saves and how her husband has influenced her financial decisions. You won’t want to miss this!

Episode Highlights:

[01:57] According to Denise, starting as a teller is her superpower. It was one of the most valuable experiences ever.

[03:39] Setting realistic financial goals for the new year. With technology, it's very easy to get a snapshot of our yearly spending. This creates an easy option to review our prior year.

[07:18] Denise shares strategies for staying motivated and tracking financial progress towards goals including paying yourself first in an account you don't easily see.

[13:38] Balancing long term and short term goals. Advice includes be aware of hidden spending like unused subscriptions.

[21:03] Mindset and financial roles and how to shift your thinking. Being aware of the emotion behind money, earning, and spending.

[31:48] We talk about buy now pay later options including studies that show it encourages overspending.

[33:54] Denise shares a rewarding financial goal she has achieved. We discuss retirement and how employer 401k matches are easy money. She is now putting in her max catch up amount.  

[36:39] Stop saying retirement to young people and phrase it as a super smart way to save money.

[38:28] If goals are met at Acclaim, they make a discretionary deposit in your 401k.

[39:47] How in a snap of a finger, you can go from the youngest person in the workforce to the oldest.

[41:47] We learn who has influenced Denise as far as financial and other goal setting.

[42:50] Denise talks about her husband's great financial habits and benefits of keeping your money separate.

[47:32] The objective of this podcast is if we can help change someone's life.

Resources & Links:

●    Acclaim Federal Credit Union

●    Denise Wymore

●    Denise Wymore - LinkedIn

●    Zest AI

●    Tattoos: The Ultimate Proof Of A Successful Brand

●    The 2020 Vision of Marketing: A Focus on Purpose