Talking Cents and Making Change

In this episode of Talking Cents and Making Change, we’re highlighting the services and benefits that often surprise our members. From tools that make everyday banking easier to resources that support big life milestones, there’s more available to you than you might realize.

If you’ve ever said, “Oh, I didn’t know you offered that!” this episode is for you. We’re sharing practical, valuable services designed to help you save money, stay protected, and feel confident about your financial future.

The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed in this podcast are the speaker’s own and do not represent the views, thoughts, and opinions of Alpena Alcona Area (Credit Union) and should not be considered as business, financial, tax, legal or other advice. Should you decide to act on any information contained in this podcast, you do so at your own risk. The content is the intellectual property of AAACU and may not be reused or republished without consent. While the information in this podcast has been verified to the best of our abilities, we cannot guarantee that there are no mistakes or errors. The material and information presented here is for general information purposes only and may contain copyrighted material the use of which has not always been specifically authorized by the copyright owner and constitutes ‘fair use’ of any such copyrighted material as provided for in section 107 of the US Copyright Law. The "Alpena Alcona Area Credit Union" name and all forms and abbreviations are the property of its owner, and its use does not imply endorsement of or opposition to any specific organization, product, or service. Federally Insured by the NCUA and Equal Housing Opportunity Lender.

In this kickoff episode of Talking Cents & Making Change, Alison and Michelle share practical, realistic tips to help you save more, budget smarter, and set financial goals you can actually stick to. From easy savings habits to stress-free budgeting strategies, we break down how small changes can lead to big progress.

Plus, learn how your credit union’s tools, products, and resources can help support your goals and stick around for our brand-new Weekly Goal Hook, where we leave you with one simple action you can take right now to move your finances forward.

Let’s make 2026 your strongest financial year yet.

The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed in this podcast are the speaker’s own and do not represent the views, thoughts, and opinions of Alpena Alcona Area (Credit Union) and should not be considered as business, financial, tax, legal or other advice. Should you decide to act on any information contained in this podcast, you do so at your own risk. The content is the intellectual property of AAACU and may not be reused or republished without consent. While the information in this podcast has been verified to the best of our abilities, we cannot guarantee that there are no mistakes or errors. The material and information presented here is for general information purposes only and may contain copyrighted material the use of which has not always been specifically authorized by the copyright owner and constitutes ‘fair use’ of any such copyrighted material as provided for in section 107 of the US Copyright Law. The "Alpena Alcona Area Credit Union" name and all forms and abbreviations are the property of its owner, and its use does not imply endorsement of or opposition to any specific organization, product, or service. Federally Insured by the NCUA and Equal Housing Opportunity Lender.

In this episode of Talking Cents and Making Change, Alison and Michelle take a moment to reflect on everything 2025 brought our way. From impactful conversations around homeownership, financial literacy, and travel safety to meaningful partnerships and community outreach, this episode recaps the moments that mattered most.

Whether you’ve been with us all year or are just tuning in, this episode is the perfect way to wrap up 2025 and look ahead with confidence.

The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed in this podcast are the speaker’s own and do not represent the views, thoughts, and opinions of Alpena Alcona Area (Credit Union) and should not be considered as business, financial, tax, legal or other advice. Should you decide to act on any information contained in this podcast, you do so at your own risk. The content is the intellectual property of AAACU and may not be reused or republished without consent. While the information in this podcast has been verified to the best of our abilities, we cannot guarantee that there are no mistakes or errors. The material and information presented here is for general information purposes only and may contain copyrighted material the use of which has not always been specifically authorized by the copyright owner and constitutes ‘fair use’ of any such copyrighted material as provided for in section 107 of the US Copyright Law. The "Alpena Alcona Area Credit Union" name and all forms and abbreviations are the property of its owner, and its use does not imply endorsement of or opposition to any specific organization, product, or service. Federally Insured by the NCUA and Equal Housing Opportunity Lender.

In this episode of Talking Cents and Making Change, Alison and Michelle sit down with returning guest Ashley from AAACU’s Plastic Card Department to break down the most common holiday scams and how to avoid becoming a victim.

From ghost tapping to non-delivery scams, auction fraud, and gift-card traps, this conversation guides listeners through what to watch for, how to protect themselves, and what to do if something goes wrong.

The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed in this podcast are the speaker’s own and do not represent the views, thoughts, and opinions of Alpena Alcona Area (Credit Union) and should not be considered as business, financial, tax, legal or other advice. Should you decide to act on any information contained in this podcast, you do so at your own risk. The content is the intellectual property of AAACU and may not be reused or republished without consent. While the information in this podcast has been verified to the best of our abilities, we cannot guarantee that there are no mistakes or errors. The material and information presented here is for general information purposes only and may contain copyrighted material the use of which has not always been specifically authorized by the copyright owner and constitutes ‘fair use’ of any such copyrighted material as provided for in section 107 of the US Copyright Law. The "Alpena Alcona Area Credit Union" name and all forms and abbreviations are the property of its owner, and its use does not imply endorsement of or opposition to any specific organization, product, or service. Federally Insured by the NCUA and Equal Housing Opportunity Lender.

In this episode of Talking Cents and Making Change, Alison and Michelle take listeners behind the scenes to explore how AAACU invests in its greatest asset—its people. From weekly “Behind the Front Line” training to national certification programs, they share how ongoing education helps team members stay informed, confident, and ready to support members.

Discover how continuous learning strengthens our team and leads to better experiences, better guidance, and better outcomes for our members.

The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed in this podcast are the speaker’s own and do not represent the views, thoughts, and opinions of Alpena Alcona Area (Credit Union) and should not be considered as business, financial, tax, legal or other advice. Should you decide to act on any information contained in this podcast, you do so at your own risk. The content is the intellectual property of AAACU and may not be reused or republished without consent. While the information in this podcast has been verified to the best of our abilities, we cannot guarantee that there are no mistakes or errors. The material and information presented here is for general information purposes only and may contain copyrighted material the use of which has not always been specifically authorized by the copyright owner and constitutes ‘fair use’ of any such copyrighted material as provided for in section 107 of the US Copyright Law. The "Alpena Alcona Area Credit Union" name and all forms and abbreviations are the property of its owner, and its use does not imply endorsement of or opposition to any specific organization, product, or service. Federally Insured by the NCUA and Equal Housing Opportunity Lender.

This week on Talking Cents and Making Change, hosts Alison and Michelle are joined by returning guests Travis and Patti from Alpena Alcona Area Credit Union to talk about one of the most important topics in today’s world—financial security.

From deepfake scams and phishing attempts to mail fraud and fake tuition schemes, digital threats are everywhere. But don’t worry—AAACU has your back. Travis and Patti share expert insights on how AAACU protects members behind the scenes, plus simple habits and tools you can use to protect yourself.

Whether you’re banking online or shopping from your phone, this episode will help you feel more confident and informed about protecting your money in a digital world.

The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed in this podcast are the speaker’s own and do not represent the views, thoughts, and opinions of Alpena Alcona Area (Credit Union) and should not be considered as business, financial, tax, legal or other advice. Should you decide to act on any information contained in this podcast, you do so at your own risk. The content is the intellectual property of AAACU and may not be reused or republished without consent. While the information in this podcast has been verified to the best of our abilities, we cannot guarantee that there are no mistakes or errors. The material and information presented here is for general information purposes only and may contain copyrighted material the use of which has not always been specifically authorized by the copyright owner and constitutes ‘fair use’ of any such copyrighted material as provided for in section 107 of the US Copyright Law. The "Alpena Alcona Area Credit Union" name and all forms and abbreviations are the property of its owner, and its use does not imply endorsement of or opposition to any specific organization, product, or service. Federally Insured by the NCUA and Equal Housing Opportunity Lender.

In this episode of Talking Cents and Making Change, we sit down with our Business Development Officer, Karen, to talk about the power of community. From building connections to supporting local initiatives, Karen shares her perspective on how community involvement shapes who we are—not just as an organization, but as neighbors and partners. Tune in as we explore why community matters and the many ways it creates lasting impact. The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed in this podcast are the speaker’s own and do not represent the views, thoughts, and opinions of Alpena Alcona Area (Credit Union) and should not be considered as business, financial, tax, legal or other advice. Should you decide to act on any information contained in this podcast, you do so at your own risk. The content is the intellectual property of AAACU and may not be reused or republished without consent. While the information in this podcast has been verified to the best of our abilities, we cannot guarantee that there are no mistakes or errors. The material and information presented here is for general information purposes only and may contain copyrighted material the use of which has not always been specifically authorized by the copyright owner and constitutes ‘fair use’ of any such copyrighted material as provided for in section 107 of the US Copyright Law. The "Alpena Alcona Area Credit Union" name and all forms and abbreviations are the property of its owner, and its use does not imply endorsement of or opposition to any specific organization, product, or service. Federally Insured by the NCUA and Equal Housing Opportunity Lender.

In this episode of Talking Cents and Making Change, Alison and Michelle sit down with Brandon from Greenlight to explore how families can empower kids and teens with healthy money habits. Greenlight is more than just a debit card for kids — it’s a financial education tool that helps parents teach budgeting, saving, and responsible spending in real time.

Brandon shares insights on how Greenlight works, why financial literacy matters from an early age, and tips for parents who want to set their children up for long-term success. Whether you’re a parent, grandparent, or someone passionate about raising money-smart kids, this episode is packed with practical advice and inspiration.

The Greenlight® prepaid card is issued by Community Federal Savings Bank, member FDIC, pursuant to license by MasterCard international.

The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed in this podcast are the speaker’s own and do not represent the views, thoughts, and opinions of Alpena Alcona Area (Credit Union) and should not be considered as business, financial, tax, legal or other advice. Should you decide to act on any information contained in this podcast, you do so at your own risk. The content is the intellectual property of AAACU and may not be reused or republished without consent. While the information in this podcast has been verified to the best of our abilities, we cannot guarantee that there are no mistakes or errors. The material and information presented here is for general information purposes only and may contain copyrighted material the use of which has not always been specifically authorized by the copyright owner and constitutes ‘fair use’ of any such copyrighted material as provided for in section 107 of the US Copyright Law. The "Alpena Alcona Area Credit Union" name and all forms and abbreviations are the property of its owner, and its use does not imply endorsement of or opposition to any specific organization, product, or service. Federally Insured by the NCUA and Equal Housing Opportunity Lender.

In this episode of Talking Cents & Making Change, Alison and Michelle sit down with Chantel to shine a spotlight on the CU Spark Tank contest — an exciting opportunity empowering younger credit union employees to pitch big ideas that spark real change.

Chantel shares her experience as a past finalist, what it was like to pitch her idea on stage, and the impact it’s had since. Whether you're curious about innovation in the credit union world or just love hearing how great ideas come to life, this episode is full of inspiration, insight, and that signature CU spark!The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed in this podcast are the speaker’s own and do not represent the views, thoughts, and opinions of Alpena Alcona Area (Credit Union) and should not be considered as business, financial, tax, legal or other advice. Should you decide to act on any information contained in this podcast, you do so at your own risk. The content is the intellectual property of AAACU and may not be reused or republished without consent. While the information in this podcast has been verified to the best of our abilities, we cannot guarantee that there are no mistakes or errors. The material and information presented here is for general information purposes only and may contain copyrighted material the use of which has not always been specifically authorized by the copyright owner and constitutes ‘fair use’ of any such copyrighted material as provided for in section 107 of the US Copyright Law. The "Alpena Alcona Area Credit Union" name and all forms and abbreviations are the property of its owner, and its use does not imply endorsement of or opposition to any specific organization, product, or service. Federally Insured by the NCUA and Equal Housing Opportunity Lender.

Summer travel is heating up—and while you’re planning your getaway, don’t forget to plan for safety, too. In this episode of Talking Cents and Making Change, Alison and Michelle seek insight from local travel advisor Stacey, who shares expert tips on how to protect your money, identity, and travel plans from common threats.

Learn how to avoid travel scams, choose secure payment methods, and use AAACU tools like card controls, mobile banking, and account alerts to stay financially safe while you’re away. Whether you're jet-setting overseas or road-tripping up north, this episode will help you travel smart and stress-free.

The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed in this podcast are the speaker’s own and do not represent the views, thoughts, and opinions of Alpena Alcona Area (Credit Union) and should not be considered as business, financial, tax, legal or other advice. Should you decide to act on any information contained in this podcast, you do so at your own risk. The content is the intellectual property of AAACU and may not be reused or republished without consent. While the information in this podcast has been verified to the best of our abilities, we cannot guarantee that there are no mistakes or errors. The material and information presented here is for general information purposes only and may contain copyrighted material the use of which has not always been specifically authorized by the copyright owner and constitutes ‘fair use’ of any such copyrighted material as provided for in section 107 of the US Copyright Law. The "Alpena Alcona Area Credit Union" name and all forms and abbreviations are the property of its owner, and its use does not imply endorsement of or opposition to any specific organization, product, or service. Federally Insured by the NCUA and Equal Housing Opportunity Lender.