Tandia Talks Money

Thinking of selling your home? In this episode, we're focusing on the importance of sprucing up your home for better curb appeal, which is crucial in today’s competitive sales market! Carla offers several useful ideas to catch a few more eyeballs when you put your property up for sale, starting with the least expensive and moving up to bigger budget options. Everything from a fresh coat of paint to simple upgrades like new countertops or fixtures to bigger upgrades like a new deck or landscaping can have a big impact. Oh, and don’t forget to declutter! Perhaps the simplest reno of all—taking things out of a space—has the surprising result of making it feel new again and hardly costs anything to do. Of course, you may be thinking, 'These ideas all sound great, but how do I finance them?’ Don’t worry, Carla’s got you! She lays out 5 options for financing your renovations (big or small), which can include home equity loans, home equity lines of credit, or even refinancing your mortgage. As always, for any financing decision, it’s best to consult professional advice, and thankfully, this is where Tandia can help! 

Please make sure to rate, review, and follow us for more financial tips, tricks, and tactics. Tandia Financial Credit Union is here to help. Got Feedback? Want to learn more? Head to tandia.com for an experience as unique as you are.

This week’s episode is PACKED with useful info, so grab that pen and paper! Does it sometimes feel like you need a dictionary to keep track of all the mortgage terms out there? Not to worry, because Carla’s got your back. She explains the most common terms you’ll hear when you’re shopping for a mortgage and breaks down how they are used and what to look out for. Carla also adds in some additional steps for first-time home buyers to help you feel more prepared, including helpful tips like saving for a larger down payment to mitigate or lessen your mortgage insurance amount and staying on top of your credit score (and taking steps to improve it if needed) so you can access the best available mortgage rates. As usual, Carla wants to empower you to make more informed decisions about your finances and reminds us that, just like any life goal, a little bit of planning can make all the difference! 

Please make sure to rate, review, and follow us for more financial tips, tricks, and tactics. Tandia Financial Credit Union is here to help. Got Feedback? Want to learn more? Head to tandia.com for an experience as unique as you are.

We’re turning up the heat in here with the spiciest topic yet: interest rates! Ok, maybe not THAT spicy, but still spicy enough that they sometimes keep us up at night. Luckily, Carla is here to guide us through this journey to make sure our taste buds and bank accounts don’t get burned. Think of a mortgage interest rate as the cost of borrowing money to buy a house. Our banking BFF guides us through the two types of interest rates available on mortgages and discusses the various pros and cons of each. Carla also answers some commonly asked questions about them and breaks down some key tips for navigating the market and how to make sure you’re getting the very best rate for yourself (tip: credit unions can help!). Whether it’s your first mortgage or your tenth, Carla is here to keep you informed and empowered in your home buying journey! Let's do this!

Please make sure to rate, review, and follow us for more financial tips, tricks, and tactics. Tandia Financial Credit Union is here to help. Got Feedback? Want to learn more? Head to tandia.com for an experience as unique as you are.

Ok, so you’ve got a mortgage? Let’s manage it! This week, Carla takes us through the ins and outs of mortgage options like renewal, refinancing, and switching, along with the pros and cons of each. Just like dating, finding that perfect mortgage match will take a little bit of work, but it’s so worth it when you find the right fit! When looking into these options, it’s important that you ask yourself what your financial goals are, and don’t be shy about reaching out to a professional like a mortgage broker for some sage advice tailored to your specific situation. Carla also dives into the specifics of second mortgages and secured loans—two types of financing that can be really useful to access the equity in your home if you need it, with caveats that there are still pros and cons to each. Ultimately, managing your mortgage is about taking informed steps toward financial health and flexibility. Remember, your approach to money doesn’t have to be set in stone; it can grow and change just like you!

Please make sure to rate, review, and follow us for more financial tips, tricks, and tactics. Tandia Financial Credit Union is here to help. Got Feedback? Want to learn more? Head to tandia.com for an experience as unique as you are. 

Why do mortgages have to be so complicated!? Understanding your mortgage can feel like learning a new language with a lot of dollar signs, but Carla is here to help make things more digestible. In this episode, she tackles the ins and outs of mortgages, explaining the three main types: fixed rate, variable rate, and interest-only. She breaks down how these options align with different financial situations and long-term goals and dives into amortization, showing how payments shift from covering interest to reducing the principal over time. Carla also covers the impact of mortgage terms on financial flexibility, key features like pre-payment options and portability, and the difference between open and closed mortgages. With her guidance, choosing the right mortgage might just feel a little less daunting. 

Please make sure to rate, review, and follow us for more financial tips, tricks, and tactics. Tandia Financial Credit Union is here to help. Got Feedback? Want to learn more? Head to tandia.com for an experience as unique as you are. 

Let’s face it, we’re in our avocado toast era, and Carla is here to guide you through it! In this episode, she tackles the high interest rates that make home buying and mortgage renewals stressful. Forget the jokes about millennials and brunch; this is about understanding how our daily choices impact our financial wellbeing. High interest rates affect not just mortgages but also the everyday costs of goods and services. Carla breaks it down: Recognize your thought patterns, understand your emotional triggers, and take conscious action. Cut unnecessary spending, negotiate with lenders, and stay proactive. With mindfulness and determination, you can navigate high interest rates and build a brighter financial future. 

Please make sure to rate, review, and follow us for more financial tips, tricks, and tactics. Tandia Financial Credit Union is here to help. Got Feedback? Want to learn more? Head to tandia.com for an experience as unique as you are. 

Season 3, here we go! This season, we're tackling the dream (and challenge) of home ownership. With the real estate market's wild ride, owning a home can feel like a far-off fantasy, especially for millennials facing skyrocketing interest rates. But fear not! Carla (your banking BFF) will unpack these challenges and share savvy strategies to navigate the market's twists and turns. From smart budgeting and mortgage shopping to staying cool under pressure, we’ve got you covered. Whether you're eyeing your first home or thinking about refinancing, Carla's here to help you make savvy decisions and turn that home ownership dream into reality. With Tandia by your side, let's thrive in this crazy market together! 

Please make sure to rate, review, and follow us for more financial tips, tricks, and tactics. Tandia Financial Credit Union is here to help. Got Feedback? Want to learn more? Head to tandia.com for an experience as unique as you are. 

 Welcome to the official Season 2 finale of Tandia Talks Money! As we dive into the new year, join Carla in breaking down the simplicity of mastering personal finance. We all know getting good at money can feel like a daunting task, so she’s sharing some non-intimidating tricks of the trade. From gaining clarity on your income to focusing on fundamentals like consistent saving, prudent investing, automating your finances with ease, and so much more, Plus, Carla’s diving into 10 transformative actions sets the tone for a fulfilling year. Some hot tips: embrace simplicity, cultivate meaningful habits, and remember that your money mindset can evolve. Let's make 2024 a year of positive transformation with straightforward steps and a focus on overall financial well-being. Cheers to a stress-free and empowered financial year ahead! 

Please make sure to rate, review, and follow us for more financial tips, tricks, and tactics. Tandia Financial Credit Union is here to help. Got Feedback? Want to learn more? Head to tandia.com for an experience as unique as you are. 

Carla's back on the mic this week to explore the powerful concept of "mind over money". This mindset shift is all about going beyond the numbers, delving into how your thoughts and attitudes shape your financial journey. Think of it like being the captain steering your financial ship—empowering and in control. This approach not only helps you navigate financial challenges more gracefully but also acts as a shield against future stressors. Carla breaks down practical steps for embracing "mind over money," including creating a vision board for financial goals, breaking them into manageable steps, using a straightforward money bucket system for smart allocation, and practicing tangible transactions. At the end of the day, the art and science of "mind over money" serve as your toolkit for sculpting a financial future in line with your dreams! Hopefully, this episode gives you the mental confidence to stay strong for the sake of your financial future and say, "I won't back down," just like our guy, Tom Petty. 

Please make sure to rate, review, and follow us for more financial tips, tricks, and tactics. Tandia Financial Credit Union is here to help. Got Feedback? Want to learn more? Head to tandia.com for an experience as unique as you are.