The Core

On this special episode of The Core, Colten Hibbs sits down with Tiffany Sharpensteen, ECU's Director of Marketing, to explore the rich history of Education Credit Union and its exciting plans for the future. Tiffany also shares how members can get involved in celebrating ECU's incredible milestone of 90 years of service to the Panhandle community.

On this episode of The Core, Colten Hibbs visits with Meghan Williams, Program Coordinator of the Buff $mart Program at West Texas A&M University. The two discuss the best ways to navigate the costs of college. Meghan provides details concerning tuition costs, financial aid packages, and repaying student loan debt.

On this episode of The Core, Colten Hibbs visits with Bryce Wiginton, a teller intern at our Buff $mart branch. The two discuss how to have fun on a budget. Bryce provides several recommendations for low-cost community events and activities, as well as advice on how to maintain social connections without breaking the bank.

On this episode of The Core, Colten Hibbs visits with Kelly Steelman, Director of Financial Aid at Amarillo College. The two discuss financial tips for recent college graduates. Kelly provides useful advice for graduates about paying off loans, building an emergency fund, and transitioning from a part-time position to a full-time career.

On this episode of The Core, Colten Hibbs visits with Alissa Coffman, Assistant Branch Manager at our Hillside branch. The two discuss all things credit score. Alissa provides valuable insight on what factors influence a credit score, how a person can check their score, and most importantly, ways ECU can help members improve their score.

On this episode of The Core, Colten Hibbs visits with Katy Baria, a teacher at Palo Duro High School. The two discuss the ins and outs of budgeting for back-to-school expenses. Katy provides saving strategies and local resources for both teachers and parents to manage their expenses with ease.

On this episode of The Core, Colten Hibbs visits with Cathy Wilson, a certified financial planner at C.S. Wilson & Associates. The two discuss the role of a financial planner, popular services at C.S. Wilson & Associates, and common misconceptions about financial planning.

On this episode of The Core, Colten Hibbs and his guest, Amy McClenny, ECU's Assistant Branch Manager of the AmTech branch, discuss tax-season essentials. Amy provides information on why the general public must pay taxes, how those taxes are used, and finally, how ECU can help members file their taxes for free.

On this episode of The Core, Colten Hibbs and his guest, Brittnie Aguirre, ECU's Mortgage Manager, converse about all things home loans. Brittnie supplies helpful information about the difference between conventional and government mortgages and what credit score and DTI (debt-to-income) ratio are preferred by most lenders.

On this episode of The Core, Colten Hibbs and his guest, Laura Rea, Buff$mart Assistant Branch Manager, talk through the best steps to achieve a happy retirement. Laura acknowledges common struggles and concerns about retirement, as well as her personal hopes for when she leaves the workplace.