Wellbeing and Your Wallet

The Affinity Wellbeing Institute presents the Wellbeing and Your Wallet podcast! In this episode, hosts Grant Gallagher and Ali Eddy are joined by Kelly Watts, the Executive Director of the Affinity Foundation. They discuss the Foundation’s work supporting members and communities throughout this year, including events, grants, and partnerships.

Following the main discussion, the team answers a question from the member mailbag. Grant pulls the following submission: As my family prepares for the holidays, we want to do something charitable. How can we truly make a difference for the people around us, beyond just donating money?

Grant concludes the discussion by highlighting the Affinity Wellbeing Institute, which launched this week. The Institute consolidates Affinity’s resources for holistic wellbeing, helping members pursue financial, physical, career, social, and community wellbeing under one hub.

Just a reminder if you have a question or comment for a future Member Mailbag segment, please email them to us @[email protected].

Rate, like, and subscribe for more from the Wellbeing and Your Wallet podcast. Visit affinitywellbeinginstitute.org for additional information about wellbeing and other resources.

Thanks for listening and be well.

The Affinity Wellbeing Institute presents the Wellbeing and Your Wallet podcast! In this episode, hosts Grant Gallagher and Ali Eddy discuss the new Affinity Wellbeing Institute, an organization dedicated to the financial and personal wellness of members and their communities. AWI will give members a single point of connection to find educational, financial, and community resources that truly support them.

Following the main discussion, the team answers a question from the member mailbag. Grant pulls the following submission: Before the school year started, I moved my family to a new state. Now, I’m trying to build a new community at the same time as my kids. How can we do this as a family on a budget while we’re still settling in? I’m overwhelmed!

Grant concludes the discussion by highlighting Affinity’s full-service offerings and financial education resources, including a free blog, webinars, and seminars. Affinity also provides free credit counseling through Navicore Solutions, helping members keep their credit on track.

Just a reminder if you have a question or comment for a future Member Mailbag segment, please email them to us @[email protected].

Rate, like, and subscribe for more from the Wellbeing and Your Wallet podcast. Visit www.affinityfcu.com for additional information about financial wellbeing and Affinity products.

Thanks for listening and be well.

Affinity Federal Credit Union presents the Wellbeing and Your Wallet podcast! In this episode, hosts Grant Gallagher and Sarah Rose are joined by Kim Cole, Community Engagement Manager at Navicore Solutions. They discuss how to develop healthier financial habits through examining your knowledge gaps, emotions, and goals around money.

Following the main discussion, the team answers a question from the member mailbag. Grant pulls the following submission: I finally paid off my credit card debt, thanks to setting a very strict budget for the past few years. Now, I have more money to spend every month - but I’m so scared of falling back into bad habits! Should I save it all? Should I buy something fun as a reward? How should I shift my mindset on money?

Grant concludes the discussion by highlighting Affinity’s partnership with Navicore Solutions, which makes free consumer credit counseling services available to our members. Navicore’s certified credit counselors help you understand your full financial picture and build a plan to improve your credit score.

Just a reminder if you have a question or comment for a future Member Mailbag segment, please email them to us @[email protected].

Rate, like, and subscribe for more from the Wellbeing and Your Wallet podcast. Visit www.affinityfcu.com for additional information about financial wellbeing and Affinity products.

Thanks for listening and be well.

Affinity Federal Credit Union presents the Wellbeing and Your Wallet podcast! In this episode, hosts Grant Gallagher and Sarah Rose are joined by Brandon Horne, SVP of Greenlight. They discuss managing back-to-school expenses and holding effective financial conversations with kids.

Following the main discussion, the team answers a question from the member mailbag. Grant pulls the following submission: My son is starting middle school, and I want to do everything I can to make sure he has a great experience. However, I’m worried about increasing costs - especially for sports and activities outside of school. How can I balance giving him the year he wants with keeping my household budget on track?

Grant concludes the discussion by highlighting Affinity’s partnership with Greenlight, which offers a debit card and money app designed for kids and families. Greenlight provides a safe way to teach good financial lessons through real, hands-on experience. Affinity members, both new and existing, can access Greenlight for free.

Just a reminder if you have a question or comment for a future Member Mailbag segment, please email them to us @[email protected].

Rate, like, and subscribe for more from the Wellbeing and Your Wallet podcast. Visit www.affinityfcu.com for additional information about financial wellbeing and Affinity products.

Thanks for listening and be well.

Affinity Federal Credit Union presents the Wellbeing and Your Wallet podcast! In this episode, hosts Grant Gallagher and Sarah Rose are joined by Julia Hand and Michael Cirillo from Affinity’s People & Culture team. They discuss their favorite perks for Affinity employees, plus how you can take full advantage of your own company’s benefits package.

Following the main discussion, the team answers a question from the member mailbag. Grant pulls the following submission: I just got my first full-time job, and I’m going off my parent’s health insurance. Help! What do I need to know about this transition, and how do I determine which package is right for me? I know everyone does it, but I’m nervous about the switch.

Grant concludes the discussion by highlighting Affinity’s SmartStart Savings accounts. Enjoy no monthly account fees and earn up to 2.65% APY on your first $10,000. Whether you’re saving for a down payment, dream vacation, or rainy day, Affinity is here to help you earn more toward your financial goals.

Just a reminder if you have a question or comment for a future Member Mailbag segment, please email them to us @[email protected].

Rate, like, and subscribe for more from the Wellbeing and Your Wallet podcast. Visit www.affinityfcu.com for additional information about financial wellbeing and Affinity products.

Thanks for listening and be well.

Affinity Federal Credit Union presents the Wellbeing and Your Wallet podcast! In this episode, hosts Grant Gallagher and Ali Eddy discussed tracking their personal expenses over the past week, including what surprised them and what they learned about budgeting.

Following the main discussion, the team answers a question from the member mailbag. Grant pulls the following submission: I’d like to set a budget, but I feel like my expenses are constantly changing. My electric bill has been all over the place; I’ll have lots of social plans to pay for one month, and then nothing the next. How do I stay consistent month to month?

Grant concludes the discussion by highlighting Affinity’s Cash Back Plus Checking Account. Earn up to 10% in cash back on debit card purchases, get refunds on ATM withdrawal fees, and manage your money with zero monthly maintenance fees.

Just a reminder if you have a question or comment for a future Member Mailbag segment, please email them to us @[email protected].

Rate, like, and subscribe for more from the Wellbeing and Your Wallet podcast. Visit www.affinityfcu.com for additional information about financial wellbeing and Affinity products.

Thanks for listening and be well.

Affinity Federal Credit Union presents the Wellbeing and Your Wallet podcast! In this episode, hosts Grant Gallagher, Shawn Lubitz, and Sarah Rose are joined by Affinity Federal Credit Union CEO Kevin Brauer. They discuss Affinity’s major achievements over the past 90 years before turning towards what is coming next. Topics include member wellbeing, tech and AI, and financial education.

Following the main discussion, the team answers a question from the member mailbag. Grant pulls the following submission: I want to learn more about money management and financial wellbeing, but I’m not sure where to start. I’ve only recently been able to open a savings account and set long-term goals. Where would you suggest that I take the next step in my financial wellbeing journey?

Grant concludes the discussion by highlighting Affinity’s full-service offerings and financial education resources, including a free blog, webinars, and seminars. Affinity also provides free credit counseling through Navicore Solutions, helping members keep their credit on track.

Just a reminder if you have a question or comment for a future Member Mailbag segment, please email them to us @[email protected].

Rate, like, and subscribe for more from the Wellbeing and Your Wallet podcast. Visit www.affinityfcu.com for additional information about financial wellbeing and Affinity products.

Thanks for listening and be well.

Affinity Federal Credit Union presents the Wellbeing and Your Wallet podcast! In this episode, hosts Grant Gallagher and Shawn Lubitz are joined by new host Ali Eddy and guest Jeffrey Downs, Founder of MyStreaks. They discuss how to build and keep healthy habits by starting small, tracking effectively, and celebrating wins along the way.

Following the main discussion, the team answers a question from the member mailbag. Grant pulls the following submission: As I get older, I’m trying to move my body daily. However, I can’t seem to find a fitness habit that sticks! I’ve tried pickleball, biking, and weightlifting, but I always need to force myself to go. How do I meet my movement goal without fighting myself?

Grant concludes the discussion by highlighting Affinity’s Certified Wellbeing Coaches. Trained to provide members with the best possible support, they can help you work out your financial wellness goals. Schedule an appointment online to meet a coach in your area.

Just a reminder if you have a question or comment for a future Member Mailbag segment, please email them to us @[email protected].

Rate, like, and subscribe for more from the Wellbeing and Your Wallet podcast. Visit www.affinityfcu.com for additional information about financial wellbeing and Affinity products.

Thanks for listening and be well.

Affinity Federal Credit Union presents the Wellbeing and Your Wallet podcast! In this episode, Grant Gallagher and Shawn Lubitz are joined by their new WAYW hosts: Sarah Rose, Director of Loan Servicing and Home Equity, and Alexandra Eddy, Assistant Branch Manager. They discuss key findings from Affinity’s Day at the Shore report and share tips on planning a fun, budget-friendly summer for the whole family.

Following the main discussion, the team answers a question from the member mailbag. Grant pulls the following submission: With inflation rising, my family can’t afford summer camp and a trip to the shore. We’re trying to decide what to pick, and how to make the rest of the summer fun for the kids. Do you have any suggestions on planning a great summer when money is tight?

Finally, Grant concludes the discussion by highlighting Affinity’s high-yield checking accounts. Grow your savings, get monthly ATM refunds, and earn a 5.50% APY to make your money work for you.

Just a reminder if you have a question or comment for a future Member Mailbag segment, please email them to us @[email protected].

Rate, like, and subscribe for more from the Wellbeing and Your Wallet podcast. Visit www.affinityfcu.com for additional information about financial wellbeing and Affinity products.

Thanks for listening and be well.

Affinity Federal Credit Union presents the Wellbeing and Your Wallet podcast! In this episode, hosts Grant Gallagher and Shawn Lubitz are joined by David Carcieri, President of the Greater Somerset YMCA. They discuss how to build local community, enriching your life and the lives of those around you.

Following the main discussion, the team answers a question from the member mailbag. Grant pulls the following submission: I feel like I am constantly busy, but not really connected to anything outside of work and family. I want to get more involved in something, whether that is a hobby, fitness, or just getting out more, I just do not know where to start. What is a realistic first step?

Grant concludes the discussion by highlighting Affinity’s financial wellbeing resources, including blogs, webinars, and fraud protection resources. If you’re working on your credit, check out our free consumer credit counseling services, offered in partnership with Navicore Solutions.

Just a reminder if you have a question or comment for a future Member Mailbag segment, please email them to us @[email protected].

Rate, like, and subscribe for more from the Wellbeing and Your Wallet podcast. Visit www.affinityfcu.com for additional information about financial wellbeing and Affinity products.

Thanks for listening and be well.