Financial Tea in the Morning Del Norte Credit Union

Ready for back to school? Whether you’ve got a college freshman about to spread their wings or a high school graduate intent on certification in a skilled trade, the bill for whatever comes next will arrive sooner than you think. Hosts Andrea Klunder and Josh Stringer close out the season with financial aid tips plus plenty of resources to help anyone navigating life and debt after high school––with Ruben Reyes, New Mexico Educational Assistance Foundation (NMEAF), a provider of New Mexico student loans.
Want to know the best time to apply for post-secondary education funding options? “As soon as you can,” advises Ruben. With most financial aid awarded on a first-come, first-served basis, your chances of securing more money increase when you apply early. And often. Many folks don’t realize they can apply for financial aid each year that a student attends college or trade school. 
But where to begin? 
Regardless of your graduate’s plans or your family’s financial status, the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) form is the place to start. FAFSA data is critical to determining federal aid eligibility, including grants that recipients aren’t required to pay back. 
The FAFSA is easy to navigate and includes the most current information on application deadlines for each state, award amounts, and eligibility assistance. Still, some opt-out of the FAFSA because they don’t think their need is great enough. Ruben urges them to reconsider. “I always say just do it because you never know.” For those needing additional guidance, the NMEAF has many recommendations for funding their educational future, including Money Mondays, the Q & A session for all things FAFSA. 
Ruben also suggests contacting the financial aid offices of your short-listed universities or schools to learn about funding options like merit-based scholarships and local monetary awards. Del Norte Credit Union, for example, offers DNCU account holders access to its scholarship program through the Del Norte LOV Foundation. Don’t let financial aid go unclaimed. There’s a funding path for every educational endeavor and economic status. All you have to do is ask. “I see a lot of good things coming,” says Ruben, “and it's because of these new students that are coming into our world now.”
Financial Tea Hot Sip: Fill out that FAFSA! It’s the quickest, easiest way to assess your eligibility for grants, scholarships, loans, and work-study opportunities. For those with more lead time, open a 529 savings plan for your student today. And for everyone with a student in their life, never miss an opportunity to let them know how special they are and how proud you are of them. 
RESOURCES MENTIONED Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
Del Norte LOV Foundation
New Mexico Higher Education Department - 1-800-279-9777 
New Mexico Educational Assistance Foundation (NMEAF)
The University of New Mexico
The Surrender Experiment - by Michael A. Singer
FTM0202: Fostering a Vibrant Financial Future with Connie Tooker Nuñez, Del Norte LOV Foundation
FTM0204: Put Your Money to Work for You, Investing for All Budgets with Scott Covey and Cynthia Frederick, Del Norte Investment Services
FEATURED GUEST Ruben Reyes
New Mexico Educational Assistance Foundation (NMEAF)
Provider of New Mexico Student Loans
Learn more and send your feedback and questions at: http://www.financialteainthemorning.com
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Financial Tea in the Morning is brought to you by Del Norte Credit Union.
Produced and Edited by Andrea Klunder at The Creative Impostor Studios
Technical Director: Edwin R. Ruiz
Recording Engineer: Kabby at Kabby Sound Studios in Santa Fe
Hosted by Josh Stringer & Andrea Klunder
Theme music by Ricardo Lambert
Logo design by Charlie Gonzalez at Axess Multimedia
Disclosures 
Del Norte Credit Union is Federally insured by NCUA and is an Equal Housing Opportunity Lender, NMLS ID 500583. Content in this episode is

Del Norte Credit Union has helped people achieve their personal financial goals for over 65 years. Now, DNCU is applying that same fiscal know-how to small business banking. Hosts Andrea Klunder and Josh Stringer introduce folks to DNCU’s brand new small business department with its enhanced menu of services, including loans, remote deposit, payroll services plus business checking and savings options that cater to your needs––with Del Norte Credit Union’s Kevin Southwick, Chief Member Business Officer, and Linda Rodriguez Brandt, Business Services Development Officer. While DNCU’s small business services focus on micro-to-medium businesses, the enthusiasm from two of its leading representatives is super-sized. “We are really excited to have this new department at our institution,” says Kevin. “We focus on the community. That's where our heart is; that's where our passion is.” 
What better way to share that passion with surrounding communities than by providing additional opportunities for financial success? “We want to see people happy in the flourishing and comfortable, economically, and we think the key to that is to advocate and hold up the small businesses that are really the heartbeat of Santa Fe.”
Linda shares Kevin’s commitment to local entrepreneurs and small business owners. “I want to help give them the tools and the resources and information they need or want to succeed and grow their business in the community and flourish so their life is the best that it can be.” She understands that the financial aspects of turning a dream into reality can feel intimidating, not to mention isolating. DNCU’s business services offer practical solutions to minimize challenges, maximize potential, and build lasting relationships so you never have to go it alone.
Now’s the time to get down to (small) business. Del Norte Credit Union is the perfect partner.
Financial Tea Hot Sip: Ready to talk to a credit union about your small business? Kevin recommends not getting caught up in dollars and cents. Instead, paint a clear, passionate picture of your goal. A business services representative can help you color in the financial specifics. Not sure if your dream will translate into reality? Linda advises folks to create an action plan by capturing ideas all in one place––on paper or with a favorite notes app.
FEATURED GUESTS Kevin Southwick
Chief Member Business Officer
Del Norte Credit Union
Linda Rodriguez Brandt
Business Services Development Officer
Del Norte Credit Union
Learn more and send your feedback and questions at: http://www.financialteainthemorning.com
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Financial Tea in the Morning is brought to you by Del Norte Credit Union.
Produced and Edited by Andrea Klunder at The Creative Impostor Studios
Technical Director: Edwin R. Ruiz
Recording Engineer: Kabby at Kabby Sound Studios in Santa Fe
Hosted by Josh Stringer & Andrea Klunder
Theme music by Ricardo Lambert
Logo design by Charlie Gonzalez at Axess Multimedia
Disclosures 
Del Norte Credit Union is Federally insured by NCUA and is an Equal Housing Opportunity Lender, NMLS ID 500583. Content in this episode is for entertainment purposes only and not financial advice. 

What is it about investing that holds folks back from growing their money? Fear. 
The market’s rollercoaster-like peaks and drops keep folks from realizing financial goals like saving for a stress-free retirement or funding higher education. But investing doesn’t have to feel like a crazy carnival ride. 
As hosts Andrea Klunder and Josh Stringer discover, there’s a strategy for every investment personality, from risk-averse to more tolerant. A trusted financial adviser can help you pick the right financial product and keep you on track through the fluctuations––with Scott Covey, Financial Advisor, Del Norte Investment Services, and Cynthia Frederick, Service Coordinator, Del Norte Credit Union. 
Many folks shy away from investing because they think the cost of entry is too prohibitive and the toll on their sanity too great. Not so! DNCU members can opt for guaranteed no-risk accounts and start with as little as $1000. 
As for less queasy investors, Scott cautions against them going it alone via highly volatile trading platforms. “That should not and just can't be the long-term overall strategy for investments,” he says, especially if your goal is retirement. “You have to have a better long-term outlook.” Clients can count on Del Norte Investment Services to connect them to age-appropriate advice and steady, rather than flashy, opportunities for financial growth.
Financial Tea Hot Sip: Don’t trust your financial future to friendly suggestions! Consult with the pros (Scott and Cynthia) at Del Norte Investment Services or contact your local credit union to find out what programs and services they can offer. Your team of financial professionals can provide you with reliable strategies to help you reach your goals without worry. 
FEATURED GUESTS Scott Covey
Financial Advisor
Del Norte Investment Services
Cynthia Frederick
Service Coordinator
Del Norte Credit Union
Learn more and send your feedback and questions at: http://www.financialteainthemorning.com
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Financial Tea in the Morning is brought to you by Del Norte Credit Union.
Produced and Edited by Andrea Klunder at The Creative Impostor Studios
Technical Director: Edwin R. Ruiz
Recording Engineer: Kabby at Kabby Sound Studios in Santa Fe
Hosted by Josh Stringer & Andrea Klunder
Theme music by Ricardo Lambert
Logo design by Charlie Gonzalez at Axess Multimedia
Disclosures 
Del Norte Credit Union is Federally insured by NCUA and is an Equal Housing Opportunity Lender, NMLS ID 500583. Content in this episode is for entertainment purposes only and not financial advice. 

There’s nothing better than settling in with a bowl of popcorn and a scandalous tale of deceit. When viewed from a safe distance, it's difficult to imagine ever falling prey to those outrageous financial scams. But what happens when the drama hits close to home?  Hosts Andrea Klunder and Josh Stringer learn that shame-free discussions coupled with innovative safety measures can prevent real-life swindlers from taking advantage of you and the ones you love––with Judah Montano, Fraud Prevention Manager, Del Norte Credit Union.
Money is an emotional matter, so it makes sense that scammers exploit feelings of loneliness, boredom, inadequacy, or worry to gain financial access. “These people spend a lot of time really building a strong social connection with victims,” says Judah, explaining that the attention is often intoxicating, alarming, or both. 
The speed at which scammers convince even the most cautious individual to wire money overseas or turn over sensitive personal details is dizzying. Seniors are particularly susceptible to financial ruin through windfall emails and courtesy call scams. In the former, the “winner” is notified of tax due before they can collect winnings. In the latter, victims are coerced into helping a fraudulent bank representative rectify erroneous activity on their account. 
Teens are increasingly at risk via scams conducted over social media. The sugar daddy/sugar mama scheme offers excitement and a lavish lifestyle in return for seemingly innocuous assistance. The FOMO scam also promises a fast track to wealth by tugging at a teen’s fear of missing out on cryptocurrency millions and other get-rich-quick schemes.
Del Norte Credit Union’s brand new online banking system protects members from potentially costly scams and identity theft. Nothing’s failproof, however, so Judah advocates for ongoing financial education and transparent communication. “I've always believed that an ounce of prevention is worth more than a pound of cure.” 
Financial Tea Hot Sip: Think you or someone you know is the victim of fraud or identity theft? Take a deep breath––then contact Del Norte Credit Union, or your trusted local credit union. We can provide you with frontline assistance, intervention, and educational tools. Everything's going to be okay. 
FEATURED GUEST Judah Montano
Fraud Prevention Manager
Del Norte Credit Union 
Learn more and send your feedback and questions at: http://www.financialteainthemorning.com
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Financial Tea in the Morning is brought to you by Del Norte Credit Union.
Produced and Edited by Andrea Klunder at The Creative Impostor Studios
Technical Director: Edwin R. Ruiz
Recording Engineer: Kabby at Kabby Sound Studios in Santa Fe
Hosted by Josh Stringer & Andrea Klunder
Theme music by Ricardo Lambert
Logo design by Charlie Gonzalez at Axess Multimedia
Disclosures 
Del Norte Credit Union is Federally insured by NCUA and is an Equal Housing Opportunity Lender, NMLS ID 500583. Content in this episode is for entertainment purposes only and not financial advice. 

Happy Financial Literacy Month! Hosts Andrea Klunder and Josh Stringer celebrate by introducing folks to Del Norte LOV Foundation, the independent charitable organization associated with Del Norte Credit Union.  What does philanthropic giving have to do with personal finance?  As LOV Foundation Director Connie Tooker Nuñez explains, the funding it provides directly impacts the lives of youth and families within the DNCU community, fostering a vibrant financial future for all.  
“This region,” says Connie, “is beautiful and rich in diversity and culture. However, there's a lot of underserved young people in our region.” LOV Foundation provides DNCU’s 200+ employees with a dedicated mechanism through which they can lend their time, talent, and treasure to the region.
LOV Foundation’s advocacy includes charitable payroll deductions, donations, and scholarships. The organization also supports DNCU’s financial literacy program and the dedicated youth accounts it offers. Additionally, LOV Foundation provides local nonprofits with various avenues for funding via sponsorships and grantmaking. 
Although only a few years old, the LOV Foundation has proven itself to be a vital community ally, allocating funds to support college aspirations, educational and cultural enrichment, and financial literacy. Connie agrees. “I live and work in this region, and so it's wonderful in order to advance the wellbeing of this region through Del Norte LOV Foundation. It's awesome to do this every single day.” 
Financial Tea Hot Sip: Give the young person in your life a head start toward financial literacy by opening a DNCU youth account. Parents love the Baxter’s Bunch program for its $5 minimum and ease of use. Kiddos love it for the free prize and perks. Score! provides teens with eLearning resources to boost their financial acumen and the option to secure a Score! credit card. Free 4 Me is the perfect choice for 18-25-year-olds ready to take total control of their finances. Not in the DNCU service area? Explore youth account options through your local credit union.
Not the primary caregiver in a child’s life but still want to contribute to their higher education pursuits? Set up a 529 Plan naming them as the beneficiary. It’s a great way to help kids plan for (and afford!) the future they envision.
FEATURED GUEST Connie Tooker Nuñez
Director
Del Norte LOV Foundation
MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE Financial Tea In The Morning s2e1 - Spring Cleaning: Securing Your Mortgage or HELOC
DNCU Scholarships
DNCU Youth Accounts & Resources 
DNCU Personal Checking Accounts
Green Path Financial Wellness
Banzai Financial Literacy
Learn more and send your feedback and questions at: http://www.financialteainthemorning.com
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Financial Tea in the Morning is brought to you by Del Norte Credit Union.
Produced and Edited by Andrea Klunder at The Creative Impostor Studios
Technical Director: Edwin R. Ruiz
Recording Engineer: Kabby at Kabby Sound Studios in Santa Fe
Hosted by Josh Stringer & Andrea Klunder
Theme music by Ricardo Lambert
Logo design by Charlie Gonzalez at Axess Multimedia
Disclosures 
Del Norte Credit Union is Federally insured by NCUA and is an Equal Housing Opportunity Lender, NMLS ID 500583. Content in this episode is for entertainment purposes only and not financial advice. 

Home is more than walls and a roof; it’s where we create memories and plan for the future. Home is also a major source of collateral that can be tapped to meet long-term financial goals or cover life’s unexpected expenses. Financial Tea in the Morning is back with a new season, new hosts, and spring cleaning tips to refresh your money mindset. Where better to start than at home? Hosts Andrea Klunder and Josh Stringer discover strategies for turning one of life’s biggest investments into instant cash. They also learn how credit unions ensure that members get the best fiscal fit––with guests Marco Padilla, Chief Lending Officer, Del Norte Credit Union, and Ever Acosta, home equity loan specialist, Del Norte Credit Union. 
Two of the most popular lending options at a homeowner’s disposal are the home equity loan and home equity line of credit, or HELOC. A home equity loan allows borrowing at a fixed rate with a locked-in monthly payment. 
On the other hand, HELOCs are attached to fluctuating or variable interest rates. These funds remain accessible via a line of credit, allowing folks to plan, within reason, for the unexpected.
No home yet? No problem! Credit unions provide first-time mortgage applicants with competitive rates and community-focused financial literacy.
“Even if you don't do the loan with us, I'll actually sit with members and say, ‘Let's go over the paperwork, so you make sure you understand what you're getting,’” says Marco. “That's not a sales technique; that's just us. We want our members to get the best.”
Financial Tea Hot Sip: Now’s the time to spring into economic action! Pick up the phone or visit your local credit union to learn how you can become a member. At DNCU, you can get started with as little as a $5 deposit. Already a member? Let one of our loan specialists recommend the best home loan product to suit your needs. You might be closer than you think to securing that mortgage!
FEATURED GUESTS Ever Acosta
Home Equity Loan Specialist
Del Norte Credit Union
Marco Padilla
Chief Lending Officer
Del Norte Credit Union
Learn more and send your feedback and questions at: http://www.financialteainthemorning.com
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Financial Tea in the Morning is brought to you by Del Norte Credit Union.
Produced and Edited by Andrea Klunder at The Creative Impostor Studios
Technical Director: Edwin R. Ruiz
Recording Engineer: Kabby at Kabby Sound Studios in Santa Fe
Hosted by Josh Stringer & Andrea Klunder
Theme music by Ricardo Lambert
Logo design by Charlie Gonzalez at Axess Multimedia
Disclosures 
Del Norte Credit Union is Federally insured by NCUA and is an Equal Housing Opportunity Lender, NMLS ID 500583. Content in this episode is for entertainment purposes only and not financial advice. 
Del Norte Credit Union is Federally insured by NCUA and is an Equal Housing Opportunity Lender, NMLS ID 500583. Content in this episode is for entertainment purposes only and not financial advice. 
Rates effective as of 3/28/2022 are subject to change. APR may vary. Stated rates are based on the following scenario: Home purchase transaction, $300,000 purchase price, 20% down payment, 45-day lock period, 740+ credit score, and estimated prepaid finance charged by the lender ($1,250). Estimated prepaid finance charges do not include all costs associated with originating a mortgage and may vary. Not all borrowers qualify for all programs, must meet underwriting guidelines, and are subject to credit review and approval. This does not constitute a commitment to lend. For mortgage loans other than fixed rate loans, it is possible that the borrower’s payment may increase substantially after consummation. The information contained is subject to change without notice. For an exact quote, contact Del Norte Credit Union.