Life. Money. You.® Podcast

Life. Money. You.
  • 4.7 (16)
  • Self-Improvement
  • Updated Weekly

Build credit, crush debt, and unleash savings with Life. Money. You.® brought to you by BCU. Discover financial freedom with: A monthly newsletter straight to your inbox, 1:1 financial confidence coaching sessions, and interactive group coaching events. Subscribe today at LifeMoneyYou.com. Life happens. Money matters. We're here for you.

  1. 5d ago ·  Bonus

    S3|E27: October Newsletter Recap

    Many families today are balancing multiple financial priorities at once, helping aging parents, supporting children, planning for retirement, and managing their own financial goals. If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. Thoughtful financial planning can help you navigate competing priorities while protecting your own long-term financial well-being. 🥪 What Is The Sandwich Generation? The “sandwich generation” refers to adults who are simultaneously supporting older parents and children, often while trying to save for retirement and achieve their own financial goals. These responsibilities can create financial pressure, but they can also serve as an opportunity to build intentional plans that support multiple generations. Common caregiving expenses may include: Helping parents with medical or long-term care costsAssisting adult children with education or housing expensesManaging household expenses for multiple family membersTaking time away from work to provide careBalancing retirement contributions with current family needs 🏡 Protect Your Financial Foundation First When caring for loved ones, it’s natural to prioritize everyone else’s needs before your own. However, protecting your own financial future is one of the most valuable gifts you can provide your family. Consider these planning areas to help you take action: ✔ Build and maintain an emergency fund Unexpected caregiving expenses can arise quickly. Having dedicated savings can help reduce financial stress during difficult transitions. ✔ Continue saving for retirement It may be tempting to pause retirement contributions when family expenses increase, but staying invested in your future remains one of the most important long-term wealth-building strategies. ✔ Review insurance coverage Health, disability, life, and long-term care planning can help protect both you and those who depend on you. ✔ Talk openly about finances Family conversations about expectations, caregiving roles, housing plans, and future wishes can prevent misunderstandings and improve decision-making. 🌱 Building Wealth Across Generations Financial planning isn’t only about assets. It’s about creating stability, confidence, and opportunities for those you care about — children, grandchildren, and loved ones. Families who focus on long-term planning often prioritize: Teaching financial wellness and money management skillsCreating savings habits across generationsDeveloping estate plans and beneficiary reviewsStrategically paying down debtBuilding homeownership into long-term wealth strategiesAligning financial goals with family valuesBy taking intentional steps today, you can help support loved ones while creating a stronger foundation for future generations to come.   📋 Action Steps You Can Take This Month Review your retirement savings contributions. Are you prioritizing your future financial security while supporting others today?Schedule a family conversation about future caregiving expectations. Have you discussed who will provide care, how responsibilities may be shared, and what financial resources may be available?Confirm beneficiary designations on retirement and savings accounts. Do your beneficiaries reflect your current wishes and family circumstances?Evaluate your emergency fund and caregiving contingency plans. Would your finances be prepared for an unexpected caregiving need or life transition?Meet with a trusted financial professional or financial coach to discuss family goals. Do your current financial decisions align with the legacy and opportunities you hope to create for future generations?  📣 Resource Spotlight: Upcoming Live Event Join BCU Wealth Advisors and Certified Financial Coaches on October 28 for an engaging discussion on building generational wealth through intentional planning, smart financial decisions, and long-term strategies that help families thrive for years to come. Register today and reserve your spot. 🤝 Need personalized guidance? Our Certified Credit Union Financial Coaches can help you review your credit, build a budget, and prepare for major purchases. Schedule session. Join our podcast community: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/life-money-you-podcast/id1636521227 Learn more about membership with BCU: https://www.bcu.org/member-resources/join/membership-eligibility Your host: Dani Buschick, Program Manager & Certified Financial Coach Life. Money. You.® | Helping people discover financial freedom with one-on-one coaching and digital solutions. | Subscribe @ LifeMoneyYou.com Today

  2. Sep 17

    S3|E26: Living Solar Since the 1980s: Lessons from a Passive Homeowner

    Featuring John Avenson of the American Solar Energy Society (ASES) Solar is one of the most talked-about home investments today, but it's also one of the most misunderstood. In this episode, Dani Buschick sits down with John Avenson of the American Solar Energy Society (ASES), who has been living in a passive solar home since the 1980s and has firsthand experience with both passive solar design and rooftop solar systems. Together, they separate fact from fiction and explore what homeowners should know before investing in solar.  A passive solar home uses the sun's energy through building design, window placement, and natural heat storage to reduce heating and cooling needs without requiring solar panels. John shares how simple concepts, like sunlight through windows or the familiar experience of warm water from a sun-heated garden hose, can help homeowners understand how passive solar works and how small changes can improve comfort and lower energy use.  The conversation tackles common myths, including whether solar works in cold climates, if a south-facing roof is required, whether panels stop working before they're paid off, and why "free solar" deserves a closer look. More importantly, Dani and John discuss the financial side of solar, including upfront costs, financing, incentives, payback periods, maintenance, and how your home's location and energy use can dramatically impact the numbers.  Questions every homeowner should ask before going solar:  What's my estimated payback period? What assumptions are behind the projected savings? How much efficiency will the panels lose over time? What happens if I sell my home? Who owns the equipment? What maintenance costs should I expect? What exactly does the warranty cover? What financing costs are included? Have I compared multiple proposals? The key takeaway: solar is not automatically a good investment or a bad investment. The right decision depends on your home, finances, goals, and the complete cost-benefit picture. Financial well-being comes from understanding the trade-offs and making informed choices that support your household's future.  Resources: American Solar Energy Society (ASES): https://ases.org/ Visit John's YouTube Channel for images and more info: https://www.youtube.com/@JohnEAvenson  🎁 Special Offer for BCU Members: Receive 25% off an ASES membership using promo code BCU at www.ases.org/join. Join our podcast community: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/life-money-you-podcast/id1636521227 Learn more about membership with BCU: https://www.bcu.org/member-resources/join/membership-eligibility Your host: Dani Buschick, Program Manager & Certified Financial Coach Life. Money. You.® | Helping people discover financial freedom with one-on-one coaching and digital solutions. | Subscribe @ LifeMoneyYou.com Today

  3. Sep 10

    S3|E25: A Debt-Free Game Plan Before the Years Ends ft. Ericka Young

    As football season kicks off and many of us start looking ahead to holiday spending, there's no better time to huddle up and create a game plan for your finances.  In this special live edition of the Life. Money. You.® Podcast, we're excited to welcome back Ericka Young, Money Personality, Certified Credit Union Financial Counselor and financial well-being expert, for an engaging conversation about tackling debt with confidence and creating a strategy that works for your unique situation. Ericka shares practical, real-world guidance to help take the stress and mystery out of debt repayment. Together, we explore how to calculate a realistic debt-free date, build and protect your credit score, evaluate refinancing opportunities that could improve cash flow, and develop a focused payoff strategy, even when you're working with a tight budget.  Rather than focusing on quick fixes, this discussion breaks debt management into manageable steps and provides actionable tools to help you make meaningful progress. Whether you're looking to reduce financial stress, free up money for future goals, or simply feel more in control of your finances, this episode is packed with insights to help you move forward with greater clarity and peace of mind. Resources Mentioned During the Episode: 🎧Debt Reduction Calculator / Debt Snowball Calculator: https://www.vertex42.com/Calculators/debt-reduction-calculator.html 🎧Life. Money. You.® Financial Well-Being Platform: https://baxtercreditunion.my.site.com/bcuwebpg/s/LMY 🎧BCU Credit Builder LAUNCH Credit Card: https://www.bcu.org/credit-cards/credit-builder-visa-credit-card 🎧BCU Credit Builder Loan: https://www.bcu.org/loans/credit-builder-loans 🎧Life. Money. You.® Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/life-money-you-podcast/id1636521227 🎧Schedule a Financial Coaching Appointment: https://baxtercreditunion.my.site.com/bcuwebpg/s/financial-coaches 🎧For Better or Worth Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/for-better-and-worth/id1665481280 🎧Ericka Young: https://www.erickayoung.com/ Subscribe to the Life. Money. You.® Podcast for more expert conversations, practical money tips, and financial well-being strategies designed to help you make informed decisions and achieve your goals, one smart step at a time. Join our podcast community: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/life-money-you-podcast/id1636521227 Learn more about membership with BCU: https://www.bcu.org/member-resources/join/membership-eligibility Your host: Dani Buschick, Program Manager & Certified Financial Coach Life. Money. You.® | Helping people discover financial freedom with one-on-one coaching and digital solutions. | Subscribe @ LifeMoneyYou.com Today

  4. Sep 3

    S3|E24: The Keys to Unlocking Homeownership

    Thinking about buying a home but not sure where to start? In this episode of the Life. Money. You.® Podcast, host Dani Buschick sits down with mortgage experts Erman Ramos and David Sessions to break down the homebuying journey and help you move forward with confidence. From understanding your buying power and preparing your finances to navigating today's housing market, Erman and David share practical insights to help both first-time and experienced buyers make informed decisions. Whether you're planning to buy soon or simply exploring your options, this conversation is packed with actionable guidance to help you take the next step toward homeownership. 🔑 In This Episode Assessing your homeownership readinessUnderstanding affordability and buying powerKey steps in the mortgage processNavigating today's housing marketCommon homebuying mistakes to avoidResources available to support your journey📚 Helpful Resources 🏠 Meet with a Financial Coach: https://www.lifemoneyyou.com/learn/coaching 🎤 Upcoming Live Events: https://www.lifemoneyyou.com/learn/live-events 🎙️ Listen to More Podcast Episodes: https://www.lifemoneyyou.com/learn/podcast 💡 Explore Life. Money. You.®: https://www.lifemoneyyou.com 💙 Learn More About BCU: https://www.bcu.org 🚀 Take the Next Step Financial confidence starts with a plan. Subscribe to Life. Money. You.® for expert insights, one-on-one coaching, live events, and tools designed to help you build credit, crush debt, unleash savings, and achieve your biggest financial goals. Join our podcast community: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/life-money-you-podcast/id1636521227 Learn more about membership with BCU: https://www.bcu.org/member-resources/join/membership-eligibility Your host: Dani Buschick, Program Manager & Certified Financial Coach Life. Money. You.® | Helping people discover financial freedom with one-on-one coaching and digital solutions. | Subscribe @ LifeMoneyYou.com Today

  5. Sep 1 ·  Bonus

    S3|E23: September Newsletter Recap

    Americans collectively owe trillions of dollars across mortgages, credit cards, and student loans. While national debt statistics can feel overwhelming, they don’t determine your financial future. With a clear plan and consistent steps, you can take control of your debt and make meaningful progress toward your goals. Let’s look at the three most common debt categories and a simple way to establish your own payoff strategy.   🏠 Mortgage Debt: The Largest Financial Commitment Mortgage debt remains America’s biggest debt category by a wide margin, totaling more than $12 trillion nationwide and accounting for most household debt balances*. For many households, a mortgage is a tool that helps build long-term wealth through homeownership, but it can also be the largest monthly financial obligation.  Pro Tip: Occasionally, make extra principal payments to reduce the interest owed over the life of the loan. Or consider refinancing your loan for a lower interest rate.   💳 Credit Card Debt: The Most Expensive Debt Credit card debt has climbed above $1 trillion nationally, driven by higher costs and rising interest rates*. Unlike a mortgage, credit card debt often carries double-digit interest rates, making it one of the most expensive forms of borrowing. The danger isn’t usually the balance itself; it’s how long the balance stays around. Pro Tip: Leverage strategies like balance transfers and debt consolidation to make headway on paying off your credit card balance.   🎓 Student Loan Debt: The Long-Term Balancing Act Student loan debt continues to impact millions of borrowers, exceeding $1.7 trillion nationwide*. While education can increase lifetime earning potential, student loans can delay other financial goals such as homeownership, retirement savings, and emergency funds. Pro Tip: Explore refinancing opportunities that could lower your interest rate, reduce the overall cost of borrowing, and help you reach your debt-free goal sooner. ✅ Your Three-Step Debt Payoff Evaluation Numbers don’t change behavior. Plans do. Use this simple framework to evaluate your debt payoff strategy and set a debt-free date. Step 1: Calculate 📊 For each debt, write down: Current balanceInterest rateMinimum paymentTotal monthly paymentCombine all your balances to arrive at your total debt amount. Step 2: Plan 📝 Choose your payoff approach: 🏔️ Debt Avalanche Pay extra toward the debt with the highest interest rate first while maintaining minimum payments on everything else. Best For: Saving the most money on interest. ⚪ Debt Snowball Pay extra toward the smallest balance first while maintaining minimum payments on other debts. Best For: Building motivation and momentum. Whichever strategy you choose, consistency matters more than perfection. Step 3: Set a Debt-Free Date 🎯 This is the step many people skip. Decide when you want your debt to be gone and create a realistic deadline. For example: Credit cards paid off by December 2027Student loans eliminated by June 2030Mortgage paid off 5 years earlyHaving a target date transforms debt repayment from a monthly obligation into a measurable goal. Write it down, track it quarterly, and celebrate progress.   The missing piece in every debt payoff plan? The debt-free date. Create one today and take the first step toward a debt-free life.  *Sources: Federal Reserve Bank of New York Household Debt and Credit Report, U.S. Department of Education Federal Student Aid, Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, and HUD. Data reflects the most recent publicly available U.S. consumer debt reporting. In case you missed it…   🎧 Listen to the latest Life. Money. You. podcast on Apple Podcasts. [LISTEN NOW]  🎥 Register for our next Podcast Live Events to participate in a future episode alongside 500+ others seeking greater financial confidence. [SIGN UP]  🤝 Need personalized guidance? Our Certified Credit Union Financial Coaches can help you review your credit, build a budget, and prepare for major purchases. [SCHEDULE SESSION] Join our podcast community: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/life-money-you-podcast/id1636521227 Learn more about membership with BCU: https://www.bcu.org/member-resources/join/membership-eligibility Your host: Dani Buschick, Program Manager & Certified Financial Coach Life. Money. You.® | Helping people discover financial freedom with one-on-one coaching and digital solutions. | Subscribe @ LifeMoneyYou.com Today

  6. Aug 6

    S3|E22: Car Buying Tips & Tricks

    In this virtual live event, host Dani Buschick was joined by auto lending experts Guillermo Casillas, Jaime Enriquez, and James Spannraft to help listeners navigate the car-buying journey with confidence. Whether attendees were purchasing their first vehicle, upgrading their current ride, or simply exploring their options, the session offered practical guidance for every stage of the process. Guillermo, Jaime, and James walked participants through the key steps of a successful car-buying experience, starting with establishing a realistic budget and understanding how much vehicle fits comfortably within their financial picture. They also covered the importance of completing a loan application early, helping buyers gain clarity on financing options before heading to the dealership. The conversation highlighted valuable ways members can save money through available rate discounts and demonstrated how to maximize value when evaluating a trade-in vehicle. Attendees also learned how to streamline their search using TrueCar vehicle shopping tools, making it easier to compare vehicles, research pricing, and shop with confidence. To round out the discussion, the team reviewed exclusive member pricing on vehicle protection coverages, helping listeners understand how to safeguard their investment while potentially saving money. The key takeaway? Preparation is one of the most powerful tools in the car-buying process. By understanding your budget, securing financing ahead of time, leveraging available discounts, and using trusted shopping resources, you can make informed decisions and drive away with a vehicle that fits both your lifestyle and your financial goals. 🚘 Topics Covered: Establishing Your BudgetCompleting the Loan ApplicationRate DiscountsEvaluating Your Trade-InVehicle Shopping & TrueCar ToolsExclusive Member Pricing on CoveragesThis session reinforced that a little planning goes a long way toward creating a smoother, less stressful, and more financially confident car-buying experience. Check out the recording on our YouTube channel: Life. Money. You.®, LLC - YouTube | https://www.youtube.com/@lifemoneyyou Join our podcast community: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/life-money-you-podcast/id1636521227 Learn more about membership with BCU: https://www.bcu.org/member-resources/join/membership-eligibility Your host: Dani Buschick, Program Manager & Certified Financial Coach Life. Money. You.® | Helping people discover financial freedom with one-on-one coaching and digital solutions. | Subscribe @ LifeMoneyYou.com Today

  7. Aug 1 ·  Bonus

    S3|E21: August Newsletter Recap

    A car purchase – or refinance – can shape your finances for years. The good news? A little planning can help you avoid costly mistakes and save thousands. If you're buying or refinancing this year, start with these three smart moves... ✍️ Move #1: Know What You Can Actually Afford Before you start looking at vehicles, start with your budget. What can you comfortably contribute to a car payment month over month? And remember, the reality is that owning a vehicle involves much more than the loan itself. Be sure to also consider these costs: InsuranceFuelMaintenance and repairsParking and tollsRegistration feesUse an auto loan calculator to estimate how much the cost of a vehicle fits your budget. Remember, a lower payment isn't always a better deal if it means a longer loan term and significantly more interest paid over time. 💰 Move #2: Get Your Financing Ready Before You Shop Your credit score and financing have a major impact on the total cost of your car purchase. Before applying for a loan: Review your credit report (you can do this for free within BCU’s Digital Banking)Pay down credit card balances if possibleShop around for financing optionsConsider getting pre-approved before visiting a dealershipHaving a pre-approval helps you understand exactly what you can afford and gives you more confidence during negotiations. Sometimes a dealer's low-interest financing offer may require you to give up manufacturer's rebates; while a slightly higher-rate loan combined with available rebates can result in greater overall savings. At the end of the day, compare all financing options before making your decision. 💼 Move #3: Do Your Homework and Negotiate Confidently Before buying a car, research values on TrueCar.com, read reviews and reliability ratings, and compare prices across dealerships. Be cautious of add-on warranties or maintenance packages, always test drive the vehicle, review its history report, and, if it’s used, have it inspected by a trusted mechanic. If you're trading in your current vehicle, compare the value of a dealership trade-in versus a private sale. A private sale often brings more money, while a trade-in offers convenience and simplicity. When it's time to negotiate, keep each part of the transaction separate: Vehicle priceTrade-in valueFinancingAdd-ons and warrantiesAnd most importantly, be willing to walk away if the numbers don't work for you. Don't tell a salesperson the maximum amount you're willing to spend. The more informed and confident you are, the stronger your negotiating position becomes – you got this! 👉 Helpful Resources Getting started with buying a car        🔗 Read Now Buying or leasing a car        🔗 Calculate Now Shopping for a car         🔗 Watch Now Budgeting Tool – Located in your Virtual Library         🔗 Listen Now In case you missed it…   🎧 Latest Life. Money. You. listen on Apple Podcasts. Listen Now | https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/life-money-you-podcast/id1636521227 🎥 Register for our next Podcast Live Event – Car Buying Tips & Tricks – on August 5 @ 11am CT to be in a future episode alongside 500+ others seeking greater financial confidence. Car Buying Tips & Tricks | https://events.zoom.us/ev/AqheBB4-wj0s7MlID-pgfMX0ge48n0N6lzI-wyZKYMRg3-gt38cz~ArPIyQaLjtkxKVsatyLNj9IdxUzw5D4DHNssiMIFn-OBoaCLQJMWVMHPXQ 🤝 Need personalized guidance? Our Certified Credit Union Financial Coaches (CCUFC) can help you review your credit, build a budget, and prepare for major purchases like a vehicle. Meet Now | https://baxtercreditunion.my.site.com/bcuwebpg/s/financial-coaches?_gl=1*1rj6uqi*_gcl_au*MTYzMDY2NTIyMy4xNzU5MTY0MzM4*_ga*MTI3NDc2MjUzMS4xNzUxMzg2NTU1*_ga_DJKEQ92T3K*czE3NjI5NTk4NzEkbzI5NiRnMSR0MTc2Mjk2MDMyNCRqNTAkbDAkaDA.*_ga_2D0485LQQD*czE3NjI5NTk4NzEkbzI5NiRnMSR0MTc2Mjk2MDMyNCRqNTAkbDAkaDA. Join our podcast community: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/life-money-you-podcast/id1636521227 Learn more about membership with BCU: https://www.bcu.org/member-resources/join/membership-eligibility Your host: Dani Buschick, Program Manager & Certified Financial Coach Life. Money. You.® | Helping people discover financial freedom with one-on-one coaching and digital solutions. | Subscribe @ LifeMoneyYou.com Today

  8. Jul 21

    S3|E20: College Costs Unpacked

    In this episode, host Dani Buschick is joined by Alejo Torres, Madelyn Osel, and Krish Shah to explore the real cost of college beyond tuition and student loans. Together, they break down the expenses families often underestimate, including housing, meal plans, books, laptops, transportation, move-in costs, social activities, and unexpected emergencies. Drawing from both personal experience and research, the group discusses what expenses are truly required, which costs are optional, and how students and families can make smarter financial decisions before and during college. Alejo shares the perspective of a parent preparing to send a child to college, while Madelyn and Krish provide firsthand insight into student spending habits and practical ways to save money without sacrificing the college experience. Whether you're a student, parent, or simply planning ahead, this conversation offers actionable tips on budgeting, minimizing borrowing, and avoiding common financial surprises. Special thanks to Krish for leading much of the episode research, with sources including Student Choice, Business Insider, Citizens, College Board, College Raptor, Admissionly, and other higher education cost studies. Join our podcast community: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/life-money-you-podcast/id1636521227 Learn more about membership with BCU: https://www.bcu.org/member-resources/join/membership-eligibility Your host: Dani Buschick, Program Manager & Certified Financial Coach Life. Money. You.® | Helping people discover financial freedom with one-on-one coaching and digital solutions. | Subscribe @ LifeMoneyYou.com Today

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Ratings & Reviews

4.7
out of 5
16 Ratings

About

Build credit, crush debt, and unleash savings with Life. Money. You.® brought to you by BCU. Discover financial freedom with: A monthly newsletter straight to your inbox, 1:1 financial confidence coaching sessions, and interactive group coaching events. Subscribe today at LifeMoneyYou.com. Life happens. Money matters. We're here for you.

Information

  • Creator
    Life. Money. You.
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2026
  • Episodes
    107
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Life. Money. You.® Podcast
  • Show Website
    Life. Money. You.® Podcast

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