Best Life Podcast | Altra Federal Credit Union

Tony Beyer, Altra Federal Credit Union
Best Life Podcast | Altra Federal Credit Union

Join Tony Beyer, Financial Literacy Coordinator with Altra Federal Credit Union as he interviews various guests, diving into important topics (more than just finances!) with one goal in mind: to help you live your best life! We love to hear from our listeners: message us at tjbeyer@altra.org with questions, comments, and ideas for future episodes.

  1. APR 28

    Episode 26: Data Security with Ironcore

    In this episode of the Best Life Podcast, Tony sits down with Ironcore, Inc. CEO Andy Minneker to talk data security, current threats, and how Ironcore is able to help financial institutions protect themselves from cyber threats. For more information on Ironcore, Inc. and how they’re able to help financial institutions, visit ironcore-inc.com

    19 min

  2. FEB 22

    Episode 25 – Escrow Analysis

    On this episode of the Best Life Podcast, Tony speaks with Altra’s Real Estate Post Closer II, Heather Wenhardt about escrow accounts and how the analysis of those accounts affects your monthly mortgage payments. Tony and Heather talk about what all goes into an escrow analysis, when it happens every year, and all the helpful ways Altra is able to get your mortgage questions answered.

    9 min

  3. FEB 7

    Episode 24 – Credit Myths and Improving Your Score

    In this episode of the Best Life Podcast, Tony sits down with Brandon Hougom, AVP of Consumer Lending at Altra Federal Credit Union. In their chat, Tony and Brandon address some of the myths surrounding credit and why they’re simply not correct. In addition to setting the record straight on some of these credit misconceptions, the two share great information on how to improve your credit worthiness and credit score.

    16 min

  4. 11/15/2024

    Episode 23 – Holiday Spending with Less Stress

    On this episode of the Best Life Podcast, Tony speaks with a familiar guest of the show, Credit Management Supervisor, Jackie Urban, to talk about ideas to take some of the stress out of spending for the holidays. Tony and Jackie discuss the beauty of planning ahead, outside the box gift ideas to save money, peanut butter pie, and the importance of keeping your own well-being in your spending plan when celebrating the holiday season.

    14 min

  5. 07/26/2024

    Episode 22 – Scams and Fraud

    On this episode of the Best Life Podcast, Tony speaks with Altra Federal Credit Union’s Fraud Department Manager Crystal Clark to learn more about recognizing and avoiding potential scams and fraud trying to get at your accounts and your personal information. In their discussion, you’ll learn about the rise of imposter scams, what the FBI is calling “The Phantom Hacker Scam,” and the worst kind of stuffing you can experience and that’s credential stuffing. Below are some helpful links to learn more and how to recognize and report scams and fraud: Altra Secure ID, Report Fraud to the Federal Trade Commission, Internet Crime Complaint Center (ic3.gov)

    17 min

  6. 05/31/2024

    Episode 21 – Buy Now, Pay Later

    In this episode of the Best Life Podcast, we discuss the growing and ever-present payment option for products and that is Buy Now, Pay Later. To learn more about what consumers should know about buy now, pay later, or BNPL, Tony speaks with Michelle Reinen, Administrator for the Division of Trade and Consumer Protection, which is part of the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection, or known as DATCP. Michelle and Tony speak about what consumers should know about the advantages and disadvantages of BNPL as a payment option, and how the Division of Trade and Consumer Protection helps Wisconsin consumers and small businesses in the state. More information and resources from the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection can be found at datcp.wi.gov. Those with consumer questions or complaints in Wisconsin can also call the state’s Consumer Protection Hotline at: 1-800-422-7128.

    15 min

  7. 04/11/2024

    Episode 20 – Altra’s Financial Coaches

    In this episode of the Best Life Podcast, Tony is joined by some of Altra’s friendly and knowledgeable Financial Coaches to learn more about what they do to improve members’ financial outlook and why they enjoy doing it. Lindale, TX office manager Nohemi Garza, Financial Services Representative Carol Finch, and Solution Specialist Team Lead Kirsten Wallace all take time to be on the podcast to educate about this great program. To learn more about Altra’s Financial Coaches and to schedule an appointment, visit our website at altra.org or call 800-755-0055

    10 min

  8. 10/19/2023

    Episode 19 – Student Loans

    On this episode of the Best Life Podcast, Tony is joined by Andrea Irvin and Amber Miller who are both Partner Experience Managers for GreenPath Financial Wellness. We discuss what student loan payments resuming means for borrowers, what options are available, like studentaid.gov and their Loan Simulator, and who to talk to if you’re struggling to make it all work. So, if in your wildest dreams you’d like to tell student loans you’re never, ever getting back together and would rather have a blank space where your student loan balance is listed, this is the podcast for you. More resources and education can be found at altra.org.

    15 min

  9. 09/15/2023

    Episode 18: Dealing with Debt & Inflation

    In this episode of the Best Life Podcast, Tony invites Jackie Urban, Credit Management Supervisor at Altra Federal Credit Union, to tackle the challenges posed by rising inflation and mounting credit card debt, with total US balances now surpassing $1 trillion. Jackie emphasizes the need to distinguish between needs and wants in a spending plan while promoting a thoughtful, frugal approach to spending. This episode also talks about recognizing the signs of financial strain, where to seek help, and highlighting the many resources at Altra, like our Financial Coaches in our offices and GreenPath Financial Wellness. This episode will guide listeners toward financial stability in these uncertain times.

    17 min

  10. 04/28/2023

    Episode 17: Buying a Car

    Making the decision to purchase a vehicle can be a big decision, whether you’re buying new or used, it’s important to have all your information and research ready for your upcoming purchase. Since this is such a big topic, Tony speaks with Mark Rather, who is the Section Chief — Dealer & Agent Unit for the Wisconsin DOT - DMV - Bureau of Vehicle Services on this episode of the Best Life Podcast.

    16 min
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About

Join Tony Beyer, Financial Literacy Coordinator with Altra Federal Credit Union as he interviews various guests, diving into important topics (more than just finances!) with one goal in mind: to help you live your best life! We love to hear from our listeners: message us at tjbeyer@altra.org with questions, comments, and ideas for future episodes.

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