Wellbeing and Your Wallet Affinity Federal Credit Union

Affinity Federal Credit Union presents the Wellbeing And Your Wallet podcast! In the thirty-second episode, expert hosts Shawn Lubitz and Grant Gallagher are joined by Carolyn Morganbesser to discuss today’s homebuying environment.
Grant, Shawn and Carolyn kickoff the discussion by providing an overview of current trends in the housing market, and how it’s impacting financial wellbeing. They share tips for all types of homebuyers, and additional costs that need to be considered besides the mortgage.
Some additional topics included:
Strategies to build and maintain a strong credit score Myths and realities to consider when buying a homeTips for saving for a down payment
Following the main discussion, Grant pulled a submitted question from the member mailbag, and the team shared their responses: I am recently engaged, and looking to buy a new home with my partner. What are the key benefits that Affinity's mortgage services have to offer? Are there any benefits to help first time homebuyers?
Grant concludes the discussion by highlighting Affinity’s suite of mortgage products and services. Whether you are a first time homebuyer or an experienced homebuyer, Affinity has a variety of mortgage solutions and tools to meet your needs.
Just a reminder if you have a question or comment for a future Member Mailbag segment, please send it to @affinityfcu on Facebook or X/Twitter with #MemberMailbag.
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 the thirty-first episode, expert hosts Shawn Lubitz and Grant Gallagher are joined by Oscar Cordoba, Financial Education & External Affairs Manager at Affinity.
Grant, Shawn, and Oscar kick off the episode centered around financial literacy and wellbeing by discussing the importance of understanding credit. They break down the relationship between financial stress, mental health, and the role financial literacy plays in overall wellbeing.
Some additional topics included:
Tips for exploring free financial education resources and tools Incorporating financial literacy into daily activities and decision-makingHow to handle a financial crisis
Following the main discussion, Grant pulled a submitted question from the member mailbag, and the team shared their responses: Two years ago, I purchased a car that I thought was within my budget. However, as time has passed, I've realized I bit off more than I can chew, and the monthly payments are starting to become unmanageable, and I still have a couple of years left on my loan. What options do I have to alleviate this situation without severely damaging my credit score or financial future?
Finally, Grant concludes the discussion by highlighting Affinity’s tools and financial wellbeing resources, including blogs, educational events & webinars, credit counseling tools, and more.
Just a reminder if you have a question or comment for a future Member Mailbag segment, please send it to @affinityfcu on Facebook or X/Twitter with #MemberMailbag.
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 the thirtieth episode, expert hosts Shawn Lubitz and Grant Gallagher take part in a “financial purge”.
Grant and Shawn kick-off the episode by reviewing their spending habits from last year, and what they can improve on for this year. They also check in on their new year's resolutions, and how they are progressing toward their financial goals.
Some additional topics included:
Actionable steps to conduct your own “financial purge”Shifting everyday spending habits to help you save
Following the main discussion, Grant pulled a submitted question from the member mailbag, and the team shared their responses: While going to Starbucks was my daily highlight, a financial review revealed its huge impact on my bank account. I  received a coffee machine for Christmas, and I am certain using it would benefit my finances. However, these daily visits are part of my routine and I look forward to them. Is it that damaging to continue? Would this choice significantly affect my overall financial well-being?
Finally, Grant concludes the discussion by highlighting Affinity’s tools and financial wellbeing resources, including blogs, educational events & webinars, credit counseling tools, and more.
Just a reminder if you have a question or comment for a future Member Mailbag segment, please send it to @affinityfcu on Facebook or X/Twitter with #MemberMailbag.
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 the twenty-ninth episode, expert hosts Shawn Lubitz and Grant Gallagher provide an overview of all of the various financial products and services consumers should consider.
Grant and Shawn kick-off the episode by discussing what credit unions offer and why they are important. They break down the different financial products and services available to consumers including checking and savings accounts, investment services, loans, credit cards, CDs, and more.
Some additional topics included:
Credit union membership benefits Financial wellbeing and financial education tools
Following the main discussion, Grant pulled a submitted question from the member mailbag, and the team shared their responses: For someone new to managing finances, I'm interested in exploring credit cards for everyday use. Could you recommend a credit card that has practical benefits for daily expenses, and what key features should I consider when making a choice?
Finally, Grant concludes the discussion by highlighting Affinity’s Cash Back Debit card, a great checking account where you can earn 1% cashback on purchases for up to $1,000 a month 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 send it to @affinityfcu on Facebook or X/Twitter with #MemberMailbag.
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 the twenty-eighth episode, expert hosts Shawn Lubitz and Grant Gallagher are joined by returning guest Heather Hurilla, Member Development Officer at Affinity. 
In the second edition of splitting the check: how couples manage their financial wellbeing, the team begins their discussion on managing financial stress. They analyze couples with different characteristics, like spenders vs. savers, and share strategies budgeting with your partner.
Some additional topics include:
Strategies for affording childcare expensesThe importance of open communication between partners How couples can save for life's big purchases and creating dedicated saving “buckets”
Following the main discussion, Grant pulled a submitted question from the member mailbag, and the team shared their responses: My partner and I are big savers. We currently rent and have big plans of purchasing our dream home. The issue we are running into is the timing just never seems right. Either the house isn’t the right fit, or the price is just way out of our budget. How can we manage this? We are starting to feel like there is no light at the end of the tunnel.
To wrap up this week, Grant highlights the reopening of the Denville Branch location coming soon, and reminds listeners about Affinity’s SmartStart Savings account, which has a 4% APY on the first $10,000 savings.
Just a reminder if you have a question or comment for a future Member Mailbag segment, please send it to @affinityfcu on Facebook or X/Twitter with #MemberMailbag.
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 the twenty-seventh episode, expert hosts Shawn Lubitz and Grant Gallagher are joined by Kim Cole, Community Engagement Manager at Navicore Solutions. Kim joins the podcast to discuss all things credit.
Grant, Shawn, and Kim kick-off the discussion by breaking down what a credit score is and why it is so important in our financial lives. Additionally, they discuss what a good credit score is versus a bad credit score, and the difference between a credit score and credit history.
Some additional topics included:
How credit impacts mortgage rates and options for first-time homebuyers Common misconceptions about credit scores and credit reports
Following the main discussion, Grant pulled a submitted question from the member mailbag, and the team shared their responses: I am considering leaving my current job to go out on my own to start my own business. I’d likely need to secure a business loan to get things off the ground, but I am concerned that my personal credit score, which isn’t great, will impact my ability to secure a business loan. Does my personal credit have an impact on my ability to secure a business loan? What steps can I take to strengthen my credit profile before applying for the loan?
Finally, Grant concludes the discussion by highlighting Affinity’s Credit Counseling Services through Navicore Solutions. Their certified counselors will gain a clear understanding of your personal situation to create a personalized plan of action to assist you. 
Just a reminder if you have a question or comment for a future Member Mailbag segment, please send it to @affinityfcu on Facebook or X/Twitter with #MemberMailbag.
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.