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Good Money Moves

Good Money Moves

EducationHow To22 episodes
We believe everyone deserves the knowledge and tools to make confident financial decisions—and that’s exactly what this podcast is all about. Whether you’re working on fine-tuning your budget, tackling debt, improving your credit score, or saving for the future, you’ve found the right podcast. If you’re ready to start making smarter financial choices, hit that subscribe button now and join us for Good Money Moves.
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An Introduction to Rewards Credit Cards E20

An Introduction to Rewards Credit Cards E20

20 min 40 sec
In today’s episode, we dive deep into Reward Credit Cards, from understanding which reward program is right for you, to learning how to responsibly spend to see your points, miles, or cash-back stack up. Our expert guests reveal how to avoid common pitfalls, like annual fees or overspending, while keeping your credit utilization in check. If you’re a young adult looking to confidently build (or rebuild) your credit, this episode is your playbook for achieving both short- and long-term financial success. Grab your headphones and prepare to level up your credit game, one smart swipe at a time.
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Holiday Budgeting Without Stress: Tips to Spend Smarter This Season E19

Holiday Budgeting Without Stress: Tips to Spend Smarter This Season E19

21 min 18 sec
In episode 19 of the Good Money Moves podcast, “Holiday Budgeting Without Stress: Tips to Spend Smarter This Season,” host Jenna Taubel, AVP of Marketing at First Alliance Credit Union, sits down with Jordan Kaehler, Loan Portfolio Manager, to break down: • Why holiday overspending happens, plus the hidden costs of “just swipe the card” • A simple, realistic budget plan (who, what, and how much) that keeps you in control • Smart ways to use credit cards—rewards, limits, and paying in full—to avoid January bill shock • Dangers of Buy Now Pay Later and how to dodge high-interest traps • Debt-free gift strategies: holiday savings clubs, automatic transfers, and round-up apps • Fast recovery options if you did overspend—debt consolidation, snowball payoff, and more Whether you’re new to credit cards, juggling travel costs, or rebuilding after a setback, this conversation gives you practical tools to celebrate the season without the stress. First Alliance Credit Union is federally insured by the NCUA and is an Equal Housing Lender.
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What is an ITIN Loan and How does ITIN Lending Work? E18

What is an ITIN Loan and How does ITIN Lending Work? E18

16 min 6 sec
In episode 18 of the Good Money Moves podcast, “What is an ITIN Loan and How does ITIN Lending Work?”, host Jenna Taubel, AVP of Marketing at First Alliance Credit Union, sits down with Chelsy Lara, Community Development Advisor and specialist in ITIN lending. Chelsea draws on her expertise to break down: • What an ITIN loan is and who qualifies • How ITIN lending replaces SSN verification in loan applications • The types of loans available—auto, personal, manufactured home, and small business • How on-time ITIN-based payments build your credit history • Common misconceptions and transferring your ITIN credit history when you obtain an SSN Whether you’re new to credit, starting a small business, or planning for home ownership, this conversation gives you the clear guidance and tools to use your ITIN with confidence—without the confusion or guesswork. More helpful resources from First Alliance Credit Union • What is an ITIN? - https://www.firstalliancecu.com/blog/what-is-an-itin •What are Secured Credit Cards? - https://www.firstalliancecu.com/blog/what-are-secured-credit-cards • All member resources: https://www.firstalliancecu.com/ First Alliance Credit Union is federally insured by the NCUA and is an Equal Housing Lender.
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Overcoming Financial Fears E17

Overcoming Financial Fears E17

22 min 7 sec
In episode 17 of the Good Money Moves podcast, “Overcoming Financial Fears,” host Jenna Taubel, AVP of Marketing at First Alliance Credit Union, sits down with Kristina Kovacevic, AVP of Retail Experience. Drawing on years of front-line member service, Kristina breaks down: • Why Money Feels Scary and First Steps to Break the Paycheck-to-Paycheck Cycle • Intentional-Spending Hacks (Color-Coding Statements, Trimming “Coffee Leaks”) • Building an Emergency Fund and Prepping for Job Loss With a 3-Month Cushion • Handling Sudden Big Expenses Without Wrecking Your Budget • Smart Ways to Crush High-Interest Debt and When Debt Consolidation Makes Sense • Credit-Score Myths—Utilization, History, and Quick Moves to Raise Your Rating • Fraud Red Flags, Mobile Alerts, and Gut-Check Steps to Avoid Scams for Good Whether you’re new to paychecks, juggling gig income, or just want peace of mind, this conversation gives you practical tools to conquer your biggest money fears—no guilt trips required.
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What is a Business Plan and Why You Need One E16

What is a Business Plan and Why You Need One E16

18 min 19 sec
In Episode 16 of the Good Money Moves podcast, “What Is a Business Plan and Why You Need One,” host Jenna Taubel - AVP of Marketing at First Alliance Credit Union, sits down with Mark Thien - Regional Director of the Southeast Minnesota Small Business Development Center (SBDC). Mark brings decades of experience helping entrepreneurs and startups turn big ideas into sustainable realities. In this episode, Mark breaks down: • What a business plan actually is and why every startup needs one • The key sections of a business plan, including the narrative and financials • How to use a business plan to grow strategically and avoid costly mistakes • Common missteps people make when writing their first plan (and how to fix them) • Real tools and free resources from the SBDC and SCORE to get started fast • How financial institutions use your business plan when deciding to lend Whether you’re a first-time entrepreneur with a dream or already side-hustling your way to self-employment, this episode gives you the clarity, confidence, and tools to write a plan that works—without getting overwhelmed. First Alliance Credit Union is federally insured by the NCUA and is an Equal Housing Lender.
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