Good Money Moves
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.
All Episodes
What is a Business Plan and Why You Need One E16
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.
Overdrafts and How to Avoid Them E15
In episode 15 of the Good Money Moves podcast, "Overdrafts & How to Avoid Them,” host Jenna Taubel AVP of Marketing at First Alliance Credit Union, sits down with Kim Ferraro Branch Manager of the Lake City branch and leader of our Contact Center Lenders team. Kim draws on her 17 years of experience to break down: • What an overdraft actually is and why it happens • True cost of fees—and how they can derail your budget and long‑term goals • Quick daily habits (mobile‑app balance checks, alerts, and good old‑fashioned check registers) that keep you in the green • How Courtesy Pay, overdraft lines of credit, and linked savings accounts work—plus when each option makes sense • Step‑by‑step moves to recover fast if you do go negative, and budgeting hacks to stop the cycle for good Whether you’re living paycheck‑to‑paycheck, juggling gig income, or simply want peace of mind at the checkout line, this conversation gives you the practical tools to protect your money—without the guilt trips. --- More helpful resources from First Alliance Credit Union • Understanding the Overdraft Line of Credit: A Lifeline for Families - https://www.firstalliancecu.com/blog/overdraft-line-of-credit • Download Your Free Budget Calculator - https://www.firstalliancecu.com/budgeting-calculator • Explore all member resources: https://www.firstalliancecu.com/
Three Rivers Community Action - Community Organization Spotlight with Courtney Dugstad
In episode 14 of the Good Money Moves podcast, "Three Rivers Community Action: Community Organization Spotlight,” host Jenna Taubel, AVP of Marketing at First Alliance Credit Union, sits down with Courtney Dugstad, Chief Operations Officer at Three Rivers Community Action. Courtney shares powerful insights into the mission and programs of this long-standing nonprofit that’s been serving Southeast Minnesota for 60 years. You’ll learn about: • How Community Action Agencies were formed to fight poverty by listening to the people they serve • The Achieve Homeownership program and how it helps first-generation and first-time homebuyers with education, coaching, and down payment assistance • Programs that support renters facing eviction or struggling to afford monthly housing • Mobile home rehabilitation efforts and weatherization assistance to maintain affordable housing • Mentorship and post-purchase support to keep families successful in their homes • The organization’s role in building equity and generational wealth through housing Whether you're renting, buying, or simply trying to stabilize your financial life, this episode shows how Three Rivers meets people where they are and walks with them toward long-term stability. More helpful resources from First Alliance Credit Union • Homebuying Help & First-Time Buyer Tools – https://www.firstalliancecu.com/mortgages • Free Budget Calculator – https://www.firstalliancecu.com/budgeting-calculator • Learn More About Community Partnerships – https://www.firstalliancecu.com/blog/30k-grant-to-three-rivers-community-action First Alliance Credit Union is federally insured by the NCUA and is an Equal Housing Lender.Auto Loans 101: What a First Time Car Buyer Needs to Know E13
Ready to drive off the lot — and into your next chapter — with zero buyer’s remorse? In this extended Good Money Moves episode, host Jenna Taubel sits down with Jordan Kaehler, Loan Portfolio Manager at First Alliance Credit Union**, to pull back the curtain on every piece of the auto-loan puzzle. From interest-rate math to “negative equity” traps, they walk you through each decision point so you can pick a payment plan that fuels your life instead of draining your wallet. Whether you’re buying your very first ride, upgrading to a family SUV, or looking for a smarter refi, this conversation will leave you feeling confident, informed, and fully in the driver’s seat of your finances.