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
Home Equity Loans: Everything You Need to Know to Get Started E10
In episode 10 of the Good Money Moves podcast, titled "Home Equity Loans | Everything You Need to Know," Jenna Taubel, AVP of Marketing, is joined by Andrea Allen, Chief Revenue Officer at First Alliance Credit Union. Andrea shares expert insights on how home equity loans and home equity lines of credit (HELOCs) work, who they’re right for, and how to use them wisely. She explains the key differences between the two options, how to qualify—even after financial setbacks—and how to avoid common pitfalls. From remodeling your kitchen to consolidating high-interest credit card debt, this episode offers practical, plain-English guidance for making confident, informed decisions about tapping into your home’s value. Plus, Andrea outlines what to expect during the application process and how a HELOC can save you money compared to traditional credit card debt. Stick around for practical tips on qualifying (even after a rough patch), what the application costs really look like, and why a HELOC can beat a 25 % credit‑card rate every time. You’ll learn: The difference between a home equity loan and a HELOC How each option works (and what the risks are) Real-world examples of how people use them smartly What it takes to qualify—even if you’ve had financial setbacks Why a HELOC can be a smarter move than racking up 25% interest on your credit card 📚 Resources & Next Steps What is a Home Equity Loan? The Burns Family Example — https://www.firstalliancecu.com/blog/what-is-a-home-equity-loan How to Estimate HELOC Payments How to Estimate HELOC Payments — https://www.firstalliancecu.com/blog/how-to-estimate-heloc-payments Home Equity Loan vs. HELOC: What's the Difference? — https://www.firstalliancecu.com/blog/home-equity-loan-vs.-heloc-whats-the-difference For more helpful resources, visit First Alliance Credit Union: https://www.firstalliancecu.com/ First Alliance Credit Union is federally Insured by NCUA & an Equal Housing LenderIdentity Theft: How to Protect Yourself and Recover Quickly E9
Join us on Good Money Moves as we delve into the crucial topic of identity theft. In this episode, Jenna Taubel and Cesar Cortez our AVP of Risk Management at First Alliance Credit Union, explore the alarming realities of identity theft and how your personal information might already be compromised. We discuss the various methods used by cybercriminals, such as data breaches, phishing, and vishing, and highlight warning signs like unexpected credit score drops. Learn essential steps to protect yourself, including freezing your credit, using strong passwords, and enabling two-factor authentication. Discover how to respond if your identity is stolen and the role of your credit union in safeguarding your finances. Tune in to empower yourself with knowledge and strategies to stay vigilant against identity theft. Subscribe to never miss an episode and visit firstalliancecu.com for more insights. Stay financially empowered with us.How to Save Money E8
In this episode of Good Money Moves, titled "How to Save Money E8," I, Jenna Taubel, am joined by Kristina Kovacevic our AVP of Retail Experience at First Alliance Credit Union. Together, we tackle the essential topic of saving money, offering practical advice for those feeling financially stretched. Kristina shares insights on starting small, such as cutting back on daily expenses like coffee, and emphasizes the importance of setting realistic savings goals. We discuss common pitfalls, such as over-saving, and the benefits of automating savings to make the process easier. We also explore the significance of budgeting and how specific savings accounts, like the Wincentive Savings Account, can make saving more engaging. Tune in to learn how to build a sustainable savings habit and achieve financial peace of mind.Paying off Debt: Expert Tips to Take Control of your Finances E7
In this episode of Good Money Moves, titled "Paying off Debt: Expert Tips to Take Control of your Finances ," I, Jenna Taubel, am joined by Jordan Kaehler our Loan Portfolio Manager at First Alliance Credit Union, to explore effective strategies for paying off debt. We discuss the importance of budgeting and understanding your spending habits to reduce expenses and increase savings. Jordan emphasizes the benefits of the snowball method, biweekly payments, and maintaining an emergency fund to manage debt effectively. We also delve into debt consolidation and credit card balance transfers, highlighting the importance of understanding interest rates and terms. Whether you're considering debt management plans or debt settlements, this episode provides valuable insights to help you make informed financial decisions and achieve your debt payoff goals. Join us for practical advice and strategies to empower your financial journey.