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
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.
How to Turn Your Dream into a Business E12
In episode 12 of the Good Money Moves podcast, titled "How to Turn Your Dream into a Business," Jenna Taubel, AVP of Marketing, is joined by Danielle Sommerfeldt, AVP of Business Development & Lending at First Alliance Credit Union, to walk you through the first—and often scariest—part of entrepreneurship: turning a bright idea into a real-world business. Danielle shares the exact steps she coaches local founders through every day, from crafting a rock-solid business plan to choosing the right legal structure, opening the right accounts, and funding growth without drowning in debt. Whether you’re still dreaming or already filing paperwork, you’ll learn how to set yourself up for long-term success (and avoid the most common rookie mistakes). What You’ll Learn Idea → Plan → Launch – How the Small Business Development Center process turns a napkin sketch into a full business plan you can take to any lender. Must-Have Plan Elements – Market research, startup costs, break-even math, insurance, inventory, and the “what-if” analysis lenders love. EIN & Business Structure 101 – Why an EIN matters, when an LLC protects you (and when a DBA is fine), plus the tax and liability trade-offs. Separate Your Money – The risks of co-mingling funds and the sanity-saving power of a dedicated business checking, money-market, and digital banking tools. Funding Without Regret – Bootstrapping, SBA-style micro-loans, tapping home equity, and when unsecured credit makes sense—for the business and your personal credit. First Alliance Credit Union Build Credit Day One – Simple habits that create a positive payment history even before your business earns its first dollar. Real-Life Success – Danielle’s favorite member wins (and the best “no… for now” she’s ever delivered). Community Resources – SBDC, Collider, and other Rochester partners ready to help you move from concept to ribbon-cutting. Resources & Next Steps How to Start a Business: Your Guide to Turning Dreams into Big Success - https://www.firstalliancecu.com/blog/how-to-start-a-business 4 Ways to Fund Your Small Business Idea -https://www.firstalliancecu.com/blog/4-ways-to-fund-your-small-business-idea The Basics of SBA Loans – https://www.firstalliancecu.com/blog/the-basics-of-sba-loans How to Form an LLC in Minnesota in 4 Steps – https://www.firstalliancecu.com/blog/how-to-form-an-llc-in-minnesota-in-4-steps For more tools and personal guidance, visit First Alliance Credit Union: https://www.firstalliancecu.com/ #smallbusiness #entrepreneurship #businessplan #startupfunding #goodmoneymoves #creditunion #financialfreedom #llc #businesscredit #rochestermn #firstalliancecreditunion First Alliance Credit Union is federally Insured by NCUA & an Equal Housing LenderCredit Card vs. Debit Card: Which One Should You Use? E11
In episode 11 of the Good Money Moves podcast, titled "Credit vs Debit Card: Which One Should You Use," Jenna Taubel, AVP of Marketing, is joined by Nate Finney, Account Services Manager at First Alliance Credit Union. Nate breaks down the key differences between credit cards and debit cards, including how they impact your spending habits, the fraud protections each one offers, and when to use one over the other. From everyday purchases to online shopping, this episode provides practical guidance to help you choose the right payment method for every situation. Plus, Nate shares tips to avoid common pitfalls and keep your finances protected—whether you’re swiping a card or tapping your phone. You’ll learn: - The core difference between credit and debit - When to swipe your own cash and when to tap into a credit line - How credit cards can build (or tank) your score, and the true cost of “minimum payments” - Why holds at gas pumps and car rentals can wreck a checking-account budget - The fraud-fighting power of First Alliance’s "My Cards" controls, real-time alerts, and same-day card replacement Helpful Resources How to Use Credit Cards Wisely – https://www.firstalliancecu.com/blog/how-to-use-credit-cards-wisely Mastering Credit Cards When to Use Credit Cards vs Debit Cards –https://www.firstalliancecu.com/blog/mastering-credit-cards-when-to-use-credit-cards-vs-debit-cards What are Secured Credit Cards – https://www.firstalliancecu.com/blog/what-are-secured-credit-cards Round Up Savings Program – https://www.firstalliancecu.com/blog/round-up-savings-program-press-release For more helpful resources, visit First Alliance Credit Union: https://www.firstalliancecu.com/ . --- #creditcard #debitcard #goodmoneymoves #firstalliancecreditunion #creditscore #personalfinance #budgeting #financialtips #moneymanagement #creditunion #buildcredit First Alliance Credit Union is federally insured by NCUA & is an Equal Housing Lender.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 Lender