Avadian Credit Union Podcast

Avadian sat down for a conversation with Rashada LeRoy who is the CEO of LRY Media group, to get her perspective on being a female CEO and entrepreneur in the competitive world of event planning and public relations.

Listen to learn about Urban Impact Inc. which is a 501 (c)(3) community and economic development agency that advances asset building, economic opportunity and revitalization of the Historic 4th Avenue Business District and the Civil Rights District in Birmingham, Alabama through support and services to assist individuals, businesses and developers.

Join us as we sit down with Carlos Alemán, Chief Executive Officer for the Hispanic Interest Coalition of Alabama. Carlos breaks down some of their programs, tells us about his immigrant journey, and debunks some myths surrounding immigration here in Alabama. To learn more about ¡HICA!, visit their website here: https://hicaalabama.org/en/about-us

On this special Women's History Month episode of the Avadian Podcast, we are delighted to feature Mary Ellen Judah of Neighborhood Concepts, Inc. Mary Ellen has been with Neighborhood Concepts since its inception in 1988. They work to strengthen neighborhoods by creating affordable housing and advancing economic opportunities for aspiring entrepreneurs. To learn more about Neighborhood Concepts and how to get involved, visit their website here: https://www.neighborhoodconcepts.org/

We are delighted to share our conversation with Bob Dickerson of the Birmingham Business Resource Center. The BBRC offers training, lending & advocacy programs to assist entrepreneurs interested in increasing their capacity, access capital & customer base. If you'd like to learn more about the BBRC, visit their website. https://mybbrc.biz/

Shelley Shaw, Executive Director of the Hoover City Schools Foundation, joins us to discuss fundraising and the difficulties educators are facing during the pandemic. If you'd like to get involved with the Hoover City Schools Foundation, follow this link to their website: https://hoovercsf.org/

Everyone is looking to save a few bucks in any way they can. Did you know that you can get a bunch of free food just by downloading an app? In this podcast, we breakdown several fast food apps and go through the best ways to save money.

At Avadian, it’s all about relationships. In this episode, we hear what a relationship with Avadian means to some of our members. We also learn a little more about how credit unions keep your money safe and the availability of your funds when your traveling.

In this episode of the Avadian Podcast, we talk about the buildup to a mortgage closing. We'll walk you through the offering process, the current market, and a few expenses you might not have considered. Closing a mortgage is a big deal. We will talk you through all the details and set your mind at ease before the final papers are signed.

People are opting to skip the in-person branch visits. Why? Because financial institutions are moving more and more into the digital world. Learn more about everything you can do from the comfort of your home in our latest episode of the Avadian Podcast.

Let's kick-off 2020 with a financial review. We'll take a deep dive into your 2019 spending. There are plenty of places to cut costs and build a better financial outlook for the coming year.

Money is inevitable. We all have to learn about finances at some point. When should you start? As your children grow and begin driving and start jobs, they will need a way to access their cash. How do you know they're ready? Everyone is different but there are some recognizable signs that can help you decide if your teen is ready for a checking account. You can learn more about our checking accounts here: https://www.avadiancu.com/Personal/Build/Personal-Checking/Choice-Checking

Owning a business is not easy. Sometimes you have to ask for help in order to grow. Larry Uptain works in our business services department doing just that. He brings over 30 years of experience to the table and he strives to help you reach your business goals. We sit down with Larry to learn how he helps small businesses grow by taking advantage of the products Avadian offers. You can learn more about Avadian business services here: https://avadiancu.com/Business/Build

On this episode we talk about the best times to buy a vehicle. New or used. What hours, days, and months are ideal for saving the most money on a car? We're also going to talk travel and why you should reach out to a travel agent.

On this episode of the Avadian podcast, we talk about items make sense to purchase from a big box store. We also run down some of the offerings from your local library that could save you tons in book purchases. Finally, we'll go through some myths about credit unions and tell you why they simply aren't true.

In part one of our shopping series, we take a deeper look at what grocery stores are doing to get you to spend more and how to avoid it. We also sat down with Avadian's own Kim Murdoch to discuss the credit union mission and why she has stayed with Avadian for 27 years!

Plenty of people are cutting the cord in favor of streaming services, but is that really the best financial move? We're breaking down the benefits of streaming services as well as talking credit scores and the cost of the entertainment with Van Gunter on this episode of the Avadian Podcast.

Did you know you could get a scholarship just for being tall? What is escrow? Join us on the all-new Avadian podcast to learn about mortgage terms and some unconventional scholarship options! For more info on our mortgage options, follow this link: https://www.avadiancu.com/Personal/Borrow/Mortgages

Join us as we sit down with two of our resident musicians to learn more about the cost and process of beginning a musical journey. Jace and Sam talk with us about how they began writing, playing and recording their own music. If you'd like to hear some of Jace's tunes, you can find her as Aun Aqui on Spotify, iTunes and Amazon Music.

You've been thinking about renovating your porch for months. You're sick of that one light switch that just won't work right. It's time to tear out that hardwood floor and go with tile. What are you waiting for? Join us as we talk to two Avadian members working on home renovation projects. Will is going the DIY route while Anna is working with a contractor to complete her home improvement job.

Panoply Music and Arts Festival is one of the biggest festivals in the state of Alabama. Come out to Big Spring Park April 27-29 and experience live music, local artists, food trucks and more! Daniela Perallon of Arts Huntsville joins us on our podcast to give us all the information you'll need about this delightful event! Follow this link for tickets and more: http://www.artshuntsville.org/panoply-arts-festival/

A home is likely the most expensive thing you will ever purchase. Naturally, the process can be stressful. How do you get started? How long does it take to get preapproved? Avadian Mortgage Loan Officer Cindy Sharp answers these questions and shares her expertise in our latest podcast. To learn more about our mortgage products, follow this link: http://avadiancreditunio.vlending.com/

From skimmers to mail scams, fraud can appear in many different forms. Sargent Cameron Beedle of the Homewood Police Department walks us through some of the newest fraudster tactics and ways to protect yourself from them. To learn more about the Homewood Police Department, follow the link: http://www.homewoodpd.org/

Join us as we sit down with Dr. Mike Kilgore of Homewood Animal Hospital to talk about getting started as a veterinarian, the cost of owning a pet, and the changing landscape of pet ownership. You can learn more about Homewood Animal Hospital by following these links to their website (https://www.homewoodanimal.com/about_us) and their Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/HomewoodAnimalHospital/).

As Birmingham continues to grow, deciding how to spend your weekend becomes a full-time job. Entrepreneurial couple Russell and Amber Hooks started Happenin's in the 'Ham to help the citizens of the Magic City get a better look at all the great events happening in the Birmingham area. Join us as they sit down and tell us how they got started, some of their favorite events, and the day-to-day activities of running an events blog. You can learn more about them here at http://happeninsintheham.com/

What is the most expensive part of a wedding? When should start planning? What about football Saturdays? Take a listen as Becky from Becky's Brides walks us through the wedding planning process from beginning to end. You can learn more about Becky's Brides here: http://beckysbrides.com/ https://www.facebook.com/Beckys-Brides-199271446758951 (205) 807-4734

We sit down with Donna Gaskins and Thad Lowery of Arc Realty. Learn more about the listing process and best practices for finding your dream home. If you are in need of a realtor, you can find Donna and Thad at here: http://www.arcrealtyco.com/agents/24822-Donna-Gaskins http://www.arcrealtyco.com/agents/31820-Thad-Lowery

So many of us dream of one day owning a business, but getting started can be daunting. There are so many factors to consider. Join us as we talk with Blake Watkins from our Business Services department. We cover the initial consultation, the loan process, and some of the services Avadian provides. We also hear some stories about local business we've helped grow. If you'd like to learn more about Avadian Business Services, follow this link: https://www.avadiancu.com/businessservices/

Join us for a chat with one of our tellers in Trussville, Carmen Holifield-Brown. We talk about her interior design business and discuss some trends for the upcoming year. You can find Carmen's work at: http://www.homeadvisor.com/rated.Accordingly.48698671.html & https://www.facebook.com/pg/accordingly01

Meredith Drennen, Executive Director of the Homewood Chamber of Commerce, sits down with us to discuss the latest goings on in Homewood, Alabama. We get to know Meredith and her background while also learning a great deal about upcoming events in Homewood.

Join us as we sit down with Mandi Meacham, the manager of our Greystone branch, to talk about her first baby! We'll go through all the details including the best deal on diapers, making your own baby food and getting started on that nursery.

Patrick Hollowell, host of the Runway Podcast, sits down to chat with us about beginning a podcast. We talk about his various other projects including building a land speed car(http://poweredbygenerosity.com/)and moderating a free online trading site (http://needfree.com/). Patrick also discusses his wife's blog (http://fullplatefinances.com/) and making your dreams happen.

Join us as we sit down with Liz from our Avadian Financial Services department. We'll walk through the differences between Roth and Traditional IRAs. We also talk through using your 401k and taking advantage of all of your savings options.

Joyce Spielberger, Executive Director of Magic Moments, joins us to talk about her experience creating moments for children with life-threatening medical conditions. We work with Magic Moments to help give these young people and their family the opportunity to forget the pain and stress of their illnesses if only for a short time by taking a trip to places like Disney World or New York City. Learn more about Magic Moments at http://www.magicmoments.org/about-us.php

Join us as Vanessa walks us through her Disney World vacation! Get the rundown on Fast Pass, dining plans and travel options to the park.

In our second installment of the Avadian Podcast, Mike Betz of the MarketPlace at Lee Branch joins us. Mike share's his wife's battle with cancer that lead to their new found healthy eating habits, eventually leading them to begin farming themselves. Learn more about the vendors you might see at Lee Branch including some interesting details about auqoponic farming systems.

When did you first get your hands on money? Do you remember fully understanding the concept? Join us and Avadian Credit Union member, Stanton Davis, on his journey through his financial life. We begin with the Tooth Fairy and follow Stanton all the way into his college years and his plans for his own son. Do you have an interesting financial story to tell or topics you would like to hear? Tell us in the comments below!