Wallet Watch

Fraud is evolving and it's becoming harder almost daily to decipher what is real and what is fake. It was reported in 2024 consumers lost over 12.5 billion dollars in romance scams alone. Check out our latest episode where podcast host, Jessica, interviews Senior Financial Educator DaVante as we discuss ways you can spot romance scams, share ways to stay vigilant and protected and why you should pause before scanning any QR codes in unexpected gifts that may show up on your doorstep. This season is one you don't want to miss out on. Tune in now

At some point in our lives, we have all experienced some form of fraud, an unauthorized charge on our account, a phishing email attempt, or the infamous phone call that our cars warranty has expired. The reality is fraud doesn't discriminate, and it has been an ongoing issue for centuries. To kick off this season, podcast host Jessica sits down with Jamie Smathers, VP of Fraud Prevention and BSA at MSU Federal Credit Union to talk about the Evolution of Fraud; where it started in the financial industry and the potential future of fraud as we see more and more artificial intelligence being incorporated into our everyday lives. This season is one you don't want to miss out on. Tune in now.   

To our loyal listeners, this is an episode of Wallet Watch you don't want to miss. Podcast host Jessica gets some one-on-one time with MSU Federal Credit Union's President and CEO, April Clobes. In this episode, Jessica gets April's thoughts on the importance of innovation when it comes to growth, the current economic state and what the future looks like for the small-town Credit Union that is a leader in the industry in so many ways. Don't miss out, tune in now.

Business owners and entrepreneurs, listen here while we discuss Pillur, MSUFCU's new commercial brand that provides advanced digital tools and benefits for our business members. Podcast host and Financial Educator, Jessica Rubio sits down with Nicole Dilts, VP of Commercial Solutions in the latest episode of the Credit Union's podcast Wallet Watch, “Dream BIG with Pillur.” During this interview Nicole shares how Pillur will help create more robust options, increase access to more account needs for business members, and create more streamlined business lending options. Don't miss out, tune in now!

“Dream BIG with Equity in Mind.” Listen now as our podcast host, Jessica, sits down with Dr. Ashley Baker, Jamara Randall and DaVante Montgomery and they talk about real ways to make a difference. The episode highlights an exciting program, The Culture of Finances created to break barriers and build dreams and discusses how MSUFCU is a leader in the credit union industry when it comes to diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging. Learn more about the work being done and ways MSUFCU is keeping DEIB at the core of what we do every single day.  

 “Dream BIG with Innovation and FinTechs.” Listen now as our podcast host, Jessica, chats with Ben Maxim, Chief Innovation Officer at MSUFCU and Chief Operating Officer of Reseda Group, as they talk about how innovation and financial technologies are redefining the way we can handle our finances!

Wallet Watch has dropped a new episode: “Dream BIG with Giving Back” Tune is as our podcast host, Jessica, sits down with Danielle Coveart, Market Manager for our Grand Rapids and Traverse City regions for MSUFCU. They discuss how a core value like giving back plays a major role in the impact MSUFCU is making in the communities we serve. Don't miss out! Tune in now!

Wallet Watch has kicked off a new season AND dropped a new episode: “Dream BIG with Financial Literacy” Tune is as our podcast host, Jessica, sits down her fellow financial educators and shares the impact they are making across the country when it comes to financial literacy. They also share many financial resources for listeners like you to take advantage of and grow your knowledge!

Wallet Watch has released their final episode of season eleven: “Entrepreneurship: Networking and Investing.” Listen as Paul Pradel, founder of Pradel Financial Group shares the importance of networking and investing when it comes to creating a successful business. Learn more from an expert as Pradel Financial is celebrating 21 years of service this year!  

Wallet Watch has released a new episode: “Entrepreneurship: Securing Funding.”  Podcast host and financial educator, Jessica, sits down with MSUFCU Small Business Lender, Kam. Listen in as Kam shares what entrepreneurs need to have to be prepared to secure funding for either a business startup loan or a loan to grow their business to the next level!   Don't miss out! Tune in now!  

Wallet Watch has released a new episode: “Entrepreneurship: Build your Brand.” Podcast host and financial educator, Jessica, sits down with Eric Smith, The Financial Literacy Coach, who has made a name for himself nationwide working with collegiate and professional athletes and teaching them the ins and outs of money management. Listen how Eric shares key concepts to consider when building a successful name and brand for yourself. Don't miss out! Tune in now!  

Wallet Watch has released a new episode: “Entrepreneurship: Coaching and Mentorship.” Podcast host and financial educator, Jessica, sits down with Harrison Leffel-Jones who is the Vice President of Small Business and Innovation at the Lansing Economic Area Partnership (LEAP).  Tune in as Jessica and Harrison talk about how LEAP and other resources are helping entrepreneurs turn their ideas into successful businesses. Don't miss out! Tune in now!

Wallet Watch has dropped a new episode: “Entrepreneurship: Importance of a Business Plan.” Tune is as our podcast host and financial educator, Jessica, sits down with Matt Gillet, owner of Saddleback BBQ and Slice by Saddleback, to discuss the vital role of a business plan when building your business from the ground up! Matt also shares Saddlebacks story of how an idea grew into four restaurants, two brands, and some of the best BBQ around!  

Wallet Watch kicks off a brand-new season, releasing their first episode “Entrepreneurship: From Passion to Prosperity.” Podcast host and financial educator, Jessica, sits down with master pastry chef and founder of Mr. Leslie's Cheesecakes, Marcus Leslie. Marcus shares how cheesecake changed his life, taking a passionate hobby using his family to experiment on to now being his full-time career and well on his way to having his cheesecake enjoyed all over the state of Michigan and beyond.

Wallet Watch dropped a new episode “Igniting Innovation: Meet Silvur.” Silvur takes a holistic approach to retirement helping users understand and navigate different ways to maximize your retirement savings and prepare for the twenty-to-thirty-year phase of your life called retirement. Founder and CEO Rhian Horgan sits down with host, Jessica to share how Silvur was created and the impact it's making in members lives.

Wallet Watch has released a new episode, “Igniting Innovation: Meet Changed.” Podcast host and financial educator, Jessica, sits down with Dan Stelmach, co-founder of a Fintech called Changed. Changed is helping people all over the world transformation the way they think about debt repayment. Tune in now to see how the Changed app can help your journey to financial wellness and check out their website https://www.gochanged.com/.  

Wallet Watch has released a new episode, “Igniting Innovation: Meet Pocketnest.” Podcast host and financial educator, Jessica, sits down with Jessica Willis, founder and CEO of a Fintech called Pocketnest. Willis created Pocketnest to bring financial wellness to the masses, using behavioral science. The platform gets to know their users, finds out what motivates them, and helps them to complete those important financial tasks. Tune in now to see how you could level up your financial wellness.

Wallet Watch has released a new episode, “Igniting Innovation: Meet Debbie.” Podcast host and financial educator, Jessica, sits down with Rachel Lauren co-founder and COO of the FinTech Debbie. Debbie is a psychology-based program that will help you understand your money mindset, reach your financial goals, and get out of the vicious debt cycle! If you are interested in signing up, go to www.joindebbie.com now!   

Wallet Watch released a new episode, “Igniting Innovation: Meet GreenPath Financial Wellness.” Listen as podcast host and financial educator, Jessica sits down with Andy Manthei to talk about GreenPath's new Virtual Financial Coach Lea. Lea was designed to help tailor personalized financial education based on what user want to know, need help with, or are interested in through text-based conversations. Tune in now to find out how this FinTech is going to help level the playing field for financial literacy.

Wallet Watch has kicked off season ten with a new episode, “Igniting Innovation: Meet Nickels.” Podcast host and financial educator, Jessica, interviews the creator of a new FinTech company called Nickels. Nickels has created a product called Credit Card Coach geared towards helping individuals take charge of their credit card debt and find financial freedom! For more information check out Nickels.us

Podcast hosts and financial educators, Amanda and Jessica, break down the different kinds of retirement options available and talk about the importance of saving for retirement.

In this episode, podcast hosts, Jessica and Amanda, invite Tony, MSU Federal Credit Union senior call center trainer, back for a second episode; “Protecting Yourself from Predatory Lending.” The hosts and guest share some vital ways to protect yourself from predatory lenders and loans.

In this episode, hosts and financial educators Amanda and Jessica interview Tony, MSU Federal Credit Union senior call center trainer, to walk listeners through the loan application process. Tony describes the steps in the process and what members can do to prepare before applying for a loan.

In this episode, podcast hosts, Jessica and Amanda, share some vital ways to protect yourself from fraud and identity theft in their latest episode titled, “Protecting Your Financial Foundation.” Tune in now to find out how to not fall victim to fraud and identity theft and ways to protect you and your family.

Wallet Watch hosts and financial educators Amanda and Jessica have released another episode, “Planning for Large Purchases.” This episode helps prepare listeners with different strategies for making larger purchases such as buying a vehicle or a home, and how to use credit responsibly.

Podcast hosts, Jessica and Amanda, will discuss topics revolving around the theme of “Creating Your Financial Foundation.” To kick off the first episode of season 9, the hosts discuss the importance of “Choosing a Financial Institution.” In this episode, Amanda and Jessica talk about what factors you should consider when you are choosing your financial institution and important aspects to consider.

In this episode, hosts and financial educators Amanda and Jessica sit down with Kimberly Lavon, CEO and creative writer at Mint Maven to learn more about how Mint Maven helps creatives navigate the grant application process. Kimberly shares how she started her business, how grants work, and how she helps creatives and other small business owners secure grant funds. To learn more about Mint Maven visit mintmave.co

In this episode, the hosts Amanda and Jessica, discuss how aligning your values with your finances can make a great impact. Amanda and Jessica discuss taking a moment to think about where we spend the majority of our money.

In this episode of Wallet Watch, hosts and financial educators, Amanda and Jessica interview two executives to learn from their experiences and career journeys. Susi Elkins, chief community impact officer at MSU Federal Credit Union, president of Desk Drawer Fund, and president of Ever Green 3C, and Sara Dolan, chief financial officer at MSU Federal Credit Union and chief financial officer at Reseda Group, share ways to begin cultivating and creating space to promote big picture thinking to the different roles in our lives. 

Wallet Watch hosts, Amanda and Jessica are joined by Talent Acquisition Specialist Anna and Learning and Development Specialist Marc from MSU Federal Credit Union. Anna helps break down the process of networking, applying, and interviewing for jobs during the great resignation. Marc adds to the conversation bringing in tips to makes the transition to a new career or company successful. https://viacharacter.org/

In this episode, they discuss the impact of unlearning certain things to create room for personal and professional growth. Amanda and Jessica also chat about some financial concepts to unlearn in order to create growth in your personal finances.

In this episode of Wallet Watch, hosts, Amanda and Jessica, interview two DEI experts, Taylor, DEI specialist with MSUFCU, and Hamada, DEI program specialist at Ever Green 3C, to learn more about how to continue personal DEI growth. Listen to the conversation as they discuss ways DEI impacts work environment and what it means to be an ally. 

Wallet Watch hosts Amanda and Jessica sit down with Financial Educators, Courtney and DaVante to talk about the impact of financial education. The conversation focuses on education for college and high school students and how that may change with new legislation in the state of Michigan, that will require a half credit of personal finance.

In this episode hosts Amanda and Jessica interview Angela Orta, LMSW, founder of The Illuminated Mind, PLLC. Just like we check our account balances every day to maintain strong financial habits, checking in with our mental health more often can contribute to our overall health. Angela helps us break down mental health misconceptions and helps us understand ways we can treat our mental health like fitness. To learn more about The Illuminated Mind, PLLC, visit theilluminatedmindtherapy.com.     

In this episode of Wallet Watch, hosts Amanda and Jessica chat with Lindsay Bryan-Podvin (she/her) who is a biracial financial therapist, podcast host, speaker, and author of the book “The Financial Anxiety Solution.”   In Lindsay's therapy practice, Mind Money Balance, she uses shame-free financial therapy to help people get their minds and money in balance. Amanda and Jessica talk to Lindsay about her book, therapy approach, and most importantly about how emotions play a part in our finances. To learn more about Mind Money Balance visit www.mindmoneybalance.com.  

Wallet Watch hosts Amanda and Jessica interview MSUFCU, Senior Financial Educator, Cecilia Sandoval, and discuss how important it is to start talking to our children about money at an early age.  

Wallet Watch host interview Oakland University associate professor, Rebecca Mercado Jones. Dr. Mercado Jones talks about the transformative potential of a conversation, the communication axiom, and ways to determine your communication and conflict style. She also provides advice on navigating money and finance conversations.

The Wallet Watch hosts discuss ways to check in with your personal or family finances, where to start and what to focus on. The hosts also talk about creating a financial wellness day or having a day dedicated solely to your finances could empower you financially and reduce your financial stress.

In this episode of Wallet Watch, Amanda Conn introduces new host Jessica Rubio, and invites back pervious Wallet Watch hosts DaVante Montgomery and Lyndsey Morgan for one final episode to say farewell to their listeners, and discuss how they  create their vision and intentions for the year along with sharing ways to create attainable goals for their personal and professional lives.

This episode is the hosts' holiday gift to listeners. With the help of wellness expert and president of On Target Living, Matt Johnson, they discuss healthy living during the holidays, and the importance of paying attention to our bodies when it is telling us things about our health.

3:07 PM Creativity and innovation bring on new opportunities and cutting edge processes. They also bring forth new business ventures. Starting, running, or scaling a business is not an overnight operation, but takes time and effort. For today's release, the Wallet Watch team has enlisted the help of business building expert Paul Jaques, who is the Managing Director of Venture Creation at the Burgess Institute of Entrepreneurship and Innovation. Paul talks about starting and maintaining a business, knowing when it's time to get started, and even resources that may exist in your community.

Have you thought about expanding your knowledge? In this episode, the hosts talk about being life time learners, understanding continuing education and professional development. They discuss resources to continuing education affordably and how our desire for more learning can be developed.

Have you ever stopped to reflect on how balance fits into your life? In this latest episode, the hosts and special guest Jessica discuss all things life balance. They talk about what balance means to them, the systems they use to maintain center and how the pandemic has impacted there outlook on balance.

Education is very important and can help to get you to the career path that you desire. How do we get prepared to take that next step on our educational path? Our friends at the Capital Area College Access Network (CapCAN) tell us all about getting prepared for your next path, the importance of the FAFSA, and there involvement in the preparation process.  

Do you use financial technology? Has it helped to make your life easier? You may be surprised at the answer. Listen to this episode as the hosts talk with industry experts on FinTech, the benefits and what MSUFCU is doing in the industry.

The host reflect on the incredible season this has been and discuss how they can be effective change agents. 

Have you ever thought about the disadvantages that BIPOC owned small businesses may face? In this episode we explore those disadvantages and speak with a company that is changing the forecast, one business at a time. 

Representatives from the African American Employee Resource Group take over the podcast, and share their individual experiences bringing their authentic selves to work. Their conversations center on their journeys exploring their identities as employees, and ways employers can better create safe spaces for authenticity at work.

Happy Pride Month! In today's episode MSUFCU's employee resource group, CU Pride talks with the Salus Center, which is the only LGBTQIA+ resource center in the Greater Lansing area. Together they explore the journey of Salus Center, history of Pride month and the importance of education about the community. To learn more about and/or donate to Salus Center, please visit saluscenter.org.

In today's episode we are talking about education and being a change agent with Glenn McIntosh. Having diversity, equity and inclusion in education is so important because these are the places where the leaders of tomorrow are learning. Take a listen to this inspiring conversation.

In this episode, the hosts are interviewing 2 very special guests from the Employee Resource Groups(ERG) at MSU Federal Credit Union. Both Prince and Taylor give us knowledge on what an ERG is, as well as, their importance and impact in the workplace.