Podcasts about TransUnion

Terri Couser is an entrepreneur, coach, and Board-Certified Credit Consultant with two degrees from Villanova University. Her career began at TransUnion, where she updated thousands of credit profiles, sparking her passion for real estate and helping others build financial stability through home buying, selling, and property management. Through her Wealth Building Ministry, Terri empowers individuals and youth to create generational wealth and LEGACY, partnering with organizations like the Philadelphia Education Fund and Year Up for panels and speaking events. Today, Terri teaches people nationwide how to leverage credit to build wealth, start businesses, and achieve financial freedom. She has grown her company into a national brand, partnered with global influencers, launched Credit Leverage Lifestyle and "The Winner's Circle" community, and hosts Major Impact on The CW's CONNECT Network to help women entrepreneurs master money and investing. During the show we discussed: The inspiration behind creating Credit Leveraged Lifestyle. How credit leverage helps break generational debt cycles. Why the credit repair industry is full of misinformation. Common credit myths people still believe. How bureau experience gives an edge in credit consulting. Risks of following bad online credit advice. First steps in starting a credit-building or repair journey. Key differences between personal and business credit. How to build business credit without using a personal SSN. Biggest mistakes with credit utilization and DTI. How Board and Credit Score Certification set you apart. Results clients see from your programs. Why understanding credit reports and scores matters. How better credit unlocks major financial opportunities. What's included in the 90-module Credit Leveraged Lifestyle course. Resource: https://www.creditleveragedlifestyle.com/  

HousingWire CEO Clayton Collins brings together an unprecedented trio — Joel Rickman (Equifax), Michele Bodda (Experian), and Satyan Merchant (TransUnion) — for a first-of-its-kind conversation on how data is redefining the mortgage process. The three leaders also unpack key topics dominating the MBA Annual 25 conference floor — from the tri-merge debate and the cost of credit reports to regulatory shifts, innovation in alternative data, and the rise of VantageScore.More from this episode:Why is data so important in today's mortgage ecosystem?Data drives nearly every step of the mortgage process — from pre-qualification to underwriting. As Joel Rickman explains, “more data is better for the consumer,” because richer data helps more people qualify for home loans while maintaining safety and soundness in the system.How are the credit bureaus competing and collaborating?While they compete fiercely for business, the three bureaus share a united goal of financial inclusion. Each is innovating through differentiated data sources like rental payments, utilities, telecom data, and cash-flow insights — all designed to represent consumers more fairly.What new data types are shaping credit files?The credit file has never been more diverse.Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) accountsRental and utility paymentsShort-term lending dataCash-flow management attributesThese data sets help lenders build more accurate profiles of consumers who were previously underserved or “credit invisible.”What role does regulation play in driving innovation?The panelists agree that regulation and innovation can coexist. The FHFA's adoption of modern scores like VantageScore 4.0 is one example of policy enabling progress — allowing new models that use broader data to enter the market.What is the bi-merge debate, and why does it matter?The bi-merge proposal — using two credit reports instead of three — is a hot topic at MBA Annual 2025.The bureaus argue that reducing data increases risk and could harm consumers by creating gaps in credit history, leading to higher pricing or denied loans.How are the bureaus improving consumer education?Each company invests in tools and partnerships that help consumers understand and improve their credit:Equifax: education through lender partnershipsExperian: initiatives like Boost and HomeFree USA to reach underrepresented communitiesTransUnion: free credit monitoring and app-based education to help consumers take control of their credit healthWhat innovations are leading the way in credit reporting?Equifax is leveraging The Work Number and NCTUE data to bring employment and telecom insights into credit decisions.Experian is pioneering cash-flow scoring and consumer-permissioned data.TransUnion is expanding rental trade lines and short-term lending insights to include more first-time buyers.How should lenders prepare for VantageScore adoption in 2026?All three bureaus encourage lenders to start testing VantageScore now. They're offering early access to evaluate how it performs in underwriting and portfolio management before GSE guidelines take effect. 

Welcome to The Chrisman Commentary, your go-to daily mortgage news podcast, where industry insights meet expert analysis. Hosted by Robbie Chrisman, this podcast delivers the latest updates on mortgage rates, capital markets, and the forces shaping the housing finance landscape. Whether you're a seasoned professional or just looking to stay informed, you'll get clear, concise breakdowns of market trends and economic shifts that impact the mortgage world.In today's episode, we look at the latest FHFA drama emanating from Washington DC. Plus, Robbie sits down with Telhio Credit Union's Allie Hager for a discussion on how independent mortgage banks and credit unions differ in serving today's borrowers, focusing on borrower sentiment around rates versus payments, strategies for building customer loyalty, and personal insights on professional growth and finding one's comfort zone. And we close by looking at why economic releases are still delayed despite the end of the government shutdown.This week's podcasts are sponsored by TransUnion. Mortgage lenders choose TransUnion for their identity-focused, data-driven mortgage insights and solutions, enabling them to achieve more desirable lending outcomes in a volatile housing market.

Welcome to The Chrisman Commentary, your go-to daily mortgage news podcast, where industry insights meet expert analysis. Hosted by Robbie Chrisman, this podcast delivers the latest updates on mortgage rates, capital markets, and the forces shaping the housing finance landscape. Whether you're a seasoned professional or just looking to stay informed, you'll get clear, concise breakdowns of market trends and economic shifts that impact the mortgage world.In today's episode, we look how the Fed could be reshaped with the retirement of Atlanta President Bostic early next year. Plus, Robbie sits down with MeridianLink's JP Kelly for a discussion on how evolving credit scoring models, real-time analytics, and data integration are reshaping mortgage lending, from improving credit inclusivity and compliance to accelerating decision-making and redefining competition in a data-driven marketplace. And we close by looking at yesterday's 10-year Treasury auction results and market impact.This week's podcasts are sponsored by TransUnion. Mortgage lenders choose TransUnion for their identity-focused, data-driven mortgage insights and solutions, enabling them to achieve more desirable lending outcomes in a volatile housing market.

Welcome to The Chrisman Commentary, your go-to daily mortgage news podcast, where industry insights meet expert analysis. Hosted by Robbie Chrisman, this podcast delivers the latest updates on mortgage rates, capital markets, and the forces shaping the housing finance landscape. Whether you're a seasoned professional or just looking to stay informed, you'll get clear, concise breakdowns of market trends and economic shifts that impact the mortgage world.In today's episode, we look why extensions cost money. Plus, Robbie sits down with TransUnion's Satyan Merchant for a discussion on how credit data is evolving from a static score to a dynamic, predictive asset, and what lenders can do right now to turn this wave of disruption into opportunity. And we close by looking at what mortgage applications from MBA portend for the market.This week's podcasts are sponsored by TransUnion. Mortgage lenders choose TransUnion for their identity-focused, data-driven mortgage insights and solutions, enabling them to achieve more desirable lending outcomes in a volatile housing market.

Welcome to The Chrisman Commentary, your go-to daily mortgage news podcast, where industry insights meet expert analysis. Hosted by Robbie Chrisman, this podcast delivers the latest updates on mortgage rates, capital markets, and the forces shaping the housing finance landscape. Whether you're a seasoned professional or just looking to stay informed, you'll get clear, concise breakdowns of market trends and economic shifts that impact the mortgage world.In today's episode, we look the pros and cons of the 50-year mortgage. Plus, Robbie sits down with Optimal Blue's Vimi Vasudeva for a discussion on recapture strategy, why borrower retention is more critical than ever, and how lenders can model and price for recapture success. And we close by looking at what the prepayment report says about borrower incentive to refinance.This week's podcasts are sponsored by TransUnion. Mortgage lenders choose TransUnion for their identity-focused, data-driven mortgage insights and solutions, enabling them to achieve more desirable lending outcomes in a volatile housing market.

Is the data you're using in marketing actually real—or just a spreadsheet full of guesses? In this episode of Mostly Marketing with Matt Wilson, we dig into the world of data-driven marketing with Matt Spiegel, EVP of True Audience Growth Strategy at TransUnion. From programmatic campaigns to identity resolution, we break down how to tell the difference between good and bad data—and why testing is the only way to know what actually works. We also explore the future of data, AI, and personalization, and how marketers can navigate complex ecosystems while reaching the right people at the right time. Whether you're an agency pro or just curious about the inner workings of modern marketing, this conversation is full of insights, practical advice, and a few laughs along the way. Mostly Marketing with Matt Wilson is a bi-weekly-ish podcast all about marketing… mostly. You can listen and download on all major podcast platforms, including Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, and Anchor. Stay connected: 

Emmaline Aliff of Equifax joins Dr. Amy Crews Cutts, Chief Economist at AC Cutts & Associates, to unpack the real costs and competitive dynamics of mortgage credit reporting. They dig into what the data actually shows about tri-merge pricing, lender negotiation power, fallout loans, and the entry of VantageScore.In this episode:What is the true cost of pulling a credit report for a mortgage?The cost of a mortgage credit report usually falls within a wide range—from around $40 up to about $240 per file, depending on factors like the number of borrowers and the products included (such as trended data or monitoring services). While some lenders cite an average cost around $155, the actual cost is often driven by how many borrowers are on the application, how many times credit is pulled, and which ancillary services are added.Why do lenders say credit reports are “too expensive”?Many lenders feel credit reports are expensive not because of the unit price, but because of fallout—loans that never close. When a lender pulls credit and the borrower doesn't complete the loan, the lender usually eats that cost. Unlike appraisals, credit report fees are often not collected upfront, so unrecovered costs on fallout loans can make credit reporting feel disproportionately expensive.How much does a credit report actually matter in the total cost of a mortgage?In the context of a full mortgage transaction, the credit report fee is typically a small fraction of total closing costs and prepaid expenses. Even if a report costs $60–$150, that's minimal compared to items like taxes, insurance, and appraisal fees. The real financial impact often comes from how credit information influences interest rates and approvals, not just the report fee itself.What is a tri-merge credit report and why does it exist?A tri-merge credit report combines data from the three nationwide credit reporting agencies—Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion—into one consolidated file. This helps:Reduce blind spots by capturing regional and portfolio differences between bureausGive investors and GSEs (Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac) a more complete view of borrower riskSupport underwriting models that rely on rich, multi-bureau data rather than a single viewTri-merge helps maintain investor confidence in mortgage-backed securities by reducing data gaps and gaming risk.

Welcome to The Chrisman Commentary, your go-to daily mortgage news podcast, where industry insights meet expert analysis. Hosted by Robbie Chrisman, this podcast delivers the latest updates on mortgage rates, capital markets, and the forces shaping the housing finance landscape. Whether you're a seasoned professional or just looking to stay informed, you'll get clear, concise breakdowns of market trends and economic shifts that impact the mortgage world.In today's episode, we look at funded volume trends. Plus, Robbie sits down with with TRUE's Steve Butler for a discussion on the challenges of income analysis inlending, particularly the delays caused by manual data entry and underwriting processes, and how technological advancements are solving this. And we close by looking at what the prepayment report says about borrower incentive to refinance.This week's podcasts are sponsored by TransUnion. Mortgage lenders choose TransUnion for their identity-focused, data-driven mortgage insights and solutions, enabling them to achieve more desirable lending outcomes in a volatile housing market.

Recorded live at MBA Annual 2025, HousingWire CEO Clayton Collins talks with Joel Rickman, SVP of Verification Services/Workforce Solutions at Equifax, and Justin Demola, President of Lenders One, about the ripple effects of FICO's new pricing model, the rise of VantageScore, and how smarter lending data can drive efficiency, affordability, and innovation across the housing market.In this episode:Why is the FICO vs. VantageScore discussion so important right now?The FHFA's move to accept VantageScore opened the door for more competition and potential savings. While some lenders worry about cost increases, experts explain how competition is already driving innovation and pricing transparency—helping lenders better serve homebuyers.How are Equifax and other bureaus responding to these market shifts?Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion have each added new data benefits within existing pricing structures. At Equifax, that includes embedding income and employment data into credit reports to reduce costs and improve decision accuracy. The goal: help lenders make smarter, faster, and fairer lending decisions.What role does Lenders One play in shaping this change?Lenders One represents over 230 independent mortgage bankers, providing cooperative buying power and technology tools. By building its own credit-reporting platform and partnering with bureaus like Equifax, Lenders One helps members gain flexibility, lower costs, and optimize workflows.How can lenders create efficiency in loan manufacturing?The guests stress “buy what you need, when you need it.” That means pulling the right data at the right stage of the loan, automating income verification later in the process, and using analytics to predict fallout rates—reducing unnecessary costs while keeping accuracy high. 

If you have a student loan or are considering your options for a loan, this episode is for you. The hosts of Making Cents of Money discuss the latest updates of repayment plans and break down how the decisions you make now will impact your financial future. Show Notes: Federal Resources • U.S. Department of Education, Federal Student Aid. (n.d.). Federal Student Aid. StudentAid.gov. https://studentaid.gov • Equifax, Experian, & TransUnion. (n.d.). Annual Credit Report. AnnualCreditReport.com. https://www.annualcreditreport.com University of Illinois System Resources • University of Illinois System, University Bursar. (2025). Know what you owe. https://paymybill.uillinois.edu/student_loans/know_what_you_owe • University of Illinois System, Student Money Management Center. (n.d.). Student loans. https://www.studentmoney.uillinois.edu/learn/studentloans Prior Related Making Cents of Money Podcast Episodes • Federal Student Loan Forgiveness (ep. 48): https://blogs.uofi.uillinois.edu/view/7550/1805186696 • Paying for College with Scholarships (ep. 52): https://blogs.uofi.uillinois.edu/view/7550/19876420 • Return to Repayment Update (ep. 60): https://blogs.uofi.uillinois.edu/view/7550/2144507315 • Understanding FAFSA (ep. 72): https://blogs.uofi.uillinois.edu/view/7550/180972984 • Loan Payments Resumed in October (ep. 73): https://blogs.uofi.uillinois.edu/view/7550/1498217343 • April 30th Student Loan Deadline (ep. 81): https://blogs.uofi.uillinois.edu/view/7550/706826894 • Back to School: College and Credit (ep. 90): https://blogs.uofi.uillinois.edu/view/7550/1942070018 • PSLF Seekers in SAVE: Costs of Administrative Forbearance (ep. 92): https://blogs.uofi.uillinois.edu/view/7550/514139128 • On-Ramp to Repayment Ends 9/30 for Federal Loan Borrowers (ep. 93): https://blogs.uofi.uillinois.edu/view/7550/699654176 • Federal Student Loan Updates [Debt Collection Resumes] (ep. 110): https://blogs.uofi.uillinois.edu/view/7550/1101960728 • The Role of Loan Servicers (ep. 114): https://blogs.uofi.uillinois.edu/view/7550/681485881 Webinar Recording • Pellegrini, A., & Giancola-Shank, N. (2025, March 6). Student loan management #GetSavvy webinar recording [Video]. YouTube. https://youtu.be/_9duc7kvTqg?si=gZGRCFfSTAJ3HF6A Register for April 2026 Student Loan Repayment webinar at https://go.uillinois.edu/getsavvywebinars.

At MBA Annual 2025, HousingWire CEO Clayton Collins interviewed Rikard Bandebo, Chief Strategy Officer and Chief Economist at VantageScore, about one of the biggest industry shifts in decades: the entrance of VantageScore into the mortgage ecosystem. In this episode:Why is credit score competition important?For decades, the mortgage industry has relied on one scoring model. With the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) expanding options, VantageScore introduces innovation, transparency, and fairness—allowing lenders to assess creditworthiness more accurately and consumers to qualify for mortgages previously out of reach.How will this change expand homeownership?VantageScore's model incorporates up to 24 months of credit history and uses alternative data sources, helping identify five million additional households that could qualify for mortgages. These consumers are often in rural or high-rental communities, meaning the change supports economic growth and financial inclusion in underserved markets.What are the implications for lenders and the market?·       Lenders: Gain new tools to expand their customer base without increasing risk.·       Consumers: See more consistent and transparent scoring.·       Market: Competitive pricing for credit data, increased innovation, and better access to affordable lending.What's next for mortgage credit innovation?Lenders are encouraged to back-test their portfolios, prepare internal systems, and align with new data channels to ensure readiness as the transition accelerates in 2026.

It's November, and holiday shopping is underway. How do you make sure your packages aren't stolen? Also, now that we're in Black Friday month - there's a major hazard to avoid while purchasing online.  Thwarting Porch Pirates: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Warning: BNPL aka Pay In 4: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: Avoid Porch Pirates With These Delivery Options From Amazon, UPS, FedEx and USPS⁠ How To Freeze and Unfreeze Your Credit With Experian, Equifax & TransUnion⁠ ⁠Should I Freeze My Credit With the Other Credit Bureaus?⁠ 12 Keys To Keeping Your Home Wi-Fi Network Safe and Secure Why 'Buy Now, Pay Later' Worries Clark Howard What is hospital medicine, and what is a hospitalist? Clark.com resources: Episode transcripts Community.Clark.com  /  Ask Clark Clark.com daily money newsletter Consumer Action Center Free Helpline: 636-492-5275 Learn more about your ad choices: megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Learn how to get and read your free credit reports and spot red flags so you can protect your score and money. How do you set a realistic budget for a big life event without guilt? What's the foolproof way to get and read your free credit reports? In this episode, hosts Sean Pyles and Elizabeth Ayoola discuss wedding budgeting and credit monitoring to help you protect your finances. They open by discussing trip and wedding budgeting trade-offs, like how to prioritize comfort, set spending caps, and decide when to splurge. They share tactics for separating wedding and honeymoon costs, using cash gifts and registries wisely, and staying flexible when real prices blow past early estimates. Then, NerdWallet lead writer Amanda Barroso joins Sean and Elizabeth to answer listeners' questions about how to access and monitor their credit reports. They explain the difference between reports and scores and do a live read-through of Sean's Experian report. They cover how to get free weekly credit reports, how to spot hard vs. soft inquiries, what truly matters to your score, what to ignore, and step-by-step moves to dispute errors with the right bureau(s) fast. NerdWallet's list of the best high-yield savings accounts: https://www.nerdwallet.com/banking/best/high-yield-online-savings-accounts  Standout high-yield CDs: https://www.nerdwallet.com/m/banking/standout-cd-rates-2  Enter your deposit, CD term and APY to see what interest you would earn on a certificate of deposit with NerdWallet's free CD calculator: https://www.nerdwallet.com/banking/calculators/cd-calculator  Want us to review your budget? Fill out this form — completely anonymously if you want — and we might feature your budget in a future segment! https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScK53yAufsc4v5UpghhVfxtk2MoyooHzlSIRBnRxUPl3hKBig/viewform?usp=header In their conversation, the Nerds discuss: free credit report, credit score, FICO vs VantageScore, how to read a credit report, dispute credit report errors, credit freeze vs lock, Experian, Equifax, TransUnion, hard vs soft inquiry, identity theft credit report, free weekly credit reports, adverse action notice, credit utilization, bank app credit score, frozen credit report, collections on credit report, mortgage on credit report, mixed credit files, verify identity for credit report, step by step read credit report, remove errors from credit report, how to check credit score for free, VantageScore 3.0, FICO score 10T, credit bureau upsell, lock vs freeze security, and travel budget planning. To send the Nerds your money questions, call or text the Nerd hotline at 901-730-6373 or email podcast@nerdwallet.com. Like what you hear? Please leave us a review and tell a friend. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Financial institutions are overwhelmed with customer data but lack meaningful insights. Banks and credit unions find it difficult to accurately identify their customers across scattered digital channels, monitor customer behavior from the initial contact to conversion, and demonstrate which marketing efforts truly produce results … all while complying with strict data privacy laws. Today on the Banking Transformed podcast, we're tackling these issues with Harmon Lyons, Vice President of Strategy and Market Development at TransUnion. We'll discuss full-funnel marketing strategies for financial services that blend brand awareness with acquisition tactics, achieving up to 40% improvements in identity completion. This allows banks and credit unions to finally demonstrate ROI and link marketing efforts directly to conversions. If you're a financial services marketer facing customer data fragmentation, attribution challenges, or privacy compliance concerns, this episode offers actionable strategies for enhancing campaign performance in 2025. This episode of Banking Transformed is sponsored by TransUnion TransUnion brings clarity to marketing chaos by delivering a 360-degree view of your customer, helping you deepen your insights, accelerate your decision making, and better measure the impact of every marketing dollar. For more information: Bring Clarity to Chaos | TransUnion

Everywhere you turn, someone's trying to fake something like an image, a voice, or even an entire identity. With AI tools now in almost anyone's hands, it takes minutes, not days, to create a convincing fake. That's changed the game for both sides. The fraudsters have new weapons, and the rest of us are scrambling to keep up. The real question now isn't just how to stop scams, but how to know who or what to trust online. My guest today, Bala Kumar, spends his days on the front lines of that battle. He's the Chief Product and Technology Officer at Jumio, a company working to make digital identity verification faster, smarter, and safer. Bala has more than twenty years in the industry, including leadership roles at TransUnion, and he's seen firsthand how the race between innovation and exploitation never really ends. It just keeps speeding up. In our conversation, Bala shares how generative AI has supercharged the fraud world, what makes identity such a fragile link in digital trust, and why biometrics may finally offer a way forward. We also dig into the psychology behind online risk, how convenience often wins over caution, and what small habits can help people protect themselves in an age where deception looks more real than ever. Show Notes: [01:04] Bala Kumar has a background in product management and fraud prevention from TransUnion to Jumio. [01:59] He describes how fraudsters constantly evolve, forcing companies to anticipate attacks instead of just reacting. [03:56] The quality of manipulated images has skyrocketed, making real vs. fake nearly indistinguishable. [05:17] Jumio's systems catch most fake IDs, but Bala admits even advanced systems must keep auditing for missed fraud. [07:16] Regular audits and rapid response cycles help Jumio identify attack spikes within 24–48 hours. [09:40] Generative AI has dramatically increased the speed and volume of fraud attempts across industries. [11:33] Jumio uses cross-transaction risk analysis to detect emerging fraud patterns and shut down attacks quickly. [13:00] Fraudsters move from one platform to another, always searching for weaker defenses and faster wins. [15:10] Bala explains how fraud prevention has expanded beyond banking into gaming, dating, and gig platforms. [16:38] Consumers crave low friction, which ironically makes them more vulnerable to scams. [17:20] Instant gratification culture pressures companies to reduce security steps, fueling greater risk. [19:52] New AI-driven fraud tactics include injected camera feeds and highly realistic deep fakes. [20:12] Old tricks like “send me a selfie with proof” no longer work—deepfakes can now mimic anything. [22:22] Bala sees biometrics as the next major safeguard for digital identity and real-time verification. [23:12] Facial recognition has become mainstream, paving the way for secure and low-friction identity checks. [26:19] Jumio is already deploying biometric check-ins for events and hotel registrations with great success. [27:30] Account recovery and payout systems now use liveness and device checks to confirm identity safely. [30:09] Bala critiques outdated knowledge-based questions like “What's your favorite food?” as unreliable security. [31:12] Consumers lack visibility into which apps use strong verification or multi-factor authentication. [33:56] He calls for an independent rating system to rank apps based on security and identity protection. [37:53] Bala urges users to question why companies ask for personal data like SSNs or ZIP codes. [39:29] Even a ZIP code and last name can expose personal records, highlighting the need for awareness. Thanks for joining us on Easy Prey. Be sure to subscribe to our podcast on iTunes and leave a nice review.  Links and Resources: Podcast Web Page Facebook Page whatismyipaddress.com Easy Prey on Instagram Easy Prey on Twitter Easy Prey on LinkedIn Easy Prey on YouTube Easy Prey on Pinterest Jumio Bala Kumar - LinkedIn

How's your credit score? Is it in tip-top shape, or maybe it could use a little bit of love? The fact is that your credit score is one of the most important financial metrics we use today and how we manage and nurture it makes a huge difference in shaping your financial opportunities. By managing and improving it, you can secure better loan terms and lower interest rates, paving the way for a healthier financial future.   Links: Explore the identity protecting benefits of a Better Checking account Disputing Errors on Your Credit Reports | Consumer Advice Check out TCU University for financial education tips and resources! Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter! Learn more about Triangle Credit Union   Transcript: Welcome to Money Tip Tuesday from the Making Money Personal podcast.   A credit score might seem like a mysterious three-digit number, but it holds significant influence over your financial life. Whether you're applying for a loan or a credit card, renting an apartment, or even setting up utilities, your credit score plays a crucial role in the decisions that lenders, landlords, and service providers make. Your credit is a valuable asset, and credit score awareness can be a crucial piece in overall financial wellness and identity theft protection. In this tip, we want to remind account holders of the importance of understanding credit scores and provide some tips to help them improve and maintain a healthy credit score.   What Is a Credit Score?   Simply put, a credit score is like a grade for how good you are at managing money. It is one of the most important tools that lenders and financial institutions use to assess the risk of lending money to you. A higher credit score indicates a healthy credit history; therefore, a lower credit risk, making you more appealing to potential creditors. Credit scores typically range from 300 to 850, with higher scores being better, indicating that you have consistently made payments on time to satisfy your credit obligations. While a "good" credit score varies based on the lender and the specifics of the loan request, it is typically around 700 or higher. Once your score is over 760, you may expect to be offered the best available rates. Credit agencies refresh scores once a month, but the exact timing of those updates may vary based on a myriad of factors.  How Is a Credit Score Calculated?   You might be surprised to learn that you can have multiple different credit scores at the same time. Based on where the lender obtained their data (from one, two, or all three credit reporting agencies), the credit score model that is used, the lender's own criteria for issuing credit, and the timing of when the score was produced. A hypothetical scenario for calculating a credit score might weigh the following factors this way:  Payment History (35%): This is the most important part. It's like getting a gold star for paying bills on time. If you pay on time, your score goes up. If you miss payments, it goes down.  Credit Utilization (30%): Imagine you have a money jar, and you use only a little bit of it. That's good for your score. But if you use a lot of it, it's not so good. This measures how much of your available credit you're using.  Length of Credit History (15%): The longer you've had credit (like a credit card or loan), the better. It's like experience points. More experience means a higher score.  Credit Mix (10%): Having different types of credit, like credit cards and loans, can be like having a diverse team. It's good for your score, but you don't need to have them all.  New Credit (10%): Every time you apply for new credit, like a loan or a credit card, it can slightly lower your score. Too many applications at once can hurt your score.  Lenders will also look at other factors, such as your income, your assets, or how long you have been at your current job. Note that a high credit score isn't the only sign of financial health. An individual who chooses to use cash or debit cards for major purchases rather than taking out loans will likely have a lower credit score than someone with a long record of multiple well-managed debts, even though they may be very financially responsible.      Why Does Your Credit Score Matter?   Getting Credit: When you need to borrow money, like for a credit card or a car loan, lenders look at your credit score. If it's high, they're more likely to say yes. Plus, you might get lower interest rates, which means you pay less in the long run.  Interest Rates: A good credit score can mean lower interest rates on loans and credit cards. Lower interest rates save you money, so it's a win.  Renting a Home: Landlords often check your credit score when you apply to rent an apartment. A good score can help you get the place you want.  Utility Bills: Some companies might look at your credit score before deciding if you need to pay a deposit for things like electricity and water.  Job Opportunities: Some jobs, especially those handling money, check your credit as part of the hiring process. A good credit score can make you more attractive to employers.  For those interested, here are 9 Tips to Improve Your Credit Score  Pay Bills on Time: Make sure you pay your bills by their due dates. Set up reminders or automatic payments to help you stay on track. Manage Credit Cards Wisely: Keep your credit card balances low compared to your credit limits. Aim to use less than 30% of your available credit. Pay off your credit card bills in full whenever you can. Mix Different Types of Credit: Having different types of credit, like credit cards, loans, and mortgages, can boost your score. Only open new credit when you really need it. Don't Close Old Accounts: The longer you've had credit, the better. So, avoid closing old credit card accounts, especially if they have high credit limits. Deal with Problems: If you have late payments or debts in collections on your credit report, work on fixing them. Pay off debts in collections and ask creditors to remove them, if possible. Ask for a Credit Limit Increase: If you've been good at paying your credit card bills, consider asking for a higher credit limit. Having a higher credit limit could reduce your total credit utilization, which can help your credit score. Be Careful with New Credit Inquiries and Too Many New Accounts: Every time you apply for new credit, it leaves a mark on your credit report. Too many marks can hurt your score, so be careful about applying for credit often. Likewise, opening lots of new credit accounts in a short time can worry lenders and lower your score. Only open new accounts when you need them. Check Your Credit Report Regularly: Dispute any errors you find in writing to all three credit bureaus. You'll want to include the credit bureau's dispute form as well as any supporting documentation and be sure to keep copies of everything you send. You can find sample letters and more information about how to file a credit dispute in an article from the Federal Trade Commission (link will be in the show notes.)  Stay Alert for Signs of Identity Theft: All the work you do to improve your credit score could be thwarted by someone who has stolen your personal identifying information to take out loans in your name. Review your credit report and watch for any signs of identity theft to ensure your credit score is impacted by only your own financial behavior. If you find evidence of identity fraud in your credit report, remember, we can help. Members with a Triangle Better Checking account with IDProtect, have access to Identity Theft Resolution Advocates who are standing by to dispute fraudulent activity that might damage their credit standing.      Build a Credit Score Without Debt  Young adults and those who have never had a need for credit may not want to go into debt but want to build their credit score. Here are a couple of ways that you can build your credit score without debt.  Apply for a credit-builder loan, which places the money you borrow into a certificate of deposit (CD) or savings account that you can claim after making 12 monthly payments.   Apply for a secured credit card, which gives you a line of credit that is backed by a cash deposit.  Remember, with your Better Checking account, you are entitled to receive convenient access to your TransUnion® credit score monthly. Your score is tracked on a timeline to help identify unexpected changes in your score's movement that could indicate identity theft.  Plus, with a Better Checking account, you have access to your annual credit report. Visit our Better Checking dedicated site to access your benefits of download the TCU Better Checking app for convenient access on the go.  If there are any other tips or topics you would like us to cover, let us know at tcupodcast@trianglecu.org. Like and follow our Making Money Personal FB and IG page and look for our sponsor, Triangle Credit Union on social media to share your thoughts.   Thanks for listening to today's Money Tip Tuesday and check out our other tips and episodes on the Making Money Personal podcast.   Have a great day! 

SummaryIn this episode of the Blue Security Podcast, hosts Andy Jaw and Adam Brewer discuss various topics related to cybersecurity, including the security implications of WhatsApp, the challenges of age verification laws, the recent TransUnion data breach, and the significant cyber attack on Jaguar Land Rover. They emphasize the importance of strong cybersecurity measures, the risks associated with third-party data management, and the need for businesses to invest in cybersecurity to protect against potential breaches and their cascading effects on supply chains.----------------------------------------------------YouTube Video Link: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://youtu.be/Z-StvCprzjE----------------------------------------------------Documentation:https://www.fastcompany.com/91357825/whatsapp-banned-capitol-hill-how-secure-meta-messaging-encryptedhttps://arstechnica.com/security/2025/10/discord-says-hackers-stole-government-ids-of-70000-users/https://www.msn.com/en-us/money/other/transunion-hack-has-put-44-million-americans-personal-data-at-risk-including-social-security-how-to-protect-yourself-before-it-s-too-late/ar-AA1OhP12https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/fears-putin-backed-hackers-are-behind-cyber-attack-on-jaguar-land-rover/ar-AA1OiZnzhttps://cybersecuritynews.com/jaguar-land-rover-breached-by-hellcat/----------------------------------------------------Contact Us:Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://bluesecuritypod.comBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/bluesecuritypod.comLinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/bluesecpodYouTube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/c/BlueSecurityPodcast-----------------------------------------------------------Andy JawBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/ajawzero.comLinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/andyjaw/Email: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠andy@bluesecuritypod.com⁠----------------------------------------------------Adam BrewerTwitter: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://twitter.com/ajbrewerLinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamjbrewer/Email: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠adam@bluesecuritypod.com

It's Cybersecurity Awareness Month and we invite insurance agents to listen to this episode to get their small business clients prepared.In this episode, Ashleigh Burden and Eder Ribeiro discuss the critical importance of cybersecurity and cyber insurance for small businesses. They explore common misconceptions about small business security, the impact of cyber incidents, and the necessity of having adequate cyber insurance coverage. Eder shares insights from his extensive experience in incident response and emphasizes the need for small businesses to take cybersecurity seriously. The conversation also touches on the evolving regulatory landscape and the partnership between Coterie and TransUnion to make cyber insurance more accessible for small businesses.Learn more about TransUnion: https://www.transunion.com/lp/cyberscout-explainerlinkedin.com/company/transunionLearn more about Coterie Insurance:https://coterieinsurance.com/insurance/cyber-insurance-for-small-businesses/https://coterieinsurance.com/blog/5-reasons-your-clients-need-cyber-insurance/Timeline: 00:00 - 01:54: Introductions01:54 - 04:42: The Myth of Small Business Security04:42 - 06:36: Common Cyber Attack Vectors for Small Businesses06:36 - 09:59: Impact of Cyber Incidents on Small Businesses09:59 - 12:06: Trends for Agents and Brokers in Cyber Insurance12:06 - 13:53: Regulatory Landscape for Small Businesses13:53 - 16:49: Making Cyber Insurance Accessible16:49 - 18:59: Understanding Cyber Insurance Coverage18:59 - 23:03: Key Takeaways for Cybersecurity Awareness Monthcybersecurity, cyber insurance, small business, cyber attacks, incident response, insurance agents, regulatory compliance, risk management, TransUnion, Coterie

In this episode of Extra Credit, Harmon Lyons, VP of Strategy and Market Development for TransUnion's financial services marketing solutions, joins Craig and Josh for a deep dive into the evolving role of data in financial services marketing. Harmon shares insights from nearly 30 years in the industry, highlighting how all FS marketers — from regional credit unions to national banks — can overcome fragmentation, connect with customers across channels and prove ROI. The conversation covers best practices for identity resolution, the importance of brand building — even on modest budgets — and how to balance acquisition and retention strategies. Whether you're a CMO or in a marketing-adjacent role, this episode offers a practical look at how data-driven strategies are reshaping the way financial institutions engage with consumers. The information discussed in this podcast constitutes the opinion of TransUnion, and TransUnion shall have no liablity for any actions taken based upon the content of this podcast.

Back in the early 1900s, the Chicago mafia was known as “The Outfit”, and their frontman was a Harvard-educated lawyer named Abe Pritzker, a man once described as the “clean face of a dirty business”. Out of this situation, Abe Pritzker was able to build a massive empire of businesses, and from there his family built upon his foundation over the next century to create a fortune exceeding $33 billion. These days the Pritzker family is responsible for financing the Rainbow Mafia & Trans Agenda, Barack Obama's rise to power, the Diversity Equity Inclusion push, the Trans-Pacific Partnership, and other agendas designed to subvert America from within. From owning the Hyatt Hotel brand & Royal Caribbean cruise line to the TransUnion credit reporting agency & Marmon Group, the Pritzker family runs Chicago and has installed one of their own as governor of the state of Illinois, but there are now some rather obvious cracks in the foundation. The Octopus of Global Control Audiobook: https://amzn.to/3xu0rMm Hypocrazy Audiobook: https://amzn.to/4aogwms Website: www.Macroaggressions.io Activist Post: www.activistpost.com Sponsors: Chemical Free Body: https://www.chemicalfreebody.com Promo Code: MACRO C60 Purple Power: https://c60purplepower.com/ Promo Code: MACRO Wise Wolf Gold & Silver: www.Macroaggressions.gold LegalShield: www.DontGetPushedAround.com EMP Shield: www.EMPShield.com Promo Code: MACROChristian Yordanov's Health Program: www.livelongerformula.com/macro Above Phone: abovephone.com/macro Promo Code: MACRO Van Man: https://vanman.shop/?ref=MACRO Promo Code: MACRO Activist Post: www.ActivistPost.com Natural Blaze: www.NaturalBlaze.com Link Tree: https://linktr.ee/macroaggressionspodcast

TransUnion se jongste Consumer Pulse-studie toon 'n vlaag van optimisme oor die ekonomie onder Namibiërs, met 71 persent wat sê dat hulle hoopvol voel oor die jaar wat voorlê, en 78 persent wat 'n inkomsteverhoging verwag. Ekonoom Gabriel Erastus, wat met Kosmos 94.1 Nuus gepraat het, dring egter aan dat 'n trompetgeskal oor die ekonomie met 'n knippie sout gevat moet word. Hy sê die ekonomie bly skerp verdeeld tussen die formele en informele sektore. Erastus verduidelik.

Namibiese verbruikers verkeer onder toenemende finansiële druk, met inflasie, werkverliese en hoë behuisingskoste hul grootste bekommernisse, volgens TransUnion se jongste Consumer Pulse-studie. Ekonoom Josef Sheehama het aan Kosmos 94.1 Nuus gesê dat 'n mengsel van beleide dringend nodig is, wat wissel van monetêre maatreëls om inflasie te bekamp tot verbeterde behuisingsbekostigbaarheid. Hy het ook gevra vir 'n herstruktureerde SME-herstelskema.

Learn how the Fed rate cut impacts loans and savings, then find out when to freeze your credit and how to do it fast. What does a Federal Reserve rate cut mean for your wallet? Should you freeze your credit if an internet provider runs a soft pull? Hosts Sean Pyles and Elizabeth Ayoola kick off this episode with senior news writer Anna Helhoski to unpack the Federal Open Market Committee's (FOMC) new federal funds rate target range and how it filters through to credit cards, mortgages, auto loans, personal loans, and high-yield savings accounts and CDs. They explain why Fed chair Jerome Powell framed this as a “risk-management cut,” what dissent within the committee signals, how a cooling labor market and sticky inflation shape the outlook for additional cuts, and what stock market moves might follow. Plus, what all of that means for your near-term borrowing and saving decisions. Then, NerdWallet's Amanda Barroso joins Sean and Elizabeth for a practical lesson in credit freeze 101. They start with when and why to freeze your credit, with tips on freezing at all three bureaus, using apps for fast thawing, and setting time-boxed thaws before major credit applications. They also discuss soft vs. hard inquiries, fraud alerts vs. credit freezes vs. credit locks, and common pitfalls (forgetting one bureau, thawing too late at the car dealership, weak passwords) to help you understand when to keep your reports “frozen like Elsa,” but still move fast when you need new credit. Fed Trims Rate: What Does It Mean For You? https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/finance/fed-rate-cut-sept-2025  How to Unfreeze Your Credit With Equifax, Experian and TransUnion https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/finance/how-to-unfreeze-your-credit  Want us to review your budget? Fill out this form — completely anonymously if you want — and we might feature your budget in a future segment! https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScK53yAufsc4v5UpghhVfxtk2MoyooHzlSIRBnRxUPl3hKBig/viewform?usp=header In their conversation, the Nerds discuss: credit card APR, mortgage refinance rates, savings account interest rates, certificate of deposit rates, stock market after Fed decision, inflation forecast, unemployment trends, federal funds rate explained, Trump pressure on Fed, dissent at FOMC, labor market cooling, tariffs and inflation, soft credit check vs hard credit check, how to unfreeze credit, thaw credit timeline, fraud alert vs credit freeze, credit lock vs credit freeze, identity theft protection steps, FTC identity theft reports, data breach protection, certified mail credit freeze, password manager for credit bureaus, how to freeze credit by phone, and credit freeze pitfalls. To send the Nerds your money questions, call or text the Nerd hotline at 901-730-6373 or email podcast@nerdwallet.com. Like what you hear? Please leave us a review and tell a friend. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Your credit score impacts nearly every financial decision—car loans, mortgages, even job opportunities. In this episode of the MX3 Podcast, we dive deep into what a credit score really is, how it's calculated, and why it's more important than ever in today's economy.We break down the role of payment history, credit utilization, and the impact of debt. You'll learn surprising stats from TransUnion, strategies to manage your score, and how banks view you when you apply for credit. Join us as we explore the truth about living with credit in 2025 and beyond. Don't miss out on the insights that could save you thousands.

En ESTO NO TIENE NOMBRE, analizamos la economía dominicana con Danilda Almánzar, de TransUnion. Revelamos los sorprendentes hallazgos del estudio Consumer Pulse 2025, que muestra un gran optimismo financiero en la población, especialmente entre Millennials y Generación Z. Descubre las tendencias de consumo, el aumento esperado de ingresos y lo que realmente piensan los consumidores sobre su futuro económico.

Tech News and Commentary Dave and Chris discuss Apple’s new iPhones, Watches, and Air Pods, Ai voice translation for Instagram Reels, a TransUnion data breach, Samsung’s upcoming devices, and more. “News Pick of the Week” with Ralph Bond We've all heard about the huge challenge of creating habitats with air, water, and food sources to […]

The latest installment of Extra Credit has Dawn Figlioli, VP of Sales, Financial Services at TransUnion, stepping into the host seat, guiding a conversation with Craig and Josh on the latest credit market insights. The trio explores the current lending environment, marked by both stability and caution, and dives into the surprising growth at both ends of the credit spectrum. They discuss rising delinquencies in auto and mortgage, the evolving role of FinTechs in super prime lending, and how refined risk strategies are reshaping subprime performance. The episode also touches on the regulatory landscape and why consumer optimism may be on the rise — despite economic headwinds. Whether you're a lender navigating uncertainty or a strategist looking for signals in the noise, this episode offers grounded, data-driven perspective on what's next. The information discussed in this podcast constitutes the opinion of TransUnion, and TransUnion shall have no liablity for any actions taken based upon the content of this podcast.

Fraudology is presented by Sardine. Get your tickets to Sardine[Con] and end the scamedmicThis episode of Fraudology returns with a comprehensive fraud news roundup, as host Karisse Hendrick examines major cybersecurity incidents and emerging scam tactics. This episode offers an in-depth look at the Salesforce data breach that impacted hundreds of organizations, including credit bureau TransUnion. Carice breaks down how hackers exploited a third-party tool to steal sensitive data and credentials from Salesforce instances. She also unpacks the PayPal fraud detection failure that sent European banks into panic mode, freezing billions in transactions. The episode shines a light on the dark world of human trafficking and scam compounds in Southeast Asia, revealing new connections to sextortion schemes targeting minors. Carice shares eye-opening details about these criminal operations and their expanding reach. The rise of AI-powered fraud takes center stage as well, with Carice examining how deepfakes and other AI tools are being weaponized by scammers to impersonate executives and create convincing fake websites. She offers practical advice for protecting yourself and your business from these evolving threats. With expert insights and analysis of the latest fraud trends, this episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to stay ahead of cybercriminals and scammers. Don't miss this essential update on the state of fraud, tune in now to arm yourself with knowledge.Fraudology is hosted by Karisse Hendrick, a fraud fighter with decades of experience advising hundreds of the biggest ecommerce companies in the world on fraud, chargebacks, and other forms of abuse impacting a company's bottom line. Connect with her on LinkedIn She brings her experience, expertise, and extensive network of experts to this podcast weekly, on Tuesdays.

In this episode of The Personal Finance Podcast, Andrew answers eight questions on tax strategies and retirement planning, covering when investment moves trigger taxes (depends on account type), tax loss harvesting for high earners, why the 75-80% retirement income rule uses pre-tax numbers but you should plan more conservatively, strategic Roth 401k timing in lower tax brackets, a TransUnion data breach affecting 4.4 million Americans, income thresholds where traditional 401ks beat Roth options (24-30% marginal rates), saving for kids' expenses using the five-year investment rule, emergency fund storage as rates drop, and comprehensive pension planning beyond just relying on guaranteed payments. Today we are going to answer these questions: Do you get taxed when moving money from one investment to another inside the same account? How does tax-loss harvesting work? Most retirement rules I've seen state that you want 75 to 80% of your pre-retirement income. Is that before or after taxes? Should you max out a Roth 401(k) in the first quarter of the year because of the lower marginal tax rate? At what annual income should someone avoid a Roth 401(k) and do traditional for tax purposes? Putting money away for kids' wedding, cars, etc.—for when they get older. HYSA or brokerage? What are the best high-yield ways to store an emergency fund? How to plan for retirement with a pension?   How Andrew Can Help You: Listen to The Business Show here. Don't let another year pass by without making significant strides toward your dreams. "Master Your Money Goals" is your pathway to a future where your aspirations are not just wishes but realities. Enroll now and make this year count! Join The Master Money Newsletter where you will become smarter with your money in 5 minutes or less per week Here! Learn to invest by joining  Index Fund Pro! This is Andrew's course teaching you how to invest!  Watch The Master Money Youtube Channel! , Ask Andrew a question on Instagram or TikTok Learn how to get out of Debt by joining our Free Course  Leave Feedback or Episode Requests here.  Car buying Calculator here Thanks to Our Amazing Sponsors for supporting The Personal Finance Podcast Shopify: Shopify makes it so easy to sell. Sign up for a one-dollar-per-month trial period at  shopify.com/pfp Thanks to Policy Genius for Sponsoring the show! Go to policygenius.com to get your free life insurance quote. Indeed: Start hiring NOW with a SEVENTY-FIVE DOLLAR SPONSORED JOB CREDIT to upgrade your job post at Indeed.com/personalfinance Go to https://joindeleteme.com/PFP20/ for 20% off! Shop outdoor furniture, grills, lawn games, and WAY more for WAY less. Head to wayfair.com Get 50% Off Monarch Money, the all-in-one financial tool at www.monarchmoney.com/PFP Chime: Start your credit journey with Chime. Sign-up takes only two minutes and doesn't affect your credit score. Get started at chime.com/  Acorns: Start investing automatically with Acorns and get a $5 bonus at Acorns.com/PFP  Go to https://joindeleteme.com/PFP20/ and Use Promo Code PFP for 20% off!    Links Mentioned in This Episode:  tax loss harvesting,  Connect With Andrew on Social Media: Instagram TikTok Twitter Master Money Website Master Money Youtube Channel   Free Guides: The Stairway to Wealth: The Order of Operations for your Money How to Negotiate Your Salary The 75 Day Money Challenge Get out Of Debt Fast Take the Money Personality Quiz Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Register for FREE Infosec Webcasts, Anti-casts & Summits – https://poweredbybhis.com00:00 - PreShow Banter™ — It's 8ft skeleton season.02:18 - BHIS - Talkin' Bout [infosec] News 2025-09-0203:07 - Story # 1: Salesloft breached to steal OAuth tokens for Salesforce data-theft attacks07:35 - Story # 2: DSLRoot, Proxies, and the Threat of ‘Legal Botnets'13:46 - Story # 3: Attackers Abuse Velociraptor Forensic Tool to Deploy Visual Studio Code for C2 Tunneling17:44 - Story # 4: Ransomware crooks knock Swedish municipalities offline for measly sum of $168K19:39 - Story # 5: As crippling cyberattack against Nevada continues, Lombardo says ‘we're working through it.'20:56 - Story # 6: Citrix forgot to tell you CVE-2025–6543 has been used as a zero day since May 202522:43 - Story # 7: NetScaler ADC and NetScaler Gateway Security Bulletin for CVE-2025-7775, CVE-2025-7776 and CVE-2025-842425:20 - Story # 8: First known AI-powered ransomware uncovered by ESET Research30:00 - Story # 9: In the rush to adopt hot new tech, security is often forgotten. AI is no exception32:06 - Story # 10: TransUnion suffers data breach impacting over 4.4 million people34:17 - Story # 11: ChickenSec FollowUp: Artificial Intelligence: The other AI35:20 - Story # 12: They weren't lovin' it - hacker cracks McDonald's security in quest for free nuggets, and it was apparently not too tricky39:29 - Identify the birds you see or hear with Merlin Bird ID40:04 - Story # 13: Detecting and countering misuse of AI: August 202551:31 - Story # 14: I'm a Stanford student. A Chinese agent tried to recruit me as a spy

This conversation highlights how regulated industries are tackling data challenges, driving customer value, and proving that trust is the new currency in digital transformation.

The digital house of cards continues to collapse as our personal data faces unprecedented vulnerability. This week, we reveal how the Department of Government Efficiency's reckless handling of over 300 million Americans' Social Security numbers could lead to a massive security crisis. After repeatedly warning about these dangers, our predictions are unfortunately coming true - just as we've seen with Taco Bell's embarrassing AI drive-thru experiment.Remember when Microsoft promised Windows 10 would be "the last operating system you'd ever need"? That promise expires October 14th, 2025, when support officially ends. But don't panic - we break down exactly how to secure free extended security updates through 2026 using Microsoft Rewards points. With nearly half of all PC users worldwide still running Windows 10, Microsoft has been forced to create options for those who can't or won't upgrade to Windows 11.The technology failures continue mounting as TransUnion joins Equifax and Experian in the data breach hall of shame. Despite claims of "limited exposure," dark web samples reveal the credit bureau leaked names, addresses, phone numbers, and unredacted Social Security numbers for 4.4 million Americans. When all three major credit reporting agencies have been compromised, who can we trust with our most sensitive information?Our Two Truths and a Lie segment challenges listeners to separate fact from fiction in today's outlandish tech landscape, while Mike's Mesmerizing Moment examines why the constant pursuit of new technology doesn't actually make us happier. We also take a nostalgic journey back to 1977 when Pioneer 11 made history as the first human-made object to fly past Saturn.Grab your favorite whiskey and join us as we navigate this technological minefield together. Whether you're concerned about your digital privacy, struggling with Windows upgrade decisions, or just want to hear which bourbon earned our unanimous approval this week, Tech Time Radio delivers the insights you need with the humor that makes complex tech digestible.Support the show

When even the Department of Defense can't properly vet its software dependencies, what chance do the rest of us have? Steve Gibson reveals how "fast-glob" became a case study in supply chain blindness, explores whether AI can ever truly be controlled after Meta's celebrity chatbot disaster, and celebrates BYTE Magazine's 50th anniversary with a look at how far we've come (and how vulnerable we still are). A look back at issue #1 of BYTE magazine exactly 50 years ago The enforcement of the SHAKEN & STIR Telecom protocols Breaking: Judge rules against forced Google divestitures in monopoly case The inherent danger of consolidating authentication Can AI be controlled? Vivaldi says a big "no" to AI-enhanced web browsers How WhatsApp figured into Apple's recent 0-day attacks Leveraging AI as an attack aid The latest TransUnion data breach Two scummy websites sue the UK over age requirements OpenSSH reminds its users to adopt post-quantum crypto The DOD uses open source maintained by a Russian national Much great feedback from our terrific listeners Sci-Fi news from "The Frontiers Saga" Ryk Brown Show Notes - https://www.grc.com/sn/sn-1041-notes.pdf Hosts: Steve Gibson and Leo Laporte Download or subscribe to Security Now at https://twit.tv/shows/security-now. You can submit a question to Security Now at the GRC Feedback Page. For 16kbps versions, transcripts, and notes (including fixes), visit Steve's site: grc.com, also the home of the best disk maintenance and recovery utility ever written Spinrite 6. Join Club TWiT for Ad-Free Podcasts! Support what you love and get ad-free shows, a members-only Discord, and behind-the-scenes access. Join today: https://twit.tv/clubtwit Sponsors: go.acronis.com/twit threatlocker.com/twit bitwarden.com/twit bigid.com/securitynow joindeleteme.com/twit promo code TWIT

When even the Department of Defense can't properly vet its software dependencies, what chance do the rest of us have? Steve Gibson reveals how "fast-glob" became a case study in supply chain blindness, explores whether AI can ever truly be controlled after Meta's celebrity chatbot disaster, and celebrates BYTE Magazine's 50th anniversary with a look at how far we've come (and how vulnerable we still are). A look back at issue #1 of BYTE magazine exactly 50 years ago The enforcement of the SHAKEN & STIR Telecom protocols Breaking: Judge rules against forced Google divestitures in monopoly case The inherent danger of consolidating authentication Can AI be controlled? Vivaldi says a big "no" to AI-enhanced web browsers How WhatsApp figured into Apple's recent 0-day attacks Leveraging AI as an attack aid The latest TransUnion data breach Two scummy websites sue the UK over age requirements OpenSSH reminds its users to adopt post-quantum crypto The DOD uses open source maintained by a Russian national Much great feedback from our terrific listeners Sci-Fi news from "The Frontiers Saga" Ryk Brown Show Notes - https://www.grc.com/sn/sn-1041-notes.pdf Hosts: Steve Gibson and Leo Laporte Download or subscribe to Security Now at https://twit.tv/shows/security-now. You can submit a question to Security Now at the GRC Feedback Page. For 16kbps versions, transcripts, and notes (including fixes), visit Steve's site: grc.com, also the home of the best disk maintenance and recovery utility ever written Spinrite 6. Join Club TWiT for Ad-Free Podcasts! Support what you love and get ad-free shows, a members-only Discord, and behind-the-scenes access. Join today: https://twit.tv/clubtwit Sponsors: go.acronis.com/twit threatlocker.com/twit bitwarden.com/twit bigid.com/securitynow joindeleteme.com/twit promo code TWIT

When even the Department of Defense can't properly vet its software dependencies, what chance do the rest of us have? Steve Gibson reveals how "fast-glob" became a case study in supply chain blindness, explores whether AI can ever truly be controlled after Meta's celebrity chatbot disaster, and celebrates BYTE Magazine's 50th anniversary with a look at how far we've come (and how vulnerable we still are). A look back at issue #1 of BYTE magazine exactly 50 years ago The enforcement of the SHAKEN & STIR Telecom protocols Breaking: Judge rules against forced Google divestitures in monopoly case The inherent danger of consolidating authentication Can AI be controlled? Vivaldi says a big "no" to AI-enhanced web browsers How WhatsApp figured into Apple's recent 0-day attacks Leveraging AI as an attack aid The latest TransUnion data breach Two scummy websites sue the UK over age requirements OpenSSH reminds its users to adopt post-quantum crypto The DOD uses open source maintained by a Russian national Much great feedback from our terrific listeners Sci-Fi news from "The Frontiers Saga" Ryk Brown Show Notes - https://www.grc.com/sn/sn-1041-notes.pdf Hosts: Steve Gibson and Leo Laporte Download or subscribe to Security Now at https://twit.tv/shows/security-now. You can submit a question to Security Now at the GRC Feedback Page. For 16kbps versions, transcripts, and notes (including fixes), visit Steve's site: grc.com, also the home of the best disk maintenance and recovery utility ever written Spinrite 6. Join Club TWiT for Ad-Free Podcasts! Support what you love and get ad-free shows, a members-only Discord, and behind-the-scenes access. Join today: https://twit.tv/clubtwit Sponsors: go.acronis.com/twit threatlocker.com/twit bitwarden.com/twit bigid.com/securitynow joindeleteme.com/twit promo code TWIT

When even the Department of Defense can't properly vet its software dependencies, what chance do the rest of us have? Steve Gibson reveals how "fast-glob" became a case study in supply chain blindness, explores whether AI can ever truly be controlled after Meta's celebrity chatbot disaster, and celebrates BYTE Magazine's 50th anniversary with a look at how far we've come (and how vulnerable we still are). A look back at issue #1 of BYTE magazine exactly 50 years ago The enforcement of the SHAKEN & STIR Telecom protocols Breaking: Judge rules against forced Google divestitures in monopoly case The inherent danger of consolidating authentication Can AI be controlled? Vivaldi says a big "no" to AI-enhanced web browsers How WhatsApp figured into Apple's recent 0-day attacks Leveraging AI as an attack aid The latest TransUnion data breach Two scummy websites sue the UK over age requirements OpenSSH reminds its users to adopt post-quantum crypto The DOD uses open source maintained by a Russian national Much great feedback from our terrific listeners Sci-Fi news from "The Frontiers Saga" Ryk Brown Show Notes - https://www.grc.com/sn/sn-1041-notes.pdf Hosts: Steve Gibson and Leo Laporte Download or subscribe to Security Now at https://twit.tv/shows/security-now. You can submit a question to Security Now at the GRC Feedback Page. For 16kbps versions, transcripts, and notes (including fixes), visit Steve's site: grc.com, also the home of the best disk maintenance and recovery utility ever written Spinrite 6. Join Club TWiT for Ad-Free Podcasts! Support what you love and get ad-free shows, a members-only Discord, and behind-the-scenes access. Join today: https://twit.tv/clubtwit Sponsors: go.acronis.com/twit threatlocker.com/twit bitwarden.com/twit bigid.com/securitynow joindeleteme.com/twit promo code TWIT

When even the Department of Defense can't properly vet its software dependencies, what chance do the rest of us have? Steve Gibson reveals how "fast-glob" became a case study in supply chain blindness, explores whether AI can ever truly be controlled after Meta's celebrity chatbot disaster, and celebrates BYTE Magazine's 50th anniversary with a look at how far we've come (and how vulnerable we still are). A look back at issue #1 of BYTE magazine exactly 50 years ago The enforcement of the SHAKEN & STIR Telecom protocols Breaking: Judge rules against forced Google divestitures in monopoly case The inherent danger of consolidating authentication Can AI be controlled? Vivaldi says a big "no" to AI-enhanced web browsers How WhatsApp figured into Apple's recent 0-day attacks Leveraging AI as an attack aid The latest TransUnion data breach Two scummy websites sue the UK over age requirements OpenSSH reminds its users to adopt post-quantum crypto The DOD uses open source maintained by a Russian national Much great feedback from our terrific listeners Sci-Fi news from "The Frontiers Saga" Ryk Brown Show Notes - https://www.grc.com/sn/sn-1041-notes.pdf Hosts: Steve Gibson and Leo Laporte Download or subscribe to Security Now at https://twit.tv/shows/security-now. You can submit a question to Security Now at the GRC Feedback Page. For 16kbps versions, transcripts, and notes (including fixes), visit Steve's site: grc.com, also the home of the best disk maintenance and recovery utility ever written Spinrite 6. Join Club TWiT for Ad-Free Podcasts! Support what you love and get ad-free shows, a members-only Discord, and behind-the-scenes access. Join today: https://twit.tv/clubtwit Sponsors: go.acronis.com/twit threatlocker.com/twit bitwarden.com/twit bigid.com/securitynow joindeleteme.com/twit promo code TWIT

When even the Department of Defense can't properly vet its software dependencies, what chance do the rest of us have? Steve Gibson reveals how "fast-glob" became a case study in supply chain blindness, explores whether AI can ever truly be controlled after Meta's celebrity chatbot disaster, and celebrates BYTE Magazine's 50th anniversary with a look at how far we've come (and how vulnerable we still are). A look back at issue #1 of BYTE magazine exactly 50 years ago The enforcement of the SHAKEN & STIR Telecom protocols Breaking: Judge rules against forced Google divestitures in monopoly case The inherent danger of consolidating authentication Can AI be controlled? Vivaldi says a big "no" to AI-enhanced web browsers How WhatsApp figured into Apple's recent 0-day attacks Leveraging AI as an attack aid The latest TransUnion data breach Two scummy websites sue the UK over age requirements OpenSSH reminds its users to adopt post-quantum crypto The DOD uses open source maintained by a Russian national Much great feedback from our terrific listeners Sci-Fi news from "The Frontiers Saga" Ryk Brown Show Notes - https://www.grc.com/sn/sn-1041-notes.pdf Hosts: Steve Gibson and Leo Laporte Download or subscribe to Security Now at https://twit.tv/shows/security-now. You can submit a question to Security Now at the GRC Feedback Page. For 16kbps versions, transcripts, and notes (including fixes), visit Steve's site: grc.com, also the home of the best disk maintenance and recovery utility ever written Spinrite 6. Join Club TWiT for Ad-Free Podcasts! Support what you love and get ad-free shows, a members-only Discord, and behind-the-scenes access. Join today: https://twit.tv/clubtwit Sponsors: go.acronis.com/twit threatlocker.com/twit bitwarden.com/twit bigid.com/securitynow joindeleteme.com/twit promo code TWIT

Google officially released Gemini 2.5 this week, with possibly the best AI name yet, Nano Banana. Many are saying this is now the top dog for image generation and spells the end for Photoshop. At the other end of the spectrum, Taco Bell is rethinking its AI ordering in the drive-thru. Plus, we get you caught up on the rest of the week's tech news. All so you can get out there and tech better. Watch on YouTube! - Notnerd.com and Notpicks.com INTRO (00:00) Mr. Beast Team Water (03:15) Apple Event - September 9th, 2025 (05:35) MAIN TOPIC: Nano Banana (06:30) Google improves Gemini AI image editing with “nano banana” model 10 crazy Nano Banana AI image use cases that will blow your mind Google's official Nano Banana prompt guide Image editing in Gemini just got a major upgrade DAVE'S PRO-TIP OF THE WEEK:  Use built-in translation app as a foreign dictionary (13:55) JUST THE HEADLINES: (18:00) Florida deploys robot rabbits to control invasive Burmese python population Scientists unlock secret to thick, stable beer foams Rare snail has a 1-in-40,000 chance of finding a mate. New Zealand begins the search Your Word documents will be saved to the cloud automatically on Windows going forward World's first 1-step method by US-China team turns plastic into fuel at 95% efficiency Humans inhale as much as 68,000 microplastic particles daily, study finds Taylor Swift & Travis Kelce's engagement announcement breaks Instagram record TAKES: Taco Bell rethinks future of voice AI at the drive-thru (22:10) Nothing busted using professional photos as Phone 3 samples (24:10) Denmark to tackle deepfakes by giving people copyright to their own features (27:55) TransUnion says hackers stole 4.4 million customers' personal information (31:10) BONUS ODD TAKE: Snapshots of Kids Bike Jumping in the 1970s (33:35) PICKS OF THE WEEK:  Dave:  DuoLingo - freemium (37:20) Nate: 2 Pack Anker USB C Charger with Foldable Plug, 20W USB C Charger Block for iPhone 16/15 and More Series, Galaxy, Pixel, iPad (Cable Not Included) (45:00) RAMAZON PURCHASE OF THE WEEK (49:40)

When even the Department of Defense can't properly vet its software dependencies, what chance do the rest of us have? Steve Gibson reveals how "fast-glob" became a case study in supply chain blindness, explores whether AI can ever truly be controlled after Meta's celebrity chatbot disaster, and celebrates BYTE Magazine's 50th anniversary with a look at how far we've come (and how vulnerable we still are). A look back at issue #1 of BYTE magazine exactly 50 years ago The enforcement of the SHAKEN & STIR Telecom protocols Breaking: Judge rules against forced Google divestitures in monopoly case The inherent danger of consolidating authentication Can AI be controlled? Vivaldi says a big "no" to AI-enhanced web browsers How WhatsApp figured into Apple's recent 0-day attacks Leveraging AI as an attack aid The latest TransUnion data breach Two scummy websites sue the UK over age requirements OpenSSH reminds its users to adopt post-quantum crypto The DOD uses open source maintained by a Russian national Much great feedback from our terrific listeners Sci-Fi news from "The Frontiers Saga" Ryk Brown Show Notes - https://www.grc.com/sn/sn-1041-notes.pdf Hosts: Steve Gibson and Leo Laporte Download or subscribe to Security Now at https://twit.tv/shows/security-now. You can submit a question to Security Now at the GRC Feedback Page. For 16kbps versions, transcripts, and notes (including fixes), visit Steve's site: grc.com, also the home of the best disk maintenance and recovery utility ever written Spinrite 6. Join Club TWiT for Ad-Free Podcasts! Support what you love and get ad-free shows, a members-only Discord, and behind-the-scenes access. Join today: https://twit.tv/clubtwit Sponsors: go.acronis.com/twit threatlocker.com/twit bitwarden.com/twit bigid.com/securitynow joindeleteme.com/twit promo code TWIT

The Cybercrime Magazine Podcast brings you daily cybercrime news on WCYB Digital Radio, the first and only 7x24x365 internet radio station devoted to cybersecurity. Stay updated on the latest cyberattacks, hacks, data breaches, and more with our host. Don't miss an episode, airing every half-hour on WCYB Digital Radio and daily on our podcast. Listen to today's news at https://soundcloud.com/cybercrimemagazine/sets/cybercrime-daily-news. Brought to you by our Partner, Evolution Equity Partners, an international venture capital investor partnering with exceptional entrepreneurs to develop market leading cyber-security and enterprise software companies. Learn more at https://evolutionequity.com

Google, Transunion, Farmer's Insurance and even DOGE are part of this week's mess.

Transunion data breached caused by Salesforce Breach, AI being used to hack companies, AI being used to help people kill themselves now OpenAI is getting Sued!, Microsoft forcing saving in the Cloud, Should I update Win10 or just keep using it? Employee placed a killswitch on employers system and was fired, Use NotebookLM to figure out what Microsoft ULA is asking you to agree to.

The Cybercrime Wire, hosted by Scott Schober, provides boardroom and C-suite executives, CIOs, CSOs, CISOs, IT executives and cybersecurity professionals with a breaking news story we're following. If there's a cyberattack, hack, or data breach you should know about, then we're on it. Listen to the podcast daily and hear it every hour on WCYB. The Cybercrime Wire is brought to you Cybercrime Magazine, Page ONE for Cybersecurity at https://cybercrimemagazine.com. • For more breaking news, visit https://cybercrimewire.com

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i'm wall-e, welcoming you to today's tech briefing for friday, august 29. here's what's making headlines: commonwealth fusion systems' major funding: the massachusetts-based startup secures $863 million from big names like nvidia and google, pushing total funding to nearly $3 billion. the focus is to accelerate its prototype reactor, sparc, aiming for scientific breakeven by 2027, with plans for a commercial reactor by 2028. transunion data breach: a breach affecting 4.4 million customers via a third-party application. personal data including names, birthdates, and social security numbers were accessed, though no credit information was compromised. mark cuban's healthcare disruption: cuban's cost plus drugs initiative aims to tackle the $5 trillion industry with transparent pricing and a new robotic manufacturing plant to address drug shortages and reduce costs. anthropic's ai data policy update: users have until september 28 to opt in or out of having their chat data used for ai training. data retention could last up to five years, reflecting industry trends for improving ai models. expansion of mathgpt.ai: the 'cheat-proof' tutor is expanding to over 50 colleges, enhancing learning through inquiry-based methods with plans for more features and a potential mobile app launch. that's all for today. we'll see you back here tomorrow!

Today on CarEdge Live, Ray and Zach discuss the latest data from TransUnion. THIS IS NUTS! Tune in to learn more.

Learn how to dodge scams to protect your money, then understand how to compare robo vs. traditional investment risks. What should you do if your credit card is compromised in a scam? Are robo-advisors riskier than traditional brokerage accounts? Hosts Sean Pyles and Elizabeth Ayoola discuss how to spot and respond to identity theft and dig into how robo-advisors stack up to traditional investing platforms to help you protect your financial life. They kick off Smart Money's new Scam Stories series by welcoming guest Scramble Hughes, a circus performer and scam victim, who shares a real-life experience with credit card fraud. They discuss tips and tricks on recognizing red flags like mass spam messages, acting fast by calling the number on your card (not clicking links), and filing credit freezes with all three credit bureaus.  Then, investing Nerd Bella Avila joins Sean and Elizabeth to discuss how robo-advisors compare to traditional brokerage accounts. They discuss risk levels in automated portfolios, SIPC insurance protections, and key factors to consider when choosing a platform like account minimums, platform stability, and user experience. See NerdWallet's top picks for the best robo-advisors of 2025 here: https://www.nerdwallet.com/best/investing/robo-advisors  Want us to review your budget? Fill out this form — completely anonymously if you want — and we might feature your budget in a future segment! https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScK53yAufsc4v5UpghhVfxtk2MoyooHzlSIRBnRxUPl3hKBig/viewform?usp=header In their conversation, the Nerds discuss: credit card fraud, how to report identity theft, robo advisor vs brokerage account, SIPC insurance limits, credit freeze Experian, how to freeze your credit, credit card scams TikTok, how to know if a text is a scam, what is a robo advisor, tax loss harvesting robo advisor, ETF risk robo advisor, ETF diversification, FDIC vs SIPC, how to block spam texts, freeze credit TransUnion, safest robo advisors 2025, best robo advisor for ETFs, hacked credit card reader, RFID credit card theft, how to recover from identity theft, difference between SIPC and FDIC, scams targeting small business owners, how to secure your investment accounts, how to protect credit card information, email spam after identity theft, what to do after credit card theft, how long do fraud refunds take, when to freeze credit, best practices after identity theft, and comparing investment platform safety. To send the Nerds your money questions, call or text the Nerd hotline at 901-730-6373 or email podcast@nerdwallet.com. Like what you hear? Please leave us a review and tell a friend. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices