Wallet Wisdom

Brett sits down with Josh, Director of Fraud at LMCU, who shares an inside look at how scams are becoming more sophisticated, and what you can do to protect yourself in an increasingly digital world. From AI-powered scams to fake websites and urgent “fear-based” tactics, Josh explains how fraudsters are using smarter tools and more convincing strategies than ever before. As he puts it, fraud today isn’t slowing down, it is constantly growing and adapting. -----The information provided in this podcast by Lake Michigan Credit Union is general education or marketing in nature and is not intended to be accounting, legal, tax, investment financial or other advice. Statements of individuals are their own and not LMCU’s. All topics discussed are information of a general nature and do not address the circumstances of any particular individual or entity. Consult an appropriate professional concerning your specific situation. As of the date of publishing or any future date this podcast is broadcast, all rates, fees, payments or other specific figures discussed are subject to change and are dependent upon your specific financial situation. All loan products discussed are subject to credit and collateral approval. You alone assume the sole responsibility of evaluating the merits and risks associated with the use of any information or other content in the podcast before making any decisions based on such information or other content. In exchange for listening to the podcast you agree not to hold LMCU, its affiliates, or any third-party service providers liable for any possible claim for damages arising from any decisions you make based on information made available to you or other content made available to you through the podcast. For more information on any of the content discussed in this podcast please visit LMCU.org. Copyright Lake Michigan Credit Union. Federally insured NCUA. Equal Housing Lender NMLS ID # 442967

Tax season is here, and this week’s Wallet Wisdom episode is packed with practical, real life strategies to help you stretch your refund further than ever. Brett sits down with Bill Turner (BT), LMCU District Manager in Southwest Florida, who brings 30 years of banking experience and a refreshingly honest take on how to use your tax return with intention—not impulse. --- The information provided in this podcast by Lake Michigan Credit Union is general education or marketing in nature and is not intended to be accounting, legal, tax, investment financial or other advice. Statements of individuals are their own and not LMCU’s. All topics discussed are information of a general nature and do not address the circumstances of any particular individual or entity. Consult an appropriate professional concerning your specific situation. As of the date of publishing or any future date this podcast is broadcast, all rates, fees, payments or other specific figures discussed are subject to change and are dependent upon your specific financial situation. All loan products discussed are subject to credit and collateral approval. You alone assume the sole responsibility of evaluating the merits and risks associated with the use of any information or other content in the podcast before making any decisions based on such information or other content. In exchange for listening to the podcast you agree not to hold LMCU, its affiliates, or any third-party service providers liable for any possible claim for damages arising from any decisions you make based on information made available to you or other content made available to you through the podcast. For more information on any of the content discussed in this podcast please visit LMCU.org. Copyright Lake Michigan Credit Union. Federally insured NCUA. Equal Housing Lender NMLS ID # 442967

In this episode of Wallet Wisdom, Brett catches up with LMCU Financial Wellness Coordinator Tiarra Weddle and LMIA Administrative Assistant Stevie VanHorssen to discuss how to build healthy money habits without ever checking your bank account. Between Tiarra’s time spent as an LMCU teller and Stevie’s experience as an LMCU Wellness Champion, today’s guests are well poised to help listeners understand how confidence, impulse control, self-care strategies, and even yoga can all play a role when pursuing your financial goals. This episode’s topics include: Stress Management: How to not let worrying about money become a vicious cycle.Small Wins: Tips for taking everyday steps toward financial wellness. Impulse Control: Learning to self-soothe in a constructive way. Don’t Forget to Breathe: How subtle physical tension can amplify stress.Comfort & Confidence: The importance of “radical honesty” and finding ways to talk with your friends (and tellers!) about money. Take it from Tiarra and Stevie — getting to the heart of holistic financial wellness starts by looking inwardly, being kind to yourself, and making small behavioral shifts that add up to big long-term wins for your bank account. --- The information provided in this podcast by Lake Michigan Credit Union is general education or marketing in nature and is not intended to be accounting, legal, tax, investment financial or other advice. Statements of individuals are their own and not LMCU’s. All topics discussed are information of a general nature and do not address the circumstances of any particular individual or entity. Consult an appropriate professional concerning your specific situation. As of the date of publishing or any future date this podcast is broadcast, all rates, fees, payments or other specific figures discussed are subject to change and are dependent upon your specific financial situation. All loan products discussed are subject to credit and collateral approval. You alone assume the sole responsibility of evaluating the merits and risks associated with the use of any information or other content in the podcast before making any decisions based on such information or other content. In exchange for listening to the podcast you agree not to hold LMCU, its affiliates, or any third-party service providers liable for any possible claim for damages arising from any decisions you make based on information made available to you or other content made available to you through the podcast. For more information on any of the content discussed in this podcast please visit LMCU.org. Copyright Lake Michigan Credit Union. Federally insured NCUA. Equal Housing Lender NMLS ID # 442967

In this episode of Wallet Wisdom, Brett sits down with Savannah Girmscheid, LMCU's Financial Wellness Manager, to break down the #1 money mistake people make when setting financial goals: jumping in without truly understanding where they stand. Whether you’re just starting your financial journey or looking to refine your goals, this episode offers practical insights and tools to help you move forward with confidence. Learn more about LMCU’s financial wellness resources at: https://LMCU.org #WalletWisdomPodcast #LMCU #FinancialGoals #FinancialWellness #SmartGoals #MoneyManagement #CreditUnion --- The information provided in this podcast by Lake Michigan Credit Union is general education or marketing in nature and is not intended to be accounting, legal, tax, investment financial or other advice. Statements of individuals are their own and not LMCU’s. All topics discussed are information of a general nature and do not address the circumstances of any particular individual or entity. Consult an appropriate professional concerning your specific situation. As of the date of publishing or any future date this podcast is broadcast, all rates, fees, payments or other specific figures discussed are subject to change and are dependent upon your specific financial situation. All loan products discussed are subject to credit and collateral approval. You alone assume the sole responsibility of evaluating the merits and risks associated with the use of any information or other content in the podcast before making any decisions based on such information or other content. In exchange for listening to the podcast you agree not to hold LMCU, its affiliates, or any third-party service providers liable for any possible claim for damages arising from any decisions you make based on information made available to you or other content made available to you through the podcast. For more information on any of the content discussed in this podcast please visit LMCU.org. Copyright Lake Michigan Credit Union. Federally insured NCUA. Equal Housing Lender NMLS ID # 442967

In this episode of Wallet Wisdom, we sit down with Cody Timm, Branch Manager of our Leonard branch and one of our top volunteers in 2025, to explore how financial education and community engagement can shape stronger futures. With eight years at LMCU and active involvement on both the Financial Wellness Council and DEIB (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging) Council, Cody shares how LMCU is showing up beyond the branch — from financial reality fairs in local high schools to hands-on experiences like Junior Achievement’s BizTown.

In this episode of Wallet Wisdom, LMCU CEO Julie Leonard sits down to share the incredible journey of Lake Michigan Credit Union — from our beginnings in 1933 with 13 teachers pooling their resources, to becoming one of the nation’s largest and most member-focused credit unions. Whether you're an existing member or simply interested in how credit unions drive community impact, this conversation offers a powerful look at where LMCU has been — and where we’re going next. --- The information provided in this podcast by Lake Michigan Credit Union is general education or marketing in nature and is not intended to be accounting, legal, tax, investment financial or other advice. Statements of individuals are their own and not LMCU’s. All topics discussed are information of a general nature and do not address the circumstances of any particular individual or entity. Consult an appropriate professional concerning your specific situation. As of the date of publishing or any future date this podcast is broadcast, all rates, fees, payments or other specific figures discussed are subject to change and are dependent upon your specific financial situation. All loan products discussed are subject to credit and collateral approval. You alone assume the sole responsibility of evaluating the merits and risks associated with the use of any information or other content in the podcast before making any decisions based on such information or other content. In exchange for listening to the podcast you agree not to hold LMCU, its affiliates, or any third-party service providers liable for any possible claim for damages arising from any decisions you make based on information made available to you or other content made available to you through the podcast. For more information on any of the content discussed in this podcast please visit LMCU.org. Copyright Lake Michigan Credit Union. Federally insured NCUA. Equal Housing Lender NMLS ID # 442967.

In this episode of the Wallet Wisdom podcast, LMCU’s Brett Christiansen sits down with Patty Corkery, President and CEO of the Michigan Credit Union League, to unpack the key differences between credit unions and traditional banks. From member ownership and not-for-profit status to community-driven lending and financial education, this conversation reveals how credit unions empower their members and those in their communities when it comes to managing their money. The information provided in this podcast by Lake Michigan Credit Union is general education or marketing in nature and is not intended to be accounting, legal, tax, investment financial or other advice. Statements of individuals are their own and not LMCU’s. All topics discussed are information of a general nature and do not address the circumstances of any particular individual or entity. Consult an appropriate professional concerning your specific situation. As of the date of publishing or any future date this podcast is broadcast, all rates, fees, payments or other specific figures discussed are subject to change and are dependent upon your specific financial situation. All loan products discussed are subject to credit and collateral approval. You alone assume the sole responsibility of evaluating the merits and risks associated with the use of any information or other content in the podcast before making any decisions based on such information or other content. In exchange for listening to the podcast you agree not to hold LMCU, its affiliates, or any third-party service providers liable for any possible claim for damages arising from any decisions you make based on information made available to you or other content made available to you through the podcast. For more information on any of the content discussed in this podcast please visit LMCU.org. Copyright Lake Michigan Credit Union. Federally insured NCUA. Equal Housing Lender NMLS ID # 442967

Welcome to another episode of Wallet Wisdom. In honor of Financial Awareness Day, we sit down with Savannah Girmschied, LMCU’s Financial Wellness Manager, to explore how financial wellness impacts your life—and how you can take control of your money with confidence. Whether you're just starting your financial journey or looking to improve your credit score, build an emergency fund, or develop healthy money habits, this episode is packed with actionable insights and free tools to help you succeed. Thanks for listening. The information provided in this podcast by Lake Michigan Credit Union is general education or marketing in nature and is not intended to be accounting, legal, tax, investment financial or other advice. Statements of individuals are their own and not LMCU’s. All topics discussed are information of a general nature and do not address the circumstances of any particular individual or entity. Consult an appropriate professional concerning your specific situation. As of the date of publishing or any future date this podcast is broadcast, all rates, fees, payments or other specific figures discussed are subject to change and are dependent upon your specific financial situation. All loan products discussed are subject to credit and collateral approval. You alone assume the sole responsibility of evaluating the merits and risks associated with the use of any information or other content in the podcast before making any decisions based on such information or other content. In exchange for listening to the podcast you agree not to hold LMCU, its affiliates, or any third-party service providers liable for any possible claim for damages arising from any decisions you make based on information made available to you or other content made available to you through the podcast. For more information on any of the content discussed in this podcast please visit LMCU.org. Copyright Lake Michigan Credit Union. Federally insured NCUA. Equal Housing Lender NMLS ID # 442967

In this episode of Wallet Wisdom, presented by Lake Michigan Credit Union, host Brett is joined by VP of Accounting, Tommy Minchew, and SVP of Finance, Mike Steele, to break down the Federal Reserve interest rate, how it affects your personal finances, and what you can do to stay financially strong in today’s economy. Whether you're saving, borrowing, or budgeting, this episode is packed with financial tips, debt consolidation strategies, and budgeting tools to help you make smarter money moves. Thanks for listening. The information provided in this podcast by Lake Michigan Credit Union is general education or marketing in nature and is not intended to be accounting, legal, tax, investment financial or other advice. Statements of individuals are their own and not LMCU’s. All topics discussed are information of a general nature and do not address the circumstances of any particular individual or entity. Consult an appropriate professional concerning your specific situation. As of the date of publishing or any future date this podcast is broadcast, all rates, fees, payments or other specific figures discussed are subject to change and are dependent upon your specific financial situation. All loan products discussed are subject to credit and collateral approval. You alone assume the sole responsibility of evaluating the merits and risks associated with the use of any information or other content in the podcast before making any decisions based on such information or other content. In exchange for listening to the podcast you agree not to hold LMCU, its affiliates, or any third-party service providers liable for any possible claim for damages arising from any decisions you make based on information made available to you or other content made available to you through the podcast. For more information on any of the content discussed in this podcast please visit LMCU.org. Copyright Lake Michigan Credit Union. Federally insured NCUA. Equal Housing Lender NMLS ID # 442967.

Join hosts Brett and Aldina, as they sit down with LMCU's VP of Secondary Marketing, and Veteran, Chad Baehr. Chad speaks to his experiences getting a V.A. mortgage, and helps to debunk some of the myths surround them.

Join hosts Brett and Aldina as they share thoughts and ideas to help manage the rise in cost of living. From savings, to budget ideas, you wont want to miss it!

On this episode, we sit down with Josh Wolf, LMCU's Fraud Manager, to uncover the latest tactics used by scammers and how you can protect yourself. Josh shares insider tips to keep your accounts secure, and your wallet safe.

In this episode, dive into LMCU's impactful Band Together campaign, exploring how it unites the community to support local pediatric programs. Special guest Kat MacDonald from Cherry Health joins the conversation to share insights on the campaign's partnership with healthcare initiatives. Tune in to hear inspiring stories, learn about the campaign's goals, and discover how small efforts can create big changes across the region.

Join hosts Brett and Aldina as they explore how DIY projects can be a great way to save money. They'll share practical tips and insights to help you tackle home improvements on your own. Special guests Alisa Flores and Amber Jones from Home Repair Services bring their expertise to the conversation, offering valuable advice and experiences.

Join hosts Brett and Aldina as they share about how LMCU is helping those in and around our communities, grow in their financial knowledge.

Shopping for insurance can be difficult, and expensive in today's current market. To help us better understand how to navigate this, host's Brett and Aldina welcome special guest, President of Lake Michigan Insurance Agency, Ken Jansen.

Going into 2024, everyone is excited and motivated to work towards their goals and resolutions. Join Brett and Aldina as they speak with special guest, President/Co-Founder of Marvelous Lifestyles Outreach, Karmen Johnson, on what SMART goals you can apply to your finances.

Join hosts Brett and Lo as they welcome back on the show, LMCU’s Community Relations Manger - Aldina Babic, to help recap some of their favorite episodes of 2023.

College expenses can add up quickly, but there are some great ways to help reduce those costs. Join hosts Brett and LO as they welcome, Community Relations Specialist - Monse Velazquez, to share how LMCU is impacting High Schoolers with its Lloyd F. Hutt Scholarship.

Join hosts Brett and LO as they celebrate LMCU's 90th birthday with special guest, SVP of Retail Operations - Sara Kemperman! Sara shares memories and perspectives that she has experianced over the last 27 years working for Lake Michigan Credit Union, and how the company has evolved over time.

Join hosts Brett and Lo, as they welcome Dondrea Brown, Founder/Owner of Young Money Finance. Dondrea shares how he is helping those in his community grow their wealth, and become the last generation to start from scratch.

Are you ready to take your entrepreneurial dreams to new heights? Join hosts Brett and Lo, as they welcome Javier Jorge, SBA director at LMCU, to explore the world of small businesses and SBA loans.

The cost of living is rising. But good news! We have tips that can help you. Join Brett and Lo as they welcome Community Relations Manager, Aldina Babic to talk through several methods that can help you save.

What’s the best way to tap into your home’s equity? What can a home equity loan be used for and does it have to be used for home improvement? Join Brett and Lo as they welcome Home Equity Director, Erin Burdick-Bloom to talk through these questions.

Hosts Brett and Lo discuss dream homes, changing rates, and other first-time home buying considerations with Meg Dunn, VP of Mortgage Production, and Janice Hurt, Mortgage Support Manager.

Hosts Brett and Lo discuss dream homes, changing rates, and other first-time home buying considerations with Meg Dunn, VP of Mortgage Production, and Janice Hurt, Mortgage Support Manager.

With tax season in full swing, making sure you're prepared can be a daunting task. Join Brett and Lo as they talk with, CPA and Davenport University professor, Gail Emmit about filing taxes and programs to help with that.

HSAs are often one of the best-kept secrets when thinking about you're savings. Brett and Lo, kick off the new year with IRA/HSA Manager, Val Kiliszewski, as they learn the benefits of a Health Savings Account, and how it can be used.

Don't let scammers get you in 2023! Join Brett and Lo with special guest Troy Baker, BBB'S VP of Community Relations, to learn how to spot fraud and what to do when it happens to you.

At LMCU we spread joy by giving. Join Brett and Lo as they welcome Bobbi and Monse from our community relations team and talk Santa Squad, a community-focused program that emphasizes giving during the holiday season. Also, tune in to hear from an extra special guest, who came all the way from the North Pole!

With the holiday season right around the corner, how do you prepare your budget without overburdening yourself? Join Brett and Lo as they welcome special guest, Community Relations Manager, Aldina Babic. Aldina discusses proactive methods for listeners to start a savings plan now and how to prepare for increased spending.

You want to purchase a home, but you’re not sure on the timing. Join Brett and Lo as they welcome special guest, Senior Vice President of Mortgage, Eric Burgoon. Eric discusses several factors home buyers should consider when getting a mortgage, and that burning question: fluctuating rates.

It’s that age old question: should I get a credit card? Join Brett and Lo as they welcome special guest, Member Service Representative, Jon Schmiedicke. Jon debunks common myths surrounding credit cards and explains how responsible use can benefit your financial future.

With grad season in full swing, host’s Brett & Lo welcome back to the podcast, Matt Cook & Joe Batt-Capps, as they share ways to help make college tuition more affordable. From scholarships & tuition discounts, to how even your home's equity could help cut costs when looking to pay for college expenses. Our experts help break it all down.

Join hosts Brett & Lo, as they learn from LMCU Branch Manager, Spencer Miller, about ways to use our home equity to finance those Spring/Summer home projects. Also on the show to share tips on how DIY can save you money, special guest, Executive Director of Home Repair Services of Kent County, Joel Ruiter.

Join hosts, Brett & Lo, as they talk with guest, Aldina Babic. As LMCU’s Community Relations Manager, Aldina shares new perspectives on how financial literacy can be a family mindset.

Join hosts Brett & Lo, as they learn about some of the new tax changes for 2022, with special guest, Jim Blakeslee. As LMCU’s Sr. VP of Wealth Management, Jim provides some great perspectives to consider to help navigate your taxes, as well as ways to save where you can.

Join hosts Brett & Lo, as they help breakdown ideas to help consolidate debt, with special guest, Alicia Force. As LMCU’s VP of Consumer Lending, Alicia provides some great tips to consider to help lower your monthly bills, and reduce your high interest credit cards. Make 2022 your year to get out of debt, and start your path to financial wellness!

Considering making a move or refinancing your home this year? Before the spring market heats up, get the scoop from our very own Meg Dunn, Vice President of Mortgage Production, on what experts are forecasting for rates, home values, and home inventory.

With last minute shopping on everyone’s to-do’s, hosts Brett & Lo discuss ways to use your credit card wisely, with guest Taylor Melcher. Whether you need that final stocking stuffer, or a gift for your Great Aunt, holiday spending doesn’t have to be a burden on your wallet. Also, with $200 on the line, you won't want to miss a special holiday edition of, Are You Smarter Than The Show Trivia.

Tis’ the season for holiday generosity! Join Hosts Brett & Lo, as they learn new ways to maximize Charitable Donations from LMCU’s Senior VP of Wealth Management, James Blakeslee.

Join hosts, Brett and Lo, as they learn from guest, Monse Velazquez, on how to give of their time, not just their money. As LMCU’s Community Relations Coordinator, Monse shares with listeners how both our staff, and members can get involved in their communities to make an even greater impact. Also, with $100 on the line, you won’t want to miss another round of, “Smarter Than the Show Trivia”, as Monse tries to stop host Lo from winning twice in a row.

With mortgage rates still lower than ever before, and home values continuing to go up, you might be wondering how you can put your equity to work. Join hosts, Brett and Lo, as they talk with guest, Lisa DeLass - VP of Regional Mortgage Production, on how to put your home’s equity to work. Wether you’re thinking of remodeling, or consolidating your credit card debt, Lisa walks through several options you should consider when refinance, as well as ways you can start saving hundreds every month. Also, you won’t want to miss another round of, “Smarter Than The Show Trivia”, as Lisa takes on host Lo, for a chance to win $50 to go to a local non-profit, LMCU supports!

Everyone is at a different place in their financial journey, but finding the right tools to help you on that journey is so important. Helping share some exciting, free resources, Brett and Lo are joined by VP of Community Relations, Matt Cook. Join us as we dive into ways LMCU is providing practical tools to help your "Wallet Wisdom". You also won't want to miss a heated, "Smarter than the Show Trivia", as Matt takes on returning champ, Co-Host Brett!

Whether you're newlyweds, life partners, or have been married for awhile, deciding on how to manage your finances together, is not always easy. Join Brett and Lo as they sit down with newly married, Taylor Fase, a Member Services Representative at LMCU. Taylor has some very simple, practical tips to help strengthen your relationships financial aspects.

Ever thought of building your own home, but not sure where to begin? Join Brett and Lo as they welcome back LMCU's VP of Mortgage Production, Meg Dunn, and two other special guests to help explain the what, where, and how of building your dream home.

GAP insurance? What is it, and do you really need it? Join Brett & Lo as they talk with guest, Joe Batt-Caps, who helps breakdown what GAP insurance is, and why you might want to consider getting it.

When it comes to insurance, you need the right team behind you! Join Brett & Lo as they talk with guest, Ken Jansen, President of Lake Michigan Insurance Agency. We'll be discussing what to consider when choosing the right amount of coverage.

You've heard interest rates are at historic lows, but what does that mean for you? Join us as we talk to special guest Kelli DeWitt! Kelli has worked for LMCU for over 9 years and has been in the mortgage industry even longer. Tune in as she helps us discover if refinancing is right you.