Wellbeing and Your Wallet

Affinity Federal Credit Union presents the Wellbeing and Your Wallet podcast! In this episode, hosts Grant Gallagher and Shawn Lubitz are joined by John Carpenter, national practice partner at ERA Group and a member of Affinity’s Board of Directors, to talk about the role community plays in shaping our everyday lives. Key discussion topics include what community really means beyond geography, why showing up and getting involved matters, how local engagement supports personal wellbeing, and simple ways to build stronger connections where you live.Following the main discussion, the team addresses a question from the member mailbag. Grant pulls the following submission: I moved across state lines last year, and I’m still working on finding my community. I just don’t know where to start! How do I find my people and connect with the new place I live?Grant concludes the discussion by highlighting Affinity’s Wellbeing Awards, which honor individuals and organizations that exemplify excellence in financial, community, and physical wellbeing.Just a reminder if you have a question or comment for a future Member Mailbag segment, please email them to us @[email protected], like, and subscribe for more from the Wellbeing and Your Wallet podcast. Visit www.affinityfcu.com for additional information about financial wellbeing and Affinity products.Thanks for listening and be well.

Affinity Federal Credit Union presents the Wellbeing and Your Wallet podcast! In this episode, hosts Grant Gallagher and Shawn Lubitz discuss how to align financial goals and plan for retirement with a partner. Topics include establishing regular financial check-ins, bridging different goals and communication styles, and setting yourselves up for success as a team.Following the main discussion, the team addresses a question from the member mailbag. Grant pulls the following submission: As my New Year’s resolution, I significantly increased the monthly contribution to my retirement account. I feel like I’m finally getting ahead of my financial goals - but I’m miserable! I had to cut most forms of entertainment out of my life. I’m not traveling to see family or getting drinks with friends. How do I turn this resolution into something more sustainable? I’m willing to sacrifice to safeguard my future, but I don’t want to totally ruin my life in the meantimeGrant concludes the discussion by highlighting Affinity’s Certified Wellbeing Coaches. Trained to provide members with the best possible support, they can help you get your financial plans back on track. Schedule an appointment online to meet a coach in your area.Just a reminder if you have a question or comment for a future Member Mailbag segment, please email them to us @[email protected], like, and subscribe for more from the Wellbeing and Your Wallet podcast. Visit www.affinityfcu.com for additional information about financial wellbeing and Affinity products.Thanks for listening and be well.

Affinity Federal Credit Union presents the Wellbeing and Your Wallet podcast! In this episode, hosts Grant Gallagher and Shawn Lubitz discuss how to identify and address burnout. Key topics include stress management strategies for individuals and families, communicating about personal challenges, and building healthy habits to recover from burnout.Following the main discussion, the team addresses a question from the member mailbag. Grant pulls the following submission: My son just started middle school, and it has been a stressful experience. He’s having trouble adjusting to the schedule, making friends, and keeping up with homework. How do I encourage him while also helping him build healthy habits, like a positive work ethic? I want to make things easier for him, but I also recognize that tough transitions are a learning opportunity.Grant concludes the discussion by highlighting Affinity’s Cash Back Plus Checking Account. Earn up to 10% in cash back on debit card purchases, get refunds on ATM withdrawal fees, and manage your money with zero monthly maintenance fees.Just a reminder if you have a question or comment for a future Member Mailbag segment, please email them to us @[email protected], like, and subscribe for more from the Wellbeing and Your Wallet podcast. Visit www.affinityfcu.com for additional information about financial wellbeing and Affinity products.Thanks for listening and be well.

Affinity Federal Credit Union presents the Wellbeing and Your Wallet podcast! In this episode, hosts Grant Gallagher and Shawn Lubitz discuss the financial strain that the holidays can bring, and how to bounce back in the first few months of the year. Key topics include assessing spending habits, conducting a budget reset, and getting back on track after overspending.Following the main discussion, the team addresses a question from the member mailbag. Grant pulls the following submission: My partner and I have multiple weddings and family events over the next few months that are quickly adding up. Should we consider skipping, dividing up who attends, using BNPL options, trying to use points for airfare, etc? I feel like outside of using credit cards, we can’t afford to book all the necessary travel ahead of time. Grant concludes the discussion by highlighting Affinity’s many wellbeing resources, including public seminars, free credit counseling with Navicore Solutions, and a blog packed with helpful tips on saving, budgeting, and more.Just a reminder if you have a question or comment for a future Member Mailbag segment, please email them to us @[email protected], like, and subscribe for more from the Wellbeing and Your Wallet podcast. Visit www.affinityfcu.com for additional information about financial wellbeing and Affinity products.Thanks for listening and be well.

Affinity Federal Credit Union presents the Wellbeing and Your Wallet podcast! In this episode, hosts Grant Gallagher and Shawn Lubitz are joined by Tammy Latif, Human Resources Generalist at Affinity. They discuss how to build a career plan, develop key skills, and find fulfillment in your professional life.Following the main discussion, the team addresses a question from the member mailbag. Grant pulls the following submission: Last year, I moved to a new state, and I started a new job after ten years at my last one. How do I show my skills, get to know my coworkers, and maintain life balance all at the same time? It’s been so long since I’ve made a transition like this, and I feel rusty.Grant concludes the discussion by highlighting Affinity’s High-Yield Checking Accounts. Grow your savings, get monthly ATM refunds, and earn a 5.50% APY to make your money work for you.Just a reminder if you have a question or comment for a future Member Mailbag segment, please email them to us @[email protected], like, and subscribe for more from the Wellbeing and Your Wallet podcast. Visit www.affinityfcu.com for additional information about financial wellbeing and Affinity products.Thanks for listening and be well.

Affinity Federal Credit Union presents the Wellbeing and Your Wallet podcast! In this episode, hosts Grant Gallagher and Shawn Lubitz answer your burning questions about Affinity. They discuss the credit union difference and share tips to improve member financial wellbeing.Following the main discussion, the team addresses a final question from the member mailbag. Grant pulls the following submission: Since switching over from a bank to Affinity, I have finally gotten control over my finances. By working with a Wellbeing Coach, I’ve learned the fundamentals of budgeting, and have even started saving for retirement. My brother is having some financial issues right now, and I think it could benefit him to join as a member. However, he doesn’t really understand credit unions. How do I address his misconception that Affinity will have less resources than a bank?Grant concludes the discussion by highlighting Affinity’s High-Yield Checking account. With a 5.50% APY up to $15,000, monthly ATM refunds, and no maintenance fees, this account is a great option to manage your money.Just a reminder if you have a question or comment for a future Member Mailbag segment, please email them to us @[email protected], like, and subscribe for more from the Wellbeing and Your Wallet podcast. Visit www.affinityfcu.com for additional information about financial wellbeing and Affinity products.Thanks for listening and be well.

Affinity Federal Credit Union presents the Wellbeing and Your Wallet podcast! In this episode, hosts Grant Gallagher and Shawn Lubitz are joined by Jen Shortelle, Strategic Clinical Advisor at Spring Health. They discuss maintaining balance and mental wellness during the holiday season, when many people face loss, family conflict, and changes in routine.Key topics include starting open communication with loved ones, practicing mindfulness tips to keep you grounded, and setting realistic expectations for the holiday season.Following the main discussion, the team addresses a question from the member mailbag. Grant pulls the following submission: As I head into 2026, I keep thinking about my student loans. They have been hanging over my head for so long, and I really want this to be the year I finally make progress. The truth is, I feel anxious every time I look at the balance, and it makes it hard to stay motivated. How can I put together a plan for the new year that helps me tackle my student loans without feeling stressed or discouraged the whole time? Grant concludes the discussion by highlighting Affinity’s wellbeing resources, including a partnership with Navicore Solutions for free credit counseling. If you’re looking to understand and improve your credit, seek a consultation to take control of your financial wellbeing.Just a reminder if you have a question or comment for a future Member Mailbag segment, please email them to us @[email protected], like, and subscribe for more from the Wellbeing and Your Wallet podcast. Visit www.affinityfcu.com for additional information about financial wellbeing and Affinity products.Thanks for listening and be well.

Affinity Federal Credit Union presents the Wellbeing and Your Wallet podcast! In this episode, hosts Grant Gallagher and Shawn Lubitz discuss budgeting for a holiday season that feels festive without breaking the bank. Main discussion topics include managing financial anxiety, making mindful choices to save, and planning ahead to shop holiday deals.Following the main discussion, the team addresses a question from the member mailbag. Grant pulls the following submission: It always feels like January lasts three months and my paycheck doesn’t. Between higher bills, leftover holiday expenses, and trying to get back on track, I feel like I start the year already behind. How can I be more proactive this year so I’m not constantly trying to dig myself out? Grant concludes the discussion by highlighting Affinity’s Cash Back Plus Checking Account. Earn up to 10% in cash back on debit card purchases, get refunds on ATM withdrawal fees, and manage your money with zero monthly maintenance cost.Just a reminder if you have a question or comment for a future Member Mailbag segment, please email them to us @[email protected], like, and subscribe for more from the Wellbeing and Your Wallet podcast. Visit www.affinityfcu.com for additional information about financial wellbeing and Affinity products.Thanks for listening and be well.

Affinity Federal Credit Union presents the Wellbeing and Your Wallet podcast! In this episode, hosts Grant Gallagher and Shawn Lubitz are joined by Bola Sokunbi, founder of Clever Girl Finance and Wellbeing Awards honoree.The hosts explain the process behind each year’s Wellbeing Awards, including the three awards categories. They highlight the amazing group of 2025 honorees and interview Bola about how her organization boosts wellbeing through financial empowerment.Following the main discussion, the team discusses a question from the member mailbag. Grant pulls the following submission: During the holiday season, my family usually donates money to a national charity. This year, my wife and I want to do something more tangible for our local community. Also, I think my kids are old enough to get involved. How can we find local charities that need hands-on support, especially for whole-family volunteering?Grant concludes the discussion by highlighting Affinity’s High-Yield Checking Accounts. Grow your savings, get monthly ATM refunds, and earn a 5.50% APY to make your money work for you.Just a reminder if you have a question or comment for a future Member Mailbag segment, please email them to us @[email protected], like, and subscribe for more from the Wellbeing and Your Wallet podcast. Visit www.affinityfcu.com for additional information about financial wellbeing and Affinity products.Thanks for listening and be well.

Affinity Federal Credit Union presents the Wellbeing and Your Wallet podcast! In this episode, hosts Grant Gallagher and Shawn Lubitz are joined by Kelly Watts, Executive Director of the Affinity Foundation, to talk about the impact of food insecurity and how communities can help.Key discussion topics include the rising cost of groceries, barriers that prevent people from seeking support, how credit unions and local organizations are making a difference, and ways individuals can offer meaningful support to those in need.Following the main discussion, the team discusses a question from the member mailbag. Grant pulls the following submission: Every year I feel like holiday gift giving gets more expensive, especially now with prices going up on just about everything. I want to make sure my kids and relatives feel special, but I also do not want to start the new year with credit card debt. What are some creative ways to handle holiday gifting without overspending?Finally, Grant concludes the discussion by highlighting Affinity’s Cash Back Debit card, a great checking account where you can earn 1% cashback on purchases for up to $1,000 a month to help you earn more toward your financial goals.Just a reminder if you have a question or comment for a future Member Mailbag segment, please email them to us @[email protected], like, and subscribe for more from the Wellbeing and Your Wallet podcast. Visit www.affinityfcu.com for additional information about financial wellbeing and Affinity products.Thanks for listening and be well.

Affinity Federal Credit Union presents the Wellbeing and Your Wallet podcast! In this episode, hosts Grant Gallagher and Shawn Lubitz are joined by Bryan Watkinson, Vice President of Risk Operations at Affinity, to break down how cyber threats are becoming one of the biggest risks to your financial security.Key discussion topics include the rise of phishing scams and AI-generated fraud, where consumers are most vulnerable, what protections are available if you're impacted, and the everyday habits that can help you stay safe online.Following the main discussion, the team discusses a question from the member mailbag. Grant pulls the following submission: My elderly mom recently got a call claiming to be from a government agency, saying she owed money and needed to pay immediately. Thankfully, she checked with me first, but it really scared her. How can I help protect her from scams like this without making her feel like I'm taking over her finances?Finally, Grant concludes the discussion by highlighting Affinity’s award-winning SmartStart Savings account. Whether you’re building your emergency fund or saving for a down payment, Affinity is here to help you earn more toward your financial goals with this high-yield savings account.Just a reminder if you have a question or comment for a future Member Mailbag segment, please email them to us @[email protected], like, and subscribe for more from the Wellbeing and Your Wallet podcast. Visit www.affinityfcu.com for additional information about financial wellbeing and Affinity products.Thanks for listening and be well.

Affinity Federal Credit Union presents the Wellbeing and Your Wallet podcast! In this episode, hosts Grant Gallagher and Shawn Lubitz discuss the ins and outs of BNPL payments.Key discussion topics include the hidden downsides of BNPL, including the mental burden of carrying many small debts. The hosts discuss financial resources and tools that are less risky than BNPL, plus tips for how to establish strong financial footing in daily life through the core skills of budgeting and saving.Following the main discussion, the team discusses a question from the member mailbag. Grant pulls the following submission: I have been invited to four weddings this year, and between gifts, travel, and outfits, it is adding up fast. I want to celebrate my friends and family, but it feels like I am going broke doing it. How can I set boundaries and budget for big life events without feeling guilty or missing out?Finally, Grant concludes the discussion by highlighting Affinity’s high-yield checking accounts. Grow your savings, get monthly ATM refunds, and earn a 5.50% APY to make your money work for you.Just a reminder if you have a question or comment for a future Member Mailbag segment, please email them to us @[email protected], like, and subscribe for more from the Wellbeing and Your Wallet podcast. Visit www.affinityfcu.com for additional information about financial wellbeing and Affinity products.Thanks for listening and be well.