MakingCents with Navy Federal
Welcome to MakingCents, a podcast brought to you by Navy Federal Credit Union. Join us as we chat with Navy Federal experts about the topics that matter most to your financial health. From transitioning to civilian life and navigating economic uncertainty to starting important money conversations with family, we'll help you make sense of your money.
Each month, we bring you practical insights, expert guidance and real-world tips to help you make informed financial decisions and get more from your money.
Have a financial question you'd like answered? Reach out to the team at makingcents@navyfederal.org.
MakingCents: Making Your Financial Health Our Mission.
Episodes
41 episodes
Storm-Proofing Your Finances: A Guide to Disaster Preparedness
When nature strikes, your finances can take a serious hit, too. In this episode of MakingCents, host Thomas Racca sits down with Luz Cordero, AVP of Branch Operations for San Diego and Hawaii, to share simple and practical tips on how to storm-...
How to Build Good Money Habits Early for Young Adults
Starting out on your own can feel exciting and a little overwhelming, especially when it comes to money. In this episode of MakingCents, host Thomas Racca Jr. sits down with Navy Federal intern Ashley Colatarci to talk about building simple mon...
Smart Account Balancing Tips for Financial Confidence
Account balancing isn’t about perfection — it’s about clarity. In this episode of MakingCents, guest host Thomas Racca sits down with Sun Bayless, SVP of Membership and Deposit Products, to talk through smart, realistic ways you can manage mone...
Financial Frontlines: Supporting Active Duty Through Every Stage of Service
On this episode of MakingCents, guest host Clay Stackhouse, Regional Outreach Manager, talks with Brian Parker, Vice President of Member Experience Innovation, about the real financial challenges military members and their families face through...
The Hidden Costs of Sports Betting: Money, Mindsets & Smarter Wealth Moves
In this episode of MakingCents, host Emily Bigham sits down with Thomas Racca, Personal Finance Manager at Navy Federal Credit Union, to unpack the growing impact of sports betting and how it can quietly affect financial well‑being.With ...
Romance Scams: Protecting your Heart and your Wallet
In this episode of MakingCents, host Emily Bigham talks with Carrie Foran Sepulveda, Vice President of Fraud and Physical Security Strategy at Navy Federal, about romance scams — an increasingly common form of fraud, especially in the ...
From Pinch to Progress: Your Financial Reset for 2026
In this episode of MakingCents, guest host Thomas Racca, Manager of Personal Finance Management at Navy Federal, sits down with Heather Long, Chief Economist at Navy Federal, to break down the financial landscape heading into 2026. Together, th...
Beyond the Uniform: Financial and Civilian Transition Resources for Life After Service
In this episode of MakingCents, guest host Clay Stackhouse, Marine veteran and Regional Outreach Manager at Navy Federal, joins Jesse Border, Army veteran and AVP of Branch Operations, and Tracy Owens, Navy veteran and Senior Programs Manager a...
Cybersecurity Essentials: Stay Ahead of the Scams this Holiday Season
Cybersecurity might seem complex, but with a few simple steps, you can protect what matters most. In observance of Cybersecurity Awareness Month and just ahead of the holiday shopping season—we explore how planning ahead and being proactive can...
Financial Planning Made Simple
Financial planning doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. With the right guidance, it’s more manageable than you think. In this episode, we’re diving into the how and why of planning ahead can empower you to stay aligned with your financial goals. ...
Beyond the Branch: Smarter Money Management in a Connected World
Managing your finances today is easier, more intuitive, and more personalized than ever. In this episode, we explore how our digital services can help you stay on track with your financial goals. From intuitive mobile banking to advanced budget...
Shifting Gears: The Road to a New Car
In this episode, we break down one of the most common financial decisions many families face—buying a car. Two experts in the consumer lending space at Navy Federal, Joe Pendergast and Kevin Wince, share their insights into the car buying proce...
Travel Smarter and Stretch Your Vacation Dollars
Emily Bigham sits down with guest Thomas Racca, Manager, Personal Finance Management, to share tips on how to budget for travel plans, earn extra money for your travel funds and stretch your vacation dollars further so you can plan an affordabl...
Serving is a Family Affair
In this episode, guest host and Retired Marine One Pilot, Clay Stackhouse takes a moment to honor those who serve in our military and the families who support them. Together with Chelsea Smith, Marketing Specialist and military spouse at Navy F...
3 Ways to Polish Up Your Savings Plan & Get to Your Goals
Spring is in the air, so it's the perfect time to refresh your financial goals and give your savings plan a thorough spring clean. CJ Pointkowski, assistant vice president of sav...
ROTC All-American Scholarship Program
Navy Federal Credit Union’s ROTC All-American Scholarship Program honors the best and brightest ROTC seniors across the nation. Since 2018, the program has received nearly 1,300 ROTC student nominat...
Giving Back through Dollars for Doers
Our team members at Navy Federal log serious volunteer hours. Listen in to find out how 2 volunteer leaders used our Navy Federal Serves programs, like Dollars...
How to Use Your Credit Card During the Holiday Season
Drew Tsitos, Navy Federal’s Manager of Credit Card Products, shares tips on how to make the best use of your credit card during the holiday season and how
Financial and Economic Check-In
Between rising interest rates and the fluctuating cost of living, many are wondering when we might start to see some relief—and it could be sooner rather than later. Host Emily Bigham sits down with Corporate Economist, Robert Frick, and Person...
Choosing the Best Credit Card
There’s a wide range of credit cards out there. Our credit card expert, Rick Conyers, breaks down which
Above and Beyond Service
Brandi and Navy Federal’s Executive Vice President of Branch Operations—and former U.S. Navy Blue Angel—Keith Hoskins, take a closer look at the world-class service members find at their local branches, and the relationships they build as a res...
New Generation of Savers
Brandi and Navy Federal’s Assistant Vice President of Savings Products Operations, CJ Pointkowski, talk about raising the next generation of savers with powerful tips and tools for their youngest members. Tune in to hear how you can start bring...
The College Financing Journey
Navy Federal’s Assistant Vice President of the Education Lending team, Caroline Currie, and Manager of Personal Finance Management, Thomas Racca, discuss the financial responsibility attached to higher education. They’ll explore various aspects...
The Mission Continues: Service to Military Veterans
In honor of Veterans and Military Families Month, Marine Corps Veteran and president of The Mission Continues, Mary Beth Bruggeman, joins the podcast with Brandi G. They discuss Navy Federal's partnership with The Mission Continues, and how tog...