From Pinch to Progress: Your Financial Reset for 2026 Artwork

MakingCents with Navy Federal

Welcome to MakingCents, a podcast brought to you by Navy Federal Credit Union. Your hosts, Emily Bigham and Brandi Gomez, will be chatting with Navy Federal's experts on how to help you make sense of your money. As members of the military, veterans and their families, financial health can mean anything from transitioning to civilian life, re-thinking your budget during a time of economic uncertainty, discussing how to have “the money talk” with family, and so much more. Emily and Brandi are here to ask the right questions and make sure you’re getting the information you need to make the most of your money. Subscribe today and tune in each week. Tell us the financial questions you want answered, today. You can reach Emily, Brandi and the team at makingcents@navyfederal.org. From Emily, Brandi and the team, welcome to MakingCents—"Making Your Financial Health Our Mission."

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MakingCents with Navy Federal

From Pinch to Progress: Your Financial Reset for 2026

January 23, 2026 • Navy Federal Credit Union

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, they outline why households feel squeezed, what’s changed in the economy, and the practical steps you can take to reset your budget, tackle debt, and rebuild savings using tools like our Emergency Fund Calculator and Mission: Credit Confidence® dashboard.

Thomas and Heather also open up about the personal experiences that shaped how they think about money today. From early missteps to hard‑earned lessons, they reflect on how those moments influence the guidance they give members—and why the supportive, member‑focused approach of a credit union can make navigating finances feel more grounded and attainable.

Budgeting for Financial Wellness (16:26)
Strategies for Financial Resilience (24:48)
Navigating Homeownership Challenges (33:26)

Ready to start the year strong? Explore resources designed to help you take control of your financial goals.

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