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 at Support The Enlisted Project (STEP). Together, they share practical strategies and resources to help veterans and their families thrive. You’ll hear insights on financial planning for servicemembers making the transition, how Navy Federal provides personalized banking and planning tools, and STEP’s mission to promote financial self-sufficiency and holistic support for military families. Plus, Clay, Jesse, and Tracy open up about their own experiences, offering real-world perspective and advice.

·         From Combat Boots to Corporate Life (00:03)

·         Meet the Heroes Behind the Mic (3:06)

·         Your Transition Toolkit (8:37)

·         Impact Beyond Service (12:49)

Ready for your next chapter? Check out our expert resources designed to support transitioning servicemembers.

·         Transitioning From Military to Civilian Life

·         Financial Checklist for Military Transition: Planning for Veterans and Retirees

·         How to Start a Business as a Veteran

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 help protect your financial future and personal identity. From password hygiene to recognizing scams, our experts at Navy Federal Credit Union share practical tips to help you safeguard your personal and financial data with confidence. This episode, we’re chatting up with Carrie Foran Sepulveda as she shares her personal experiences with fraud and scams while offering relatable insights and actionable advice to help you stay protected.

·         Understanding Fraud and Cybersecurity (00:18)

·         Identifying and Responding to Fraud (10:03)

·         The Evolving Landscape of Cyber Threats (15:23)

·         Proactive Measures for Holiday Spending (20:41)

Check out our cybersecurity and fraud resources which give members a one-stop spot to protect their identity, manage risk, and keep their finances secure. 

·         Privacy and Security Resources

·         Fraud Resources

·         All Things Cybersecurity

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. From smart investing to effective debt management, discover how our expert financial planners can help you stay focused, confident, and on track.

• Understanding Financial Goals: Short-term vs Long-term (3:08)
• Navigating Major Life Milestones (9:02)
• Inheritance and Estate Planning (18:08)
• The Role of Financial Advisors (26:49)

Explore how these Navy Federal Investment Services* can help you stay the course of your money goals. 

• Navy Federal Investment Services
• Digital Investor 
• Find an Advisor  
• NFIS Disclosures

*Investments are only sold through Navy Federal Investment Services. Investment products are not insured, not obligations of NFCU, and may lose value.

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 budgeting tools, discover how we’ve modernized the way you can manage your money.

• Generational Engagement (3:30)
• New Enhancements in Member Experience (6:10)
• Resources for New Members (13:20) 
• Security Innovations (16:14)

Explore the new features in our all-in-one financial hub that can help our members budget, build their credit profiles (1*), and reach financial goals. (2*)

• Digital Banking Tutorials (2*)
• Checking Account Resources
• How to Enroll in Digital Banking (2*)
• Digital Security Tips

1. Recurring Payment Reporting Tool Disclosure *

2. Message and data rates may apply. Visit navyfederal.org for more information.*

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 process.

• Leasing versus Buying (0:45)
• Navigating the Car Buying Process (5:16)
• Auto Financing for the Military Community (11:04)
• Right Time to Shop (21:21)

With modern tools and the right strategy to back you up, you can get behind the wheel of your own car without much trouble.

• Leasing vs. Buying a Car – Pros and Cons
• Car Buying: How a Preapproval Can Put You in the Fast Lane
• The Servicemember’s Guide to Car Buying
• When Is the Best Time to Buy a Car?
• Test Drive Your Finance Options

When you’re ready to apply for financing, Navy Federal Credit Union is here for you. Learn how to apply and search for cars domestically and internationally.

Disclosures:

• Credit and collateral subject to approval.
• Active Duty and Retired Military Member discount
• Senior Enlisted Program discount
• CARFAX Vehicle History Reports™
• Guaranteed Asset Protection (GAP)

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 affordable trip without compromising the fun. Here’s what we’re covering this episode: 

·       Creating a Realistic Travel Budget (2:04) 

·       Automating Saving and Utilizing Credit Cards (8:11) 

·       Budget-Friendly Activities (14:53) 

·       Using AI as a Travel Agent (22:08)

If you're planning to travel, Navy Federal Credit Union shows you how to save for your trip and secure your finances while traveling. 

·       Top Travel Tips to Save You Money and Make Your Trip a Success

·       Save to Make Your Dream Vacation a Reality

·       A Beginner’s Guide to Using Credit Card Points for Travel

·       Vacation Security Essentials

Navy Federal Credit Union® Credit Card Disclosures

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 Federal, they share their personal stories and how we’re connected to those who serve. 

• Guest Background (:32) 
• Understanding Our Members (9:46)
• USO Partnership (11:25)

Whether you’re deployed, relocating or transitioning to civilian life, you'll find support for military families at Navy Federal—it's what we do.

• Active Duty & Military Families Resources and Benefits 
• Military Life – MakingCents  
• USO Letter Writing Campaign 

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 savings products operations, and Thomas Racca, manager of personal finance management, join the podcast to share 3 approaches members can use to get a head start on reaching their financial goals.

• Spring Clean Your Finances (2:46)
• Smart Saving Strategies (12:05)
• Right Saving Tools (16:50) 

Navy Federal has the tools to help you stay on track. Whether it's setting up an automatic transfer to a savings account, reviewing your current savings plan or exploring a new savings product, you’ll find great resources to help you stay on top of your money.

• MakingCents: A financial education hub with comprehensive resources, calculators and articles to explore. 
• My MakingCents: Total money management in one place, a member-only benefit providing a 360-degree view of your finances. 
• Free Personalized Finance Counseling: This members-only benefit connects you with a counselor for support tailored to you.                  

*Investments are only sold through Navy Federal Investment Services. Investment products are not insured, not obligations of NFCU, and may lose value.

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 nominations and donated over $540,000 to ROTC cadets. Navy Federal chooses 15 finalists—five per branch of military service—to become ROTC All-American Scholarship recipients. 

Brandi joins the 2024 ROTC All-American Scholarship Program ‘Students of the Year’, who were selected as the top Air Force, Army and Navy/Marine students. Tune in to learn more about these students who best embody the pillars of the program: Leadership, Military Excellence, Scholarship and Service.

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 for Doers, to give the people and places we live and serve the most support they could. 

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 Navy Federal’s newest card may complement your lifestyle perfectly. 

Becoming a member of a financial institution, such as a credit union, lays the foundation of your relationship to money. From there, you can determine how your lifestyle can align with your financial priorities. Mehdi Dinia, Vice President of Membership, and Clay Stackhouse, Regional Outreach Manager, discuss the benefits of a credit union and how we put members' best interest first. 

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 Personal Finance Manager, Thomas Racca, to get a pulse on the economy and how members can feel in control of their finances.  

There’s a wide range of credit cards out there. Our credit card expert, Rick Conyers, breaks down which Navy Federal card may be right for you. Tune in to hear advice, from finding the best card to improving your credit score. 

Brandi Gomez 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 result. Hear how passionate we are about going above and beyond to support our members. 

Brandi Gomez 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 bringing financial awareness to your children, instilling strong habits in them that they'll carry into adulthood. 

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 of the college journey, including preparation, saving and post-graduation planning. 

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 Gomez. They discuss Navy Federal's partnership with The Mission Continues, and how together they support Veterans by connecting them with leadership opportunities in their own communities. 

Let a special Veteran in your life know what their service means to you at Navy Federal’s #GratitudeMission Challenge. 

Explore how credit cards can be a powerful tool for you and your finances with this week's episode. Assistant Vice President Elly Szymanski shares tips and insights to help you better manage your credit cards and make the most of your money. 

Host Brandi Gomez sits down with veteran, military spouse and Navy Federal’s VP of Winchester and Contact Center Operations, Dottie Day. Dottie dives in on how Navy Federals' service goes beyond banking. Listen to how our commitment to service connects us to the military, our members and the communities we serve in. 

In this episode, host Brandi Gomez welcomes Navy Federal’s AVP Field Mortgage, Christopher Davis. Tune in to gain some home-buying tips and hear about the different services Navy Federal offers to help ease the home-buying process.  

In this episode, Navy Federal’s Assistant Vice President Corporate Economist, Robert Frick and Manager of Personal Finance Management, Thomas Racca join the podcast to share their thoughts on the current state of the economy and offer tangible tips to help you budget during rough economic conditions. 

In today’s economy, inflation and market volatility can change your financial plan. Rates are rising and prices are going up. For most of us, it’s a great reminder to adjust our investments and strategies. In this episode, we’re joined by Navy Federal Financial Group’s Kevin Driscoll, Vice President of Investment Services and Certified Financial Planner, and Katie Hill, Financial Advisor and Chartered Financial Consultant. Tune in as they advise what you can do to manage your finances during these times.

In honor of Military Appreciation Month, Operation Gratitude President and CEO, James Johnson, joins the MakingCents podcast and new host, Brandi Gomez, to share his own military experience and discuss the non-profit’s work and partnership with Navy Federal. Tune in to learn more.

We partnered with Hire Heroes USA to survey 2,000+ military spouses on what matters most in a career for them. The results? A list of the top 10 industries and career paths that offer flexibility and mobility. In this episode, we’re joined by Matt Vean, Assistant Manager of Commercial Business Lending, to discuss his personal experience as a military spouse in search of a fulfilling career, hiring tips that served him well and his takeaways from this project. Tune in to take a closer look at the military spouse experience and Navy Federal’s resources for military spouses. Visit navyfederal.org/militaryspouse for more information.