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Join hosts Kaitlin and Michelle as they sit down with Alex Singletary, Mortgage Loan Originator at Central Willamette Credit Union. In this episode we will discuss home interest rates and what buyers can do to be prepared for changing rates in 2026. 

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Bonus Episode!
We’re dropping a special episode outside our usual schedule! Kaitlin and Michelle are joined by Eugene Branch Manager Kellie Marshall to share practical tips for making the most of your money this holiday season.

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This episode of the Better Lives Podcast explores how to enjoy the holiday season without overspending. The hosts break down a simple three-step budgeting plan, smart ways to save, and creative gift ideas that won’t strain your wallet. Learn how a little planning can ease holiday stress and set you up for a financially confident new year. 

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In this special International Fraud Awareness Week episode, hosts Kaitlin and Michelle break down today’s most common scams, including impersonation, phishing, and new AI-driven fraud, sharing practical tips to help you and your loved ones stay safe.

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 Helen Higgins, CEO of the Boys & Girls Club of Corvallis, joins us to share her leadership journey and the Club’s mission to create opportunities, support families, and build a sense of community for local kids. 

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Erik sits down with Lending Specialist Keri Elrich to talk all things wellness! Learn how Central Willamette Credit Union's Wellness Program supports employees, adds fun to healthy living, and what new initiatives are on the way.

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In this episode of the Better Lives Podcast, we sit down with Tracy Jones and Ben Kaufman from Oregon Coast Community College’s Student Support Team. Discover how OCCC helps students and families access vital resources like food, housing, financial aid, and more. Learn about the unique challenges facing coastal communities, the power of partnerships, and inspiring stories of student success. Whether you’re a student, community member, or just curious about support services in higher education, this episode offers valuable insights and ways to get involved.
Learn more at oregoncoast.org.

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In this episode of The Better Lives Podcast, we talk with Amellio Carney, Branch Manager of Central Willamette Credit Union’s Salem Lancaster branch. Amellio shares how his journey through banking led him to discover the power of putting people before profits.

He discusses how CWCU’s member-first culture, community involvement, and team empowerment create better experiences for both employees and members alike. Listen now to hear how Central Willamette’s culture of care is redefining what it means to serve a community.

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Join hosts Kaitlin and Erik as they chat with Rebecca, Senior Manager Community Engagement about what the CE team does for the credit union, and the wonderful initiatives that they are involved in.

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On this episode, your hosts reveal how your car can be a money-making machine! Discover various ways to earn extra income through ridesharing, delivery apps, car rentals, and even car advertising. 

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This episode of the Better Lives Podcast will introduce credit scores, explaining their importance and offering practical tips for improvement. Key topics include payment history, credit utilization, strategies for building credit, and common mistakes to avoid.  Get ready to uncover common pitfalls and grab some actionable tips to boost your score.

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Host Rebecca continues her Dial a Bus series, this time meeting with a driver and 2 riders. She gets to know them and their stories, and learns what an immense blessing to Benton county that Dial a Bus is. 

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Join host Rebecca as she interviews the Executive Director and Social Media Coordinator for Dial a Bus, a non-profit in Benton County that provides transportation services to seniors, people with disabilities, and underserved children and families. 

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 On today's episode, join us and guests Alicia and Melea to explore $tand By Me – Oregon, a program offering free one-on-one financial coaching. Learn how it helps individuals and families boost their financial health by mastering budgeting, debt reduction, and credit scores. 

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This episode of the Better Lives Podcast focuses on making your vacation budget go further. It covers essential steps like creating a detailed budget, scoring deals on flights and accommodation, and saving money on the go through smart packing and embracing free activities at your destination.

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On this episode of the Better Lives Podcast, hosts Kaitlin and Erik are joined by Michelle to discuss how everyday conveniences, like delivery apps and pre-made meals, secretly add up in your budget. They show how these small costs impact your finances over time.

Learn simple ways to track your spending and make smarter choices. Discover how to save money by deciding if the time saved by convenience is truly worth the extra cost.

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For this episode of the Better Lives Podcast, join us as we tackle your biggest questions about buying your first home! Central Willamette's Director of Real Estate, Joshua Pairan, shares essential groundwork tips, details about our mortgage products, and his top advice for new homebuyers.

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 In this episode of the Better Lives Podcast, join our hosts as they share practical tips and tricks for hosting a successful yard sale. Learn how to declutter your home and turn unused items into extra cash with smart pricing strategies and effective advertising. 

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 In this episode of the Better Lives Podcast, we introduce the debt snowball method, a strategy focused on creating early wins by tackling the smallest debts first to build momentum and motivation in your debt payoff journey. 

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Our hosts share their tips for "Hacking Your Food Budget." This episode covers meal planning with free apps, building affordable weekly meals around sales, buying in bulk, and smart ways to avoid expensive takeout. 

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This week on the Better Lives Podcast, we're diving into the world of side hustles! We'll explore why so many are seeking supplemental income and guide you through the essential steps to finding your niche – from identifying your skills and interests to researching demand. 

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The Better Lives Podcast welcomes its first guest, Luisa Herrera, Chief Experience Officer at Central Willamette. Discover Luisa's passion for the credit union movement, and the innovative ways she's dedicated to serving the diverse community of Central Willamette and enhancing the financial well-being of its members.

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In this episode we break down the envelope method—a simple cash budgeting technique. Learn how to categorize spending, avoid pitfalls, and make your money work harder. Practical tips and relatable experiences for simpler finances 

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Get ready to level up your finances in 2025! This episode of the Better Lives Podcast covers 5 key areas: tracking spending, cutting expenses, automating savings, learning money-saving tricks, and talking openly about finances. 

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As a community focused credit union, Central Willamette is excited to further our community involvement by starting a podcast meant for YOU! Better Lives with Central Willamette is your go-to resource for all things finance. Join us as we explore topics like budgeting, saving, investing, retirement planning, and more. Our insightful discussions will empower you to make informed financial decisions and keep you on top of local news and events, so we can keep Building Better Lives Together.