Making Sense of your Cents
Feeling overwhelmed by your finances? Wish you could get clear, simple advice from a trusted source? Welcome to "Making Sense of your Cents," the weekly podcast from First Century Bank that gives you actionable financial tips.
Join hosts Daniel Hill and Shanna Browning as they cut through the confusing jargon to help you build financial confidence. Whether you're looking to understand your credit score, create a budget that actually works, spot the difference between APY and APR, or protect yourself from scams, we're here to help.
Our mission is to empower our community with friendly, practical money knowledge. Subscribe now and start making sense of your cents, one simple tip at a time.
Episodes
16 episodes
15 - The World of Refinancing: When Does It Make Sense?
Could you be paying less on your car loan or mortgage? In this episode, we explain the pros and cons of refinancing. It can be a powerful tool to save money, but it's not the right move for everyone. We'll discuss the two main reasons to consid...
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Season 1
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Episode 15
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12:50
14 - Building (or Rebuilding) Credit from Scratch
Whether you have a blank credit file or are recovering from past financial mistakes, this episode provides a clear roadmap to a better score. We lay out actionable strategies for building a positive credit history, starting from day one. We’ll ...
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Season 1
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Episode 14
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13:58
13 - How to Read Your Credit Report
Your credit report is the official story of your financial life—but is it telling the truth? In this episode, we provide a step-by-step guide to pulling your free annual credit report from the only official source. We'll teach you how to decode...
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Season 1
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Episode 13
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12:45
12 - Planning for Major Life Events
Life's biggest milestones—getting married, having a baby, buying a home—are also major financial events. Joined by CFO Barron D. Kennedy, IV, we discuss the key financial conversations and action steps for these exciting transitions. Learn how ...
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Season 1
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Episode 12
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14:41
11 - Protecting Your Identity
Identity theft goes far beyond a single stolen credit card number. As the bank's Security Officer, Daniel Hill joins Shanna Browning to dive into serious threats like the "Grandparent Scam," elder fraud, and the invisible danger of synthetic ID...
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Season 1
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Episode 11
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15:39
10 - Spotting a Phish: How to Avoid Common Scams
Fake emails, suspicious texts, and urgent calls—scammers are working overtime to trick you. In this episode, cybersecurity expert Ben Lawson, GM of Burk IT, joins the conversation to teach you how to spot the red flags of a phishing attack. You...
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Season 1
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Episode 10
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26:29
09 - Digital Banking & Online Security
Your bank is in your pocket, but is your account secure? Joined by Wesley Minton, COO & Information Security Officer at First Century Bank, we discuss the essential habits for staying safe in the digital world. This episode is a masterclass...
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Season 1
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Episode 9
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12:37
08 - Intro to Mortgages
The path to homeownership can feel overwhelming, but it doesn't have to be. In this episode, we break down the crucial first steps of the mortgage process. This episode is a jargon-free introduction to buying a home with confidence, explaining ...
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Season 1
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Episode 8
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13:46
07 - Checking, Savings, and Beyond
Is all your money piled into one checking or savings account? In this episode, Daniel and Shanna explore the financial toolbox of different bank accounts. We’ll explain the specific jobs of Checking, Savings, Money Market, and CD accounts. Lear...
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Season 1
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Episode 7
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14:03
06 - Demystifying Debit vs. Credit
Which card should you swipe at the checkout? It’s not about "good" vs. "bad"—it's about using the right tool for the right job. In this episode, we explore the fundamental differences between debit and credit cards, focusing on the crucial dist...
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Season 1
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Episode 6
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11:07
05 - Creating a Simple Budget That Works
The word "budget" often brings up feelings of restriction and stress. In this episode, we reframe budgeting not as a financial diet, but as an empowering roadmap for your money. Daniel and Shanna explore simple, sustainable methods that you can...
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Season 1
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Episode 5
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10:10
04 - Savings 101: Paying Yourself First
Why is it so hard to save money, even with the best intentions? In this episode, Daniel and Shanna are joined by First Century Bank President & CEO Rob Barger to discuss the single most powerful habit for building long-term wealth: Paying Y...
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Season 1
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Episode 4
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13:59
03 - Your Credit Score Explained
Your three-digit credit score holds incredible power over your financial life, affecting everything from loan rates to insurance premiums. But how is it actually calculated? In this deep dive, we pull back the curtain on the credit score formul...
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Season 1
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Episode 3
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10:36
02 - APR vs. APY: What's the Difference?
APR and APY sound almost the same, but one costs you money while the other makes you money. In this episode, Daniel and Shanna demystify these common but confusing acronyms with clear, real-world examples. We'll explore what APR (Annual Percent...
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Season 1
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Episode 2
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11:32
01 - Welcome to Making Sense of your Cents
Welcome to "Making Sense of Your Cents," the new podcast from First Century Bank. Have you ever felt intimidated by financial jargon? Join hosts Daniel Hill and Shanna Browning as they break down complex topics into clear, useful information.
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Season 1
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Episode 1
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13:26