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
32 episodes
31 - Small Business 101: Managing Your Side Hustle
Are you ready to turn your hobby into a business? In this episode, Daniel and Shanna are joined by Chris Rodes, founder of Hangar 37 Coffee, to discuss the transition from side hustle to small business owner. We explore the "Shoebox Mome...
30 - Financial Spring Cleaning: Scrubbing Subscriptions
Is "subscription creep" draining your bank account? In this episode, Daniel and Shanna help you perform a "Financial Spring Cleaning." We explore the rise of the subscription economy, the psychology of "Dark Patterns" designed to keep you payin...
29 - The New Frontier of Fraud: AI & Voice Cloning
Scammers are no longer just sending suspicious emails—they’re using Artificial Intelligence to clone the voices of the people you love. In this episode, Daniel and Shanna dive into the "New Frontier of Fraud," explaining how AI can mimic a rela...
28 - Rooted in Community: Why Local Decisions Matter
Your money has power—not just for you, but for your entire community. In this episode, Daniel and Shanna explain what it actually means to be "Rooted in Community" at First Century Bank. We trace the "Life Cycle of a Local Dollar" to show how y...
27 - The Auto Loan Deep Dive: Buying Your Next Ride
Don’t let the "new car smell" cloud your judgment! In this episode, Daniel and Shanna take you behind the scenes of the auto industry to show you how to walk onto a car lot with total confidence. We break down the massive advantage of stopping ...
26 - Tax Day: Last-Minute Sanity & Looking Ahead
Welcome to the Season 2 premiere of "Making Sense of Your Cents!" With the tax deadline just 24 hours away, Daniel and Shanna are here to help lower your financial blood pressure. In this episode, we provide a last-minute sanity check by breaki...
25 - The Switch to e-Statements: Faster, Safer, and Simpler
In our Season 1 finale, we’re focusing on a simple switch that provides a massive upgrade to your security and convenience: e-Statements. Join Daniel and Shanna as they break down why moving away from the paper trail is the fastest and safest w...
24 - Banking for Seniors: Protecting Your Finances in Retirement
This episode focuses on the unique financial challenges and opportunities of retirement. We discuss practical strategies for simplifying and managing retirement income, including Social Security and RMDs. We also take a deep dive into the most ...
23 - Your Annual Financial Check-Up
Just like a medical physical, your finances need an annual check-up to stay healthy. In this episode, we provide a simple, step-by-step checklist for a yearly financial review. We'll guide you through reassessing your budget, reviewing your cre...
22 - Unlocking Your Mobile App: Features You Might Be Missing
Your banking app can do a lot more than just show your balance. In this episode, we take a guided tour of powerful features you might not be using. We'll show you how to master mobile check deposit, how to set up custom security and balance ale...
21 - Banking for the Next Generation: A Guide for Parents & Teens
How do you teach your teen about money? With Branch Operations Coordinator Shelby Liford, we provide a guide to opening a first checking or savings account. This episode is packed with practical advice for parents, explaining when the right tim...
20 - All About HELOCs: Using Your Home's Equity Wisely
Your home has value you can use. With guest Megan Zielinski, VP/Area Executive, we explain the Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC). In this episode, you’ll learn how to calculate your home's equity, how a HELOC's "draw" and "repayment" periods w...
19 - Overdrafts Explained: Fees, Protection, and How to Avoid Them
Overdrafts can be a source of stress and costly fees. Joined by Compliance Operations Specialist Amy Earl, we provide a transparent look at how they work and the choices you have as a consumer. In this episode, you will learn the crucial differ...
18 - FDIC Insurance: Is My Money Really Safe?
In this episode, we answer one of the most fundamental questions in banking: is my money safe? This episode is a confidence-building deep dive into the protection that backs your deposits. We'll explore the history of the FDIC, explain exactly ...
17 - Inflation Explained: Why Your Dollar Buys Less
Feeling the pinch at the grocery store and the gas pump? This episode is a jargon-free guide to inflation. We demystify what it is, how it's measured using the Consumer Price Index (CPI), and how it impacts your daily life. We'll explain the di...
16 - The Fed Explained: What a Rate Change Means for You
You hear "the Fed raised rates" on the news, but what does that actually mean for your wallet? In this episode, we translate the complex headlines into practical, personal knowledge. We'll explain who the Fed is, what their "dual mandate" means...
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...
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 ...
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...
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 ...
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...
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...
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...
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 ...
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...