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
41 episodes
40 - The Visualized Cost of Debt: Time is Money
Are you ready to take complete control of your loan timelines and keep more money in your pocket? In this episode of "Making Sense of Your Cents," Daniel and Shanna reframe the entire conversation around borrowing by exploring the positive rela...
39 - Understanding Your Paycheck: Gross vs. Net
Do you actually know where your hard-earned money goes before it hits your checking account? In this episode of "Making Sense of Your Cents," Daniel and Shanna tear open the grand mystery of your paystub to break down the fundamental mechanics ...
38 - Investments 101: Building Long-Term Wealth
Are you ready to take the intimidation out of investing? In this episode of "Making Sense of Your Cents," Daniel and Shanna break down the foundational concepts of building long term wealth. We’re joined by special guest Clark Denton, Sr. Partn...
37 - Mid-Year Financial Review: The Halfway Mark
Are you on track to hit your financial goals for 2026? It’s officially the halfway mark of the year, which makes it the perfect time for a mid-year check-in. In this episode of "Making Sense of Your Cents," Daniel and Shanna walk you through a ...
36 - Life Insurance Basics: Term vs. Whole
Life insurance can feel overwhelming, but it doesn't have to be. In this episode of "Making Sense of Your Cents," Daniel and Shanna strip away the jargon to explain the fundamental differences between Term and Whole life insurance. We break dow...
35 - Teaching Kids (Under 12) About Money
How do you teach your kids about money without it becoming a chore? In this episode of "Making Sense of Your Cents," Daniel and Shanna break down the "Three-Jar System" for kids under twelve—an easy, visual way to introduce the concepts of spen...
34 - Vacation Planning: Travel Without Debt
Planning a getaway doesn't have to mean planning for debt! In this episode of "Making Sense of Your Cents," Daniel and Shanna break down the "Sinking Fund" strategy—the smartest way to pay for your vacation before you ever leave the driveway. W...
33 - The Mystery of Escrow: Why Did My Payment Change?
Why did your monthly mortgage payment suddenly go up? In this episode of "Making Sense of Your Cents," Daniel and Shanna demystify the escrow account. We explain the difference between a fixed-rate mortgage and a fixed monthly payment, br...
32 - Peer-to-Peer (P2P) Mastery: Zelle & Venmo Safety
Peer-to-peer (P2P) apps like Zelle, Venmo, and Cash App have revolutionized how we split dinner bills and pay friends back—but are you using them safely? In this episode, we break down the reality of P2P payments: why they should be treated lik...
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...