Talking Cents and Making Change

In this episode of Talking Cents & Making Change , Alison and Michelle take a closer look at AAACU Online Banking and our Mobile Banking app and some of the features that can make managing your finances easier, more convenient, and more secure. We'll walk through how to enroll and log in, what to do if you forget your password or security questions, and why protecting your login informatio...

Can changing one financial habit for just 30 days make a difference? We decided to find out. In this episode of Talking Cents and Making Change , Michelle and Alison are joined by AAACU team members Chantel and Rhea to share the results of several real-life money-saving challenges. From cash envelope budgeting and a 30-day no-spend challenge to automatic round-up savings and giving up eating out,...

What does it take to turn a great idea into an opportunity? In this episode of Talking Cents and Making Change , Alison and Michelle sit down with AAACU team member Kelly to discuss her incredible journey through the Michigan Credit Union League's CU Spark Tank Competition. From presenting her idea to coworkers at AAACU, to advancing through the Blue Ox Chapter competition, pitching before CEO...

In this episode of Talking Cents and Making Change , Alison and Michelle are joined by special guest Pam to discuss one of the fastest-growing threats facing consumers today, fraud and scams. From phishing emails and fake text messages to imposter calls and social media scams, fraudsters are becoming increasingly sophisticated in their attempts to steal personal and financial information. Pam shar...

In this episode of Talking Cents and Making Change , Alison and Michelle are joined by special guest Karen to talk about how AAACU is building real relationships within the communities we serve. From business lending and personalized financial solutions to business visits, employee conversations, and community connections, this episode highlights the many ways AAACU shows “Local Love.” Hear real s...

This episode may have spent a little extra time on the back burner, but we couldn’t let it stay there forever. In this “not forgotten” episode of Talking Cents and Making Change , Michelle shares her experience attending GAC from key takeaways and memorable moments to the connections, conversations, and inspiration that came from the event. We’re finally bringing this episode out of the vault and...

Ready to feel more confident about your finances? In this episode of Talking Cents and Making Change , Alison and Michelle are joined by AAACU Financial Coach Cheyenne to talk all about the credit union’s Financial Coaching Program . Whether you're trying to build a budget, pay down debt, improve your credit, or save for a big life goal, financial coaching provides personalized guidance and su...

In this episode of Talking Cents and Making Change , we’re highlighting the services and benefits that often surprise our members. From tools that make everyday banking easier to resources that support big life milestones, there’s more available to you than you might realize. If you’ve ever said, “Oh, I didn’t know you offered that!” this episode is for you. We’re sharing practical, valuable servi...

In this kickoff episode of Talking Cents & Making Change , Alison and Michelle share practical, realistic tips to help you save more, budget smarter, and set financial goals you can actually stick to . From easy savings habits to stress-free budgeting strategies, we break down how small changes can lead to big progress. Plus, learn how your credit union’s tools, products, and resources can hel...

In this episode of Talking Cents and Making Change , Alison and Michelle take a moment to reflect on everything 2025 brought our way. From impactful conversations around homeownership, financial literacy, and travel safety to meaningful partnerships and community outreach, this episode recaps the moments that mattered most. Whether you’ve been with us all year or are just tuning in, this episode i...

In this episode of Talking Cents and Making Change , Alison and Michelle sit down with returning guest Ashley from AAACU’s Plastic Card Department to break down the most common holiday scams and how to avoid becoming a victim. From ghost tapping to non-delivery scams , auction fraud , and gift-card traps , this conversation guides listeners through what to watch for, how to protect themselves, and...

In this episode of Talking Cents and Making Change , Alison and Michelle take listeners behind the scenes to explore how AAACU invests in its greatest asset—its people. From weekly “Behind the Front Line” training to national certification programs, they share how ongoing education helps team members stay informed, confident, and ready to support members. Discover how continuous learning strengthe...

This week on Talking Cents and Making Change , hosts Alison and Michelle are joined by returning guests Travis and Patti from Alpena Alcona Area Credit Union to talk about one of the most important topics in today’s world—financial security. From deepfake scams and phishing attempts to mail fraud and fake tuition schemes, digital threats are everywhere. But don’t worry—AAACU has your back. Travis...

In this episode of Talking Cents and Making Change , we sit down with our Business Development Officer, Karen, to talk about the power of community. From building connections to supporting local initiatives, Karen shares her perspective on how community involvement shapes who we are—not just as an organization, but as neighbors and partners. Tune in as we explore why community matters and the many...

In this episode of Talking Cents and Making Change , Alison and Michelle sit down with Brandon from Greenlight to explore how families can empower kids and teens with healthy money habits. Greenlight is more than just a debit card for kids — it’s a financial education tool that helps parents teach budgeting, saving, and responsible spending in real time. Brandon shares insights on how Greenlight w...

In this episode of Talking Cents & Making Change , Alison and Michelle sit down with Chantel to shine a spotlight on the CU Spark Tank contest — an exciting opportunity empowering younger credit union employees to pitch big ideas that spark real change. Chantel shares her experience as a past finalist, what it was like to pitch her idea on stage, and the impact it’s had since. Whether you'...

Summer travel is heating up—and while you’re planning your getaway, don’t forget to plan for safety, too. In this episode of Talking Cents and Making Change, Alison and Michelle seek insight from local travel advisor Stacey, who shares expert tips on how to protect your money, identity, and travel plans from common threats. Learn how to avoid travel scams, choose secure payment methods, and use AA...

In this episode of Talking Cents and Making Change , we dive into the heart of what makes credit unions unique — and why they matter. We’ll explore the history of Credit Union, from its their beginnings to the roles they play today! The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed in this podcast are the speaker’s own and do not represent the views, thoughts, and opinions of Alpena Alcona Area (Credit...

In this episode, Alison from Alpena Alcona Area Credit Union is joined by Caitlin from Zogo —a fun and interactive financial literacy app that’s changing the way people learn about money. Whether you're just starting out or brushing up on your financial skills, Zogo makes learning easy, engaging, and best of all— rewarding . That’s right—every time you complete a module on budgeting, saving, i...

In this episode, we sit down with Liam , one of our outstanding student employees, to hear how working at Alpena Alcona Area Credit Union has transformed his financial understanding, shaped his career goals, and opened the door to real-world experience. From budgeting basics to big-picture planning, Liam shares how AAACU helped lay the foundation for his future—both professionally and personally....

In this episode of Talking Cents and Making Change , Alison and Michelle sit down with Jamie and Ashley to talk about something that affects people of all ages— scams . Learn how to recognize the warning signs, protect your personal information, and what to do if you think you've been targeted. Jamie and Ashley also share how AAACU supports its members with tools and resources to help safeguar...

AAACU just wrapped up an exciting trip to Washington, D.C., and we’ve got the inside scoop! Michelle from Alpena Alcona Area Credit Union and Kieran Marion, Executive Vice President of Advocacy at MCUL, join us to break down their experience at the Governmental Affairs Conference—what they saw, who they met, and how credit unions made their voices heard on Capitol Hill. It’s advocacy in action, an...

Welcome to today’s episode of Talking Cents and Making Change, brought to you by AAACU! In this episode, we're diving into an incredible benefit for our members—AAACU’s FREE credit monitoring tool. Whether you’re looking to keep track of your credit score or protect yourself from fraud, this tool has got you covered. We’re joined by special guest Brad, an expert in financial wellness, who will...

Join Michelle and Alison in this exciting episode as they dive into all the details about AAACU's upcoming 71st Annual Meeting! They'll talk about the prizes up for grabs, the event timing, and the important reasons behind holding this meeting every year. Whether you're a longtime member or a first-time attendee, tune in to learn what you can expect from this milestone event and why it...

Economy vs Stock market... what do they do, what are they, and how do they impact us? Let Michelle and Alison give you the lowdown to help you better understand the impact they make. The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed in this podcast are the speaker’s own and do not represent the views, thoughts, and opinions of Alpena Alcona Area (Credit Union) and should not be considered as business, f...