The Financial Wellness Podcast

Is all debt bad, or can some loans help your financial wellness? On this episode of The Financial Wellness Podcast by 3Rivers Credit Union, hosts Ashlee Guthrie and Austin Barnett sit down with Jackie Kocks, 3Rivers Director of Loan Servicing, to debate good debt vs. bad debt. They cover auto loan terms and negative equity, why you should start with an affordable payment instead of the car you wan...

What does it mean to be the CFO of your household, and how should couples and singles manage money together? On this episode of The Financial Wellness Podcast by 3Rivers Credit Union, hosts Ashlee Guthrie and Austin Barnett talk about who pays the bills, joint vs. separate bank accounts, having money conversations before marriage, and finding middle ground when a saver and a spender share a budget...

3Rivers Mortgages – why do we do it? Liz shares her why, helping people reach their dreams! 

Celebrate our members financial wellness dreams – confetti free of charge! 

Financial wellness is a personal journey. This episode looks at how 3Rivers has helped make that journey possible, one goal at a time.

3Rivers Assistant Branch Managers, Briosha and Emma, share why taking care of our members is our number one priority.

This episode challenges you to ensure your wishes are taken care of when you pass. And helps your family with one less worry. 

More income won’t fix unmanaged habits. We break down why behavior—not salary—determines long-term financial success. 

Meaningful relationships and genuine curiosity can build trust, connection, and financial confidence over time. Through heartfelt stories and practical insights, we explore the impact of truly listening, asking better questions, and helping people feel seen beyond their finances.

Social media and lifestyle pressure can distort reality. We talk about choosing financial integrity over appearances—and the freedom that comes with it. 

Convenience, subscriptions, upgrades, and avoidance can quietly drain your future. This episode examines the true cost of staying comfortable — and when discomfort leads to growth. 

In this honest (and slightly hilarious) episode, we share our real-life money confessions—from cringe-worthy mistakes to those, “I knew better but did it anyway” moments. We unpack why money decisions can be so emotional, why shame keeps us silent, and how normal it is to learn the hard way. No judgment—just real talk, good laughs, and a reminder that we all mess up sometimes. 

Money means different things to different people—and culture plays a big role in shaping those beliefs. In this episode, we explore how family traditions, upbringing, and cultural values influence saving, spending, giving, and financial decision-making.

What if the issue isn’t your income, your debt, or your budget—but your willingness to face it? In this episode, we unpack how avoidance, fear, and self-doubt keep us stuck financially—and how courage is often the missing ingredient to real progress. 

Before you can truly support others financially, you need a solid foundation yourself. In this episode, we talk about why “putting on your own oxygen mask first” applies to money, how to build stability, and practical steps to strengthen your financial confidence before stepping in to help others. 

Do you operate from fear or fantasy when thinking about your finances? Money can trigger more than numbers—it can activate fight, flight, freeze, or fawn. In this episode, we explore how those stress responses shape the way we spend, save, avoid, or overextend ourselves. From impulsive decisions to financial avoidance or people-pleasing, understanding your pattern is the first step toward building...

How can 3Rivers be a good partner on your Financial Wellness journey. Mirza joins the podcast to talk about what it means to provide excellent service.

Financial Wellness takes work, but what do you do when you don't have the energy? This week, we're discussing strategies for navigating difficult times and how saving and preparation can help when you lack the mental energy to focus on your finances.

Mike Sinish joins Ashlee and Austin to talk about doing what's right for 3Rivers members, including how debt consolidation can help you achieve your financial wellness goals. 

This week, we are bringing you a discussion with 3Rivers Mortgage Servicing Manager David Delamarter. Ashlee, Austin, and David talk about whether or not you should pay an escrow shortage at once or over the course of the year, what to do if your mortgage payment goes up, and more!

Ashlee and Austin are joined by Branch Manager Todd Laubhan to discuss strategies for helping your kids learn to manage their money and prioritize financial wellness.

Austin and Ashlee investigate how our beliefs and emotions inform what we do with our money and why it might be time to take another look at some long-term habits.

Don't wait until after the holidays! Get started on your goals for 2026 now. Austin and Ashlee are here with some strategies to get started.

What should you do if you can't pay your bills? How do you get your money back on track? Austin and Ashlee talk with guests Lesley and Simone about how 3Rivers can help.

Austin and Ashlee talk with AVP of Digital, Payment, and Fraud Operations at 3Rivers Jeremy Vance about common tactics fraudsters use and how you can protect yourself and your money.