A+ YOU

In this episode of the A Plus You Podcast , Danielle and Amber sit down with Senior Product Manager Marissa Pedginski to introduce Affinity Plus Federal Credit Union’s BundleUp Checking—a new account designed to bring more value, convenience, and everyday support to members.  Instead of a traditional checking account, BundleUp Checking offers a bundle of benefits all in one place for a low monthly...

Financial Literacy Month is here, and we’re celebrating by diving deep into what financial education really means—for kids, teens, adults, and entire communities. In this episode, Danielle and Amber sit down with Kelly Flaherty, Senior Manager of Consumer Lending at Affinity Plus and proud Affinity Plus Foundation board member. Together, they explore how financial education shows up at every stage...

In this episode of A + You, hosts Danielle and Amber sit down with Brad Edwards, a Senior Phone Lender with nearly 20 years at Affinity Plus Federal Credit Union. Brad brings his deep experience in consumer lending to break down one of the most confusing—and often intimidating—topics in personal finance: credit scores. Brad explains why credit should be viewed as a journey , not a label of “good”...

In this Women’s History Month episode of the A+ You Podcast , Danielle and Amber sit down with Sarah Kuesel, Affinity Plus Federal Credit Union’s Senior Manager of Remote Services, for an honest and uplifting conversation about women’s financial wellness. With nearly three decades of experience in banking—and a personal journey that began as a young single mom—Sarah brings warmth, relatability, an...

February brings hearts, connection… and unfortunately, an uptick in online romance scams. In this episode of A+You , Danielle and Amber welcome back their first-ever returning guest: Jacquie Twedt, Director of Operations at Affinity Plus Federal Credit Union . Jacquie oversees payment operations and fraud monitoring—giving her a front‑row seat to how scammers operate, how they evolve, and how ever...

In this episode of the A+You Podcast , Danielle and Amber kick off the (still) new year with a conversation focused on financial fitness and building healthier money habits. They’re joined by guest Amanda Bruggman , who brings practical insights on navigating modern consumerism, setting realistic savings strategies, and using financial tools to your advantage. Together, they unpack how influencer...

It’s a new year—and the perfect time for a financial tune‑up. In this episode of A+ You , hosts Danielle and Amber kick off 2026 with special guest Jamy Olson , exploring practical, realistic ways to get your finances on track without feeling overwhelmed. Jamy breaks down why big New Year’s resolutions often fall short and how small, intentional changes can lead to meaningful financial progress ov...

Ever wondered if carrying a balance really helps your credit score? Or why your bank sometimes texts you about suspicious transactions? Nic Peterson, VP of Payments at Affinity Plus, joins us to separate credit card fact from fiction! We dive into the world of payments—from traditional cards to tap-to-pay technology—and discuss how to use credit cards safely and strategically. Nick shares insider...

Get ready to be inspired! Hosts Danielle and Amber sit down with Bill Fish, CEO of Special Olympics Minnesota, for an episode packed with exciting news, heartwarming stories, and a few polar plunge confessions. What You'll Discover: Why the 2026 USA Games in Minnesota will be the second-largest sporting event in North America (behind only the World Cup!) How 3,000 Special Olympics athletes wi...

Get ready for some delicious financial wisdom! In this fun-filled episode of A + You, hosts Danielle and Amber team up with Affinity Plus Cambridge Branch Manager Kari Krummel to serve up essential money management tips with a tasty state fair twist. While dreaming about fresh-cut french fries, Sweet Martha's cookies, and corn on the cob, our trio explores four crucial financial "tips on...

It’s back-to-school season, and we’re diving into the money matters that matter most for students! Hosts Amber and Danielle are joined by Morgan Wuebker from Affinity Plus’s Mankato campus branch to talk all things student finances — from opening your first checking account to building credit and saving smart. In this episode, you’ll learn: 💳 How to manage your first bank account like a pro 📈 Si...

🎙️ A+ U Podcast Presented by Affinity Plus Federal Credit Union Guest: Jacquie Twedt, Director of Operations & Foundation Board Chair In this special episode, hosts Danielle and Amber sit down with Jacquie Twedt, Director of Operations at Affinity Plus and Board Chair of the Affinity Plus Foundation. They dive into the mission and growing impact of the Foundation—from addressing housing and fo...

Brought to you by Affinity Plus Federal Credit Union Minneapolis music legend Nur-D joins hosts Danielle and Amber for a high-energy, heart-filled episode of A+ You! 🎤✨ A proud Affinity Plus member, Nur-D talks about his journey as an artist, what it means to give back to the community, and how building his own studio led to the creation of his upcoming 10th album, Chunkadelic—a funk-meets-hip-h...

In this episode of A+ You , brought to you by Affinity Plus Federal Credit Union, hosts Danielle Johnson and Amber Shanley are joined by Tara Rutz, Mortgage Servicing and Origination Manager, to help simplify the often overwhelming world of homeownership. From buying your first home to making long-term improvements, Tara offers clear explanations, helpful tips, and relatable stories about the jour...

Presented by Affinity Plus Federal Credit Union In this insightful and approachable episode of A+ You , hosts Danielle Johnson and Amber Shanley are joined by Kotchi Prosper, Director of Investment & Retirement Services at Affinity Plus Federal Credit Union. From laughs over spilled coffee to smart savings strategies, the conversation makes financial planning feel less intimidating and a lot m...

In this episode of A+ You , hosts Danielle and Amber sit down with Jake Kuester, Director of Business Services at Affinity Plus, to celebrate Small Business Month and dive into the vital role small businesses play in our communities. Jake shares inspiring stories of local entrepreneurs, discusses common challenges faced by small business owners, and highlights the resources and financial tools ava...

Episode 4: Financial Education, Part 2 – Real Tips for Real Life Guest: Anthony Kuefler Presented by: Affinity Plus Federal Credit Union In part two of our financial education series, Anthony Kuefler (Tony) returns to share practical, real-life strategies for taking control of your finances. From the importance of “paying yourself first” to using the snowball or avalanche method for debt payoff, t...

In this special Financial Literacy Month episode, hosts Danielle Johnson and Amber Shanley are joined by Anthony Kuefler, a Financial Coach from Affinity Plus’s Bemidji branch. Together, they dive deep into what it means to truly understand financial education—and how Affinity Plus is helping members across all stages of life build stronger financial futures. Anthony shares a powerful and emotiona...

In this episode of the A+ YOU Podcast, hosts Danielle Johnson and Amber Shanley sit down with Brian Volkmann, CFO of Affinity Plus Federal Credit Union, to discuss how interest rates impact personal finances, loans, and savings. Brian shares insights on how Affinity Plus determines rates for mortgages, auto loans, and credit cards, while also explaining the role of the Federal Reserve and inflatio...

Dave Larson, CEO of Affinity Plus, shares his 31-year journey in finance and what makes credit unions unique - they're not-for-profit, focused on serving members, not maximizing profits.  Affinity Plus Federal Credit Union - federally insured by the NCUA