Good Money Moves

In this episode of Good Money Moves, Jenna sits down with LeAnne Trom, our Loan Administration Manager, to tackle a crucial topic: what to do if you miss a loan payment. Together, Jenna and LeAnne explore the importance of communication with your lender and the potential consequences of missed payments on your financial health. LeAnne shares practical advice on how to navigate missed payments, inc...

In this episode of Good Money Moves, we tackle the often daunting task of purchasing a car without the dreaded buyer's remorse. Join Jenna as she welcome back Jordan Kaehler, our loan portfolio manager, to discuss essential steps for buying a vehicle. They cover how to identify your needs versus wants, establish a budget, and determine fair pricing using resources like J.D. Power. Jordan shares ke...

Tap into your home equity wisely. In this Good Money Moves podcast episode we compare HELOCs and home equity loans so you can choose the right tool for projects, debt consolidation, or big life expenses. Learn how a HELOC draw period works, why payments can change, and when a fixed home equity loan’s set payment is better. We cover fees, approval factors (income, credit, equity), common terms to r...

In this Good Money Moves episode, we explain how certificates of deposit (CDs) work, when a CD beats a savings account, and how to choose terms without locking up too much cash. You will learn early-withdrawal penalties in plain English, insured deposits, how interest is paid, and how to build a simple CD ladder for goals like taxes, travel, or a down payment. We also cover auto-renewal, grace per...

In this episode of Good Money Moves, Jenna sits down with Nick Meeker, our Real Estate Lending Manager, to tackle the pivotal question many young adults face: should you keep renting, or is it time to buy a home? Together Jenna and Nick explore common misconceptions about down payments and discuss the importance of having a safety net for unexpected costs that come with homeownership. Nick shares...

In this Good Money Moves episode, we set up your very first paycheck so saving happens automatically and your bills stay on time. You will learn what pay yourself first really means, how to pick a starting percent, and an easy 50-30-20 split. We cover direct deposit splits, recurring transfers, round up savings, goal buckets for birthdays and trips, and a practical emergency fund target with a 90-...

In this episode of Good Money Moves, join Jenna Taubel, as she sits down with CFO, Jake Dorsh, to explore the ins and outs of money market accounts. Together Jenna and Jake break down what these accounts are, how they function, and the advantages they offer over traditional savings and checking accounts. Jake shares insights on interest rates, withdrawal limits, and the importance of maintaining a...

In this episode of Good Money Moves, we explore the concept of the "invisible paycheck" and why understanding your employee benefits is crucial for your financial wellbeing. I’m joined by Robin, our Employee Experience Manager, as we break down what comprises your benefits package, including healthcare, retirement plans, and paid time off. We'll discuss how these elements affect your overall finan...

In episode 27 of the Good Money Moves podcast, titled “Emergency Funds: What You Need to Know,” Jenna Taubel welcomes Kristina Kovacevic, AVP of Retail Experience at First Alliance Credit Union. Krystyna draws on more than a decade in banking to explain exactly what an emergency fund is, how much to stash away, and the smartest places to keep that cash so it’s safe yet instantly accessible. Whethe...

In this episode of Good Money Moves, titled "Mortgages Made Easy: Picking the Right Loan E26," Jenna Taubel, is joined by Nick Meeker, our real estate lending manager at First Alliance Credit Union. Together, they explore the diverse world of mortgage options beyond the conventional 30-year fixed loan. Together they dive into the pros and cons of FHA, VA, and USDA loans, highlighting their unique...

In Episode 25 of Good Money Moves, Jenna Taubel, dives into the world of debt repayment strategies with Kanwar Singh, our branch manager at First Alliance Credit Union. We explore the debt snowball and debt avalanche methods, two popular approaches to tackling debt. The debt snowball focuses on paying off smaller debts first to build momentum, while the debt avalanche targets high-interest debts t...

In this episode of Good Money Moves, I dive into the world of Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) services with Leanne Tromm, our Loan Administration Manager. As prices rise and incomes struggle to keep pace, many find themselves turning to BNPL options, but these can quickly lead to a cycle of debt. We discuss how BNPL works, the risks involved, and why it may be more of a trap than a solution. Leanne shar...

In episode 23 of Good Money Moves, we break down the dangerous world of predatory lending, what it is, who it targets, and how to avoid falling victim. Jenna Taubel is joined by Kristina Kovacevic, who shares expert insight on the red flags to watch for, the devastating impact these loans can have, and most importantly, what you can do if you’ve already been caught in the trap. Whether it’s payday...

Welcome to Good Money Moves, the podcast that’s all about helping you take control of your financial future, one smart decision at a time. Whether you’re looking to kickstart your savings, crush your debt, or learn how to manage your money more effectively, we’ve got you covered! In today’s episode, we dive into creative, fun, and easy ways to make saving money feel less like a chore. From tried-a...

Curious about the real benefits of refinancing a loan? In episode 21 of the Good Money Moves podcast, we break down what refinancing means, why it matters, and how you can save big on car payments, lower monthly bills, and build stronger credit, all without getting lost in jargon. Join Jenna and Jordan for a conversation that answers your top questions, from understanding APR to spotting hidden fe...

In today’s episode, we dive deep into Reward Credit Cards, from understanding which reward program is right for you, to learning how to responsibly spend to see your points, miles, or cash-back stack up. Our expert guests reveal how to avoid common pitfalls, like annual fees or overspending, while keeping your credit utilization in check. If you’re a young adult looking to confidently build (or re...

In episode 19 of the Good Money Moves podcast, “Holiday Budgeting Without Stress: Tips to Spend Smarter This Season,” host Jenna Taubel, AVP of Marketing at First Alliance Credit Union, sits down with Jordan Kaehler, Loan Portfolio Manager, to break down: • Why holiday overspending happens, plus the hidden costs of “just swipe the card” • A simple, realistic budget plan (who, what, and how much) t...

In episode 18 of the Good Money Moves podcast, “What is an ITIN Loan and How does ITIN Lending Work?”, host Jenna Taubel, AVP of Marketing at First Alliance Credit Union, sits down with Chelsy Lara, Community Development Advisor and specialist in ITIN lending. Chelsea draws on her expertise to break down: • What an ITIN loan is and who qualifies • How ITIN lending replaces SSN verification in loan...

In episode 17 of the Good Money Moves podcast, “Overcoming Financial Fears,” host Jenna Taubel, AVP of Marketing at First Alliance Credit Union, sits down with Kristina Kovacevic, AVP of Retail Experience. Drawing on years of front-line member service, Kristina breaks down: • Why Money Feels Scary and First Steps to Break the Paycheck-to-Paycheck Cycle • Intentional-Spending Hacks (Color-Coding St...

In Episode 16 of the Good Money Moves podcast, “What Is a Business Plan and Why You Need One,” host Jenna Taubel - AVP of Marketing at First Alliance Credit Union, sits down with Mark Thien - Regional Director of the Southeast Minnesota Small Business Development Center (SBDC). Mark brings decades of experience helping entrepreneurs and startups turn big ideas into sustainable realities. In this e...

In episode 15 of the Good Money Moves podcast, "Overdrafts & How to Avoid Them,” host Jenna Taubel AVP of Marketing at First Alliance Credit Union, sits down with Kim Ferraro Branch Manager of the Lake City branch and leader of our Contact Center Lenders team. Kim draws on her 17 years of experience to break down: • What an overdraft actually is and why it happens • True cost of fees—and how they...

In episode 14 of the Good Money Moves podcast, "Three Rivers Community Action: Community Organization Spotlight,” host Jenna  Taubel,  AVP  of  Marketing at First Alliance Credit Union, sits down with Courtney Dugstad, Chief Operations Officer at Three Rivers Community Action. Courtney shares powerful insights into the mission and programs of this long-standing nonprofit that’s been serving Southe...

Ready to drive off the lot — and into your next chapter — with zero buyer’s remorse? In this extended Good Money Moves episode, host Jenna Taubel sits down with Jordan Kaehler, Loan Portfolio Manager at First Alliance Credit Union**, to pull back the curtain on every piece of the auto-loan puzzle. From interest-rate math to “negative equity” traps, they walk you through each decision point so you...

In episode 12 of the Good Money Moves podcast, titled "How to Turn Your Dream into a Business," Jenna Taubel, AVP of Marketing, is joined by Danielle Sommerfeldt, AVP of Business Development & Lending at First Alliance Credit Union, to walk you through the first—and often scariest—part of entrepreneurship: turning a bright idea into a real-world business. Danielle shares the exact steps she coache...

In episode 11 of the Good Money Moves podcast, titled "Credit vs Debit Card: Which One Should You Use," Jenna Taubel, AVP of Marketing, is joined by Nate Finney, Account Services Manager at First Alliance Credit Union. Nate breaks down the key differences between credit cards and debit cards, including how they impact your spending habits, the fraud protections each one offers, and when to use one...