Life. Money. You.® Podcast

In this podcast live event, Midyear Money Reset , hosts Dani and Kim invited listeners to pause at the halfway point of the year and take a fresh look at their financial goals. It was all about creating space to reset, refocus, and move forward with intention. Dani and Kim walked through five simple, actionable ways to reset your money mindset (referring to Ericka Young, Money Personality, clips f...

Grocery delivery has quickly shifted from convenience to routine. With a few taps, groceries arrive at your door, saving time and easing the pressure of busy weeks. In fact, nearly 80% of people have tried grocery delivery at some point, showing just how widespread it has become. That makes it worth a closer look: is grocery delivery helping your budget, or quietly stretching it? Let’s get into it...

Tipping isn’t what it used to be — and most of us feel it. From coffee counters to checkout screens, what once felt optional now feels expected almost everywhere. In this episode, we break down the rise of “tipflation” and what’s driving the shift — from digital payment prompts to pandemic-era habits and changing wage structures. With 72% of Americans saying tipping is expected in more places toda...

Grocery delivery has gone from a nice‑to‑have to everyday life for a lot of households. But here’s the real question: is it actually helping your budget, or quietly making things more expensive? In this episode, Dani, Kim, and Warren dig into the real tradeoffs of grocery delivery using personal experiences, workplace conversations, and examples that feel very familiar. Each of us comes at it from...

Housing Market Update: What to Know Right Now If you’re in the market for a new home, chances are you’ve encountered higher prices and limited housing for sale. Luckily there has been an increase in active listings recently, and interest rates have stabilized, however, the market continues to reflect broader economic uncertainty. Hesitation around major financial decisions is understandable with g...

In this episode, we explore how BCU members can use Digital Banking to track spending, understand credit health, and set meaningful financial goals that align with what matters most. Recorded during a live Zoom session, the conversation offers practical guidance, real examples, and a guided walk‑through of resources designed to help you build confidence and momentum in your financial life. Because...

Life happens – and when it does, an emergency fund can make all the difference. In this episode of Life. Money. You. , we break down how emergency savings protect more than your money – they protect your peace, your plans, and your momentum. You’ll hear a real‑life story about Kim, a parent juggling family goals who avoided stress and debt thanks to a simple emergency savings habit. When an unexpe...

Most people don’t need another budgeting lecture – they need help navigating real-life financial decisions with confidence. Dani and Kim dig into the seven most common (and complex) questions showing up in coaching today, from debt and credit to retirement tradeoffs, family pressures, and what to do when you finally have extra money. If your finances feel more complicated than the advice you hear,...

Building financial well‑being doesn’t require a major overhaul – it’s about staying steady through change and having the flexibility to handle whatever life brings. In this episode, we’re celebrating Financial Literacy Month by focusing on financial flexibility : the ability to adapt, make confident decisions, and keep moving toward what matters most. We break down three simple, high‑impact ways t...

In this episode, Dani sits down with Hassan Thomas who shares a powerful personal story shaped by life as a college football player balancing academics, athletics, injury, and finances. He reflects on the moment money shifted from being a background concern to a daily stressor, including the eye‑opening reality of managing financial decisions with long‑term consequences in mind. His experience mir...

In this Life. Money. You.® Podcast Live episode, Dani sits down with Certified Financial Coaches Sam and Shannon to explore how to “Spring Forward” with your credit and debt strategy. They break down what really goes into your credit score and why awareness – of balances, habits, and so much more – is the foundation of meaningful change. Sam and Shannon share how credit utilization, refinancing, c...

We ran into a few internet hiccups while recording this episode, so you may notice some brief delays and interruptions. Thanks for sticking with us — we appreciate your support, and we hope you enjoy this candid conversation! On this episode of the Life. Money. You. ® Podcast , Dani sits down with Alejo and special guest Phil, Executive Director of the Higher Education Financial Wellness Alliance...

This episode spotlights quick, practical ways to power up your financial well‑being—because money confidence isn’t a one‑time project. Whether you’re tackling debt, gearing up for tax season, or building credit momentum, we walk through small actions that create big impact over time. 💳 Reduce Debt with Clarity Learn how reviewing interest rates, choosing a smart payoff strategy (like snowball or...

Start your year with clarity and confidence as Dani and Kim walk through the essential building blocks of a true “fresh start” in your financial life. In this episode, they break down practical strategies, real member stories, and helpful tools designed to meet you wherever you are on your financial journey. Dani opens by sharing the power of creating shared financial systems—like opening a joint...

In this edition, we’ll explore three key areas where financial aid can make a big difference and help you take your financial well-being to the next level. 🎓Student Loans: Big Plans, Bigger Dreams Student loans can be a powerful tool, when managed wisely. Quick Tips: Borrow only what you need – start with federal loans before private options. Understand repayment plans early to avoid surprises la...

In this episode, Dani Buschick connects with Hannah Gdalman from the Financial Health Network and Warren Bell from the Life. Money. You. team to unpack the rise of Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) and how it’s shaping everyday financial health. What You’ll Learn: What BNPL Actually Is A simple look at how “Pay in 4” works—and why it's so appealing to consumers today. Who’s Using It Gen Z, Millennial...

Join our podcast community : https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/life-money-you-podcast/id1636521227 Learn more about membership with BCU : https://www.bcu.org/member-resources/join/membership-eligibility Featured guest: Ericka Young : https://www.erickayoung.com/ With nearly two decades of experience as a financial coach, Ericka has empowered over 500 families to take control of their finances...

Welcome to the Life. Money. You. Podcast - your dose of financial confidence and clarity! This episode is part of our monthly newsletter series - new this year. If you love what you hear and want these tips delivered straight to your inbox, make sure to subscribe at LifeMoneyYou.com . Ready to Make 2026 Your Best Financial Year Yet? Lock In.   Whatever goals and resolutions you’re committing to, y...

Featuring Kim Chavez, Certified Financial Coach, this episode dives into what Life. Money. You.® is, how it stands apart from other financial wellness programs, and the services it offers to help anyone improve their financial health. It also answers common questions about coaching, resources, and the unique partnership with BCU that powers this holistic approach. Host: Dani Buschick, LMY Program...

Featuring Kim Chavez, BCU Financial Well-Being and Coaching Lead (1:09), on a snapshot of the student loan landscape and how it impacts your financial goals, Christie Dean, BCU Senior Manager of Portfolio Management and Experience (8:05), on the different types of loans and repayment options you need to know, and Sam Edwards, BCU Branch Experience Manager (21:46), on strategies to choose the right...

Featuring Hannah Blumberg, BCU Corporate Communicates Manager, (0:48), on practical methods for reviewing your closet, joy and color theory, Kim Chavez, BCU Financial Well-Being and Coaching Lead, (12:18), on resale, spotting fraudsters, and building your online reputation, and Katlyn Stafford, BCU Branch Experience Manager, (24:35), storage techniques, maternity resale, and garage sale hacks.  Ho...

Featuring Tiffani Tolbert, BCU Security Operations Senior Manager (0:47), on what cybersecurity awareness month is and key parts to the 2025 theme, Marlene Koskotas, BCU Senior Investigator Level II, and Nickie Christianson, BCU Account Protection Senior Manager (8:37), on the role AI plays in cybersecurity and account protection, and the importance of evolving  with  technology.  Host: Dani Busch...

Featuring Megan Kelly, BCU HR Talent Acquisition & Benefits Senior Director, and Safaa Syed, BCU HR Benefits Senior Manager (0:50), on questions to ask yourself as you approach open enrollment, the differences between HSA and FSA to help uncover the best coverage for you and your family, and other benefit plan tips. Host: Dani Buschick, LMY Program Manager  Life. Money. You.® | Helping people...

Featuring Wes Dumalski, BCU Mortgage Business Consulting & Learning Manager (0:30), on private mortgage insurance versus mortgage insurance premium, and their connection to FHA loans, Erman Ramos, BCU Retail Mortgage Sales Regional Manager (9:24), on the homebuying market in 2025, opportunities to purchase a home without 20% down, and whether more homes are covered through PMI or MIP, and Ashl...

Featuring Anjoli Walker, BCU Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Director (0:49), on psychotherapy and how it connects to money, inheriting behaviors and rewiring our brains, Nicole Ott, BCU Human Resources & Talent Acquisition Senior Manager (13:27), on social stimuli, tuning out the noise, and leveraging a wish list to keep up with your wants and needs, and Jennifer Budo, BCU Retail Branch Ope...