MakingCents with Navy Federal

Starting out on your own can feel exciting and a little overwhelming, especially when it comes to money. In this episode of MakingCents, host Thomas Racca Jr. sits down with Navy Federal intern Ashley Colatarci to talk about building simple money habits that actually work for young adults. Ashley shares what it’s really like managing money for the first time, from budgeting and subscriptions to so...

Account balancing isn’t about perfection — it’s about clarity. In this episode of MakingCents, guest host Thomas Racca sits down with Sun Bayless, SVP of Membership and Deposit Products, to talk through smart, realistic ways you can manage money across your checking, savings and other accounts. Skip the stress and balance your accounts with confidence! Building a Savings Buffer (8:15) Best Practic...

On this episode of MakingCents, guest host Clay Stackhouse, Regional Outreach Manager, talks with Brian Parker, Vice President of Member Experience Innovation, about the real financial challenges military members and their families face throughout their service. Drawing on their military backgrounds, they unpack common misconceptions about military pay and benefits, share practical money moves for...

In this episode of MakingCents, host Emily Bigham sits down with Thomas Racca, Personal Finance Manager at Navy Federal Credit Union, to unpack the growing impact of sports betting and how it can quietly affect financial well‑being. With sports betting more accessible than ever, Emily and Thomas break down how betting works, why it’s so easy to get pulled in, and the common red flags that signal w...

In this episode of MakingCents , host Emily Bigham talks with Carrie Foran Sepulveda, Vice President of Fraud and Physical Security Strategy at Navy Federal, about romance scams — an increasingly common form of fraud, especially in the digital age when many people are seeking connection online. Together, they explain how romance scams work, the common red flags to watch for, and why these schemes...

In this episode of MakingCents, guest host Thomas Racca, Manager of Personal Finance Management at Navy Federal, sits down with Heather Long, Chief Economist at Navy Federal, to break down the financial landscape heading into 2026. Together, they outline why households feel squeezed, what’s changed in the economy, and the practical steps you can take to reset your budget, tackle debt, and rebuild...

In this episode of MakingCents, guest host Clay Stackhouse, Marine veteran and Regional Outreach Manager at Navy Federal, joins Jesse Border, Army veteran and AVP of Branch Operations, and Tracy Owens, Navy veteran and Senior Programs Manager at Support The Enlisted Project (STEP). Together, they share practical strategies and resources to help veterans and their families thrive. You’ll hear insig...

Cybersecurity might seem complex, but with a few simple steps, you can protect what matters most. In observance of Cybersecurity Awareness Month and just ahead of the holiday shopping season—we explore how planning ahead and being proactive can help protect your financial future and personal identity. From password hygiene to recognizing scams, our experts at Navy Federal Credit Union share practi...

Financial planning doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. With the right guidance, it’s more manageable than you think. In this episode, we’re diving into the how and why of planning ahead can empower you to stay aligned with your financial goals. From smart investing to effective debt management, discover how our expert financial planners can help you stay focused, confident, and on track. Understand...

Managing your finances today is easier, more intuitive, and more personalized than ever. In this episode, we explore how our digital services can help you stay on track with your financial goals. From intuitive mobile banking to advanced budgeting tools, discover how we’ve modernized the way you can manage your money. Generational Engagement (3:30) New Enhancements in Member Experience (6:10) Reso...

In this episode, we break down one of the most common financial decisions many families face—buying a car. Two experts in the consumer lending space at Navy Federal, Joe Pendergast and Kevin Wince, share their insights into the car buying process. Leasing versus Buying (0:45) Navigating the Car Buying Process (5:16) Auto Financing for the Military Community (11:04) Right Time to Shop (21:21) With...

Emily Bigham sits down with guest Thomas Racca, Manager, Personal Finance Management, to share tips on how to budget for travel plans, earn extra money for your travel funds and stretch your vacation dollars further so you can plan an affordable trip without compromising the fun. Here’s what we’re covering this episode:  ·       Creating a Realistic Travel Budget (2:04)  ·       Automating Saving...

In this episode, guest host and Retired Marine One Pilot, Clay Stackhouse takes a moment to honor those who serve in our military and the families who support them. Together with Chelsea Smith, Marketing Specialist and military spouse at Navy Federal, they share their personal stories and how we’re connected to those who serve.  Guest Background (:32)  Understanding Our Members (9:46) USO Partners...

Spring is in the air, so it's the perfect time to refresh your financial goals and give your savings plan a thorough spring clean. CJ Pointkowski , assistant vice president of savings products operations, and Thomas Racca , manager of personal finance management, join the podcast to share 3 approaches members can use to get a head start on reaching their financial goals. Spring Clean Your Fin...

Navy Federal Credit Union’s ROTC All-American Scholarship Program honors the best and brightest ROTC seniors across the nation. Since 2018, the program has received nearly 1,300 ROTC student nominations and donated over $540,000 to ROTC cadets. Navy Federal chooses 15 finalists—five per branch of military service—to become ROTC All-American Scholarship recipients.  Brandi joins the 2024 ROTC All-A...

Our team members at Navy Federal log serious volunteer hours. Listen in to find out how 2 volunteer leaders used our Navy Federal Serves programs, like Dollars for Doers, to give the people and places we live and serve the most support they could. 

Drew Tsitos, Navy Federal’s Manager of Credit Card Products, shares tips on how to make the best use of your credit card during the holiday season and how Navy Federal’s newest card may complement your lifestyle perfectly. 

Becoming a member of a financial institution, such as a credit union, lays the foundation of your relationship to money. From there, you can determine how your lifestyle can align with your financial priorities. Mehdi Dinia, Vice President of Membership, and Clay Stackhouse, Regional Outreach Manager, discuss the benefits of a credit union and how we put members' best interest first. 

Between rising interest rates and the fluctuating cost of living, many are wondering when we might start to see some relief—and it could be sooner rather than later. Host Emily Bigham sits down with Corporate Economist, Robert Frick, and Personal Finance Manager, Thomas Racca, to get a pulse on the economy and how members can feel in control of their finances .  

There’s a wide range of credit cards out there. Our credit card expert, Rick Conyers, breaks down which Navy Federal card may be right for you. Tune in to hear advice, from finding the best card to improving your credit score. 

Brandi and Navy Federal’s Executive Vice President of Branch Operations—and former U.S. Navy Blue Angel—Keith Hoskins, take a closer look at the world-class service members find at their local branches, and the relationships they build as a result. Hear how passionate we are about going above and beyond to support our members. 

Brandi and Navy Federal’s Assistant Vice President of Savings Products Operations, CJ Pointkowski, talk about raising the next generation of savers with powerful tips and tools for their youngest members. Tune in to hear how you can start bringing financial awareness to your children, instilling strong habits in them that they'll carry into adulthood. 

Navy Federal’s Assistant Vice President of the Education Lending team, Caroline Currie, and Manager of Personal Finance Management, Thomas Racca, discuss the financial responsibility attached to higher education. They’ll explore various aspects of the college journey, including preparation, saving and post-graduation planning. 

In honor of Veterans and Military Families Month, Marine Corps Veteran and president of The Mission Continues, Mary Beth Bruggeman, joins the podcast with Brandi G. They discuss Navy Federal's partnership with The Mission Continues, and how together they support Veterans by connecting them with leadership opportunities in their own communities.  Let a special Veteran in your life know what th...

Explore how credit cards can be a powerful tool for you and your finances with this week's episode. Assistant Vice President Elly Szymanski shares tips and insights to help you better manage your credit cards and make the most of your money.