Wallet Wisdom

The financial world has changed dramatically over the last century, but one thing has remained constant: people still need trusted financial partners to help them achieve their goals. In this episode of Wallet Wisdom, Brett sits down with Trevor to explore the history of the credit union movement, why credit unions were created, and how their member-first philosophy continues to make a difference...

Graduation is an exciting milestone, but it also marks the beginning of a new financial journey. In this episode of Wallet Wisdom, Brett sits down with Sedrick, Market Leader at LMCU, to discuss why financial literacy is one of the most important skills graduates can develop as they enter adulthood. From creating a realistic budget to avoiding the pressure of "keeping up with the Joneses," Sedrick...

In this episode of Wallet Wisdom, Brett sits down with LMCU’s home lending experts to break down what home equity really is, how Fed rate decisions impact borrowing, and how homeowners can strategically use a HELOC to support their financial goals. From home renovations and debt consolidation to understanding variable rates and long-term financial planning, this episode explores the practical side...

Small businesses are the backbone of our communities, and in this week’s Wallet Wisdom episode, we’re diving into what it really takes to get one off the ground. Brett sits down with Scott, Vice President of Small Business Lending at LMCU, to break down the early steps every entrepreneur should consider before launching or scaling a business. From realistic financial planning to finding the right...

Buying a home or continuing to rent? It’s not as simple as one being better than the other—and in this episode of Wallet Wisdom, we break down why. Brett sits down with Jake, Vice President of Regional Mortgage Production at LMCU, to unpack one of the biggest financial decisions many people face: owning vs. renting. Jake shares an honest, practical perspective shaped by years of helping members na...

Helping your kids build strong financial habits starts earlier than you think, and this week’s Wallet Wisdom episode shows you how to begin. Brett sits down with Byron, Market Leader at LMCU’s Downtown Detroit branch, to talk about how parents can start meaningful financial conversations with their kids and why those early discussions matter more than ever. From simple savings habits to long-term...

Brett sits down with Josh, Director of Fraud at LMCU, who shares an inside look at how scams are becoming more sophisticated, and what you can do to protect yourself in an increasingly digital world. From AI-powered scams to fake websites and urgent “fear-based” tactics, Josh explains how fraudsters are using smarter tools and more convincing strategies than ever before. As he puts it, fraud today...

Tax season is here, and this week’s Wallet Wisdom episode is packed with practical, real life strategies to help you stretch your refund further than ever. Brett sits down with Bill Turner (BT), LMCU District Manager in Southwest Florida, who brings 30 years of banking experience and a refreshingly honest take on how to use your tax return with intention—not impulse.  --- The information provided...

In this episode of Wallet Wisdom, Brett catches up with LMCU Financial Wellness Coordinator Tiarra Weddle and LMIA Administrative Assistant Stevie VanHorssen to discuss how to build healthy money habits without ever checking your bank account. Between Tiarra’s time spent as an LMCU teller and Stevie’s experience as an LMCU Wellness Champion, today’s guests are well poised to help listeners underst...

In this episode of Wallet Wisdom, Brett sits down with Savannah Girmscheid, LMCU's Financial Wellness Manager, to break down the #1 money mistake people make when setting financial goals: jumping in without truly understanding where they stand. Whether you’re just starting your financial journey or looking to refine your goals, this episode offers practical insights and tools to help you move forw...

In this episode of Wallet Wisdom, we sit down with Cody Timm, Branch Manager of our Leonard branch and one of our top volunteers in 2025, to explore how financial education and community engagement can shape stronger futures. With eight years at LMCU and active involvement on both the Financial Wellness Council and DEIB (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging) Council, Cody shares how LMCU is...

In this episode of Wallet Wisdom, LMCU CEO Julie Leonard sits down to share the incredible journey of Lake Michigan Credit Union — from our beginnings in 1933 with 13 teachers pooling their resources, to becoming one of the nation’s largest and most member-focused credit unions. Whether you're an existing member or simply interested in how credit unions drive community impact, this conversation of...

In this episode of the Wallet Wisdom podcast, LMCU’s Brett Christiansen sits down with Patty Corkery, President and CEO of the Michigan Credit Union League, to unpack the key differences between credit unions and traditional banks. From member ownership and not-for-profit status to community-driven lending and financial education, this conversation reveals how credit unions empower their members a...

Welcome to another episode of Wallet Wisdom. In honor of Financial Awareness Day, we sit down with Savannah Girmschied, LMCU’s Financial Wellness Manager, to explore how financial wellness impacts your life—and how you can take control of your money with confidence. Whether you're just starting your financial journey or looking to improve your credit score, build an emergency fund, or develop heal...

In this episode of Wallet Wisdom, presented by Lake Michigan Credit Union, host Brett is joined by VP of Accounting, Tommy Minchew, and SVP of Finance, Mike Steele, to break down the Federal Reserve interest rate, how it affects your personal finances, and what you can do to stay financially strong in today’s economy. Whether you're saving, borrowing, or budgeting, this episode is packed with fina...

Join hosts Brett and Aldina, as they sit down with LMCU's VP of Secondary Marketing, and Veteran, Chad Baehr. Chad speaks to his experiences getting a V.A. mortgage, and helps to debunk some of the myths surround them. 

Join hosts Brett and Aldina as they share thoughts and ideas to help manage the rise in cost of living. From savings, to budget ideas, you wont want to miss it!

On this episode, we sit down with Josh Wolf, LMCU's Fraud Manager, to uncover the latest tactics used by scammers and how you can protect yourself. Josh shares insider tips to keep your accounts secure, and your wallet safe.

In this episode, dive into LMCU's impactful Band Together campaign, exploring how it unites the community to support local pediatric programs. Special guest Kat MacDonald from Cherry Health joins the conversation to share insights on the campaign's partnership with healthcare initiatives. Tune in to hear inspiring stories, learn about the campaign's goals, and discover how small efforts can create...

Join hosts Brett and Aldina as they explore how DIY projects can be a great way to save money. They'll share practical tips and insights to help you tackle home improvements on your own. Special guests Alisa Flores and Amber Jones from Home Repair Services bring their expertise to the conversation, offering valuable advice and experiences.

Join hosts Brett and Aldina as they share about how LMCU is helping those in and around our communities, grow in their financial knowledge.  

Shopping for insurance can be difficult, and expensive in today's current market. To help us better understand how to navigate this, host's Brett and Aldina welcome special guest, President of Lake Michigan Insurance Agency, Ken Jansen. 

Going into 2024, everyone is excited and motivated to work towards their goals and resolutions. Join Brett and Aldina as they speak with special guest, President/Co-Founder of Marvelous Lifestyles Outreach, Karmen Johnson, on what SMART goals you can apply to your finances.

Join hosts Brett and Lo as they welcome back on the show, LMCU’s Community Relations Manger - Aldina Babic, to help recap some of their favorite episodes of 2023.  

College expenses can add up quickly, but there are some great ways to help reduce those costs. Join hosts Brett and LO as they welcome, Community Relations Specialist - Monse Velazquez, to share how LMCU is impacting High Schoolers with its Lloyd F. Hutt Scholarship.