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Welcome to Season 6 of Making It Count! We’re kicking things off with a deep dive into the world of online banking and digital financial tools. Cristina and Addison are back behind the mic to explore how digital banking is changing the way we manage money—from security features like card controls and biometric authentication to budgeting tools, savings automation, and business banking benefits. ing us for the season premiere is Camryn Sanchez from Addition Financial Credit Union, who shares expert insights into the features you should be using in your mobile or online banking app. Whether you're looking to simplify your money management, stay on top of financial goals, or run your business more efficiently, this episode will help you make the most of the tools already at your fingertips. Links: https://www.additionfi.com/about-us/digital-banking

Trailer - S6 of Making it Count

According to USA Today, Pew Research Center found that around 22 million employed adults in the U.S. work from home all the time. Working remotely can offer more flexibility, but how does it impact your finances? On this episode, Cristina and Randy spoke with Lauren and Justin, who work remotely as Director of Strategy and Development Director at GreenHouse Agency. Links: - Addition Financial Resource Center: https://resources.additionfi.com/ - Learn more about Addition Financial: https://hubs.la/H0zbJ0W0 - Making It Count, Season 4, Episode 9: https://resources.additionfi.com/money-fun-going-abroad

On Credit.com, it was reported that the total average cost of owning a dog per year can range from $773 to $1,848. If you’re a cat person, the total annual cost tends to range from $788 to $1,693. Responsible pet owners will need to understand what the potential expenses are when taking in a furry friend. On this episode, Crisitna and Randy gain helpful insight from Bethany Hsia, Doctor of Veterinary Medicine and the co-founder of CodaPet. Links: – Addition Financial Resource Center: https://resources.additionfi.com/ – Learn more about CodaPet: https://www.codapet.com/about

Deal News reported that student discounts typically take around 10%-15% off of qualifying purchases, but you'll find some places that offer 50% off or even higher. There are many ways for students to boost their finances in college, and Crisitna and Randy brought on a local expert to share more tips. Hear from Randy Pawlowski, Director of Student Development at Seminole State College. Links: - Find Season 1, Episode 9, A Crash Course on College Finances here: resources.additionfi.com/college-finances - Learn more about Addition Financial: hubs.la/H0zbJ0W0 - Learn more about Seminole State College: www.seminolestate.edu/

According to WalletHub, 85% of college students already have a credit card. It's tempting to keep accepting new credit card and loan offers, especially with the freedom to make big purchases. However, it’s important to make informed decisions. Cristina and Randy sat down with Gabrian Calkins, Assistant Manager of Consumer Lending at Addition Financial, for some expert insight. - Addition Financial Resource Center: https://resources.additionfi.com/ - Learn more about Addition Financial: https://hubs.la/H0zbJ0W0 - Learn more about Seminole State College: https://www.seminolestate.edu/

In this episode, hosts Cristina and Randy delve into the complexities of financing a college degree. With millions of students facing student loan debt, CEO Chuky Ofoegbu from Sojourning Scholar s the discussion to demystify financial aid options. Covering everything from applying for student loans and avoiding FAFSA mistakes to exploring grants and scholarships like Bright Futures, they equip students with essential knowledge. In the rapid-fire round, they address differences between federal and private loans, scholarship application tips, and more. Learn more about the Addition Financial Foundation: https://foundation.additionfi.com/ Learn More about Sojourning Scholar: https://sojourningscholar.com/

In this episode of Making It Count, Randy and Cristina discuss the importance of avoiding fraud, noting the rise in credit card fraud cases. They share personal anecdotes and introduce guests Lee and Paul, IT experts from Addition Financial. The discussion covers common scams to watch for in 2024, red flags of financial scams, and tips for managing s and sensitive information online. They emphasize checking bank statements regularly and reporting suspected fraud to the FTC, banks, or the BBB. Addition Financial Fraud Blog: resources.additionfi.com/fraudulent-activity-transactions Learn More about Addition Financial: www.additionfi.com/

In this episode, Cristina and Randy discuss how to plan a wedding without breaking the bank. Special guest Jessica Bishop, creator of The Budget Savvy Bride, shares insights on managing wedding costs, finding deals from vendors, and creative ways to save on venues, food, and decorations. They also cover often-overlooked expenses and tips for effective budget tracking. Previous Wedding Episode from Season 2: resources.additionfi.com/wedding-budget Learn More about The Budget Savvy Bride: thebudgetsavvybride.com/ Learn More about Addition Financial: www.additionfi.com/

In this episode, hosts Cristina and Randy explore smart renting practices and red flags to watch out for. With 34% of U.S. housing units occupied by renters, there's a lot to consider when leasing. Real estate expert David Pupo s the discussion to share essential tips on what to look for in a rental agreement, finding reliable roommates, identifying potential rental scams, and understanding additional fees like renter’s insurance and pet rent. How to Save Money for a House Down Payment While Renting Article: https://resources.additionfi.com/how-to-save-for-a-house Learn more about Addition Financial: https://www.additionfi.com/ Learn more about Orange Blossom Homes: https://www.myobhomes.com/

In this episode, hosts Cristina and Randy tackle the often mystifying realm of paychecks. With over half of Americans confused about like HSA and FSA, Brandon and Andrew from Addition Financial the discussion to shed light on paycheck breakdowns. They cover gross vs. net pay, types of deductions, common W-4 mistakes, and the differences between HSAs and FSAs. Exploring tax brackets and maximizing earnings, they offer valuable insights to help listeners navigate their paychecks more effectively. The Expert Bi-Weekly Paycheck Budget & Savings Plan: resources.additionfi.com/bi-weekly-savings-plan Learn More about Addition Financial: additionfi.com/

Welcome to the Season 5 premiere of Making It Count! In this episode, hosts Cristina and Randy explore expert ways to boost your savings. They discuss the importance of understanding different savings s and strategies with guest expert Dan Sheerin from Addition Financial. From retirement planning to debt management, Dan shares valuable insights to help listeners maximize their savings potential. Plus, they tackle common misconceptions and provide actionable tips for establishing healthy savings habits. us as we kick off another season of empowering financial advice on Making It Count! Resources: Money Management Tips: pages.additionfi.com/money-management-guide Learn more about Addition Financial: additionfi.com/

Introducing Season 5 of Making it Count

As we navigate the various stages of life, each one presents unique milestones. Yet, are we ever truly financially ready for these transitions? According to Annuity.org, 25% of Americans claim they lack a reliable source for financial advice. In the exciting season 4 finale of "Making it Count," we’re hoping to leave you with some valuable guidance for every life stage. Cristina and Randy welcome their financially savvy friends, Katelyn Justice, Gabrian Calkins, and Leon LaChance from Addition Financial. Together, they share insightful financial tips for each stage of life! Links: – Addition Financial Resource Center: https://resources.additionfi.com/ – Learn more about Addition Financial: https://hubs.la/H0zbJ0W0

Who can resist the excitement of shopping, especially when you find a hard-to-resist coupon? According to Statista, about 90 percent of shoppers in the United States use coupons! In this fun episode of “Making it Count” we're diving into the world of shopping hacks that promise to keep your wallet happy. Cristina and Randy are ed by their money-smart friend, James Anderson, founder and CEO of SmartMov, and together they unpack everything you need to know about scoring the hottest deals! Links: – Addition Financial Resource Center: https://resources.additionfi.com/ – Learn more about Addition Financial: https://hubs.la/H0zbJ0W0 —SmartMov: https://www.smartmov.co/ —Connect with James on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-anderson-726413b2/

Inflation is a topic that often elicits a sense of stress and concern. According to AP news, last year, in 2022, the average inflation rate was around 8% and reached a peak of 9.1% — which is the highest it's been in 40 years! However, don’t panic. There are effective methods that can help you navigate the potential impacts of inflation — and this episode of Making it Count will teach you how! With the help of Miriam Mitchell, a Chief Lending Officer at Addition Financial Federal Credit Union, Cristina and Randy take a deep dive into different financial strategies to beat inflation.

Traveling internationally can seem intimidating, but according to Pew Research Center, over 70% of Americans have done it! On this exciting episode of Making it Count, we’re preparing you with all the traveling tips and tricks for you to start booking those long awaited trips abroad — without breaking the bank!. Today, we’re ed by our money smart friends, Jeremy and Jenna, your go-to guides for travel tips and destination inspiration. With their help, Cristina and Randy do a tell-all into everything international travel on a budget. Links: – Addition Financial Resource Center: https://resources.additionfi.com/ – Quench Your Adventure: https://quenchyouradventure.com/ – Learn more about Addition Financial: https://hubs.la/H0zbJ0W0 – Travel Spend https://travel-spend.com/ – Too Good to Go https://www.toogoodtogo.com/en-us – World Packers https://www.worldpackers.com/

Did you know that 65 percent of Americans actually get their staycation inspiration from family and friends? On this episode of Making it Count, we’ve got you covered with all sorts of tips and tricks of planning a great staycation, all while staying within budget. With the help of Lauren Holloway, a content creator and local travel expert, Cristina and Randy dive into all sorts of staycation inspiration all while staying budget friendly! Links: –Addition Financial Resource Center: https://resources.additionfi.com –Sunshine and Keylime: https://sunshineandkeylime.com –Learn more about Addition Financial: https://hubs.la/H0zbJ0W0

Over two-thirds of Americans are budgeting for their travel this year, and more than half have cut back or changed their plans due to the economy. But no matter your budget, you can still plan a great vacation—and this episode of Making it Count will teach you how! With the help of Donna Shields, a vacation planning expert and travel blogger, Cristina and Randy take a deep dive into how you can turn travel planning from a chore into part of the fun while saving money along the way. –Addition Financial Resource Center: https://resources.additionfi.com/ –Open Mind Adventure: https://openmindadventure.com/ –Learn more about Addition Financial: https://hubs.la/H0zbJ0W0

Did you know it’s the best job seeker’s market in more than 50 years? In this episode of Making it Count, Randy and Cristina take a closer look at all things professional growth, from job hunting to nailing interviews to snagging that promotion you’ve been gunning for. They’re ed by Natalie Nieves, Recruiter at Addition Financial Credit Union, for an insider perspective from the hiring side of the process. Spoiler alert: spend less time on cover letters and more time on your virtual interview setup! Links: –Addition Financial Resource Center: https://resources.additionfi.com/ –Addition Financial Careers: https://www.additionfi.com/careers –How to Start Your Career with the Best Foot Forward: https://resources.additionfi.com/starting-a-new-career –Learn more about Addition Financial: https://hubs.la/H0zbJ0W0