In this episode, Andy talks about the essential financial habits that everyone needs. Whether you are just starting out on your financial journey or have been on it awhile, you will benefit from the tips Andy shares! For more information, please visit us at Smarter Money Life. You can also view this episode with captions here: Smarter Money Life on…

In this episode, Andy talks with Chelsea Coleman, a Mortgage Loan Originator at FORUM, about what first-time homebuyers should expect - everything from down payments to credit scores to PMI. If you are thinking of buying your first home, you will want to check out this episode! For more information, please visit us at Smarter Money Life. You can al…

In this episode Benji sits down with Bryson Murray, Indirect Sales Manager at FORUM Credit Union, to discuss the pros and cons of buying vs. leasing. Disclosure: This material is provided for informational purposes only and is prepared without regard to the investment objectives, financial situation, or needs of any investor. The material is not in…

In this episode, Andy talks through the situations where people could use a financial advisor or coach. Spoiler Alert: most people would benefit from an advisor or coach during their lifetime! Check out this episode and see how a financial advisor or coach could help you reach your financial goals. For more information, please visit us at Smarter M…

In this episode, Andy talks with Tammy Marrs, Senior Financial Advisor with FORUM's Private Client Group, about important investing tips when dealing with a turbulent market. This episode is helpful for everyone because Andy and Tammy share great advice whether you are just getting started or have a huge investment portfolio. For more information, …

In this episode, Shaun and Benji discuss good debt, bad debt, and how to use both sides of the balance sheet effectively for your own personal financial planning. Disclosure: This material is provided for informational purposes only and is prepared without regard to the investment objectives, financial situation, or needs of any investor. The mater…

In this episode, Andy goes in-depth on simple steps you can take to recession proof your financial life. Whether you are concerned about a world-wide recession, a recession in the US, or even just a personal recession, you are not going to want to miss these helpful tips! For more information, please visit us at Smarter Money Life. You can also vie…

In this episode, Andy talks with Louie Wendall, Financial Coach, about important ways to manage your money when you are just starting out or new to living on your own. If you are just starting out on your own, this episode will help by giving you tips to get started on the right foot! For more information, please visit us at Smarter Money Life. You…

In this episode Benji sits down with Jeff Hess, RIA Consultant for Palladium Group, to round out our last episode in our risk management focused series. Disclosure: This material is provided for informational purposes only and is prepared without regard to the investment objectives, financial situation, or needs of any investor. The material is not…

In this episode, Andy talks with Ian Keeler, attorney at Clapp Ferrucci, about estate planning. This topic is beneficial for everyone and Ian gives great advice you're going to want to hear. For more information, please visit us at Smarter Money Life. You can also view this episode with captions here: Smarter Money Life on YouTube. Reference to, or…

In this episode, Shaun sits down with Andrew Flittner of Independent Senior Insurance to discuss health insurance options. If you would like a consultation with Andrew, please visit https://tinyurl.com/mtetkj2x. For more information, please visit www.forumcu.com/pcg. Disclosure: This material is provided for informational purposes only and is prepa…

In this episode, Andy talks with Nicole and Annie, co-founders of the My First Nest Egg app, about all the ways My First Nest Egg helps teach kids about money. If you have a child or grandchild, you are not going to want to miss this introduction to My First Nest Egg! For more information, please visit us at Smarter Money Life. You can also view th…

In this episode, Andy goes through several key money concepts your 18-year-old needs to understand before going out on their own. If you have a teenager, you are not going to want to miss these helpful tips! For more information, please visit us at Smarter Money Life. You can also view this episode with captions here: Smarter Money Life on YouTube.…

In this episode, Andy goes through a few key steps to make your home buying or building process smoother. Check out these excellent tips! For more information, please visit us at Smarter Money Life. You can also view this episode with captions here: Smarter Money Life on YouTube. Reference to, or information about, any specific product or service b…

In this episode, Benji sits down with Kali DeWitt Rodgers of DeWitt Insurance Group to discuss risk management and various insurance options. Disclosure: This material is provided for informational purposes only and is prepared without regard to the investment objectives, financial situation, or needs of any investor. The material is not intended, …

In this episode, Andy talks with human resources industry veteran and current Executive Coach Mentor at Butler University, Randy Brown. They will discuss how to develop criteria to help you identify what is important to you in a job search and how to evaluate multiple job offers. You are not going to want to miss the important information shared! F…

In this episode, Andy chats with Andrew Snow, Financial Coach from SafisLife, about how couples can acheive financial bliss and maintain a healthy relationship. You're not going to want to miss the helpful tips in this episode! For more information, please visit us at Smarter Money Life. You can also view this episode with captions here: Smarter Mo…

In this episode, Andy dives into a topic that is crucial for anyone looking to secure their financial future: smart retirement moves for those who are 40 years old or older. For more information, please visit us at Smarter Money Life. You can also view this episode with captions here: Smarter Money Life on YouTube. Reference to, or information abou…

In this episode, Shaun and Benji cover various areas of insurance and how they play a pivotal role in your overall financial plan. For more information, please visit www.forumcu.com/pcg This material is provided for informational purposes only and is prepared without regard to the investment objectives, financial situation, or needs of any investor…

In this episode, Andy chats with Charles Grigsby, CFP®, Financial Advisor with FORUM Private Client Group about investing basics. You won't want to miss all the helpful tips! For more information, please visit us at Smarter Money Life. You can also view this episode with captions here: Smarter Money Life on YouTube. Reference to, or information abo…

In this episode, Shaun sits down with economist Bryce Gill to discuss economic insights for 2025, including commentary on opportunity and risks that we are observing in the year to come. For more information, please visit www.forumcu.com/pcg. This material is provided for informational purposes only and is prepared without regard to the investment …

In this episode, Andy dives into several financial resolutions to help you improve your financial success in 2025. For more information, please visit us at Smarter Money Life. You can also view this episode with captions here: Smarter Money Life on YouTube. Reference to, or information about, any specific product or service by name, trademark, trad…

Welcome to the Smarter Money Life Podcast hosted by Andy Mattingly! The purpose of this podcast is to delve into two topics each month so that we can all learn more about our money, how to use it, and how to be better at living our financial dreams. Stay tuned for new episodes, special guests, and financial tips & tools! For more videos, tips, and …

In this episode, Andy explores various tools and resources that can help you make better financial decisions and reach your financial goals. For more information, please visit us at Smarter Money Life. You can also view this episode with captions here: Smarter Money Life on YouTube. Reference to, or information about, any specific product or servic…

Join Stacey Bryant, Director of Business Development at Cornerstone Advisors, as she tackles the challenges and opportunities shaping today’s credit unions. From succession planning and leveraging data to reaching underserved communities, this episode explores key strategies for staying true to credit union values while adapting to new generations …

In this episode, Andy is joined by FORUM's AVP of Fraud Loss Prevention, Sherry Jacobson, to discuss different financial scams that tend to be more prevalent around the holiday season. They go over the red flags to look out for, what to do if you do fall victim to these scams, and share real-life stories of how FORUM was able to stop members from f…

Eric Berg, Co-Founder and President of NetGiver, shares valuable insights on how credit unions can harness cause marketing to strengthen community ties and amplify their impact. Discover the innovative NetGiver platform, which empowers credit unions to sponsor donations, enhancing member loyalty while supporting local nonprofits. The discussion div…

Sean Thornton, Managing VP at Robert Half, delves into the key challenges facing credit unions today. In this episode, you'll explore the talent shortages caused by retirements, the crucial role of succession planning, and effective strategies to attract and retain specialized professionals in roles like CFOs and risk management. Tune in to discove…

John Deering from Capstone Strategic explores the transformative power of credit union service organizations (CUSOs) in helping credit unions deepen member engagement, diversify income streams, and achieve strategic growth. This episode features insights on prioritization, risk-taking, and practical tools like adjacency mapping to guide long-term s…

Renee Fry, CEO, and Julie Fry, CMO of Gentreo, discuss how their innovative platform is making estate planning affordable, accessible, and tech-savvy. From digital vaults to lifelong solutions, Gentreo supports individuals and families through life’s big moments while empowering credit unions to offer valuable tools that protect what matters most. …

Tune in for our 7th episode as Shaun and Benji provide end-of-the-year planning opportunities that all tax payers should/could take advantage of! For more information, please visit www.forumcu.com/pcg This material is provided for informational purposes only and is prepared without regard to the investment objectives, financial situation, or needs …

In this episode, Andy is joined by Erin Schmidt, FORUM’s AVP of Mortgage Processing, to go through the home-buying process. They cover appraisals vs. inspections, prequalification vs. preapproval, how to qualify for a lower down payment, and much more. For more information, please visit us at Smarter Money Life. You can also view this episode with …

In this episode, Andy gives us tips for preparing for the financial impact of the holidays and how we can improve our financial habits. He discusses making a list and a budget, not buying everything from one place, focusing on value instead of price, and more. For more information, please visit us at Smarter Money Life. You can also view this episo…

In this episode, Benji is joined by Susan Adinamis of Adinamis and Saunders, P.C. to discuss estate planning. First, they discuss the basics of estate planning and what the everyday consumer should have from an estate plan. Then, they dive deeper into advanced topics, such as the estate tax exclusion. For more information on FORUM Private Client Gr…

In this episode, Andy shares how to get your budget back on track when it goes off the rails. He discusses spending problems, trying different budgeting methods, unexpected expenses, accountability partners, and more. For more information, please visit us at Smarter Money Life. You can also view this episode with captions here: Smarter Money Life o…

In this episode, Andy is joined by FORUM's VP of Human Resources, Anne Wiseman, to discuss making the most of your employee benefits. They cover health plans, HSAs, child care, employee assistance plans, and more. For more information, please visit us at Smarter Money Life. You can also view this episode with captions here: Smarter Money Life on Yo…

In this episode, Benji and Shaun continue their discussion on tax planning with a focus on charitable giving. They cover three key areas; giving from tax accounts, giving from tax-advantaged accounts, and when you need to consider different giving strategies. For more information, please visit www.forumcu.com/pcg This material is provided for infor…

In this episode, Andy talks about how you can live both a frugal and extravagant lifestyle at the same time. He discusses how cutting down on daily or monthly expenses can help you save up for all of the fun things you want to do. For more information, please visit us at Smarter Money Life. You can also view this episode with captions here: Smarter…

In this episode, Andy is joined by FORUM's AVP of Consumer Lending, Nicole Royle, to discuss what it takes to be a good borrowing prospect. They talk about reasons why people may not get approved for loans, when a cosigner might be helpful, different ways to raise your credit score, and more. For more information, please visit us at Smarter Money L…

In this episode, Benji and Shaun dig deeper into tax planning with a focus on tax deferral and how tax-advantaged accounts can help you with your overall planning. For more information, please visit www.forumcu.com/pcg This material is provided for informational purposes only and is prepared without regard to the investment objectives, financial si…

In this episode, Andy talks about some of the financial concepts you might want to start talking to your kids about if they're planning to leave home soon. He covers spending plans, student perks & deals, taking care of their own accounts, being cautious with payment apps, and more. For more information, please visit us at Smarter Money Life. You c…

In this episode, Andy sits down with 20-something Meredith to discuss financial dos and don'ts and the financial conversations you should be having in your 20s. They talk about paying off student loans, starting to save for retirement, and time management between work, volunteering, and personal time! For more information, please visit us at Smarte…

In this episode, Benji and Shaun discuss how taxes interact with your investment portfolios. They discuss the two primary taxes that affect investment portfolios, aside from ordinary income, which are capital gains and dividends. For more information, please visit www.forumcu.com/pcg This material is provided for informational purposes only and is …

In this episode, Andy shares multiple different budgeting methods and the importance of finding a budget that works for your unique situation. He covers the 50/30/20 budget, 50/15/5 budget, weekly spending plan, budget pies, and more. For more information, please visit us at Smarter Money Life. You can also view this episode with captions here: Sma…

In this episode, Andy is joined by soon-to-be new dad and FORUM's Assistant VP of Accounting, Jim Catanzarite to discuss financial planning when you're expecting. They cover financial changes you may need to make, surprise expenses, saving for college, and more. For more information, please visit us at Smarter Money Life. You can also view this epi…

In this episode, Shaun and Benji continue the discussion around the basics of Financial Planning, providing examples of how having a Financial Plan can help with making personal financial decisions. For more information, please visit www.forumcu.com/pcg This material is provided for informational purposes only and is prepared without regard to the …

In this episode, Andy shares with us important financial discussions that we should be having with significant others when things start to get serious. He touches on making sure that your financial goals are aligned, sharing financial responsibilities and obligations, and being open about each other's relationship with money. For more information, …

Join us on the CU Strategy Forum Podcast, where your host Paul Bresenden dives into the intricacies of backup servicing with industry expert Blythe Lawton. As the SVP of Marketing and Development at Vervent, Blythe brings over seven years of experience in Fintech and financial services, navigating the challenges and triumphs of a rapidly growing co…

In this episode, Andy is joined by Paul Moore, Assistant Vice President of Technology Infrastructure at FORUM, to discuss how to keep yourself and your finances safe online. Andy asks questions about password security, sharing too much information online, and how to be careful while connecting devices to your home Wi-Fi network. For more informatio…

In this episode, Benji and Shaun introduce the basics of Financial Planning, focusing specifically on who may benefit from establishing a long-term financial plan and how to get started. For more information, please visit www.forumcu.com/pcg This material is provided for informational purposes only and is prepared without regard to the investment o…