PODCAST · education
Wallet Wisdom
by Lake Michigan Credit Union
Welcome to the Wallet Wisdom podcast, presented by Lake Michigan Credit Union. Wallet Wisdom helps breakdown the in's & out's of financial aspects to bring answers to some of banking's more confusing and complex questions.At LMCU, our members trust us with their homes, earnings, and financial wellness. We take that trust very seriously. Wallet Wisdom is our way of helping our listeners better understand the financial world and how it relates to you.
Episodes
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Episode 70: Is Building Actually Cheaper?
Building a home can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re trying to figure out how much you need to put down, how construction financing works, and whether building is actually more affordable than buying an existing home. In this episode of Wallet Wisdom, Brett sits down with Luther, an LMCU...
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Episode 69: They're Tryin to Scam You
Fraud and scams are becoming more sophisticated, more frequent and harder to recognize. In this week’s Wallet Wisdom episode, Brett sits down with Natalie, a Market Leader at LMCU, to talk about the scams and fraud attempts she has encountered firsthand and the warning signs everyone should know....
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Episode 68: College Money Mistakes
College is an exciting time, but it can also be the first time many students are responsible for managing their own money. In this week’s Wallet Wisdom episode, Brett sits down with Brenton, a Market Leader at LMCU, to talk about the financial decisions students face when starting college and the...
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Episode 67: Mid-Year Money Reset
In this episode of Wallet Wisdom, Brett sits down with Savannah and Ann Marie from LMCU to discuss why a mid-year financial check-up can make a big difference in reaching your money goals. Whether you're trying to save more, reduce debt, or simply gain a better understanding of where your money…
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Episode 66: How to Prepare Your Wallet for the Holiday Season
The holidays may feel far away during the summer months, but preparing for holiday expenses early can make a big difference when the season arrives. In this episode of Wallet Wisdom, Brett sits down with Mary, Valrico Market Leader at LMCU, to discuss how listeners can start planning, saving, and...
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Episode 65: America's Original People-Over-Profits Story
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…
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Episode 64: Money Habits for Graduates
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...
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Episode 63: I Can Do What With My Equity?!
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...
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Episode 62: Growing Your Small Business
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...
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Episode 61: Rent or Own? The Truth Explained
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:...
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Episode 60: Raising Money-Smart Kids
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…
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Episode 59: Fraud Is Evolving - What You Need to Know to Stay Safe
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...
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Episode 58: Making Your Tax Refund Really Work for You
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…
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Episode 57: From Stress to Confidence: Building Better Money Habits the Mindful Way
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...
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Episode 56: SMART Financial Goals: How to Build Better Money Habits
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…
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Episode 55: From the Classroom to the Community
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...
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Episode 54: LMCU – Past, Present, and Future
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...
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Episode 53: The Credit Union Difference
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…
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Episode 52: Mastering Financial Wellness
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...
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Episode 51: How The Latest Fed Rates Impact Your Budget & Borrowing Power
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…
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Episode 50: The Power of V.A. Loans
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.
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Episode 49: How to Manage Your Cost of Living
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!
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Episode 48: Avoid Being Scammed
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.
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Episode 47: Band Together for Pediatric Health
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...
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Episode 46: DIY Projects Made Easy
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…
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Episode 45: Financial Literacy Month
Join hosts Brett and Aldina as they share about how LMCU is helping those in and around our communities, grow in their financial knowledge.
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Episode 44: Ways to Reduce Your Insurance Premiums
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.
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Episode 43: Top 5 Financial Goals to Kickstart 2024
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.
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Episode 42: 2023 Year In Review
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.
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Episode 41: HUTT Scholarship
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.
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Episode 40: Celebrating 90 Years Strong
Join hosts Brett and LO as they celebrate LMCU's 90th birthday with special guest, SVP of Retail Operations - Sara Kemperman! Sara shares memories and perspectives that she has experianced over the last 27 years working for Lake Michigan Credit Union, and how the company has evolved over time.
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Episode 39: The last generation to start from scratch
Join hosts Brett and Lo, as they welcome Dondrea Brown, Founder/Owner of Young Money Finance. Dondrea shares how he is helping those in his community grow their wealth, and become the last generation to start from scratch.
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Episode 38: Leveraging SBA Loans to grow your small business
Are you ready to take your entrepreneurial dreams to new heights? Join hosts Brett and Lo, as they welcome Javier Jorge, SBA director at LMCU, to explore the world of small businesses and SBA loans.
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Episode 37: Strategies to lower your cost of living
The cost of living is rising. But good news! We have tips that can help you. Join Brett and Lo as they welcome Community Relations Manager, Aldina Babic to talk through several methods that can help you save.
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Episode 36: Getting the most out of your home's equity
What’s the best way to tap into your home’s equity? What can a home equity loan be used for and does it have to be used for home improvement? Join Brett and Lo as they welcome Home Equity Director, Erin Burdick-Bloom to talk through these questions.
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Episode 35: How to buy your first home | Part 2
Hosts Brett and Lo discuss dream homes, changing rates, and other first-time home buying considerations with Meg Dunn, VP of Mortgage Production, and Janice Hurt, Mortgage Support Manager.
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Episode 34: How to buy your first home | Part 1
Hosts Brett and Lo discuss dream homes, changing rates, and other first-time home buying considerations with Meg Dunn, VP of Mortgage Production, and Janice Hurt, Mortgage Support Manager.
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Episode 33: Top Tips For Tax Season
With tax season in full swing, making sure you're prepared can be a daunting task. Join Brett and Lo as they talk with, CPA and Davenport University professor, Gail Emmit about filing taxes and programs to help with that.
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Episode 32: Getting the most out of your HSA
HSAs are often one of the best-kept secrets when thinking about you're savings. Brett and Lo, kick off the new year with IRA/HSA Manager, Val Kiliszewski, as they learn the benefits of a Health Savings Account, and how it can be used.
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Episode 31: How To Spot Fraud
Don't let scammers get you in 2023! Join Brett and Lo with special guest Troy Baker, BBB'S VP of Community Relations, to learn how to spot fraud and what to do when it happens to you.
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Episode 30: Santa Squad 2022 Sneak Peek
At LMCU we spread joy by giving. Join Brett and Lo as they welcome Bobbi and Monse from our community relations team and talk Santa Squad, a community-focused program that emphasizes giving during the holiday season. Also, tune in to hear from an extra special guest, who came all the way from the...
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Episode 29: Holiday Spending on a Budget
With the holiday season right around the corner, how do you prepare your budget without overburdening yourself? Join Brett and Lo as they welcome special guest, Community Relations Manager, Aldina Babic. Aldina discusses proactive methods for listeners to start a savings plan now and how to…
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Episode 28: When is the best time to purchase a home?
You want to purchase a home, but you’re not sure on the timing. Join Brett and Lo as they welcome special guest, Senior Vice President of Mortgage, Eric Burgoon. Eric discusses several factors home buyers should consider when getting a mortgage, and that burning question: fluctuating rates.
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Episode 27: Using Credit Cards to Your Advantage
It’s that age old question: should I get a credit card? Join Brett and Lo as they welcome special guest, Member Service Representative, Jon Schmiedicke. Jon debunks common myths surrounding credit cards and explains how responsible use can benefit your financial future.
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Episode 26: Ideas to Make College Tuition More Affordable
With grad season in full swing, host’s Brett & Lo welcome back to the podcast, Matt Cook & Joe Batt-Capps, as they share ways to help make college tuition more affordable. From scholarships & tuition discounts, to how even your home's equity could help cut costs when looking to pay for college...
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Episode 25: Remodeling Your House Using Your Home Equity
Join hosts Brett & Lo, as they learn from LMCU Branch Manager, Spencer Miller, about ways to use our home equity to finance those Spring/Summer home projects. Also on the show to share tips on how DIY can save you money, special guest, Executive Director of Home Repair Services of Kent County…
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Episode 24: Financial Skills to Make Better Financial Decisions
Join hosts, Brett & Lo, as they talk with guest, Aldina Babic. As LMCU’s Community Relations Manager, Aldina shares new perspectives on how financial literacy can be a family mindset.
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Episode 23: What To Know About 2022’s Tax Changes
Join hosts Brett & Lo, as they learn about some of the new tax changes for 2022, with special guest, Jim Blakeslee. As LMCU’s Sr. VP of Wealth Management, Jim provides some great perspectives to consider to help navigate your taxes, as well as ways to save where you can.
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Episode 22: What To Consider When Consolidating Debt
Join hosts Brett & Lo, as they help breakdown ideas to help consolidate debt, with special guest, Alicia Force. As LMCU’s VP of Consumer Lending, Alicia provides some great tips to consider to help lower your monthly bills, and reduce your high interest credit cards. Make 2022 your year to get…
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Episode 21: 2022 Home Market Forecast
Considering making a move or refinancing your home this year? Before the spring market heats up, get the scoop from our very own Meg Dunn, Vice President of Mortgage Production, on what experts are forecasting for rates, home values, and home inventory.
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
Welcome to the Wallet Wisdom podcast, presented by Lake Michigan Credit Union. Wallet Wisdom helps breakdown the in's & out's of financial aspects to bring answers to some of banking's more confusing and complex questions.At LMCU, our members trust us with their homes, earnings, and financial wellness. We take that trust very seriously. Wallet Wisdom is our way of helping our listeners better understand the financial world and how it relates to you.
HOSTED BY
Lake Michigan Credit Union
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Wallet Wisdom have?
Wallet Wisdom currently has 70 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Wallet Wisdom about?
Welcome to the Wallet Wisdom podcast, presented by Lake Michigan Credit Union. Wallet Wisdom helps breakdown the in's & out's of financial aspects to bring answers to some of banking's more confusing and complex questions.At LMCU, our members trust us with their homes, earnings, and financial...
How often does Wallet Wisdom release new episodes?
Wallet Wisdom has 70 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
Where can I listen to Wallet Wisdom?
You can listen to Wallet Wisdom on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Wallet Wisdom?
Wallet Wisdom is created and hosted by Lake Michigan Credit Union.
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