In this kickoff episode of Talking Cents & Making Change, Alison and Michelle share practical, realistic tips to help you save more, budget smarter, and set financial goals you can actually stick to. From easy savings habits to stress-free budgeting strategies, we break down how small changes can lead to big progress.

Plus, learn how your credit union’s tools, products, and resources can help support your goals and stick around for our brand-new Weekly Goal Hook, where we leave you with one simple action you can take right now to move your finances forward.

Let’s make 2026 your strongest financial year yet.

The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed in this podcast are the speaker’s own and do not represent the views, thoughts, and opinions of Alpena Alcona Area (Credit Union) and should not be considered as business, financial, tax, legal or other advice. Should you decide to act on any information contained in this podcast, you do so at your own risk. The content is the intellectual property of AAACU and may not be reused or republished without consent. While the information in this podcast has been verified to the best of our abilities, we cannot guarantee that there are no mistakes or errors. The material and information presented here is for general information purposes only and may contain copyrighted material the use of which has not always been specifically authorized by the copyright owner and constitutes ‘fair use’ of any such copyrighted material as provided for in section 107 of the US Copyright Law. The "Alpena Alcona Area Credit Union" name and all forms and abbreviations are the property of its owner, and its use does not imply endorsement of or opposition to any specific organization, product, or service. Federally Insured by the NCUA and Equal Housing Opportunity Lender.

In this episode of Talking Cents and Making Change, Alison and Michelle take a moment to reflect on everything 2025 brought our way. From impactful conversations around homeownership, financial literacy, and travel safety to meaningful partnerships and community outreach, this episode recaps the moments that mattered most.

Whether you’ve been with us all year or are just tuning in, this episode is the perfect way to wrap up 2025 and look ahead with confidence.

The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed in this podcast are the speaker’s own and do not represent the views, thoughts, and opinions of Alpena Alcona Area (Credit Union) and should not be considered as business, financial, tax, legal or other advice. Should you decide to act on any information contained in this podcast, you do so at your own risk. The content is the intellectual property of AAACU and may not be reused or republished without consent. While the information in this podcast has been verified to the best of our abilities, we cannot guarantee that there are no mistakes or errors. The material and information presented here is for general information purposes only and may contain copyrighted material the use of which has not always been specifically authorized by the copyright owner and constitutes ‘fair use’ of any such copyrighted material as provided for in section 107 of the US Copyright Law. The "Alpena Alcona Area Credit Union" name and all forms and abbreviations are the property of its owner, and its use does not imply endorsement of or opposition to any specific organization, product, or service. Federally Insured by the NCUA and Equal Housing Opportunity Lender.

In this episode of Talking Cents and Making Change, Alison and Michelle sit down with returning guest Ashley from AAACU’s Plastic Card Department to break down the most common holiday scams and how to avoid becoming a victim.

From ghost tapping to non-delivery scams, auction fraud, and gift-card traps, this conversation guides listeners through what to watch for, how to protect themselves, and what to do if something goes wrong.

The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed in this podcast are the speaker’s own and do not represent the views, thoughts, and opinions of Alpena Alcona Area (Credit Union) and should not be considered as business, financial, tax, legal or other advice. Should you decide to act on any information contained in this podcast, you do so at your own risk. The content is the intellectual property of AAACU and may not be reused or republished without consent. While the information in this podcast has been verified to the best of our abilities, we cannot guarantee that there are no mistakes or errors. The material and information presented here is for general information purposes only and may contain copyrighted material the use of which has not always been specifically authorized by the copyright owner and constitutes ‘fair use’ of any such copyrighted material as provided for in section 107 of the US Copyright Law. The "Alpena Alcona Area Credit Union" name and all forms and abbreviations are the property of its owner, and its use does not imply endorsement of or opposition to any specific organization, product, or service. Federally Insured by the NCUA and Equal Housing Opportunity Lender.