Connections Podcast Series: A Guide to Youth Savings
Teaching kids and teens to save is one of the most overlooked topics in personal finance, and in this episode, we’re breaking down exactly how to start.
We cover why saving early matters (hint: it’s not about the dollar amount, it’s about building habits, patience, and confidence) and walk through three youth savings accounts designed for every age and stage:
🐻 Berenstain Bears® Cub Club Savings Account — built for our youngest savers, with tokens and rewards that make saving feel like a game.
💰 Youth Club Savings Account — the next step up, giving older kids and teens flexibility and real ownership over their money.
📈 Youth Certificate — a 12-month certificate earning 4.00% APY plus the young saver’s age. We break down a real example showing how compounding and birthday-driven rate bumps can grow $5,000 into $6,443 over five years.
Whether you’re a parent, grandparent, or just someone who wants to help a young saver in your life, this episode gives you a game plan.
Connections Podcast Series: Building Your Emergency Fund
Unexpected expenses can happen at any time, from car repairs and medical bills to job loss or home emergencies. That’s why having an emergency fund is an important part of building financial confidence and stability.
In this episode of the Connections Podcast, Alyssa and Kayleigh discuss what an emergency fund is, how much you may want to save, where to keep it, and when it makes sense to use it. We also share practical tips for getting started, even if your first savings goal is small.
Connections Podcast Series: Technology Scams
Technology scams are getting smarter and harder to spot. In this episode of the Connections Podcast, Alyssa Wentworth breaks down three common tech scams you need to know right now: AI deepfakes, fake tech support pop-ups, and QR code scams. Learn the warning signs, how scammers create urgency, and simple steps you can take to protect your personal and financial information online.
From cloned voices and realistic fake videos to alarming browser alerts and suspicious QR codes, this episode will help you slow down, double-check, and stay safer in today’s digital world.
If something feels off, it probably is. Stay alert, trust your instincts, and share this episode with someone who could use these tips.
Connections Podcast Series: Smart Budgeting for Real Life
Feeling overwhelmed by your finances? In this episode of Connections Podcast, we break down real-life budgeting strategies that work. From paying yourself first to simple systems like reverse budgeting and no-spend reset weeks, we’re sharing practical tips to help you take control of your money, without sacrificing the things you enjoy.
Listen now and start building a smarter spending plan today!
Connections Podcast Series: Romance Scams
Don’t let a “swipe right” turn into a financial nightmare.
Love is in the air — but so are romance scammers. They don’t want your heart; they want your bank account.
In our latest episode of The Connections Podcast, we’re pulling back the curtain on how these frauds operate. Join Amy Jeremay (AVP of Compliance) and Kayleigh Pylant (Member Experience Manager) as they share:
- Red flags that it’s a scam, not a soulmate.
- Pro-tips to protect your identity and your assets.
- What to do if you suspect you’re being targeted.
Connections Podcast Series: World Financial Planning Day 2025
Happy World Financial Planning Day!
It’s a great reminder that it’s truly never too late to start planning for your financial future. Financial planners Dave Karikas and Heather Bussey from Preferred Planning Associates shared some excellent saving strategies and tips to help you start planning for your future today.