Starting out on your own can feel exciting and a little overwhelming, especially when it comes to money. In this episode of MakingCents, host Thomas Racca Jr. sits down with Navy Federal intern Ashley Colatarci to talk about building simple money habits that actually work for young adults. Ashley shares what it’s really like managing money for the first time, from budgeting and subscriptions to social media pressure and unexpected expenses. Together, they break down how small, consistent acti...
Jun 19
28 min
Account balancing isn’t about perfection — it’s about clarity. In this episode of MakingCents, guest host Thomas Racca sits down with Sun Bayless, SVP of Membership and Deposit Products, to talk through smart, realistic ways you can manage money across your checking, savings and other accounts. Skip the stress and balance your accounts with confidence! Building a Savings Buffer (8:15)Best Practices for Saving (11:08)Balancing Short-term and Long-term Goals (15:18)Whether you’re juggling multi...
May 29
20 min
On this episode of MakingCents, guest host Clay Stackhouse, Regional Outreach Manager, talks with Brian Parker, Vice President of Member Experience Innovation, about the real financial challenges military members and their families face throughout their service. Drawing on their military backgrounds, they unpack common misconceptions about military pay and benefits, share practical money moves for deployments and PCS transitions, and offer guidance for planning ahead from budgeting and emerge...
May 4
24 min
In this episode of MakingCents, host Emily Bigham sits down with Thomas Racca, Personal Finance Manager at Navy Federal Credit Union, to unpack the growing impact of sports betting and how it can quietly affect financial well‑being. With sports betting more accessible than ever, Emily and Thomas break down how betting works, why it’s so easy to get pulled in, and the common red flags that signal when entertainment may be turning into financial risk. Thomas shares how small, seemingly harmless...
Mar 13
25 min
In this episode of MakingCents, host Emily Bigham talks with Carrie Foran Sepulveda, Vice President of Fraud and Physical Security Strategy at Navy Federal, about romance scams — an increasingly common form of fraud, especially in the digital age when many people are seeking connection online. Together, they explain how romance scams work, the common red flags to watch for, and why these schemes can be so emotionally and financially damaging. Carrie shares insights from working directly with ...
Feb 9
28 min
In this episode of MakingCents, guest host Thomas Racca, Manager of Personal Finance Management at Navy Federal, sits down with Heather Long, Chief Economist at Navy Federal, to break down the financial landscape heading into 2026. Together, they outline why households feel squeezed, what’s changed in the economy, and the practical steps you can take to reset your budget, tackle debt, and rebuild savings using tools like our Emergency Fund Calculator and Mission: Credit Confidence® dashboard....
Jan 23
39 min
In this episode of MakingCents, guest host Clay Stackhouse, Marine veteran and Regional Outreach Manager at Navy Federal, joins Jesse Border, Army veteran and AVP of Branch Operations, and Tracy Owens, Navy veteran and Senior Programs Manager at Support The Enlisted Project (STEP). Together, they share practical strategies and resources to help veterans and their families thrive. You’ll hear insights on financial planning for servicemembers making the transition, how Navy Federal provides per...
Nov 14, 2025
15 min
Cybersecurity might seem complex, but with a few simple steps, you can protect what matters most. In observance of Cybersecurity Awareness Month and just ahead of the holiday shopping season—we explore how planning ahead and being proactive can help protect your financial future and personal identity. From password hygiene to recognizing scams, our experts at Navy Federal Credit Union share practical tips to help you safeguard your personal and financial data with confidence. This episode, we...
Oct 29, 2025
22 min
Financial planning doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. With the right guidance, it’s more manageable than you think. In this episode, we’re diving into the how and why of planning ahead can empower you to stay aligned with your financial goals. From smart investing to effective debt management, discover how our expert financial planners can help you stay focused, confident, and on track. Understanding Financial Goals: Short-term vs Long-term (3:08)Navigating Major Life Milestones (9:02)Inherit...
Sep 17, 2025
41 min
Managing your finances today is easier, more intuitive, and more personalized than ever. In this episode, we explore how our digital services can help you stay on track with your financial goals. From intuitive mobile banking to advanced budgeting tools, discover how we’ve modernized the way you can manage your money. Generational Engagement (3:30)New Enhancements in Member Experience (6:10)Resources for New Members (13:20) Security Innovations (16:14)Explore the new features in our all-...
Aug 13, 2025
21 min
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