Wallet Wisdom

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 Wellness Council and DEIB (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging) Council, Cody shares how LMCU is showing up beyond the branch — from financial reality fairs in local high schools to hands-on experiences like Junior Achievement’s BizTown.

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 existing member or simply interested in how credit unions drive community impact, this conversation offers a powerful look at where LMCU has been — and where we’re going next. --- The information provided in this podcast by Lake Michigan Credit Union is general education or marketing in nature and is not intended to be accounting, legal, tax, investment financial or other advice. Statements of individuals are their own and not LMCU’s. All topics discussed are information of a general nature and do not address the circumstances of any particular individual or entity. Consult an appropriate professional concerning your specific situation. As of the date of publishing or any future date this podcast is broadcast, all rates, fees, payments or other specific figures discussed are subject to change and are dependent upon your specific financial situation. All loan products discussed are subject to credit and collateral approval. You alone assume the sole responsibility of evaluating the merits and risks associated with the use of any information or other content in the podcast before making any decisions based on such information or other content. In exchange for listening to the podcast you agree not to hold LMCU, its affiliates, or any third-party service providers liable for any possible claim for damages arising from any decisions you make based on information made available to you or other content made available to you through the podcast. For more information on any of the content discussed in this podcast please visit LMCU.org. Copyright Lake Michigan Credit Union. Federally insured NCUA. Equal Housing Lender NMLS ID # 442967.

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 community-driven lending and financial education, this conversation reveals how credit unions empower their members and those in their communities when it comes to managing their money. The information provided in this podcast by Lake Michigan Credit Union is general education or marketing in nature and is not intended to be accounting, legal, tax, investment financial or other advice. Statements of individuals are their own and not LMCU’s. All topics discussed are information of a general nature and do not address the circumstances of any particular individual or entity. Consult an appropriate professional concerning your specific situation. As of the date of publishing or any future date this podcast is broadcast, all rates, fees, payments or other specific figures discussed are subject to change and are dependent upon your specific financial situation. All loan products discussed are subject to credit and collateral approval. You alone assume the sole responsibility of evaluating the merits and risks associated with the use of any information or other content in the podcast before making any decisions based on such information or other content. In exchange for listening to the podcast you agree not to hold LMCU, its affiliates, or any third-party service providers liable for any possible claim for damages arising from any decisions you make based on information made available to you or other content made available to you through the podcast. For more information on any of the content discussed in this podcast please visit LMCU.org. Copyright Lake Michigan Credit Union. Federally insured NCUA. Equal Housing Lender NMLS ID # 442967

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 your financial journey or looking to improve your credit score, build an emergency fund, or develop healthy money habits, this episode is packed with actionable insights and free tools to help you succeed. Thanks for listening. The information provided in this podcast by Lake Michigan Credit Union is general education or marketing in nature and is not intended to be accounting, legal, tax, investment financial or other advice. Statements of individuals are their own and not LMCU’s. All topics discussed are information of a general nature and do not address the circumstances of any particular individual or entity. Consult an appropriate professional concerning your specific situation. As of the date of publishing or any future date this podcast is broadcast, all rates, fees, payments or other specific figures discussed are subject to change and are dependent upon your specific financial situation. All loan products discussed are subject to credit and collateral approval. You alone assume the sole responsibility of evaluating the merits and risks associated with the use of any information or other content in the podcast before making any decisions based on such information or other content. In exchange for listening to the podcast you agree not to hold LMCU, its affiliates, or any third-party service providers liable for any possible claim for damages arising from any decisions you make based on information made available to you or other content made available to you through the podcast. For more information on any of the content discussed in this podcast please visit LMCU.org. Copyright Lake Michigan Credit Union. Federally insured NCUA. Equal Housing Lender NMLS ID # 442967

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 strong in today’s economy. Whether you're saving, borrowing, or budgeting, this episode is packed with financial tips, debt consolidation strategies, and budgeting tools to help you make smarter money moves. Thanks for listening. The information provided in this podcast by Lake Michigan Credit Union is general education or marketing in nature and is not intended to be accounting, legal, tax, investment financial or other advice. Statements of individuals are their own and not LMCU’s. All topics discussed are information of a general nature and do not address the circumstances of any particular individual or entity. Consult an appropriate professional concerning your specific situation. As of the date of publishing or any future date this podcast is broadcast, all rates, fees, payments or other specific figures discussed are subject to change and are dependent upon your specific financial situation. All loan products discussed are subject to credit and collateral approval. You alone assume the sole responsibility of evaluating the merits and risks associated with the use of any information or other content in the podcast before making any decisions based on such information or other content. In exchange for listening to the podcast you agree not to hold LMCU, its affiliates, or any third-party service providers liable for any possible claim for damages arising from any decisions you make based on information made available to you or other content made available to you through the podcast. For more information on any of the content discussed in this podcast please visit LMCU.org. Copyright Lake Michigan Credit Union. Federally insured NCUA. Equal Housing Lender NMLS ID # 442967.

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.

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!

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.

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 to hear inspiring stories, learn about the campaign's goals, and discover how small efforts can create big changes across the region.

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 conversation, offering valuable advice and experiences.

Join hosts Brett and Aldina as they share about how LMCU is helping those in and around our communities, grow in their financial knowledge.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.