Episodes
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The holiday season is fast approaching, and the pressure of last-minute shopping and gift-giving can be overwhelming. In this episode, we share a simple, one-week plan to help you tackle the holidays without stress. From thoughtful gift ideas to staying on budget, we provide tips for finding the perfect presents, managing your finances, and even getting a head start on next year’s holiday prep.
We cover practical ideas for Secret Santa gifts, teacher and colleague presents, and hostess gifts, all while keeping your budget in mind. We also offer quick shopping strategies to help you avoid overspending, plus tips for easy wrapping and organizing your gift list. Finally, we’ll share how to maintain your financial health during the holidays and start planning for a more stress-free holiday season in the future.
Topics Covered:
Budgeting tips for holiday spending
Creative gift-wrapping ideas
Ways to keep track of holiday finances
See You in the New Year!
We’ll be back in 2025 with more practical financial advice to kickstart your year.
Happy Holidays from the Tandia team!
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'Tis the season of twinkling lights, holiday cheer—and sneaky scammers trying to steal your joy (and your money). This episode covers the top fraud schemes to watch out for this festive season, from fake online shops to phishing emails disguised as delivery notices. Whether it’s spotting a phantom sale or shutting down a fake charity plea, we’re here to help you stay one step ahead of the Grinches lurking in cyberspace.
Bonus Gift: Learn how to protect yourself, your loved ones, and your holiday spirit from fraudsters working overtime.
Ready to sleigh the scams? Hit play now, and don’t forget to visit Tandia’s Fraud Page for even more tips and tools to keep your finances safe this season. Stay sharp, stay safe, and enjoy a scam-free holiday! -
Missing episodes?
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This week on Tandia Talks Money, we dive into the timeless debate: Can money really buy happiness? With holiday spending in full swing, we break down how thoughtful financial choices—like investing in experiences, giving back, and planning ahead—can bring more joy and less stress to your life.
Takeaways:
Spend on what truly matters.
Build a "joy fund" for guilt-free fun.
Rethink holiday shopping habits to focus on meaning over material.
Tune in now! Subscribe to Tandia Talks Money wherever you get your podcasts for actionable, relatable financial advice every Monday.
Want more? Visit us at www.tandia.com for tools and tips to help you align your finances with your goals. -
In this episode, we unpack the popular “Latte Factor”—the idea that cutting out your daily $5 coffee can lead to long-term wealth. While the math seems straightforward, is it really that simple? Could skipping your daily latte truly make you a millionaire, or is this just another financial myth that oversimplifies the path to success?
We explore why this concept has gained so much attention, the real impact of small expenses, and whether focusing on minor indulgences distracts from the big decisions—like managing debt, growing income, and investing wisely—that shape your financial future.
More importantly, we challenge the notion that financial success means sacrificing life’s small joys. For many, a daily coffee isn’t just a drink; it’s a ritual, a moment of happiness, or a motivation boost. Can you enjoy that latte and still build wealth?
Join us as we uncover the truth about the “Latte Lie” and share practical strategies to achieve your goals while keeping the things that bring you joy.
At Tandia, we’re here to help you make smarter, easier financial choices. If you liked this episode, hit subscribe and follow us every Monday for more tips to get your money working for you. www.tandia.com -
Welcome to your Financial Health Era! Inspired by Taylor Swift’s ability to define her journey through unique “eras,” this episode dives into how you can apply the same mindset to your financial journey. It’s time to reflect, re-evaluate, and take control of your finances with confidence and purpose.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode
How to reflect on your financial story and build on past experiences.
Why choosing the right financial institution—like a credit union—can help align your values and goals.
Practical steps to build wealth and set yourself up for financial success.
Resources Mentioned in This Episode:
Visit Tandia's website for financial tips and tools.
Explore how credit unions can support your financial journey.
If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to:
Subscribe to Tandia Talks Money.
Share it with friends and family who could use some financial inspiration.
Let us know what topics you’d love to hear about next!
At Tandia, we make finances feel less intimidating and a whole lot more relatable. Thanks for listening, and here’s to living well in your Financial Health Era! -
You work hard for your money, but there are sneaky little habits that quietly drain your bank account without you even noticing. From forgotten subscriptions to impulse buys and unused memberships, these small costs can add up fast. In this episode, we’ll show you the everyday money leaks that are harder to spot than a missing sock and how to plug them before they cost you more.
In this episode, we cover:
The subscription graveyard (and how to stop paying for stuff you don’t use)
Why impulse buys are like junk food for your wallet
The gym membership you’re definitely not using
And more!
At Tandia, we’re here to help you make smarter, easier financial choices. If you liked this episode, hit subscribe and follow us every Monday for more tips to get your money working for you. www.tandia.com -
This week, we’re busting through the “money talk” barrier! Ever wonder why it feels so awkward to discuss finances, even though we’ll chat about almost anything else? In this episode, we explore why money is such a taboo topic and offer easy ways to break the silence. From normalizing small conversations about budgeting to creating non-judgmental spaces for sharing tips and tricks, this episode is packed with actionable steps to help you get comfortable talking money with friends, family, and colleagues.
Why Listen? This episode is a call to make money talk a regular conversation. By breaking down the taboo, we can all make smarter financial decisions together.
Please make sure to rate, review, and follow us for more financial tips, tricks, and tactics. Tandia Financial Credit Union is here to help. Got Feedback? Want to learn more? Head to tandia.com for an experience as unique as you are. -
Thinking of selling your home? In this episode, we're focusing on the importance of sprucing up your home for better curb appeal, which is crucial in today’s competitive sales market! Carla offers several useful ideas to catch a few more eyeballs when you put your property up for sale, starting with the least expensive and moving up to bigger budget options. Everything from a fresh coat of paint to simple upgrades like new countertops or fixtures to bigger upgrades like a new deck or landscaping can have a big impact. Oh, and don’t forget to declutter! Perhaps the simplest reno of all—taking things out of a space—has the surprising result of making it feel new again and hardly costs anything to do. Of course, you may be thinking, 'These ideas all sound great, but how do I finance them?’ Don’t worry, Carla’s got you! She lays out 5 options for financing your renovations (big or small), which can include home equity loans, home equity lines of credit, or even refinancing your mortgage. As always, for any financing decision, it’s best to consult professional advice, and thankfully, this is where Tandia can help!
Please make sure to rate, review, and follow us for more financial tips, tricks, and tactics. Tandia Financial Credit Union is here to help. Got Feedback? Want to learn more? Head to tandia.com for an experience as unique as you are. -
This week’s episode is PACKED with useful info, so grab that pen and paper! Does it sometimes feel like you need a dictionary to keep track of all the mortgage terms out there? Not to worry, because Carla’s got your back. She explains the most common terms you’ll hear when you’re shopping for a mortgage and breaks down how they are used and what to look out for. Carla also adds in some additional steps for first-time home buyers to help you feel more prepared, including helpful tips like saving for a larger down payment to mitigate or lessen your mortgage insurance amount and staying on top of your credit score (and taking steps to improve it if needed) so you can access the best available mortgage rates. As usual, Carla wants to empower you to make more informed decisions about your finances and reminds us that, just like any life goal, a little bit of planning can make all the difference!
Please make sure to rate, review, and follow us for more financial tips, tricks, and tactics. Tandia Financial Credit Union is here to help. Got Feedback? Want to learn more? Head to tandia.com for an experience as unique as you are. -
We’re turning up the heat in here with the spiciest topic yet: interest rates! Ok, maybe not THAT spicy, but still spicy enough that they sometimes keep us up at night. Luckily, Carla is here to guide us through this journey to make sure our taste buds and bank accounts don’t get burned. Think of a mortgage interest rate as the cost of borrowing money to buy a house. Our banking BFF guides us through the two types of interest rates available on mortgages and discusses the various pros and cons of each. Carla also answers some commonly asked questions about them and breaks down some key tips for navigating the market and how to make sure you’re getting the very best rate for yourself (tip: credit unions can help!). Whether it’s your first mortgage or your tenth, Carla is here to keep you informed and empowered in your home buying journey! Let's do this!
Please make sure to rate, review, and follow us for more financial tips, tricks, and tactics. Tandia Financial Credit Union is here to help. Got Feedback? Want to learn more? Head to tandia.com for an experience as unique as you are. -
Ok, so you’ve got a mortgage? Let’s manage it! This week, Carla takes us through the ins and outs of mortgage options like renewal, refinancing, and switching, along with the pros and cons of each. Just like dating, finding that perfect mortgage match will take a little bit of work, but it’s so worth it when you find the right fit! When looking into these options, it’s important that you ask yourself what your financial goals are, and don’t be shy about reaching out to a professional like a mortgage broker for some sage advice tailored to your specific situation. Carla also dives into the specifics of second mortgages and secured loans—two types of financing that can be really useful to access the equity in your home if you need it, with caveats that there are still pros and cons to each. Ultimately, managing your mortgage is about taking informed steps toward financial health and flexibility. Remember, your approach to money doesn’t have to be set in stone; it can grow and change just like you!
Please make sure to rate, review, and follow us for more financial tips, tricks, and tactics. Tandia Financial Credit Union is here to help. Got Feedback? Want to learn more? Head to tandia.com for an experience as unique as you are. -
Why do mortgages have to be so complicated!? Understanding your mortgage can feel like learning a new language with a lot of dollar signs, but Carla is here to help make things more digestible. In this episode, she tackles the ins and outs of mortgages, explaining the three main types: fixed rate, variable rate, and interest-only. She breaks down how these options align with different financial situations and long-term goals and dives into amortization, showing how payments shift from covering interest to reducing the principal over time. Carla also covers the impact of mortgage terms on financial flexibility, key features like pre-payment options and portability, and the difference between open and closed mortgages. With her guidance, choosing the right mortgage might just feel a little less daunting.
Please make sure to rate, review, and follow us for more financial tips, tricks, and tactics. Tandia Financial Credit Union is here to help. Got Feedback? Want to learn more? Head to tandia.com for an experience as unique as you are. -
Let’s face it, we’re in our avocado toast era, and Carla is here to guide you through it! In this episode, she tackles the high interest rates that make home buying and mortgage renewals stressful. Forget the jokes about millennials and brunch; this is about understanding how our daily choices impact our financial wellbeing. High interest rates affect not just mortgages but also the everyday costs of goods and services. Carla breaks it down: Recognize your thought patterns, understand your emotional triggers, and take conscious action. Cut unnecessary spending, negotiate with lenders, and stay proactive. With mindfulness and determination, you can navigate high interest rates and build a brighter financial future.
Please make sure to rate, review, and follow us for more financial tips, tricks, and tactics. Tandia Financial Credit Union is here to help. Got Feedback? Want to learn more? Head to tandia.com for an experience as unique as you are. -
Season 3, here we go! This season, we're tackling the dream (and challenge) of home ownership. With the real estate market's wild ride, owning a home can feel like a far-off fantasy, especially for millennials facing skyrocketing interest rates. But fear not! Carla (your banking BFF) will unpack these challenges and share savvy strategies to navigate the market's twists and turns. From smart budgeting and mortgage shopping to staying cool under pressure, we’ve got you covered. Whether you're eyeing your first home or thinking about refinancing, Carla's here to help you make savvy decisions and turn that home ownership dream into reality. With Tandia by your side, let's thrive in this crazy market together!
Please make sure to rate, review, and follow us for more financial tips, tricks, and tactics. Tandia Financial Credit Union is here to help. Got Feedback? Want to learn more? Head to tandia.com for an experience as unique as you are. -
Welcome to the official Season 2 finale of Tandia Talks Money! As we dive into the new year, join Carla in breaking down the simplicity of mastering personal finance. We all know getting good at money can feel like a daunting task, so she’s sharing some non-intimidating tricks of the trade. From gaining clarity on your income to focusing on fundamentals like consistent saving, prudent investing, automating your finances with ease, and so much more, Plus, Carla’s diving into 10 transformative actions sets the tone for a fulfilling year. Some hot tips: embrace simplicity, cultivate meaningful habits, and remember that your money mindset can evolve. Let's make 2024 a year of positive transformation with straightforward steps and a focus on overall financial well-being. Cheers to a stress-free and empowered financial year ahead!
Please make sure to rate, review, and follow us for more financial tips, tricks, and tactics. Tandia Financial Credit Union is here to help. Got Feedback? Want to learn more? Head to tandia.com for an experience as unique as you are. -
Carla's back on the mic this week to explore the powerful concept of "mind over money". This mindset shift is all about going beyond the numbers, delving into how your thoughts and attitudes shape your financial journey. Think of it like being the captain steering your financial ship—empowering and in control. This approach not only helps you navigate financial challenges more gracefully but also acts as a shield against future stressors. Carla breaks down practical steps for embracing "mind over money," including creating a vision board for financial goals, breaking them into manageable steps, using a straightforward money bucket system for smart allocation, and practicing tangible transactions. At the end of the day, the art and science of "mind over money" serve as your toolkit for sculpting a financial future in line with your dreams! Hopefully, this episode gives you the mental confidence to stay strong for the sake of your financial future and say, "I won't back down," just like our guy, Tom Petty.
Please make sure to rate, review, and follow us for more financial tips, tricks, and tactics. Tandia Financial Credit Union is here to help. Got Feedback? Want to learn more? Head to tandia.com for an experience as unique as you are. -
Health is wealth, baby! This season, we've focused on the importance of investing in yourself and the powerful impact that can have on your financial future. Keeping this in mind, on today's episode, Carla is joined by her dear friend and chiropractor, Dr. Chelsea Spano, to uncover the link between chiropractic care and financial well-being. She addresses common roadblocks to seeking care, budgeting for health investments, and the proactive approach needed for long-term benefits. Dr. Chelsea also emphasizes early investments in health, dispels misconceptions about chiropractic care, and offers practical strategies for integrating physical well-being into busy lives. Plus, she discusses how to best utilize your benefits package if available, budgeting for health, and making small investments now for a healthier and more fulfilling life in the long term. After all, health is an investment, not an expense!
Please make sure to rate, review, and follow us for more financial tips, tricks, and tactics. Tandia Financial Credit Union is here to help. Got Feedback? Want to learn more? Head to tandia.com for an experience as unique as you are. -
Forget stressing over a $7 latte—today, Carla’s diving into the intricacies of debt acquisition and cutting through the noise of financial success to reveal the genuine culprits behind our money struggles. Why, you might ask? Because life is for living, and financial well-being means finding balance amid bills, budgets, and the occasional splurge. From exposing interest rates as silent architects of our financial destinies to cautioning against the fast-food allure of easy credit, Carla’s giving it to you straight. She shares savvy financial fitness tips, emphasizing self-awareness and behavioral adjustments. It's not just about stressing over spending decisions; it's about understanding the significant factors shaping our money stories. As we navigate this financial world with Carla's insights, let's drop the guilt, focus on feeling empowered, and handle our money with smarts and strength. Cheers to finding the right balance and savoring both financial wisdom and the occasional overpriced holiday Starbucks drink, ok?
Please make sure to rate, review, and follow us for more financial tips, tricks, and tactics. Tandia Financial Credit Union is here to help. Got Feedback? Want to learn more? Head to tandia.com for an experience as unique as you are. -
'Tis indeed the season of joy and giving, and as we step into the last week of November, Carla’s hopping on the mic to help us as we usher in the holiday spirit, the financially savvy way! In this episode, she’s unwrapping 10 practical strategies to help us navigate the holiday season while ensuring a financially prosperous year ahead. From setting financial intentions to practicing mindful gift budgeting, enjoying frugal festivities, and connecting with your financial self, these steps will help guide you through the holidays with financial security and cheer! Embrace the magic of intentional spending and wise financial choices to not only celebrate the season but also gift yourself a secure financial future. Here's to a year filled with positive money choices and the gift of lasting financial happiness! Because, let’s face it, who doesn’t want that under their tree?
Please make sure to rate, review, and follow us for more financial tips, tricks, and tactics. Tandia Financial Credit Union is here to help. Got Feedback? Want to learn more? Head to tandia.com for an experience as unique as you are. - Show more
