The Community Conversation by CommunityAmerica

Conversation #10: Setting Yourself Up for Financial Success In 2022

Planning Your 2022 Financial Journey

As you roll into 2022, there are some key areas to focus on when it comes to your financial journey. Though eyes are looking ahead at new opportunities, it’s also important to reflect on how you ended 2021. Doing so can help you recognize your habits and patterns as you finalize your new financial goals, as both play an important role in helping you achieve financial peace of mind.

In our latest episode, Essence, Branch Manager at our Raymore location, and Heath, Director of Wealth Management at CommunityAmerica, talk about various aspects to consider when planning your 2022 financial journey. During this episode, Essence and Heath will walk you through some budgeting basics and how to make an honest assessment of your finances. You’ll also get practical advice on how to plan for big expenses, such as a house, car, baby and more. They will also dive into when it may be time for you to make the switch from budgeting to financial planning for different life events, such as retirement, funding a child’s education or estate planning. Listen today as you begin to solidify your goals for the new year and learn how your friends at CommunityAmerica can help. 

This podcast is brought to you by CommunityAmerica Credit Union.  This recording is for educational and entertainment purposes only.  It is not intended to replace the advice of a loan representative or financial advisor.  The examples provided are for illustration purposes only and may not apply to your situation.  Since every situation is different, we recommend speaking to a loan representative or financial advisor regarding your specific needs.  You may also want to contact your tax advisor for additional tax implications. Any reference to third-party websites are provided for information purposes only and are not endorsed by CommunityAmerica. Please visit CommunityAmerica.com to learn more about how we can assist you in achieving your Financial Peace of Mind.

Securities and advisory services offered through Copper Financial Network, LLC (“CuFi”), Member FINRA/SIPC. CuFi is a SEC registered investment adviser. CuFi is a wholly-owned subsidiary of CommunityAmerica Credit Union. Wealth Management by CommunityAmerica is a marketing name used by CuFi. For important disclosures from CuFi, including our Form CRS, please visit here.

 
Please note non-deposit investments are: not federally-insured; not obligations of the credit union; not guaranteed by the credit union; involve investment risk; and if applicable, are being offered by a dual employee who accepts deposits on behalf of the credit union and also sells non-deposit investment products on behalf of a third-party broker.

Conversation #9: Fighting Fraud

With new technology, fraud is becoming increasingly tougher to spot. With corrupted links, mass marketing schemes, job application fraud, and more, you may find yourself falling victim and having your information compromised. It’s important to remain educated on the current fraudulent schemes out there and continue to stay informed on ways you can protect yourself and your family.

In our latest episode, Roxanne Doss, manager of the fraud and financial investigations department, and Erica Higgins, fraud investigator, sit down to tackle the incredibly complex topic: fraud and how to protect yourself.  They cover common fraudulent schemes, common red flags to watch out for, and proactive steps you can take to keep yourself and your family’s information safe.  Listen today to learn more about how you can protect yourself from fraud.

For more information on fighting fraud, we recommend visiting these websites:

• ic3.gov
• banksneveraskthat.com
• ftc.gov

 

This podcast is brought to you by CommunityAmerica Credit Union.  This recording is for educational and entertainment purposes only and may not reflect the experiences of all consumers. It should not be viewed as personalized financial advice and is not a substitute for consultation with your financial representative. Any reference to third-party websites are provided for information purposes only and are not endorsed by CommunityAmerica.  Please visit CommunityAmerica.com to learn more about how we can assist you in achieving your Financial Peace of Mind.

Conversation #8: The Path to Rebuilding Your Credit Score

Life happens to everyone, and you may find you’ve made some financial missteps in your past that have negatively affected your credit score. Despite reasons why, this podcast will help provide you with ways to get your finances back on track.

In our latest episode, Jamaal Evans, branch manager at Shawnee station, and Anjana Paul, Product Delivery Manager, converse again to offer guidance in rebuilding your credit scores.  They cover personal experiences, what to do if you’re not sure where to start, ways to stabilize your situation, and more. Listen today to learn more about how you can rebuild your credit.

If you’ve found yourself with a less than desirable score, please know you are not alone. Please contact us or visit one of our branches and we can help you with a plan to get back on track.

This podcast is brought to you by CommunityAmerica Credit Union.  This recording is for educational and entertainment purposes only and may not reflect the experiences of all consumers. It should not be viewed as personalized financial advice and is not a substitute for consultation with your financial representative. Any reference to third-party websites are provided for information purposes only and are not endorsed by CommunityAmerica. All loans are subject to approval and terms may vary.  Please visit CommunityAmerica.com to learn more about how we can assist you in achieving your Financial Peace of Mind.

Conversation#7: Building Credit for Young Adults

Building your credit is one of the first steps to financial health – the cornerstone of financial freedom and spending power. For young people, it can be difficult to establish a strong credit score out of the gate and show a solid credit history that lenders take seriously.  A good credit score helps you get approved for loans and credit cards. It also helps reduce the expense associated with your debts, as you’re more likely to get approved for lower interest rates if your credit is better. This podcast will give you an understanding of what makes up your credit score and tips on how to build your score so you can reach your financial dreams and aspirations.

In our latest episode, Jamaal Evans, branch manager at Shawnee station, and Anajana Paul, Product Delivery Manager, offer guidance to help establish good credit as a young adult.  They cover everything from what your credit score is affected by, who can see your score, common misconceptions on building credit, and more. Listen today and begin your journey to build your credit one step at a time.

This podcast is brought to you by CommunityAmerica Credit Union.  This recording is for educational and entertainment purposes only and may not reflect the experiences of all consumers. It should not be viewed as personalized financial advice and is not a substitute for consultation with your financial representative. Any reference to third-party websites are provided for information purposes only and are not endorsed by CommunityAmerica. All loans are subject to approval and terms may vary.  Please visit CommunityAmerica dot com to learn more about how we can assist you in achieving your Financial Peace of Mind.

 

Conversation #6: Guide to College FAFSA Planning

Whether you’re a senior in high school or the parent of one, there’s a lot to prepare for ahead of the first year of college. There are many due dates and serious conversations that need to be had, and sometimes it can be overwhelming. The important thing to know is that you do not have to go through this alone, and there are many resources to help guide you along your journey in higher education.   

In our latest episode, Karly Scholl, the College Planner here at CommunityAmerica, offers insights on upcoming college deadlines, as well as some conversations and common misconceptions she sees in her position. We dive into the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, otherwise known as the FAFSA, along with what to expect as those applications open October 1^st. Deciding what type of college – public or private, 2 year or 4 year, can have a significant impact on cost. This podcast is beneficial to both parents and students and can offer some direction on how to tackle these big deadlines throughout senior year. Listen today and begin your college planning journey.

To make an appointment with Karly to talk about a college plan designed specifically for you, reserve a time with her here. 

This podcast is brought to you by CommunityAmerica Credit Union. This recording is for educational and entertainment purposes only. Every listener has a unique financial circumstance. So what was presented today should not be deemed to have universal applicability, and content provided today should not be construed to be tax or legal advice. Please visit communityamerica.com to learn more about how we can help you in your college and career journey.

 

Conversation #5: How to Build Wealth at Any Age

In today’s time, there’s so much access to information and tools about how to build your wealth as you hit new life milestones. But unfortunately, at times, it can feel confusing as each life stage brings different needs. The good news is, there are steps you can take along the way to help you better prepare yourself for the next evaluation of your goals. Through Wealth Management by CommunityAmerica, Heath Burch and his team of Wealth Advisors have guided those who are just starting out on their financial journey, and those who are living deep into their retirement years. They’ve had a close-up view as they’ve helped families, couples, and individuals navigate the decision-making process and what best fits into their financial goals. 

In our latest episode, Heath, the Director of Wealth Management at CommunityAmerica, is joined by wealth advisors, Taylor Ahern and Daniel Wilkes to offer guidance through the common life stages of early career, young family, mid-career, late career, and retirement, with ways to build wealth during each stage. You’ll discover that while each life stage brings about new challenges, your goals to build wealth don’t have to take a backseat.  Certain aspirations such as building an emergency fund and prioritizing debt payoff are an essential foundation in building your wealth, but the dollar amount and timeline is different for everyone. Listen today and begin your journey to build your wealth in a way that works around your goals.

Securities and advisory services offered through Copper Financial Network, LLC (“CuFi”), Member FINRA/SIPC. CuFi is a SEC registered investment advisor. CuFi is a wholly-owned subsidiary of CommunityAmerica Credit Union. Wealth Management by CommunityAmerica is a marketing name used by CuFi. Investment and insurance products, including annuities: Are Not Deposits.  Are not NCUA or otherwise Federally Insured.  Are Not Bank Guaranteed.  May Lose Value.

Conversation #4: Five Pillars of Retirement Planning

There is no wrong time to start thinking about retirement, and you'll find your plans will keep evolving as you enter new life stages. Through Wealth Management by CommunityAmerica, Heath Burch and his team of Wealth Advisors have guided those who are just starting out on their financial journey, and those who are living deep into their retirement years. They’ve had a close-up view as they’ve helped families, couples, and individuals navigate the decision-making process what best fits into their financial goals. 

In our latest episode, Heath, the Director of Wealth Management at CommunityAmerica, is joined by wealth advisors, Ashley Dickson and Scott Pfeifer to provide you with a perspective on key pillars to consider for your retirement plan. You’ll discover you’re not alone with common roadblocks, yet everyone is unique in creating a plan that works best for them. Key aspects like establishing current and future spending, risk tolerance, and your plan with new life stages look different for everyone. Listen today and begin your journey to forming a retirement plan that works for you.

Securities and advisory services offered through CommunityAmerica Financial Solutions, LLC (“CAFS”), Member FINRA/SIPC. CAFS is a SEC registered investment advisor. Products offered through CAFS: are not NCUA/NCUSIF or otherwise federally insured, are not guarantees or obligations of the credit union, and may involve investment risk including possible loss of principal. CAFS is a wholly-owned subsidiary of CommunityAmerica Credit Union. Wealth Management by CommunityAmerica is a marketing name used by CAFS.

Conversation #3: Spend Now or Save For Later? Finding the Right Balance in 2021.

Balancing spending and saving can be a challenge, so how can you be sure you are making the right decisions and avoiding regret in the process? Thankfully, the financial decisions you face are not new to Heath Burch, Director of Wealth Management by CommunityAmerica, and Matt Johnson, Vice President of Marketing for CommunityAmerica Credit Union. Through Wealth Management by CommunityAmerica, Heath and his team of Wealth Advisors have guided both those who are just starting out on their financial journey, and those who are living deep into their retirement years. They’ve had a close-up view as they’ve helped families navigate making decisions to balance the now, the future and the unexpected financial decisions.

In our latest episode, Matt and Heath provide you with a perspective you can relate to and Health walks through the steps to create a financial plan that balances the long-term with the short-term. You’ll discover that you’re not alone, yet everyone is unique in creating a plan that works best for them. Listen today and begin your journey to creating financial balance.

Securities and advisory services offered through CommunityAmerica Financial Solutions, LLC (“CAFS”), Member FINRA/SIPC. CAFS is a SEC registered investment advisor. Products offered through CAFS: are not NCUA/NCUSIF or otherwise federally insured, are not guarantees or obligations of the credit union, and may involve investment risk including possible loss of principal. CAFS is a wholly-owned subsidiary of CommunityAmerica Credit Union. Wealth Management by CommunityAmerica is a marketing name used by CAFS.

Conversation #2: How to Rewrite Your Financial Playbook During a Pandemic

We know it’s been a crazy year and there seems to be no playbook for navigating through it. Just ask CommunityAmerica’s Matt Johnson. He and his family are rewriting their family playbook as they make memories around the holidays.

It’s just not the same as previous years… 

Life looks different now, and we can’t do much about it. And that lack of control causes stress for all.

This is especially true when it comes to thinking about financial stability. Talking about finances isn’t easy, even in normal times. Instead, our default can often be to withdraw and compare ourselves to others who seem to be “getting it right”.

Matt Johnson and Heath Burch understand many of these feelings as they navigate through this difficult season with their own families.

You’re in good company. And thankfully, that stress and shame doesn’t have to be your reality.

Matt and Heath have been rewriting the playbook with a fresh, life-giving perspective as they draw from their personal experience and financial expertise.

In this episode, Matt talks to Heath about how you can begin to rewrite your financial playbook and take back control with some simple, practical steps. It’s the fresh perspective you’ve been looking for.  

 

 

Securities and advisory services offered through CommunityAmerica Financial Solutions, LLC (CAFS), member SIPC. Products offered by CAFS are: Not NCUA Insured, Not Credit Union Guaranteed, and May Lose Value. CAFS is a wholly-owned subsidiary of CommunityAmerica Credit Union.

 

Conversation #1: A Curvy Path, A Comfy Couch, and the Credit Union Touch

Listen to the first episode of The Community Conversation, hosted by CommunityAmerica. 

In this show, you'll hear from Matt Johnson, CommunityAmerica's VP of Marketing and Heath Burch, CommunityAmerica's Director of Wealth Management as they begin the first conversation to educate and inform you...the CommunityAmerica member.

This laid back and casual conversation is packed with education and insights, including:

• CommunityAmerica's 80+ year approach of people helping people
• How members are at the heart of everything we do
• Heath's curvy path to the credit union
• How special needs planning includes far more than managing money
• How real wealth management goes beyond financial figures
• The CommunityAmerica caring approach
• What the team wealth means to our team
• How we've welcomed members to our comfy couches 
• How relationships and open doors are what we're after, not just high net worth
• The embarrassing aspects of money
• Why personal, intimate experiences for our members are our aim 

Securities and advisory services offered through CommunityAmerica Financial Solutions, LLC (“CAFS”), Member FINRA/SIPC. CAFS is a SEC registered investment advisor. Products offered through CAFS: are not NCUA/NCUSIF or otherwise federally insured, are not guarantees or obligations of the credit union, and may involve investment risk including possible loss of principal. CAFS is a wholly-owned subsidiary of CommunityAmerica Credit Union. Wealth Management by CommunityAmerica is a marketing name used by CAFS.