Building a home can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re trying to figure out how much you need to put down, how construction financing works, and whether building is actually more affordable than buying an existing home.

In this episode of Wallet Wisdom, Brett sits down with Luther, an LMCU mortgage loan officer with 20 years of experience, to break down what you need to know before deciding whether to buy, build, or renovate. From construction loans and lot equity to down payments, appraisals, timelines, and common misconceptions, Luther explains why building a home may be more attainable than you think.

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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.

Fraud and scams are becoming more sophisticated, more frequent and harder to recognize. In this week’s Wallet Wisdom episode, Brett sits down with Natalie, a Market Leader at LMCU, to talk about the scams and fraud attempts she has encountered firsthand and the warning signs everyone should know.

From impersonation scams and suspicious phone calls to fraudulent identities and convincing investment schemes, Natalie shares real-world stories that show just how easily scammers can create fear, urgency and confusion. The conversation also explores why trusting your instincts, slowing down and talking to someone you trust can help protect your money.

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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.

College is an exciting time, but it can also be the first time many students are responsible for managing their own money. In this week’s Wallet Wisdom episode, Brett sits down with Brenton, a Market Leader at LMCU, to talk about the financial decisions students face when starting college and the money mistakes that can follow them long after graduation.

From understanding student loans and financial aid to balancing work, school, spending and saving, Brenton shares practical advice to help students make more informed decisions about their money. The conversation also explores why slowing down, understanding your actual expenses and creating a realistic plan can make a big difference.

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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, Brett sits down with Savannah and Ann Marie from LMCU to discuss why a mid-year financial check-up can make a big difference in reaching your money goals. Whether you're trying to save more, reduce debt, or simply gain a better understanding of where your money is going, this conversation offers practical tips and free tools to help you take control of your finances before the year is over.

As Savannah and Ann Marie explain, financial goals don't have to stay exactly as they were in January. Life changes, priorities shift, and your budget should evolve with them.

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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 by NCUA. Equal Housing Lender. NMLS ID #442967.

The holidays may feel far away during the summer months, but preparing for holiday expenses early can make a big difference when the season arrives. In this episode of Wallet Wisdom, Brett sits down with Mary, Valrico Market Leader at LMCU, to discuss how listeners can start planning, saving, and building better financial habits before holiday spending begins.

From creating a holiday budget and identifying expected expenses to using savings tools that can help set money aside throughout the year, Mary shares practical strategies to help reduce financial stress during the holidays. Whether you're planning for gifts, travel, family gatherings, or charitable giving, this conversation offers valuable insight into how small steps today can lead to more confidence and peace of mind later.

The financial world has changed dramatically over the last century, but one thing has remained constant: people still need trusted financial partners to help them achieve their goals. In this episode of Wallet Wisdom, Brett sits down with Trevor to explore the history of the credit union movement, why credit unions were created, and how their member-first philosophy continues to make a difference today.

From the origins of credit unions during times of financial hardship to the advocacy efforts happening today, Trevor explains what makes credit unions different and why the cooperative model has continued to grow for more than 100 years. Whether you're already a credit union member or simply curious about how credit unions operate, this conversation offers valuable insight into a movement built on helping people succeed financially.

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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 by NCUA. Equal Housing Lender. NMLS ID #442967.

Graduation is an exciting milestone, but it also marks the beginning of a new financial journey. In this episode of Wallet Wisdom, Brett sits down with Sedrick, Market Leader at LMCU, to discuss why financial literacy is one of the most important skills graduates can develop as they enter adulthood. From creating a realistic budget to avoiding the pressure of "keeping up with the Joneses," Sedrick shares practical advice that can help young adults build confidence with money and establish healthy financial habits early. He explains why financial success looks different for everyone, how discipline plays a critical role in long-term wealth building, and why taking advantage of workplace retirement benefits can have a lasting impact on your future.

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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 by NCUA. Equal Housing Lender. NMLS ID #442967.

In this episode of Wallet Wisdom, Brett sits down with LMCU’s home lending experts to break down what home equity really is, how Fed rate decisions impact borrowing, and how homeowners can strategically use a HELOC to support their financial goals. From home renovations and debt consolidation to understanding variable rates and long-term financial planning, this episode explores the practical side of home equity and why education matters before making big financial decisions.

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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 by NCUA. Equal Housing Lender. NMLS ID #442967