Introducing Eli: Owning Success and Embracing a Growth Mindset
Release Date: 01/30/2026
Smart Spending (How to Build Healthy Financial Habits)
Perfect Cents Podcast
Are you looking to improve your financial health but don’t know where to start? In this episode, join host Alex and special guest Marcie Johnson (Debit and Credit Program Manager at SAFE Credit Union,) as they discuss why mindful spending is the absolute foundation of long-term financial wellness. Whether you’re a parent teaching your kids about money or just trying to navigate the convenience of digital payments, this conversation offers practical strategies for everyone. Topics include: The Three Spending Zones: How to categorize your expenses into essential, flexible, and...
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Stop Impulse Spending (Building a Roadmap to Financial Freedom)
Perfect Cents Podcast
On this episode of The Perfect Cents Podcast, host Alex Becerra is joined by Emilio Barrera, a Community Development Specialist at SAFE Credit Union. Together, they dive into the power of financial planning and how it can completely transform your relationship with money, starting with the way you spend. Emilio shares his expert insights on why a solid plan isn't just about numbers; it's about alleviating stress and stopping the impulse decisions that set you back. Whether you are starting your financial journey from scratch or recovering from past "speed bumps," this conversation provides a...
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The Real Power of a Savings Habit (It's Not Just for Emergencies)
Perfect Cents Podcast
Are you feeling the weight of financial stress? Join us for a special episode of the Perfect Cents Podcast as we celebrate America Saves Week and Financial Capability Month! In this episode, Alex is joined by Savannah Brown, a Community Development Specialist at SAFE Credit Union, to discuss why building a savings habit is the essential scaffolding for your financial wellness plan. Whether you are starting with just one dollar or looking to break a cycle of debt, this conversation offers practical insights into shifting your mindset from "I can't" to "I can." About SAFE Credit Union: SAFE is...
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Introducing Eli: Owning Success and Embracing a Growth Mindset
Perfect Cents Podcast
On this episode of the podcast, Alex Becerra welcomes the newest member of SAFE Credit Union's Community Relations & Financial Education team, Eli Lopez! Together they discuss the importance of embracing a growth mindset, setting intentional goals, strengthening discipline, and practicing ownership & accountability. Throughout their conversation Eli also shares insightful analogies and helpful tips to illustrate the powerful impact of maintaining strong, clear, focus and following through on your commitments to achieve lifelong self-improvement. Tune in today, because staying committed...
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The Season of Giving: Tips for Smart Holiday Shopping
Perfect Cents Podcast
On this episode of the podcast, Alex Becerra and Savannah Brown tackle the topic of Smart Holiday Shopping. Together they discuss insightful data points about consumer spending during the holidays, the importance of building a strong spending and savings plan, and strategies for ensuring a successful holiday shopping season. They also provide useful tips for avoiding flash sales, resisting the temptation for impulse purchases, and the fighting the inclination to jump on “too good to be true” deals. Tune in today, because navigating the holiday season with a smart shopping plan that won't...
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Financial Avoidance Isn't Genetic
Perfect Cents Podcast
On this episode of the podcast, Alex Becerra is joined by SAFE’s Senior Design and Communications Specialist, Susan Burns to tackle the topic of Financial Avoidance. Together they discuss Susan’s featured articles in Comstock’s Magazine, the importance of understanding your relationship with money, and strategies for leveraging your unique personal qualities to keep your finances in check. They also provide useful insights for being a positive money role model and helping the young people in your life as they learn to navigate their own financial wants, needs, and goals. Tune in today,...
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First Time Home Buying & SAFE Home Rewards
Perfect Cents Podcast
On this episode of the podcast, Alex Becerra is joined by SAFE Home Loan Consultant, Nate Dungca & Realtor, Nico Almanza to discuss all things Home Buying. Together they discuss the importance of organizing your finances before shopping for a home, the additional costs that come along with a home purchase, and the true value of leveraging strong lender/realtor relationships. They also provide useful insights about saving money on your purchase with SAFE Credit Union member benefits and the exclusive Home Rewards program. Tune in today, because having a dedicated team of professional...
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Youth Workforce Development Program
Perfect Cents Podcast
On this episode of the podcast, Alex Becerra is joined by Cordova High School student participants of SAFE’s 2025 Youth Workforce Development program. Together they discuss their career goals and aspirations, the importance of financial literacy for Gen Z and Gen Alpha, and the impact of online influencers on young people’s spending behaviors. They also provide valuable insights on how to prioritize savings and avoiding online spending traps. Tune in today, because investing in the personal and professional development of young adults in our community just makes Perfect Cents! To register...
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Summer Fun On A Budget!
Perfect Cents Podcast
On this episode of the podcast, Alex Becerra and Savannah Brown are providing tips and tricks for having summer fun on a budget. Together they discuss common summer money mistakes, the importance of making budget adjustments to keep you on track with your savings goals, and fun things to do that don’t require a lot of money. They also provide useful insights on ways to maximize your savings and increase your cash flow… Because beating the heat and making the most of your summer season without breaking your budget just makes Perfect Cents! To register for an upcoming Financial Wellness...
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Understanding Home Equity Loans and HELOCs
Perfect Cents Podcast
On this episode of the podcast, Alex Becerra is joined by Home Loan Manager, Casey Jenkins, to talk about all things Home Equity. Together they discuss various ways for you to leverage the equity in your home to enhance your financial wellness, the main differences between Home Equity Loans and Home Equity Lines of Credit (HELOCs,) and the most common uses for Home Equity funds. They also provide useful insights on how to determine if a Home Equity Loan or HELOC is the right choice for you… Because strategically utilizing your Home Equity to build financial freedom just makes Perfect Cents!...
info_outlineOn this episode of the podcast, Alex Becerra welcomes the newest member of SAFE Credit Union's Community Relations & Financial Education team, Eli Lopez! Together they discuss the importance of embracing a growth mindset, setting intentional goals, strengthening discipline, and practicing ownership & accountability. Throughout their conversation Eli also shares insightful analogies and helpful tips to illustrate the powerful impact of maintaining strong, clear, focus and following through on your commitments to achieve lifelong self-improvement. Tune in today, because staying committed to your goals, overcoming obstacles, and navigating challenges when things get tough… just makes Perfect Cents!
To check out the resources highlighted in this episode visit the links below.
To register for an upcoming Financial Wellness webinar visit: https://www.safecu.org/community/events
To read the latest edition of SAFE's Beyond Everyday Banking blog visit: https://blog.safecu.org/
To learn more about SAFE Credit Union products and services visit: https://www.safecu.org/
To contact the podcast team, email Podcast@safecu.org