Why is SAFE Credit Union combining with BECU? On this episode of the Perfect Cents Podcast, SAFE President and CEO Faye Nabhani sits down to explain the strategic vision behind this combination and what it actually means for members and the community.

Discover how this new partnership will drive greater member value through lower fees, competitive rates, and expanded consumer and small business loan opportunities. Faye shares insights on why now is the perfect time for this evolution while maintaining their core "people helping people" mindset.

SAFE is federally insured by NCUA and is an equal housing opportunity lender.

Community & Local Favorites:

Eat A Pita - Rancho Cordova

To check out the resources highlighted in this episode visit the links below.

The Sacramento Bee - SAFE Credit Union makes the case for its pending merger with Seattle-area firm

To learn more about SAFE Credit Union products and services visit: https://www.safecu.org/

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 contact the podcast team, email Podcast@safecu.org

To watch this episode in video-format and access more financial education tips, subscribe to the SAFE Credit Union YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@SAFECreditUnionCA

Ever wonder what happens to your savings if the economy hits a rough patch? In this episode of the Perfect Cents Podcast, host Alex sits down with SAFE's Corporate Compliance Manager, Marina to demystify the NCUA and explain exactly how your money is federally protected.

Many people have heard of bank insurance through the FDIC, but what about credit unions? Enter the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA). Created to modernize the credit union industry, the NCUA's Share Insurance Fund provides automatic, federally backed protection for your deposits of $250,000.

Key takeaways include:

• What exactly is the NCUA, and how does it safeguard your financial journey?
• How does credit union protection compare to traditional bank insurance (NCUA vs. FDIC)?
• What specific accounts are covered (joint accounts, retirement, and upcoming trust account changes)?
• How can you easily calculate your personal coverage details?
• Why federal backing gives you ultimate peace of mind compared to private options.

Best of all? This coverage is 100% automatic—there's absolutely nothing you need to sign up for to keep your hard-earned funds secure. To date, not a single penny of member deposits has ever been lost from a federally insured credit union.

SAFE is federally insured by NCUA and is an equal housing opportunity lender.

Community & Local Favorites:

Karen's Bakery & Cafe

To check out the resources highlighted in this episode visit the links below.

Calculate Your Protection Coverage: To check your exact status or map out your accounts using the official share insurance calculators, visit: https://mycreditunion.gov.

To learn more about SAFE Credit Union products and services visit: https://www.safecu.org/

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 contact the podcast team, email Podcast@safecu.org

To watch this episode in video-format and access more financial education tips, subscribe to the SAFE Credit Union YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@SAFECreditUnionCA

Is it time to ditch the traditional piggy bank? In this episode of the Perfect Cents Podcast, host Alex Becerra sits down with parent and banking expert Marcie Johnson to explore how to build financial confidence in children early. In an increasingly digital world where physical cash is disappearing, teaching kids how to manage money online is more important than ever.

Marcie shares her personal experience opening a checking account and getting a debit card for her child, highlighting how moving away from cash allowances helps prevent instant gratification. They discuss the major shift in family banking, including how credit unions like SAFE lowered the account age requirement to 6 years old, so kids can learn financial responsibility by doing. From navigating ATMs to checking online banking logs , discover how you can actively coach your kids toward smart budgeting, saving habits, and lifelong financial literacy.

SAFE is federally insured by NCUA and is an equal housing opportunity lender.

Community & Local Favorites:

Rocklin Community Theatre

Broadway Sacramento

SAFE Credit Union Performing Arts Center

To check out the resources highlighted in this episode visit the links below.

To learn more about SAFE Credit Union products and services visit: https://www.safecu.org/

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 contact the podcast team, email Podcast@safecu.org

To watch this episode in video-format and access more financial education tips, subscribe to the SAFE Credit Union YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@SAFECreditUnionCA