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

Are you facing job loss, the rising financial stress, or unexpected bills? You don't have to handle it alone. On this episode of the Perfect Cents Podcast, host Alex Becerra welcomes SAFE Loan Service Manager, Amber Mitchell to discuss how to partner with your financial institution during tough times.

Topics include:

• Communication is Key: Loan servicing departments call out of care to find flexible solutions, not to penalize you.
• Flexible Options: Programs like Skip-A-Pay move your payment to the end of the loan term, protecting your credit.
• Community Support: Local credit unions focus on tailored, win-win outcomes for their neighbors.

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

Community & Local Favorites:

Thai Hut (Sacramento)

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

Is the Sacramento housing market finally cooling down, or are we entering a significant period of transition? On this episode of the Perfect Cents Podcast, host Alex Becerra sits down with renowned housing analyst and certified appraiser Ryan Lundquist to break down the latest Sacramento real estate trends.

With over 20 years of local experience, Ryan provides a data-backed look at why the current market is shifting from a fast-paced environment to a much tighter, inventory-strained landscape. Whether you are a first-time buyer or a seller trying to understand local appraisal trends, this interview offers the technical analysis you won't find in viral headlines.

Topics include:

• Market Inventory Dynamics: Why low supply coupled with low demand is creating a unique state of "normal."
• Regional Growth Drivers: The massive population shift toward Roseville and the ongoing transformation of downtown Loomis.
• The Bay Area Effect: How migration patterns from the coast continue to influence Sacramento home prices.
• Buying Strategy for 2026: Why a 20% down payment isn't a requirement and how to navigate the current entry-level market.
• Luxury Market Trends: An analysis of million-dollar sales and where the top 10% of the market is heading.

About the Guest: Ryan Lundquist is a certified residential appraiser and housing market analyst in the Sacramento area. Ryan runs the Sacramento Appraisal Blog, which is a top-ranking appraisal blog in the United States. He is a member of the Real Estate Appraisers Association of Sacramento. His clients include homeowners, real estate agents, CPAs, and attorneys. In his spare time, Ryan does woodworking. He also loves to walk.

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

Community & Local Favorites:

Shangri-La (Fair Oaks)

High-Hand Cafe (Loomis)

High-Hand Brewing Company (Loomis)

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

To see this episode in our new video format visit: Sacramento Housing Market Update: Trends & Analysis with Ryan Lundquist (YouTube)

To view Ryan's official website and read his latest blog visit: Sacramento Appraisal Blog

To like, share, and subscribe to SAFE Credit Union's official YouTube page visit: SAFE Credit Union (YouTube)

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

Are you torn between the convenience of a fintech app and the personalized service of a credit union? In this episode of the Perfect Cents Podcast, host Alex Becerra is joined by Marcus Webb, Branch Manager at SAFE Credit Union's Granite Bay location.

With over 24 combined years of experience, they break down the shifting financial landscape—from the rise of "niche" apps like Rocket Money and Chime to why having a face-to-face relationship still carries immense "intangible value" in a digital world.

Topics include:

• Defining Fintech: Why younger consumers are drawn to specialized, one-dimensional digital tools.
• The "Data Point" Problem: The difference between being a member of a community and just another entry in an algorithm.
• The Credit Union Philosophy: How not-for-profit institutions prioritize the person over the profit.
• Life's Milestones: How a dedicated financial partner helps you navigate buying a first car, planning a wedding, or starting a family.

About the Guest: Marcus Webb is a veteran in the banking industry with 12 years of experience. He currently serves as the Branch Manager for the SAFE Credit Union Granite Bay branch, focusing on community-based growth and member success.

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

Community & Local Favorites:

R-Vida Cantina

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

Are you ready to stop paying your landlord's mortgage and start building your own equity? In this episode of the Perfect Cents Podcast, host Alex Becerra sits down with SAFE Credit Union Home Loan Manager Casey Jenkins to demystify the journey to homeownership.

Whether you're worried about your credit score or struggling to save for a down payment, this discussion provides a clear roadmap for anyone looking to secure their first set of house keys.

Topics include:

• Why your "bad credit" might actually be better than you think.
• The real cost of renting vs. the long-term benefits of home equity.
• How to balance paying off debt while saving for a down payment.
• Why working with a mortgage advisor can help you create a winning plan.

About the Guest: With over 15 years of experience, Casey shares why the "boring" logistics of mortgages—rates, terms, and payments—are actually powerful tools to help you reach financial freedom.

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

Community & Local Favorites:

Zócalo - Modern Mexican Hospitality

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

Beyond Everyday Banking Blog - SAFE Home Loan Consultants Help You Every Step of the Way

For details about SAFE HomeRewards, visit: SAFE HomeRewards

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

On this episode of the Perfect Cents Podcast, host Alex Becerra sits down with Lawrence Lomeli, AVP of Consumer Lending at SAFE Credit Union, to break down the complex world of borrowing and credit to help you build financial freedom for your future.

Topics include:

• Borrowing as a Tool: Why credit should be viewed as leverage for big-ticket items like homes, cars, and education rather than a source of anxiety.
• Credit Score Factors: A deep dive into what influences your score, including repayment history, credit mix, and the depth of your profile.
• The Benefits of High Credit: How a strong score leads to better interest rates, lower costs, and more options from financial institutions.
• Overcoming Challenges: Understanding that credit is a journey and that past hardships like medical issues or setbacks are not a reflection of your self-worth.
• Red Flags to Avoid: Critical warnings about the dangers of payday loans and using credit for everyday living expenses like groceries and gas.

About the Guest: Lawrence Lomeli brings over 35 years of industry experience to the conversation, specializing in signature, personal, and auto loans. Resources: For more information on financial products and services, visit safecu.org to schedule an appointment with a professional expert today.

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

Community & Local Favorites:

Land Ocean - New American Grill

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