Join the SAFE Community Relations team on a journey towards financial wellness and meaningful community involvement. The Perfect Cents Podcast, presented by SAFE Credit Union is a program designed to empower each listener to take control of their financial situation and become a greater force for good in their community. Episodes will feature recurring segments along with occasional guests from around the Greater Sacramento region. Guests will include SAFE Credit Union colleagues, industry experts, business leaders and non-profit champions. SAFE is a not-for-profit, cooperative state-chartered credit union based in Folsom, CA. Our mission is to help members improve their financial well-being, to provide excellent service and to ensure a financially sound credit union.
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October 21, 2026Episode 10032 min
Teaching Financial Literacy Early with Brandi Cummings
When should you open a bank account for your kids? In this episode of the Perfect Cents Podcast, host Alex Becerra sits down with KCRA Morning Anchor and NABJ Sacramento President, Brandi Cummings, to discuss the journey of raising financially savvy kids. Brandi shares her personal story of taking her young children to open their very first savings accounts at SAFE, teaching them the value of saving, understanding needs versus wants, and avoiding the pitfalls of overspending early on. Whether you're a parent trying to navigate financial literacy or just looking for practical ways to talk to your kids about money, this conversation breaks it down into digestible, real-world steps. Community & Local Favorites: Visit Sacramento | Your Guide to Sacramento's Farmers Markets Learn more about SAFE's Kid & Teen Accounts 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 Insured by NCUA
In recognition of Cybersecurity Awareness Month, host Alex Becerra sits down with SAFE Credit Union Chief Technology Officer, Mike McCarthy, to discuss practical ways you can protect your personal information, hard-earned savings, and digital footprint from evolving cyber threats. Drawing from his extensive background in military network defense and private sector IT, Mike breaks down the realities of social engineering, phishing, smishing, and why multi-factor authentication (MFA) and strong password vaults are your best defense against bad actors. Plus, get expert advice on securing your holiday shopping transactions and monitoring your credit health! Community & Local Favorites: Mikuni Sushi BJ Cinnamon Sully's Bar & Grill Check out our latest blog, "Add These Cybersecurity Tips to Your Toolkit" 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 Insured by NCUA
October 15, 2026Episode 9827 min
Smart Business Banking Tips for Entrepreneurs & Startups
Are you wondering how to set up your business banking, separate your personal and business finances, or find the right loans to grow your company? We welcomed SAFE Assistant Manager of Business Banking, Brian Rose, to break down everything entrepreneurs and small business owners need to know. From choosing the right business entity and gathering required documentation to leveraging commercial loans, credit cards, and free local community resources, he shares expert advice to help your business succeed! Community & Local Favorites: Mindscape Fermentations To learn about SAFE's current business banking promotions running through the end of October: https://www.safecu.org/business 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
October 1, 2026Episode 9743 min
SAFE & BECU Combination Partners: A Conversation with BECU President and CEO, Beverly Anderson
Join host Alex Becerra as he sits down with BECU President and CEO, Beverly Anderson, for an inspiring conversation about leadership, community impact, and the future of financial services. Discover the vision behind the proposed combination between BECU and SAFE, creating a powerhouse financial services cooperative dedicated to putting members and communities first. Whether you're a credit union member, an employee navigating change, or interested in alternative financial models, this episode explores how scaling community-centric banking delivers better solutions, loan repricing, and lasting financial well-being. Community & Local Favorites: Salty's On Alki Beach (Seattle) To learn more about the combination member vote (August 31 - October 27, 2026) visit: https://www.safecu.org/vote 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
September 25, 2026Episode 9641 min
JMBA Goes Beyond Boxing: Invest in People, Change the Game
Join us on this episode of the Perfect Cents Podcast as we sit down with Jose Morales, a prominent Sacramento region boxing coach and the visionary owner of the Jose Morales Boxing Academy. Jose shares his deeply moving personal and professional journey, taking us behind the scenes of how he overcame massive life obstacles, including crucial tips on how to establish credit at a young age. Discover how his very first job at a boxing gym completely shifted his perspective on life, thanks to the influential coaches, entrepreneurs, and professional athletes he met along the way. Community & Local Favorites: Instagram | Jose Morales Boxing Academy Maya Cantina Sarom's Southern Kitchen Instagram | Dona Mari's Cocinita Max's Deli 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
September 10, 2026Episode 9524 min
$250k Community Donation Announcement: How Your Vote Shapes Local Impact
Big news! When SAFE members vote on the proposed combination with BECU, voting members also have a unique opportunity to help direct a $250,000 contribution to four incredible nonprofit organizations making a meaningful difference throughout the greater Sacramento region by getting to vote on where those funds go. On this episode of the Perfect Cents Podcast, host Alex sits down to discuss the launch of our major community donation, the four nonprofit organizations involved, and how every single vote counts toward making a lasting difference in our local community. Cast your member vote and learn more Cast your vote August 31- October 27, 2026 - https://www.safecu.org/vote Learn more about our nonprofit partners: Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Greater Sacramento Area Women's Empowerment Saint John's Program for Real Change Habitat for Humanity of Greater Sacramento Community & Local Favorites: Corti Brothers Sellands Kru Salsa's Taqueria 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
August 25, 202614 min
Celebrating Community at Sutter Health Park with the A's!
Join Alex Becerra at Sutter Health Park for Friends & Family Night with the A's, presented by the Perfect Cents Podcast. Alex catches up with SAFE CEO Faye Nabhani and COO Tiffani Vargas, along with SAFE members, employees, and young fans, to talk about community, connection, and baseball. From first pitches to favorite ballpark snacks, see how SAFE's partnership with the A's supports the community and provides member benefits, including discounted A's and River Cats tickets. SAFE members can purchase discounted tickets with their promo code found under "Member Perks" in the SAFE Mobile App and Online Banking. Not a SAFE member? Learn more about SAFE Credit Union and member benefits . Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, or tax advice. SAFE Credit Union is federally insured by the NCUA. Community & Local Favorites: New Member Exclusive! Discounted tickets to select A's and River Cats Games (blog) Official A's Website (MLB) Sutter Health Park Official Sacramento River Cats Website (MiLB) 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
August 13, 2026Episode 9441 min
From Street Smarts to Running Sacramento's Popular "Our Street Night Market"
On this episode of the Perfect Cents Podcast, host Alex Becerra sits down with Shawn Kahan, co-owner of Yellow Brick Group and co-founder of the 'Our Street Night Market'. Shawn takes us through his incredible journey—from hustling t-shirts out of his car trunk at 17 after getting kicked out of school, to designing for NBA icons like DeMarcus Cousins, to building a multi-faceted creative agency in the heart of Sacramento. We'll dive into the origin of the 'Our Street Night Market', detailing how an event planned for a few hundred people unexpectedly drew over 11,000 attendees, inspired by his Asian and Hawaiian heritage and night market trips to Taiwan. He also honors the legacy of late developer Ali Youssefi, reflecting on the cultural impact of the Warehouse Artist Lofts (WAL), and offers profound advice for creative entrepreneurs on self-awareness, personal storytelling, and community building. Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes and does not constitute financial, tax, or legal advice. SAFE is federally insured by NCUA and is an equal housing opportunity lender. Community & Local Favorites: Hanai Shave Ice Camellia Coffee Roasters Instagram - @camelliacoffeeroasters Majka Pizzeria Instagram - @majkabakes Southside Super Instagram - @southsidesuper Sacramento Little Saigon To check out the resources highlighted in this episode visit the links below. For more information about the upcoming Our Street Night Market visit: Our Street Night Market Instagram - @ourstreetmarket For more information about Yellow Brick Group visit: https://ybgroup.us/ Instagram - @yellowbrickgroup 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
July 31, 2026Episode 9330 min
SAFE & BECU Combination: Digital First. Human Always.
How is the upcoming combination of SAFE and BECU going to change the future of banking in Northern California and Washington? On this episode of the Perfect Cents Podcast , Alex Becerra sits down with SAFE COO, Tiffani Vargas, and BECU Chief Member & Digital Experience Officer, Jason Rudman, to dive deep into what this historic credit union partnership actually means for members and local communities. Discover how both institutions are uniting under the "Coming Together, Member First" philosophy, combining cutting-edge technology with a deep commitment to community impact. From reducing member fees to expanding first-time homebuyer grants, learn how this combined force of nearly 2 million members aims to move people from financial access to true financial freedom! Don't forget to subscribe to stay updated on how we're helping our communities win! SAFE is federally insured by NCUA and is an equal housing opportunity lender. Community & Local Favorites: Mount Rainier National Park Big Sur State Park (CA) Visit Carmel-By-The-Sea Visit Napa Valley 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 Gold Mountain California News Media | Future of SAFE is still local 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
July 16, 2026Episode 9226 min
How Co-Ops Strengthen Communities
What actually happens to your money when you shop local? On this episode of The Perfect Cents Podcast, we sit down with Brian Munn, CEO of the Sacramento Natural Foods Co-op, to explore how the cooperative business model builds long-term regional wealth. Brian shares his journey from classical culinary training to managing a 50-year-old Sacramento institution. We dive deep into the unique economic engine of co-ops, how their direct relationships with farmers protected their supply chain during global disruptions, and why partnerships between financial and consumer cooperatives create a stronger economic safety net for the community. Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes and does not constitute financial, tax, or legal advice. SAFE is federally insured by NCUA and is an equal housing opportunity lender. Community & Local Favorites: Sacramento Natural Foods Co-Op Hawk's Public House Mulvaney's B&L 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
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