Smarter Money Life

Hosted by FORUM Credit Union

Business Investing News

Website RSS feed

Episodes

Latest episode

Aug 2026

Language

About the show

FORUM is federally insured by the National Credit Union Administration and is an Equal Housing Opportunity lender. NMLS #469848

Listen to episodes

60 recent

September 8, 2026Episode 1711 min

Are You Ready To Build A Home?

Building a home can be one of the most exciting things you'll ever do, it can also come with plenty of surprises. In this episode, we chat with Mike Senn from FORUM Credit Union about what to expect, what to avoid, and how to make the process go a little smoother. If a new home is in your future, this conversation is for you. For more information, please visit us at Smarter Money Life . You can also view this episode with captions here: Smarter Money Life on YouTube . Reference to, or information about, any specific product or service by name, trademark, trade name, or service mark in the Smarter Money Life podcast does not constitute an endorsement of that product or service. Federally Insured by NCUA. © 2026, FORUM Credit Union. All rights reserved. Reproduction in any form is prohibited.

August 25, 2026Episode 1618 min

Cracking the Code on Credit Scores

Your credit score may be just three digits, but it can shape some of life's biggest money decisions. In this episode of Smarter Money Life, we sit down with Kurt Niles from FORUM Credit Union to break down what lenders really look for, how to build a stronger score, and the simple steps you can take to protect it. For more information, please visit us at Smarter Money Life . You can also view this episode with captions here: Smarter Money Life on YouTube . Reference to, or information about, any specific product or service by name, trademark, trade name, or service mark in the Smarter Money Life podcast does not constitute an endorsement of that product or service. Federally Insured by NCUA. © 2026, FORUM Credit Union. All rights reserved. Reproduction in any form is prohibited.

August 11, 2026Episode 1519 min

Raising Money-Smart Kids

If you've ever wondered what money lessons your kids really need and when to teach them, this episode is for you. Kids are growing up in a tap to pay, one click world, so money lessons have to grow with them. In this episode we'll show you practical ways to build money confidence at every age. For more information, please visit us at Smarter Money Life . You can also view this episode with captions here: Smarter Money Life on YouTube . Reference to, or information about, any specific product or service by name, trademark, trade name, or service mark in the Smarter Money Life podcast does not constitute an endorsement of that product or service. Federally Insured by NCUA. © 2026, FORUM Credit Union. All rights reserved. Reproduction in any form is prohibited.

July 28, 2026Episode 1410 min

How To Be Successful At Budgeting

If you've ever tried budgeting and thought, "this just doesn't work," you're not alone. The truth is—there's no one-size-fits-all plan. This week on Smarter Money Life, we will share best practices to help you be successful at budgeting regardless of the budget method that fits your personality. For more information, please visit us at Smarter Money Life . You can also view this episode with captions here: Smarter Money Life on YouTube . Reference to, or information about, any specific product or service by name, trademark, trade name, or service mark in the Smarter Money Life podcast does not constitute an endorsement of that product or service. Federally Insured by NCUA. © 2026, FORUM Credit Union. All rights reserved. Reproduction in any form is prohibited.

July 14, 2026Episode 1311 min

Protecting Your Parents from Scams

If you worry about protecting your parents or other family members from frauds and scams, you are not alone. This episode is focused on giving you real steps to take and ways to have a respectful conversation about this subject. For more information, please visit us at Smarter Money Life . You can also view this episode with captions here: Smarter Money Life on YouTube . Reference to, or information about, any specific product or service by name, trademark, trade name, or service mark in the Smarter Money Life podcast does not constitute an endorsement of that product or service. Federally Insured by NCUA. © 2026, FORUM Credit Union. All rights reserved. Reproduction in any form is prohibited.

June 23, 2026Episode 1223 min

Protecting Yourself In A Connected World

We live in a connected world—and that means more convenience and more risk. On this episode of Smarter Money Life, we're joined by fraud expert Ben to share simple, practical ways to protect your accounts, devices, and personal information. For more information, please visit us at Smarter Money Life . You can also view this episode with captions here: Smarter Money Life on YouTube . Reference to, or information about, any specific product or service by name, trademark, trade name, or service mark in the Smarter Money Life podcast does not constitute an endorsement of that product or service. Federally Insured by NCUA. © 2026, FORUM Credit Union. All rights reserved. Reproduction in any form is prohibited.

June 9, 2026Episode 1114 min

Essential Accounts for Kids by Age 16

By age 16, kids don't need every financial account out there—but they do need the right mix. This is when money starts getting real: paychecks, debit cards, spending choices, and more. In this episode we are breaking down the accounts 16 year olds should have. For more information, please visit us at Smarter Money Life . You can also view this episode with captions here: Smarter Money Life on YouTube . Reference to, or information about, any specific product or service by name, trademark, trade name, or service mark in the Smarter Money Life podcast does not constitute an endorsement of that product or service. Federally Insured by NCUA. © 2026, FORUM Credit Union. All rights reserved. Reproduction in any form is prohibited.

May 26, 2026Episode 1017 min

Avoiding Top Financial Mistakes

Feeling stuck financially, even though you're doing all the right things? On this episode of Smarter Money Life, we break down the most common money mistakes-and how small changes can help you get ahead fast. For more information, please visit us at Smarter Money Life . You can also view this episode with captions here: Smarter Money Life on YouTube . Reference to, or information about, any specific product or service by name, trademark, trade name, or service mark in the Smarter Money Life podcast does not constitute an endorsement of that product or service. Federally Insured by NCUA. © 2026, FORUM Credit Union. All rights reserved. Reproduction in any form is prohibited.

May 12, 2026Episode 921 min

When and How to Use Credit

We see credit decisions every day—and we know how confusing they can feel. In this episode of Smarter Money Life , we'll help you understand how to use credit that fits your lifestyle and improve your financial well-being. For more information, please visit us at Smarter Money Life . You can also view this episode with captions here: Smarter Money Life on YouTube . Reference to, or information about, any specific product or service by name, trademark, trade name, or service mark in the Smarter Money Life podcast does not constitute an endorsement of that product or service. Federally Insured by NCUA. © 2026, FORUM Credit Union. All rights reserved. Reproduction in any form is prohibited.

April 28, 2026Episode 811 min

What Pre-Teens Should Know About Money

Even pre-teens should start learning about money concepts and in this episode we are answering common questions and sharing a few ways to reinforce important money skills. For more information, please visit us at Smarter Money Life . You can also view this episode with captions here: Smarter Money Life on YouTube . Reference to, or information about, any specific product or service by name, trademark, trade name, or service mark in the Smarter Money Life podcast does not constitute an endorsement of that product or service. Federally Insured by NCUA. © 2026, FORUM Credit Union. All rights reserved. Reproduction in any form is prohibited.