Money Donuts®

Get motivated to do some financial housekeeping this season! Hosts Cooper, Alexis, Steve, and James talk about how to keep your finances on track by reviewing your goals, saving money, looking at your statements, checking for unneeded subscriptions, and more.

How easy is it to set financial goals in real life and stick to them? Four fearless Money Donuts® hosts are about to find out! Follow along as Cooper, Alexis, Steve, and James share their personal financial goals and agree to hold each other accountable. The group plans to provide future updates on the podcast to share what they’ve learned along the way.

Team Money Donuts has signed Alexis as our newest podcast host! In this episode, Alexis introduces herself and confirms the team’s commitment to bringing you the financial education info you love – while enduring plenty of silliness. Welcome to Money Donuts, Alexis!

There are only a few things in life that are certain, and one of them is the topic for this episode! The Money Donuts team talks income taxes, sharing tips and personal tax experiences to help listeners feel comfortable when working with a tax preparer or filing their own tax returns.

Our Members are loving Royal’s Enrich Online Learning system! Dive into everything this personalized financial education platform offers as Cooper talks Steve and James through the details. We share what to expect in the Enrich experience and explain how anyone – even people without accounts at Royal – can get started.

Money Donuts® hosts Steve, Cooper, and James are joined by Robyn, a Member Account Representative from one of Royal’s offices, to share the ins and outs of Royal’s online banking and mobile app! Grab your favorite donut and tune in as they unpack the world of mobile banking and online money management, share tips and tricks, and break down all the features you can take advantage of from home or on the go! Insured by NCUA. Loans subject to credit approval. Equal Housing Opportunity. FICO is a registered trademark of Fair Isaac Corporation.

’Tis the season, and this episode features our very best tips for gifting, saving, and so much more. With an appearance from special guest and gifting guru Tony, a frank conversation about the challenges of managing your finances this time of year, and a rabbit hole about the energy costs of holiday lights, this Money Donuts episode has something for everyone!

Steve and James discuss current scam and fraud threats with Carmen and Taylor from Royal’s information security and fraud prevention teams. Learn what to watch out for with new technology-based scams and get tips to protect yourself in this episode of Money Donuts!

Business bankers Jack and Blake talk the Money Donuts hosts through a variety of business banking topics, including business credit cards, resources for starting or growing a business, business operating accounts, what to expect when banking with Royal, and much more! Whether you're just starting on your entrepreneurial journey or you're an established business, you're sure to learn something new!

Collections means so much more than just past-due payments! The Money Donuts® team meets with Kevin, Anthony, and Mitch from Royal’s collections to team to learn how they help borrowers understand their options to bring loan payments current, adjust to changing circumstances, and build sustainable budgets.

The Money Donuts® crew discusses financial wellbeing (and fritters) with Gigi Hyland from the National Credit Union Foundation! Learn about the NCUF and how it supports credit union efforts for the benefit of credit union Members, plus review how credit unions like Royal are playing a key role in achieving financial wellbeing for all.

The Money Donuts® crew learns how Royal provides a full-service experience in our offices from branch manager Nicole. Besides discussing our favorite office perks, we talk about Royal’s unique level of service and the life-long connections that our office teams create with our Members. From educating people about fraud and credit to helping them with life’s milestones, Royal is creating a positive impact for our Members, and our offices are where those caring connections happen in person!

James and Steve talk with Deb and Jacob from Royal’s mortgage team to learn if now is a good time to be in the market for a new home. They also discuss expectations and realities during the mortgage loan process, share tips for preparing to buy or refinance a home, and consider Steve’s stay-or-move home dilemma. This episode is packed with information for just about anyone, not just homebuyers!

The journey towards financial wellness looks different for everyone. Join the Money Donuts team as they discuss how you can assess your financial wellbeing and different tools you can incorporate into your daily money habits to set you up for success. James, Cooper, and Steve also settle the debate on the proper way to pronounce the name of the beloved donut, the cruller!

The Money Donuts® team takes a closer look at business services, business treasury management offerings, and business relationships at Royal. Becky, Royal’s treasury management officer, guides listeners through all things business services, with help from Karlee, a leader on Royal’s business banking team. Steve also shares an update on his Plant Buddy business idea from Episode 17!

Jack and Lauryn, two of Royal’s current interns, join Cooper, Steve, and James to share their insights into internships! This Money Donuts® episode covers internship experiences at Royal, the corporate learning curve, career aspirations, and much more. Listen to this episode to learn about the unique opportunities that an internship can offer!

It’s time to talk certificates! The Money Donuts® team reviews how certificates work, why they’re a great way to save for long-term goals, and how to know if saving with a certificate makes sense. Listen to this episode and see why a certificate or two might just be your favorite new way to save… and to hear what we think of cinnamon twist donuts!

The Money Donuts team meets with Royal team members Kaylee and Sophie to learn about cryptocurrency, including what it is and how it works. The group also discusses the implications of this decentralized digital currency for Royal and our Members and shares resources for listeners to learn more about the evolving world of crypto.

If you're wondering how higher education funding works, this episode is a great place to start! The Money Donuts team is joined by Royal's private student loan expert Shae to discuss some student loan basics. We cover the differences between federal and private student loans, share answers to common student loan questions, and more.

Royal Business Member and Sconny Co founder Ethan joins the Money Donuts® team to discuss how he got started with his unique business. From coming up with the idea to getting buy-in from friends and family, Ethan shares his experience with writing a business plan, marketing, accounting, and opening a business banking account. He also offers some great advice for others looking to launch their own businesses!

Did you know that Royal services our mortgages? The Money Donuts® team meets with Baylee and Alyssa from Royal’s mortgage servicing team to discuss how they help our Members. They also answer several of the most common questions that Members have about escrow accounts, private mortgage insurance, and more!

James, Cooper, and Steve join Joe and Danielle from Royal's Talent Services team to discuss tips for selling yourself, applying for jobs, and finding new career opportunities. Even if you're not looking for a career change right now, this episode has some great information about best practices for future job seekers and the current job market.

Royal team member Ana joins Money Donuts® to talk about her budgeting system, which uses separate accounts for different categories of expenses! Ana also shares her journey to finding a budgeting system that works for her as a 21-year-old college student. Listen now to learn how Ana budgets and get some great money management tips that can apply to almost any situation!  Learn more at rcu.org/podcast

The Money Donuts® team takes you behind the scenes with guests Chris and Rikki from Royal’s consumer loan underwriting team! We’ll take a look at Royal’s underwriting process, review credit score basics, and then get our guests’ expert insights into the best ways to take care of your credit and more.

The Money Donuts® team is ready to get down to business – starting a business, that is! Hear from business banking expert Karlee Wallin as we talk about starting a business and the unique role that your financial institution plays in getting your business off the ground. You’ll also get a preview of Steve’s new business idea before it goes big!  Learn more about Royal Credit Union and Money Donuts® at rcu.org/podcast

Cooper flexes her financial educator skills to guide James and Steve through a fun money personality quiz. Listeners can follow along and take the quiz too! The hosts also discuss how each different money personality type can affect financial decisions and goals.  Learn more about Money Donuts® at rcu.org/podcast

The Money Donuts® team is back with guest Heather Prueher to talk about Royal’s credit card! With a great low rate and no-fee balance transfers at any time, Royal’s card can be a smart choice, especially as we come down the home stretch of the holiday shopping season.  Learn more about Money Donuts® at rcu.org/podcast

Money Donuts® hosts Steve, James, and Cooper share their favorite real-world tips for saving money at the grocery store. It might take a little planning and willpower, but following these tips on your next grocery run could help you stack up the savings.

Did you talk to your parents about money? Do you involve your kids when talking about finances? Are you planning on talking to your kids about money management? In this episode, Money Donuts® hosts Cooper, Steve, and James talk through this sometimes taboo topic and explain why they think teaching kids about money is important. To learn more about Money Donuts®, visit rcu.org/podcast.

The Money Donuts® hosts are celebrating all the weird and wonderful aspects of United States money with a fun trivia donut hole! Learn some obscure facts about cash and coins from James, Cooper, and Steve as they dive in to the fascinating world of money trivia.

Money Donuts® hosts Cooper, Steve, and James clear up a few common money myths in this short donut hole! Remember that as a credit union, Royal is here to help our Members make smart financial decisions and be a trusted source of advice on all things money. If you’re ever wondering if something is a money myth, just ask an expert at Royal! Visit rcu.org/podcast for more info about Money Donuts®

Auto loan expert Monte discusses the behind-the-scenes process of getting an auto loan at a dealership, the state of today’s vehicle market, and much more with Cooper, James, and Steve. Even if you’re not looking for a car or truck, you still might be able to save money on an existing loan with today’s refinancing options!  For more information about Money Donuts® please visit rcu.org/podcast

Everyone makes money decisions differently, and this short donut hole takes a quick look at how hosts Steve, James, and Cooper tackle theirs. Whether you’re a read-every-review shopper or tend to buy and try for yourself, recognizing your decision-making style can affect how you spend, borrow, and save!

Learn how credit unions are different from other financial institutions – and how those differences matter for the people that credit unions serve. Steve, Cooper, and James also share their experiences as Royal Members and team members to explore how Royal puts its commitment to credit union values into action.  For more Money Donuts® episodes and information, visit rcu.org/Podcast.

When disaster strikes, an emergency fund can be your best friend. You never know when you’ll need it, and starting one can seem difficult, but hosts Cooper, Steve, and James review the benefits of emergency funds. Cooper also shares a real-world example of when an emergency fund came in handy! Learn more about Money Donuts® at rcu.org/podcast

Did you know that Royal has a Volunteer Program that rewards our Members for volunteering in their communities? Learn more about this unique program and its perks from podcast hosts Cooper, Steve, and James. You can find more information or contact us to enroll at rcu.org/Volunteers.

Royal interns Beth, Solo, and Morgan share their experiences with money, college, careers, and more! From inflatable couches to post-college plans, this episode covers a lot of ground and includes lots of laughs. Take a listen and learn more about the financial challenges faced by today’s college students.

Whether you’re looking to buy a house, get out of debt, or save for an emergency, the SMART goals system can help you make it happen. Cooper, Steve, and James take you through an example of setting a financial goal that’s Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, and Timely. Use the SMART framework and you’ll be on the right path toward reaching any goal you choose! Learn more about Money Donuts® at rcu.org/Podcast.

Unlike biting into your favorite donut flavor, credit conversations are not always sweet. Join the Money Donuts hosts for a conversation about the importance of responsible credit use, and the way it plays a role in every stage of life. Visit rcu.org/Podcast for more information.

It’s time to get excited for the RCU Foundation’s annual Rock The Riverfront featuring the Charity Classic! While it’s a virtual run/walk this year, there’s still plenty of fun waiting with TWO rock hunts sponsored by Market & Johnson and lots of family-oriented activities. Help us raise money for three arts organizations in our local communities!  For more information visit rcu.org/Race!

Royal’s security guru Jody makes a repeat guest appearance to take on the topic of phishing! Phishing, the practice of sending scam messages that pretend to be from a reputable company in order to trick people into revealing their personal information, continues to be popular with hackers. In this episode, you’ll hear an expert’s take on the latest phishing trends and learn tips to avoid becoming a phishing victim.

We’re getting the word out about avoiding fraud and scams! Cooper, Steve, and James share some tips for recognizing scam attempts in this bite-sized donut hole. Remember to be on the lookout for unexpected, urgent, and unusual emails, phone calls, or text messages! You can find more security tips at rcu.org/Security.

If you hear the acronym HELOC (hee-lock!) and want to run the other way, this one’s for you! We bite into a hearty helping of home equity line of credit awesomeness to explain what a HELOC is and why you might want one. Plus, hear a “plant rant” from the one and only Cooper as the cherry on top! You can learn more at www.rcu.org.

Knowing how you feel about money can help affirm your choices or set the stage for change. Steve, Cooper, and James meet with registered yoga teacher Diana to discuss how our relationships with our finances can have a wider impact than you might expect.

Learn more at rcu.org/podcast

If you’re receiving a tax refund, the "Royal Sprinkles" have some quick tips on the best ways to use the money in this week's Donut Hole. We also share a key fact about why your goal should be to receive a smaller tax refund!

If your financial checkup reveals the opportunity to knock down debt, what are your options? Guest Heather Prueher is back with some easy ways to keep your payments affordable. Oh, and we also discuss financial spirit animals….

When was the last time you thought about your financial health? Guest Heather Prueher shares her financial checkup tips as Steve and Cooper learn why starting a money checkup with your credit report makes sense.

Streaming services and other monthly subscriptions are convenient, but how many is too many? Could you save some cash each month by using other options? The Money Donuts team shares personal experiences and food for thought!

It’s time to take a look at budgets from a Money Donuts perspective – and that means thinking about flexible, personal budgets that work for YOU. Learn how the right budgeting mindset can help you take control, eliminate stress, and reach your financial goals, then get some great starting tips from the Money Donuts team!