Better Money with Elements Financial

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Welcome to Better Money with Elements Financial, a podcast where we deliver trusted advice from financial wellness pros to help you make your money — and your life in general — better.

Whether you’re a member with us yet or not, welcome to our friendly financial podcast that broadcasts from Indianapolis, Indiana, where the headquarters for our credit union is located. 

Weekly episodes cover a variety of topics with conversation and special guests:

• Finding holistic approaches to your finances
• Giving yourself some leeway when it comes to your financial plan
• Realistic goal setting
• Making sacrifices and learning to balance life with finances
• The life of an auto loan application
• and more...

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Listen to Better Money with Elements Financial wherever you listen to podcasts.¹ Launch your favorite app, search for "Better Money with Elements Financial," and subscribe today.

EPISODE LISTING

• From Piggy Banks to Paychecks: Financial Strategies for Children - November 6, 2024 // Miranda is joined by four different parents who offer practical tips, real-life examples, and age-appropriate financial strategies to ensure children grow up with a strong financial foundation.They cover essential conversations to have with your kids about money, effective activities to help children understand spending from a young age, financial products to prepare them for the real world and much more. Miranda is joined by: Liz Wertz, Vice President, LPL Financial Advisor, Elements Wealth Management; Eliza Claborn, Relationship Manager at Elements; Curtis Dodd, Relationship Manager at Elements; Michelle Payne, VP Marketing & Communications at Elements.
• Planning Ahead: Your Guide to Estate Planning Featuring Attorney Kent Emswiller - May 22, 2024 // During this episode, Miranda is joined by Indiana Attorney Kent Emswiller of Emswiller, Williams, Noland & Clarke, LLC to answer common questions regarding Estate Planning². During their conversation they cover what an Estate Plan is, the benefits of starting the process early, what information and documents you need to get started, and much more. To contact Kent directly to start the Estate Planning process, he can be reached at 317-257-8787. Their website is also accessible at www.ewnc-law.com.
  
• Navigating Financial Hardships - February 28, 2024 // According to a recent survey conducted by Gallup, 61% of Americans are facing moderate to severe financial hardships due to the recent price hikes. If you are also struggling to cope with the current situation, then you might be looking for some guidance and support. Terri Mossbrucker joins the podcast to share her insights and discuss the topic with Miranda. She is a member of the Elements Financial Asset Recovery department and is well-equipped to help educate others on financial hardships. Terri has almost 30 years of experience in helping individuals with budgeting and finding solutions for difficult financial situations.
  Statistics sourced: More in U.S. Say Inflation Is Causing Financial Hardship / Americans Remain Discouraged About Personal Finances
• Special Live Episode - Purpose Day with CICF CEO Jennifer Bartenbach - November 15, 2023 // On October 9, 2023 Elements Financial conducted their seventh annual Purpose Day - a day dedicated to giving back and serving the communities and causes we care about. As part of the day, Elements employees heard from Jennifer Bartenbach, the CEO of the Central Indiana Community Foundation. During this conversation with Miranda, the two discuss the importance of giving back and the different ways you can do so.  This episode was recorded live in front of an audience and may vary in sound. To learn more about Purpose Day 2023, visit bianlifan.com/PurposeDay. To learn about CICF, visit www.cicf.org.
• The Impact of Inflation - September 27, 2023 // Miranda is joined by Andrew Chalko, the Chief Financial Officer of Elements, to discuss the causes and effects of inflation. They will explore the sectors that are most affected by inflation and provide tips on budget restructuring to combat it. They'll also dive into the root causes of inflation, which businesses continue to be impacted, and practical ways to restructure your budget to mitigate its effects.
• The Power of Early Investing - June 28, 2023 // Miranda is joined by Liz Wertz, LPL Financial Advisor at Elements Wealth Management. Liz shares the answers to the top five questions young professionals have when beginning to invest. Their conversation covers why it’s important to start investing for retirement while you are young, how to use a 401k and employer matching to your advantage, and additional ways you can invest to supplement your current strategies. To learn more about Liz and to contact her, visit her website at bianlifan.com/LWertz. To view the visual charts mentioned in this podcast, please contact us at bettermoney@bianlifan.com.
• Bonus Episode - Innovation in Higher Education: Butler Beyond - May 17, 2023 // In this bonus episode, learn about Butler University's innovative approach to higher education accessibility from Dean Esteves, Executive Director of Butler University’s Office of Strategic Engagement, as they revolutionize traditional methods.
• Money in Your Early 20s - May 17, 2023 // College graduation season is here and many young adults are embarking on a new chapter in their lives. This can often bring about challenging life lessons, especially in regard to finances. In this episode, Miranda is joined by Eliza Claborn, Elements Relationship Manager, to provide guidance on navigating finances for those in their early twenties. Later in the show, Dean Esteves, Executive Director of Butler University’s Office of Strategic Engagement, shares valuable advice on managing money that he wishes he had known in his younger years.
• Women and Money with Andrea Liebross - March 15, 2023 // In celebration of International Women’s Day and Women’s History Month, Miranda is joined by Life Coach Andrea Liebross to discuss the history of women and money and how Andrea helps build confidence and empower women to be unapologetically successful. Andrea is a Certified Business and Life Coach, Podcast Host, and Certified You Need a Budget Coach who specializes in helping women holistically achieve peace and success in all aspects of their lives. 
• Finding Balance in the Name of Progress - February 15, 2023 // A fresh year can bring a renewed sense of determination and feelings of a fresh slate. In this episode, Miranda is joined by Charles Akinbola, the credit union's Talent Acquisition Partner. The two discuss gradual betterment by looking at healthy mindsets around progress and how to find a balance to make that betterment truly beneficial long term. 
• Seasonal Spending Strategies Featuring Goodwill of Central And Southern Indiana - December 7, 2022 // The holiday season is a time for family, friends, and memories. With it, however, comes the stress of holiday spending. We chat about unique ways to approach gift-giving, how children impact gift-giving strategies, and more. Our Community Corner section features our partners from Goodwill of Central And Southern Indiana. Director of Retail Stores, Travis Darden, joins to talk about the impact and benefits of shopping with Goodwill this holiday season. 
• Rising Rates and Inflation - October 26, 2022 // Elements Chief Financial Officer and Executive Vice President Jeff Joyce joins the podcast to talk all things rates and inflation. We'll dive into the basics of inflation, how it impacts borrowing and saving, and who determines what rates will be. 
• Taking a Seat at Tanorria’s Table - September 21, 2022 // We sit down with personal chef Tanorria Askew of Tanorria’s Table to chat about her work to make good food more accessible to all. We learn about what skills and tools you should always have in the kitchen - even if you’re not a chef. We talk about when to buy fresh, when to buy bulk, and much more. Listen to the episode to find out how you can enter for a chance³ to win a copy of Tanorria’s book "Staples +5."
• Making Your Equity Work for You - August 17, 2022 // Elements Financial's VP, Director of Mortgage Lending Julie Bowering the show to discuss what having an increased home value and potential equity available means for you. Learn how to tap into your equity, what a Home Equity Line of Credit is, and much more.  
• Bonus Episode - A Closer Look At the Airline Industry with Republic Airways - July 20, 2022 // In this bonus episode, we're joined by Tara Kamm, Managing Director of Finance for Republic Airways to take a closer look at the airline industry. We'll discuss the contributing factors of inflation in airline travel, what Republic is doing to create the next generation of aviation professionals, and much more. 
• Fuel & Flights: Navigating Travel Inflation - July 20, 2022 // The cost and logistics of traveling can sometimes outweigh the destination. With increased gas prices and airline travel becoming unpredictable, what are the best ways to manage these while staying within our means? Miranda is joined by fellow Elements employees Abbey Askew and Karmen Johnson to chat through some ways you can incorporate cost savings into both your everyday and leisure travel plans. Then, Republic Airways' Managing Director of Finance, Tara Kamm, joins the show to discuss the airline industry.   
• Your Guide to Family Fun at Victory Field - June 22, 2022 // Kids of all ages can find something that fits their budget when coming out to a game at Victory Field. Indianapolis Indians Director of Communication Cheyne Reiter joins the podcast to discuss affordable family fun for the current season. Learn more about the Knot Hole Kids Club, special character appearances, the Elements Financial Club, and more.  
• Keeping up with the Joneses - April 13, 2022 // Do you find yourself comparing your lifestyle to those you see on social media? In this episode we discuss the idiom 'Keeping Up with the
  Joneses' and how you can align yourself for financial goals with wants vs. needs.
• Understanding Underwriting - March 23, 2022 // Featuring Doug Jeffs, AVP of Consuming Lending & Credit Manager at Elements. Do you know what underwriters do? Many consumers might not. Join us to learn about the guidelines they use when making decisions. Learn some tips to recover from financial hardship and how to better establish your credit prior to applying for a loan.
• Home Buying Basics - March 16, 2022 // Featuring Justin Montour, Mortgage Loan Originator at Elements, and Realtor Amy Spillman. House hunting can lead to the largest purchase of your life. Join us to better understand what happens next after you find that home of your dreams.
• Why Care About Your Credit Score? - March 9, 2022 // Join us for the ins and outs of credit scoring, who checks it, and what factors influence it the most. You'll learn multiple ways to manage, protect, and even increase your personal credit rating.
• The Financial Ides of March - March 2, 2022 // Join us for an overview of financial pitfalls and how we can avoid them. Paying attention to your finances not only when things are wrong, and talking frequently about household money matters with your spouse or partner are two important takeaways in this episode.
• The Credit Union Difference - February 23, 2022 // Featuring Tara Lambert, Relationship Manager with Elements Financial, who will dive into the history of credit unions globally and here in the US. You'll learn the key differences between banks and credit unions, including the trust factor. Plus, we will share what truly sets Elements apart from the rest.
• The Cost of Convenience - February 16, 2022 // Join us to think harder about the popular convenience costs you pay, such as Uber, food delivery apps, online grocery shopping, and more! Some are worth it, and many are not. We will explore the benefits, concerns, and our most valuable commodity time.
• Spring Cleaning for Your Finances - February 2, 2022 // Join us for a high-level financial assessment of your goals that will inspire you toward renewal, control, and better organization. a Make a fresh start with your finances, implement new routines, and plan for the spring season ahead.
• Auto Loan Process - January 26, 2022 // VP of Sales Andee Kettlebar joins the show to give an in-depth look at the auto loan process and everything that goes along with it.
• Balancing Act - January 19, 2022 // Join us for the ins and outs of credit card balance transfers, debt consolidation, and repayment options.
• No Spend Month - January 12, 2022 // This episode features our Financial Wellness Facilitator Dawn Hardwick who will walk us through the money method called "No Spend Month."
• Reflection - January 5, 2022 // Join us on our first-ever episode of Better Money with Elements Financial for realistic goal setting, recovering from holiday spending, and a holistic financial approach for 2022!
• Coming Soon: Better Money with Elements Financial - December 12, 2021 // Welcome to Better Money with Elements Financial. Here our hosts will deliver trusted advice to help you make your money — and your life in general — better.

Reference to, or information about, any specific product or service by name, trade name, trademark, or service mark in this podcast does not constitute an endorsement of that product or service.