Dollars & Sense: Recent Episodes

HAPO Community Credit Union

HAPO Community Credit Union helps empower our listeners to achieve financial success while living for today and planning for tomorrow. This podcast focuses on financial education, community support, fraud prevention, real life stories of financial transformation, and much more.

🎮 Think gaming is just fun and games? Think again.

In this episode of Dollars and Sense, we explore how the gaming industry became a $250 billion machine by mastering one thing: human behavior. From paying to skip ads, to spending real money on digital outfits, to buying power and progression — games have perfected how to turn your attention, emotion, and identity into revenue.

Whether you're a gamer, a parent, or just curious about how the economy of entertainment works today, this episode unpacks the psychology behind why we spend and how the business of gaming got so good at asking us to.

🧠 Topics we cover:

How gaming outgrew Hollywood and music
The rise of “pay to play” and microtransactions
Why cosmetics and skins are so profitable
The behavioral economics behind modern game design

🎧 Tune in and see how a controller became one of the most powerful tools in business.

🎥 Watch the full episode on YouTube: @DollarsAndSense.Podcast
📲 Follow us on Instagram: @hapoccu | @dollarsandsense.podcast

In this episode of Dollars and Sense, we’re joined by Max Lucas, a loan officer at HAPO, and Connor MacDougall, a local real estate agent, to talk about how homeownership reshapes your relationship with money.

It’s not just about mortgages and maintenance — it’s about the mindset shift that happens when you go from renting to owning. From unexpected costs to long-term planning, this is a real-world look at the growth that comes with buying a home.

In this episode:
• How homeownership builds discipline
• What surprises new buyers the most
• Why it’s more than just a mortgage payment
• Lessons from two real estate pros who see it every day

🎥 Watch the full episode on YouTube: @DollarsAndSense.Podcast
📲 Follow us on Instagram: @hapoccu | @dollarsandsense.podcast

💸 Think you need thousands to start investing? Think again.

In this episode of Dollars and Sense, we sit down with Nick Haberling and Tyler Pearson, both financial advisors from HFG Trust, to break down the biggest myth that keeps people from building wealth: the idea that you need to be rich to get started. With just a few dollars and the right mindset, you can build a portfolio that grows over time — no stock market expertise or fancy financial degree required.

Whether you're just starting out or still sitting on the sidelines, this conversation is for you.

🎯 Topics we cover:

The biggest misconception about investing. Why time matters more than money
How to start with $100 or less
What to do before you invest your first dollar

This is the episode you share with the friend who keeps saying, “I’ll invest when I have more money.

🎥 Watch the full episode on YouTube: @DollarsAndSense.Podcast
📲 Follow us on Instagram: @hapoccu | @dollarsandsense.podcast
💡 Don’t forget to follow the show for real stories and smart money talk.

What does it take to build a thriving business and who can you actually trust to back you?

In this episode, we sit down with Bobby and Matt from HAPO’s Commercial Services team to talk about what truly makes business banking personal. From real estate loans to small business support, they share how HAPO is changing the game with local lending decisions, deep relationships, and a commitment to helping businesses grow the right way.

Whether you’re launching your first venture or expanding your empire, this episode will give you a behind the scenes look at how HAPO is keeping local business banking alive and why that still matters.

🎥 Watch the full episode on YouTube: @DollarsAndSense.Podcast
📲 Follow us on Instagram: @hapoccu | @dollarsandsense.podcast
💡 Don’t forget to follow the show for real stories and smart money talk.

HAPO recently acquired Community First Bank, and in this episode, we break down the why. CEO Scott Mitchell and CBO Eric Pearson join us to explain what this shift means for our community, how it all came together, and what the future of banking looks like. From local control to national trends — this one’s big.

🎧 Whether you're a longtime member or just curious about the banking landscape, this episode gives you the inside scoop.

🎥 Watch the full-length episode on YouTube:
https://youtube.com/@DollarsAndSense.Podcast
📲 Follow us on Instagram:
https://instagram.com/hapoccu https://instagram.com/dollarsandsense.podcast

Pickleball, concerts, economic growth—there’s a bold new vision unfolding at the HAPO Event Center. In this episode, we sit down with General Manager Mike McCall and Director of Sales Joanna Ruiz to explore what’s next for one of the Tri-Cities' most iconic venues.

With decades of combined experience in pro sports, international business, and event operations, Mike and Joanna bring big-league energy to a local space. From revitalizing the building to reimagining what it can offer the community, this episode dives into how leadership, vision, and teamwork are transforming the future of events in our region.

We talk about:

The difference between HAPO the credit union and the HAPO Event Center
Facility upgrades, including A/C installations, new screens, and modern finishes
Why pickleball is more than a trend—and what it could mean for the Tri-Cities economy
Hosting everything from small private events to national tournaments
The vision for creating a welcoming space for locals and visitors alike

Whether you’re into concerts, community events, or just curious about how big ideas get off the ground, this episode has something for you.

🎥 Watch the full-length episode on YouTube: @DollarsAndSense.Podcast
📲 Follow us on Instagram: @hapoccu | @dollarsandsense.podcast
💡 Don’t forget to follow the show for more real stories and smart money talk.

IVF can cost tens of thousands of dollars, and that’s before it works. In this episode, we follow one woman’s emotional and financial journey through infertility, treatment, and the true cost of hope.

Alissa, a young mom and HAPO employee, shares her raw experience with navigating infertility, including the medical system, hundreds of self-administered hormone shots, unexpected financial obstacles, and how her family made it all work.

We talk about:

What IVF really costs (including what’s not on the brochure)
Why most insurance plans don’t fully cover fertility treatments
The emotional weight and physical toll of the process
Strategies and resources to afford treatment, including grants, loans, and support

Whether you’re going through IVF, supporting someone who is, or just want to understand the financial side of family planning, this is a story you don’t want to miss.

🎥 Watch the full-length episode on YouTube: @DollarsAndSense.Podcast
📲 Follow us on Instagram: @hapoccu | @dollarsandsense.podcast
💡 Don’t forget to follow the show for more real stories and smart money talk.

When schools skipped teaching money skills, Ashwin didn’t just start a finance club. He took his mission all the way to state legislation. Now he’s helping others take control of their finances too.

In this episode of Dollars and Sense, we dive into:

Why financial literacy is missing from most school curriculums
How Gen Z is taking ownership of their financial futures
The challenges young people face when learning about money
The power of peer-led education and grassroots change

Whether you’re a parent, student, or someone who wishes they learned more about money growing up, this episode will get you thinking differently.

🎥 Watch the full-length episode on YouTube: @DollarsAndSense.Podcast
📲 Follow us on Instagram: @hapoccu | @dollarsandsense.podcast
💡 Don’t forget to follow the show for more real stories and smart money talk.

Does money really lead to happiness? In this episode of Dollars and Sense, we unpack this age-old question through honest conversation and personal stories. Our guests share different perspectives—from growing up with limited means to experiencing the freedom that financial stability can bring.

We explore what happiness really means, how money can shape our experiences, and why the answer isn’t as simple as “yes” or “no.” Along the way, we talk about things like retail therapy, family dynamics, financial stress, and the emotional side of spending.

Whether you’re someone who believes money solves problems or someone who sees joy in the simpler things, this episode offers thoughtful insight and relatable takeaways.

Fraud in 2025 isn’t random—it’s organized, strategic, and constantly evolving.
In this episode of Dollars and Sense, we sit down with HAPO’s fraud team to break down how today’s scammers really operate. From coordinated fraud rings to sophisticated spoofing tactics, you’ll learn how these networks communicate, share data, and stay one step ahead of their targets.
We also discuss what trends are on the rise, how to recognize early warning signs, and the best steps you can take right now to protect yourself and your finances.
Whether you’ve been targeted or just want to stay informed, this is a conversation you don’t want to miss.

You earned that refund — now it’s time to make it count. In this episode of Dollars and Sense, we dive into the surprising psychology behind why tax refunds feel like a bonus, even though it’s your own money coming back to you.

We’ll break down what most people actually do with their refunds (spoiler: it’s not always the smartest move), why it feels so tempting to splurge, and how you can use your refund to build real momentum toward your financial goals.

From mental accounting to the emotional “windfall effect,” we’re unpacking the hidden forces that shape your money moves — and sharing simple ways to put your refund to work for Future You.

🎧 Real stats, relatable stories, and tips you can actually use — all packed into one episode.

Raising financially smart kids doesn’t happen by accident—it takes intention, everyday conversations, and a few creative approaches.

In this episode of Dollars and Sense, host Scott is joined by two moms, Kandy and Annie, to talk about how they’re helping their kids build real-world money skills early on. From teaching the value of saving to navigating the “wants vs. needs” conversation, this episode is packed with practical tips and relatable stories that every parent can learn from.

You’ll learn:
• How to start age-appropriate money conversations
• Everyday habits that lead to lifelong financial confidence
• Real examples of how parents are teaching saving, spending, and giving
• Creative ways to make financial lessons stick (without the lectures)

Whether your kids are still learning what money is or already asking for an allowance, this episode offers real advice to help you build a strong financial foundation for their future.

Resource Blog: HAPO Community Credit Union - Blog - Financial Education

In this episode, we did something completely different—we invited ChatGPT as our podcast guest! Scott and ChatGPT teamed up to tackle one of the biggest challenges many of us face: managing our finances. We put AI to the test with a financial experiment to see if it could really fix our budget and help us save money.

From analyzing our spending habits to building a customized budget plan, ChatGPT took the reins and revealed some surprising insights. But did it actually work? Did AI really make a difference in our finances? Tune in to find out how this unique collaboration turned out and get practical tips on how to use AI to manage your money smarter!

💡 Don’t forget to subscribe for more creative financial hacks and let us know—would you trust AI to handle your budget?

Finance #AI #ChatGPT #Budgeting #Podcast #MoneyManagement

Content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial or tax advice. Seek guidance from a professional advisor before making investment or financial decisions. Federally insured by NCUA. Equal Housing Opportunity. NMLS #477622

The Truth About Building a Custom Home | Dollars & Sense Podcast

🏡 Ever wondered what it really takes to build a custom home? In this episode of Dollars & Sense, we sit down with Jordan Mattila, owner of 47 North Custom Homes, HAPO’s Mortgage Origination Manager Rob Lindsay, and HAPO’s Commercial Construction Specialist Jaime Devore to break down the process from start to finish. Each of them plays a unique role in turning homebuyers’ dreams into reality—offering insights from financing to construction and everything in between!

🔨 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

✅ The step-by-step process of building a custom home

✅ How financing works—what you need to know before you start

✅ Your role as the borrower (and the bank’s role, too!)—who handles what in the process

✅ When and what you owe during the building process—no surprises!

✅ What’s actually possible—fully custom vs. modifying existing plans

✅ How to stay flexible within your budget while still getting the home you want

If you’re thinking about building, financing, or just love home design, this episode is packed with laughs, expert advice, and insider tips to help you navigate the process.

🎧 Listen now and don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more financial insights every month!

📩 Have a question for our next episode? Drop it in the comments!

CustomHomes #HomeBuilding #DollarsAndSense #RealEstate #FinancialTips #HomeConstruction

💰 Love & Money: Mastering Couples’ Finances Without Breaking the Bank (or Each Other!) 💑

Money and relationships—two things that can make or break a partnership. Studies show that nearly half of couples argue about money, making it one of the biggest stressors in relationships. But what if managing finances together didn’t have to feel like a battlefield?

In this episode, we dive deep into why couples struggle with money (spender vs. saver, financial secrets, clashing priorities) and how to build a strong financial foundation together. We’ll cover:

✅ How to have “the money talk” without tension

✅ How to resolve money conflicts before they turn into fights

✅ Why setting shared financial goals can strengthen your relationship

Whether you’re just moving in together, newly married, or years into a partnership, this episode is packed with practical strategies to help you and your partner get on the same financial page.

🎧 Listen now and start building a financial future that works for both of you! Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who needs to hear it.

🏈 The Super Bowl Isn’t Just a Game—It’s an Economic Powerhouse! 💰

From $7 million commercials to 1.4 billion chicken wings, the Super Bowl is one of the biggest financial events of the year. In this episode, Scott is joined by Jeff and Jeremy from HAPO to break down the economics of the Super Bowl—who’s spending, who’s winning, and just how much money is flying around on game day.

🔹 What We Cover:
✔️ The insane cost of Super Bowl ads & why brands pay so much
✔️ What it really costs to attend the game—tickets, travel, & more
✔️ How hosting the Super Bowl affects local economies (for better or worse)
✔️ The crazy stats behind Super Bowl food, beer, and parties
✔️ The rise of sports betting and its impact on the game
✔️ How much NFL players make for playing in the big game
✔️ The biggest financial lessons we can learn from the Super Bowl

📊 Did You Know?
• Americans bet over $16 billion on the Super Bowl
• The average ticket costs over $6,000
• Super Bowl Sunday is the #1 day for beer sales in the U.S.

💬 Join the Conversation!
What’s the craziest Super Bowl stat you’ve ever heard? Drop it in the comments! ⬇️

🎧 Listen & Subscribe for More
If you love breaking down the money behind major events, make sure to subscribe and turn on notifications! 🏆

SuperBowl #Economics #MoneyTalk #SuperBowlAds #NFL #Finance #HAPO

💸 Ever wonder where all your money goes? You’re not alone! In this episode, our host Scott sits down with certified financial coach Marcelo from HAPO to tackle the topic of budgeting. Together, they break down why budgeting matters and how to make it work for YOU.

From understanding why most budgets fail to exploring different methods like the 50/30/20 rule, zero-based budgeting, and cash envelopes, this episode is packed with actionable advice. Marcelo shares expert tips on setting meaningful financial goals, automating your savings, and using tools to simplify the process. You’ll also learn how to spot hidden spending leaks and overcome common budgeting roadblocks.
🎯 Ready to take control of your finances? Pick a budgeting method, set a goal, and start making progress! Need more help? Reach out to one of our certified financial coaches today for personalized guidance: hapo.org/services/financial-services/coaching.

👉 Don’t forget to subscribe and share your thoughts in the comments: What budgeting strategy will you try first?

Budgeting #PersonalFinance #MoneyManagement

In this episode of Dollars and Sense, we dive into the powerful yet often overlooked role credit unions play in shaping policy and building stronger communities. With a new legislative session underway in Washington State, we explore how credit unions are advocating for financial education in schools, protecting their members’ interests against potential new taxes, and navigating critical issues like interchange legislation and budget shortfalls.

Join us as we unpack the challenges and opportunities ahead for credit unions, including efforts to address a projected $14 billion state budget gap and new leadership changes at both the state and federal levels. Discover how credit unions are influencing policy, collaborating with lawmakers, and ensuring their member-first philosophy continues to thrive in an evolving financial landscape.

Whether you’re a credit union advocate or just curious about how these member-owned cooperatives impact your community, this episode offers valuable insights you won’t want to miss.

Side Hustles: Passion vs. Pragmatism – Which Approach Wins?

In this episode, we brought in three dynamic entrepreneurs to talk about all things side hustle—from starting small to turning your hustle into a full-time business. With their diverse experiences and unique perspectives, this conversation is packed with inspiration, strategy, and practical advice for anyone looking to level up their financial game.

🎙️ What You’ll Learn:

How to identify opportunities in the market and create a business that meets real needs.
The power of pursuing a passion and turning it into a sustainable income stream.
The mindset shifts and strategies needed to take your side hustle full-time.

Diverse Perspectives, One Common Goal

This episode features a cider house owner navigating the challenges of startup life, a leadership consultant balancing multiple roles, and a pro wrestling show owner/DJ creating excitement wherever he goes. Their different approaches to success will inspire and challenge the way you think about your own side hustle.

In this episode, we dive into the world of online shopping trends and how they’re reshaping our spending habits—often in ways we don’t realize. From ‘Buy Now, Pay Later’ services like Klarna and Affirm to one-click buys on Amazon, we examine the psychology behind these conveniences and their potential pitfalls. We’ll also explore the rise of subscription models, social media shops, and tempting free trials that keep us hooked and spending. Are these trends making us smarter shoppers, or are they encouraging bad consumer habits? Join us, as we uncover the impact of today’s shopping conveniences on our financial well-being and share tips to stay savvy in a spend-happy world.

Scott is joined by a couple of top real estate agents from the Tri-Cities Area, Vicki Monteagudo and Laura Harris-Hodges. The two give us some unique insights into trends in the housing market and talk about how important it can be to have a professional help you navigate the world of buying and selling real estate.

On this episode, Scott is joined by Nolan and Carter from HAPO's Finance department. They talk about the basic steps that everyone should make to secure their financial foundation. These steps can help ensure that you are all setup to handle the bumps in the road and are in a good position to make future moves to start to develop more wealth.

Scott is joined by HAPO's Fraud Manager Jen and Detective Sam Grant from the Richland Police Department. We take the time to look into the current fraud trends happening via SMS messaging, as well as other fraud basics and how to go about protecting yourself.

On this episode of Dollars & Sense, Levi and Todd with HAPO Community Credit Union's Consumer Lending department join Scott to talk about a major part of Credit Union philosophy and business. We get a chance to dispel some myths about how much credit to utilize in order to maintain a good Credit Score, how making payments impacts that score, and what exactly goes into a Credit Mix. We also get some fantastic borrowing tips and tricks to help you out when rates are a little higher.

Scott is joined by Britany and Carol, two of HAPO's Mortgage Loan Officers. They talk about the current landscape of the mortgage and real estate world. Some advice on navigating the current rates, as well as reasons you might have to make a move. They also talk about ways you can access the equity without needing to do a full Refinance and lose out on a lower rate you may have secured previously.

Scott talks with Karyn from HAPO Commercial Services, Maria from Washington Small Business Development Center, and Ana from Craft3 about what it takes to start up your own small business. We all know it takes more than just an idea for a product or service, but we'll jump into the weeds about all the things you might not have considered. Business Plans, Start-up Capitol, what it takes to get a Small Business Loan, Marketing, Research.

Resource Blog:
HAPO Community Credit Union - Blog - Financial Education

On this episode, Scott is joined by Tony, Teresa, and Domingo. All 3 are Certified Credit Union Financial Coaches who have a number of personal and member stories about real life debt scenarios. We discuss how to avoid these scenarios, as well as ways out of them if you didn't take those precautions.

Our favorite Fraud Prevention specialist, Jen, joins the podcast again to discuss another hot topic: Online Marketplaces. These marketplaces, like Facebook, eBay, or Craigslist, provide ample opportunities for fraudsters. We go over some methods of helping to keep yourself safe and protected when buying and selling items using these Person-to-Person marketplaces. Methods like public spaces, cash transactions, and the buddy system.

In honor of January being Human Trafficking Awareness Month, we got Tricia MacFarlan into the studio to discuss Human Trafficking and the impact that has on individuals, psychologically, financially, and otherwise.

Resource Blog: https://hapo.org/services/tools-resources/blog/Post?postID=cd5d5bbe-c3ff-68be-bdb6-ff0000eccc20

We continue our conversation with Jana Kay and Ricky from Washington State University Tri-Cities Financial Aid department. We continue the discussion with topics like 529 Savings accounts, Non-Resident Programs, FAFSA, Loans vs Grants, and Motivations to get those applications in for those potential support programs.

Read the companion Blog post with resource links here: HAPO Community Credit Union - Blog - Financial Education

Jana Kay and Ricky from Washington State University Tri-Cities Financial Aid Department join us to talk in depth about the value of a degree, and more importantly how to pay for it. We talk about Federal, State, and Private assistance programs, Grants vs Loans, and all the other factors you probably didn't consider when it comes to funding you or your child's higher education.

Read the companion Blog post with resource links here: HAPO Community Credit Union - Blog - Financial Education

Tawney and Susie from HAPO's Asset Recovery team join Scott in the studio to demystify the topic of Collections. We discuss some real-life stories of how people can end up in collections, the best practices for anyone who finds themselves in that situation, and some preventative tools you should consider if you'd like to stay out of collections.

Part 2 of our episode about Budgeting and Account Types and Structures. We talk more about how you can utilize accounts and other tools, like direct deposit, to help support your budgeting plans.

Sebrina and Stephanie join us on the Podcast in the first part of a two-part episode. We talk about budgeting and the purpose behind budgeting, and also account types and account structures that can assist you in maintaining your budget, and helping to facilitate the lifestyle you want!

Our fraud expert, Jen Kasparek, returns to the podcast with new information about how scams are evolving. We discuss one scam in particular that has been around for ages: The Grandparent Scam. We talk about how this scam works, and how it has changed with advances in technology, and how it is still evolving. Then we discuss how you can protect yourself and your loved ones from scams like these.

On this episode of Dollars & Sense we talk with Temple, Angelique, and Jen about the do's and don'ts of hiring. We discuss the structured process of what an applicant or jobseeker should be expecting as they work through the hiring process, and then we talk about some red flags that people need to be aware of, so they don't fall victim to hiring scams.

Scott Mitchell joins us in the studio to discuss some of the basic foundational differences between Banks and Credit Unions, as well as to discuss the recent news about financial institution failures, and what exactly is a "Run on a bank."

Scott sits down with one of the Most Powerful Women in Credit Unions, HAPO CEO Dolores Broeske for Women's History Month and International Women's Day. They talk about Women in the Workplace, her career path, and how women helping women, and people helping people are true driving motivators.

Scott welcomes Keilani to the podcast to discuss how to manage Professional Relationships and conflict resolution to help promote a healthier, happier, and more productive work environment. Some of these tips could even help to make you more promotable in your own company's corporate culture!

Scott sits down with Cathy Manderbach of the Kadlec Healthy Ages Program. We discuss navigating the many parts of Medicare, and how the community can take advantage of the resources available through the Healthy Ages Program.

Jen joins Scott in the studio to talk more about different credit cards, and why you might want to choose one over another, or maybe even take both. We discuss technology advances and security, how purchases with Digital Wallets help to protect your identity, and some of the best ways to go about getting into your first or your next credit card by taking advantage of intro rates and balance transfers.

Jeremy joins the podcast to discuss advances in technology, how that impacts the financial world, and striking an appropriate balance between technology and personal touch.

Courtney Armstrong, Community Health Specialist with Kadlec Regional Medical Center, drops in to the podcast studio to have a serious discussion about Mental Health and Financial Stress. We discuss how the two topics are interconnected, and how we can best help ourselves, and our loved ones, in handling Mental Health before it escalates to a Crisis situation.

Monte and Bobby stop by the studio to give our listeners a historical rundown of the Commercial Services department at HAPO Community Credit Union. We talk about business expansion, lending, the Small Business Administration - Paycheck Protection Program, and amazing new features that are out on the horizon.

Scott is joined by HAPO Community Relations Director Crystal and they talk about community events, giving back, and advocacy, and how those thing effect the communities and members!

Scott welcomes Romi and Enif into the studio and gets the scoop on what borrowers need to know about the different types of mortgage loans, when they should first meet with a mortgage loan officer, and all the ways a mortgage loan officer can help a borrower navigate the mortgage landscape to get the best suited program.

Scott sits down to talk with HAPO's benefits specialist, Lindsey, to discuss what you should be considering when looking into a new job or career. Topics such as Direct vs Indirect compensation, Employer vs Employee paid benefits, and how Health Insurance packages aren't all created equally. There is so much more to consider than just hourly wage or salary.

Kandy and Scott have Pedro Yniguez in the studio to talk about a very unique feature that HAPO offers: A Mobile Branch. Pedro is the Mobile Branch Manager and talks about how a Mobile Branch operates, how to get the mobile branch out to events, and how operations work in such a unique work environment.

In this episode, Kandy takes a turn on the other side of the microphone and talks to us about HAPO's Financial Education Department, Financial Coaching, and the resources her department makes available for the community.

In this episode we have a discussion with David about CUNA Mutual Group and their affiliation with HAPO Community Credit Union. Then they dive into tax returns and what you can do with them.

In this episode we talk with Hannah in HAPO's Card Services department. Hannah speaks with our hosts to highlight the differences between Credit and Debit cards as well as the Perks that come with them.

In this episode, our resident fraud expert, Jennifer Kasparek, talks about some scams to be on the lookout for. She also shares some real life stories so that you don't fall victim to the same scams the others have experienced.