Dollars & Sense
This isn’t your average money podcast. Dollars and Sense breaks down personal finance without the fluff. You’ll get honest talk, real stories, and practical advice to help you get ahead while still enjoying the things that make life fun. Powered by HAPO Community Credit Union.
We Asked College Students Where Their Money Actually Goes
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In this episode of Dollars & Sense, two current college students and an incoming freshman discuss what it actually takes to manage money while attending college. Karlie and Sydney share the expenses, mistakes and surprises they experienced after leaving home, while HAPO scholarship winner Jazlyn explains how she is preparing for her first year at the University of Washington.
They discuss dorm...
The Truth About Owing the IRS and How to Get Ahead of It
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Tax problems usually don't start all at once. They build slowly through missed filings. Tax problems can grow fast when they are ignored, misunderstood, or handled alone.
In this episode of Dollars & Sense, we sit down with Scott Taylor and Enis Maili from Priority Tax Relief to talk about what really happens when someone owes the IRS, why tax debt can get out of...
The Banking Tools Most Business Owners Don't Know Exist
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Most business owners don't realize how much time, money, and risk are tied up in the way they manage their banking.
From driving checks to the bank and manually processing payroll to protecting against fraud and improving cash flow, the right systems can make a bigger difference than most people think.
In this episode of Dollars & Sense, we sit down with HAPO's...
What Working at a Credit Union Taught Us About Financial Mistakes
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Most people don’t realize how many small financial habits quietly impact their future.
In this episode of the Dollars & Sense Podcast, the team sits down to talk about the biggest financial mistakes they’ve seen while working at a credit union—from credit card misconceptions and spending habits to late payments, savings, budgeting, and the financial advice people get completely wrong.
They a...
How Scams Are Evolving In The Age Of AI
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Scams are changing and most people don’t realize how fast.
In this episode, we sit down with fraud analyst Jen to break down how AI is reshaping the way scams work, why they’re becoming more convincing, and what that means for everyday people.
From phishing texts that look completely real to voice cloning and AI-generated relationships, the tactics are evolving. In m...
The Biggest Financial Mistake People In Their 20s Make
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Most people think they’ll figure out investing later.
The problem is, later gets expensive.
In this episode, we sit down with Cameron Ridgeway from Petersen Hastings to break down the biggest financial mistake people make in their 20s and why waiting to start investing can cost you more than you realize.
We talk about why time is your biggest ad...
The Truth About Fixing Your Credit (No One Wants to Say This)
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There’s a lot of advice online about how to “fix” your credit.
Quick wins. Loopholes. Disputes that magically erase everything. The reality is this isn’t how it works.
In this episode, we sit down with a credit dispute specialist who works directly with credit reports every day to break down what’s actually happening behind the scenes and clear up some of the big...
We Asked a Tax Pro What People Get Wrong About Taxes
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Tax season can feel confusing, stressful, and overwhelming—especially if you’re filing for the first time. But it doesn’t have to be.
In this episode of Dollars and Sense, we sit down with Ken from AARP Foundation Tax-Aide, a free tax preparation service that helps thousands of people file their taxes correctly every year.
We talk through some o...
We Bought a House at 19 — Here’s What Almost Stopped Us
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Buying your first home is a milestone most people dream about, but very few understand the process behind it.
<...
Investing Is Simple, But Your Emotions Decide the Outcome
Investing isn’t complicated.
But emotions make it feel that way.
Most people understand the basics—buy low, sell high, stay invested. Yet time and time again, investors make decisions that work against them. Not because they lack information, but because fear, panic, overconfidence, and the urge to “do something” take over when uncertainty shows up.
In this episode, financial advisors Tyler Pearson and Nick Haberling break down the psychology behind investing decisions and explain why emotional reactions often matter more than market conditions. We explore how action bias, media noise, and short-te...
Why the Same Income Feels Completely Different at Every Stage of Life (The Budget Experiment)
What happens when people at different life stages are given the same income and asked to build a budget?
In this episode of Dollars & Sense, we run The Budget Experiment — giving each guest the exact same income, expenses, and framework, then watching how their priorities, values, and life stage shape the outcome.
From young professionals to parents with kids, this conversation shows why budgeting isn’t about restriction — it’s about tradeoffs. You’ll hear what each person protected, what they struggled to cut, and why comparing budgets rarely tells the full story.
🎥 Wat...
5 Financial Habits That You Should Adopt in 2026
Most financial advice sounds good… but doesn’t stick.
In this episode of Dollars & Sense, we break down five practical financial habits that actually matter in 2026 — not trendy hacks or unrealistic rules, but simple actions that help reduce stress, improve clarity, and build consistency over time.
We talk about:
Why checking in on your money once a month matters more than perfectionHow automation can quietly do the heavy lifting for youThe role interest and credit play in long-term financial healthWhy small habits are often more powerful than big financial goalsWhether you’re...
What 25 Years of Debt Counseling Reveal About How We Handle Money
In this episode of Dollars and Sense, Scott Cowan interviews Chris Dlugozima, a financial counselor and podcast host for GreenPath Financial Wellness, discussing the complexities of debt accumulation, the psychological barriers to seeking help, and the importance of financial literacy. They explore common signs of financial distress, the impact of life events on debt, and share success stories from debt management programs. The conversation emphasizes the need for open discussions about money struggles and encourages listeners to seek help when needed.
Takeaways
Debt often accumulates over time rather than appearing suddenly.
Many people feel...
How One Family Built Generational Wealth… And What You Can Learn From Them
What does it really take to build generational wealth that lasts?
In this episode of Dollars & Sense, we sit down with Tony and Brenna from Christiansen Inc., a three-generation family business that grew from a one-bedroom house and six employees into a billion-dollar company supporting more than 400 team members.
Their story is not about luck or shortcuts.
It is about courage, sacrifice, leadership, and the mindset required to build something that outlives you.
In this conversation you will learn:
• True generational wealth is more than just money.
• Tony’s parents took ris...
The Healthcare Money Mistakes Almost Everyone Makes
Healthcare is one of the biggest expenses in the average American household — yet almost no one knows how to use their insurance to get the best care and the best price.
This conversation with Clayton from Alliant exposes the hidden habits and costly assumptions that cause millions of people to overspend on their health each year.
We unpack the psychology of “reactive healthcare,” how to enter the system at the right place (ER vs. urgent care vs. telehealth), why understanding your deductible changes everything, the truth about HSAs and FSAs, and why the explanation of benefi...
AI Is Getting Too Real — And This Fraud Story Proves It
When technology sounds human, it’s hard to know what’s real.
In this episode of Dollars and Sense, we sit down with Eli and Sarah, a couple who lived through one of the most shocking examples of AI-powered fraud we’ve ever heard. A single phone call that sounded exactly like Eli’s mother sent their entire family into panic. What unfolded over the next two hours felt like a movie, but it was all real.
This story exposes the emotional side of AI scams, the fear, confusion, and heartbreak that logic can’t overcome...
We Asked a Cyber Expert How Hackers Steal Millions… The Shocking Business Behind Every Cyber Attack
Hackers don’t just steal — they operate like businesses.
In this episode, we sat down with Jeremy Karmy, founder of DevFusion, a managed IT and cybersecurity company that protects organizations across 13 states — from small businesses to major enterprises. With years of experience helping clients recover from real ransomware attacks, Jeremy has seen firsthand how today’s cybercriminals think, plan, and profit.
He reveals the shocking truth about how modern hackers operate — the money, the psychology, and the dark economy built around digital extortion. From fake CEO emails and AI-generated scams to ransomware negotiations that feel more like custo...
How Gaming Quietly Became Bigger Industry Than Hollywood
🎮 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 gamin...
Owning a Home Changes the Way You Think About Money
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
• Wha...
The #1 Investing Myth Holding People Back
💸 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 y...
How HAPO is Reshaping Commercial Banking in the Tri-Cities
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...
How HAPO is Reshaping Commercial Banking in the Tri-Cities
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...
How HAPO Is Keeping Local Banking Alive
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 h...
Pickleball, Concerts & Economic Growth — The Bold New Vision for the HAPO Event Center
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 re...
How Much Does IVF Really Cost? One Woman’s Journey Through Fertility and Finances
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 treatmentsThe emotional weight a...He Got Tired of Waiting for Schools to Teach Money, So He Did It Himself
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 curriculumsHow Gen Z is taking ownership of their financial futuresThe challenges young people face when learning about moneyThe power of peer-led education and grassroots changeWhether you’re a parent, student, or someone who wishes they learned more about money growing up, this e...
Can Money Really Buy Happiness… or Just Rent It?
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 problem...
Spilling the Tea on Fraud: What Scammers Are Really Up To
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 s...
You Work Hard for That Refund — Here’s How to Use It Smarter
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...
We Asked a Mom + a Money Pro How to Raise Financially Smart Kids—Here’s What They Said
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 financ...
Our Podcast Guest Was ChatGPT… Did It Fix Our Finances?
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 fi...
Building Your Dream Home? WATCH THIS FIRST!
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!
Is Money Secretly Sabotaging Your Relationship?
💰 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:
✅...
The Super Bowl Economy: How Game Day Becomes a $17 Billion Dollar Event
🏈 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<...
Where Did All Your Money Go? How to Stop Living Paycheck to Paycheck
💸 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 hi...
The Hidden Power of Credit Unions: Shaping Policy, Saving Communities
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 th...
Is Your Free Time Your Next Payday?: The Power of the Side Hustle
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 stre...
From Temu to TikTok: How Modern Shopping Trends Are Changing Your Spending Habits
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 conve...
The Market Shift: What's next for Real Estate Buyers and Sellers
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.
How Solid is Your Foundation?
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.
