Making Sense of your Cents

Have you ever deposited cash at the teller window and wondered why the bank asked for your ID, your occupation, or where the money came from? In Episode 54 of Making Sense of Your Cents, hosts Daniel Hill and Shanna Browning take you behind the counter to explain federal regulatory compliance in plain English.

Daniel and Shanna break down the Bank Secrecy Act (BSA) and Anti-Money Laundering (AML) laws using the "Airport Security Line" analogy, explain the purpose of the routine $10,000 Currency Transaction Report (CTR), and reveal why "structuring" deposits to avoid paperwork is a federal felony that...

A loved one asks you to co-sign a loan so they can get approved for a car, an apartment, or an education. It feels like a harmless favor, but is it? In Episode 53 of Making Sense of Your Cents, hosts Daniel Hill and Shanna Browning unpack the heavy legal and balance-sheet realities behind co-signing. 

Daniel and Shanna break down the "Tandem Parachute" analogy of joint liability, explain why lenders require co-signers in the first place, and reveal how someone else's car payment can quietly crush your Debt-to-Income (DTI) ratio when you apply for your own mortgage. Plus, l...

Your phone rings, and the caller ID clearly says it's your local bank warning you about unauthorized charges. Do you answer? In Episode 52 of Making Sense of Your Cents, hosts Daniel Hill and Shanna Browning pull back the curtain on bank imposter scams—one of the fastest-growing and most convincing fraud tactics targeting consumers today. 

Daniel and Shanna break down the mechanics of caller ID spoofing, explain the "Digital Mask" fraudsters hide behind, and expose the psychological tricks scammers use to manufacture panic. Drawing insights from financial author Carol Roth, they dismantle the "James Bond Syndrome" scammers use...

Think twice before you click "Pay in 4"! In the Season 3 premiere of Making Sense of Your Cents, hosts Daniel Hill and Shanna Browning unpack the hidden reality behind "Buy Now, Pay Later" (BNPL) services. While these micro-installment loans promise zero-percent interest and effortless budgeting, they often act as a quiet drain on household cash flow, leading to overspending, forgotten automatic drafts, and surprise overdraft fees. 

Daniel and Shanna break down the mechanics of point-of-sale borrowing, address the common misconception about using these apps to build credit, and explain why return disputes can become an administrative headache. Tune i...

We have officially reached 50 episodes of Making Sense of Your Cents! In our Season 2 finale, Daniel and Shanna look at the big picture of family wealth and explore what it truly takes to build and protect a lasting legacy. We strip away the legal intimidation around estate planning to break down the essential differences between Wills and Trusts, explain why every adult needs a Financial Power of Attorney and Healthcare Directive, and discuss the peace of mind that comes with clear planning. Plus, tune in for our actionable tip on adding a "Payable on Death" (POD) beneficiary to your...

Are you unknowingly leaving your personal data exposed when traveling? In this episode of Making Sense of Your Cents, Daniel and Shanna break down the essential rules of mobile cybersecurity to keep your identity and finances safe on the road. Daniel walks through the technical mechanics of open WiFi risks and "Evil Twin" hotspots, details why you should never access banking apps over public networks, and explains how to turn your phone into a secure cellular hotspot or use a VPN. Plus, we cover the real hardware risks of public USB charging ports and juice jacking. Tune in for...

Are you planning a move in the near future? In this episode of Making Sense of Your Cents, Daniel and Shanna unpack the hidden costs that catch people completely off guard when changing addresses. We look beyond the big-ticket items like truck rentals and security deposits to explore the administrative surprises—like utility connection fees and tag transfers—plus the rapid drain of restocking an empty pantry and buying home maintenance essentials. Plus, we share smart strategies for deciding whether to rent or buy when relocating to a new town. Tune in for our actionable tip on building a "10% Movi...

Do you actually know what to expect from Social Security when you reach the retirement finish line? In this episode of Making Sense of Your Cents, Daniel and Shanna demystify the federal retirement system to help you navigate your future with total clarity. We break down how your 35 highest-earning years determine your baseline check, explore the real financial trade-offs of claiming at age 62 versus waiting until age 70, and explain the rules around working while receiving benefits. Plus, we cover spousal benefits and tax coordination strategies. Tune in for our actionable tip on visiting ssa.gov to download your official...

What does it truly take to build, adapt, and scale a thriving small business in our local community? In this episode of Making Sense of Your Cents, Daniel and Shanna sit down with local entrepreneur Zack Roskop, founder of Fred’s Around the Corner: Kitchen + Bar (formerly Knox Brew Hub), to discuss the real-world journey of small business growth. Zack shares the story behind evolving from a tour bus to a beloved downtown neighborhood kitchen, how to navigate unexpected crises and renovations with resilience, and why practicing "collaboration over competition" creates a rising tide for every business on the bl...

Are you ready to take complete authority over your college budget and keep your savings safe all semester long? In this episode of "Making Sense of Your Cents," Daniel and Shanna break down the ultimate financial survival guide for students taking their first steps into real-world independence. We explore the psychology of managing a single, "finite bucket" of money, share practical strategies to maximize pre-paid campus meal plans, and look at how to navigate social peer pressures without draining your cash flow. Tune in for our actionable tip on setting a strict "Weekly Limit" so you can establish a...

Are you dreaming of buying the perfect plot of land and building your custom home from the ground up? In this episode of "Making Sense of Your Cents," Daniel and Shanna tear open the ultimate guide to land ownership to reveal what it truly takes to buy raw property safely. We break down the unique rules of land loans compared to traditional mortgages, explore the critical role of purchase contingencies, and uncover the hidden infrastructure costs—like septic systems, private wells, and electric line extensions—that can quickly exceed the price of the dirt itself. Tune in for our acti...

Are you fully maximizing the unique financial advantages hidden inside your company's benefit package? In this episode of "Making Sense of Your Cents," Daniel and Shanna tear open the ultimate guide to healthcare savings accounts to reveal the tax-free edges of HSAs and FSAs. We demystify the incredible power of the HSA’s "triple tax advantage"— allowing you to save, grow, and spend your funds completely shielded from Uncle Sam— and offer a clear comparison to help you navigate the strict "use-it-or-lose-it" trap of an FSA. Plus, we share structural strategies to transform your HSA into a secondary retirement vehicl...

Are you ready to beat the back-to-school budget rush and keep your monthly finances perfectly on track? In this episode of "Making Sense of Your Cents," Daniel and Shanna break down a stress-free game plan to handle the classroom supply list without breaking the bank. We explore the psychology behind seasonal spending traps, explain why periodic expenses often disrupt our baseline tracking tools, and share practical ways to build a realistic savings timeline for known events. Plus, we highlight the incredible financial power of running a home inventory before you shop and offer smart strategies to manage name brand...

Are you fully protecting your children from the hidden threat of identity fraud? In this episode of "Making Sense of Your Cents," Daniel and Shanna explore the critical topic of child identity theft and explain why minors are prime targets for silent credit exploitation. We break down the standard warning signs of identity fraud—from pre-approved credit offers in a child's name to unexpected government notices—and offer a clear, step-by-step roadmap to outsmarting data leaks. Tune in for our actionable tip on implementing "The Minor Freeze," a completely free preventative strategy that locks down your child's credit profile with...

Are you ready to take complete control of your loan timelines and keep more money in your pocket? In this episode of "Making Sense of Your Cents," Daniel and Shanna reframe the entire conversation around borrowing by exploring the positive relationship between time and money. We break down the standard mechanics of loan payoff schedules to reveal exactly how interest works over the life of an agreement, and we highlight the incredible, timeline-shortening power of direct extra principal payments. Tune in for our actionable tip on "The $25 Challenge" to see exactly how a minor monthly adjustment can accelerate your...

Do you actually know where your hard-earned money goes before it hits your checking account? In this episode of "Making Sense of Your Cents," Daniel and Shanna tear open the grand mystery of your paystub to break down the fundamental mechanics of Gross vs. Net pay. We strip away the confusing payroll shorthand to reveal exactly how federal taxes, state withholdings, and mandatory protections eat into your earnings. Plus, we highlight the incredible tax-shielding power of voluntary workplace benefits like health premiums and retirement plans. Tune in for our actionable tip on running a personal "Paystub Audit" this week...

Are you ready to take the intimidation out of investing? In this episode of "Making Sense of Your Cents," Daniel and Shanna break down the foundational concepts of building long term wealth. We’re joined by special guest Clark Denton, Sr. Partner with Denton Financial Group, to discuss the practical side of investment planning. We cover the power of the employer 401k match, the difference between Traditional and Roth IRAs, and demystify the role of annuities in a modern retirement plan. Plus, we answer common questions about getting started in your 40s and share our actionable tip: The 1% Bump—an e...

Are you on track to hit your financial goals for 2026? It’s officially the halfway mark of the year, which makes it the perfect time for a mid-year check-in. In this episode of "Making Sense of Your Cents," Daniel and Shanna walk you through a simple, four-step review process to ensure your money is still working toward the goals you set in January. We discuss why you should avoid waiting until December to address financial hurdles, how to perform a "Progress Audit" on your primary financial pillars, and how to proactively plan for the upcoming holiday season to avoid ye...

Life insurance can feel overwhelming, but it doesn't have to be. In this episode of "Making Sense of Your Cents," Daniel and Shanna strip away the jargon to explain the fundamental differences between Term and Whole life insurance. We break down who each policy is designed for, why Term is often the best fit for young families, and how Whole Life insurance fits into long-term legacy planning. Plus, we answer common listener questions about how much coverage you actually need and whether it’s possible to have both. Tune in for an actionable tip on how to calculate your fa...

How do you teach your kids about money without it becoming a chore? In this episode of "Making Sense of Your Cents," Daniel and Shanna break down the "Three-Jar System" for kids under twelve—an easy, visual way to introduce the concepts of spending, saving, and giving. We discuss why giving your kids the freedom to make small "money mistakes" now is the best way to prepare them for bigger financial decisions later. Plus, we answer common parent questions about chore-based allowances and the "24-hour rule" for impulse purchases, and we share our actionable tip: The Match Program—a simp...

Planning a getaway doesn't have to mean planning for debt! In this episode of "Making Sense of Your Cents," Daniel and Shanna break down the "Sinking Fund" strategy—the smartest way to pay for your vacation before you ever leave the driveway. We discuss the hidden costs of using credit for travel, the psychology of "guilt-free" spending, and how to automate your savings so your next trip is fully funded. Plus, we answer common community questions about balancing emergency savings with travel goals and getting the whole family on board with your vacation budget. Tune in for a simple, au...

 Why did your monthly mortgage payment suddenly go up? In this episode of "Making Sense of Your Cents," Daniel and Shanna demystify the escrow account. We explain the difference between a fixed-rate mortgage and a fixed monthly payment, break down the "Annual Escrow Analysis," and explain the mandatory account "cushion" required by federal regulations. We also detail the mechanics of the "Life of a Payment" and how escrow shortages are calculated. Plus, we answer common community questions about opting out of escrow and how to handle shortages, and give you an actionable, simple step to review your property tax a...

Peer-to-peer (P2P) apps like Zelle, Venmo, and Cash App have revolutionized how we split dinner bills and pay friends back—but are you using them safely? In this episode, we break down the reality of P2P payments: why they should be treated like digital cash, the common "accidental payment" scam, and the specific settings you need to lock down in your apps today. Tune in to learn how to verify your recipients, why you should never use these apps for business transactions with strangers, and our simple "$1 Test" workflow to keep your money exactly where it belongs. 

Are you ready to turn your hobby into a business? In this episode, Daniel and Shanna are joined by Chris Rodes, founder of Hangar 37 Coffee, to discuss the transition from side hustle to small business owner. We explore the "Shoebox Moment," the importance of drawing a "Clean Line" between personal and business funds, and why local decisions are the true engine of growth. Tune in to learn how to roast your numbers before you roast your beans, the 30% tax rule you can't afford to ignore, and a simple actionable tip to professionalize your passion today

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Is "subscription creep" draining your bank account? In this episode, Daniel and Shanna help you perform a "Financial Spring Cleaning." We explore the rise of the subscription economy, the psychology of "Dark Patterns" designed to keep you paying, and why "ghost subscriptions" are so easy to ignore. Tune in to learn how to hunt down hidden charges in your app stores, the secret to consolidating family plans, and how to negotiate a better rate on your internet or cable. Plus, get our simple "30-Day Scrub" tip to give yourself an immediate raise this week.

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Scammers are no longer just sending suspicious emails—they’re using Artificial Intelligence to clone the voices of the people you love. In this episode, Daniel and Shanna dive into the "New Frontier of Fraud," explaining how AI can mimic a relative in distress with terrifying accuracy using just a 30-second clip from social media. We break down how voice cloning technology works, why you can no longer trust your "Caller ID," and the psychological traps of urgency and isolation scammers use to make you act in a panic. Tune in to learn how to stay one step ahead of t...

Your money has power—not just for you, but for your entire community. In this episode, Daniel and Shanna explain what it actually means to be "Rooted in Community" at First Century Bank. We trace the "Life Cycle of a Local Dollar" to show how your deposits fuel local dreams, and we compare the human-driven decisions of our Loan Committee—comprised of senior management who live and work right here—to the cold algorithms of national mega-banks. Tune in to learn why choosing a local bank is a vote for your neighborhood, and get a simple challenge to help you su...

Don’t let the "new car smell" cloud your judgment! In this episode, Daniel and Shanna take you behind the scenes of the auto industry to show you how to walk onto a car lot with total confidence. We break down the massive advantage of stopping by the bank to run your actual numbers first, explain the 20/4/10 rule for budgeting, and reveal why "GAP insurance" might be the most important safety feature you buy. Whether you're a first-time buyer or a seasoned pro, tune in to learn how to turn yourself into a "cash buyer" by having your financing pl...

Welcome to the Season 2 premiere of "Making Sense of Your Cents!" With the tax deadline just 24 hours away, Daniel and Shanna are here to help lower your financial blood pressure. In this episode, we provide a last-minute sanity check by breaking down the critical difference between an extension to file and an extension to pay. We also debunk the myth of the "big tax refund" and answer community questions about managing taxes with a side hustle and avoiding common filing mistakes. Tune in for a simple 10-minute tip to help you take total control of your cash flow for...

In our Season 1 finale, we’re focusing on a simple switch that provides a massive upgrade to your security and convenience: e-Statements. Join Daniel and Shanna as they break down why moving away from the paper trail is the fastest and safest way to handle your bank records. We’ll walk you through our easy 4-step enrollment process and explain how immediate digital access puts you in total control. Plus, stick around for a special announcement about the launch of Season 2 coming next week! 

Make the Switch to eStatements!

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This episode focuses on the unique financial challenges and opportunities of retirement. We discuss practical strategies for simplifying and managing retirement income, including Social Security and RMDs. We also take a deep dive into the most common scams that target seniors, like the "Grandparent Scam" and tech support fraud, and explain the importance of having a trusted contact on your accounts to safeguard your financial well-being.

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Just like a medical physical, your finances need an annual check-up to stay healthy. In this episode, we provide a simple, step-by-step checklist for a yearly financial review. We'll guide you through reassessing your budget, reviewing your credit report, tracking your progress toward your goals, and auditing your subscriptions to find "leaks" in your spending. This is a proactive guide to keeping your financial plan on track.

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Your banking app can do a lot more than just show your balance. In this episode, we take a guided tour of powerful features you might not be using. We'll show you how to master mobile check deposit, how to set up custom security and balance alerts that act as your personal financial assistant, and how to use card controls to instantly turn your debit card on or off for ultimate peace of mind. Learn to unlock the full potential of the bank in your pocket.

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How do you teach your teen about money? With Branch Operations Coordinator Shelby Liford, we provide a guide to opening a first checking or savings account. This episode is packed with practical advice for parents, explaining when the right time is to get started, what account features to look for, and how to use this important milestone to instill good financial habits—like saving and tracking spending—that will last a lifetime. 

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Your home has value you can use. With guest Megan Zielinski, VP/Area Executive, we explain the Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC). In this episode, you’ll learn how to calculate your home's equity, how a HELOC's "draw" and "repayment" periods work, and the smart ways to use this powerful financial tool for things like home renovations. We'll also cover the important responsibilities and risks that come with borrowing against your home.

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Overdrafts can be a source of stress and costly fees. Joined by Compliance Operations Specialist Amy Earl, we provide a transparent look at how they work and the choices you have as a consumer. In this episode, you will learn the crucial difference between Overdraft Protection and Overdraft Privilege, understand your important "opt-in" rights for debit card transactions, and discover simple, proactive habits and mobile alerts you can set up to avoid overdrafts altogether.

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In this episode, we answer one of the most fundamental questions in banking: is my money safe? This episode is a confidence-building deep dive into the protection that backs your deposits. We'll explore the history of the FDIC, explain exactly what's covered (checking, savings) and what's not (investments), and show you how the $250,000 insurance limit works and how you can get even more coverage at a single bank.

The FDIC’s Electronic Deposit Insurance Estimator (EDIE)

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Feeling the pinch at the grocery store and the gas pump? This episode is a jargon-free guide to inflation. We demystify what it is, how it's measured using the Consumer Price Index (CPI), and how it impacts your daily life. We'll explain the difference between "demand-pull" and "cost-push" inflation and provide practical, everyday tips for adjusting your family budget to cope with rising prices, fight back against the rising cost of living, and protect your purchasing power.

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You hear "the Fed raised rates" on the news, but what does that actually mean for your wallet? In this episode, we translate the complex headlines into practical, personal knowledge. We'll explain who the Fed is, what their "dual mandate" means, how their decisions directly affect the APY on your savings account, and why the interest rate on your variable-rate credit card goes up when they tighten policy. This episode connects the big picture to your budget.

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Could you be paying less on your car loan or mortgage? In this episode, we explain the pros and cons of refinancing. It can be a powerful tool to save money, but it's not the right move for everyone. We'll discuss the two main reasons to consider refinancing—an improved credit score or a drop in market rates—and teach you how to calculate your "break-even point" on closing costs to see if it's truly worth it for your financial situation.

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