$250k Community Donation Announcement: How Your Vote Shapes Local Impact

Big news! When SAFE members vote on the proposed combination with BECU, voting members also have a unique opportunity to help direct a $250,000 contribution to four incredible nonprofit organizations making a meaningful difference throughout the greater Sacramento region by getting to vote on where those funds go. On this episode of the Perfect Cents Podcast, host Alex sits down to discuss the launch of our major community donation, the four nonprofit organizations involved, and how every single vote counts toward making a lasting difference in our local community. Cast your member vote and learn more Cast your vote August 31- October 27, 2026 - https://www.safecu.org/vote Learn more about our nonprofit partners:  Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Greater Sacramento Area Women's Empowerment Saint John's Program for Real Change Habitat for Humanity of Greater Sacramento Community & Local Favorites: Corti Brothers Sellands Kru Salsa's Taqueria To contact the podcast team, email [email protected] To watch this episode in video-format and access more financial education tips, subscribe to the SAFE Credit Union YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@SAFECreditUnionCA

Join Alex Becerra at Sutter Health Park for Friends & Family Night with the A's, presented by the Perfect Cents Podcast. Alex catches up with SAFE CEO Faye Nabhani and COO Tiffani Vargas, along with SAFE members, employees, and young fans, to talk about community, connection, and baseball. From first pitches to favorite ballpark snacks, see how SAFE's partnership with the A's supports the community and provides member benefits, including discounted A's and River Cats tickets. SAFE members can purchase discounted tickets with their promo code found under "Member Perks" in the SAFE Mobile App and Online Banking. Not a SAFE member? Learn more about SAFE Credit Union and member benefits. Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, or tax advice. SAFE Credit Union is federally insured by the NCUA. Community & Local Favorites: New Member Exclusive! Discounted tickets to select A's and River Cats Games (blog) Official A's Website (MLB) Sutter Health Park Official Sacramento River Cats Website (MiLB) To contact the podcast team, email [email protected] To watch this episode in video-format and access more financial education tips, subscribe to the SAFE Credit Union YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@SAFECreditUnionCA

On this episode of the Perfect Cents Podcast, host Alex Becerra sits down with Shawn Kahan, co-owner of Yellow Brick Group and co-founder of the 'Our Street Night Market'. Shawn takes us through his incredible journey—from hustling t-shirts out of his car trunk at 17 after getting kicked out of school, to designing for NBA icons like DeMarcus Cousins, to building a multi-faceted creative agency in the heart of Sacramento. We'll dive into the origin of the 'Our Street Night Market', detailing how an event planned for a few hundred people unexpectedly drew over 11,000 attendees, inspired by his Asian and Hawaiian heritage and night market trips to Taiwan. He also honors the legacy of late developer Ali Youssefi, reflecting on the cultural impact of the Warehouse Artist Lofts (WAL), and offers profound advice for creative entrepreneurs on self-awareness, personal storytelling, and community building. Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes and does not constitute financial, tax, or legal advice. SAFE is federally insured by NCUA and is an equal housing opportunity lender. Community & Local Favorites: Hanai Shave Ice Camellia Coffee Roasters Instagram - @camelliacoffeeroasters Majka Pizzeria Instagram - @majkabakes Southside Super Instagram - @southsidesuper Sacramento Little Saigon To check out the resources highlighted in this episode visit the links below. For more information about the upcoming Our Street Night Market visit: Our Street Night Market Instagram - @ourstreetmarket For more information about Yellow Brick Group visit: https://ybgroup.us/ Instagram - @yellowbrickgroup To learn more about SAFE Credit Union products and services visit: https://www.safecu.org/  To register for an upcoming Financial Wellness webinar visit: https://www.safecu.org/community/events To read the latest edition of SAFE's Beyond Everyday Banking blog visit: https://blog.safecu.org/ To contact the podcast team, email [email protected] To watch this episode in video-format and access more financial education tips, subscribe to the SAFE Credit Union YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@SAFECreditUnionCA

How is the upcoming combination of SAFE and BECU going to change the future of banking in Northern California and Washington? On this episode of the Perfect Cents Podcast, Alex Becerra sits down with SAFE COO, Tiffani Vargas, and BECU Chief Member & Digital Experience Officer, Jason Rudman, to dive deep into what this historic credit union partnership actually means for members and local communities. Discover how both institutions are uniting under the "Coming Together, Member First" philosophy, combining cutting-edge technology with a deep commitment to community impact. From reducing member fees to expanding first-time homebuyer grants, learn how this combined force of nearly 2 million members aims to move people from financial access to true financial freedom! Don't forget to subscribe to stay updated on how we're helping our communities win! SAFE is federally insured by NCUA and is an equal housing opportunity lender. Community & Local Favorites: Mount Rainier National Park Big Sur State Park (CA) Visit Carmel-By-The-Sea Visit Napa Valley To check out the resources highlighted in this episode visit the links below. The Sacramento Bee - SAFE Credit Union makes the case for its pending merger with Seattle-area firm Gold Mountain California News Media | Future of SAFE is still local To learn more about SAFE Credit Union products and services visit: https://www.safecu.org/  To register for an upcoming Financial Wellness webinar visit: https://www.safecu.org/community/events To read the latest edition of SAFE's Beyond Everyday Banking blog visit: https://blog.safecu.org/ To contact the podcast team, email [email protected] To watch this episode in video-format and access more financial education tips, subscribe to the SAFE Credit Union YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@SAFECreditUnionCA

What actually happens to your money when you shop local? On this episode of The Perfect Cents Podcast, we sit down with Brian Munn, CEO of the Sacramento Natural Foods Co-op, to explore how the cooperative business model builds long-term regional wealth. Brian shares his journey from classical culinary training to managing a 50-year-old Sacramento institution. We dive deep into the unique economic engine of co-ops, how their direct relationships with farmers protected their supply chain during global disruptions, and why partnerships between financial and consumer cooperatives create a stronger economic safety net for the community. Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes and does not constitute financial, tax, or legal advice. SAFE is federally insured by NCUA and is an equal housing opportunity lender. Community & Local Favorites: Sacramento Natural Foods Co-Op Hawk's Public House Mulvaney's B&L To check out the resources highlighted in this episode visit the links below. To learn more about SAFE Credit Union products and services visit: https://www.safecu.org/  To register for an upcoming Financial Wellness webinar visit: https://www.safecu.org/community/events To read the latest edition of SAFE's Beyond Everyday Banking blog visit: https://blog.safecu.org/ To contact the podcast team, email [email protected] To watch this episode in video-format and access more financial education tips, subscribe to the SAFE Credit Union YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@SAFECreditUnionCA

Why is SAFE Credit Union combining with BECU? On this episode of the Perfect Cents Podcast, SAFE President and CEO Faye Nabhani sits down to explain the strategic vision behind this combination and what it actually means for members and the community. Discover how this new partnership will drive greater member value through lower fees, competitive rates, and expanded consumer and small business loan opportunities. Faye shares insights on why now is the perfect time for this evolution while maintaining their core "people helping people" mindset.  SAFE is federally insured by NCUA and is an equal housing opportunity lender. Community & Local Favorites: Eat A Pita - Rancho Cordova To check out the resources highlighted in this episode visit the links below. The Sacramento Bee - SAFE Credit Union makes the case for its pending merger with Seattle-area firm To learn more about SAFE Credit Union products and services visit: https://www.safecu.org/  To register for an upcoming Financial Wellness webinar visit: https://www.safecu.org/community/events To read the latest edition of SAFE's Beyond Everyday Banking blog visit: https://blog.safecu.org/ To contact the podcast team, email [email protected] To watch this episode in video-format and access more financial education tips, subscribe to the SAFE Credit Union YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@SAFECreditUnionCA

Ever wonder what happens to your savings if the economy hits a rough patch? In this episode of the Perfect Cents Podcast, host Alex sits down with SAFE's Corporate Compliance Manager, Marina to demystify the NCUA and explain exactly how your money is federally protected. Many people have heard of bank insurance through the FDIC, but what about credit unions? Enter the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA). Created to modernize the credit union industry, the NCUA's Share Insurance Fund provides automatic, federally backed protection for your deposits of $250,000. Key takeaways include: What exactly is the NCUA, and how does it safeguard your financial journey? How does credit union protection compare to traditional bank insurance (NCUA vs. FDIC)? What specific accounts are covered (joint accounts, retirement, and upcoming trust account changes)? How can you easily calculate your personal coverage details? Why federal backing gives you ultimate peace of mind compared to private options. Best of all? This coverage is 100% automatic—there's absolutely nothing you need to sign up for to keep your hard-earned funds secure. To date, not a single penny of member deposits has ever been lost from a federally insured credit union. SAFE is federally insured by NCUA and is an equal housing opportunity lender. Community & Local Favorites: Karen's Bakery & Cafe To check out the resources highlighted in this episode visit the links below. Calculate Your Protection Coverage: To check your exact status or map out your accounts using the official share insurance calculators, visit: https://mycreditunion.gov. To learn more about SAFE Credit Union products and services visit: https://www.safecu.org/  To register for an upcoming Financial Wellness webinar visit: https://www.safecu.org/community/events To read the latest edition of SAFE's Beyond Everyday Banking blog visit: https://blog.safecu.org/ To contact the podcast team, email [email protected] To watch this episode in video-format and access more financial education tips, subscribe to the SAFE Credit Union YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@SAFECreditUnionCA

Is it time to ditch the traditional piggy bank? In this episode of the Perfect Cents Podcast, host Alex Becerra sits down with parent and banking expert Marcie Johnson to explore how to build financial confidence in children early. In an increasingly digital world where physical cash is disappearing, teaching kids how to manage money online is more important than ever. Marcie shares her personal experience opening a checking account and getting a debit card for her child, highlighting how moving away from cash allowances helps prevent instant gratification. They discuss the major shift in family banking, including how credit unions like SAFE lowered the account age requirement to 6 years old, so kids can learn financial responsibility by doing. From navigating ATMs to checking online banking logs , discover how you can actively coach your kids toward smart budgeting, saving habits, and lifelong financial literacy.  SAFE is federally insured by NCUA and is an equal housing opportunity lender. Community & Local Favorites: Rocklin Community Theatre Broadway Sacramento SAFE Credit Union Performing Arts Center To check out the resources highlighted in this episode visit the links below. To learn more about SAFE Credit Union products and services visit: https://www.safecu.org/  To register for an upcoming Financial Wellness webinar visit: https://www.safecu.org/community/events To read the latest edition of SAFE's Beyond Everyday Banking blog visit: https://blog.safecu.org/ To contact the podcast team, email [email protected] To watch this episode in video-format and access more financial education tips, subscribe to the SAFE Credit Union YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@SAFECreditUnionCA

Are you facing job loss, the rising financial stress, or unexpected bills? You don't have to handle it alone. On this episode of the Perfect Cents Podcast, host Alex Becerra welcomes SAFE Loan Service Manager, Amber Mitchell to discuss how to partner with your financial institution during tough times. Topics include: Communication is Key: Loan servicing departments call out of care to find flexible solutions, not to penalize you. Flexible Options: Programs like Skip-A-Pay move your payment to the end of the loan term, protecting your credit. Community Support: Local credit unions focus on tailored, win-win outcomes for their neighbors.  SAFE is federally insured by NCUA and is an equal housing opportunity lender. Community & Local Favorites: Thai Hut (Sacramento) To check out the resources highlighted in this episode visit the links below. To learn more about SAFE Credit Union products and services visit: https://www.safecu.org/  To register for an upcoming Financial Wellness webinar visit: https://www.safecu.org/community/events To read the latest edition of SAFE's Beyond Everyday Banking blog visit: https://blog.safecu.org/ To contact the podcast team, email [email protected] To watch this episode in video-format and access more financial education tips, subscribe to the SAFE Credit Union YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@SAFECreditUnionCA

Is the Sacramento housing market finally cooling down, or are we entering a significant period of transition? On this episode of the Perfect Cents Podcast, host Alex Becerra sits down with renowned housing analyst and certified appraiser Ryan Lundquist to break down the latest Sacramento real estate trends. With over 20 years of local experience, Ryan provides a data-backed look at why the current market is shifting from a fast-paced environment to a much tighter, inventory-strained landscape. Whether you are a first-time buyer or a seller trying to understand local appraisal trends, this interview offers the technical analysis you won't find in viral headlines. Topics include: Market Inventory Dynamics: Why low supply coupled with low demand is creating a unique state of "normal." Regional Growth Drivers: The massive population shift toward Roseville and the ongoing transformation of downtown Loomis. The Bay Area Effect: How migration patterns from the coast continue to influence Sacramento home prices. Buying Strategy for 2026: Why a 20% down payment isn't a requirement and how to navigate the current entry-level market. Luxury Market Trends: An analysis of million-dollar sales and where the top 10% of the market is heading. About the Guest: Ryan Lundquist is a certified residential appraiser and housing market analyst in the Sacramento area. Ryan runs the Sacramento Appraisal Blog, which is a top-ranking appraisal blog in the United States. He is a member of the Real Estate Appraisers Association of Sacramento. His clients include homeowners, real estate agents, CPAs, and attorneys. In his spare time, Ryan does woodworking. He also loves to walk. SAFE is federally insured by NCUA and is an equal housing opportunity lender. Community & Local Favorites: Shangri-La (Fair Oaks) High-Hand Cafe (Loomis) High-Hand Brewing Company (Loomis) To check out the resources highlighted in this episode visit the links below. To see this episode in our new video format visit: Sacramento Housing Market Update: Trends & Analysis with Ryan Lundquist (YouTube) To view Ryan's official website and read his latest blog visit: Sacramento Appraisal Blog To like, share, and subscribe to SAFE Credit Union's official YouTube page visit: SAFE Credit Union (YouTube) To learn more about SAFE Credit Union products and services visit: https://www.safecu.org/  To register for an upcoming Financial Wellness webinar visit: https://www.safecu.org/community/events To read the latest edition of SAFE's Beyond Everyday Banking blog visit: https://blog.safecu.org/ To contact the podcast team, email [email protected]