12 – Estate Planning 101: Four Important Documents Everyone Needs

12 – Estate Planning 101: Four Important Documents Everyone Needs – June 18, 2009 – 10:19 minutes (3.54 MB mp3)

Most of us know there are many objectives of estate planning. But, we might not know how important it is to start with the basic tools in order to reach those objectives.

During this podcast we’ll discuss the four important documents everyone needs:

• A will
• A financial durable power of attorney
• A medical durable power of attorney
• and a living will

Here with us today to talk about these four documents is Paula Pollet, Vice President and Trust Officer at Ent.

11 – Retirement Plan Rollover Options

11 – Retirement Plan Rollover Options – May 19, 2009 – 7:34 minutes (2.66 MB mp3)

Planning for retirement can be confusing and stressful, especially when you experience life events that could alter the plan you already have in place. Retiring or changing jobs may leave you wondering what to do with the money in your current retirement plan.

During this podcast we’ll discuss:

• The definition of a rollover
• And, the available retirement rollover options

Here with us today to talk about rollover options is Tanya Duboue – an Investment Representative at Ent Investment Services.

10 – Buying Your First Home

10 – Buying Your First Home - Apr 17, 2009 - 7:56 minutes (2.75 MB mp3)

If you’re like most of us, owning your own home is a major part of the American Dream. But, homeownership is a big responsibility, and there are some important steps to follow to help you make the Dream come true. If you plan on buying your first home in 2009, the new tax credit along with Ent’s First-Time Home Buyers program can make doing so much easier.

Over the next 8 minutes we’ll talk about:

• the 2009 stimulus tax credit for first-time home buyers
• financial preparations
• mortgage loan options
• title and mortgage insurance
• and, Ent’s First-Time Home Buyer program

Here with us today to talk about “buying your first home” is one of Ent’s mortgage loan officers, Stephanie Dombrowski.

09 – Phishing – Don’t Get Hooked

09 – Phishing – Dont Get Hooked- Mar 23, 2009 – 8:03 minutes (2.84 MB mp3)

Telephone vishing, email phishing and even cell phone text message scams attempting to obtain private financial information are becoming more prevalent – and more sophisticated. In this podcast, we’ll discuss how to avoid becoming a victim by arming yourself with the right information, including:

• understanding scams
• protecting yourself
• responding to requests for information – and,
• reporting a scam

Here with us today to discuss how to protect your financial information is Victoria Selfridge, Ent’s Director of Marketing and eCommerce.

08 – Using Credit Cards Wisely

08 – Using Credit Cards Wisely - Feb 18, 2009 – 13:02 minutes (4.58 MB mp3)

If you’re like most Americans, you have four credit cards in your wallet – and you probably use them more than you should.

Over the next 10 minutes we’ll cover:

• shopping for a credit card
• credit card pros and cons
• the fine print
• and what to do if you’re caught in the credit card crunch.

Here with us today to discuss how to use credit cards wisely is Michele Brander – Ent’s credit administrator.

07 – Smart Car Buying

07 – Smart Car Buying - Jan 21, 2009 – 8:58 minutes (3.15 MB mp3)

When most of us think about the process of buying a car we realize we’re not alone in our belief that it can be stressful, painful and not much fun. But being an educated buyer can change the whole experience, and that’s what we’re going to talk about today.

During this podcast we’ll discuss:

• Budgeting for your new car
• Pricing and negotiating
• Warning signs
• Common misconceptions

Here with us today to talk about Smart Car Buying is Darrell Noble, Ent’s Lending Center Manager.

06 – Budgeting Basics

06 – Budgeting Basics – Dec 22, 2008 – 7:39 minutes (2.69 MB mp3)

When most of us think about budgeting, we think “denial” and “hardship.” In reality a budget is about goal achievement and a way to help us make sound financial decisions on spending wisely – and planning for the future. So forget denial and hardship; today we’ll talk about how to use a budget to better manage your money so you can reach your goals and enjoy life.

During this podcast we’ll discuss:

• Obstacles to getting started
• Setting goals
• Tracking income and expenses
• Finding the spending leaks
• Staying on track

Here with us today to talk about Budgeting Basics is Lois Carlock, Ent’s Education Manager.

05 – Understanding Basic Investing

05 – Understanding Basic Investing - Nov 20, 2008 – 8:40 minutes (3.05 MB mp3)

When thinking about your long-range financial goals, you may realize just putting money in a savings account won’t get you there. The rates are too low, and you can’t save enough on your own. So today, our subject is an alternative – investing.

During this podcast we’ll discuss:

• Several common types of investments
• How investments carry risks that are different from the money you may have in savings or your checking account.
• The risks and rewards involved in investing, and how to measure your risk tolerance and your investing success.

Here with us today to talk about Basic Investing is Elvis Jerez – an Investment Representative at Ent Investment Services.

04 – The Credit Union Difference

04 – The Credit Union Difference - Oct 22, 2008 – 5:17 minutes (1.81 MB mp3)

Recent news reports have caused many Americans to be anxious about the safety of their savings and investments, and the soundness of their financial institution. What you don’t usually hear about during these times are credit unions, and there is a good reason for that.

Today, we will discuss some of the current issues affecting our economy and why credit unions – particularly Ent – are a safe and secure place to trust with your money. Here with me today is Ent’s Senior Vice President, Mr. James Moore.

03 – The Safety Of Your Deposits

03 – The Safety Of Your Deposits - Sept 12, 2008 – 3:27 minutes (1.22 MB mp3)

With the recent news of bank and mortgage failures, and the continuous coverage on sub-prime mortgage problems, consumers are starting to wonder about the safety of their financial institution and their deposits.

Today, with Ent’s Senior Vice President, Jim Moore, we will discuss how your money is safe with Ent.

( * Updated on Nov 3, 2008 - With the passage of the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008 on Friday, October 3, your savings are insured up to $250,000 on accounts with Ent until December 31, 2009. Larger coverage amounts are possible depending on how the account relationship is structured.)