Ever wondered if carrying a balance really helps your credit score? Or why your bank sometimes texts you about suspicious transactions? Nic Peterson, VP of Payments at Affinity Plus, joins us to separate credit card fact from fiction!

We dive into the world of payments—from traditional cards to tap-to-pay technology—and discuss how to use credit cards safely and strategically. Nick shares insider knowledge about rewards programs, fraud prevention, and why your cards are more secure than you might think.

Plus, hear about an exciting merger bringing Affinity Plus services to Albert Lea, Minnesota, and get Nic's expert tips on protecting yourself from scams.

Whether you're new to credit or a payment pro, this episode is packed with practical advice to help you navigate the ever-evolving world of payments with confidence.

Topics Covered:

• Credit card myths debunked
• Rewards vs. non-rewards cards
• Fraud prevention and security tips
• Digital payment evolution
• How to spot legitimate alerts vs. scams

Learn more at affinityplus.org

Affinity Plus Federal Credit Union - federally insured by the NCUA

Get ready to be inspired! Hosts Danielle and Amber sit down with Bill Fish, CEO of Special Olympics Minnesota, for an episode packed with exciting news, heartwarming stories, and a few polar plunge confessions.

What You'll Discover:

• Why the 2026 USA Games in Minnesota will be the second-largest sporting event in North America (behind only the World Cup!)
• How 3,000 Special Olympics athletes will compete across 8 days of incredible competition
• The amazing "26 Weeks of Giving" initiative supporting inclusion-focused organizations statewide
• Volunteer opportunities that don't require you to be a sports expert (seriously, you just need to show up!)
• Amber's detailed ranking of her 19 polar plunges and why #7 was the best
• Danielle's commitment to her very first plunge (with Amber as her elbow-throwing guide)

Bill shares his 35 years of Special Olympics experience, from memorable moments with Prince at the 1991 World Games to why CEO Dave Larson went from polar plunge skeptic to annual participant. Plus, learn about unified sports partnerships, power lifting sponsorships, and how Affinity Plus continues to champion inclusion across Minnesota.

Whether you're interested in volunteering, supporting local athletes, or just want to hear why jumping into freezing water is surprisingly rejuvenating, this episode celebrates the power of community, inclusion, and taking the plunge for a great cause.

Key Topics: • 2026 USA Games (June 20-26, 2026) • 26 Weeks of Giving grant applications (due September 30th) • Polar plunge tips and techniques • Volunteer opportunities year-round • Unified sports partnerships • Power lifting competition sponsorship

Connect with Special Olympics Minnesota: specialolympicsminnesota.org Learn more about Affinity Plus: affinityplus.org

Affinity Plus Federal Credit Union - federally insured by the NCUA

Get ready for some delicious financial wisdom! In this fun-filled episode of A + You, hosts Danielle and Amber team up with Affinity Plus Cambridge Branch Manager Kari Krummel to serve up essential money management tips with a tasty state fair twist.

While dreaming about fresh-cut french fries, Sweet Martha's cookies, and corn on the cob, our trio explores four crucial financial "tips on a stick":

🎪 Budgeting - Your ticket into financial success (and the fair!) 🎢 Managing Debt - Avoiding the financial equivalent of flying off the giant slide 💰 Building Savings - Setting up automatic savings accounts and learning about Affinity Plus's WIN Incentive Savings 🎡 Avoiding Financial FOMO - Resisting the urge to spend just because everyone else is

Kari brings her 23 years of credit union expertise to help listeners understand how to create a financial plan that works for their unique goals and values. Plus, you'll get insider tips on Affinity Plus services like financial coaching and member consultations.

Whether you're saving for next year's state fair adventure or planning for bigger financial goals, this episode will help you budget wisely and avoid getting in over your head. Fair warning: you might leave this episode craving some kettle corn!

Affinity Plus Federal Credit Union - federally insured by the NCUA

It’s back-to-school season, and we’re diving into the money matters that matter most for students! Hosts Amber and Danielle are joined by Morgan Wuebker from Affinity Plus’s Mankato campus branch to talk all things student finances — from opening your first checking account to building credit and saving smart.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

💳 How to manage your first bank account like a pro

📈 Simple strategies to build and protect your credit

💰 Budgeting tips (yes, even on a ramen budget!)

🏦 Why an emergency fund is a student’s best friend

🎯 How to set your own financial pace and focus on YOUR goals

Whether you’re a freshman just starting out or a returning student planning for life after graduation, this conversation is packed with practical advice, relatable stories, and a few laughs along the way.

Affinity Plus Federal Credit Union - federally insured by the NCUA

🎙️ A+ U Podcast Presented by Affinity Plus Federal Credit Union

Guest: Jacquie Twedt, Director of Operations & Foundation Board Chair

In this special episode, hosts Danielle and Amber sit down with Jacquie Twedt, Director of Operations at Affinity Plus and Board Chair of the Affinity Plus Foundation. They dive into the mission and growing impact of the Foundation—from addressing housing and food insecurity to expanding financial education and access to education across Minnesota.

🌟 In this episode, you’ll learn:

• What the Affinity Plus Foundation is and why it exists
• The four key pillars guiding the Foundation’s work: housing stability, food security, financial well-being, and access to education
• How strategic partnerships are helping people access safe housing and homeownership
• Ways the Foundation supports youth through scholarships and Junior Achievement initiatives
  The story behind a historic $1 million in grants awarded through the Federal Home Loan Bank
• How you can support the Foundation during its 25th anniversary donation match campaign, in partnership with Visa

Whether you’re a long-time member or new to Affinity Plus, this episode offers inspiring insight into how the Foundation is building stronger communities—and how you can be part of the impact.

🔗 Learn more and get involved at affinityplus.org/25years

Affinity Plus Federal Credit Union - federally insured by the NCUA

Brought to you by Affinity Plus Federal Credit Union

Minneapolis music legend Nur-D joins hosts Danielle and Amber for a high-energy, heart-filled episode of A+ You! 🎤✨

A proud Affinity Plus member, Nur-D talks about his journey as an artist, what it means to give back to the community, and how building his own studio led to the creation of his upcoming 10th album, Chunkadelic—a funk-meets-hip-hop celebration of joy, soul, and self-expression.

💥 Hear behind-the-scenes stories about his favorite concerts, how he flipped the meaning of “nerdy” into his stage name, and why being part of a values-driven credit union has made such an impact in his life.

🎶 Album Drops: July 23

🎉 Chunkadelic Release Party: July 25 @ The Fillmore Minneapolis

🔗 More from Nur-D: https://nur-drocks.com

Subscribe: https://youtube.com/@AffinityPlusFederalCreditUnion

Connect with Affinity Plus:
💻 Website https://Affinityplus.org

Affinity Plus Federal Credit Union - federally insured by the NCUA

In this episode of A+ You, brought to you by Affinity Plus Federal Credit Union, hosts Danielle Johnson and Amber Shanley are joined by Tara Rutz, Mortgage Servicing and Origination Manager, to help simplify the often overwhelming world of homeownership.

From buying your first home to making long-term improvements, Tara offers clear explanations, helpful tips, and relatable stories about the journey of owning a home. Whether you’re just starting out or already settled in, this episode will help you feel more informed—and empowered.

Listeners will learn about:

• The difference between appraisals and inspections
• What escrow really means and how it works
• Down payment expectations (hint: it’s not always 20%)
• What mortgage insurance is and when it applies
• How to prepare financially for homeownership
• The step-by-step home buying process
• Home equity loans vs. HELOCs (home equity lines of credit)
• What to expect during the closing process
• The role of Affinity Plus in supporting members beyond the mortgage

Whether you’re exploring your first home or planning a renovation, this episode helps make the process feel a little more approachable—and a lot more exciting.

Affinity Plus Federal Credit Union - federally insured by the NCUA

Presented by Affinity Plus Federal Credit Union

In this insightful and approachable episode of A+ You, hosts Danielle Johnson and Amber Shanley are joined by Kotchi Prosper, Director of Investment & Retirement Services at Affinity Plus Federal Credit Union. From laughs over spilled coffee to smart savings strategies, the conversation makes financial planning feel less intimidating and a lot more human.

Kotchi shares his unique personal story (spoiler: he’s never had coffee!) and breaks down the role of the Investment Center at Affinity Plus. He explains how their advisors work hand-in-hand with credit union staff to support members’ goals—whether that’s saving a few dollars a month or preparing for retirement.

Listeners will learn about:

• What an investment advisor really does (no suit required)
• Why market volatility is normal—and how it can work in your favor
• The power of habits in financial success
• Investment tips for beginners, including how to start with as little as $5
• A sneak peek at Affinity Plus’s upcoming DIY investing app
• The benefits of 529 college savings plans—and why your retirement should come first

Whether you’re just getting started or rethinking your approach, this episode offers calm, clarity, and a little humor along the way. No pressure, no fees—just helpful, human advice.

Affinity Plus Federal Credit Union - federally insured by the NCUA