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 Podcast@safecu.org

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 Podcast@safecu.org

Are you torn between the convenience of a fintech app and the personalized service of a credit union? In this episode of the Perfect Cents Podcast, host Alex Becerra is joined by Marcus Webb, Branch Manager at SAFE Credit Union's Granite Bay location.

With over 24 combined years of experience, they break down the shifting financial landscape—from the rise of "niche" apps like Rocket Money and Chime to why having a face-to-face relationship still carries immense "intangible value" in a digital world.

Topics include:

• Defining Fintech: Why younger consumers are drawn to specialized, one-dimensional digital tools.
• The "Data Point" Problem: The difference between being a member of a community and just another entry in an algorithm.
• The Credit Union Philosophy: How not-for-profit institutions prioritize the person over the profit.
• Life's Milestones: How a dedicated financial partner helps you navigate buying a first car, planning a wedding, or starting a family.

About the Guest: Marcus Webb is a veteran in the banking industry with 12 years of experience. He currently serves as the Branch Manager for the SAFE Credit Union Granite Bay branch, focusing on community-based growth and member success.

SAFE is federally insured by NCUA and is an equal housing opportunity lender.

Community & Local Favorites:

R-Vida Cantina

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 Podcast@safecu.org