Vacation Better with Centric

While we are settling into the routine of colder weather, many of us are looking forward to the sunshine and freedom of summertime. To help us start planning for our getaways, we sat down with Centric’s Senior Vice President of Marketing and Member Engagement and the infamous camping queen, Kelli Green, to discuss her tips and expertise on vacationing. Kelli enjoys weekend getaways in her RV with her family and week long vacations to discover new adventures. Listen to our podcast to hear her travel tips for planning and budgeting and check out her adventures on her camping group’s YouTube page: Can’t. We’re Camping.

Transcript

Transcript 

00:00:00 Carmen Gonzalez 

Welcome back to another episode of the Live Better Podcast by Centric FCU. I'm your host and Centric’s Community Partner Coordinator Carmen Gonzalez. I'm so excited that you're here. Every month we post a new episode where I'm joined by a guest to chat about finances and all things living better. Subscribe today so that you never miss an episode. 

00:00:21 Carmen Gonzalez 

Today we're joined by Kelli Green, who is Centric's Senior Vice President of Marketing and Member Engagement. Some of you may have seen her either on TV or just walking through any of our centers. She is always helping everyone, she's around and so we are so thankful that she's taken time out of her day to talk with us. Thank you so much for being here, Kelli.

00:00:40 Kelli Green 

Well, it is an honor to be here with you today. This is one of my favorite favorite things. I love the podcast. You do such a great job with it, the tips are fantastic and it's really great information that you can. Truly take and you know it provides all sorts of information to help you live better. Truly, I love it. 

00:00:59 Carmen Gonzalez 

Thank you, thank you. 

00:01:00 Kelli Green 

The topic today I'm so excited, yes. 

00:01:03 Carmen Gonzalez 

We are talking about vacationing. I'm talking about vacation better so Kelli's going to talk just about a few things her family. I think they you might be the most like savvy when it comes to getting a good trip in but also making sure it doesn't break the bank. But before we dive into all the fun tips, tell us one thing that any time you go on a trip, whether it's a camping trip or you're going to some amusement park. What is one thing you have to have with you? 

00:01:30 Kelli Green 

Oh my goodness, the one thing I have to have, well number one, you know I always think of myself as like home alone you know you want to make sure that you have all of your kids in tow, right? So that's that's the critical point. But I obviously believe one of the things that we always carry with us is we have a journal and we actually every trip we take. We write down what you know, which area where do we travel, how you know what route do we take? What what are we planning to do? What we were able to accomplish? What were our greatest memories? and so when we've been talking about our camping adventures than just traveling for what we've done with our family. You know we reflect back on the journal and it's one of the things my girls look up and say, you know, mom, what did you write down this time? You know what did you say and hey, this is what we want to add to the book, and so that's what I bring with them. So on every single trip, as soon as we're finished and as a wherever we're most the time we're usually traveling by vehicle. And so I'm just jotting down the information. And really, wanting them to reflect on the experience. That's the most important thing when you're planning your vacation is the experience you know, not the things you buy not the souvenirs, your souvenirs are your memories, and those are things you know that you can just really capture and take with you forever. So journal for sure, Yep. 

00:02:44 Carmen Gonzalez 

I love that we might have to introduce that into our family, 'cause we're definitely we're beach people in my family and so we always get seashells and stuff. But you know, once you put them all in a jar, they all kind of get jumbled up, so it might be nice to have a little journal to remind us everywhere went, but yeah, so that's super fun. I love that. And like you said, it's not about the souvenirs you've bought. It's not about how fancy the place you went to was. It's about the memories. That's what's going to last you forever. And so that's really what we want to focus on today. Is talking about a the fact that we do not have to, you know, go super extravagant, you know. Really put ourselves in a bind to go on a trip, but also how can Centric help us do that and so. As we want to get started, what has been one of your favorite trips that you've been on so far? 

00:03:31 Kelli Green 

Well, you know you mentioned earlier in the podcast that we are, you know, avid campers and you're right, we are, you know, we've taken several trips prior to becoming campers. As far as just a little extended weekend, but I would probably say within the last three years. My favorite trip was honestly Fall Creek Falls in Tennessee. We really we took a trip via spring break and it was one of the coolest things that we loved it, you know. And that was we were camping with a group of folks and we have children that are similar ages. We hiked mountains. You know, hiked up and down underneath waterfalls. I mean, it was just such a cool experience. I love that. We certainly, you know, think about that from a standpoint of what memories are we creating. And it's not about, you know you mentioned that, right. You know how can Centric really help us, you know? And we're talking about how do they help us make these vacations worthwhile? And I will tell you, we actually purchased our camper through through Centric and it was such an easy process for us to do that even help us helping us locate what we were trying to. 

00:04:32 Carmen Gonzalez 

Oh yeah. 

00:04:38 Kelli Green 

What we wanted for our feet. and that was a really great you know thing and you know a lot of times people think about you, know financial institution just for the loan. Not really helping you on that search. Navigating through you know where do you go in to purchase an RV who are reputable. You know, dealers and really what to look for. How do you know that you're getting the most you know the safe thing? But also to the best buy for you and your family. So I really enjoyed that part of it as well. We have some folks here that are very, very knowledgeable about purchasing an RV and I really leaned on them throughout our own research and shared with them. We've narrowed it down to a few different purchases. And then boom, you know we we drove, actually we drove drove to South Mississippi and made our purchase there and it was. It was such a neat and neat experience, so we loved it. 

00:05:28 Carmen Gonzalez 

Yeah, I think that's one of those things. I know that when my family has ever needed to buy a car or recently we did buy a little RV camper thing. My parents are like well I don't know. I'm like let me just talk to one of my friends over at Centric and someone will know someone to talk to you and look everything. And I think like you said, that's such a big thing. You know. I think sometimes people forget that we're not just here to give you money. We're not just here for you to deposit your money. We're here to actually help you live better and part of that is we deal with this kind of stuff every day. A lot of us and so let us use our expertise and our experience to help you so you don't have to worry about it so much. 

00:06:06 Kelli Green 

It's right, I mean you don't have to pay for the advice either. Even if you think you know you've got a big buy that's coming up. Whether it's an RV, a boat, a car, whatever that might be. Call someone you know.

Just ask you know, really ask what are the interest rates right now? You know, as far as a down payment is concerned, how would that impact my payment? My monthly payment every month you know and and just see if that's something that would work for you and your family. And if it couldn't, you know, say me maybe not yet. Yet. It's a very big word in my family, because that just is a promise for tomorrow. And so here's the thing, you know, you just talk about, well, what can you do? How can you, you know, move to that next step and we move up in car or make an additional purchase, like a camper or a boat, so those are some some things to really think about and consider freeadvice sign me up, you know? 

00:06:56 Carmen Gonzalez 

Yes, I know I know any of our regular listeners. I always said I probably dream of me saying are certified financial counselors, but they really do like that is really the whole benefit of them. It's not just to you know look at a budget with you or look at your credit and tell you what you've done or what it is. It's to help you. It's to help you achieve those things and another thing to do is they're going to help you. If you've allowed them to help you with your budget, and they can also look and be. OK, you want this RV or you want this boat? Well, have you thought about how much that insurance is going to cost for you? 

Have you tested out? That's got to get added to that budget and they're going to kind of help give you like a little reality check and they're not harsh about it. They're just like, hey, let's let's run the numbers. And I think that benefits all of us in such a big way. 

00:07:35 Kelli Green 

Oh, it does and we just want you know one of the things that we value here at Centric. Truly is when we're talking with our members we treat it as if it's our family because we genuinely view our Members as our family and we want to make sure that even though we may have a big desire right now, is this really right for us right now? And and if it's not, we want to give that sound advice and just help you to prepare for, you know when it is going to fit into your budget. You don't. The worst thing you want to do is create. You know, maybe making a large purchase and then that impacting your daily life in a negative way, yeah, you certainly don't want to do that and you don't want to. You know by the RV or by the boat, and then not be able to afford to actually take it out or do 'cause. It still costs money. You've still got to fuel up. You've still got to, you know, maintain it and say you want to be able to continue to afford that and continue to live your life while enjoying that. 

00:08:25 Kelli Green 

Oh yeah, Oh yes. 

00:08:28 Carmen Gonzalez 

So what are some things that you've kind of taken into consideration you know when you're planning a trip or when you are, whether it's a camping trip or if you're going somewhere? What are some things that you consider beforehand so that you're making sure you've got a plan so you can actually enjoy? 

00:08:44 Kelli Green 

The vacation sure well research is key. It genuinely is. I'm an avid reader when it comes to all things blogs. Even watching YouTube videos, one of the things that I would really, really recommend and this is something that has saved us hundreds, maybe even thousands of dollars at this point. Understanding people who have been there before. We have right and so take it from their experience. Take a look and see if there's a YouTube video that's out there. Review all the comments and the blogs that people have left to say. Hey, here's some great tips in ways that we can really save. Hey, do you need to buy this additional package? Maybe not, and here's what you know you can do so that you're getting that same experience. You don't feel like you're really missing out on anything. One of the neat things that we did. This has probably been about three years ago. Pre pandemic after pandemic, our family really and truly we dove into camping just because of being out in the great outdoors. We were able to socially distance but not miss out on you know, getting away and being with our family and creating those memories. But about three years ago we took a trip out to Great Wolf Lodge, and we were we were traveling when we went out to Texas and we were right outside of Dallas. And it was a great great trip for three days. My family of four we spent right at $1000 and that was fuel for the vehicle to stay at Great Wolf Lodge. We researched the hotels that were also nearby because we knew there were things like the zoo and Legoland there's aquariums. There's all sorts of neat things to take in, and so we knew those were some things that we wanted to do. But Great Wolf was really the purpose of that trip, and we really took a look at a the time of year, you know, is there? You know when you think about peak times, that's where you know it's still going to cost you the most, so really keep that in mind when you're planning your vacation. The second piece of that, too, is just to research. If you know that you're going to go for example with Great Wolf. Well, I contacted them ahead of time and just said hey you know what is a check in time you know and if our room is not available what what can we do? Are we able to, you know, maybe hit the park a little bit. Are we able to go ahead and take advantage of of of the experience there while we're waiting on our room to be ready and we were able to do that? There was a day and a half there at Great Wolf. Then on the very final day there, we we checked out, we went to another hotel and one of the things I always look at too is, you know, is there a complimentary breakfast? What are the options that are there? Is that included with your hotel stay and is it nearby to the attractions? Because you certainly want to take into consideration traveling, those are additional expenses and so. That's exactly what we did. We just we really researched. You know, like I mentioned going through there taking a look at the hotels that were offering the the free breakfast and then even from that point on we even asked, you know said hey, are there particular times that we can get discounts on tickets are there. Rewards clubs that we might be able to take advantage of while we're there, and you'll be surprised almost everywhere you want to travel genuinely. They have an app or they're partnered with someone who you know they're wanting you to come and visit come and experience. And what are the best things to do with that? So they're reading some of the blogs we also saw. You know, while we were at Great Wolf, there's multiple packages that you can really take advantage of, and so some of the things that we really thought about was what our kids really. What is the purpose of us going to Great Wolf? And it was really to experience, you know, the water slides and the Lazy river and all the neat things you know the outdoor area and and so those are things we wanted to spend the most of our time on. So definitely consider that for your family, sure there's some different and and more adventures than beyond what they have and that's you know, water related, but think about where. Where's your family going to spend most of the time? and what's going to create the greatest memory for you and is it? Is it worth it to spend that you know additional money on those packages? So those are the recommendations that I have really do your research because you will find there's coupons, there's savings and really taking a look at the time of year in which you wish to travel. And I'll be honest with you. You know many times that we've we've traveled maybe outside of spring break. Or, you know, certain months of the summer either. The first part of the summer or the later part of the summer because you. Typically, you typically get your better deals there. Not only that, but for restaurants, anything that you're wanting to experience, they offer lots of discounts because they know, hey, we want to know you're going to write a review for us and even to you know, ask if I you know if I reviewed this location, you know what are the benefits of us doing that. And a lot of places offer discounts either on your existing stay or in the futures. That's something to think about when you're leaving reviews for them. They very much value that. I mean, in the digital age that we live in, people are looking, you know, they're doing Google search. They're looking through YouTube and want to hear. And the websites that people offer, they're taking a look at those comments, and they know that that's their most valuable form of marketing is word of mouth from folks who have created their own experiences. So it's it's very very. 

00:13:52 Carmen Gonzalez 

Valuable, yeah, that's the only way I book a places after I've read their reviews 'cause I want to, you know, pictures are great, but I want to know what others experiences Or so more and check out the comments, but also be one of those people who leave a review if you love a place, then tell other people about it. Uhm, now you were mentioning peak times and everything. It's interesting my family. We do have to take summer vacations because of my mother's job, so we don't really get the option of going. And like I said, we're a beach family, so we don't really have the option of going like in the down time. But one little tip for anyone who's like us. If you go either the week before 4th of July or the week after 4th of July, you typically find it cheaper because everybody wants to be on the beach for 4th of July. 

00:14:32 Kelli Green 

That's right. 

00:14:32 Carmen Gonzalez 

It's so crazy it always astounds me. And I'm like oh wow. But if you are someone who can travel outside of the summertime, then hitting the beach during the winter months is great. And then maybe hit the mountains during the summer because most people want to hit the mountains where there's snow or there's this and so really taking into consideration and again sometimes it's just a week difference. 

00:14:52 Kelli Green 

That's right, it really is, and even to a lot of times when you're staying during the week, you get better. 

00:14:52 Carmen Gonzalez 

Check out the different dates. 

00:14:57 Kelli Green 

A much better deal on your hotel stays and so forth. Now for you avid campers that may be listening, you know, you think about that. There are peak times that are also associated with where you're saying, but the neat thing about you know if you're towing your own home if you will. You know there are locations that you can say that are completely free, especially if you're taking out. I have some friends that are planning a trip to Yellowstone and they're planning a five week trip that's coming up this year. Year and some of the neat things you can do. There are places like Cracker Barrel, Walmart, Cabela's, several places that allow you to dry camp and that just simply means that hey, you know you have to utilize your own source of electricity and there's no access to water unless you prepare for that ahead of time. But you can actually stay, spend the night and overnight stay in those parking lots and it doesn't cost you anything. 

00:15:44 Carmen Gonzalez 

Oh wow. 

00:15:45 Kelli Green 

So you know, consider that you know and say as a thank you. Maybe go in and grab a couple of drinks or you know go have breakfast at Cracker Barrel or something so. It's it's a really neat thing, especially when you're planning those long road trips. To know that there are neat spots that you can say, and most of the times they have security cameras, so there's safe area for you to stay.They usually have security guards or police officers that are really, you know, kind of patrolling that area, so you know that you are safe and and for those of you that are traveling, you know as far as camping and so forth you know, think about traveling in groups. We don't always necessarily just go by ourselves. It's nice to do that when you have the opportunities to get away with your family, but we typically travel when we're camping with our camping crew. And you know, there's about four families of ours. 

It's a. It's a big crew, honestly, but four vehicles you might see traveling down the Interstate, but but it's. It's a real neat thing and and it provides a real safe, you know, avenue for us to to create memories for our faily.

00:16:41 Carmen Gonzalez 

Yeah, and again, you're just you mentioned you know camping in the. Cracker Barrel parking lot. Yeah, only like I know as a child. We one of my dear memories is we always went in for a long weekend. We'd go to Arkansas. We go to Magic Springs and then we would find like a random place to. We'd always pack our lunch, you know, going on a budget and just finding the most random places to eat lunch. And those are some of the best memories, 'cause it's like Oh my God like we. We slept in the Cracker Barrel parking lot like the kids love that kind of thing. So like take advantage of that again. It's sort of like the Christmas thing where like you bought this awesome gift and your kids having more fun from the box Like exact kids are so easy to please when you just put a little fun in it. 

00:17:25 Kelli Green 

You know it's it's not about quantity, it's genuinely about quality. And you know one of the things I always live by. You know today is a gift, or it wouldn't be called the present. And that's something that really spoke heavily to me, especially during the pandemic. You know, really a lot of families were impacted negatively. You know our whole world was really rocked through that, and you know, we really wanted to make sure that our kids you know weren't impacted. Negatively from maybe not being with their friends during school. And you know what can we do to help them continue to develop relationships with children that are their age, but while also creating a learning experience and through. That you're teaching them about culture. You know we're going from state to state. We primarily camp just here within the United States and we've been to six states already, and we just celebrated our 45th camping trip. Since 2020, how crazy is that? But it's one of the things that you know that that we just really, really love to do and. And just really making the most of that, but I will tell you for any vacation that you're really wanting to take, take the time you know just to really research and. And and find out what are the. What are the things that we absolutely do not want to miss and you know in the best ways to truly save money. Whether you're going vacationing just with you and your family, or if you're bringing some friends along. You know plan out your meals there are lots of times, especially the trip I was speaking about earlier with Great Wolf. We saved exponentially on food costs because number one, I packed our car with snacks so. That if we had to fuel up, I made sure that we didn't have to go into Buc-ee's, which you know that's always is so hard, right? Well, I'm not going to say we didn't stop because you know it's Buc-ee's come on, but at any rate, but the neat thing about it though, is you know we stocked our car. We had the snacks. Even two for breakfast items, we packed a cooler beforehand and so we were able to utilize the refrigerator in the hotel room to keep our items really cool there. So we made lunch. We made sandwiches. We also had some neat things. I always refer to it as the kids the toddler charcuterie board because we always have little snack foods around, but the kids love that. It's like a lunchable you know that's always available to you. But you can make healthier options, even too when you're creating that your own so. But that was the neat thing that we did. We saved exponentially. We didn't, we didn't. There was no cost for breakfast and there was no cost for lunch. The only time that we chose to dine out was for the evening meal. So for our dinner and that was one of the things that that we did and we were able to save. So much money by doing that, it's just it's really wild when you think about that and then when you're camping or you're traveling with a group you know think about are there any neat opportunities that you can get your families in there together and cook together. Split the cost of that meal or one night, one family responsible for this meal. It with our camping crew. We have a family that loves to always cook breakfast so we will, you know, bring different items will say OK, here's the things that we want to prepare and these are the things we want to enjoy. So we all kind of bring, you know, whatever it is that we desire, and we have a couple of guys that we want to cook breakfast and then for you know, our lunch. It's more of a grab and go. Like I mentioned with the board. And then of course two with dinner, you know, sometimes we'd have one family that would host you, know this particular meal, and then the next night someone else, so that cuts down on your cost exponentially. And then you also kind of get to see two with the cultures or the people that you're camping with, or you're traveling with you, get to see what are the things that they enjoy to cook and eat. What are the neat you know nighttime family things that they do with their family? Was it reading a book you know? Is it you know, having quiet time or they reading their Bible with their family? You know what is it? What are some things that they're doing and it's just it's really, really neat. It opens your kids up to to culture into the family dynamics that are out there, and I think that's a really, really great thing. Something that if there was anything positive that came out of the pandemic, is people really realized how important it is to spend time with the ones they love and whether that's friends like family or your true, you know, blood relatives those. Things to really think about, and those are the things that we very much cherish and just. It's so ironic to think about just from a cultural standpoint. You know the accents and the landmarks and what are these states known for and and we talk about those things with our kids and these are things with. And these are things that that's going to prepare them for future history class. Classes and social studies and so forth and one of the neatest things it's really celebrating what we have here in Louisiana. There are so many awesome adventures right here at home, and one of the neatest things was it's actually talked and and studied in our history lessons. If your if your kid attends a public school, you will know that. They're actually going to talk a little bit about poverty point, and so we actually have stayed there a couple of times. In fact, the poverty point is one of our favorite state parks to visit. We love going there. And one of the neat things you've got that historical site that's just a few miles away and little did we know we were capturing pictures and letting the kids take a look at all the artifacts that were found there. There's a really neat museum to take advantage of, and that's the hidden gem about these parks, but a lot of people don't realize that there's usually some sort of museum. Petting zoo outdoor recreation. Nature walks. You know, I remember doing all these experiments or having to have a bug collection or leaf collection. So do those, so those. Are some of the neat things that we take advantage of, and my kids are like why do we need to look at all? These different leaves. And it's like when you talk to them about what's the purpose of this tree and what are they it was. Is it shade coverage? Is this you know there's a lot of different things you can think about, but you know they're like, wow, I didn't know that. You know, teaching in those things, so that's what's really, really cool. I feel like the most beneficial part of taking the time to get outdoors with your family and the benefit of what we have here, I mean. Louisiana has so much to offer and you may just have to kind of to take some time to research and take a look at that and and you'll find that there's so many hidden gems and hidden treasures you know where where you are, but that neat trip I will reflect on poverty point because we were able to take the information that they you know, learned and. And share that with their classmates and they said, gosh, you know how do we get there? We can we take a field trip and a lot of schools do that. But it was neat for them to experience that first hand and all of their kids. You know, we're just, there's their classmates were excited to hear well, what, what did you hear about? You know what did you experience? Does it really look like that you know? And it was just a really, really neat thing for them to come back and share. 

00:24:03 Carmen Gonzalez 

Yeah, I know. Even like you know, there's something about adding as you're learning. I love you know, tricking kids into learning. It's fun 'cause they don't realize that it's something that will last them forever.

I know even when I was in college because I come from a multicultural home. There are certain things I was learning as I was getting my minor in Spanish and I was like Oh my gosh, like I completely know this and like. I would geek out with the professor 'cause I'm just like Oh my God like this is my experience with this. Like a hands on experience and so the same thing with history like we Louisiana is such a rich history, state and culture like there's so much everywhere that you turn in. 

00:24:34 Kelli Green 

So much. 

00:24:38 Carmen Gonzalez 

So just taking that time definitely is going to just allow your kids to just learn so much more experience, so much more. And like you said, they go back to share out their classmates and they. You know they're like I know somebody who's been there. It's so ool they love. 

00:24:51 Kelli Green 

It it's fun, I mean, and I'll tell you this too. You know there's a million festivals in Louisiana, things that I didn't even know. You know, I'm I'm not originally from Louisiana, but I've been here. This is my 15th year I've been here. But it's it's so interesting to see you know, and when you're learning about different things and taking that into account with the time of year when you're traveling, that's a great way. A lot of the festivals are free. And you get to see you know, experience the culture. And oh, it's just such a beautiful and neat thing to experience with your kids. And even to you know, if you're traveling by yourself or you're meeting some friends there? I mean, there's so much to learn, and if you've gone once, maybe go again and just have a new fresh perspective. You know, like the eyes of a child seeing life through the eyes of a child. It's just really neat to see these little moments that really end up being the big moments in life. You know so. 

00:25:44 Carmen Gonzalez 

The things they'll remember forever. Yeah, definitely. And you know, as Kelli's been talking if our listeners are trying to figure out how old are your kids, they are younger. I love her sweet little girls, but for those who are listening who might have older kids? I know this. Is something I can share from what my family has done. I've always been thankful for is as we got older and vacationing. My mom made it very. She's very. I'm trying to think of the word. Very intentional in the fact that she wanted us to realize that, like yes, we're making memories. Yes, we're learning things, all this stuff, but she also wanted us to start realizing, like basically just how to plan it. And so a couple years ago, actually. I know we're all adults now and so This is why I was able to work even more so as she was OK. Everybody pick a date, you're cooking dinner, you have to buy the food, go buy the meal, make the plan, like you know whatever, and even as we were teenagers, it was, you know. What is one thing you want to do? OK, let's look and see if there's coupons for the whole family. 'cause there's five of us and doing all that kind of stuff and they're like OK, you have to pay for this excursion. So how are you going to save that money? And I think that is such a great way because it's something that's tying it to something fun. But it's also encouraging your children to be like oh wait, OK, I really want to go do this when I go on vacation and so I need to start putting this money away. 

00:26:55 Kelli Green 

that's right. And and that's a great way for your kids who really understand the overall cost of things. And making a decision, is it really worth it? Do I really want to spend my? Money on this, you know? Pocket knife or? This you know. Memorable rock or something of that nature? And what's really funny is my girls love souvenirs. They they think that's one of the coolest things, but what we've done is we collect rocks from where we travel and they will either paint the rocks. They'll kind of date it for where we've been, and those are so many things that they really enjoy doing. But as far as the additional expenses, you know everywhere you go, there's always a store can drop in and a t-shirt or something along those lines, but if it's not tied to an experience you know, always share with them. This is something that you will have to spend your money on, but it it also to you know it. It helps to you know moms, dads, parents, guardians that are listening. Think about it from this standpoint because if you can tie. You know what's that motivation for them to do? Maybe household chores and teaching those responsibilities, and so our girls absolutely know that hey, when we are traveling throughout the year. What are some things that we really want we we know we're going to want a snack or we're going to want to get a little special candy or souvenir or something of that nature, and so they know that they're responsible for paying for that on their own. And and that really kind of helps motivate you, know, keeping their room clean. Also to you know focusing on you know they supposed to read what. Or they're reading what are their lessons as far as from schools concerned? And and we really tie that back to, you know? Hey, here's the great things and conduct isn't a thing in our household that we really pay close attention to. You know, I'm everybody is titled entitled to their an opinion, but in my personal opinion you know your overall conduct to me is is most important above, you know, and a always on your report card. You know, I just I just believe in how you behave and it really carries you, you know, in in your life. But but that is something we certainly you know we we pay for conduct grade which is really interesting. But we reward our kids for report cards and we also reward them too for maintaining their chores. And it's not you know, hey, you did it Monday. You skip Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and expect to get your allowance on Friday. It doesn't work that way, but but we certainly do. You know, we actually have our kids savers accounts here. They love it. They receive their statement. They take a look at that and that's something they keep up with, you know. And after $200 your kids start earning, you know. Interest on that and that's they get to see the value of reallyentrusting a financial institution with their money. Wow, well if I'm responsible with my money and I make regular deposits you mean I'm going to get something in return? And that's absolutely true. And the neat thing about that too, is they love to see their sprout newsletter. 

00:29:39 Carmen Gonzalez 

I was about to say. 

00:29:39 Kelli Green 

That is something they love and the activities that are included there. Whether it's a word search you know word find, crossword puzzle coloring sheet, the really neat thing about it too is is offering some neat tips and some books that they can read that really kind of apply to. What they're doing in their day to day life, and so those are some neat, neat things if you're not taking advantage of that, definitely sign up. It's very, very easy to do. So that you can do that online, or you can hop into any of our locations and and open up that account, but that's something the kids really treasure, it's it has their name on it. You know when that piece of mail comes to their home and they see that they they want to know. Wow, this is mine. This is addressed to me and and they really take it serious from there. You know you're not just it's great if they're throwing their money in a Piggy Bank, but just make sure that you know you're making that deposit into their account and you're allowing them to see that really add up and and even to you know they need to understand when if you're taking funds out of that savings account, it should be an emergency. This should be something that is a need. Not a want, but those are. Those are some big big you know parameters that we've said on our savings accounts, or to be quite honest with you, they just blow it and at the first stop. Yeah, that, but it is. It's so so important and you mentioned something to about, you know, making sure that your we've grown up with your siblings. You know cooking and planning. If there is any responsibility. Kids will truly value as if you're showing an interest in something they want to learn about it too, and you know we mentioned something about, you know it's not about the the quantity, it's the quality, and whereas if you may not be able to, you know, plan big, extravagant trips. What are some things that you can do right here at home you know on the weekends? Some things that you can do when you're teaching a lesson, but you're creating an experience for your child and for your friends, their friends and family. but always thinking about getting the kitchen with your kids. Teach them how to cook a healthy meal, you know? Teach them how to get in there and chop up some vegetables. You'll be shocked you really will. You know my girls are eight and nine will be 9 and 10 at the end of this year. But you know, thinking about what are some things that they can do? Is it, you know, preparing noodles? For a pasta dish you know is it? You know cooking hamburger made or you know cutting up veggies or something of that nature or you want to just bake a cake? Something simple you know. You could throw a couple of ingredients in, teaching them how to read the directions from. You know, if they're preparing cookies, you're reading from a cookbook. Those are some neat life lessons that teach them, and they will know. How to care for themselves? As they either go off to college or go on going into their real world, those are real, real valuable lessons and it also helps us really. And when we're making the choices, and you know I was on a real tight college budget, we had Robin noodles with the name of my game back in the day, and but thinking about? What are some ways that you can? Really enjoy what you're eating manage the cost. You know the costs of things. And really, how do you prepare? So it's not, you know, Shell shocked when you get into the real world. So those are the things, uh, vacation is great, absolutely. But you know you can vacation right at home. There's some real neat experiences that you can that you can witness right here and there and something. Too, we were actually planning a trip to Disney World and that was back in 2020, so we delayed our trip. We've not traveled. Yet, but due to the pandemic you know we had to really reconsider, but one of the things I actually took a look, and if you take a peek on here on the YouTube channel, there are families that have created adventures and they are taking you through and allowing your kids to see. You're learning about what are some neat hidden experiences while you're there at Disney. Throughout that particular trip, and so they were able to see and watch. And what are the things to expect. But also Disney offers where you can be like in a virtual ride or on a water slide so those were some neat things that our kids were able to take advantage of and to watch. And it was. It was really cool for them, but take that time, you know, wherever you are, look at what resources are available around you and and express your kids. Hey, the best way to keep your kids at home and they're not moving away is help them find you know what are the neat things. Around here where I can really raise my family and enjoy these experiences that I've even had the chance to to be a part of myself and you make them want to be here and there's some really cool things, neat restaurants, local restaurants. You can take advantage of or. Just the the neat festivals and activities that are happening right here. It's right here underneath our nose so, but I will tell you if if you're thinking about traveling, you know and taking a look at those local places. It I I have to give a plug you know to our friends in in Ruston that that Lincoln Parish Park is just something really. To behold, our Louisiana State parks are something that you go on their website. You take a look, they have even day activity. So for those of you that maybe don't want to necessarily travel right now, but you just want to get out of the house. Within 15, 20, 30, maybe even an hour of driving, you've got 15, 20, 30 locations that you can hop in and you know take advantage of right there. And I never knew that without the research that I did, you know, and just taking a look and hearing from other people who've gone, you know before me it's it's such a really neat thing. So I I'd love for us to share that too in the in our notes for, we'll provide those links to you for you to take a look at that and they too also have lots of activities for your family. Take a look at the time of year. In fact, it's been the outdoor activities you know saw the greatest leap in 2020. To be quite honest with you, yes. And we have some friends that have camped for over five years and they were telling us we've never seen parks completely full. Until you know this last year and a half, and it's it's interesting, so book ahead of time. A lot of times too. If you can, you can book ahead of time and you can maybe save a little bit of money even to some of the parks, and even you know a hotel stays. You don't have to pay for it all at once, but just definitely consider you know that additional. Well, you don't want to go into debt, you know. And I always say if you can't pay cash for that vacation, then maybe you want to think about it. You got 3 or $400. We'll think about staying within, you know, a couple hours of driving distance you and staying with a friend. You can create memories with folks who don't get to see all the time, and that would save on that those hotel stays. You know we're not above doing that either. You know, we've done that on many many times, and some of the probably the most fond memories that we've had is just like you know, our kids hanging out with friends that they don't get to see very often, and so those are things that to really think about. Not where you stay and what you see. It's who you're with, you know, and what experience you can create there. So it's it's a real neat thing and and it gives you a chance to really unplug you, know when we travel. It's a no digital zone. 

00:36:40 Carmen Gonzalez 

Oh wow, Yep. 

00:36:42 Kelli Green 

We have our phones to take our photos. We typically post all the things once we're on our way back home, but our kids are not allowed to have their electronics while we travel. If it's in the car, you know that's the one thing we will allow them there, but once we get there, it's a wrap. They're turned off and it's time to genuinely unplug, and that goes for US adults as well. It is just critical that we we really kind of take some time to unplug whatever it is that you enjoy doing. Whether it's reading, walking the beach. I'm a beach girl too. Carmen I love that. I love the sand my husband not so much. So you know, maybe we'll plan a girls trip, who knows? So I very much enjoy that, but it is. It's it's generally just about the quality of time that you're. You're spending with those that you care the most for. 

00:37:24 Carmen Gonzalez 

Definitely, definitely yeah. No, that's all such good information and such good tips. I mean definitely. And again, I think we've emphasized it, so emphasized it so many times while we're talking. It's the memories I know. There are memories that I have from vacations that have taken me. I've written written so many school papers for it. I wrote a Spanish story for it like there's just so many different things and so definitely allowing your kids that opportunity. But as we're talking about this, I know we've talked about the fact that, you know, if you're looking for an RV or a boat. Obviously Centric has the financing for you there, but there's also some other things that we can do so. What are some ways that you know as you're saving money back to pay for that vacation so you can pay cash? What are some ways that Centric can help with that? 

00:38:05 Kelli Green 

Well, it said there are many many ways and I'm glad you've mentioned that something that we really take into consideration too is just through our checking account and we also have the Live Better products. We actually have our Earn Better Checking account where you can actually earn a dividend and once you actually qualify and that dividend is paid to you, you open up. A Save Better that is just a savings account that earns a higher dividend, and so when you roll that you earn in your checking account, it rolls over into your savings account and you also earn a dividend on that as well. So you can I mean save. If throughout the month I mean you can actually earn 30,40, 60 dollars. I mean it just really really depends on. Obviously that's on on balances and so forth, but even to I would say take those dividends that you're earning and ensure that you're keeping that into a savings account and then also to you know we we talked about not wanting to.You know, break the bank if you can't pay cash, don't put yourself in a bind. It's like you know, for the holidays too. You know when you're thinking about that don't don't create a financial hardship for your family. Really don't do that because you know then you're taking away for something in the future. So think about you know go ahead and starting to save. We do have a, offer a Vacation Saver here at Centric. You can name that name that account if there's a location that you're wanting to go and visit if it's Disney World. If it's Yellowstone, if it's wherever you know if it's California or you're going to New York or. Going to DC, whatever that looks like for you put that, you know if it's beach, say hey, name it your beach account and just name every single dollar and the cool thing about that is if you think, well, gosh, I don't know how to do that or I don't have any money leftover at the end of the month. Let's talk about that because I I lived that life, you know, I, I absolutely did where I was not in control of my finances. I didn't keep up with every dollar that was really spent. And there was frivolous spending and I looked back over that. And I thought, gosh, if only I would have had a financial counselor then the money would have been. I could have saved so much and those are some neat things to really consider, and that's why a financial counselor is so incredibly valuable and it's free, FREE to talk to someone. And that's something to really think about. With that sit down, call call Video chat, I mean, good grief. We have every way that you can really reach out to us and just tell someone say hey. Look, here's where I'm at. You know? Shoot it to them and say, hey, here's how much money I bring home. And here's my bills and so here's what I want to do. 

Do you need to tackle debt this new year? Go for it. You know, is that something that you want to do? We also need to make sure that you're paying yourself, because if you're working and you're not, you know having a good bit of a good bit of fun or we need to change. That so take some time to really think about every dollar that you're spending where we saw significant frivolous spending was in dining out, not managing our grocery. And just little here and there expenses. But if you name every dollar and you set a budget for all the things, budget for your kids budget for you, fuel, groceries, you know, utilities, you set those particular budgets. There's some really neat people also to to follow with this. You know, we offer weekly tips on how to save money, but if you really want someone to sit and take a look at. Your specific needs in your household. We can take a look and do that within 15 to 20 minutes could change the rest of your life and a lot of times all it takes is a moment for you just to reflect on your spending. The money you have coming in and then the money you have going out when you name every single dollar you are able to set those goals for yourself and you can hit those goals quicker than you really think. It is amazing. 

00:41:53 Carmen Gonzalez 

Definitely, and I think too. It's good to mention. And that, you know, I know when I talk to different people about those two things you mentioned, one that you know if you're not, if you are just working, paying your bills, and you have no time for fun. And we we have a plan better workshop for our different community partners. And one of those questions is, do you have time for relaxation? And I always get the craziest looks. They're like what does this matter? Why does this have anything to do with my finances? and I'm like if you're not enjoying life, you're not going to do the hard work to get where you want financially, right? And on top of that, I think people get into this place where they think if I have a budget I can't do anything fun, no, our counselors. Well, love is don't sit down and be like OK they've looked at your spending, OK? Do you really need to go get coffee every morning? Can we make it at home, well, I really just you know. I need this tea, this coffee this whatever twice a week at least. OK, we have to put that in the budget. Then we might have to decrease, but I mean, heck, I recently I was reviewing my budget for the new year and I was thinking that I want to do something. I want to be very specific about choosing something to do for myself, but if I'm not specific and name it then I'm going to blow that money. And I was like, you know, I want to start getting my nails done. I want to do that. Like once a month maybe Yep. And so added that into the budget. That's something fun. It's not benefiting anybody but me. And so I love that about our financial counselors, especially when they talk to you about their budget. They're not just like you. Have to do this this this. These are the rules, they're like no. What life do you want to live, right? 

00:43:13 Kelli Green 

That's right, and I will tell you this. When my husband we've been married 12 years. This year we just celebrated our 11th wedding anniversary in October of 2021. We're in 2022. It's so hard to say that. But but at any rate, one of the things we were. Married in our first year of marriage and we had some debt that we had to work through and we sat down with one of our financial counselors here at the credit union. And you know, I didn't like the plan initially. I was like Oh no, no, no, no, no, no but really. And truly, because we budgeted, now we can live the way we want to live. And if we had continued. On just, you know, not even paying any attention, there's no telling how much a we would racked up in debt be. You know we would have never been able to set in to create this opportunity for us to get away with our family and I will be honest with you and tell you know, probably in the first eight years of our marriage. We never took a vacation. We didn't do that because we couldn't afford it. You know, we really were looking at hey, we wanted to make sure that we are, you know, is there something that we can? We wanted to build another home. You know there are some things that we wanted to do with that, so we really had to be mindful. You know what are our goals. What are the things that we really wanted to do and so you have to think? About that, you know some people say Oh well, you know I don't make enough money. It is not about how much money you make. It is what you do with what you are earning that is the difference. When we're counseling people from time to time, we hear different things of you know. We'll see a single mom performing better than you know a double dual income and it's just simply because they have their eye on the prize. They know what their goals are and when they're faced with an emergency, they have an emergency fund to back them up. And it's not going to be a catastrophe. And cause them to go into debt. They will have you know, money. They will have savings set aside for that. And I think that is that is the very first thing. If there's any advice that I can give to any family and it's something that I'm we were just offered that here at Centric we took advantage of that and that is available to you as well. It's just to sit down with someone. It's completely confidential. We can actually go as far as doing a deep dive with your credit report. We take the time to go through and name every dollar. For you and you can contact us anytime and say, hey, you know. Look I got off track. OK, the holidays came around and I was not prepared, and here's where we are. But what we will do with that is, as you become accustomed to really being aware, and we're not saying you got to write every single thing down. Hey look, you've got the mobile app. You can see when you've swiped that debit card. Your credit card and you see how that's impacted your account. You get to see you know exactly how that impacts your overall budget and.So there are just if there's anything I could just I would I would tell you not walk, but run to speak with someone because that has made the difference and because we made those changes in our our marriage early on, we were able to create these other experiences and and we were in a financial position to purchase a camper. To purchase a new vehicle. To haul the camper you know and so and those are things that people you know we just have to think about. And once you set those goals it will happen. It will happen and it's really about creating those habits and what choices are we making today and how is that really impacting our future for tomorrow? So it's it's a really, really cool thing, so I I'm a. I'm a huge, huge fan. I've I've seen lives changed. I'm one of those. You know, people said, I've gone to to give conduct I don't know how many financial Wellness classes I've conducted over the last year. 10 years of being here, but but one of the neat things is people always say well, you've got it all figured out. You know you're you're in finance, you've got all you have. All this figured out and I said no, you know there was a time I didn't have it all figured out and I'm still learning today. But The thing is is to take. The time Review your budget, identify your goals, have goals for your family, and if vacationing is one of those things, identify what are we going to do this year? How can we really celebrate what we're doing with what we have? And then you make a plan and say, hey, you know, here's what we. Really want to do. \And here's how we're going to take a look at, you know. Sure, there are choices you have to make. There may be some things. Initially, when we first were going. All that you know, trajectory of hey we wanted to be debt free, you know? Yeah, there are some things that we had to say no to because it didn't add value to our. Life and when it was missing we didn't miss it and that's when we realized wow, we're making these changes today for tomorrow, but I will tell you if that coffee or getting your nails done or say, going and getting your beard trimmed or you know getting your hair colored or whatever that looks like for you guys and girls included. You know whatever that. That you do for yourself, if it makes you feel good, then you plan for that. You don't have to remove all the things that bring you joy, but just name that every dollar understand what brings you joy. But overall, what is that that end goal? What do you have in mind? For yourself and I always start with micro micro goals and that's just as something that happens within the next 30 days. Then you plan out for the next 60 and then 90 days and you set those goals and you can see the difference and the change. And it's it's truly amazing. I mean, it really really is because of the sacrifices. That we made early on in our marriage. Now we are able to, you know, to provide and to create different experiences for our children that had we never sat down with anyone and really made a plan, it would have never been. Possible yeah. 

00:48:42 Carmen Gonzalez 

And then again, and that's definitely why you know anybody who's listening. Uhm, reach out to us give us a call visit us online stop by one of our locations because you know these are the things you can. You can reach all of your goals and that's again, they're going to talk to you. They're not, they we don't. No budgets, the same, no experience is the same, and so we're going to ask you you. 

00:49:01 Kelli Green 

That's right. 

00:49:04 Carmen Gonzalez 

Know what do you want? What are your goals? What do you see for your future? Is it a new home? Is it a new car? Is it you know? Do you want to be able to take your family on an all expense paid vacation to Disneyland. You know what is that thing and this is how we get there. It's right and we're going to be action steps and I love it 'cause you know, if you're like I cannot, you know, say you're struggling to, you know, meet action, step point. We'll just give us a call, we're like, hey, let's readjust maybe we need to reevaluate. It's very very hands on a great great system that we have here. And I I know anytime I talk to any of our financial counselors, they very much like I mean I feel. Like they're my friends like you know they stopped. 

00:49:41 Kelli Green 

Right? 

00:49:42 Carmen Gonzalez 

Calling him like.What's wrong with you?

00:49:44 Kelli Green 

Yeah, it was so funny. I miss Kathleen Reitzell. She's actually in our University location, but it was so funny I was actually out in town and they saw my Centric logo on my clothes and said do you work at Centric? I said as a matter of fact. I do and they said, well, do you know, Miss Kathleen I said? Oh yes, I've worked with her for a decade now and and they said, well, you know, before I make any purchase I'll call her and say, do you think this is something that I need to do? And she'll give us the honest feedback and say, hey, you know. Well, here's something that we can do. If this is what you want, then let's talk about you know where we are with what student you know what's occurring in your life right now with your existing expenses, and what can we do about that. So you know those are just some some neat things. I love to hear those stories if you have any of those stories? Please share those. Oh my goodness. Please share those with us. We love to hear your success stories. Because they are just there, abound, and it's it's something that really fuels us. To know that you know what we're able to offer really does. Impact people's lives and then it sets such a great thing. But you know, it's just been reflecting of what we've been talking about today and really, thinking about planning for that vacation. It's it's. It starts with number one. What do you want? Yeah, yeah, you know. And two do the research. Are there coupons or their savings? You know they're things of that nature, you know? Three peak times. When do we want? To go, what do? We want to do, you know, we've everybody has this particular time. If when they want to get away and is your is it snow skiing, well that's a seasonal activity. Going to the beach, you can go really anytime, but if you want to get in the water you might want to think about you to do the summer months, but you know. And just really thinking about that, but. If anything that I could just mention to you is really plan for that, take those you know the things. If you're planning on. You know? If you're planning on wanting to take that vacation to create that experience, what are the things that you really want to do? And our little things like you know, bringing your own breakfast in your lunch, food or those ways in which you can cut those costs significantly, you know and and if you really want to get the experience of dining out locally and taking in the culture of where you are, then go for just one meal. You know and think about it like that and and do your research too because it could be certain days. That kids eat. Free, you know. Hey. 

00:51:59 Carmen Gonzalez 

Oh yes. 

00:52:00 Kelli Green 

Senior eat free and those are things to think about as well. I mean, there are discounts for veterans, some you know military discounts. You think about it and and really take advantage of those things. They're there for real. And always think about to leave a review wherever you go because you never know how rewarding that could be for you. 

00:52:17 Carmen Gonzalez 

Yeah, definitely, and like you're saying, leave review wherever you gotta leave review for us. 

00:52:21 Kelli Green 

Yes, we love that. 

00:52:21 Carmen Gonzalez 

Hit us up on our Facebook on Google or like she said, you know you can always reach out to us. Stop by a location and talk to somebody they know how to get in contact with. Who needs to know about. How Centric's actually helped you live better, vacationed better, whatever that thing is. 

00:52:35 Kelli Green 

He's right, that's right. Let us know and always let us know you know your success stories. We cherish those moments and we want to experience that with you. 

00:52:43 Carmen Gonzalez 

Definitely well thank you so much for being here today. Kelli, I hope all of our listeners were able to get tons and tons of great tips. This podcast is always available wherever you listen, so you can always listen. I can take even more tips and you know anything and check out. Our blog will have some like she mentioned, the lazy and State Park website and different links that she talked about. We will definitely have those. 

00:53:04 Kelli Green 

There for you to check out, yes, thank you. It's been a pleasure Carmen. Thanks for having me. 

00:53:07 Carmen Gonzalez 

Thank you. 

00:53:08 Carmen Gonzalez 

Thank you for listening to our podcast and tune back in next month for another episode of the Live Better Podcast by Centric FCU. Don't forget to subscribe on your favorite podcast platform and to ensure you never miss out on helpful tips like us on Facebook at Centric Federal Credit Union and find us @MyCentric on Instagram, Pinterest, TikTok, and YouTube you can find information about today's topic, our monthly blog, and more at MyCentric.org. Centric is federally insured by the NCUA.