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Articles by Natalie Mahoney
It's time to reevaluate what's happening to our health | Opinion
Natalie Mahoney is a first-time mom, fitness instructor and Des Moines native. The United States is often held up as a symbol of strength, innovation and progress. Yet, behind this image of prosperity lies a troubling contradiction. We spend a staggering $4.5 trillion on health care annually, yet our country is one of the unhealthiest nations in the world. Heart disease, obesity and other metabolic disorders have risen exponentially in the past decade, and Americans are only getting sicker.
Fearless 5.13.24
View as webpage, click here. Good morning, Fearless readers: May is Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. When I moved back to Central Iowa, the first Des Moines festival I attended was CelebrAsian. I was a coach at Chow’s Gymnastics in West Des Moines, and several of my students danced annually at the celebration. I fell in love with CelebrAsian – especially the Kathak dance performances, where my young students excelled.
Loan payments in a high-interest era
As credit unions contend with rising interest rates and evolving member expectations, understanding the dynamics of the loan payment market is more important than ever.
Don’t say this at the end of a conflict
Fran sat across the desk from her manager. He had just finished explaining to her that a co-worker had complained about Fran’s workplace conduct. Her co-worker felt bullied by Fran’s direct and (from the co-worker’s perspective) hostile communication style. Fran responded to her manager, telling him the problem was her co-worker’s thin skin. Why was this Fran’s fault?
Gold's price is high. Is it still safe to invest in?
Gold’s price has made a spectacular run for the top over the past several months against a backdrop of high demand led by unwavering inflation. According to American Hartford Gold, the commodity was trading at $1,821.35 per ounce on October 5, 2023. Fast forward just over six months later and today, gold’s price is $2,327.05 per ounce – over 27% higher. With price growth that significant, and considering gold’s current price above $2,300, you may want to buy your share of the commodity quickly.
Wall Street stocks fall as weak GDP growth spreads rate-cut gloom
Wall Street stocks closed lower on Thursday as markets were stunned by data showing slower-than-expected U.S. economic growth and persistent inflation, coupled with a sell-off in large cap stocks triggered by disappointing results from Meta Platforms (META.O), opens new tab.
Have credit unions moved the needle on financial inclusion?
A shared commitment to serving the financial needs of the underserved has long distinguished credit unions from other financial institutions. In this episode, we talk to Jules Epstein-Hebert, the Director of Membership, Growth, and Partnership at Inclusiv, a nonprofit that has been championing the cause of financial inclusion for 50 years.
Deciphering the true cost of your mortgage lending solutions
You’ve surely heard the saying, “Every penny counts.” While this might sound like a cliché, it holds a profound truth, especially when it comes to understanding what your mortgage loan origination system (LOS) is really costing you. There’s a chance it’s not delivering the expected ROI, especially when considering the entanglement of multiple vendors and contracts, along with the burdensome overhead of managing an overly complicated solution.
America’s Credit Unions endorses bill to establish independent exam office
America’s Credit Unions is throwing its support behind bipartisan House legislation that would establish an independent office to consider appeals of credit union and bank examinations. In a Tuesday letter to the bill’s sponsors, Reps.
Common problems with credit union executive benefit plans
The executive benefits landscape is changing rapidly. This was evident at the 2024 CUES Symposium in Nassau, Bahamas, where roughly one in four sponsors were executive benefits providers. CUES Symposium was a great place to network with current and prospective clients and learn about our new competitors. Most seemed happy with the firm that handles executive benefits for their credit union, but it begged the question, how do you know you are happy?
All 14 credit union candidates win in PA primaries
All 14 credit union-supported candidates won in Tuesday’s Pennsylvania primary elections. Candidates were supported by the America’s Credit Unions PAC and the CrossState Credit Union Association. Notable among the winners was Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick, R-Pa., a credit union champion who defeated his opponent with 61.5% of the vote. He will face Democrat challenger Ashley Ehasz in November.
Best advice for your career: Run YOUR race
Your career is a race, not a sprint. And it is your race. Not anyone else’s. First, some historical context. Running a race goes back centuries. In biblical times, Paul talks about running the race to win the prize. Those who have trained for a race—whether a 5k, 10k, half marathon, or full marathon—know that having a plan for how you will run your race is crucial. And figuring out the prize at the end ranks right up there with training, planning and actual running.
Why connecting with Gen Z and Millennial credit union members is crucial
In today’s rapidly evolving financial landscape, credit unions face a pressing need to connect with Gen Z and Millennial members. These younger demographics represent the future of banking, and engaging with them effectively is essential for the continued success of credit unions. Here are some strategies to ensure meaningful connections are made: Gen Z and Millennials are digital natives who expect seamless, convenient banking experiences.
Proposed Federal Legislation Threatens Security of Credit Card Payment Data; Will Increase Cost of Financial Services
WEST DES MOINES, IOWA (June 21, 2023) — The Credit Card Competition Act (CCCA), recently introduced in Congress, would significantly alter a credit-card payment system that currently works for all parties involved, while raising costs and threatening data security for Iowa consumers. The CCCA would make changes to how credit-card payments are routed, requiring card issuers (banks and credit unions) to provide at least two networks over which a merchant can process a credit-card transaction.
The Family Credit Union Supports Local Non-Profits through Family Discount Mondays Program
1. Subscribe to free weekly e-mail content updates. You'll get both the current official narrative challenge and What's Happenin' in the Quad Cities. (Did you know we publish a new Amy Alkon Advice Goddess, Real Astrology, Red Meat cartoon and RCR Crossword every week?) 2. Get 12 monthly issues mailed first class for $48 Get the printed Reader edition mailed to you (or anyone you want) first-class for 12 months for $48. $24 goes to postage and handling, $24 goes to keeping the doors open!
Iowa Credit Union Foundation (ICUF) Announces Graduates of 2023 Financial Coach Program
1. Subscribe to free weekly e-mail content updates. You'll get both the current official narrative challenge and What's Happenin' in the Quad Cities. (Did you know we publish a new Amy Alkon Advice Goddess, Real Astrology, Red Meat cartoon and RCR Crossword every week?) 2. Get 12 monthly issues mailed first class for $48 Get the printed Reader edition mailed to you (or anyone you want) first-class for 12 months for $48. $24 goes to postage and handling, $24 goes to keeping the doors open!
Google Announces First Iowa Digital Coach
OTTUMWA, IOWA (April 13, 2023) — Google and Main Street America have announced a new Grow with Google Digital Coach for small businesses at a free digital skills workshop in Ottumwa. Grow with Google Digital Coaches are local marketing experts and entrepreneurs who help diverse small businesses grow. The coaches provide digital skills training, hands-on coaching, and opportunities to meet and learn from successful entrepreneurs.
Iowa Credit Union Foundation Releases New Report on Economic Realities of Communities of Color in Iowa
WEST DES MOINES, IOWA (April 4, 2023) — The Iowa Credit Union Foundation (ICUF) released a new report titled “The Economic Realities of Communities of Color in Iowa” to leverage data and identify barriers to financial well-being within communities across the state. ICUF will use this report to support financial institutions and community organizations with actionable data and policy initiatives to break down barriers and increase financial inclusion for all Iowans.
Iowa Credit Union Foundation Invested Over $155,000 to Support Financial Well-Being of Iowans in 2022
Gov Kim Reynolds Statement on the Students First Act Passing the Iowa House and Senate DES MOINES, IOWA (January 24, 2023) — Governor Kim Reynolds released the following statement in response to the Iowa House and Senate passing the Students First Act:. “I am thrilled that both the Iowa House and the Iowa Senate have passed the Students First Act and I look forward to signing it into law later today.
Iowa Credit Union Foundation Invested Over $155,000 to Support Financial Well-Being of Iowans in 2022
1. Subscribe to free weekly e-mail content updates. You'll get both the current official narrative challenge and What's Happenin' in the Quad Cities. (Did you know we publish a new Amy Alkon Advice Goddess, Real Astrology, Red Meat cartoon and RCR Crossword every week?) 2. Get 12 monthly issues mailed first class for $48 Get the printed Reader edition mailed to you (or anyone you want) first-class for 12 months for $48. $24 goes to postage and handling, $24 goes to keeping the doors open!
Financial Institutions Warn of Text Scams Posing as Credit Unions and Banks
WEST DES MOINES, IOWA (November 17, 2022) — The Iowa credit union industry is warning Iowans of recent increases in texting scams aimed at stealing personal and financial information. Known as “smishing,” these fraudulent text messages appear to be from a consumer’s financial institution and try to trick them into revealing their account number or other personally identifiable information.
1000 Friends of Iowa Taking Nominations for 2022 Best Development Awards
1. Subscribe to free weekly e-mail content updates. You'll get both the current official narrative challenge and What's Happenin' in the Quad Cities. (Did you know we publish a new Amy Alkon Advice Goddess, Real Astrology, Red Meat cartoon and RCR Crossword every week?) 2. Get 12 monthly issues mailed first class for $48 Get the printed Reader edition mailed to you (or anyone you want) first-class for 12 months for $48. $24 goes to postage and handling, $24 goes to keeping the doors open!
The Great Resignation: Ways to keep your communications team running at full power
The Great Resignation, a term coined in May 2021, describes the record number of people leaving their jobs since the beginning of the pandemic. After an extended period of working from home with no commute, many people looked for new career opportunities and the workforce has been in a constant state of shuffle. According to the Pew Research Center, the nation’s “quit rate” reached a 20-year high last November.
Gov Kim Reynolds Declares October 20 as “International Credit Union Day” in Iowa
1. Subscribe to free weekly e-mail content updates. You'll get both the current official narrative challenge and What's Happenin' in the Quad Cities. (Did you know we publish a new Amy Alkon Advice Goddess, Real Astrology, Red Meat cartoon and RCR Crossword every week?) 2. Get 12 monthly issues mailed first class for $48 Get the printed Reader edition mailed to you (or anyone you want) first-class for 12 months for $48. $24 goes to postage and handling, $24 goes to keeping the doors open!
Gov Kim Reynolds Declares Today “Iowa Solar Day”
1. Subscribe to free weekly e-mail content updates. You'll get both the current official narrative challenge and What's Happenin' in the Quad Cities. (Did you know we publish a new Amy Alkon Advice Goddess, Real Astrology, Red Meat cartoon and RCR Crossword every week?) 2. Get 12 monthly issues mailed first class for $48 Get the printed Reader edition mailed to you (or anyone you want) first-class for 12 months for $48. $24 goes to postage and handling, $24 goes to keeping the doors open!
5 ways to effectively tell your credit union story in the digital era
Credit unions. The cooperative model was designed to meet the financial needs of everyday people. That’s how the movement began, and that’s still where it holds power. Structure is one thing, but emotions are another. Credit unions can also leverage their strength by telling the credit union story of “people helping people” and how they are helping members in times of need.
5 ways to keep your social media content engaging
For the past decade, social media use has grown exponentially and has been king at reaching members online and connecting with them. While your credit union may already have an online presence, there may be times where content all of sudden becomes dull and you might not be seeing the results you want. Consumers can perceive financial industry content as being a little dry. This perception can also carry over into your social media content. However, this problem does not have to be permanent.
Gen Z: The rise of the digital natives (and how to connect with them)
Our connection to the digital age is stronger than ever. Social media and the Internet have been great tools to engage with members. Credit unions are champions of creating strong relationships with members and have made great strides to communicate with them online. Marketing to “millennials” has been a hot topic for many years, but unfortunately many people may not have an accurate image of a millennial in mind.
Letter to the editor: Governor wrong to veto bill addressing housing crisis
Montana is currently experiencing a housing crisis. Since 2002, the price of homes has been rising significantly faster than median household income, causing many Montanans to be priced out of the housing market and struggle financially. The lack of affordable homes is not only hurting residents, but also hindering Montana’s post-pandemic economic recovery. Montana lawmakers still have the chance to address this crisis by overriding Gov.
Guest opinion: How COVID-19 finally helped me embrace change
By Natalie Mahoney | Public affairs coordinator, PolicyWorks I’ve never been a big fan of change. From an early age, change meant something different, something new, something out of my normal routine. It terrified me to know that one day I could be enjoying my life, then boom, the switch flipped. As many may say, change is inevitable. I too had to experience big changes such as switching schools constantly, graduating from college, getting married and buying a home.
Guest opinion: Achieving a balanced lifestyle without joining the burnout club
By Natalie Mahoney | Public affairs coordinator, PolicyWorks "Rise and grind" is a fairly common phrase for people to use when they want to start their responsibilities early and feel productive throughout the course of the day. While I am all about getting things done and gathering the energy to tackle a long Monday, I see far too many women entering burnout mode and ultimately stretching their own boundaries to make sure they are feeling accomplished in a day.
Guest opinion: Finding positivity in a no
By Natalie Mahoney | Public affairs coordinator, PolicyWorks No. It's a two letter word that can often wreak havoc in your life. It’s a word that easily pairs with negative feelings about yourself, leaving you feeling down or not good enough. I can’t even count the times I have received a no in my life. As women, we are often denied many opportunities simply because we are women.
Best Brunchin' in New England
Big Bean Café- Newmarket, NH Tuckers- Hooksett/ Dover, NH Tremont 647- Boston, MA Schulte and Herr- Portland, ME Tavern in the Square- Burlington, MA Place 2 Be- Hartford, CT Firebird Café- Essex Junction, VT Elmwood Diner- Providence, RI Grab your fav Gal Pal's and adventure around New England to find your new favorite Brunch spot!
Jersey Shore Family Vacation Reunion Recap
On December 3, 2009 a family of savages was born, this crew quickly became known as the cast of the Jersey Shore. Guito’s, poofs, and lots of alcohol are what one may recall from the original MTV series that officially closed out on December 20, 2012.
Spring Break: Home Edition
If you’re anything like me, you blew through your summer savings and can only dream of a spring break full of palm trees and pina coladas. You’ll be headed home, several hours from campus and probably all of your college friends. But, this doesn’t mean your week off has to be a total bust. As college students, it always seems like a constant struggling between having either too much time or simply not enough.
15 R.M. Drake Poems to Feed the Soul
R.M. Drake, full name Robert Macias, is a self-published poetic genius. He is a man who has used his words to touch millions. With a following of 1.8 million on instagram, Drake uses typewriter font to showcase his influential thoughts. His words are ones that can heal any broken heart. Here are 8 R.M. Drake poems that are good for the soul: R.M. Drake reminds us that although we may be broken, true beauty is in how we glue those pieces back together.
Dear Gram | Her Campus
To say I simply miss you would be an understatement. It’s been 10 years since you’ve been gone, and I’d be lying if I said it doesn’t still hurt. When I was younger, I remember the many hospital visits we made to come see you, but I find relief in the fact that you are no longer hurting. Not having you here is a consistent struggle, for all of us. As the years have passed, you have never failed to continuously impact my life. It seems like I miss you more and more as time goes on.
Must Have Fall Palettes
Fall is good for many things, but, in the eyes of a makeup junkie fall means warm eyes matched with the perfect dark lip. Here are the must have palettes for this fall… This palette is useful for anytime of the year, but those warm shades will be sure to spruce up any look. It’ll provide a wearable look for anyone! Attention all warm shadow lovers: it looks like leaves practically fell into this palette.
Top 6 Most Underrated YouTube Beauty Gurus
YouTube is one of today’s greatest resources of entertainment. You can find everything from cooking how-to’s, monthly horoscopes, and fashion vlogs all the way to The Chainsmokers hottest new music video. A current trend in the YouTube world that has cultivated over the last five years is beauty. Beauty Guru’s all over the internet use YouTube as well as other social media platforms to provide content and interact with their followers.
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