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Numerica, Lifetime team up to give Spokane couple a money makeover

Photographer Jeremy Kaynor, right, films a conversation between TV personality Natali Morris, left, and Jake Krummel, of Numerica Credit Union, on Monday in Spokane. Lifetime Television has partnered with Numerica to do a money makeover of a Spokane couple on a reality show that will be shot this week, then broadcast in August. (Jesse Tinsley / The Spokesman-Review)
Photographer Jeremy Kaynor, right, films a conversation between TV personality Natali Morris, left, and Jake Krummel, of Numerica Credit Union, on Monday in Spokane. Lifetime Television has partnered with Numerica to do a money makeover of a Spokane couple on a reality show that will be shot this week, then broadcast in August. (Jesse Tinsley / The Spokesman-Review)Buy a print of this photo
By Azaria Podplesky azariap@spokesman.com(509) 459-5024

Numerica Credit Union has teamed up with Lifetime’s “Dream Big Money Makeover” to give one Spokane couple a money makeover.

As winners of the money makeover, Erica and Cameron Johnson will receive a recommended financial plan, including advice and solutions, from Numerica, which will help them balance home and small business finances with the financial needs of their growing family.

Numerica is also giving the couple $2,500.

Lifetime reached out to Numerica about the prospect of giving a Spokane resident a money makeover, calling for Numerica members and nonmembers alike to submit an application detailing why they could use help with a financial plan.

Media relations liaison Elizabeth Giles was excited about Numerica’s involvement with “Dream Big Money Makeover” because the credit union is always looking for opportunities to educate its members and the community.

“Everyone’s looking at how to make finances easier and wondering where to start,” she said. “Being able to have that financial conversation and bring that information to the community is something Numerica was excited to support.

“It’s all about living well.

“When you’re concerned about your finances, that’s not going to help,” she added. “Numerica tries to find innovative solutions to help members live well.”

At Numerica’s downtown branch Monday, “Dream Big Money Makeover” host Natali Morris filmed a recap of her day with the Johnsons, which included a visit to their home and to the downtown incubator brewery they helped develop, as well as their own Young Buck Brewery within the incubator space.

The family will meet with downtown market manager Jake Krummel to create a financial plan.

“I’m very excited to have Cameron come in,” Krummel told Morris. “I’m anxious to get a little more insight into their hopes and dreams. I think it will be a good conversation that we’ll have.”

“They’re a growing family, and it’s clearly a transition period,” Morris said. “It’s important for them to not get overwhelmed. Baby No. 2 is a startup in itself.”

Giles, Krummel and Morris all mentioned that many people are embarrassed to discuss money, with Giles saying people are more apt to talk about their relationship than their financial situation.

“I was excited to do this project because so often people don’t talk about how overwhelming finances can be,” Morris said. “They say ‘I’m all right,’ then suffer in silence.”

The trio hope that watching the Johnsons organize their money makeover will inspire others to think about their own financial plan.

“I hope other people can watch and say ‘I don’t understand’ and ask questions so they can empower themselves where they feel powerless,” Morris said.

The Johnsons’ episode of “Dream Big Money Makeover” will air at 7:30 p.m. Aug. 8 and Aug. 15 on Lifetime.