Travel More, Spend Less: How I Make Every Trip Affordable

A great trip doesn’t have to be expensive. Over the years, I’ve learned how to plan incredible travel experiences for myself and my clients without financial stress or post-vacation regret. The secret? Maximizing value and planning ahead. Here are three strategies I use to make travel more affordable. Work with a Travel Advisor Working with a travel advisor is a smart investment for any trip. In addition to expert destination knowledge and personalized planning, you may receive: Onboard credit on cruises Room upgrades or early check-in times Resort credits or added amenities Exclusive offers not available when booking directly These…

December 22, 2025Wallet Wins No Comments
Travel More, Spend Less: How I Make Every Trip Affordable

A great trip doesn’t have to be expensive. Over the years, I’ve learned how to plan incredible travel experiences for myself and my clients without financial stress or post-vacation regret. The secret? Maximizing value and planning ahead. Here are three strategies I use to make travel more affordable. Work with a Travel Advisor Working with a travel advisor is a smart investment for any trip. In addition to expert destination knowledge and personalized planning, you may receive: Onboard credit on cruises Room upgrades or early check-in times Resort credits or added amenities Exclusive offers not available when booking directly These…

5 Year-End Money Moves to Maximize Benefits

Once the holiday season kicks into high gear, looking past the festive lights, joyful music, and fun-filled atmosphere can be challenging. But amidst all the excitement, there are many year-end events and deadlines that can have a significant impact on your finances.   Set aside some time to review your finances, investments, employer benefits, and insurance options to ensure you set yourself up for success in the coming year. Consider the following five money moves to end this year on a high note.  #1: Contribute to Retirement Accounts  With all the presents you’re giving others this holiday season, don’t forget to…

November 24, 2025Wallet Wins 1 Comment
5 Year-End Money Moves to Maximize Benefits

Once the holiday season kicks into high gear, looking past the festive lights, joyful music, and fun-filled atmosphere can be challenging. But amidst all the excitement, there are many year-end events and deadlines that can have a significant impact on your finances.   Set aside some time to review your finances, investments, employer benefits, and insurance options to ensure you set yourself up for success in the coming year. Consider the following five money moves to end this year on a high note.  #1: Contribute to Retirement Accounts  With all the presents you’re giving others this holiday season, don’t forget to…

7 Ways to Leverage Your Home’s Equity for a Brighter Future

Recently, home values have been trending upward. As your home’s value increases, so does your available equity. This current trend provides homeowners with the opportunity to leverage their home’s equity to achieve financial goals and build a brighter future.   The two most common ways to access your home’s equity are through a Home Equity Loan or a Home Equity Line of Credit, also referred to as a HELOC. Since both are secured loans, using your house as collateral, they typically offer more favorable rates and terms than unsecured loans, such as credit cards or personal loans.    Understanding how to put…

October 30, 2025Uncategorized No Comments
7 Ways to Leverage Your Home’s Equity for a Brighter Future

Recently, home values have been trending upward. As your home’s value increases, so does your available equity. This current trend provides homeowners with the opportunity to leverage their home’s equity to achieve financial goals and build a brighter future.   The two most common ways to access your home’s equity are through a Home Equity Loan or a Home Equity Line of Credit, also referred to as a HELOC. Since both are secured loans, using your house as collateral, they typically offer more favorable rates and terms than unsecured loans, such as credit cards or personal loans.    Understanding how to put…

How to Send Money with Zelle® Safely

Zelle® is a fast, private, and easy way to send and receive money with people you trust, like your sibling, friend, babysitter, coworkers, fellow PTA mom, or your son’s soccer coach. Whether you just enrolled with Zelle® or have been an active user for a while, there are a few tips you should always keep in mind to ensure you are being safe when sending money.   Only send money to those you know and trust  Money moves fast with Zelle®, directly from checking account to checking account in minutes,* so it’s important you know and trust the people you’re sending…

September 29, 2025Security Center No Comments
How to Send Money with Zelle® Safely

Zelle® is a fast, private, and easy way to send and receive money with people you trust, like your sibling, friend, babysitter, coworkers, fellow PTA mom, or your son’s soccer coach. Whether you just enrolled with Zelle® or have been an active user for a while, there are a few tips you should always keep in mind to ensure you are being safe when sending money.   Only send money to those you know and trust  Money moves fast with Zelle®, directly from checking account to checking account in minutes,* so it’s important you know and trust the people you’re sending…

Travel Prep Like A Pro

As a frequent international traveler and professional planner of many grand adventures for clients, here are some tips I’ve learned that can help you prep like a pro for your next trip!  Start Planning 12-18 Months in Advance  The journey to your dream trip starts now! Decide on a destination, dates, and an overall budget. Cruises go on sale around two years in advance, while flights and hotels open up for booking around the 12-month mark.  Open a Travel Savings Account  Always know what’s in your vacation fund and add to it over time. Set up automatic transfers from your…

September 17, 2025Wallet Wins No Comments
Travel Prep Like A Pro

As a frequent international traveler and professional planner of many grand adventures for clients, here are some tips I’ve learned that can help you prep like a pro for your next trip!  Start Planning 12-18 Months in Advance  The journey to your dream trip starts now! Decide on a destination, dates, and an overall budget. Cruises go on sale around two years in advance, while flights and hotels open up for booking around the 12-month mark.  Open a Travel Savings Account  Always know what’s in your vacation fund and add to it over time. Set up automatic transfers from your…

Before You Move Out, Do the Math

Moving out of your parents’ house and into a place of your own is a huge milestone. Whether you’re looking forward to flying solo or you plan to share a space with roommates, it’s a significant step toward independence.   While this transition is exciting and empowering, it can also be more expensive than you may anticipate. Living independently stretches your dollars far beyond the price tag of monthly rent. There are many costs to consider, including utilities, food, and insurance, to name just a few.   If you’re currently living at home, now is the perfect time to begin planning. In…

September 1, 2025Future Planning, Wallet Wins No Comments
Before You Move Out, Do the Math

Moving out of your parents’ house and into a place of your own is a huge milestone. Whether you’re looking forward to flying solo or you plan to share a space with roommates, it’s a significant step toward independence.   While this transition is exciting and empowering, it can also be more expensive than you may anticipate. Living independently stretches your dollars far beyond the price tag of monthly rent. There are many costs to consider, including utilities, food, and insurance, to name just a few.   If you’re currently living at home, now is the perfect time to begin planning. In…

A Trusted Partner for Publix Associates

A Trusted Partner for Publix Associates  We’re honored to be featured in Forbes and Fortune for our commitment to serving Publix associates and their families. This recognition reflects what has guided us since our founding in 1957: a belief that “people helping people” should be more than a motto—it should be our mission.  At Publix Employees Federal Credit Union (PEFCU), that mission shines through in every relationship we build, every solution we design, and every community we support. From tailored financial products to a culture of care, PEFCU is proud to stand alongside Publix associates and their families, helping them…

August 27, 2025We Are PEFCU 1 Comment
A Trusted Partner for Publix Associates

A Trusted Partner for Publix Associates  We’re honored to be featured in Forbes and Fortune for our commitment to serving Publix associates and their families. This recognition reflects what has guided us since our founding in 1957: a belief that “people helping people” should be more than a motto—it should be our mission.  At Publix Employees Federal Credit Union (PEFCU), that mission shines through in every relationship we build, every solution we design, and every community we support. From tailored financial products to a culture of care, PEFCU is proud to stand alongside Publix associates and their families, helping them…

Protecting Yourself from Cryptocurrency Scams

While cryptocurrency has been around for quite some time, what it is and how it is used as a currency remains a mystery in the minds of so many. However, as more governments around the world eye its potential or seek to regulate its usage, cryptocurrency continues to rise in popularity.  Unfortunately, anytime there is something new, especially in the financial world, it will attract bad actors. There are many features of crypto that make it the ideal currency for fraudsters. But as more people flock to the currency as an investment, it’s becoming the foundation for new scams.  In…

August 25, 2025Security Center No Comments
Protecting Yourself from Cryptocurrency Scams

While cryptocurrency has been around for quite some time, what it is and how it is used as a currency remains a mystery in the minds of so many. However, as more governments around the world eye its potential or seek to regulate its usage, cryptocurrency continues to rise in popularity.  Unfortunately, anytime there is something new, especially in the financial world, it will attract bad actors. There are many features of crypto that make it the ideal currency for fraudsters. But as more people flock to the currency as an investment, it’s becoming the foundation for new scams.  In…

Turning Your Side Hustle into a Small Business

Turning a side hustle into a full-fledged small business is an exciting journey that combines passion, purpose, and a bit of risk. Whether you’re selling handmade products, offering freelance services, or building a brand around your skills, making the leap from part-time project to full-time venture takes planning and preparation.    If you’ve been considering turning your side hustle into something more, we’re here to walk you through the essential steps to launching your small business. We’ll help you understand which parts of starting a business are essential, share some smart tips, and help you find the credit union products that…

July 25, 2025Future Planning No Comments
Turning Your Side Hustle into a Small Business

Turning a side hustle into a full-fledged small business is an exciting journey that combines passion, purpose, and a bit of risk. Whether you’re selling handmade products, offering freelance services, or building a brand around your skills, making the leap from part-time project to full-time venture takes planning and preparation.    If you’ve been considering turning your side hustle into something more, we’re here to walk you through the essential steps to launching your small business. We’ll help you understand which parts of starting a business are essential, share some smart tips, and help you find the credit union products that…

Back-to-School Shopping: Smart Parents, Happy Wallets

With the new school year right around the corner, feelings can be mixed. While teenagers dread the thought of waking up before noon, most parents crave the structure and routine of the school day.   However, there’s much to do before school bells ring and buses fill the streets. By now, you’re probably already receiving school supply lists and noticing most of your kids’ clothes no longer fit. Use the following tips to tackle all your back-to-school shopping adventures while keeping your wallet happy.  Make a Comprehensive List  Today, most schools provide a list of all the supplies students are encouraged…

July 25, 2025Wallet Wins No Comments
Back-to-School Shopping: Smart Parents, Happy Wallets

With the new school year right around the corner, feelings can be mixed. While teenagers dread the thought of waking up before noon, most parents crave the structure and routine of the school day.   However, there’s much to do before school bells ring and buses fill the streets. By now, you’re probably already receiving school supply lists and noticing most of your kids’ clothes no longer fit. Use the following tips to tackle all your back-to-school shopping adventures while keeping your wallet happy.  Make a Comprehensive List  Today, most schools provide a list of all the supplies students are encouraged…