Welcome To Making Money Prosper

At every stage in life, we all need a routine checkup for our financial health. That is why we’ve launched Making Money Prosper! This blog is dedicated to you, our PEFCU members. We’re here to help you live your best financial life by teaching you to successfully save, invest, and manage your money. Adulting can be hard–we get it! We want you to find success through all of life’s stages: like purchasing your first car, traveling the world, planning for retirement, and everything in between. At PEFCU, our goal is to educate you and your family about your personal finances…

July 6, 2020PEFCU Perks, We Are PEFCU No Comments
Welcome To Making Money Prosper

At every stage in life, we all need a routine checkup for our financial health. That is why we’ve launched Making Money Prosper! This blog is dedicated to you, our PEFCU members. We’re here to help you live your best financial life by teaching you to successfully save, invest, and manage your money. Adulting can be hard–we get it! We want you to find success through all of life’s stages: like purchasing your first car, traveling the world, planning for retirement, and everything in between. At PEFCU, our goal is to educate you and your family about your personal finances…

Account Safety Starts with Strong Passwords 

With so much of our personal and professional lives conducted online, ensuring that our sensitive data remains secure is crucial. From shopping online to accessing medical records and completing job applications, we’re putting more of our lives online than we likely realize.  Your password is your first line of defense in stopping attacks and suspicious activities. A strong password ensures your sensitive information remains secure from vulnerabilities like cyber threats and data breaches. Whether you’re an online aficionado or a casual browser, understanding the importance of password protection is critical in safely navigating the digital landscape.     Why Do I…

July 3, 2025Security Center No Comments
Account Safety Starts with Strong Passwords 

With so much of our personal and professional lives conducted online, ensuring that our sensitive data remains secure is crucial. From shopping online to accessing medical records and completing job applications, we’re putting more of our lives online than we likely realize.  Your password is your first line of defense in stopping attacks and suspicious activities. A strong password ensures your sensitive information remains secure from vulnerabilities like cyber threats and data breaches. Whether you’re an online aficionado or a casual browser, understanding the importance of password protection is critical in safely navigating the digital landscape.     Why Do I…

Buy Now, Pay Later: Helpful or Harmful? 

Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) programs may be the latest payment craze, but the concept isn’t new. These same principles made credit cards, loans, and even layaway popular. However, these payment options are gaining traction due to the lure of no-interest charges, convenient repayment schedules, and easy approvals. Combine these perks with more people relying on credit to make ends meet in an inflated economy, and it’s easy to understand the hype.   While convenient access to cheap money might be the draw, hidden dangers are lurking in the waters that many overlook accidentally – and because they don’t think it…

June 18, 2025Wallet Wins No Comments
Buy Now, Pay Later: Helpful or Harmful? 

Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) programs may be the latest payment craze, but the concept isn’t new. These same principles made credit cards, loans, and even layaway popular. However, these payment options are gaining traction due to the lure of no-interest charges, convenient repayment schedules, and easy approvals. Combine these perks with more people relying on credit to make ends meet in an inflated economy, and it’s easy to understand the hype.   While convenient access to cheap money might be the draw, hidden dangers are lurking in the waters that many overlook accidentally – and because they don’t think it…

New or Used? Your Summer Car-Buying Guide

The warmer months are here, and car sales are heating up! Summer is one of the busiest times for car buying, thanks to fresh inventory from manufacturers, summer sales at dealerships, and more people looking to sell or trade in their current vehicles. Plus, the nice weather makes test-driving more enjoyable.  If a new ride is on your mind, you have an important question to ask: Should I buy new or used? It sounds like a simple question, but each option comes with pros, cons, and financial trade-offs. In this guide, we’ll break down how new and used vehicles can…

June 13, 2025Wallet Wins No Comments
New or Used? Your Summer Car-Buying Guide

The warmer months are here, and car sales are heating up! Summer is one of the busiest times for car buying, thanks to fresh inventory from manufacturers, summer sales at dealerships, and more people looking to sell or trade in their current vehicles. Plus, the nice weather makes test-driving more enjoyable.  If a new ride is on your mind, you have an important question to ask: Should I buy new or used? It sounds like a simple question, but each option comes with pros, cons, and financial trade-offs. In this guide, we’ll break down how new and used vehicles can…

The New Grad’s Guide to Adulting

Graduation season is here, and it’s time to celebrate. Congratulations if you’re one of the many students crossing the stage this spring! Earning your degree is a huge accomplishment. However, as you step into this exciting new chapter, you might be wondering, what’s next?  Whether you’re stepping out into the workforce or gearing up for college life, you’re sure to experience a newfound sense of independence. And with that comes a slew of new responsibilities – many of which are tied directly to your finances. The good news is that you don’t have to figure it out alone. We’re here…

June 6, 2025Future Planning No Comments
The New Grad’s Guide to Adulting

Graduation season is here, and it’s time to celebrate. Congratulations if you’re one of the many students crossing the stage this spring! Earning your degree is a huge accomplishment. However, as you step into this exciting new chapter, you might be wondering, what’s next?  Whether you’re stepping out into the workforce or gearing up for college life, you’re sure to experience a newfound sense of independence. And with that comes a slew of new responsibilities – many of which are tied directly to your finances. The good news is that you don’t have to figure it out alone. We’re here…

Seven Tips to Help Shed Debt 

If you’ve ever tried to get healthier, you know real results don’t come from quick fixes. It takes planning, consistency, and willpower to stick with it.  Luckily, the same tools and habits that help you reach fitness goals can also help you take control of your finances. In this article, we’ll explore how managing debt is like losing weight and reveal tactics that will jumpstart your progress.    #1 – Step on the Scale.  Before you can begin making progress, you need to know where you currently stand. In weight loss, that might mean weighing in or checking your measurements.…

May 23, 2025Future Planning No Comments
Seven Tips to Help Shed Debt 

If you’ve ever tried to get healthier, you know real results don’t come from quick fixes. It takes planning, consistency, and willpower to stick with it.  Luckily, the same tools and habits that help you reach fitness goals can also help you take control of your finances. In this article, we’ll explore how managing debt is like losing weight and reveal tactics that will jumpstart your progress.    #1 – Step on the Scale.  Before you can begin making progress, you need to know where you currently stand. In weight loss, that might mean weighing in or checking your measurements.…

Tips to Make College More Affordable 

Attending college is an exciting milestone, and with the right financial plan, it can also be an affordable one. Whether you’re a student preparing for your future or a parent helping your teenager get ready, taking proactive steps now can make a significant difference. From saving early to finding ways to cut costs and earn extra income, there are plenty of ways to make higher education more manageable without breaking the bank.  Fortunately, you don’t have to have it all figured out at once. Small, consistent steps – like setting aside savings when you can, looking for scholarships, or finding…

May 16, 2025Future Planning No Comments
Tips to Make College More Affordable 

Attending college is an exciting milestone, and with the right financial plan, it can also be an affordable one. Whether you’re a student preparing for your future or a parent helping your teenager get ready, taking proactive steps now can make a significant difference. From saving early to finding ways to cut costs and earn extra income, there are plenty of ways to make higher education more manageable without breaking the bank.  Fortunately, you don’t have to have it all figured out at once. Small, consistent steps – like setting aside savings when you can, looking for scholarships, or finding…

Kid-Friendly Money Lessons That Stick 

Teaching kids about money doesn’t have to be complicated – it can be a lot of fun! For elementary-aged children, everyday life is full of chances to start learning simple, important lessons about spending, saving, and the value of work. And the sooner they begin, the more confident they’ll feel as they grow.  From earning a few dollars for chores to running a lemonade stand, kids can learn real-life money skills in ways that feel like they’re playing. In this article, we’ll share easy, hands-on ideas parents can use to help their children build healthy money habits and start thinking…

May 9, 2025Future Planning No Comments
Kid-Friendly Money Lessons That Stick 

Teaching kids about money doesn’t have to be complicated – it can be a lot of fun! For elementary-aged children, everyday life is full of chances to start learning simple, important lessons about spending, saving, and the value of work. And the sooner they begin, the more confident they’ll feel as they grow.  From earning a few dollars for chores to running a lemonade stand, kids can learn real-life money skills in ways that feel like they’re playing. In this article, we’ll share easy, hands-on ideas parents can use to help their children build healthy money habits and start thinking…

Paws and Purpose: PEFCU Associate Honored for Community Service

At PEFCU, our associates are more than just dedicated professionals serving our members’ financial needs—they’re also passionate individuals who make a difference in their communities. One shining example is Emily Driskell, a Member Contact Center Representative, who was recently honored with PEFCU’s  Service to Community Award for her outstanding volunteer work and compassionate spirit.   Emily’s commitment to giving back started early. Her first job was at a retirement home, where she found herself returning on her days off to call Bingo, assist with events, and simply spend time with the residents. Growing up without living grandparents, Emily found deep personal…

May 9, 2025Community Engagement 2 Comments
Paws and Purpose: PEFCU Associate Honored for Community Service

At PEFCU, our associates are more than just dedicated professionals serving our members’ financial needs—they’re also passionate individuals who make a difference in their communities. One shining example is Emily Driskell, a Member Contact Center Representative, who was recently honored with PEFCU’s  Service to Community Award for her outstanding volunteer work and compassionate spirit.   Emily’s commitment to giving back started early. Her first job was at a retirement home, where she found herself returning on her days off to call Bingo, assist with events, and simply spend time with the residents. Growing up without living grandparents, Emily found deep personal…

Debunking 7 Common Credit Card Myths

Credit cards are one of the most popular ways to pay for just about everything, thanks to their convenience and flexibility. But that convenience can come at a cost. Without a clear understanding of how credit cards work, it’s easy to fall into habits that lead to overspending, high-interest charges, and long-term debt.  The key to using credit cards responsibly – and making them work for you – is knowing the facts. Plenty of myths and misunderstandings exist about credit cards, how they affect your credit score, and what certain actions really mean for your finances. In this article, we’re…

May 1, 2025Borrowing Basics No Comments
Debunking 7 Common Credit Card Myths

Credit cards are one of the most popular ways to pay for just about everything, thanks to their convenience and flexibility. But that convenience can come at a cost. Without a clear understanding of how credit cards work, it’s easy to fall into habits that lead to overspending, high-interest charges, and long-term debt.  The key to using credit cards responsibly – and making them work for you – is knowing the facts. Plenty of myths and misunderstandings exist about credit cards, how they affect your credit score, and what certain actions really mean for your finances. In this article, we’re…

One-Minute Reads: Don’t Get Caught in a Hurricane Scam

After a hurricane, scammers are quick to take advantage of people who are stressed, distracted, or in need of help. Stay alert and protect yourself from these common hurricane-related scams:  Fake FEMA or Utility Calls Scammers may pose as government agencies or utility companies, asking for personal information or payment. Remember: FEMA will never ask for money to apply for assistance. Bogus Contractors If someone offers quick repairs for cash or shows up without credentials, be wary. Only work with licensed, insured contractors—ideally those recommended by someone you trust. Phony Charities Scammers often pose as disaster relief charities. Before you…

April 25, 2025One Minute Reads, Security Center No Comments
One-Minute Reads: Don’t Get Caught in a Hurricane Scam

After a hurricane, scammers are quick to take advantage of people who are stressed, distracted, or in need of help. Stay alert and protect yourself from these common hurricane-related scams:  Fake FEMA or Utility Calls Scammers may pose as government agencies or utility companies, asking for personal information or payment. Remember: FEMA will never ask for money to apply for assistance. Bogus Contractors If someone offers quick repairs for cash or shows up without credentials, be wary. Only work with licensed, insured contractors—ideally those recommended by someone you trust. Phony Charities Scammers often pose as disaster relief charities. Before you…