How to Declutter Your Financial Life

We all have one, and no one wants to deal with it…a junk drawer. You know the drawer in your kitchen that’s filled with pens, coupons, mail, and just about everything else you can imagine. Maybe your culprit is a closet that hasn’t been cleaned out in years. Somehow, sections of our lives become cluttered without us even realizing it’s happening.  If your finances feel a bit scattered right now, you’re not alone. Between payment apps, subscriptions, credit cards, loans, and financial accounts, modern life encourages financial clutter, even when you’re trying to do everything right. Luckily, decluttering your money matters is usually much easier than you think.  Why Financial Clutter…

March 8, 2026Future Planning, Wallet Wins No Comments
How to Declutter Your Financial Life

We all have one, and no one wants to deal with it…a junk drawer. You know the drawer in your kitchen that’s filled with pens, coupons, mail, and just about everything else you can imagine. Maybe your culprit is a closet that hasn’t been cleaned out in years. Somehow, sections of our lives become cluttered without us even realizing it’s happening.  If your finances feel a bit scattered right now, you’re not alone. Between payment apps, subscriptions, credit cards, loans, and financial accounts, modern life encourages financial clutter, even when you’re trying to do everything right. Luckily, decluttering your money matters is usually much easier than you think.  Why Financial Clutter…

Home Equity Loan or Cash-Out Refi: Which Is Right for Me?

Your home is so much more than just a place to live. It’s a haven for you and your family. It’s a gathering place for your inner circle. But did you know that it can also serve as a powerful financial tool?   If you’ve owned your home for a while and built substantial equity, you can access that equity to help meet your financial needs. And your equity can be used for much more than simply home renovations and repairs – it can also be utilized to consolidate high-interest debt, pay for education expenses, or cover emergencies.   How you choose to tap into your equity matters just as much as how you plan to use it. You can leverage your equity with a Home Equity Loan, a Home Equity…

February 8, 2026Borrowing Basics, Future Planning No Comments
Home Equity Loan or Cash-Out Refi: Which Is Right for Me?

Your home is so much more than just a place to live. It’s a haven for you and your family. It’s a gathering place for your inner circle. But did you know that it can also serve as a powerful financial tool?   If you’ve owned your home for a while and built substantial equity, you can access that equity to help meet your financial needs. And your equity can be used for much more than simply home renovations and repairs – it can also be utilized to consolidate high-interest debt, pay for education expenses, or cover emergencies.   How you choose to tap into your equity matters just as much as how you plan to use it. You can leverage your equity with a Home Equity Loan, a Home Equity…

PEFCU Holiday Club Account 

We get it; the holidays just ended. We’re sure the last thing you want to think about is the hustle and bustle of the next holiday. But here’s one reason why you should: PEFCU Holiday Club Account. Taking just a few minutes to open this account could save you some serious $$ next December.   Here’s the scoop: When you open a PEFCU Holiday Club Account, you’ll have all year to save the money you need for the next holiday season. With this account, you get to decide the frequency and amount of your deposit. To make it easy, we even offer convenient distribution of your payroll direct deposits.  For example, assume the annual percentage yield (APY) is 0.05% (this is subject to change each Tuesday). If you start depositing $10 from each…

December 20, 2025Future Planning, Wallet Wins 7 Comments
PEFCU Holiday Club Account 

We get it; the holidays just ended. We’re sure the last thing you want to think about is the hustle and bustle of the next holiday. But here’s one reason why you should: PEFCU Holiday Club Account. Taking just a few minutes to open this account could save you some serious $$ next December.   Here’s the scoop: When you open a PEFCU Holiday Club Account, you’ll have all year to save the money you need for the next holiday season. With this account, you get to decide the frequency and amount of your deposit. To make it easy, we even offer convenient distribution of your payroll direct deposits.  For example, assume the annual percentage yield (APY) is 0.05% (this is subject to change each Tuesday). If you start depositing $10 from each…

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…

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…

One-Minute Reads: Don’t Let Moving Costs Drain Your Wallet 

Moving this summer? Don’t let hidden expenses catch you off guard. Beyond rent or mortgage, moving comes with costs like packing supplies, truck rentals, fuel, pet boarding, and more.  Plan Ahead: Create a detailed budget that includes everything from movers to cleaning supplies. Compare quotes from at least three moving companies and ask about discounts.  Cut Costs: Declutter as you pack to save time, space, and money. Cancel or transfer utilities and subscriptions, and avoid paying for services you no longer need.  Think Post-Move: Budget for utility deposits, cleaning supplies, groceries, and any new furniture.  Helpful Tools: A dedicated savings…

July 22, 2025Future Planning, One Minute Reads No Comments
One-Minute Reads: Don’t Let Moving Costs Drain Your Wallet 

Moving this summer? Don’t let hidden expenses catch you off guard. Beyond rent or mortgage, moving comes with costs like packing supplies, truck rentals, fuel, pet boarding, and more.  Plan Ahead: Create a detailed budget that includes everything from movers to cleaning supplies. Compare quotes from at least three moving companies and ask about discounts.  Cut Costs: Declutter as you pack to save time, space, and money. Cancel or transfer utilities and subscriptions, and avoid paying for services you no longer need.  Think Post-Move: Budget for utility deposits, cleaning supplies, groceries, and any new furniture.  Helpful Tools: A dedicated savings…

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…