Future Planning

As we bid farewell to another year and usher in the promise of a new one, it’s the perfect time to reflect on our financial habits and make some smart resolutions for 2024. In the spirit of the classic holiday song, “The 12 Days of Christmas,” we present you with 12 financial resolutions to help you achieve your money goals and secure your financial future. So, let’s sing along and embrace these twelve money-wise commitments!  Day 1: Create a Budget  On the first day of financial resolutions, commit to starting your financial journey by creating a budget. A well-structured budget…

Heading off to college is an exciting time. You’ll meet new people, explore new places, and experience new things. But it’s no secret that college isn’t cheap. That’s why it’s crucial that you have a budget that’s both realistic and flexible.   To help enhance your college experience, we’ve put together ten tips to help take your money further while limiting how much you need to borrow in student loans.  Creating an Ideal Budget  Before we jump right into the money-saving tips, you must start with a reasonable budget. College life is always on the go and forever changing, so you…

Whether you are college bound or heading into the workforce, there is something all young adults need to know about: your credit score. Think of this three-number score as your financial GPA. It holds the keys to your dreams of owning a car, renting your first place, or even landing that dream job.   The best part? Laying the foundation for a great score requires minimum effort. The trick is to get started early. The following guide will highlight strategies to build your credit score and tips to keep your score favorable. It’s easier than you think and can tremendously impact…

Amidst the countless shared experiences with friends and family, it’s easy to focus on the here and now. But there’s a chapter of life that we all must consider – one where we’re not present to guide and support our loved ones.  No one wants to picture a world without them; however, planning for this scenario is one of the most generous tasks you can undertake for those you love. It provides peace of mind, direction, and comfort, knowing your intentions will echo through the years – offering guidance when others need it most.   What is Estate Planning?  People commonly…

It’s a bittersweet feeling when your children spread their wings and leave the nest. As they venture into the world to pursue their dreams, it’s time for you to take stock of your financial situation and make some strategic moves. With retirement likely right around the corner, the upcoming years are crucial to ensure you enjoy your golden years.   The following guide highlights eight essential financial steps empty nesters should consider as they embark on this next phase of their lives.  Revisit Your Budget With your children out of the house, your everyday expenses will change. From your grocery and…

Your home is more than simply a house. It’s where you create memories with your family, entertain your friends, and relax after a hard day at work. As time passes, you want your home to keep up with your changing life and style.   Perhaps you want to finish your basement to provide more privacy for your teens. Or you want to upgrade your kitchen and back patio for entertaining guests. Maybe you’re able to work from home and want to keep your “work” and “home” separate with a designated office.   Remodeling your home is an excellent way to extend the…

It’s an exciting time being a teenager. You’re becoming more independent, and the time is getting closer for you to step out into the world on your own. The best thing you can do is to get a good financial head start. There are certain financial moves you can make now as a teen that will have a tremendous impact on your financial well-being. Here are some top financial tips for our teenage credit union members:  Create a Budget Creating and following a budget is one of the best skills to develop as a teenager. As you’re getting older, you…