Wallet Wins

Share certificates (like CDs at banks) are investment accounts that yield higher returns than traditional savings accounts. They offer a spectrum of financial perks with very little downside. Keep reading to find out if adding a share certificate to your savings plan is right for you.  What Is a Share Certificate?  Most credit unions offer three primary savings and investment accounts:   Traditional share (savings) accounts   Money market accounts   Share certificates   Among the three, share certificates generally offer the greatest yields. However, there is a tradeoff in exchange for earning higher dividends. With a share certificate, your money is locked in,…

It’s that time again. The potential for new beginnings, a fresh start, the opportunity to reevaluate your budget, and financial goals in 2023. While resolutions can be difficult to keep, you can make simple changes that will put you on track to smart money moves this year.  Think about your budget   A new year is a great time to consider your spending habits. This will help you make an accurate budget that reflects your lifestyle. What do you spend the most on? What do you want to put money toward? Sit down and plan what to save and spend money…

A high credit score makes it much easier to be approved for loans, make large purchases, take on financial assets, and even rent an apartment. If improving your credit score is on your “to-do” list, we have some tips that will lead to significant improvements in your score within a matter of months.   Steps to Increase Your Credit Score  Check for Errors. While you may think it’s unlikely that your credit report will contain errors, it’s more common than you may think. Regularly reviewing your credit report is essential. Take a moment and download a FREE copy of your credit…

When it comes to New Year’s resolutions, saving more money and improving one’s financial standing are always near the top of the list. To kick off 2023, we have some products to help you reach your financial goals.   Holiday Club Account  If year-end expenses tend to creep up on you, our Holiday Club Account can help you plan for the next holiday season. You can save year-round with no maintenance fees. Your money will roll over into your savings account on November 1 of each year.  Free Financial Coach with KOFE (Knowledge of Financial Education)   One-on-one coaching allows you to…

The holiday season is upon us. And you know what that means… Shopping! With the decorations, music, and parties, it’s easy to get carried away during the holidays – especially when it comes to our finances. Top it off with the fact that kids today are begging Santa for smartphones, tablets, and other expensive electronics! It’s a mystery how anyone can escape that dreaded credit card bill in January.   To help you keep your holiday shopping in check this year, we’ve created a list of tips to help you out.  Make a Budget  Take a moment to sit down and…

The holidays are fast approaching and, much like the rest of this year, things will be different. While you may still gather with family and friends, it’s likely those gatherings will be smaller in nature. And whether you have been affected financially by the holidays, chances are someone in your family or group of friends has been. Here are a few tips for keeping the holidays joyful without spending extra cash—and finding moments of thankfulness with friends and family.  Scale Down Celebrations  Even if your personal financial situation hasn’t been affected negatively by the pandemic, it doesn’t mean others in…