Wallet Wins

According to the Pew Research Center, 34% of adults ages 18 to 29 say they have outstanding student loans from their education expenses. About six out of ten college seniors ages 18 to 24 took out loans for their education in the 2015-2016 school year, according to the National Center for Education Statistics.   The sooner you begin putting money away for your child’s college education, the better. As college tuition and fees continue to climb, getting ahead of the curve sets your child up for success and reduces the student debt they might accumulate in the future.  The less burden…

Summer is a great time to take it easy, connect with your loved ones, and slow down to make lasting memories for years to come. Summer trips are fun, but they can be difficult to plan, and costs can add up quickly. With the rising price of gas, what better way to spend some quality time with your family than with a staycation right in your own backyard?  Saving money now on summer vacations can help you reach the financial goals you have for later this year or can help you put more money towards your big summer getaway next…

Each year, the IRS releases a list of tax scams that most affect people at the time.. With fraudsters becoming more proficient in their targeting methods, the number of scams seems to steadily increase with every annual list, . Now, there is more for taxpayers to be mindful of with COVID-19 and economic impact payments setting the stage for tax scams.    As your credit union, our goal is to prepare you for these potential scams so you can wisely avoid them. Here is a list of the most popular tax scams with advice on how not to fall for…

It’s that time of year again. While some people are biting their nails over how much they’ll have to pay, others are eagerly anticipating their refunds from Uncle Sam. Below are a few smart ways you can put your tax refund to work for you.  Make a Down Payment on a New Car  If you’ve been thinking of trading up or buying a new car outright, your tax refund can help you bolster your down payment, so you pay less for the vehicle over time. The larger your down payment is, the more you save on interest.  Use It to…

If you’re like most Americans, you’ve probably noticed your grocery bills climb to crazy heights during the coronavirus pandemic. Over the past twelve months, all of the six major grocery store food group prices increased, according to the November 2021 Consumer Price Index (CPI) from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).  Prices for meats, poultry, fish, and eggs rose 12.8 percent in 2021, with beef prices jumping the most with a 20.9 percent increase. Dairy product prices rose 1.6 percent. Other prices rose too, ranging from a 4.0 percent increase on fruits and vegetables to 5.7 percent for other…

You can have a fun and romantic Valentine’s Day AND stay within your budget this Valentine’s Day. Here are three great, inexpensive date ideas that you can do with your loved ones.  Cook or bake something together. Even if you make a grand feast at home, it will still probably fit the budget more than if you were to go out. And you’ll probably have leftovers! Head out to the grocery store and pick up some delicious ingredients to make a romantic meal together. Not so great at cooking? Meal delivery boxes are making it easier than ever to make…