4 Tips to Pay Off Your Holiday Credit Card Debt

If you’re struggling with holiday credit card debt, it might feel like you’re drowning in quicksand. The more you fight to get out of this high-interest debt, the deeper you get, it seems.   But there’s a lifeline! There are practical things you can do to pull yourself out of credit card debt, once and for all. These four real-life tips can help you out:   1. Stop Using Your Credit Cards. You must understand and accept that unpaid credit card debt is bad for you financially and must be corrected. If you’ve been using your credit cards to fill in financial gaps, now is the time to break the habit for good and vow never to return.    This sounds much simpler than it is.  Do these three…

December 27, 2021Borrowing Basics, Wallet Wins No Comments

If you’re struggling with holiday credit card debt, it might feel like you’re drowning in quicksand. The more you fight to get out of this high-interest debt, the deeper you get, it seems.   But there’s a lifeline! There are practical things you can do to pull yourself out of credit card debt, once and for all. These four real-life tips can help you out:   1. Stop Using Your Credit Cards. You must understand and accept that unpaid credit card debt is bad for you financially and must be corrected. If you’ve been using your credit cards to fill in financial gaps, now is the time to break the habit for good and vow never to return.    This sounds much simpler than it is.  Do these three…

Hacks to Keep Your Financial Resolutions

Every January, it’s the same deal: You resolve to save more money, pay off your debts, and get your financial situation in order. Then February comes along, and you’re back to your old habits. If you’ve broken New Year’s resolutions in the past, you’re not alone. The vast majority of people give up on their resolutions within the first month of the year.  But this year can be different. With a few adjustments to your thinking and a few small hacks, you can make sure that your resolutions actually stick.    Start Small  If you usually start the year off with a big goal, only…

December 27, 2021Wallet Wins No Comments

Every January, it’s the same deal: You resolve to save more money, pay off your debts, and get your financial situation in order. Then February comes along, and you’re back to your old habits. If you’ve broken New Year’s resolutions in the past, you’re not alone. The vast majority of people give up on their resolutions within the first month of the year.  But this year can be different. With a few adjustments to your thinking and a few small hacks, you can make sure that your resolutions actually stick.    Start Small  If you usually start the year off with a big goal, only…

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, 2021Future Planning, Wallet Wins 7 Comments

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…

Tips for Lowering Stress During the Holidays 

While holidays are a time for cheer and spending time with family, many also experience heightened levels of stress. With all that has happened this year, you may find yourself more overwhelmed than usual as the holidays approach.   However, even in these unsettling times, there are things you can do to help reduce your stress during the holidays. Below are some tips to help you get through the holidays as stress-free as possible.   Ask people to pitch in when you host holiday events. Instead of providing all the food yourself, ask others to prepare and bring a dish to help out. If you have guests that don’t cook, consider asking…

December 2, 2021Wallet Wins No Comments

While holidays are a time for cheer and spending time with family, many also experience heightened levels of stress. With all that has happened this year, you may find yourself more overwhelmed than usual as the holidays approach.   However, even in these unsettling times, there are things you can do to help reduce your stress during the holidays. Below are some tips to help you get through the holidays as stress-free as possible.   Ask people to pitch in when you host holiday events. Instead of providing all the food yourself, ask others to prepare and bring a dish to help out. If you have guests that don’t cook, consider asking…

8 Guilt-Free Ways to Save Money During the Holidays

Article brought to you by:   At some point, you have to stop putting it on your credit card “and paying it off in January.” Just say no!   I used to think it was so strange when my mom joked, “Let’s just skip everything this year, OK?” How could she even dream of it!   But as a relatively functioning adult with my own bills and credit card balance to think about, I find myself agreeing with her. I may be too young still to be this cynical, but I also haven’t been this stressed since … last December.   No matter how many…

November 30, 2021Wallet Wins No Comments

Article brought to you by:   At some point, you have to stop putting it on your credit card “and paying it off in January.” Just say no!   I used to think it was so strange when my mom joked, “Let’s just skip everything this year, OK?” How could she even dream of it!   But as a relatively functioning adult with my own bills and credit card balance to think about, I find myself agreeing with her. I may be too young still to be this cynical, but I also haven’t been this stressed since … last December.   No matter how many…

Tips for Shopping Early this Holiday Season 

Fall is here, which means the winter holidays are right around the corner. Anyone could feel a little overwhelmed during the holiday season, leading to procrastination, shopping anxiety, or delayed gift-picking. But the holidays are meant to be full of fun and love, so minimizing your stress is the best strategy for thoroughly enjoying the holidays.   Below are a few tips that will help you be “on your game” by shopping early this year!    1) Create a Gift List   While it can be fun to buy gifts for everyone you know, smart holiday shopping starts with creating a list of your closest relationships. Once you make the…

November 5, 2021Wallet Wins 1 Comment

Fall is here, which means the winter holidays are right around the corner. Anyone could feel a little overwhelmed during the holiday season, leading to procrastination, shopping anxiety, or delayed gift-picking. But the holidays are meant to be full of fun and love, so minimizing your stress is the best strategy for thoroughly enjoying the holidays.   Below are a few tips that will help you be “on your game” by shopping early this year!    1) Create a Gift List   While it can be fun to buy gifts for everyone you know, smart holiday shopping starts with creating a list of your closest relationships. Once you make the…

Thanksgiving Hacks That Will Save You Time and Money

Every year around the holidays, we put a large focus on our personal finances. Everyone is looking for deals and ways to save money. We’re budgeting for holiday gifts and planning family get-togethers. While you’re giving thanks for everything you have, we have some money-saving hacks that you can put into action right away!   Shop early, and shop sales.  Many grocery stores, like Publix, start their holiday sales early. Take advantage of those holiday sales as early as possible, as well as regular weekly sales.  Also, sometimes buying store-brand products can save you some money without sacrificing quality. In fact, many Publix branded items are produced by leading national brands.   Remember, every penny adds up!   Have a potluck…

November 4, 2021Wallet Wins No Comments

Every year around the holidays, we put a large focus on our personal finances. Everyone is looking for deals and ways to save money. We’re budgeting for holiday gifts and planning family get-togethers. While you’re giving thanks for everything you have, we have some money-saving hacks that you can put into action right away!   Shop early, and shop sales.  Many grocery stores, like Publix, start their holiday sales early. Take advantage of those holiday sales as early as possible, as well as regular weekly sales.  Also, sometimes buying store-brand products can save you some money without sacrificing quality. In fact, many Publix branded items are produced by leading national brands.   Remember, every penny adds up!   Have a potluck…

Insurance Terminology You Should Know

Each industry has its own unique terminology, and insurance is no different. Below are 20 common insurance terms and definitions you may encounter when researching coverage for yourself, your family, or your personal assets.  Deductibles: A deductible is an amount you (the policyholder) agree to pay the insurance company before covering any losses. Along with your standard deductible, you’ll come across other types of deductibles for various losses, such as:  Earthquake  Flood  Wind  Hurricane  Hail  Collision Comprehensive  All-Peril Co-Pays: A co-pay is a form of coinsurance that is typically a flat fee you pay before receiving access to any medical treatment.…

October 11, 2021Wallet Wins No Comments

Each industry has its own unique terminology, and insurance is no different. Below are 20 common insurance terms and definitions you may encounter when researching coverage for yourself, your family, or your personal assets.  Deductibles: A deductible is an amount you (the policyholder) agree to pay the insurance company before covering any losses. Along with your standard deductible, you’ll come across other types of deductibles for various losses, such as:  Earthquake  Flood  Wind  Hurricane  Hail  Collision Comprehensive  All-Peril Co-Pays: A co-pay is a form of coinsurance that is typically a flat fee you pay before receiving access to any medical treatment.…

How to Score a Better Deal on Your Next Car 

Buying a car is an exciting time. There are so many possibilities! But, although your heart may be into the shiny sports car on the lot, your mind tells you a nice, modest sedan is actually what you can afford. This guide will help you focus so you can score a better deal the next time you buy a car.  Focus on Price First  Buying a car may be serious business to you, but the salesperson at the lot may view selling a car as a game. Their goal is to score the best deal for the dealership… and a higher commission check for themselves. Your mission,…

October 4, 2021Borrowing Basics, Wallet Wins No Comments

Buying a car is an exciting time. There are so many possibilities! But, although your heart may be into the shiny sports car on the lot, your mind tells you a nice, modest sedan is actually what you can afford. This guide will help you focus so you can score a better deal the next time you buy a car.  Focus on Price First  Buying a car may be serious business to you, but the salesperson at the lot may view selling a car as a game. Their goal is to score the best deal for the dealership… and a higher commission check for themselves. Your mission,…

How to Boost Your Credit Score for Better Rates

It’s usually not until you apply for a loan that you realize just how valuable an excellent credit score can be. Lenders typically price loans based on your creditworthiness. Lower credit scores lead to higher interest rates. The difference between a C and B credit score, or B and A, could mean saving hundreds, or possibly thousands of dollars in interest, depending on the size and length of the loan.  You may feel that lenders are punishing you, but the reality is that financial institutions are trying to protect themselves from potential losses. Your credit score gives them a bird’s-eye view of your money management abilities. Lenders will perceive you as a higher risk if you struggle…

September 20, 2021Borrowing Basics, Wallet Wins No Comments

It’s usually not until you apply for a loan that you realize just how valuable an excellent credit score can be. Lenders typically price loans based on your creditworthiness. Lower credit scores lead to higher interest rates. The difference between a C and B credit score, or B and A, could mean saving hundreds, or possibly thousands of dollars in interest, depending on the size and length of the loan.  You may feel that lenders are punishing you, but the reality is that financial institutions are trying to protect themselves from potential losses. Your credit score gives them a bird’s-eye view of your money management abilities. Lenders will perceive you as a higher risk if you struggle…