Ever checked your account balance and thought, Where did all my money go? You’re not alone. A well-structured budget doesn’t have to be about cutting back – it’s about gaining control, reducing stress, and working toward what matters, whether that’s paying down debt, saving for retirement, or (finally) taking a vacation. Read More.

Question: I know that having an emergency fund is important, and I’ve been trying to build up more than $200 or so, but debt always seems to eat away at what I’m able to save. How can I do both things at once without sacrificing my goal to become debt free? Is an emergency fund really that important?

Answer:
Yes, emergency funds are really that important. Read More.

Making sure your child is protected in case something happens to you is one of the most responsible things you can do. A few of the key documents you need to have in place in order to get the peace of mind you’re looking for are:

1. A Will
A will is the cornerstone of any estate plan, especially when you have kids. If you don’t have one, state laws will determine who inherits your assets — and more importantly, who takes care of your child if something happens to you. That’s not a decision you want left to the courts. Read More.

Thanks to technology, scammers have gotten incredibly savvy. If you’re wondering what personal information scammers seek to exploit in the first place, the answer is simple: all of it. They want anything they can get their hands on so they can present as a legitimate version of you. But the most common details they want are your Social Security number and date of birth. Read More.

Millions of people feel that budgeting is a chore they’d rather avoid, or they may feel overwhelmed by the need to wrap their arms around their money. But the good news is that the simpler your budget, the more likely you are to stick with it — and simple budgets can actually be fun! Read More.

At its worst, financial infidelity can feel like a betrayal on par with cheating. It undermines trust and can shake the foundation of a relationship. But while it’s a serious issue, it’s not an impossible one to overcome — if both partners are willing to do the work to rebuild trust and create a shared financial vision. Read More.

Deciding how to handle your finances as a couple is one of the biggest steps you’ll take toward building a life together. It’s also one of the most personal — and sometimes complicated — choices you’ll make with your partner. While there’s no one-size-fits-all rule, there are some best practices that can guide you to a plan that works for both of you. Read More.

As we welcome 2025, big changes to Social Security will impact retirees and those nearing retirement. Staying informed is key to maximizing your benefits and planning for financial stability in your golden years.  Read More

“Buy Now, Pay Later” (BNPL) services have become increasingly popular, offering a tempting alternative to credit cards. Services like Affirm, Afterpay, and Klarna allow you to buy what you want now and pay for it over time. Add to that an interest-free option and this feels like a no-brainer. It’s convenient, quick, and feels like a smart financial move, but it’s important to understand the fine print. Learn More

Today, Oct. 17, 2024, is International Credit Union (ICU) Day, a day to celebrate the ways credit unions improve the lives of their members. Learn More