Are your utility bills climbing with all of this summer heat? Are you spending too much on summertime adventures and activities? Check out these six ways to help you easily save money and still have fun this summer!

Do you remember your first financial milestone? Whether it was opening a checking account or buying your first car, the feeling of accomplishment that accompanies successful financial planning is unparalleled. As time goes on, the way we manage our money becomes increasingly important. Our purchases and investments become larger, and greatly shape our financial future.

It’s the beginning of a new year, which means, it’s time for more money resolutions! This year, I am going to share how to make a budget that works best for you.

Well, we’re almost done with the year, which means the 52-Week Savings Challenge is coming to a close.  How did it go for you? For me, overall, it went well, but I did need to reassess my money management style as the weekly savings amount grew. But, I’m still on track for success (so far).

Winter has arrived! As the temperatures drop and wintery conditions appear here in Michigan, many are planning vacations to enjoy the snow on the slopes or avoid the freezing weather with a tropical vacation. Whatever your winter travel plans may be, consider these tips to keep your home protected while you’re away this winter.

Are you ready for the busiest shopping time of the year? Thanksgiving weekend kicks off holiday shopping season and we want to make sure you’re prepared to shop smart. Take a look at the upcoming weekend day-by-day to help make your shopping adventures stress-free.

As the fall air turns frosty and the days become shorter, the holiday season begins. With Thanksgiving just around the corner, many are starting to draft their wish lists and plan their holiday celebrations. Check out these party ideas to learn simple ways to save money, while hosting the best holiday bash this season!

Halloween is just around the corner! If you’re looking for last minute, frugal ideas for treats, decorations, costumes, and more, take a look at these cost-friendly tricks and treats.

As summer officially comes to end, so does the busy moving season. Many apartment residents have finally unpacked and settled into their new places and bam, just like that, it’s time to begin the apartment hunt again. Leasing for the following year often begins shortly after the start of a new lease, especially if you’re a college student. Leases for the following school year will begin to open up around the first week of October. Before you sign a new lease, consider doing these six things first.

For most college students, the back to school countdown begins before campus can fade in the rearview mirror. Yet by the end of each summer we question where the time went. As August draws to a close, freshmen and seniors alike will begin planning and pondering the upcoming school year. Whether you are a new or returning student, here are five tips to help you conquer any campus!

A new semester is approaching, which means student loans are being processed by colleges and student refund checks will soon be disbursed. If you’re a student receiving financial aid, check out this post to understand if you’re handling your refund money wisely.

When going back to school, there’s a lot of organizing that needs to happen to ensure the school year is off to a good start. Use these tips to show just how smart you are by not spending too much money on back-to-school supplies and clothes this year.

As August quickly approaches, we try to prepare ourselves for the last days of summer. Before the summer fades, weekends become filled with football, and Halloween decorations begin lining store aisles, here are 20 things you can still do to make the most of the warm, sunny days, as well as the rainy ones.

Whether you are an experienced overseas traveler or have never left the country, traveling can be stressful. When I’m preparing for a trip, I tend to get stressed because I worry about forgetting something important. No matter what I need to bring, I remind myself of these tips to ensure I am organized and well-equipped to have a safe and fun trip.

July 1 marks the mid-point of the year. Can you believe it? We’re halfway through 2016!

Summer is officially here! For many, myself included, warmer weather brings celebrations of all sorts. Between cookouts, birthdays, and graduations; party planning can be expensive if you aren’t careful. Below are five practical tips for hosting the perfect summer—and staying on budget!

Last week, I discussed the pros and cons of buying or renting a home. No matter where you are making your next move—whether it be into a home you are buying or renting—there are many costs to consider while creating a moving budget. Let’s take a look at some of those expenses.

Now that summer is here—children are out of school and apartment leases are ending—many people are taking advantage of the warm weather and time off to move. When making your next move, there are many decisions that shouldn’t be made lightly, including whether to rent or buy a home. Consider these pros and cons of buying and renting a home when deciding on your next move!

You may have received a new debit or credit card recently and noticed something different. Now debit and credit cards are becoming equipped with the latest fraud-preventing technology—an EMV chip. With large amounts of fraud occurring around the world, Europay, MasterCard, and Visa created EMV to better protect consumers and retailers.

As summertime in Michigan is quickly approaching, we can say goodbye to icy roads, and hello to traffic cones. Winter weather might be behind us, but there are still many travel precautions to consider before hitting the roads this summer. Are you prepared to travel safely? Check out these six tips to keep your summer vacation hassle-free!

To all of the 2016 MSU graduates, congratulations — we wish you the very best as you prepare to embark on your next journey! Whether you’re staying in East Lansing or moving across the world, make sure your financial institution allows you to easily navigate your finances after college.  

You turned in your last project, took your final exam, and now, all you have to do is prepare to walk across a stage for your diploma. So, what’s your plan after graduation?

I know you just filed your 2015 taxes and you’re probably ready to not think about them for 12 more months. But! Thinking about next year’s taxes now can save you a lot of time in 2017.

Last week, I wrote about listing your home and finding a real estate agent. But what about making sure your house shines during showings? Here’s a more in-depth look at helping your house look its best for every showing.

Spring is my favorite time to clean out my home! I’m not alone: spring cleaning is extremely popular, especially after Michigan winters. The stores are filled with fun new organizational items and every magazine and website is telling you their perfect way to spring clean your life. Before you go out and spend a lot of money on new containers and cleaning products, consider these ways spring cleaning can actually save (or make) you money.

We're quickly approaching the last week of the first month of 2016! Many of you, like me, are going to try and be a better version of yourself this year and have set some New Year’s resolutions. A common resolution is to eat healthier and save money while doing so. To help you stay successful, here’s a couple of tips I use to help me eat better on a budget.

January is a great time to start building new habits to make 2016 the best year yet. A lot of people make New Year’s resolutions about money. Today and next Thursday I’ll be talking about the two most common money resolutions: saving money and reducing debt.

Happy New Year! Don’t miss out on these fun activities in Lansing this month. Some of them might even line up with your New Year's resolutions...

Saving just a little bit every week can make a huge difference! Take the 52-Week Savings Challenge in 2016 and see your small savings add up to over $1,300 in a year.

It’s almost time to ring in the new year! 2015 has gone by so fast, and I know there were a few expenses that caught me off guard this year. I’m ready to start fresh in 2016 armed with a savings plan so I am ready for anything. Here’s how I’m preparing.

With the holidays right around the corner, it feels like I have already blown my December budget. When I spend more in one area, I look for ways to save in others. One of the ways I try to cut down on costs in the winter is by cutting costs on my heat and electric bill. Below are some cool tips to keep your home warm for less!

As a born and raised Michigander, I am used to Michigan winters and how important it is to prepare your car (and yourself) before snow falls. Don't wait until the first snow to make sure your car is ready. Get prepared early this year with these 6 DIY tips for getting your car ready before the snow hits the ground.

If you're exchanging gifts this season, it’s never too early to start planning your shopping list. I know some people who plan their gifts so far in advance that they are done shopping in July! I’m not that organized, so I usually start planning right around Halloween. If I don’t plan out my gifts, I end up spending way too much money on just a few things.  This year, I’m using these 5 tips (and this downloadable budget planner) to stretch my budget.

Halloween is right around the corner! Have you been thinking about costumes and candy? The National Retail Federation (NRF) estimates that over 157 million Americans will take part in Halloween this year and will spend $6.9 billion dollars. That’s an average cost of $74.34 per person. At MSUFCU, we believe you can do Halloween a lot cheaper than $75 a person! Below are some ways we are saving this season.