10 Financial Tips for Starting a Family
So you’re thinking about starting a family – check out these 10 financial tips as this exciting new chapter of life begins.
Planning A Wedding? Follow These Budget-Friendly Tips
.jpg)
Wedding planning is meant to be an enjoyable experience for both you and your partner, yet it is easy to get overwhelmed by the seemingly “endless” to-do list. A perfect way to start feeling excited for your special day is by feeling in control of your finances — get started with these budget-friendly tips.
Ways to Handle the Cost of Inflation
With costs rising due to inflation, it can be hard to know where to start when dealing increased prices. We have some tips to help you handle the cost of inflation.
Fraud Prevention Series: Protect Yourself Online, A Guide to Password Best Practices
June is National Internet Safety Month — a great time to evaluate your online safety and take steps to enhance your security.
What to Consider When Shopping for RVs, Boats, and Motorcycles
As the weather turns warmer, many of us start planning fun summer activities and weekend getaways – on the water or on the road. If you’re thinking of purchasing an RV, boat, or motorcycle, there’s several things to consider to ensure you get the best deal.
Fraud Prevention Series: Tools to Enhance Your Financial Security
In today’s fast-paced world, many of us have become accustomed to highly personalized, engaging experiences, such as one-click shopping, voice-activated searches, and home assistants. With this, we have come to expect advanced technology to ensure our finances and sensitive information stays safe and protected. Take a look these tools to stay in control of your financial security.
Money Lessons from the Pandemic
The pandemic caught many off guard. As the world shut down, uncertainty has been a key theme since. MSUFCU will share what you can learn from this once-in-a-lifetime event.
Four Tips to Consider When Buying A House
If you are in the market for a house, being prepared is key. There are several things to do before you even begin your search. Here are four steps to consider when buying a house.
Fraud Prevention Series: How to Identify Scams
Scammers and internet fraudsters continue to grow more and more clever in their attempts to trick you into giving them money or personal financial information. Plus, they now have an expanding number of ways to contact you. No longer focusing on just email, they can try to scam you through text messages, phone calls, pop-up windows, and even social media interactions. But rest assured, there are a number of ways to spot an attempted con and avoid falling into its trap. Be on the lookout for the following tell-tale signs of a scam.
Never Had a Budget? Here's How to Create One
If establishing a budget seems overwhelming, once you begin with a few simple budgeting principles, you’ll quickly see a difference in your financial management. Here’s how to get started.
How to Avoid Overdraft Fees
If you’ve ever made a purchase resulting in a negative balance on your account, you may have been charged an overdraft fee by your financial institution. This can be a costly process that is avoidable if you follow these strategies.
Take The Frugal February Challenge To Save
Need a jump start to get your finances on track in the New Year? Consider starting a Frugal February challenge. Here’s how.
How Online Bill Paying Can Save You Money
Online bill paying allows you to view, schedule, and pay your bills right from your computer or phone. Learn more about what online bill pay is, how it works, and its pros and cons.
Financial Resolutions You Can Make and Keep In 2022
Choosing the right resolutions for you can make all the difference when it comes to improving your financial health. Here are three financial New Year’s resolutions to help you start 2022 off right.
How to Save During the Holidays
This time of year it can be challenging to stick to a budget with the extra spending for the holidays. Here are five strategies to help you stay on track with your 2021 holiday budget.
Fraud Prevention Series: How to Avoid Online Shopping Fraud
With the holiday shopping season in full swing, an increase in online shopping fraud reports usually follows. In 2020, these reports more than doubled. Here are three ways to protect yourself while shopping online.
Starting A New Job? Consider These Financial Factors.
Accepting a new job offer includes adjusting to a different company, environment, coworkers, culture, and more. This may also include an impact on your finances. If you’re about to start or have recently started a new job, here are some smart money moves to make.
Teaching Kids How to Handle Money At A Young Age Can Really Pay Off
Helping children to build a strong financial foundation is an important lesson that contributes to lifelong well-being. It’s a lesson parents and caregivers play a key role in teaching. Here are several ways to share lessons about money with children.
How to Answer This Question: Should I Save or Pay Off Debt?
If you believe paying off debt is your only financial priority, consider this: saving is also an important way to keep your finances stable. Here are some ways to make progress on your debt, and put some savings aside at the same time.
How Saving for the Holidays Now Will Pay Off Later
It may be early to start thinking about the holidays, but waiting until November or December to begin saving for these expenses may result in paying for them — plus interest — into 2022. Here’s how to get started saving now to avoid overspending in a few months.
Fraud Prevention Series: Avoiding Peer-to-Peer Payment Fraud
As contactless transactions continue to grow in popularity, more peer-to-peer payment apps are being marketed. Cyber thieves have also taken note. You can mitigate the possibility of fraud when using peer-to-peer payments by taking simple precautions.
Bogged Down By College Loans? Here’s How to Pay Them Off Faster
If you borrowed money to attend college, you are not alone. According to The Federal Reserve’s report, Economic Well-Being of U.S. Households in 2020, nearly one-third of all American students have student loan debt. Here are some strategies to pay off your student loan debt faster.
Three Ways to Rebuild Your Finances After COVID
While the pandemic continues, many people are back to work. But they may still be recovering financially, having used up savings to pay bills or stopped making payments on credit cards and other debt. Here are three ways to rebuild your finances after COVID.
Five Habits of Highly Successful Savers
When planning for your future you should also plan how you will finance it. Understanding how budgeting, saving, and managing debt can help you reach your goals is important. But the key may be adapting habits so you can save as much as possible. Here are five habits of successful savers.
Fraud Prevention Series: 5 Steps to Take to Prevent Identity Theft
Identity theft continues to be a problem in the U.S. With identity scammers targeting relief checks and unemployment benefits in the last year, the Federal Trade Commission recorded a nearly 3,000% increase in identity theft reports over 2019. In this blog, we define identity theft and provide steps to protect yourself.
When You Support Local Businesses, You Support the Local Economy. Here’s How You Can Make a Difference
You’ve heard the statement: Buy local, eat local. But what is the impact of shopping at local, small businesses? Here is why supporting community businesses is important and worth encouraging others to do so, too.
Be Prepared For Emergencies: National Preparedness Month
September is National Preparedness Month, which is the perfect time to make a plan for emergencies. Here are some ways you can increase your preparedness for the unexpected.
The Lab at MSUFCU Helps Members Achieve Financial Success
To replicate the interaction a member might have with an MSUFCU employee through a digital channel, The Lab at MSUFCU was established to identify technologies and partner with fintechs to produce viable apps. Learn more about The Lab and the innovative solutions that have been introduced to help employees and members achieve financial success.
With Construction Costs at an All-time High, Should You Build a Home Now?
Building a house might seem like the best option if you have found a lack of affordable homes for sale. However, with the skyrocketing prices of building materials, is this a good time to build a home? Here are some factors to consider before deciding to build.
If Finances are Tight, Here’s What to Pay First
If you are having financial difficulties, it may become challenging to pay all of your monthly bills. While everyone’s financial situation is different, here are general guidelines for how to prioritize payments.
Fraud Prevention Series: Recent Graduate? What’s Changed with Your Financial Account
When entering college, many students open a free student checking account with a local financial institution, but often lose those benefits upon graduation. This can lead to fees and overdrafts. If your current financial institution charges account fees now that you’re out of college, it’s time to start shopping for a new checking account. Here is what to look for.
Selling Your Home? Making Small Improvements Can Add to Resale Value
.PNG)
If you are thinking of putting your home on the market, it may be a good idea to make a few small improvements before listing it. Some improvements add resale value, while others are not worth the cost or effort. Here are some home improvements that would be worth your time and some that wouldn’t.
Watching a Financial TikTok Video? Why Doing Your Own Research Matters
You can learn a lot from TikTok, such as popular dance moves, the latest cocktail creations, and how to make hot cocoa bombs. You may also see unsubstantiated financial information and advice from unreliable sources. Just because Financial TikTok (also known as “FinTok”) videos happen to go viral, doesn’t mean that they are the best (or the only) source of financial information you should rely on to make financial decisions. Here are some guidelines to viewing FinTok videos.
5 Financial Steps to Take After College Graduation
If you have recently graduated from college or know someone who has, now is a great time to start building a solid financial foundation. Here are five ways to get started.
Video Tellers Provide Face-to-Face Account Access from Comfort of Your Vehicle
As you look for more efficiency and flexibility from your financial institution, consider using a video teller to receive personalized-service on the go. Here are ways video tellers are making account management quick and easy.
Financial Account Alerts You Should Activate Today
Monitoring your financial accounts can help you in many ways, including keeping track of your spending, and alerting you to possible fraud. Here are some eAlerts you should activate to help automatically track your accounts.
Thinking of Adopting a Pet? Consider the Costs First
National Pet Day is April 11! As many as 68% of U.S. households own a pet, and you may be looking to become one of them. Before adopting a pet, evaluate your financial situation to ensure you can afford to take care of your pet’s needs.
3 Tips to Help Your Child Become a Financially Successful Adult
One of the best ways to build a secure financial future for your children is by helping them develop saving skills at an early age. Here’s how to set an example for the next generation by teaching children the importance of saving.
Fraud Prevention Series: Avoid Identity Theft This Tax Season
The time before Tax Day, May 17 in 2021 after an IRS extension, can be busy, especially for identity thieves whose goals are to lift your personal information from financial documents, scam you into answering emails or phone calls from fake IRS agents, and much more. Here are some ways to protect yourself from possible identity theft this tax season.
3 Steps You Can Take Today to Get Out of Debt
One of the most satisfying financial decisions you can do for yourself is to create a plan to get out of debt. The problem might be where to start. While it can seem overwhelming, you can take steps to make being debt free a reality.
Become a Home Owner Faster With a Mortgage Preapproval. Here’s How.
With mortgage rates at an historic low, you may be thinking about buying a home. One way to put yourself in a good buying position is to obtain a mortgage preapproval. Here is why it makes a difference to sellers and how to qualify for one before you start your house hunt.
Quick and Easy Ways to Improve Your Credit Score
.jpg)
Having a good credit score has many benefits, including helping you receive competitive interest rates for cars loans, credit card offers, insurance premiums, mortgages, and more. Maintaining a high credit score is worth the effort because it can save you money. Here are a few tips to improve your score.
Fraud Prevention Series: COVID-19 Scams Continue to Happen. Here's How to Protect Yourself
As the pandemic continues to change everyday life, scammers remain hard at work trying to access personal information and gain access to financial accounts. Here are some ways to protect yourself from ongoing COVID-19 fraud.
Savings Is Important Now More Than Ever. Find Out Why.
In 2020, many consumers found it necessary to use savings to help cover expenses, and it became clear why having a financial cushion is important. Clever Real Estate COVID-19 Financial Impact Survey conducted in September 2020 found that 28% of Americans used savings or an emergency fund to cover living expenses. Now that we’ve been navigating through a pandemic for nearly a year, it’s time to get serious about saving — even if you think you’re in a solid financial position.
Best Ways to Spend Your Stimulus Check
Although many U.S. consumers have received the second round of stimulus checks, they may not have specific plans for the funds. Because everyone’s financial situation is different, here are some ideas to consider when deciding how to spend your stimulus check.
Fraud Prevention Series: 5 Ways to Prevent Fraud in 2021
Preventing fraud is an ongoing process. While you are making other changes as the New Year begins, consider taking some simple steps to protect yourself. Keep in mind, you are the best defense against fraud. Here are five ways you can reduce your risk of fraud this year.
How to Save More Than $1,300 by the End of 2021
What would you do with an extra $1,378 in your account by this time next year? Saving money can be challenging and trying to save even $500 may sound difficult. But there is a strategy you can use to make a $1,378 savings easier this year. It’s called the 52-Week Money Challenge. Read on to learn how it works.
How to Both Pay Off Debt And Save More
Consumers intended to spend just over $1,000 for the holidays in 2019, according to a survey from The National Retail Federation. For those who don’t budget for holiday spending each year, this could mean accumulating debt, and it also could lead to difficulty in trying to pay it off come January. Read on to learn some strategies to pay off holiday debt and save more.
How to Set and Stick to a Budget
We are continuing our financial New Year’s resolutions discussion with how to set up and stick to a budget. Read on to learn some tips to create and stick to a budget.
Three Fraud Trends to Watch for this Holiday Season
Due to the ongoing coronavirus, holiday shopping will look different this year. However, fraudsters are poised to take advantage of consumers who may be more distracted dealing with unprecedented change.
On-The-Go Tips to Keep Your Accounts Safe
When you are out and about, you should not need to worry about security for your financial accounts. Here some ways to keep your accounts safe when you are on the go.
Fraud Prevention Series: How to Avoid Black Friday Scams
Just like many events in 2020, a lot of Black Friday purchases will happen online. And fraudsters will be ready. Here are some of the ways scammers may try and take advantage of consumers shopping online Black Friday through Cyber Monday.
Never Been Able to Save Before? Here's How to Get Started
It’s possible for anyone to begin saving money no matter where you are on your financial journey. Sometimes all it takes is that first step to get things started. Here are some suggestions on how to kick off your savings strategy.
The Secret (and Easy) Way to Build Your Savings
Want to know the secret to increasing your savings? It’s easy: pay yourself first.
Fraud Prevention Series: How to Avoid Cyber Fraud
Some of the most common ways fraudsters try to access your personal information is by sending harmful links in an email or stealing data from places where you have accounts. Personal information, such as Social Security numbers, financial accounts and credit card numbers, can be used to set up counterfeit accounts or gain access to existing accounts. Here are some tips to avoid this type of deception known as cyber fraud.
How to Clean Up Your Finances
This is a great time of year to clean up your finances and get organized. You will be in a better place to take action on your budget and other financial goals once your finances are in order. Here are some tips to get you started.
Fraud Prevention Series: What is Ethical Hacking?
We hear about hacking (unauthorized access to data in a system or computer) on the news often. But did you know that there are professionals with the same skills working to help companies reduce the chances of being hacked? These professionals are known as ethical hackers. But what is ethical hacking?
September is Disaster Preparedness Month
National Preparedness Month (NPM) is recognized each September to promote family and community disaster planning. As we all continue to respond to COVID-19, there is no better time to become more organized than this September. Learn more about how to be prepared for a disaster.
Protecting and Building Your Credit in 2020
As the economy gradually continues to reopen, consumers’ credit will play an important role in the recovery. Here are some strategies to protect and build your credit in 2020.
Fraud Prevention Series: Sharing Your Information Can Make You More Vulnerable to Fraud
If you are a frequent social media user and tend to share personal information online, you may be at greater risk of becoming a victim of fraud. Take a look at these three online habits that may lead to higher fraud possibilities, and ways to prevent identity fraud.
Video Chat Increases Account Access for Members
During these times of social distancing, digital technology has made it possible for consumers to continue interacting with each other as well as the organizations they do business with. For example, video chat has allowed financial institutions to help maintain and improve a personal connection with their members. Learn more about how video chat is changing the way consumers are accessing their financial accounts.
Is It Time to Update Your Budget?
Having a budget is a great way to monitor what you spend your money on and keep you on track with your financial goals. But every once in a while, it needs a little TLC. Here are five steps to refreshing your money management system.
Support Local Businesses: It's More Important Now More Than Ever. Here's Why
One critical part of the economy that has especially felt the effects of COVID-19 is small businesses. They remain vital to thriving communities as they create opportunities for new talent and growth regionally, energize the economic base, and foster an entrepreneurial spirit in community members.
Tap to Pay Technology Offers Contactless Pay Options
Contactless payments exploded in popularity in spring 2020 when the coronavirus upended how many people think about their daily interactions, including how they pay. But social distancing aside, do these advances actually make life any easier and safer?
3 Financial Red Flags You Should Address
.jpg)
Sometimes life sends you signals your finances aren’t quite where they should be, such as an overdraft fee on an account or a denied credit card application. Here are several common financial red flags you should address — plus easy ways to eliminate them.
Tips for Reducing Debt
)
If the amount of your debt is overwhelming, there are tools and motivational ideas you can use to reduce it and even eliminate it. Here are some steps to take to start you on the path to being debt free.
Fraud Prevention Series: Tools to Help Keep Your Accounts Safe
According to the FBI, $2.7 billion in online theft and fraud was reported to the agency in 2019. While funds are protected up to $250,000 by the National Credit Union Administration, what else can credit unions provide to keep your accounts safe? And what can you do?
5 Low-Cost Ways to Save on Your Electricity Bills This Summer
Keeping your home cool this summer doesn’t have to be expensive. Here are some steps you can take — for minimal effort and cost — to reduce your energy bills while also helping to save the planet.
How to Maintain Your Financial Health During COVID-19
Staying healthy is our number one priority, but it’s important to be extra mindful of your financial health — even if your income hasn’t been impacted by COVID-19. Here are some ways to keep your finances in good shape during these unprecedented times.
Introducing the FUNtivity Zone
Running out of ideas to keep your kids busy during the stay-at-home order? We get it. That’s why we launched The FUNtivity Zone to offer those with little ones at home more fun and educational resources.
Fraud Prevention Series: How to Keep Your Passwords Secure
The security of everything that requires a password, including your financial accounts, streaming accounts, email inbox, and even your garage code, depends on how strong and safe your logins are today. Strong passwords are key to your security, but the challenge is to create passwords you can actually remember, without resorting to unsafe habits — like reusing the same login for multiple accounts. Here’s some advice on how to create strong passwords and keep them safe.
5 Ways to Make the Most of Your Stimulus Check
Stimulus checks from the U.S. government have started to be deposited to provide economic relief during the coronavirus pandemic. Eligible taxpayers can expect to automatically receive their one-time payment of up to $1,200, depending on adjusted gross income.
We’re In This Together: Helping Our Members Through COVID-19
Communities worldwide are struggling with the temporary closing of businesses, schools and public facilities affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. As many people continue to cope with these drastic developments, the Credit Union is here to help its members during this time of uncertainty.
Three Reasons Why Internships Are So Important
You’ve probably heard the saying or asked yourself while sitting in a lecture hall, “When am I going to use this in the real world?” While there are many important skills taught in school, not all of them will be carried over into your career after you graduate.
So, what’s the best way to prepare for the real world?
Fraud Prevention Series: How to Protect Yourself From Phishing
Phishing, a form of identity theft, is when scammers use fraudulent websites and fake emails to attempt to steal victims’ personal data, especially passwords and credit card information. Although this is not a new type of theft, many consumers are unaware of phishing and how to protect their personal information. Here is more information about phishing and how to keep your data safe.
How to Prepare for an Interview: Four Ways to Set Yourself Apart
You applied for a job and just received word that the company would like you to come in for an interview. Congratulations! Landing an interview is a critical step in getting the position you’re after. Before you call mom and start celebrating, realize that you still have to seal the deal with a strong interview. Here are a few things you can do to help prepare for the interview and put your best foot forward.
Taking an Entrepreneurial Leap? Here's What to Look for in a Business Loan
Have a new idea you would like to put into action? You may need some help to get your idea off the ground. Once you create a functional plan, applying for a business loan could be your next step.
How to File Your Taxes Safely
Tax season is upon us again. Whether it’s your first time filing or you’re trying to get a head start this year, we have some tips to help you file your taxes safely.
Your Financial Recipe to Budgeting
Successful budgeting is like mixing together the perfect ingredients in a recipe. Follow this five-step financial recipe to figure out the best plan that works for your financial goals.
Tips to Secure Your House While Traveling in the Winter Months
With Spring Break right around the corner, it's time to start planning how to keep your house safe while you're traveling. Here are four tips to consider while going out town during the winter months.
5 Ways to Start the New Year on the Right Financial Track
January is a great time to start something new. When it comes to your finances, the New Year also is a good time to set goals and strategies. Here are five ways to help you start 2020 on the right financial track:
Strategy for Buying a House in the Spring: Start Prepping Now
Spring tends to be the optimal time for people to not only sell, but buy houses. This is due to improving weather, inspecting homes after winter, and transitioning kids to new schools. Before spring comes though, it is critical that you begin getting ready before you start your new home search. Here is how you can prepare now to buy a home in the spring.
Five Ways To Easily Manage Your Finances at Your Fingertips
The MSUFCU Mobile app provides convenience and control of your finances at your fingertips. Every day, we are working to improve and develop more features to enhance your mobile banking experience. Did you know you could do these five things on the MSUFCU Mobile app?