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Notebooks, graph paper, and saved receipts have played their part, but now digital budgeting tools have taken center stage. With the ability to track and sort your purchases in real time or pay bills automatically on your behalf, these handy tools are a necessity for getting your budget back on track. Overwhelmed by your options or don’t know what’s out there? We’ve compiled a list of some popular recommendations – including a few tools of our own!

You’ve worked hard to build up your savings. So you want to make sure they’re protected – and steadily growing – during today’s economic uncertainty. But right now, it may seem harder to grow your savings, especially when you want to avoid the risks that come with a volatile stock market. Keeping your funds protected in a federally insured financial institution is a smart way to avoid market risk.

Right now, you’re probably looking for ways to boost your financial security, such as by lowering your bills or building up your savings. You’re not alone. Many homeowners are doing exactly that by refinancing their home to take advantage of today’s low mortgage rates. To see if refinancing is right for you, it’s important to understand why people choose to refinance and what makes someone a good candidate for a refinance mortgage.

There are always tools to streamline our everyday lives, since time is precious and better spent elsewhere than in the checkout line. If you’re looking for a new way to add a popular and safer technology to your life, try paying for transactions using contactless payments. Contactless payments can be performed using a contactless credit or debit card, or with a smartphone or smartwatch with the mobile wallet enabled. As the name suggests, these transactions reduce or eliminate the need to be in contact with the terminal when making a purchase. Enjoy faster, cleanlier, and more convenient shopping experiences with contactless technology!

Even in the face of an economic recession, there are some practical steps you can take now to help boost your financial security and feel better prepared for whatever tomorrow brings.

April is National Financial Literacy Month and National Credit Union Youth Month, so it’s a great time to increase your child’s financial literacy. And doing so doesn’t have to be boring: There are lots of ways to make learning about spending, saving, and borrowing fun and interesting for kids of all ages.

We know that times are different and you may not be seeing your favorite tellers in the lobby as often. Our routines have been shifted as we're presented with alternative ways to handle our finances. There are options for how you would like to perform your transaction, and whether you visit in person, online, or in the drive-thru, there are a variety of ways to accomplish your goal. Plus, even your options have options! Our PAT (Personal Automated Teller) machines are available in branches and in the drive-thru and provide a quick alternative to waiting in line.

Life as we were used to it has changed drastically all across the world over the last several months. For some, these changes may feel sudden, as the public opinion and government reaction to it seem to have shifted overnight. Just over two weeks ago, on March 11, 2020, COVID-19 was officially characterized as a pandemic by the World Health Organization.

Buying and selling a home at the same time can make things complicated. Many variables must work together to create a seamless transaction and it takes a dedicated team to make this happen. You’ve identified your pain points with your current home and are ready to move on to the next phase of homeownership. Before you can buy, however, you have a home of your own to sell.

Sometimes, big plans come with a big price tag. Tapping the equity in your home can provide the funds you want, but is this always the smartest way to pay? It all depends on your goals.

Subscriptions surround us. Our daily lives have shifted from making a one-time purchase to continually paying for content that promises to be the most convenient, most up-to-date, and, at one point, the most comprehensive. As the competition has grown, many of these larger companies have splintered off into individual apps with individual costs. Consider how many of these services may call you a subscriber.

Sometimes, we get lucky and are offered a 0% interest rate promo for a specific term. This rate is frequently seen at auto dealers, mattress stores, furniture stores, and for credit card promotions. For these big-ticket items, paying no interest could mean a massive savings on each payment. However, should you ever pay off a 0% interest loan early?

We have all heard it before — start saving now, so you can enjoy retirement on your terms. Unfortunately, if you’re like most 20-somethings, contributing to a retirement account is a task that tends to fall down your ever-growing list of to-dos. From student loans to rent and bills, it’s easy to understand how retirement planning, like selecting a Roth vs. traditional IRA, can be neglected.

Whether you’re new to filing taxes or just need a refresher, we want to help you file with more confidence and less confusion. Understanding the basic tax terms and concepts will be key to filing your return quickly and accurately – and without overpaying. So, before you file your 2019 tax return, make sure you know these nine essential terms.

Having a great home is key to enjoying a great quality of life. Choosing a home that fits your lifestyle, goals, and budget often begins with one big question: Should you rent or buy?

Credit unions and banks provide the same types of services, but certain characteristics set credit unions apart. Here are some of the most common misconceptions about credit unions, debunked.

The best way to make college affordable is to start saving as soon as possible. And the best way to build your college fund is with a tax-advantaged account or savings plan, which can help you grow your savings faster and keep more money available for what’s important: your child’s education.

Credit cards are a valuable tool for building credit, making large purchases, or earning rewards. Still, a tool this powerful must be used carefully to prevent avoidable or unmanageable amounts of debt. If you ever find yourself in deeper than expected, don’t worry – there are several ways to tackle credit card debt, one way being debt consolidation.

If you’re looking for a simple solution that offers both steady earnings and protection for your funds, an IRA certificate could be right for you. While you may not have heard of this type of account, you’re probably familiar with the two accounts it combines: an individual retirement account (IRA) and a certificate (the credit union equivalent of a bank CD). Here’s why an IRA certificate could be a smart approach to your retirement savings.

Every January, people across the world set New Year’s resolutions — from saving money to losing 15 pounds, the start of a new year is a chance to plan for the future and reach new milestones. One resolution that should be at the top of your list? Retirement planning.