Early in their careers, people tend to focus on the here and now while ignoring the future. As you climb the ladder of success, you might think raises and promotions will never end and that you have forever to plan for the future. Surprisingly, though, the future comes faster than you can imagine.
Here are the six most common and avoidable mistakes younger people make:
#1: Not planning for retirement
Retirement may be ages away, but the only way to make sure you have what you need to retire is to start planning early. If you start saving for retirement when you get your first job, even if it’s only a small amount, you will establish the habit and start building up savings.
Short-term goals, like a new car, can overshadow what seems like the very long-term goal of retirement. If you get your priorities straight early on, though, you will reap huge benefits.
#2: Spending too much on a car
It might make financial sense to buy a new car, but don’t buy more car than you need. Choose a car that serves your current needs without sabotaging your long-term goals and savings.
#3: Not using a budget
You might look at a budget as unnecessary because you’re not making enough money. Or, you may view it as something that will restrict your spending, or as just too much trouble. In truth, a budget can help you at any level of income and can provide you with financial freedom. Budgets allow you to track spending and determine where you need to be more careful. Also, budgets can be as simple as tracking money in and money out. As you earn more and your expenses get more complex, you can adjust your budget to fit your needs.
#4 Overusing credit
Credit cards make it far too easy to fall into the debt trap. You start carrying a little balance on your credit cards and it builds up, sometimes forcing you to dip into savings to pay your credit card bills. Avoid this situation by using credit sparingly and only for identified and planned purchases. Implement a plan to save for major purchases and pay for most, if not all of them, in advance.
#5: Having no emergency fundTips
In today's digital age, fraud has become a prevalent threat that affects individuals and businesses alike. Protecting our personal and financial information is of utmost importance. Here are some ways to safeguard yourself from falling victim to fraud.
Continue Reading "Avoid Fraud" »October 1st is the first day to submit your FAFSA forms to apply for financial aid for college. We’ve got the tips you’ll need to get through the process successfully!
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Continue Reading "Buying a Home During Covid-19" »Medical bills can throw a carefully planned budget into ruin. Even with insurance, the remaining bills can be crippling. Read our latest blog post for tips on how to tackle this issue.
Continue Reading "How to Dispute and Pay for Large Medical Bills" »Share on Facebook: How to Dispute and Pay for Large Medical Bills Share on Twitter: How to Dispute and Pay for Large Medical Bills Contactless payments are the safer way to shop. Have you added Apple/Samsung/Android Pay to your mobile wallet yet?
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Continue Reading "How Should I Spend My Stimulus Money?" »Share on Facebook: How Should I Spend My Stimulus Money? Share on Twitter: How Should I Spend My Stimulus Money? Your home is where your heart is. For most of us right now, it’s also where our business is, our family is and our attention is. It’s safe to say your home is where you’re spending the majority of your time – and quite possibly a majority of your income – so make sure this investment pays off by keeping your home in the best shape possible!
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Continue Reading "Make Your Home More Energy-Efficient in 2020" »Share on Facebook: Make Your Home More Energy-Efficient in 2020 Share on Twitter: Make Your Home More Energy-Efficient in 2020 Do you have a budget? It’s not as hard as you might think to make one. We’ve got a simple six-step process that will have you in full command of your finances in no time!
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Continue Reading "All You Need to Know About Data Breaches" »Share on Facebook: All You Need to Know About Data Breaches Share on Twitter: All You Need to Know About Data Breaches Did you know that roughly a quarter of credit reports in a recent survey had errors in them? Is yours one? If you find a mistake on your report, we’ve got the steps you need to fix it!
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Continue Reading "Help Your Child Open Their First Savings Account" »Share on Facebook: Help Your Child Open Their First Savings Account Share on Twitter: Help Your Child Open Their First Savings Account Fake check scams aren’t just a problem for older folks. The biggest (and most profitable) target for these crimes are students! Find out how to protect yourself.
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Continue Reading "5 Things to Consider Before Buying a Home" »Share on Facebook: 5 Things to Consider Before Buying a Home Share on Twitter: 5 Things to Consider Before Buying a Home 2020 is almost here – are you ready? Usher in the new year with plans for financial improvement and resolutions to do more. We've got some tips to get you started.
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Continue Reading "Fall Into Tax Planning" »Whether your retirement unfolds as a beautiful dream or a scary nightmare depends largely on the financial decisions you make today. But if retirement planning is brand-new to you, you're not alone.
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Continue Reading "How To Get a Student Loan with No Credit" »Share on Facebook: How To Get a Student Loan with No Credit Share on Twitter: How To Get a Student Loan with No Credit Paying an overdraft fee is something we all want to avoid. Watch this short video for tips on how to keep that money in your account!
Continue Reading "Video: How to Avoid an Overdraft Fee" »Share on Facebook: Video: How to Avoid an Overdraft Fee Share on Twitter: Video: How to Avoid an Overdraft Fee Student loans can pose problems for many first-time home buyers trying to qualify for a home loan. This isn’t a news flash for most of us with student loan debt, but it also doesn’t have to mean the end of the road for the dream of homeownership.
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Continue Reading "4 Ways to Use Your Home's Equity" »Share on Facebook: 4 Ways to Use Your Home's Equity Share on Twitter: 4 Ways to Use Your Home's Equity When you start college, credit card companies start hitting your student mailboxes with multiple credit card offers. Unfortunately, many students accept these tempting offers, use the cards enthusiastically, and then find themselves – even before they graduate – way over their heads in debt.
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Continue Reading "Raise Money Smart Kids" »Congrats—you’re ready to purchase your first car! The process can be daunting, but we will walk you through it. Follow our guidelines for a stress-free ride!
Continue Reading "Buying Your First Car" »Are you thinking about refinancing your mortgage? Rates are low right now, but there’s a lot more to think about than just that. Get the info before you decide!
Continue Reading "Mortgage Rates are Dropping - Should I Refinance?" »Share on Facebook: Mortgage Rates are Dropping - Should I Refinance? Share on Twitter: Mortgage Rates are Dropping - Should I Refinance? You don’t need to spend a fortune to give your house a new look this spring. Read on for a list of home improvement hacks and learn how to upgrade your home on a budget.
Continue Reading "Home Improvement Hacks" »Car owners typically refinance for one of three reasons: to lower monthly payments, to save on interest charges, or to get cash to cover an expense or help manage other debt. To determine whether refinancing makes sense for you, take a good look at your current loan and financial picture.
Continue Reading "How Can Refinancing My Car Benefit Me?" »Share on Facebook: How Can Refinancing My Car Benefit Me? Share on Twitter: How Can Refinancing My Car Benefit Me? Spring is here! Time for some spring cleaning of your finances! From getting rid of debt to getting your savings on track, we’ve got tips to help!
Continue Reading "5 Ways to Spring Clean Your Finances" »Share on Facebook: 5 Ways to Spring Clean Your Finances Share on Twitter: 5 Ways to Spring Clean Your Finances If you’re thinking about purchasing your first home, you may feel overwhelmed or confused on where and how to start. What are the first steps? Who should you talk to first? What professionals should you use?
Continue Reading "How To Start The Homebuying Process" »Share on Facebook: How To Start The Homebuying Process Share on Twitter: How To Start The Homebuying Process Does life just seem too expensive? You might be living beyond your means. We’ve got 7 ways to tell if you are, and tips to help you get your money back in line!
Continue Reading "7 Signs You're Living Beyond Your Means - And How to Fix Them" »Share on Facebook: 7 Signs You're Living Beyond Your Means - And How to Fix Them Share on Twitter: 7 Signs You're Living Beyond Your Means - And How to Fix Them Wishing you didn’t have to write another check to pay your utility bill, gardener, or homeowner’s association? We’ve got the solution that saves you time and money—online bill pay.
Continue Reading "4 Reasons to Use Online Bill Pay" »Share on Facebook: 4 Reasons to Use Online Bill Pay Share on Twitter: 4 Reasons to Use Online Bill Pay Personal loans are a low-cost alternative to credit cards or other high-rate loans. If you've got bills you want to consolidate, or an emergency arises that you don't have the savings for, a Personal Loan with MCCU may be your solution.
Continue Reading "Personal Loans: Keep Your Borrowing in Check" »Share on Facebook: Personal Loans: Keep Your Borrowing in Check Share on Twitter: Personal Loans: Keep Your Borrowing in Check Auto insurance is required in most states. It makes sense to protect your investment and yourself and others in the event of an accident. But what happens when your car just stops working or something breaks? Those situations aren't covered under traditional auto insurance, but can be costly and inconvenient none-the-less.
Continue Reading "Mechanical Breakdown Insurance (MBI): What Is It and Do I Need It?" »Share on Facebook: Mechanical Breakdown Insurance (MBI): What Is It and Do I Need It? Share on Twitter: Mechanical Breakdown Insurance (MBI): What Is It and Do I Need It? Looking for a new auto insurance policy? We've got tips to help you with the process!
Continue Reading "7 Steps To Purchasing an Auto Insurance Policy" »Share on Facebook: 7 Steps To Purchasing an Auto Insurance Policy Share on Twitter: 7 Steps To Purchasing an Auto Insurance Policy Lost in the homeowners insurance maze? Balancing coverage with premiums and deductibles can make your head spin. We’ve got tips to help!
Continue Reading "Your Complete Guide to Homeowners Insurance" »Share on Facebook: Your Complete Guide to Homeowners Insurance Share on Twitter: Your Complete Guide to Homeowners Insurance When you get to college, you start getting hit with multiple credit card offers. Read on for some tips to manage your credit wisely.
Continue Reading "College Students: Be Smart about Credit Cards" »Share on Facebook: College Students: Be Smart about Credit Cards Share on Twitter: College Students: Be Smart about Credit Cards Want to get out of debt? Who doesn’t? You can take small steps that add up to big interest savings and earlier repayment. We’ve got the info!
Continue Reading "5 Ways to Pay Off a Loan Early" »Unless you have an electric car, you are shelling out a lot of money for gas. Don't fret - we've got some tips to help you ease the pain at the pump.
Continue Reading "Top 5 Fuel Economy Tips" »Students and their families have plenty of options to consider when it comes to paying for college tuition. From scholarships to grants to loans, filling the gap can be a confusing proposition. Before deciding what options are right for you, there are a few important tips to keep in mind.
Continue Reading "College Scholarships, Grants and Loans - What do they Cover?" »Share on Facebook: College Scholarships, Grants and Loans - What do they Cover? Share on Twitter: College Scholarships, Grants and Loans - What do they Cover? Found your dream home? Don’t sign anything until you have an inspection! It’ll save you money, heartache and even avoid safety hazards. Read our tips!
Continue Reading "7 Reasons Not To Skip a Home Inspection" »Share on Facebook: 7 Reasons Not To Skip a Home Inspection Share on Twitter: 7 Reasons Not To Skip a Home Inspection Do you know what your credit score is or how it's used? Read on for valuable information on how your credit score affects you.
Continue Reading "How Your Credit Score is Calculated" »Share on Facebook: How Your Credit Score is Calculated Share on Twitter: How Your Credit Score is Calculated Consumers are sometimes faced with taking steps to repair tarnished credit. Here are four steps to help make that happen.
Continue Reading "Video: 4 Steps to Credit Repair" »Share on Facebook: Video: 4 Steps to Credit Repair Share on Twitter: Video: 4 Steps to Credit Repair Do you have money saved in case of an emergency? Rainy day and emergency funds are a must, and we have tips to help you set them up and feed them!
Continue Reading "Do I Need an Emergency Fund and a Rainy Day Fund?" »Share on Facebook: Do I Need an Emergency Fund and a Rainy Day Fund? Share on Twitter: Do I Need an Emergency Fund and a Rainy Day Fund? Want to make money online? Who doesn't? From taking surveys to being a consultant, we’ve got several ways to fill your wallet from your keyboard!
Continue Reading "6 Ways to Earn Money Online" »It's a new year and now is the time to think about your financial goals. Read on for some helpful tips!
Continue Reading "Financial Goals for the New Year" »Share on Facebook: Financial Goals for the New Year Share on Twitter: Financial Goals for the New Year If you’re realizing that your 20s are behind you and the party is over, we’ve got ways to get your money life back in order for your future!
Continue Reading "6 Financial Mistakes People Make in Their 20s" »Share on Facebook: 6 Financial Mistakes People Make in Their 20s Share on Twitter: 6 Financial Mistakes People Make in Their 20s Happy holidays! We’ve got great tips on how you can make the most out of your holiday break time while still having plenty of fun.
Continue Reading "Making the Holidays Count" »New Year's Resolutions don't have to be about losing weight or finding love. They can be all about your finances too! Set up some realistic goals for yourself for 2019 and have a financially happy 2019!
Continue Reading "New Year's Resolutions for 2019" »Share on Facebook: New Year's Resolutions for 2019 Share on Twitter: New Year's Resolutions for 2019 Having a good credit score means you'll have access to better interest rates when you need a loan. We've got tips to help you improve your score!
Continue Reading "5 Ways to Improve Your Credit Score" »Share on Facebook: 5 Ways to Improve Your Credit Score Share on Twitter: 5 Ways to Improve Your Credit Score Don’t let holiday scams spoil your happiness! We’ve got warnings that will help you steer clear of all the naughtiest crooks looking to ruin your joy!
Continue Reading "7 Scams to Watch Out For This Holiday Season" »Share on Facebook: 7 Scams to Watch Out For This Holiday Season Share on Twitter: 7 Scams to Watch Out For This Holiday Season Learn about important tax changes, plus as a MCCU member, you can save money on TurboTax products!
Continue Reading "Tax Reform 101: 5 Reasons You Should Start Planning" »Share on Facebook: Tax Reform 101: 5 Reasons You Should Start Planning Share on Twitter: Tax Reform 101: 5 Reasons You Should Start Planning Inheriting an IRA can have a host of tax implications and brings a ton of requirements. We’ve got quick guide to help you make best use of your new IRA!
Continue Reading "What You Need to Know About Inheriting an IRA" »Share on Facebook: What You Need to Know About Inheriting an IRA Share on Twitter: What You Need to Know About Inheriting an IRA Is holiday shopping turning your happiness into a lump of coal? We’ve got tips to keep your debt load low and your spirits high this season!
Continue Reading "How Should I Fund My Holiday Shopping?" »Share on Facebook: How Should I Fund My Holiday Shopping? Share on Twitter: How Should I Fund My Holiday Shopping? Your shopping list is a mile long. Your social calendar is jam-packed. Your patience is wearing thin, and your budget is stretched to the max! If your holiday mantra is “Bah humbug” rather than “Ho ho ho,” try these tips to reduce your stress and enjoy the season.
Continue Reading "Reduce Your Holiday Stress" »Online shopping can eat up your budget if you’re not careful! We’ve got plenty of info on how retailers trick you into spending and how to beat the game.
Continue Reading "Why Do I Spend So Much Money Shopping Online?" »Share on Facebook: Why Do I Spend So Much Money Shopping Online? Share on Twitter: Why Do I Spend So Much Money Shopping Online? Selling your home this holiday season? Staging your home can increase the likelihood of a sale, and attract more potential buyers. Read on for some tips to help you successfully stage your home during the holidays!
Continue Reading "5 Tips for Staging Your Home to Sell During the Holiday Season" »Share on Facebook: 5 Tips for Staging Your Home to Sell During the Holiday Season Share on Twitter: 5 Tips for Staging Your Home to Sell During the Holiday Season Thanksgiving doesn't have to chew a hole in your budget! We’ve got great tricks to cut costs dramatically.
Continue Reading "7 Ways to Save on Thanksgiving Costs" »Share on Facebook: 7 Ways to Save on Thanksgiving Costs Share on Twitter: 7 Ways to Save on Thanksgiving Costs Parents want their kids to have the best holiday ever, and that sometimes means getting them everything on their holiday shopping list. But how can you balance giving them what they want and not breaking the bank? We've got some helpful tips to do just that!
Continue Reading "How Not to Bust Your Holiday Budget" »Share on Facebook: How Not to Bust Your Holiday Budget Share on Twitter: How Not to Bust Your Holiday Budget Headed home for the holidays but strapped for cash? We’ve got tips to help you go in style!
Continue Reading "Holiday Hacks for Traveling College Students" »Share on Facebook: Holiday Hacks for Traveling College Students Share on Twitter: Holiday Hacks for Traveling College Students Single parents face the same budget and finance issues as couples, but they go it alone. We’ve got tips to help you get control.
Continue Reading "Financial Tips for Single Parents" »Share on Facebook: Financial Tips for Single Parents Share on Twitter: Financial Tips for Single Parents Saving money for a rainy day is a smart idea. But how can you do that on a limited budget? We'll show you some tips on how you can save and how much you should be saving!
Continue Reading "Video: How Much Should I Save?" »Even though Summer is over, now is a good time to put into place good energy-saving habits.Try these simple steps to get your bill under control.
Continue Reading "Creative Ways to Save on Energy Costs" »Share on Facebook: Creative Ways to Save on Energy Costs Share on Twitter: Creative Ways to Save on Energy Costs Do you know how much money you have to spend on clothing, vacations or even your weekly Starbucks run? With a good budget in place, you'll ensure you won't overspend and leave yourself in a financial bind.
Continue Reading "Video: What is Budgeting and Why Is It Important?" »Share on Facebook: Video: What is Budgeting and Why Is It Important? Share on Twitter: Video: What is Budgeting and Why Is It Important? If you’re buying a new home, you’ll want to read our alert about a scam that could cost you big. Get the info on avoiding mortgage scams!
Continue Reading "Beware of Mortgage Fraud" »Credit card balances, personal loans, student loans and more – anyone with debt knows it can get overwhelming. Read on for some helpful tips to consolidate your debt and pay it down faster!
Continue Reading "When Debt Consolidation Can Be a Good Move" »Share on Facebook: When Debt Consolidation Can Be a Good Move Share on Twitter: When Debt Consolidation Can Be a Good Move Find out some easy tips to save up for a down payment for your next home!
Continue Reading "How to Save for a Down Payment on a Home" »Share on Facebook: How to Save for a Down Payment on a Home Share on Twitter: How to Save for a Down Payment on a Home Buying a home is thrilling and exciting and terrifying all at once. Add in the fact that you haven’t sold your current home, and there are many more moving parts to your transaction. In a hot real estate market, sometimes you have to jump in and make an offer before you’re quite ready (or able) to sell your current home. If you have a hefty savings account and income sufficient to qualify for both of your mortgages, it might not be a problem, But for millions of homeowners, this scenario requires a different solution.
Continue Reading "Bridge Loans: Looking to Buy While You Are Selling?" »Share on Facebook: Bridge Loans: Looking to Buy While You Are Selling? Share on Twitter: Bridge Loans: Looking to Buy While You Are Selling? New car or used? It’s a tough decision, with advantages and disadvantages on both sides. Let us help you with our handy guide, and great credit union financing!
Continue Reading "Q&A: New Cars vs. Used Cars" »Should you refinance your home before retirement? If you pick the right mortgage, you can reap significant rewards! We can help!
Continue Reading "Should I Refinance Before I Retire?" »Share on Facebook: Should I Refinance Before I Retire? Share on Twitter: Should I Refinance Before I Retire? Want to refinance your mortgage or get a new loan? Find out more about our Mortgage Loans today!
Share on Facebook: Video: Money Hack - How To Save on Your Mortgage Share on Twitter: Video: Money Hack - How To Save on Your Mortgage Time to fix up your home? Before you take out a personal loan or run up a credit card, check out home equity lines of credit. A HELOC might be just the thing!
Continue Reading "What's the Best Way to Finance a Home Renovation?" »Share on Facebook: What's the Best Way to Finance a Home Renovation? Share on Twitter: What's the Best Way to Finance a Home Renovation? Credit cards affect your FICO score, but how many should you have? The answer is kind of twisty, but we’ve got tips to help boost your scores!
Continue Reading "How Many Credit Cards Should I Have?" »Share on Facebook: How Many Credit Cards Should I Have? Share on Twitter: How Many Credit Cards Should I Have? Does it make more financial sense to take the 0% financing or the rebate when I'm shopping for a car? Read our latest blog post to find out!
Continue Reading "Zero Percent Financing: What You Should Know Before You Shop" »Share on Facebook: Zero Percent Financing: What You Should Know Before You Shop Share on Twitter: Zero Percent Financing: What You Should Know Before You Shop Want to make your home energy smart? Read on for some valuable tips! And, get information on our Home Energy Loans!
Continue Reading "8 Steps To An Energy-Smart Home" »Share on Facebook: 8 Steps To An Energy-Smart Home Share on Twitter: 8 Steps To An Energy-Smart Home It’s your wedding day! Can you save money on everything that goes with it? Absolutely! We’ve got tips and tricks to make your Special Day a bargain!
Continue Reading "Getting Married? Here are 5 Ways to Budget for Your Wedding!" »Share on Facebook: Getting Married? Here are 5 Ways to Budget for Your Wedding! Share on Twitter: Getting Married? Here are 5 Ways to Budget for Your Wedding! Take some of the cost out of student life with huge student discounts from companies like Amazon, Microsoft and Adobe. Who says you can’t catch a break!
Continue Reading "Student Discounts!" »Your debit card is a great way to pay, but be smart about where you use it! A little caution can go a long way to protect your financial information.
Continue Reading "Debit Card Safety" »Ah, June! Summertime, and the shopping is easy! We’ve got the insider info on what to buy and what to skip in summer’s first month.
Continue Reading "Money Tips: What to Grab and What to Skip in June" »Share on Facebook: Money Tips: What to Grab and What to Skip in June Share on Twitter: Money Tips: What to Grab and What to Skip in June We want our kids to be money savvy. Our latest blog post offers tips for conversation starters and more for you to teach your kids money skills!
Continue Reading "Saving Smarts - Teaching Kids Smart Money Management" »Share on Facebook: Saving Smarts - Teaching Kids Smart Money Management Share on Twitter: Saving Smarts - Teaching Kids Smart Money Management Want to refinance your house? It can save you thousands, but be sure you’re doing it for the right reasons. Our guide will help you decide!
Continue Reading "Should I Refinance My Home Mortgage?" »Share on Facebook: Should I Refinance My Home Mortgage? Share on Twitter: Should I Refinance My Home Mortgage? Looking to freshen up your kitchen? It’s less expensive than you might think to give the hardest-working room in your house a new look!
Continue Reading "4 Ways to Bring Your Dream Kitchen to Life" »Share on Facebook: 4 Ways to Bring Your Dream Kitchen to Life Share on Twitter: 4 Ways to Bring Your Dream Kitchen to Life Did mom teach you to be thrifty? Show her you were paying attention with a thrifty Mother's Day celebration. Show your love AND your good sense!
Continue Reading "Mother's Day Savings" »Got your tax refund? You might be tempted to spend it all, or maybe your friend needs a loan. We’ve got some better ideas!
Continue Reading "How Should I Use My Tax Refund?" »Share on Facebook: How Should I Use My Tax Refund? Share on Twitter: How Should I Use My Tax Refund? Get pre-approved for a MCCU Car Loan now!
Want to skip the Dealer trip? Shop for your new car now with Autoland!
Share on Facebook: Video: Why You Should Get Pre-Approved for a Car Loan Share on Twitter: Video: Why You Should Get Pre-Approved for a Car Loan Contrary to what most people think, you do NOT need 20% down to buy a house! See our tips on other mortgage options, and on why a lower down payment might be a great idea!
Continue Reading "Buying a Home: The 20% Down Myth" »Share on Facebook: Buying a Home: The 20% Down Myth Share on Twitter: Buying a Home: The 20% Down Myth College can be fun, but it’s also time to prep for the real world! Read our tips and you’ll be a big step ahead when it’s time to graduate and go job hunting!
Continue Reading "5 Things to do Today to Help Your Future" »Share on Facebook: 5 Things to do Today to Help Your Future Share on Twitter: 5 Things to do Today to Help Your Future Got a money emergency? From personal loans and credit cards to 401(k) loans and borrowing from family, you’ve got options … but choose carefully!
Continue Reading "How To Fund an Emergency" »Don’t let spring cleaning get you down! You can sell your excess stuff of all types to make some extra cash after you clean. We’ll show you how!
Continue Reading "7 Ways to Spring Clean for Extra Cash" »Share on Facebook: 7 Ways to Spring Clean for Extra Cash Share on Twitter: 7 Ways to Spring Clean for Extra Cash Fed up with fees and poor service? Looking for great service and better rates on loans and deposits? Join a credit union!
Continue Reading "Why Choose a Credit Union?" »If you’re getting ready to sell your house, we’ve got 12 tips that will help you get a buyer quickly and sell for a great price! You’ll be closing in no time!
Continue Reading "A Dozen Tricks To Sell Your Home Quickly" »Share on Facebook: A Dozen Tricks To Sell Your Home Quickly Share on Twitter: A Dozen Tricks To Sell Your Home Quickly Is it time to remodel your kitchen? We’ve got tips that can save you thousands of dollars and still leave you with the gourmet enclave of your dreams!
Continue Reading "Saving on Home Renovations" »Monthly budgeting is a necessary evil, but the envelope system can make it easy! Split up your money, spend carefully and don’t cheat and you’ll do great!
Continue Reading "How To Use the Money Envelope System" »Share on Facebook: How To Use the Money Envelope System Share on Twitter: How To Use the Money Envelope System The process of a child leaving home is a major milestone that is made extra complex because of the emotions it generates. The reality, though, is that there are some very concrete things that can be done to smoothe this transition.
Continue Reading "Ready, Set, Go.... to College!" »Don’t let a new appliance drive your power bill up! We’ve got tips to help you pick the right one for your needs!
Continue Reading "Energy Saving Tips – What To Look For When Buying New Appliances" »Share on Facebook: Energy Saving Tips – What To Look For When Buying New Appliances Share on Twitter: Energy Saving Tips – What To Look For When Buying New Appliances In today's digital age, fraud has become a prevalent threat that affects individuals and businesses alike. Protecting our personal and financial information is of utmost importance. Here are some ways to safeguard yourself from falling victim to fraud.
Continue Reading "Avoid Fraud" »October 1st is the first day to submit your FAFSA forms to apply for financial aid for college. We’ve got the tips you’ll need to get through the process successfully!
Continue Reading "5 Tips for a Successful FAFSA for Financial Aid" »Share on Facebook: 5 Tips for a Successful FAFSA for Financial Aid Share on Twitter: 5 Tips for a Successful FAFSA for Financial Aid Thinking about upgrading your kitchen or bathroom, or painting the house? Read our latest blog post for home improvement tips and helpful information!
Continue Reading "Is Now a Good Time for Home Improvements?" »Share on Facebook: Is Now a Good Time for Home Improvements? Share on Twitter: Is Now a Good Time for Home Improvements? Has your summer vacation turned into a #staycation? We’ve got ideas to turn your backyard into an oasis that will keep you and the kids happy!
Continue Reading "Staycationing? Turn Your Backyard Into an Oasis!" »Share on Facebook: Staycationing? Turn Your Backyard Into an Oasis! Share on Twitter: Staycationing? Turn Your Backyard Into an Oasis! Looking for your first home? Find out about special programs to help you save money when you buy!
Continue Reading "First-Time Homebuyers: Save Money on Down Payments & Closing Costs!" »Share on Facebook: First-Time Homebuyers: Save Money on Down Payments & Closing Costs! Share on Twitter: First-Time Homebuyers: Save Money on Down Payments & Closing Costs! If you’re looking to finance your next home improvement project, consolidate debt, or pay for college tuition, consider tapping into your home’s equity with a Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC) from Matadors Community Credit Union.
Continue Reading "Tap Into Your Home’s Equity When You Need Money" »Share on Facebook: Tap Into Your Home’s Equity When You Need Money Share on Twitter: Tap Into Your Home’s Equity When You Need Money If you’re opting for a low-key road trip for your family or friends this summer, we’ve got some tips to save money and make it a safe and fantastic vacation.
Continue Reading "Summer Vacation During Covid – Take a Road Trip!" »Share on Facebook: Summer Vacation During Covid – Take a Road Trip! Share on Twitter: Summer Vacation During Covid – Take a Road Trip! Before Covid you were ready to start your search for a new home, but that was halted? Is now a good time?
Continue Reading "Buying a Home During Covid-19" »Medical bills can throw a carefully planned budget into ruin. Even with insurance, the remaining bills can be crippling. Read our latest blog post for tips on how to tackle this issue.
Continue Reading "How to Dispute and Pay for Large Medical Bills" »Share on Facebook: How to Dispute and Pay for Large Medical Bills Share on Twitter: How to Dispute and Pay for Large Medical Bills Contactless payments are the safer way to shop. Have you added Apple/Samsung/Android Pay to your mobile wallet yet?
Continue Reading "Shopping with Contactless Payments" »Share on Facebook: Shopping with Contactless Payments Share on Twitter: Shopping with Contactless Payments Great news! Now you can check your credit report weekly - for free!
Continue Reading "Check Your Credit Report Weekly – For Free" »Share on Facebook: Check Your Credit Report Weekly – For Free Share on Twitter: Check Your Credit Report Weekly – For Free It's almost summer and it's going to get hot! We've got tips to help you stay cool.
Continue Reading "Video: Creative Ways to Save on Energy Costs" »Share on Facebook: Video: Creative Ways to Save on Energy Costs Share on Twitter: Video: Creative Ways to Save on Energy Costs The coronavirus has a lot of people panicking, but keep a level head. Don’t sell all your investments or neglect your regular healthcare. Read further to get more tips, and be well!
Continue Reading "Financial Dos and Don'ts During the Coronavirus Outbreak" »
Share on Facebook: Financial Dos and Don'ts During the Coronavirus Outbreak Share on Twitter: Financial Dos and Don'ts During the Coronavirus Outbreak Don’t let quarantine ruin your Mothers Day. We’ve got tons of ideas, from virtual craft projects and world tours to dinners together and even movie night. Get the info!
Continue Reading "Celebrate Mother’s Day in Quarantine" »Share on Facebook: Celebrate Mother’s Day in Quarantine Share on Twitter: Celebrate Mother’s Day in Quarantine Are you still waiting for your stimulus check? Many Americans who filed tax returns and used direct deposit for refunds already have theirs. Find out when yours is due!
Continue Reading "Where is My Stimulus Check?" »With stimulus checks and direct deposits heading out or already delivered, you might be wondering how best to use the money. We’ve got plenty of tips to help guide you to use it wisely.
Continue Reading "How Should I Spend My Stimulus Money?" »Share on Facebook: How Should I Spend My Stimulus Money? Share on Twitter: How Should I Spend My Stimulus Money? Your home is where your heart is. For most of us right now, it’s also where our business is, our family is and our attention is. It’s safe to say your home is where you’re spending the majority of your time – and quite possibly a majority of your income – so make sure this investment pays off by keeping your home in the best shape possible!
Continue Reading "DIY Home Improvement and Maintenance Tips" »Share on Facebook: DIY Home Improvement and Maintenance Tips Share on Twitter: DIY Home Improvement and Maintenance Tips Switch to Sprint and get $200 cash with Unlimited Plus or Premium. Plus $100 annual loyalty reward.
Continue Reading "Shop Safely and Easily From Home With Sprint" »Share on Facebook: Shop Safely and Easily From Home With Sprint Share on Twitter: Shop Safely and Easily From Home With Sprint By consolidating your high-rate credit cards and other debt into a single, lower-interest HELOC payment, you can reduce your total debt and pay it off faster.
Continue Reading "Consolidating Debt with a Home Equity Line of Credit" »Share on Facebook: Consolidating Debt with a Home Equity Line of Credit Share on Twitter: Consolidating Debt with a Home Equity Line of Credit Don’t get Zoom-bombed! Find out how to keep your work and your kids’ school teleconferences safe.
Continue Reading "Beware of Zoom Bombers" »Want to improve your credit score? Experian Boost™ can help!
Continue Reading "Can Experian Boost Help Improve My Credit Score?" »Share on Facebook: Can Experian Boost Help Improve My Credit Score? Share on Twitter: Can Experian Boost Help Improve My Credit Score? Do your finances need a bit of sprucing up this spring? We’ve got a set of tips that will help you get your money matters in order!
Continue Reading "What Should Be On My Financial To-Do List This Spring?" »
Share on Facebook: What Should Be On My Financial To-Do List This Spring? Share on Twitter: What Should Be On My Financial To-Do List This Spring? Getting your ducks in a row when applying for a mortgage can seem daunting, but it doesn’t have to be! MCCU is here to help you determine what type of loan, including size, duration and other terms, are right for you.
Continue Reading "What Documents Do You Need for a Home Loan?" »Share on Facebook: What Documents Do You Need for a Home Loan? Share on Twitter: What Documents Do You Need for a Home Loan? Is your fridge on the fritz? Is your old washer/dryer eating up your electricity bill? When it's time to replace your appliances, MCCU can help!
Continue Reading "Are Your Home Appliances Eating Up Your Utility Bill?" »Share on Facebook: Are Your Home Appliances Eating Up Your Utility Bill? Share on Twitter: Are Your Home Appliances Eating Up Your Utility Bill? While there are many down payment assistance programs and loan options that can make the down payment a little easier to swallow, there are also a few habits you can implement to quickly save for a down payment.
Continue Reading "How to Quickly Save More for a Down Payment for a Home" »Share on Facebook: How to Quickly Save More for a Down Payment for a Home Share on Twitter: How to Quickly Save More for a Down Payment for a Home If you have an older system in your home, now is the time to upgrade and start saving money in the long run. And MCCU can help.
Continue Reading "Upgrade Your Heating & Cooling System in Your Home" »Share on Facebook: Upgrade Your Heating & Cooling System in Your Home Share on Twitter: Upgrade Your Heating & Cooling System in Your Home If you’re a veteran or the spouse of one, a VA loan could be your best route to homeownership! Matadors Community Credit Union can help get the ball rolling, so make the call!
Continue Reading "All You Need to Know About VA Home Loans" »
Share on Facebook: All You Need to Know About VA Home Loans Share on Twitter: All You Need to Know About VA Home Loans Trimming your monthly expenses can save you big money in your budget. Look at everything from your mortgage to monthly subscriptions and see what you can trim!
Continue Reading "5 Ways to Trim Your Fixed Expenses" »Share on Facebook: 5 Ways to Trim Your Fixed Expenses Share on Twitter: 5 Ways to Trim Your Fixed Expenses You’ve been in a car accident. You’re OK, but what’s going to happen to your insurance premiums if you’re at fault?
Continue Reading "How Will My Insurance Premiums be Affected By a Car Accident?" »Share on Facebook: How Will My Insurance Premiums be Affected By a Car Accident? Share on Twitter: How Will My Insurance Premiums be Affected By a Car Accident? If you're thinking about buying a home in the next year, do you have a budget to keep you on track?
Continue Reading "Stay on the Path to Homeownership with These Budget-Friendly Tips" »Share on Facebook: Stay on the Path to Homeownership with These Budget-Friendly Tips Share on Twitter: Stay on the Path to Homeownership with These Budget-Friendly Tips When you make any energy-efficiency upgrades to your home, from light bulbs to windows and solar panels, not only are you helping the environment, you’re helping to keep more of your money in your own pocket. And we can help make it happen!
Continue Reading "Make Your Home More Energy-Efficient in 2020" »Share on Facebook: Make Your Home More Energy-Efficient in 2020 Share on Twitter: Make Your Home More Energy-Efficient in 2020 Do you have a budget? It’s not as hard as you might think to make one. We’ve got a simple six-step process that will have you in full command of your finances in no time!
Continue Reading "How to Create a Budget in 6 Easy Steps" »Share on Facebook: How to Create a Budget in 6 Easy Steps Share on Twitter: How to Create a Budget in 6 Easy Steps If you’re just getting started in the credit world, you’re going to need to build your file. Matadors Community Credit Union can help, and we’ve got other great tips to get your credit score up!
Continue Reading "How to Build Your Credit From Scratch" »
Share on Facebook: How to Build Your Credit From Scratch Share on Twitter: How to Build Your Credit From Scratch Unless you want an ugly financial surprise when you graduate, it’s best to determine upfront if your proposed career path will support you. We can help you figure it out!
Continue Reading "How To Make Your Career Choice Fit Your Budget" »Share on Facebook: How To Make Your Career Choice Fit Your Budget Share on Twitter: How To Make Your Career Choice Fit Your Budget With mortgage rates falling, many homeowners are rushing to refinance their 30-year mortgages into 15-year loans. Borrowers may be wondering if this is a financially sound move to make for their own mortgage. We’ve researched it and worked out the numbers for you so you can make a responsible, informed choice.
Continue Reading "Should I Refinance to a 15-Year Mortgage?" »Share on Facebook: Should I Refinance to a 15-Year Mortgage? Share on Twitter: Should I Refinance to a 15-Year Mortgage? Are you dreading the winter heating bills? We’ve got a set of hacks that will help you stay toasty warm without setting fire to your checking account!
Continue Reading "8 Creative Ways to Save on Heating Costs This Winter" »
Share on Facebook: 8 Creative Ways to Save on Heating Costs This Winter Share on Twitter: 8 Creative Ways to Save on Heating Costs This Winter Data breaches are everywhere, and sometimes it seems like you’re powerless to protect your data. Well, you’re not! We’ve got tips to help you minimize your risk.
Continue Reading "All You Need to Know About Data Breaches" »Share on Facebook: All You Need to Know About Data Breaches Share on Twitter: All You Need to Know About Data Breaches Did you know that roughly a quarter of credit reports in a recent survey had errors in them? Is yours one? If you find a mistake on your report, we’ve got the steps you need to fix it!
Continue Reading "How To Dispute an Error on Your Credit Report" »Share on Facebook: How To Dispute an Error on Your Credit Report Share on Twitter: How To Dispute an Error on Your Credit Report Have you thought about opening a savings account for your child? This milestone can be an invaluable introduction to the world of personal finance and will acquaint your child with the most important aspect of money – saving.
Continue Reading "Help Your Child Open Their First Savings Account" »Share on Facebook: Help Your Child Open Their First Savings Account Share on Twitter: Help Your Child Open Their First Savings Account Fake check scams aren’t just a problem for older folks. The biggest (and most profitable) target for these crimes are students! Find out how to protect yourself.
Continue Reading "Beware of the Fake Check Scam Targeting College Students" »Share on Facebook: Beware of the Fake Check Scam Targeting College Students Share on Twitter: Beware of the Fake Check Scam Targeting College Students We’re going to give you a break from New Year’s resolutions that involve the gym. This year, how about getting your finances in shape? MCCU can help!
Continue Reading "Taking Steps Toward Financial Improvement for the New Year" »
Share on Facebook: Taking Steps Toward Financial Improvement for the New Year Share on Twitter: Taking Steps Toward Financial Improvement for the New Year Buying a home, especially for the first time, can seem cumbersome and confusing. We are here to help!
Continue Reading "5 Things to Consider Before Buying a Home" »Share on Facebook: 5 Things to Consider Before Buying a Home Share on Twitter: 5 Things to Consider Before Buying a Home 2020 is almost here – are you ready? Usher in the new year with plans for financial improvement and resolutions to do more. We've got some tips to get you started.
Continue Reading "Be Financially Prepared for 2020" »Share on Facebook: Be Financially Prepared for 2020 Share on Twitter: Be Financially Prepared for 2020 Buying a home is undoubtedly one of the most difficult decisions you’ll make. We've got tips to help you!
Continue Reading "5 Questions to Ask a Real Estate Agent" »Share on Facebook: 5 Questions to Ask a Real Estate Agent Share on Twitter: 5 Questions to Ask a Real Estate Agent What's the best gift you can get your child this year? No, it's not a Steam gift card or a new XBox. It's the gift of financial smarts. Teach them now so when they are adults, they will be on their way to financial freedom.
Continue Reading "Teach Your Kids to be Savvy Savers for the New Year!" »Share on Facebook: Teach Your Kids to be Savvy Savers for the New Year! Share on Twitter: Teach Your Kids to be Savvy Savers for the New Year! It’s time to get your FAFSA forms done and start the wheels turning on the financial aid process for college. We’ve got the advice you’ll need to get through the process successfully!
Continue Reading "All You Need to Know About Applying for FAFSA" »Share on Facebook: All You Need to Know About Applying for FAFSA Share on Twitter: All You Need to Know About Applying for FAFSA Make sure your New Year’s resolutions this year work out better than the ones in the past! We’ll show you how to set yourself up for success and get help along the way.
Continue Reading "How Can I Make New Year's Resolutions That Stick?" »Share on Facebook: How Can I Make New Year's Resolutions That Stick? Share on Twitter: How Can I Make New Year's Resolutions That Stick? The new year is quickly approaching - have you set your New Year resolutions yet? Here’s a simple set of New Year’s resolutions that will revolutionize your financial life.
Continue Reading "5 Financial New Year's Resolutions" »Share on Facebook: 5 Financial New Year's Resolutions Share on Twitter: 5 Financial New Year's Resolutions It's holiday shopping time and the scammers are out there. We've got some great tips to help you stay financially safe!
Continue Reading "Empty Your Wallet Before You Go Holiday Shopping" »Share on Facebook: Empty Your Wallet Before You Go Holiday Shopping Share on Twitter: Empty Your Wallet Before You Go Holiday Shopping A mortgage is likely to be one of the biggest financial deals you ever make, so you need to know all the facts. Learn what types there are and how to prepare, then contact us to guide you through the process!
Continue Reading "All You Need to Know About Home Loans" »
Share on Facebook: All You Need to Know About Home Loans Share on Twitter: All You Need to Know About Home Loans The deals are out there on Black Friday, but if you’re not careful you’ll end up falling for “deals” that aren’t really deals. We’ll give you the info on how to keep from getting taken!
Continue Reading "6 Misleading Advertising Ploys to Watch Out For this Black Friday" »Share on Facebook: 6 Misleading Advertising Ploys to Watch Out For this Black Friday Share on Twitter: 6 Misleading Advertising Ploys to Watch Out For this Black Friday There are so many credit cards out there - how do you know which one is best for you? Watch our latest video to find out!
Continue Reading "Video: Credit Card Rewards Points or Miles: What’s Best For Me?" »Share on Facebook: Video: Credit Card Rewards Points or Miles: What’s Best For Me? Share on Twitter: Video: Credit Card Rewards Points or Miles: What’s Best For Me? Buying a house in the winter isn’t as silly as it might sound. There are some big advantages to house hunting in the cold. Check out our tips!
Continue Reading "Is Buying a Home In The Winter a Good Idea?" »Share on Facebook: Is Buying a Home In The Winter a Good Idea? Share on Twitter: Is Buying a Home In The Winter a Good Idea? While most people don’t start thinking about their taxes until February or even April, the best time to make changes is this year.
Continue Reading "Fall Into Tax Planning" »Whether your retirement unfolds as a beautiful dream or a scary nightmare depends largely on the financial decisions you make today. But if retirement planning is brand-new to you, you're not alone.
Continue Reading "Year-End Retirement Savings Strategies" »Share on Facebook: Year-End Retirement Savings Strategies Share on Twitter: Year-End Retirement Savings Strategies What should you do when a friend asks to borrow your credit card? We’ll give you all the reasons you need to keep your wallet closed (and your friendship intact)!
Continue Reading "Should I Lend Out My Credit Card?" »Share on Facebook: Should I Lend Out My Credit Card? Share on Twitter: Should I Lend Out My Credit Card? The real talk is this: college isn't cheap. And sometimes federal aid, if you can get it, doesn't last long. So how do you manage your student loans? We've got tips!
Continue Reading "All You Need to Know About Your First Student Loan" »Share on Facebook: All You Need to Know About Your First Student Loan Share on Twitter: All You Need to Know About Your First Student Loan It’s time for holiday shopping, and we can help! We’ve got shopping tips, budget advice and other info to keep your holidays jolly!
Continue Reading "6 Ways to Keep Your Finances Intact This Holiday Season" »Share on Facebook: 6 Ways to Keep Your Finances Intact This Holiday Season Share on Twitter: 6 Ways to Keep Your Finances Intact This Holiday Season Selling your home? Read our latest blog post to find out why using a professional Realtor is better than selling it yourself.
Continue Reading "Top 5 Reasons Why Selling Your Home Yourself is Not a Good Idea" »Share on Facebook: Top 5 Reasons Why Selling Your Home Yourself is Not a Good Idea Share on Twitter: Top 5 Reasons Why Selling Your Home Yourself is Not a Good Idea How much do you have saved for a down payment on a home? For many would-be homebuyers, saving up enough funds to cover a down payment and closing costs often feels like a monumental task. Luckily, you may be able to purchase a home with far less money down than you thought.
Continue Reading "13 Creative Ways to Save For a Home Down Payment" »Share on Facebook: 13 Creative Ways to Save For a Home Down Payment Share on Twitter: 13 Creative Ways to Save For a Home Down Payment Should you refinance before retirement? If you pick the right mortgage, you can reap significant rewards! We can help!
Continue Reading "Should I Refinance Before I Retire?" »Share on Facebook: Should I Refinance Before I Retire? Share on Twitter: Should I Refinance Before I Retire? Owning your home is a great feeling, but how can you maximize that investment so that when the time comes to sell, you can get the most bang for your buck?
Continue Reading "Home Improvement Ideas to Maximize Your Investment" »Share on Facebook: Home Improvement Ideas to Maximize Your Investment Share on Twitter: Home Improvement Ideas to Maximize Your Investment Whether you're applying for your first credit card, or you've had them for a while, it's always a good idea to learn how to manage your cards without going into debt.
Continue Reading "Understanding the Credit Card Trap" »Share on Facebook: Understanding the Credit Card Trap Share on Twitter: Understanding the Credit Card Trap Credit—the ability to borrow money and repay it with interest—is a fact of life. Credit history is required if you’re applying for a car loan, mortgage, or a student loan. But the tricky thing is that many students haven’t had enough time to develop a credit history of their own before they begin college.
Continue Reading "How To Get a Student Loan with No Credit" »Share on Facebook: How To Get a Student Loan with No Credit Share on Twitter: How To Get a Student Loan with No Credit Paying an overdraft fee is something we all want to avoid. Watch this short video for tips on how to keep that money in your account!
Continue Reading "Video: How to Avoid an Overdraft Fee" »Share on Facebook: Video: How to Avoid an Overdraft Fee Share on Twitter: Video: How to Avoid an Overdraft Fee Student loans can pose problems for many first-time home buyers trying to qualify for a home loan. This isn’t a news flash for most of us with student loan debt, but it also doesn’t have to mean the end of the road for the dream of homeownership.
Continue Reading "Buying a Home With Student Loan Debt" »Share on Facebook: Buying a Home With Student Loan Debt Share on Twitter: Buying a Home With Student Loan Debt How much should you be keeping in your checking account? Too little and you could be in trouble. Too much and you lose interest earnings. We can help you figure it out!
Continue Reading "How Much Money Should I Keep in my Checking Account?" »Share on Facebook: How Much Money Should I Keep in my Checking Account? Share on Twitter: How Much Money Should I Keep in my Checking Account? Identity theft is unfortunately a reality right now. We’ve got a list of simple steps you can take to keep yourself out of the thieves’ crosshairs!
Continue Reading "Your Complete Guide to Identity Theft Protection" »Share on Facebook: Your Complete Guide to Identity Theft Protection Share on Twitter: Your Complete Guide to Identity Theft Protection Boosting your credit score can seem tough, especially if you’re young or don’t have a lot of credit already. Fortunately, there are services that can help! We’ve got solutions.
Continue Reading "Do My Monthly Bill Payments Affect My Credit Score?" »
Share on Facebook: Do My Monthly Bill Payments Affect My Credit Score? Share on Twitter: Do My Monthly Bill Payments Affect My Credit Score? Give yourself a financial checkup before the summer gets away from you! From credit score to investments, from debts to resolutions, it’s time to look under the hood!
Continue Reading "7 Steps to a Mid-Year Financial Checkup" »Share on Facebook: 7 Steps to a Mid-Year Financial Checkup Share on Twitter: 7 Steps to a Mid-Year Financial Checkup You've probably heard the terms Estate Plan and Living Trust, but do you know what they are, and do you need one? Read on for valuable information.
Continue Reading "What is an Estate Plan and Do I Need One?" »Share on Facebook: What is an Estate Plan and Do I Need One? Share on Twitter: What is an Estate Plan and Do I Need One? When you buy a new car, you get car insurance to cover any accidents, right? But what happens if your car is totalled? Will traditional insurance cover it? Read on for more information.
Continue Reading "GAP Insurance: What is it and do you need it?" »Share on Facebook: GAP Insurance: What is it and do you need it? Share on Twitter: GAP Insurance: What is it and do you need it? Before you go to a high-cost Payday Lender, ask us first about our affordable Advance Pay loans!
Continue Reading "Need an Advance on Your Paycheck? Our Advance Pay Loan is the Affordable Solution" »Share on Facebook: Need an Advance on Your Paycheck? Our Advance Pay Loan is the Affordable Solution Share on Twitter: Need an Advance on Your Paycheck? Our Advance Pay Loan is the Affordable Solution When you need money fast, talk to us first about a low-rate Personal Loan and see if we can help!
Continue Reading "Is a Personal Loan the Answer To My Urgent Money Need?" »Share on Facebook: Is a Personal Loan the Answer To My Urgent Money Need? Share on Twitter: Is a Personal Loan the Answer To My Urgent Money Need? Is it time for your child to start driving? They'll need a car - so if you're looking to buy one for them, read our latest blog post for some helpful tips!
Continue Reading "Your Child's First Car" »When you need money fast, for whatever reason, should you borrow against your 401(k)?
Continue Reading "Borrowing Against Your 401(k) - Is It a Good Idea?" »Share on Facebook: Borrowing Against Your 401(k) - Is It a Good Idea? Share on Twitter: Borrowing Against Your 401(k) - Is It a Good Idea? If you're paying a high rate for your car loan with another lender, consider a refinance with MCCU and you may save money on payments!
Continue Reading "Feeling Stuck in Your Car Loan? Might Be Time to Shop Around!" »Share on Facebook: Feeling Stuck in Your Car Loan? Might Be Time to Shop Around! Share on Twitter: Feeling Stuck in Your Car Loan? Might Be Time to Shop Around! How many money myths have you fallen for? Read our blog post and see how many of these common misconceptions have made their way into your financial outlook!
Continue Reading "6 Money Myths You Need to Know About" »Share on Facebook: 6 Money Myths You Need to Know About Share on Twitter: 6 Money Myths You Need to Know About If you've been putting off much-needed (or wanted) home improvements, read on for some helpful tips to do it affordably, with a little help from MCCU!
Continue Reading "Top 7 Home Improvements You Can Do With a Little Help From MCCU" »Share on Facebook: Top 7 Home Improvements You Can Do With a Little Help From MCCU Share on Twitter: Top 7 Home Improvements You Can Do With a Little Help From MCCU Shopping for a home can be exciting and nerve-wracking. When the market is tight, and you’re competing against multiple offers – especially when some of those offers are for cash – it can be downright frustrating. Read on to find out why you need a pre-approval before you shop for a home.
Continue Reading "A Pre-Approval Helps Homebuyers Compete" »Share on Facebook: A Pre-Approval Helps Homebuyers Compete Share on Twitter: A Pre-Approval Helps Homebuyers Compete Is a large downpayment stopping you from buying a home? Read on for some tips on how to purchase a new home with a lower down payment.
Continue Reading "3 Tips to Getting Financial Assistance with Your Down Payment" »Share on Facebook: 3 Tips to Getting Financial Assistance with Your Down Payment Share on Twitter: 3 Tips to Getting Financial Assistance with Your Down Payment If you’re taking that big adulting step of opening your first credit card, you need to read our tips on what card to pick and how to manage it!
Continue Reading "A Guide to Opening Your First Credit Card" »Share on Facebook: A Guide to Opening Your First Credit Card Share on Twitter: A Guide to Opening Your First Credit Card Is the beach calling? Are the kids carving mouse ears out of soap? It’s vacation time! We want to help you make your dream trip a reality!
Continue Reading "3 Ways Your Credit Union Can Help Fund Your Summer Vacation" »Share on Facebook: 3 Ways Your Credit Union Can Help Fund Your Summer Vacation Share on Twitter: 3 Ways Your Credit Union Can Help Fund Your Summer Vacation Shopping for a new car? You’ll have as much fun picking out the features as the vehicle. We’ve got lists of all the most important options to help you make your picks!
Continue Reading "Which Features Should I Look for In a New Car?" »Share on Facebook: Which Features Should I Look for In a New Car? Share on Twitter: Which Features Should I Look for In a New Car? If you own a home, you may have equity in it (your current property market value minus your mortgage balance and any other liens you may have on your home). Find out how you can use that equity, at a very low cost.
Continue Reading "4 Ways to Use Your Home's Equity" »Share on Facebook: 4 Ways to Use Your Home's Equity Share on Twitter: 4 Ways to Use Your Home's Equity When you start college, credit card companies start hitting your student mailboxes with multiple credit card offers. Unfortunately, many students accept these tempting offers, use the cards enthusiastically, and then find themselves – even before they graduate – way over their heads in debt.
Continue Reading "College Students: Be Smart About Credit Cards" »Share on Facebook: College Students: Be Smart About Credit Cards Share on Twitter: College Students: Be Smart About Credit Cards We all want what's best for our kids - and that includes financial smarts. Read on for some tips to teach your kids how to be money smart!
Continue Reading "Raise Money Smart Kids" »Congrats—you’re ready to purchase your first car! The process can be daunting, but we will walk you through it. Follow our guidelines for a stress-free ride!
Continue Reading "Buying Your First Car" »Are you thinking about refinancing your mortgage? Rates are low right now, but there’s a lot more to think about than just that. Get the info before you decide!
Continue Reading "Mortgage Rates are Dropping - Should I Refinance?" »Share on Facebook: Mortgage Rates are Dropping - Should I Refinance? Share on Twitter: Mortgage Rates are Dropping - Should I Refinance? You don’t need to spend a fortune to give your house a new look this spring. Read on for a list of home improvement hacks and learn how to upgrade your home on a budget.
Continue Reading "Home Improvement Hacks" »Car owners typically refinance for one of three reasons: to lower monthly payments, to save on interest charges, or to get cash to cover an expense or help manage other debt. To determine whether refinancing makes sense for you, take a good look at your current loan and financial picture.
Continue Reading "How Can Refinancing My Car Benefit Me?" »Share on Facebook: How Can Refinancing My Car Benefit Me? Share on Twitter: How Can Refinancing My Car Benefit Me? Spring is here! Time for some spring cleaning of your finances! From getting rid of debt to getting your savings on track, we’ve got tips to help!
Continue Reading "5 Ways to Spring Clean Your Finances" »Share on Facebook: 5 Ways to Spring Clean Your Finances Share on Twitter: 5 Ways to Spring Clean Your Finances If you’re thinking about purchasing your first home, you may feel overwhelmed or confused on where and how to start. What are the first steps? Who should you talk to first? What professionals should you use?
Continue Reading "How To Start The Homebuying Process" »Share on Facebook: How To Start The Homebuying Process Share on Twitter: How To Start The Homebuying Process Does life just seem too expensive? You might be living beyond your means. We’ve got 7 ways to tell if you are, and tips to help you get your money back in line!
Continue Reading "7 Signs You're Living Beyond Your Means - And How to Fix Them" »Share on Facebook: 7 Signs You're Living Beyond Your Means - And How to Fix Them Share on Twitter: 7 Signs You're Living Beyond Your Means - And How to Fix Them Wishing you didn’t have to write another check to pay your utility bill, gardener, or homeowner’s association? We’ve got the solution that saves you time and money—online bill pay.
Continue Reading "4 Reasons to Use Online Bill Pay" »Share on Facebook: 4 Reasons to Use Online Bill Pay Share on Twitter: 4 Reasons to Use Online Bill Pay Personal loans are a low-cost alternative to credit cards or other high-rate loans. If you've got bills you want to consolidate, or an emergency arises that you don't have the savings for, a Personal Loan with MCCU may be your solution.
Continue Reading "Personal Loans: Keep Your Borrowing in Check" »Share on Facebook: Personal Loans: Keep Your Borrowing in Check Share on Twitter: Personal Loans: Keep Your Borrowing in Check Auto insurance is required in most states. It makes sense to protect your investment and yourself and others in the event of an accident. But what happens when your car just stops working or something breaks? Those situations aren't covered under traditional auto insurance, but can be costly and inconvenient none-the-less.
Continue Reading "Mechanical Breakdown Insurance (MBI): What Is It and Do I Need It?" »Share on Facebook: Mechanical Breakdown Insurance (MBI): What Is It and Do I Need It? Share on Twitter: Mechanical Breakdown Insurance (MBI): What Is It and Do I Need It? Looking for a new auto insurance policy? We've got tips to help you with the process!
Continue Reading "7 Steps To Purchasing an Auto Insurance Policy" »Share on Facebook: 7 Steps To Purchasing an Auto Insurance Policy Share on Twitter: 7 Steps To Purchasing an Auto Insurance Policy Lost in the homeowners insurance maze? Balancing coverage with premiums and deductibles can make your head spin. We’ve got tips to help!
Continue Reading "Your Complete Guide to Homeowners Insurance" »Share on Facebook: Your Complete Guide to Homeowners Insurance Share on Twitter: Your Complete Guide to Homeowners Insurance When you get to college, you start getting hit with multiple credit card offers. Read on for some tips to manage your credit wisely.
Continue Reading "College Students: Be Smart about Credit Cards" »Share on Facebook: College Students: Be Smart about Credit Cards Share on Twitter: College Students: Be Smart about Credit Cards Want to get out of debt? Who doesn’t? You can take small steps that add up to big interest savings and earlier repayment. We’ve got the info!
Continue Reading "5 Ways to Pay Off a Loan Early" »Unless you have an electric car, you are shelling out a lot of money for gas. Don't fret - we've got some tips to help you ease the pain at the pump.
Continue Reading "Top 5 Fuel Economy Tips" »Students and their families have plenty of options to consider when it comes to paying for college tuition. From scholarships to grants to loans, filling the gap can be a confusing proposition. Before deciding what options are right for you, there are a few important tips to keep in mind.
Continue Reading "College Scholarships, Grants and Loans - What do they Cover?" »Share on Facebook: College Scholarships, Grants and Loans - What do they Cover? Share on Twitter: College Scholarships, Grants and Loans - What do they Cover? Found your dream home? Don’t sign anything until you have an inspection! It’ll save you money, heartache and even avoid safety hazards. Read our tips!
Continue Reading "7 Reasons Not To Skip a Home Inspection" »Share on Facebook: 7 Reasons Not To Skip a Home Inspection Share on Twitter: 7 Reasons Not To Skip a Home Inspection Do you know what your credit score is or how it's used? Read on for valuable information on how your credit score affects you.
Continue Reading "How Your Credit Score is Calculated" »Share on Facebook: How Your Credit Score is Calculated Share on Twitter: How Your Credit Score is Calculated Consumers are sometimes faced with taking steps to repair tarnished credit. Here are four steps to help make that happen.
Continue Reading "Video: 4 Steps to Credit Repair" »Share on Facebook: Video: 4 Steps to Credit Repair Share on Twitter: Video: 4 Steps to Credit Repair Do you have money saved in case of an emergency? Rainy day and emergency funds are a must, and we have tips to help you set them up and feed them!
Continue Reading "Do I Need an Emergency Fund and a Rainy Day Fund?" »Share on Facebook: Do I Need an Emergency Fund and a Rainy Day Fund? Share on Twitter: Do I Need an Emergency Fund and a Rainy Day Fund? Want to make money online? Who doesn't? From taking surveys to being a consultant, we’ve got several ways to fill your wallet from your keyboard!
Continue Reading "6 Ways to Earn Money Online" »It's a new year and now is the time to think about your financial goals. Read on for some helpful tips!
Continue Reading "Financial Goals for the New Year" »Share on Facebook: Financial Goals for the New Year Share on Twitter: Financial Goals for the New Year If you’re realizing that your 20s are behind you and the party is over, we’ve got ways to get your money life back in order for your future!
Continue Reading "6 Financial Mistakes People Make in Their 20s" »Share on Facebook: 6 Financial Mistakes People Make in Their 20s Share on Twitter: 6 Financial Mistakes People Make in Their 20s Happy holidays! We’ve got great tips on how you can make the most out of your holiday break time while still having plenty of fun.
Continue Reading "Making the Holidays Count" »New Year's Resolutions don't have to be about losing weight or finding love. They can be all about your finances too! Set up some realistic goals for yourself for 2019 and have a financially happy 2019!
Continue Reading "New Year's Resolutions for 2019" »Share on Facebook: New Year's Resolutions for 2019 Share on Twitter: New Year's Resolutions for 2019 Having a good credit score means you'll have access to better interest rates when you need a loan. We've got tips to help you improve your score!
Continue Reading "5 Ways to Improve Your Credit Score" »Share on Facebook: 5 Ways to Improve Your Credit Score Share on Twitter: 5 Ways to Improve Your Credit Score Don’t let holiday scams spoil your happiness! We’ve got warnings that will help you steer clear of all the naughtiest crooks looking to ruin your joy!
Continue Reading "7 Scams to Watch Out For This Holiday Season" »Share on Facebook: 7 Scams to Watch Out For This Holiday Season Share on Twitter: 7 Scams to Watch Out For This Holiday Season Learn about important tax changes, plus as a MCCU member, you can save money on TurboTax products!
Continue Reading "Tax Reform 101: 5 Reasons You Should Start Planning" »Share on Facebook: Tax Reform 101: 5 Reasons You Should Start Planning Share on Twitter: Tax Reform 101: 5 Reasons You Should Start Planning Inheriting an IRA can have a host of tax implications and brings a ton of requirements. We’ve got quick guide to help you make best use of your new IRA!
Continue Reading "What You Need to Know About Inheriting an IRA" »Share on Facebook: What You Need to Know About Inheriting an IRA Share on Twitter: What You Need to Know About Inheriting an IRA Is holiday shopping turning your happiness into a lump of coal? We’ve got tips to keep your debt load low and your spirits high this season!
Continue Reading "How Should I Fund My Holiday Shopping?" »Share on Facebook: How Should I Fund My Holiday Shopping? Share on Twitter: How Should I Fund My Holiday Shopping? Your shopping list is a mile long. Your social calendar is jam-packed. Your patience is wearing thin, and your budget is stretched to the max! If your holiday mantra is “Bah humbug” rather than “Ho ho ho,” try these tips to reduce your stress and enjoy the season.
Continue Reading "Reduce Your Holiday Stress" »Online shopping can eat up your budget if you’re not careful! We’ve got plenty of info on how retailers trick you into spending and how to beat the game.
Continue Reading "Why Do I Spend So Much Money Shopping Online?" »Share on Facebook: Why Do I Spend So Much Money Shopping Online? Share on Twitter: Why Do I Spend So Much Money Shopping Online? Selling your home this holiday season? Staging your home can increase the likelihood of a sale, and attract more potential buyers. Read on for some tips to help you successfully stage your home during the holidays!
Continue Reading "5 Tips for Staging Your Home to Sell During the Holiday Season" »Share on Facebook: 5 Tips for Staging Your Home to Sell During the Holiday Season Share on Twitter: 5 Tips for Staging Your Home to Sell During the Holiday Season Thanksgiving doesn't have to chew a hole in your budget! We’ve got great tricks to cut costs dramatically.
Continue Reading "7 Ways to Save on Thanksgiving Costs" »Share on Facebook: 7 Ways to Save on Thanksgiving Costs Share on Twitter: 7 Ways to Save on Thanksgiving Costs Parents want their kids to have the best holiday ever, and that sometimes means getting them everything on their holiday shopping list. But how can you balance giving them what they want and not breaking the bank? We've got some helpful tips to do just that!
Continue Reading "How Not to Bust Your Holiday Budget" »Share on Facebook: How Not to Bust Your Holiday Budget Share on Twitter: How Not to Bust Your Holiday Budget Headed home for the holidays but strapped for cash? We’ve got tips to help you go in style!
Continue Reading "Holiday Hacks for Traveling College Students" »Share on Facebook: Holiday Hacks for Traveling College Students Share on Twitter: Holiday Hacks for Traveling College Students Single parents face the same budget and finance issues as couples, but they go it alone. We’ve got tips to help you get control.
Continue Reading "Financial Tips for Single Parents" »Share on Facebook: Financial Tips for Single Parents Share on Twitter: Financial Tips for Single Parents Saving money for a rainy day is a smart idea. But how can you do that on a limited budget? We'll show you some tips on how you can save and how much you should be saving!
Continue Reading "Video: How Much Should I Save?" »Even though Summer is over, now is a good time to put into place good energy-saving habits.Try these simple steps to get your bill under control.
Continue Reading "Creative Ways to Save on Energy Costs" »Share on Facebook: Creative Ways to Save on Energy Costs Share on Twitter: Creative Ways to Save on Energy Costs Do you know how much money you have to spend on clothing, vacations or even your weekly Starbucks run? With a good budget in place, you'll ensure you won't overspend and leave yourself in a financial bind.
Continue Reading "Video: What is Budgeting and Why Is It Important?" »Share on Facebook: Video: What is Budgeting and Why Is It Important? Share on Twitter: Video: What is Budgeting and Why Is It Important? If you’re buying a new home, you’ll want to read our alert about a scam that could cost you big. Get the info on avoiding mortgage scams!
Continue Reading "Beware of Mortgage Fraud" »Credit card balances, personal loans, student loans and more – anyone with debt knows it can get overwhelming. Read on for some helpful tips to consolidate your debt and pay it down faster!
Continue Reading "When Debt Consolidation Can Be a Good Move" »Share on Facebook: When Debt Consolidation Can Be a Good Move Share on Twitter: When Debt Consolidation Can Be a Good Move Find out some easy tips to save up for a down payment for your next home!
Continue Reading "How to Save for a Down Payment on a Home" »Share on Facebook: How to Save for a Down Payment on a Home Share on Twitter: How to Save for a Down Payment on a Home Buying a home is thrilling and exciting and terrifying all at once. Add in the fact that you haven’t sold your current home, and there are many more moving parts to your transaction. In a hot real estate market, sometimes you have to jump in and make an offer before you’re quite ready (or able) to sell your current home. If you have a hefty savings account and income sufficient to qualify for both of your mortgages, it might not be a problem, But for millions of homeowners, this scenario requires a different solution.
Continue Reading "Bridge Loans: Looking to Buy While You Are Selling?" »Share on Facebook: Bridge Loans: Looking to Buy While You Are Selling? Share on Twitter: Bridge Loans: Looking to Buy While You Are Selling? New car or used? It’s a tough decision, with advantages and disadvantages on both sides. Let us help you with our handy guide, and great credit union financing!
Continue Reading "Q&A: New Cars vs. Used Cars" »Should you refinance your home before retirement? If you pick the right mortgage, you can reap significant rewards! We can help!
Continue Reading "Should I Refinance Before I Retire?" »Share on Facebook: Should I Refinance Before I Retire? Share on Twitter: Should I Refinance Before I Retire? Want to refinance your mortgage or get a new loan? Find out more about our Mortgage Loans today!
Share on Facebook: Video: Money Hack - How To Save on Your Mortgage Share on Twitter: Video: Money Hack - How To Save on Your Mortgage Time to fix up your home? Before you take out a personal loan or run up a credit card, check out home equity lines of credit. A HELOC might be just the thing!
Continue Reading "What's the Best Way to Finance a Home Renovation?" »Share on Facebook: What's the Best Way to Finance a Home Renovation? Share on Twitter: What's the Best Way to Finance a Home Renovation? Credit cards affect your FICO score, but how many should you have? The answer is kind of twisty, but we’ve got tips to help boost your scores!
Continue Reading "How Many Credit Cards Should I Have?" »Share on Facebook: How Many Credit Cards Should I Have? Share on Twitter: How Many Credit Cards Should I Have? Does it make more financial sense to take the 0% financing or the rebate when I'm shopping for a car? Read our latest blog post to find out!
Continue Reading "Zero Percent Financing: What You Should Know Before You Shop" »Share on Facebook: Zero Percent Financing: What You Should Know Before You Shop Share on Twitter: Zero Percent Financing: What You Should Know Before You Shop Want to make your home energy smart? Read on for some valuable tips! And, get information on our Home Energy Loans!
Continue Reading "8 Steps To An Energy-Smart Home" »Share on Facebook: 8 Steps To An Energy-Smart Home Share on Twitter: 8 Steps To An Energy-Smart Home It’s your wedding day! Can you save money on everything that goes with it? Absolutely! We’ve got tips and tricks to make your Special Day a bargain!
Continue Reading "Getting Married? Here are 5 Ways to Budget for Your Wedding!" »Share on Facebook: Getting Married? Here are 5 Ways to Budget for Your Wedding! Share on Twitter: Getting Married? Here are 5 Ways to Budget for Your Wedding! Take some of the cost out of student life with huge student discounts from companies like Amazon, Microsoft and Adobe. Who says you can’t catch a break!
Continue Reading "Student Discounts!" »Your debit card is a great way to pay, but be smart about where you use it! A little caution can go a long way to protect your financial information.
Continue Reading "Debit Card Safety" »Ah, June! Summertime, and the shopping is easy! We’ve got the insider info on what to buy and what to skip in summer’s first month.
Continue Reading "Money Tips: What to Grab and What to Skip in June" »Share on Facebook: Money Tips: What to Grab and What to Skip in June Share on Twitter: Money Tips: What to Grab and What to Skip in June We want our kids to be money savvy. Our latest blog post offers tips for conversation starters and more for you to teach your kids money skills!
Continue Reading "Saving Smarts - Teaching Kids Smart Money Management" »Share on Facebook: Saving Smarts - Teaching Kids Smart Money Management Share on Twitter: Saving Smarts - Teaching Kids Smart Money Management Want to refinance your house? It can save you thousands, but be sure you’re doing it for the right reasons. Our guide will help you decide!
Continue Reading "Should I Refinance My Home Mortgage?" »Share on Facebook: Should I Refinance My Home Mortgage? Share on Twitter: Should I Refinance My Home Mortgage? Looking to freshen up your kitchen? It’s less expensive than you might think to give the hardest-working room in your house a new look!
Continue Reading "4 Ways to Bring Your Dream Kitchen to Life" »Share on Facebook: 4 Ways to Bring Your Dream Kitchen to Life Share on Twitter: 4 Ways to Bring Your Dream Kitchen to Life Did mom teach you to be thrifty? Show her you were paying attention with a thrifty Mother's Day celebration. Show your love AND your good sense!
Continue Reading "Mother's Day Savings" »Got your tax refund? You might be tempted to spend it all, or maybe your friend needs a loan. We’ve got some better ideas!
Continue Reading "How Should I Use My Tax Refund?" »Share on Facebook: How Should I Use My Tax Refund? Share on Twitter: How Should I Use My Tax Refund? Get pre-approved for a MCCU Car Loan now!
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Share on Facebook: Video: Why You Should Get Pre-Approved for a Car Loan Share on Twitter: Video: Why You Should Get Pre-Approved for a Car Loan Contrary to what most people think, you do NOT need 20% down to buy a house! See our tips on other mortgage options, and on why a lower down payment might be a great idea!
Continue Reading "Buying a Home: The 20% Down Myth" »Share on Facebook: Buying a Home: The 20% Down Myth Share on Twitter: Buying a Home: The 20% Down Myth College can be fun, but it’s also time to prep for the real world! Read our tips and you’ll be a big step ahead when it’s time to graduate and go job hunting!
Continue Reading "5 Things to do Today to Help Your Future" »Share on Facebook: 5 Things to do Today to Help Your Future Share on Twitter: 5 Things to do Today to Help Your Future Got a money emergency? From personal loans and credit cards to 401(k) loans and borrowing from family, you’ve got options … but choose carefully!
Continue Reading "How To Fund an Emergency" »Don’t let spring cleaning get you down! You can sell your excess stuff of all types to make some extra cash after you clean. We’ll show you how!
Continue Reading "7 Ways to Spring Clean for Extra Cash" »Share on Facebook: 7 Ways to Spring Clean for Extra Cash Share on Twitter: 7 Ways to Spring Clean for Extra Cash Fed up with fees and poor service? Looking for great service and better rates on loans and deposits? Join a credit union!
Continue Reading "Why Choose a Credit Union?" »If you’re getting ready to sell your house, we’ve got 12 tips that will help you get a buyer quickly and sell for a great price! You’ll be closing in no time!
Continue Reading "A Dozen Tricks To Sell Your Home Quickly" »Share on Facebook: A Dozen Tricks To Sell Your Home Quickly Share on Twitter: A Dozen Tricks To Sell Your Home Quickly Is it time to remodel your kitchen? We’ve got tips that can save you thousands of dollars and still leave you with the gourmet enclave of your dreams!
Continue Reading "Saving on Home Renovations" »Monthly budgeting is a necessary evil, but the envelope system can make it easy! Split up your money, spend carefully and don’t cheat and you’ll do great!
Continue Reading "How To Use the Money Envelope System" »Share on Facebook: How To Use the Money Envelope System Share on Twitter: How To Use the Money Envelope System The process of a child leaving home is a major milestone that is made extra complex because of the emotions it generates. The reality, though, is that there are some very concrete things that can be done to smoothe this transition.
Continue Reading "Ready, Set, Go.... to College!" »Don’t let a new appliance drive your power bill up! We’ve got tips to help you pick the right one for your needs!
Continue Reading "Energy Saving Tips – What To Look For When Buying New Appliances" »Share on Facebook: Energy Saving Tips – What To Look For When Buying New Appliances Share on Twitter: Energy Saving Tips – What To Look For When Buying New Appliances In our 20s and 30s, we think we’re invincible, but illness or job loss can happen at any time. Start a small system of saving to build an emergency fund that covers your expenses for at least three months.
#6: Not having adequate health insurance
While health insurance is expensive, it’s irresponsible and short-sighted not to have sufficient coverage. Health insurance isn’t optional, and young people are the first to ignore this rule. The cost may seem prohibitive, but it comes back to priorities and future planning.
Your turn: In your 20s and 30s, did you make some mistakes you regret? Or, are you in this age bracket now and have questions about setting your priorities? Share your questions or words of wisdom here!
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