Consumer Awareness
Why Credit Unions?
Credit unions are not-for-profit financial institutions that accept deposits, make loans, and provide a wide array of other financial services and products. When you join a credit union, you become a member-owner. What does that mean? Your credit union is going to work in YOUR best interest, and as a member-owner YOU have a say! Basically, credit unions are for YOU, and distribute our profits back to our members!
It’s that simple. The mission of credit unions is to lift people up financially, starting with education. Managing your money is not rocket science. Rather, it’s a handful of good habits often repeated. Credit unions, with their focus on members, make repeating those habits (saving toward a goal , borrowing as smartly and efficiently as possible, and helping you achieve financial fitness.) easier because credit unions strive to help you learn, not just how to do these things, but why it’s so important. When folks don’t have access to financial education, they are six times more likely to have trouble making ends meet.
You see, it’s a continuum. Credit unions provide access to financial literacy and financial literacy helps get you to financial wellness. Credit unions get this. Financial wellness is the state of being where you can meet your financial obligations, feeling secure in your choices and able to enjoy your life. That’s the ultimate goal, credit unions can help you take the financial stress out of your lives!
Blog: 8 Ways To Spend Smartly
If you struggle to make ends meet, you’re not alone. There are a number of ways you can spend smartly and create some breathing room in your budget so you can end that paycheck-to-paycheck cycle once and for all. Here are a few of our favorites.
Spend Less, Save More!Blog: 7 Ways To Shop Smarter
These days, it’s all too easy for us to spend WAY too much, whether we mindlessly “add to cart” on our phones, or tap to pay before we think about our purchase.
Be Mindful of Your Purchasing HabitsWatch: Maximize Your Money
Did you know you can save your money in ways that will actually make you more money, simply by putting it in a certain type of savings account?
Make Your Money WorkBlog: New Rules of Grocery Buying
No matter what’s happening in the world economy, stocking up your kitchen pantry to feed yourself (and your family, if you have one) is a necessary weekly ritual.
Stock Up on SavingsBlog: How To Create A Budget
Once you’ve decided it’s time to create a budget, or get back on track with an updated spending plan, you’ll have more than a few options to choose from.
Build Your Budget TodayFree Download! Budget Worksheet
Not sure where to start with your budgeting journey? Download this free budget spreadsheet! Find out where your money is going by assigning every dollar a purpose. Identify your fixed expenses then determine how much to save and how much you have left to spend. Cover your basic needs first and then add in lifestyle factors like dining out, toys and games, entertainment, clothes, plants, and other items of that nature.
You’ll be set up for success in no time with this starter budget.
Free Download! Meal Planner & Grocery List
Grow Your Savings at the grocery store when you walk in prepared with your weekly meal plan and grocery list! Cut back on overspending when you stick to your list and have a plan for the week. Studies show that planning your meals in advance cuts back on eating out and overspending in general.
Tips for using your meal plan guide:
- Print your meal plan guide, place it inside a page protector, and fill it out with a whiteboard marker!
- Print your guide and save each week’s, noting which meals were family favorites and save it in a binder or folder. Go back to it when you run out of ideas!
- Use a meal plan guide for every meal, not just dinner. Fold the paper in half or cut it so you only have one grocery list.
COMING SOON!
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