For some Americans, going out to eat is a treat, planned and budgeted for. For others, it’s just another Tuesday. And Wednesday. And Thursday. If you’re part of that second group, you might want to reconsider… for a couple reasons. Tough on your wallet The average American family spends $225 a month eating away from home – lunches, dinners, snacks, coffees. Much of this spending occurs simply because it’s convenient. However, what you save in convenience, you lose in cold, hard cash….
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9 Reasons Your Friends Are Joining Credit Unions
Money Management Spending/Saving
More and more people are discovering all the great things credit unions have to offer and are taking their business there. As not-for-profit institutions, credit unions are made of real people doing their best to look out for the community. Here are some of the top reasons your friends are joining credit unions: They add value to the community. From organizing drives for local causes to the Miracle Match philanthropic program, which provides financial assistance to Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals across…
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Senior Year – Preparing for College
Life Goals
As a high school senior, you are likely looking forward to spring break, graduation, and of course college! While your senior year is a time of celebration and making memories, it can also be stressful as you look ahead to your college journey. By now you have applied to your top choice colleges and should be receiving acceptance and financial aid information soon. So what’s next? Reviewing Financial Aid Packages For many students and families, the amount of financial aid…
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How to shop for the best deals on groceries
Money Management Spending/Saving
In a time when most Americans are living paycheck to paycheck, many times having to choose between paying a bill and buying food for the week, getting a good deal on groceries is important. Ohioans are actively strategizing to save money at the grocery store, according to an Ohio Credit Union League Consumer Survey. About 71 percent of shoppers will comparison shop before putting an item in their cart, 68 percent utilize digital coupons, while 60 percent use printed ones….
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Tax season is prime time for criminals to steal personal data, and the National Credit Union Administration is reminding credit union members to educate themselves on how to recognize the signs of tax-related identity theft. Last year, the IRS identified 14,068 fraudulent tax returns with $918.6 million claimed in fraudulent refunds, according to an audit report from the Treasury Inspector for Tax Administration. MyCreditUnion.gov provides useful information to help members protect themselves and take action if they believe they have…
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5 Ways A Good Credit Score Is Your Safety Net
Credit Score Money Management Spending/Saving
A healthy savings account is your best defense against life’s curve balls. But sometimes setting aside some money every paycheck isn’t enough—particularly when you’re just starting out in life. A good credit score can be an additional safety net, providing you access to low-interest credit options that can help cover any expenses your emergency savings can’t. Here are your options: 1. Credit cards Credit cards can be useful for relatively small emergencies. Of course, this requires that you haven’t maxed…
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Students! Win $5,000 Toward College!
Life Goals
OCUF Annual Video Scholarship The Ohio Credit Union Foundation believes in lifting up student CU members who are moving on to higher education through its annual video scholarship. Students can submit a short video for the chance to win $5,000 towards college. Applications are being accepted from Feb. 1, 2018, through Monday, April 30, 2018. To qualify for the video scholarship, student applicants must: be at least a high school senior; be a member of an Ohio-based credit union; and…
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4 Ways to Stick to Your Budget
Money Management Spending/Saving
When you’re adjusting to keeping a budget, it can be tempting to give up. If you’re having trouble staying with your budget, here are a few things that could help… Keep it real Maybe you didn’t allot enough money in certain areas of your budget. If this is the case, try and find a happy medium that is more realistic so you can still cut back a little bit. Automate when you can Having trouble saving? We’ve all been there. If…
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How to Save Your First $1,000
Life Goals Money Management Spending/Saving
Sometimes that hardest thing about saving money is just starting. It can be challenging to find and stick to strategies that help you pursue your financial goals. Here are 4 tips to help you finally hit that goal. 1. Create a Budget If you have never created a detailed budget, now may be the time to start, otherwise it’s almost impossible to track your spending and find room to save. Having a budget, even a simple one, will help you…
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The 4 Biggest Credit Union Myths: Debunked
Money Management Spending/Saving
Credit unions are having a moment—and that moment keeps begging bigger and longer. Since the financial crisis of 2008, millions of Americans have switched from banks to credit unions. Now more than 116 million people in the U.S. use credit unions. Why? Because credit unions are a better deal. They offer better rates, fewer fees, and their superior service and people-first values empower you to get after your biggest dreams in life more quickly. But there are some persistent myths…
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