This post originally appeared on yourmoneyfurther.com. Money plays a crucial role in our lives, influencing our choices, opportunities, and overall well-being. Yet, many of us find ourselves trapped in bad money habits that hinder our financial growth. It’s time to break free from these destructive patterns and pave the way for a more secure and prosperous future. In this blog post, we’ll explore some common bad money habits and discuss strategies to overcome them. Living Beyond Your Means One of…
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10 Financial Lessons Based On The Super Mario Bros. Movie
Money Management
The Super Mario Bros. Movie (2023) may go down in history as one of the most-loved video-game-to-big-screen adaptations, but did you know that it also holds valuable financial lessons? Beyond the Mushroom Kingdom, Mario and Luigi’s journey provides insights that can be applied to our own personal finances. From budgeting wisely to navigating unexpected challenges, the adventures of the Mario Brothers offer a surprisingly relevant and entertaining guide for managing your money. So, let’s power up our personal finances and…
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Why Use a Mobile Wallet?
Money Management Spending/Saving
At Midwest Community, you can pay with any of your Visa® cards using your preferred mobile wallet (Apple Pay, Samsung Pay, Google Pay, FitBit Pay, Garmin Pay, or Visa Checkout). But why should you use a mobile wallet? Convenience Completing a transaction is as easy as a tap of a smartwatch or a wave of a smartphone. Efficiency No digging in your wallet or purse for the right card. Your phone is always with you (you may not have to…
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Saving for a Great Summer Vacation
Money Management Spending/Saving
Summer is coming and that means vacation time! Are you thinking of taking a trip abroad? Or maybe doing a bit of camping in a National Park? If you want to enjoy your vacation without relying on your credit cards, now is a good time to start thinking about the various expenses involved and how you’ll pay for them.
5 Tax Deductions and Credits to Consider During the 2021 Tax Season
Money Management
Since 1913, Americans have been paying taxes to the federal government with states adopting similar tax programs in 1930. Though this annual process has continued for decades, many Americans have been feeling anxious about taxes in recent years. According to a 2019 Nerd Wallet Report on taxes, 26 percent of Americans feel stressed or anxious about filing their taxes. Part of that negative outlook may come from the perception that they may end up needing to pay the government. Only…
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What to Do With Your Stimulus Check
Money Management Spending/Saving
The CARES Act (Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security) provides needed assistance to businesses, expansions to unemployment insurance, and direct relief checks to many Americans. If you qualify for a stimulus check, you may be wondering what to do with the money—or what the wisest thing to do might be. Here are a few things to consider. Fill in Financial Gaps Many Americans have found themselves struggling financially due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Those who have had their hours cut…
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How to Go Branchless with Midwest Community FCU
Money Management
The acceptance of totally branchless banking has increased lately with COVID-19 restrictions, but some are still skeptical. Way back in 2014, Bankrate released a study saying that more than 30% of Americans haven’t visited a branch in the last six months, and that number has only climbed from there. With the rise of mobile technology, financial security and digital communication, it’s possible to never step foot in a branch again. But you don’t have to use a fintech startup with…
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Preventing Elder Fraud and Financial Exploitation
Fraud Money Management
Financial loss from elderly fraud is in the billions annually. Seniors are the fastest-growing population segment in Ohio and the Scripps Gerontology Center projects more than 1 in 4 Ohioans will be age 60 and older by 2025. Unfortunately, that growth has contributed to high rates of fraud and financial exploitation targeting the elderly in our state. The national rate of elder financial abuse is also high, with 1 in 20 cases of seniors falling victim to the crime, according…
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Managing Your Finances During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Money Management Spending/Saving
The COVID-19 pandemic is not only causing fear and uncertainty about our health, but our livelihood as well. Many wonder “What happens to me and my family if my employer has to lay off people or my hours are cut?” Now more than ever, it’s important to keep track of your expenses to make sure you’re not spending more than you make or increasing your credit card debt. If you feel like you live paycheck to paycheck, then now is…
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Tax Benefits for College Students
Money Management Spending/Saving
Did you know you can take advantage of special tax breaks just for college students and their parents? These benefits come in the form of tax credits and deductions when you file your income tax return. What’s the difference? A credit reduces the amount of income tax you have to pay. A deduction reduces the amount of your income that is taxed, which also typically lessens your tax bill. In other words, you could get a bigger tax refund! Filing Your Taxes…
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