A credit card can be much more than a way to make purchases—it can be a tool to help you build credit, manage expenses, and even earn rewards that put money back in your pocket. At Midwest Community Federal Credit Union, we want to make sure you’re getting every possible benefit from the card in your wallet. Here are some smart, practical ways to use your credit card to move your finances forward. 1. Use Your Card to Build—and Strengthen—Your…
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As the days grow shorter and temperatures drop, now is the perfect time to cozy up with a cup of cocoa—and your budget. Winter often brings not only cheerful celebrations but also higher bills and unexpected expenses. A little planning today can help you stay financially comfortable all season long. At Midwest Community Federal Credit Union, we’re here to help you prepare. Stop by a local branch anytime to review your budget or explore ways to save more this winter….
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As summer winds down and students get ready to head back to school, we want to make sure families have the resources they need to ace their financial future. From budgeting to tax breaks to savings plans, learn more about ways you can start the new school year off right. Create a budget Plan out your education expenses for the year and determine how much you’d like to budget for each line item so that you’re not tempted to overspend…
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If holiday gift giving is part of your culture and traditions, there are many ways to show your fondness for friends and loved ones without breaking your budget. With a little planning, you can reduce the added pressure that comes with holiday gifting, and make sure you start 2025 without more debt. NerdWallet’s 2024 Holiday Spending Report shows that consumers expect to spend an average of $925 on gifts during the winter holidays. While 32% of holiday shoppers think it’s…
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Inflation is challenging for many Ohio families. Skyrocketing costs can cause additional stress and possibly mental or physical health issues. A Fidelity Investments survey showed that going into 2024, a third of Americans were worse off than they were one year ago, with the same number considering more conservative money goals this year. In addition, according to a National Credit Union Foundation Health and Financial Well-being white paper, 75 percent of Americans cite finances as their primary source of stress,…
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With holiday festivities and all that they bring, it’s so easy to spend more than you planned… so it’s crucial to manage your expenses wisely. In the episode below from our Midwest Money Minute podcast, we’ll share some practical tips to help you navigate the holiday season without breaking the bank. You can find additional Midwest Money Minute episodes on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, or Amazon Music.
There are many advantages and disadvantages to using cash, debit, or credit for your spending needs. Here are some tips to help you decide when to pay with cash, debit, or credit. When should I use cash? Cash is still the best option for small transactions. It is also helpful when shopping at places that don’t accept debit or credit cards. Additionally, using cash can help you stick to your budget, as it provides a physical representation of how…
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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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If you’ve been to a store lately, you know the cost of everything has increased. This is due to inflation, which is the rate of increase in prices over a given period. Inflation occurs when the supply of money grows too large relative to the size of an economy. When this happens, the unit value of the currency diminishes, and the purchasing power falls, thus increasing prices. There are many ways you can save money during times of inflation. Instead…
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For many, a summer vacation is one of the most anticipated times of the year. It’s the perfect opportunity to unwind, relax, and spend time with loved ones. However, planning a summer vacation can be expensive, and if you’re not careful, you might end up spending more than you’d like or racking up credit card debt. In this post, we’ll share some tips on how to save money for a summer vacation. 1. Set a Budget The first step to…
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