As the holidays approach, gift cards remain a popular gift option, but they’re also a target for scammers. These fraudsters use tactics like phishing and tampering with physical gift cards to steal funds before they can be used. To protect yourself and your loved ones this season, it’s important to stay aware of these risks.
Having a well-stocked emergency fund is important. But so is saving for retirement. So how do you know which one to focus on? Well, we’ve got you covered. Here’s what you should know.
Halloween is a time for spooky fun, but it can also bring a scare to your wallet if you're not careful. From costumes to decorations and treats, the costs can add up quickly. Here’s how to manage your Halloween budget and keep your spending under control while still enjoying the festivities.
Now is the moment to turn your attention to your tax obligations. With less than 60 days remaining until the tax deadline now is a good time to prepare your documents and file.
Need a smart strategy to save on essential school supplies? Planning your dream vacation or gearing up for the holiday season? With a club account, you can save for essential school supplies, exciting vacations, and joyful holiday celebrations, making your financial goals more attainable and stress-free.
As the holidays approach, gift cards remain a popular gift option, but they’re also a target for scammers. These fraudsters use tactics like phishing and tampering with physical gift cards to steal funds before they can be used. To protect yourself and your loved ones this season, it’s important to stay aware of these risks.
Having a well-stocked emergency fund is important. But so is saving for retirement. So how do you know which one to focus on? Well, we’ve got you covered. Here’s what you should know.
Halloween is a time for spooky fun, but it can also bring a scare to your wallet if you're not careful. From costumes to decorations and treats, the costs can add up quickly. Here’s how to manage your Halloween budget and keep your spending under control while still enjoying the festivities.
Now is the moment to turn your attention to your tax obligations. With less than 60 days remaining until the tax deadline now is a good time to prepare your documents and file.
Need a smart strategy to save on essential school supplies? Planning your dream vacation or gearing up for the holiday season? With a club account, you can save for essential school supplies, exciting vacations, and joyful holiday celebrations, making your financial goals more attainable and stress-free.
Owning a car is becoming a costlier affair for drivers nationwide, with auto insurance costs seeing a surge of approximately 26%* from the previous year. In the face of continuously rising rates, RTN Insurance Agency is here to assist you in discovering the most competitive rates.
Car buying has never been for the faint of heart. Now, though, there’s a new challenge: inventory! On top of the usual wading through dense disclosures in ads, haggling at the dealership, and securing financing, you have to work a lot harder to find a car!
Life is busy. Not enough hours in the day, right? But even when you’re not busy, it would be nice to enjoy what little down time you have. So when shopping for a new car feels like ONE MORE THING on your to-do list, let the experts check it off for you!
Buying a car can be a daunting process, even in the best of times. You have to navigate confusing “asterisk” advertisements, where things like prices, trade values, interest rates, monthly payments, and availability are all disclaimed. And then there’s the long, stressful negotiation at dealerships (“Let me talk to my manager”).
If you’re ever in a car accident, GAP insurance could truly save the day when it comes to protecting your finances. This type of insurance covers the “gap” between how much you owe on your auto loan and how much the car is currently worth if your automobile gets totaled. Here’s what that might look like in real life…
Are you excited about the possibility of getting a new car, but dreading the pressure-cooker car dealer shopping experience? If you’ve EVER bought a car you probably remember how long, stressful, and confusing the process was. Nobody wants that, right?
Will you be watching the Super Bowl this year? Aside from the cheering and half-time show, you’ll also likely see a ton of car commercials if you tune in to watch the big game. Car commercials can be flashy and exciting, and may get you dreaming about getting into a new car. But with car commercials it’s super important to read between the lines; if an ad seems too good to be true… it is. Here are some things to look for:
Here’s a big secret that could save you some money: auto financing is not just about the loan. When you control the financing, you control the deal! In this blog I’m going to share how you can walk into a car dealership with confidence and get the best deal without falling for any expensive tricks.
You’re ready for some new wheels, but should you buy new or used? There are passionate arguments on both sides, so you have to take your needs, wants, and budget into account while making this important decision.
If you’re in the market for some new wheels, you may be confused about leasing. Is it better to lease or buy your next car? There are passionate arguments on both sides, so you have to take your needs, wants, and budget into account while making this important decision. Below are some pros and cons of leasing– we’ll leave it up to you to decide which is best for you.
February is a BIG month for car sales! You’ll find many Presidents’ Day special deals from the auto makers, car dealerships and financial institutions. Before you shop for your new car, here are some smart strategies to help you drive home with the right car and the best deal!
Even if you’re a fantastic driver, you’re surrounded by other drivers every time you hit the road—and they may not be skilled, alert, focused, sober or even awake! Did you know that MILLIONS of car accidents happen in America each year?
This type of insurance covers the “gap” between how much you owe on your auto loan and how much the car is currently worth if your automobile gets totaled. For example*, imagine that you purchased a new car and took out a loan for $31,000. Unfortunately, after 2 years, your car is totaled in an accident. Based on your loan, this is how the math would work:
Traditionally, February is a BIG month for car sales! You’ll find many Presidents’ Day special deals from the auto makers, car dealerships and financial institutions. Before you shop for your new car, here are some smart strategies to help you drive home with the right car and the best deal!
#1 Before you buy anything for your teen’s dorm room, find out what the school already provides either in the room or somewhere in the building. Some dorms have shared kitchen areas, vacuums that can be borrowed, etc.
You’ve received your college acceptance letters, graduated from high school, and maybe even had a big party to celebrate. Congratulations! While some students may be hitting the beach and taking time to decompress, you want to make the most of the next few months before going off to college. You’re smart! There are several ways you can maximize the summer break to put yourself in a much better position for your upcoming college career:
School graduations are major milestones. So it makes sense that you’d want to mark the occasion with a memorable, meaningful and useful gift.
Wow, that went by fast! It’s time to head off to college, but you and your family didn’t save enough for the educational experience you’re hoping for. Now what do you do?! Don’t worry– it’s never too late. You can use a combination of these 4 strategies to help make your college dream a reality:
You successfully made it through the college application and admissions processes—congratulations! Now that you’ve found a fantastic school, it’s time to create a smart plan to pay for your education.
At one point in my post-grad career, I had to temporarily switch to an Income-Sensitive Repayment Plan. This option stipulated that the loan payments were going to be based on my annual income. I was only on this plan for about one year but I was paying almost $200 less than what my regular payments were supposed to be.
You could spend this summer between high school and college vegging out, or you could use the next few months to get ahead. Here are some quick tips for making the most of this special summer:
This is the big summer, the last one of your high school career! At this time next year, you’ll have graduated and will be on your way to the next phase of your life. Life will change quite a bit, whether you go to college or trade school, take a gap year to volunteer or travel, join the military, or jump right into your career. Are you ready? Probably not, but there’s still time!
Yikes! It’s almost time for your child to go to college, and you didn’t save enough for the education you want to provide him or her. But guess what? Your goals may still be within reach with the help of a combination of resources. Before getting stressed out, learn about these 4 ways to pay for college:
So you’re college-bound, and before you even step foot on campus, your bank account is already worthy of “starving student” status. You need money for tuition and expenses, but it’s too late to start saving now. Is there any hope? Yes!
Do you know about Massachusetts’ first statewide college savings program, BabySteps? The goal of this program is to ensure every family has the opportunity for future success! BabySteps will provide $50 towards every child born or adopted in the Commonwealth upon opening a 529 college savings account. This program is designed to help all parents save for their child’s higher education, and level the playing field for all children in Massachusetts.
Did you know it’s truly never too late to go “back to school” and learn something new? There are options in New Hampshire, Massachusetts and even online for adults who are ready to expand their knowledge!
What makes up your FICO credit score? Where does it come from? What actions make it better or worse, and what does this mean to you? Let’s dive into the most common questions about credit scores:
It’s official, spring is really here! Soon you’ll be opening windows to let in fresh air. Many families dive into spring cleaning and home improvement projects in the spring. Here are some home improvement projects that make sense this time of year:
What makes up your FICO credit score? Where does it come from? What actions make it better or worse, and what does this mean to you? Anthony Marino, Merrimack Valley Credit Union’s Senior Vice President of Organizational Development, answers these questions and more in this informative recorded seminar.
There may be snow on the ground, but the warmer weather will be here before you know it! If this is the year you hope to get a new RV for your family, check out the upcoming RV and Camping Expos coming to our area!
Has it been a few years since you purchased your home? Things may have changed for you since you made that commitment to a 30-year mortgage – your income and credit score could have gone up. Interest rates may have gone down. Now is a great time to see if refinancing your mortgage makes sense for you!
When it comes to high-interest credit card debt and other monthly financial obligations, pay your bills on time, and strive to pay off your entire balance at the end of each billing cycle.
MVCU is proud to highlight the achievements of small business owners in our community. Meet Evelyn, owner of Hair’s Evelyn Salon in Waltham, MA.
In addition to the usual chaos of the holiday season, year-end can bring a lot of anxiety to small businesses. They come face-to-face with the ambitious goals they created in January, for better or for worse! Either way, now is the time to close out the year as strongly as possible and prepare for a successful New Year!
Summer is the perfect time for small businesses to gain a competitive advantage. It’s like overtaking a runner in a race while they’re stopping for a water break; you have an opportunity to gain an edge while others are slowing down. When the weather heats up, here are five ways you can get the edge on the competition:
There’s a common misconception that life insurance is only for those married with children.
Where to Focus in July to Ensure the Best December. The month of July signals the halfway mark on the calendar, and a time when things typically slow down for many small businesses. With customers and clients taking time off for vacation, it’s tempting to leave the office early to catch a game of golf or head to the beach for the weekend.
Paying your bills on time is key to improving your credit score, and managing credit card debt effectively is equally important. Setting up autopay for your credit card payments is a practical solution to achieve both objectives. Here’s everything you need to know.
Knowing how credit inquiries affect you is a big part of being financially healthy. When you apply for a credit card or loan the creditor will “pull” your credit. This is known as a hard inquiry – but there are also soft inquiries, too. Here is what makes them different:
Checking your credit score is an easy way to tell if you’re making smart financial moves with your credit cards and loans. It’s a representation of how well you’re paying your bills, keeping your overall debt under control, and a few other signs of personal responsibility. But even if you feel like you’re doing everything right, you might be making some mistakes that could cause a drop in your score since the last time you checked. Here’s a look at what they are and how to get back on the right track.
Building a strong credit score takes time. If you’ve pulled your credit score lately and you’re not satisfied with the number you received, there are several things you can do to raise your credit.
Using a credit card is one of the fastest and easiest ways to build credit or improve your credit score. Responsibly using credit cards allows you to demonstrate to lenders that you can manage payments. The earlier you begin, the better.
One of the easiest mistakes to make with money is overspending. It happens to all of us occasionally. Yet if overspending becomes a habit, that’s when you know you have a real problem on your hands. What can help is a two-pronged effort: Understanding why you overspend and then making practical changes to stop the behavior.
Companies know we like our phones so they’re ready and willing to make them costly to use. Thankfully, there are some ways to save on your next (and future) phone bills.
Spring is finally upon us! While most people are thinking about spring cleaning their homes, it is equally as important to think about cleaning your finances. Yes, just like that one crinkled shirt hidden in the depths of your closet that you promise “you will wear one day” – your finances need some reevaluating, too! So, where do we even start? Here are a few tips and tricks to start spring cleaning your finances:
Before we start, I already know what you’re thinking, “Olivia, you’re not good at saving money. Is this going to be a huge flop like the ’No Spend November‘ challenge?” And my answer: potentially. I always do my best to be transparent when it comes to money… and I am a work in progress! I cannot guarantee this spending plan is going to be my “a-ha moment” where I get my life and finances together, but it is worth a shot!
This is a great time of year to get organized and back on track. Something about the return of regular schedules after a nice summer break leaves many people feeling ready to take on the world. Still, going into the end of the calendar (and tax) year can also leave us a bit anxious about our financial situations.
It is officially summertime, you’ve put in the request for some time off at work and you’re ready for some much needed R&R! You finally start to plan out your vacation getaway, and then… you see that the expenses are adding up quickly. The last thing you want is to arrive at your destination and realize you’re out of money. So how do you plan a vacation without overspending, that also fits your budget?!
One of the biggest factors impacting your credit score is the credit utilization ratio. This is your total credit used divided by the total credit available to you. Your best strategy when dealing with this ratio is to keep it below 30 percent. If it goes above that number, you could be in trouble.
Did you know the average family of 4 spends $800-$1000 on food each month? Food is one of those sneaky budget items because it covers not only your weekly groceries, but any restaurant food, coffee or drinks on-the-go that don’t seem expensive until you add up the total at the end of the month.
Setting a financial goal is easy. Attaining that goal is the hard part. Here are some ways to make the road to your financial goal as smooth as possible.
If you’ve been a regular reader of the ThinkPink blog series, you should be well-versed on the importance of a budget. When it comes to saving money and having a plan, a budget is one of the best ways to take control of your finances and reach your financial goals. However, I’ve found that following through with a plan can be cumbersome and while there may be momentum in the beginning, eventually it fizzles out before a goal is even reached. Why is that?
Will there be a sweet tax refund check coming your way? Even though you may be excited about this lump sum of cash hitting your banking accounts, consider your options before going on a shopping spree. If you use this money to your advantage, you could improve your finances for long-term benefits. Here are some smart ways to spend your tax refund:
According to a recent study, the average American household spends $64 per month on internet service. If you’re looking to reduce that cost, here are some ways to do that.
According to a study from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, groceries are going to get more expensive. The report suggested prices will likely increase between 1.5 percent and 2.5 percent during the next year. One way to save on groceries is to buy things in bulk. Here are some items that are usually worth buying in bulk:
There’s a growing community of people who are strategically planning to retire much earlier than 65, 60, or even 50 years old. These people are making radical changes to their lifestyles and financial plans. They are looking to achieve “financial independence” and to “retire early.” Shortened to an acronym, that becomes F-I-R-E, and the FIRE movement is gaining popularity with millennials.
Guess what? You’re not the only one with debt. Most people are juggling several different payment responsibilities each month: credit cards, car loans, store charge cards, gas credit cards, personal loans and even student loans.
Is anyone else confused at how it is already 2022?! Growing up, I always felt that the years were so much longer. However, the older I get the more I realize how quickly each day goes by. I began my career at the credit union when I was young and fresh out of college. Now, I am in my late 20’s and my back pops when I bend over!
Do you feel like just when you catch up…something hits your budget out of the blue? Like when you suddenly need new tires… or your refrigerator dies and you definitely need to replace it? Just when you think you’re on top of everything, new expenses seem to pop up.
Did you know the average US adult spends over $700 a year on gifts? In addition, we often can’t help ourselves while we’re shopping for others, and we end up also spending money on ourselves while out shopping. And that’s not even including the hundreds of dollars we spend on wrapping, cards, groceries, decorations, clothes and hairstyling for parties, and the gas, mileage, babysitting, and restaurant expenses it takes to get out and go shopping.
Did Thanksgiving seem a bit late this year? Surprise—it’s already December! Traditionally, some families start decorating for the Christmas holiday the day after Thanksgiving. Other families trim the tree and hang the lights in early December. Whatever your family holiday traditions are, here are 6 tips for easy, economical holiday decorating to get you started:
For some readers, the No Spend Challenge could be done with ease and that is awesome! For me, a No Spend Challenge is difficult. It is especially hard when participating during the month of November. Let’s cue the smallest violin here, again. For starters, every store is now fully stocked with their transitional fall into winter pieces, which is arguably the best season for creating outfits.
Credit Card Theft can happen even when the card is still in your possession – the thief has obtained your number and security information and has created a new card with the same information. And it may just be the first step in obtaining other parts of your identity.
Food is a necessary cost – you can’t avoid feeding yourself and your family! Here are our Top 10 ways to cut some of the cost and put some of the money back into your pocket every week:
Are you expecting a tax refund this year? While it can be exciting to have an unexpected chunk of cash suddenly available, consider your options before going on a shopping spree. You could use this money to your advantage and improve your finances for long-term benefits. Here are some smart ways to spend your tax refund:
Now that the holiday season is over, are you dreading the arrival of your credit card bills? Many people do most of their holiday shopping with credit cards—and the totals sure add up quickly! Here are 5 strategies to deal with the financial aftermath from Christmas shopping and prepare a plan for this year’s holidays.
Using debt consolidation as a tool to lower your monthly payments and interest If you’re like most Americans, you may be juggling several different payment responsibilities each month: credit cards, car loans, store credit cards, gas credit cards and even student loans. It can be overwhelming!
The beginning of the school year is an exciting time for families, but it also comes with the stress of managing expenses. From school supplies to clothing and extracurricular activities, the costs can quickly add up. Here are some saving strategies to help you send your kids back to school prepared:
Seven-Eleven Day is here! For those not familiar with the significance of this day, on July 11th every year, 7-Eleven stores across the country celebrate with free Slurpees for all their customers. It’s the perfect way to beat the summer heat and indulge in a variety of flavors.
As temperatures rise in the summer months, so do our utility bills. However, with a few mindful practices, you can keep your energy costs in check, while staying comfortable at home.
Did you know you can open a savings account with your child? It’s never too early to introduce them to important life lessons and the importance of saving. Opening a savings account for your child is a great way to introduce them to the value of money.
Getting older isn’t the worst thing, especially with all the senior discounts available. Whether you are grocery shopping or buying new shoes, you might be able to score some savings. Here’s a list of 10 spots in our own backyard that offer discounts. Please note that discounts occasionally change, so please contact your local stores ahead of time to confirm!
It’s that time of year again: the temperatures are high, and the kids are home on summer vacation. Summer vacation is a time to make memories and spend quality time together as a family. However, it can also be challenging and expensive to keep kids busy. We’ve put together some simple craft projects you can make at home. Save yourself from hearing “I’m bored” without spending an arm and a leg!
We all know that we need to have money saved for a rainy day or for fun things like vacations or nights out! However, there isn’t a one-size-fits-all savings account. There are several ways to save money, and each type of account has different benefits. Understanding all your options is key to making the right decision for your financial needs:
Are you tired of having to choose between saving money and having fun? Do you find it challenging to stick to a budget because you need to catch up on the things that make life enjoyable? Here are six easy ways to enjoy life while still being financially responsible!
Who doesn’t love the freedom of being able to purchase anything from the comfort of your couch? So many consumers have pivoted from in-store purchases to surfing the web for their wants and needs. Here are five ways to save money or get rewards for your purchases when shopping online:
Life is unpredictable. It doesn’t matter how much you plan; sometimes, things pop up that can be very expensive! Having money saved for planned and unplanned events can help you manage financial stress.
It’s a new year! Now is a great opportunity to develop some positive savings habits to build or refresh your Emergency Savings account.
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When you’re 25 years old, retirement seems so far away. Even though I have at least 40 more years in the work force (sigh) I still know that one day I am going to be burnt out from working 5 days a week- I already am! Eventually, I’ll need to stop working as hard as I am now to enjoy some relaxation except I can’t get to that point if I run out of money prematurely.
When I was young, I was gifted the coolest plastic safe. It was deep grey with a bright purple handle that you would spin to open and it had clinking sound effects whenever you opened the safe and deposited money. Since this was before I had a savings account, I threw all of my money in there until it would all fall out when I opened the safe.
They say money and friends don’t mix, and there’s certainly some truth to that. However, life isn’t always black and white. One day you might find yourself in a situation where you are pondering lending money to a loved one. If that happens, consider the following before going through with the transaction.
Giving children an allowance can help them build better spending and saving habits. It’s hard to learn the true value of money without actually having some money to save and spend. That’s why setting aside a specific amount each week as an allowance for your children can be a good way to show them, among other things, that cash is a limited resource.
Was ‘saving money’ or ‘making more money’ on your list of New Year’s resolutions? Are you one of the millions of Americans who reach each payday with less than a few hundred dollars in your checking account, or even a completely empty checking account?
It’s tax season again! Do you dread filing your taxes each year? We don’t have any secrets for making the process more fun, but we do have some tips that will hopefully make it a bit easier.
Winter is here, which means it’s time to start focusing on your heating bills. If you use gas to heat your home, inflation is going to make things tough. According to a study from the Energy Information Administration, you’ll likely spend about 30 percent more on heating costs this winter. No matter how you heat your home, there are ways to reduce the expense. Here are some tips that should help:
Maybe you are saving up for a big post pandemic vacation or a new home or both. Maybe you’re just done being — or at least feeling — broke every January. Whatever the reason, it’s possible to make it through the holiday season and live within your means so you can keep on stashing away cash for your short-term and long-term financial goals.
Hi my name is Olivia and I am a total clothes horse. I buy for a mixture of reasons, including being a spin instructor so always “needing” new workout sets or severely overestimating the amount of times I go outside my house. In reality, I wear the same t-shirt and sweatpants every day (yay for working from home!). Essentially, I have spent so much on clothes that my bedroom has started to look like a TJ Maxx popup shop.
It’s that time of year again, when the weather starts getting cooler, and kids start getting excited about trick-or-treating for Halloween! Have you noticed the specialty Halloween stores popping up nearby your community? Have no fear– you can make your own Halloween costumes and save some money in the process!
According to a survey from CreditCards.com, “47% of Americans are carrying credit card debt.” This statistic would make my grandfather furious if he heard it. He would often say to me, “Vivi, the world started to go downhill once they introduced plastic money!” Following my grandfather’s testament to the downfall of society, he would then tell me the story of how he used to always leave a wad of cash in his work locker for emergencies.
It’s a new year and a fresh start. Did you make any financial resolutions for the New Year? Here are 3 common financial resolutions, and some ideas of how to actually accomplish them this year:
When you were a little kid, did you dream of being a millionaire? Did it sound like a magical fantasy that would allow you to live a luxurious life? Well… experts are now warning that one million dollars may no longer be enough savings to fund your retirement, depending on your personal circumstances.
School shopping might look a little different this year, but here are some timeless tips for how to save money during the “back to school” shopping season.
Each May there’s a special “Herb Day” holiday in May, which was created in 2006 to encourage people to learn more about how to use herbs in their daily lives. So what does this have to do with your finances?
How would your life change if you were able to save $200 a month? Did you know that’s less than $7 per day? It could be as easy as skipping a fancy latte and snack each day. If you make this a daily habit, save this little stash of money, and utilize it smartly… it can do wonders for your financial situation over time.
Did you know that there are special rewards available to you as a member of Merrimack Valley Credit Union? Here are some of the fabulous benefits our members enjoy:
Home equity is the value of a homeowner's interest in their home. It is calculated as the difference between the home's current market value and the outstanding balance of any mortgages or liens on the property. For example, if your home is worth $300,000 and you owe $200,000 on your mortgage, your home’s equity is $100,000.
Purchasing your first home and becoming a first-time homeowner is a significant milestone. While the prospect of becoming a first-time homeowner can be exciting, it can also be intimidating. The more information you have about buying a home, the better position you will be in. Here are five tips to help you in your home search.
A lot of times when people think of home equity, they think of fixing or renovating their house. Did you know you can use that money for things that aren’t house related?
Don’t fall into these traps when purchasing your first house. Searching for your first home can be exciting and sometimes a little scary. It’s generally the largest expense most people will ever make, so it really pays to do your homework, and arm yourself with knowledge and a team of professionals who can help you avoid the pitfalls some first-time homebuyers find themselves making.
Simple ways to add value to your home. It’s a seller’s housing market, but that doesn’t mean you have to be complacent about your home’s value. Here are several projects that can add value to your home, so that when you do decide to sell, you’ll get the best offers possible.
Are you preparing to find your dream house? Before you make the giant leap, here are 5 Tips to Get Ready for a Move:
Do you have a list of things that need to be fixed or updated around the house? Well, now may be the perfect time! For a variety of reasons, early fall is a great time of year to make home improvements. The days are still warm enough to tackle outdoor projects or leave the windows open, the kids are back in school, and contractors may be more available for certain types of projects.
Whether you’re considering your first home purchase or a move from your current home, there are several options available. Choosing a single family house, a multifamily property, or a condominium all have pros and cons. As you begin hunting for the perfect dwelling, be open to the possibilities.
Home insurance is required with most mortgages and provides wide-reaching protection to you and your family. If your house is ever damaged or destroyed, you would still be responsible for making your mortgage payments. Homeowners Insurance helps protect your personal finances and provides peace-of-mind to your family.
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Thank you to everyone who submitted a photo to our contest, and to all of you who voted for your favorites! Our 2025 calendar theme is: “Best in Show.” This year, we celebrated the diverse and beloved pets that bring joy to our lives. We were excited to see so many proud pet parents showcasing what makes their companions truly special.
Living the Credit Union motto of “People Helping People” is important to the team at MVCU.
National Hispanic Heritage Month is celebrated from September 15 through October 15 throughout the United States. This year’s theme is “Unidos: Inclusivity for a Stronger Nation” and it’s a month where we recognize the cultural contributions and achievements made by our fellow Americans of Hispanic culture. Hispanic Heritage month has been celebrated across the nation through festivals, art shows, conferences, community gathering, and more.
By shredding old documents, you’re protecting your private, personal information from identity thieves. What documents should you consider shredding? Anything that has a signature, account number, social security number, or medical or legal information that you no longer need to retain. If you’re not sure if you should keep or shred a document, keep it somewhere safe.
April is National Credit Union Youth Month. Let’s encourage kids to develop healthy saving habits by making savings fun and exciting! Do you talk about money in a positive way with your children? Here are some fun facts that can be conversation starters:
The holiday season is here, and many people are swept up in the wonderful spirit of giving to others. If you plan to donate to charitable organizations this year, here are some tips to help you make sure your end-of-the-year contributions are the most effective:
Looking for ways to give back? Here are 10 ideas to get you started! 1. Provide Food – Donate canned goods or funds to your local food bank or pantry. You could also volunteer your time at a local soup kitchen, such as Neighbors in Need.
Fall is finally here, and now that the kids are back to school, the holidays are coming right around the corner! Here are some ideas of things you can clean up and clear out now before the holiday rush:
Although some farms aren’t offering pick-your-own (PYO) options this year, these tried-and-true community favorites are open and could provide a fun outing for you and your family or friends!
In celebration of Irish-American Heritage Month, we’d like to pay respect to the Irish immigrants who paved the way for the growth of the Merrimack Valley.
This is a great time of year to live in New England! There are lots of options for family fun! Whether you choose to stay close to home or take a scenic drive, explore the outdoors or stay cozy inside, there are plenty of family-friendly activities to enjoy. Best of all, many of the activities are inexpensive or even free.
It’s tax season again! Do you dread filing your taxes each year? We don’t have any secrets for making the process more fun, but we do have some tips that will hopefully make it a bit easier.
Winter sometimes brings us whopper snowstorms, and occasionally the wind, ice and snow knocks out power. If an emergency such as this hit your home, would your family be ready? An emergency could involve your family having no power, no heat, no water, and possibly no ability to travel outside the home. Below are some tips to prepare your family for an emergency.
Yes, it’s really yummy…people went back for seconds! At a recent staff potluck, this recipe by Laureen Hume stole the show. Who would have thought something with BROCCOLI would get more comments than goodies and cake? So many staff members asked for the recipe that we thought we’d share it with our members, too.
What to do if you lose your wallet or purse. Losing your wallet or purse can be a frustrating experience. Your credit cards, ID, keys and cash are all seemingly out there in the world for anyone to find. Despite the feeling of helplessness, there are ways to mitigate the damage. Here are some steps to take immediately after losing your wallet or purse.
How to protect yourself from cash app scams. Cash apps like Venmo, Zelle and CashApp are great for their convenience. But as with all things involving money, scammers are lurking in the shadows. Here’s how to keep yourself (and your money) safe when using cash apps.
Recently, some of our members were targeted by a Home Warranty Notice scam. This isn’t the first time this scam has been used, and it probably won’t be the last. But don’t worry! If you stay alert and aware, you can avoid becoming a victim.
We get lots of questions from members about cookies– not the yummy ones, the tricky ones that can sometimes cause errors when you’re trying to DO something online. Sometimes your internet browsing history or cache can make things difficult, too.
Since starting this blog in 2020, we've covered a wide range of topics. It has been fun doing deep dives into the world of personal finance. All this big thinking, though, can cause us to gloss over basic financial principles.
Ah, February – the month where love is in the air and, for us single folk, it is the month where we get amazing deals on post-Valentine’s Day chocolates. In February, relationships are celebrated with romantic dinners and roses, however, there is an important relationship that often goes uncelebrated – your relationship with yourself!
When my mom was growing up, my grandparents would pull off the clown car illusion of stuffing every neighborhood kid into their car to go get an ice cream cone every Friday night. There were days when my grandparents had only a couple dollars in their pockets, yet, they never turned anyone down.
The painful truth for most people my age- we have no clue how to file taxes. And what do you do when you have no clue how to do something? Ask your parents!
You just got home from your beach vacation. Instead of unpacking, you spend hours scrolling through photos reminiscing about your time away. But then reality sets in when you realize it is Sunday night and you have to work the next day. Your stomach grumbles but the fridge is empty because you haven't been grocery shopping for 2 weeks.
When you graduate from college, one of the first things that you start to save toward is getting your own place. You just lived on your own for 4 years and had that taste of “freedom.” You could go about as you pleased without having to tell your parents where you were going at 11:00 pm. And if your diet consisted of late-night pizza and mozzarella sticks then so be it. College is essentially a 4-year long sleepover with your closest friends but then one day it ends and before you know it you are back in your bedroom at home.
When I was 10 years old, I envisioned that by age 23 I would be an “adult.” I’d be married and living in a colonial home that I’d raise my family in. Fast forward 16 years. At 26 years old, I am not married, I still live at home with my parents and I couldn’t imagine having kids of my own right now. It seems laughable now but how did my 10 year old vision change so drastically over the years?