How to Budget in Times of Inflation
Inflation levels are steadily increasing, which makes budgeting and saving even more difficult. Our latest blog post highlights some simples ways you can help minimize the effects of inflation on your personal budget.
How Can I Save on Holiday Shopping?
Does inflation have you feeling like a Scrooge this year? You don’t have to let your holidays be ruined by price spikes. We can help you get the best deals!
Build and Maintain an Excellent Credit Score
Maintaining a good credit score is a crucial part of your financial health. Our latest blog post covers the steps to raising your credit score by keeping credit cards open and active, paying bills on time, and keeping credit utilization low.
Knowing When and How to Indulge
Being on a path toward financial wellness doesn't mean that you have to live a life free of any indulgences. Knowing when and how to indulge yourself is vital to living a life that is both fulfilling and financially rewarding.
My House Skyrocketed in Value. Now What?
You have likely seen the value of your home increase in value recently, but what does this mean for you? Whether you plan on moving or using your home's equity, our latest blog post will help you prepare.
Financial Lessons You Can Learn from Fantasy Football
Football season is almost here! If you're like many Americans, you may have a fantasy football team that you manage throughout the season. But did you know that there are many strategies that cross over from managing a fantasy football team to managing your finances? Our latest blog post features helpful tips that will keep your money growing and keep your fantasy team at the top of the standings!
Back to School Shopping Hacks
With school starting back up very soon, back-to-school shopping is in full swing. Here are some tips to stock up on supplies and back to school gear while also saving money!
Should I Keep Cash at Home?
In times of economic uncertainty, the question arises of if and how much money should be kept at home. We cover the answer to this question, and some good places to keep your money on our latest blog.
How to Pay Yourself First
One of the most important steps to financial wellness is "paying yourself first", making sure to set aside money for the future before covering any other expenses. This simple concept allows you to set money side for emergency funds, while also planning for short-term and long-term savings goals. Our latest blog post covers budgeting your spending, planning for an emergency, automating your savings, and more.
Beware of Debt Relief Scams
It’s tempting to think there’s a company out there that can get you instant debt relief or rapidly fix your credit score, but it’s just not possible. There are many scams that will try to take advantage of people by offering claims such as these to people who are in dire financial situations.
Five Steps to Eliminating Debt
Paying off your debt can seem like an uphill battle, but by changing your mindset, the process can seem a lot less intimidating. We’ve outlined five steps you can take to eliminate your debt once and for all.
6 Ways to Boost Your Credit Score
Having a good credit score is one of the most important pieces to buying a car, getting an affordable loan, or even getting a new credit card. But how do you improve or maintain your score? Our latest blog will provide you with important tips.
How to Deal with Rising Gas Prices
Gas prices are at a historic high, and there's no way of knowing when they'll come back down. But we put together a list of some helpful tips to minimize the impact on your wallet!
Steps to Financial Wellness: Creating a Budget
A well-designed budget can provide you with a sense of financial security and freedom. But sticking to a budget can be easier said than done. Check out these helpful tips and tricks to setting a monthly budget.
Simple Tips for Saving on Heating Costs
Winter temperatures may be driving your heating costs up, but we have some helpful tips to save you money! Check out our latest blog post to find out more.
Leaving Your Job? Make Sure Your Wallet is Ready
It may seem like everyone around you is taking part in the "Great Job Resignation" and you’re thinking about doing the same. But be sure you’re ready for the move!
The Beginner’s Guide to Credit Cards
Sometimes it seems like the world revolves around credit cards, so knowing how to use them right and protect your credit score is really important. We can help you learn how!
Beware Tax Filing Scams
You know that tax preparer offering you double the refund for half the fee? It’s quite likely a scam. We’ll teach you how to spot tax preparer scams, and what to do if you fall for one!
10 Tips for ATM Safety
Winter’s darkness provides extra opportunity for theft and fraud at ATMs. Use our list of tips to protect yourself and your money while you’re doing business at our machines!
Beware Cryptocurrency Scams
Scammers change with the times, and now a lot of them are using cryptocurrency to pull off their crimes. Learn how to spot the scams and guard your money!
All You Need to Know About Multifactor Authentication
A hacker may be able to steal your password, but nowhere outside spy films do they get your retina scan, fingerprint or face. Learn why we use Multifactor Authentication for online and mobile banking.
4 Scams to Watch Out for This Black Friday
Thanks to supply chain issues, Black Friday will be a little different this year, but the scammers will still be around every corner. Find out how to spot them and steer clear!
What to Expect for Holiday Shopping 2021
If you wait until Black Friday to start your holiday shopping this year, you may be out of luck. Find out why the best time to start ticking items off your list is right now!
Needs Vs. Wants: How to Tell the Difference
When you lay out your monthly budget, one of the biggest tasks is to separate needs from wants. It can be tough for some things! Fortunately, we’ve got plenty of tips to help you.
Why You Need to Be Financially Fit
Did you get some exercise today? How about working out with your money habits? You need to get yourself financially fit just as much as physically, and we can help!
How to Save on Wedding Costs
When it comes to your wedding, of course you want the best of everything...but are you willing to pay for it? With some careful planning, prioritizing what’s important to you and your spouse-to-be, and by following some of the cost-cutting tips outlined here, you can have the wedding you desire and your budget, too.
Six Reasons to Switch to eStatements
Ever open your mailbox and feel like it’s exploding all over you? If you get buried by the deluge of bills, correspondence, bulk mail and ads every month and worry about losing something really important, like your bank statement, it’s time to try eStatements!
Don’t Get Caught in an Auto Warranty Scam
It’s another call about your car’s warranty expiring offering to extend it or sell you some other warranty-type service. How can you tell if it’s a scam? We’ve got all the info you need!
Scam Alert: Beware Child Tax Credit Scams
Checks are about to go out for the Child Tax Credit, and of course, the scent of government money is drawing scammers like flies. We’ve got tips to help you stay safe!
How to Adult: Personal Finance for the Real World
Have you read Jake Cousineau's How to Adult: Personal Finance for the Real World? Learn more about the topics Cousineau covers in his new book!
5 Discounts for Older Adults You May Not Know About
You might have grown up seeing your parents and grandparents getting a senior discount, and now it’s your turn. Before you open your wallet for anything, check for a senior discount!
Read on to learn more
4 Reasons To Get Pre-Approved for a Loan
Are you in the market for a large loan-dependent purchase like a new home or a new set of wheels? Don’t forget to get your pre-approval first!
Read on to learn why
5 Reasons We Overspend (and How to Overcome Them)
It’s happened to all of us: We get into a shopping frenzy for one reason or another and the next thing we know, our budget is blown. Why do we overspend, and how can we fight the urge?
Read on to learn what you do can help you fight the urge.
Your Complete Guide to Using Your Credit Cards
Don’t let your credit cards become a hassle! You can build a great credit score and enjoy rewards cards without diving deeply into debt.
Read on to learn more!
What are the Advantages of a HELOC?
You might be living in your best source of funding for anything from home improvement to debt consolidation or anything else! A home equity line of credit, or HELOC, lets you borrow against the equity you have in your home.
Read on to see why a HELOC from SCU Credit Union just might be your best choice.
Save Money When Shopping Online
Online shopping was already huge, but the pandemic has made it the only way a lot of us shop anymore. We can show you how to save the most money on your purchases!
Read on to learn tricks to help you save!
The Importance of Being Financially Fit
It’s time to check your financial fitness! There’s a lot that goes into this money workout, but you’ll appreciate the new you in the end! We’ve got all you need to do laid out!
Read on to work those money muscles!
How Can I Use a Job Loss as a Stepping Stone for Growth?
If you’re facing job loss, either because of the pandemic or some other reason, it doesn’t have to be the end of the world. This is a great time to step back, consider the career goals you had in the past, and see where you need to be to get there.
Read on to learn how to figure out your dream job and see what you need to make it real!
How To Dispute An Error On Your Credit Card Report
Sometimes you may find an error in your credit card report. It might be a sharp decline in your score when you know you haven’t changed your spending or bill-paying habits, a large transaction you’re sure you’ve never made or an unfamiliar line of credit. While it can be disconcerting to find a mistake in your credit report, the good news is you can contest errors like these and fix your score.
Read on to learn all of our tips on how to dispute an error on your credit card report:
How To Recognize and Protect Yourself From Scams
If it sometimes seems like #scams are everywhere, it’s because they are!
Read on to learn all of our tips on how to recognize and protect yourself from scams.
A Guide to Opening Your First Credit Card
Opening your first credit card is one of the rites of passage into genuine adulthood, but with so much conflicting information, it can all get confusing fast!
Read on to get our guide and all of our do's and don'ts for opening a credit card.
Your Complete Guide to Identity Theft Protection
Are you worried about #identitytheft? If you’re not, you should be! Millions of people fall victim every year, but you can stay safer with some simple steps. We’ve got a list of simple steps you can take to keep yourself out of the thieves’ crosshairs!
Read on for all of our tips on how to avoid identity theft.
5 Must-Have Gadgets For Students
You’ve already got your laptop, tablet and, of course, your smartphone. What more can you need for school? Check out our list of 5 super-convenient gadgets that every student should know about.
Read on for our full list!
11 Ways To Save On Back-To-School Shopping
Don’t drop your sunblock, but it’s almost #backtoschool time again! You don’t need to spend yourself into debt just because everyone else seems to be doing it. Instead, take a proactive, mindful approach when shopping for the new school year and spend hundreds less than the national average. Let Sharon Credit Union show you how!
Read on to learn all of our hacks on how tou can save on back-to-school shopping.
10 Things You Can Do to Avoid Fraud
If you spot a scam, tell someone and then tell the FTC. Your reports help the FTC and other law enforcement investigate scams and bring crooks to justice. Sharon Credit Union came up with 10 things you can do to avoid fraud and recognize situations in which you are a target to scammers so that you can be better prepared to report fraud.
Read on to discover the 10 things you can do to avoid fraud and learn about how you can catch and prevent fraud attempts.
9 Ways For Kids to Make Money
The best way to teach a child financial responsibility is by encouraging them to earn and manage money on her own. As August begins and kids get bored, there are many opportunities for them to pull in some extra money.
Read on to learn all of the ways kids can make some extra money this summer.
12 Things To Do Before Your Summer Getaway
We’ve got a list of hints and tips that will save you time, money and most importantly aggravation before, during and after your getaway! Whatever your plans, here’s a list of things to take care of before you leave.
Read on to see our whole pre-vacation checklist!
7 Steps To A Mid-Year Financial Checkup
It's time for a mid-year financial checkup! Take a look at your monthly budget and see if it needs any adjustments, and try to factor in any large expenditures coming up. Give yourself a financial checkup before the summer gets away from you.
Read on to learn all 7 of our steps to a mid-year financial checkup!
3 Ways Your Credit Union Can Help Fund Your Summer Vacation
Is the beach calling? Are the kids carving mouse ears out of soap? It’s vacation time! Let Sharon Credit Union help you make your dream trip a reality!
Read on to find out how Sharon Credit Union can help fund your summer vacation.
4 Parking Lot Scams to Look Out for This Summer
So, you watch for #scams on your computer, in your mail and in stores, but have you ever heard of parking lot scams? They’re as old as cars, come in four major guises and are everywhere during the summer.
Read on to make sure that you have the right information to stay safe!
6 Ways to Finance a Home Renovation
Home renovations are a great way to make your old house feel new again. Whether it be a renovation just for the sake of change, or a necessary change due to an unexpected emergency, Sharon Credit Union may be able to help. We are suggesting 6 Ways that Sharon Credit Union could finance your home renovations and providing options that are attractive and sutiable to different member needs or financial situations.
Read on to find out how Sharon Credit Union could help finance your home renovations.
7 Money Myths You Need to Stop Believing Now
We all grow up hearing the same financial advice: Spend less, save more and invest early. While most of these words of wisdom ring true, there are lots of widespread money management tips that are actually false.
Read on for 7 money myths that might be causing you more financial stress than benefit.
How To Enjoy A Busy Wedding Season Without Going Broke
It’s #wedding season, and all those invites can really drain your wallet if you don’t shop smart! From saving on clothes and gifts to traveling on the cheap, check out our tips!
Read on to find out how you can attend the celebrations without breaking your wallet.
6 Ways to Save Money on Gardening Equiptment and Supplies
Want to reconnect with the earth and do some gardening? We’ve got six hacks that will save you big money!
Read on to learn how you can afford the garden of your dreams!
Features You Should Look for in a New Car
Picking out the features you want in a new car can be like picking items off a menu … you want a bit of everything! Fortunately, we’ve gone through the most popular ones to help you pick the most important ones, the fun ones and the ones to skip.
To learn which must have safety features you should seriously consider in your next vehicle and which fun options might be right for you, read on.
7 Signs You're Living Beyond Your Means and How to Fix Them
If you can’t seem to dig out of a financial hole, you might be living beyond your means. But how to tell? Are you saving or are you living without rainy day and emergency funds? Carrying a credit card balance month to month? Do monthly bills create tremendous stress? Do your house and car payments bust your budget? If some or all of these apply to you, read how you can make fixes.
5 Ways to Pay Off a Loan Early
If you’re like most of us, you’ve got more debt than you’d like. Want to pay it off early? There are simple tricks you can employ to lighten the load and start paying down what you owe sooner rather than later.
Read on to get started today!
Do You Need a Rainy Day Fund and Emergency Fund?
In an effort to simplify their money, people sometimes consolidate accounts. This is OK in many instances, but it’s important to remember that rainy day funds and emergency funds serve different purposes. Additionally, it’s important to have not just one, but both funds available to tap into as needed.
Read on for all your questions on rainy day and emergency funds, answered.
5 Questions About Your Financial Future to Ask Yourself Today
It's important to stay on top of your finances. Here are 5 financial questions to ask yourself. Depending on your answers, they may help motivate you to to get on track!
8 Reasons to Create a Monthly Budget
Not sure what you’ll gain by budgeting? Here’s a list of the benefits.
- You’ll spend less.
All You Need to Know About Buying a Used Car
If you’re in the market for a deal on used wheels, follow the steps below for a smoother ride!
Step 1: Crunch the numbers
7 Questions to Ask Yourself Before Making a Large Purchase
You’re convinced: You really want that Coach handbag. Or maybe you just know that gigantic entertainment center will transform your weekends. So you swipe your card and the dream item becomes yours. You’re thrilled!
That is, until a few weeks later when the credit card bill comes, and buyer’s remorse hits. You can’t help wondering: Was it really worth the price?
Book Review: Financially Ever After
It’s almost impossible to find two people who have identical approaches toward money management. We all have our own ideas about spending, budgeting and saving. What one person calls being cheap, another calls being frugal, and yet a third will call total deprivation.
How to Buy a Boat
Get ready to set sail this summer! Read on for the ultimate boat-buying guide.
Step 1: Choose your boat type
How to Save For a Boat
Ready to make waves without sinking your budget? Here’s eight simple steps to save up for the boat of your dreams.
1.) Do your research
5 Ways to Budget For Your Wedding
Are you ready to tie the knot, but don’t know if you can afford a wedding? You don’t need to skimp on the wedding of your dreams or go deeply into debt to pay for it. By planning ahead, choosing wisely and prioritizing what’s truly important, you can say “I Do” without stressing over wedding costs.
Daily Worth
If you’re a young parent trying to make sense of the stock market in between grocery shopping and PTA meetings, you likely don’t have the time or headspace for the in-depth articles on sites like Investopedia and Bankrate. And yet, mommy-brain notwithstanding, you don’t feel comfortable plunking down your money without first reading up on your investment of choice.
Don't Drink Your Wallet Dry
It’s hot out, so make sure you’re drinking up!
You probably already know water is the best beverage choice for your health and for your money. But did you know bottled water may be costing you a fortune?
Your Personal RV Buying Guide
It’s vacation time! Nothing beats a summertime road trip, but long hours in the car can really kill a vacation. That’s the beauty of recreational vehicles. The road IS the destination; anywhere you go, you’ve got luxury-class accommodations!
4 Ways to Bring Your Dream Kitchen to Life
A kitchen remodel or makeover not only adds value to your home, it will almost feel like you’ve got a new home. Here’s 4 ways to bring your dream kitchen to life.
6 Ways to Turn Your Dream Vacation into a Reality
Everyone has their own version of a dream vacation. But, for most of us, it never becomes a reality. Read on for six ways to make that dream vacation come true.
How to Fund An Emergency
When it comes to financial emergencies, ideally you will have an emergency fund tucked away for this very reason. If you don’t, or the money you have set aside isn’t enough, you have several options to consider.
7 Ways to Spring Clean for Extra Cash
When that first delightful spring breeze starts blowing, you know it’s time to get your house in shape.
The warmer weather and the brilliant sunshine pouring through your windows can fill you with boundless energy.
Beware of Cryptocurrency Hacks
Cryptocurrency is all the rage. Money you can’t see? Online accounts that aren’t regulated by big banks or even the feds? It has a futuristic feel, and anyone and everyone seems to be buying into the trend.
Rising Interest Rates
If you follow the national business news, you are likely getting mixed messages about the state of the economy. While never very reassuring, pundits’ opinions on the stock market and the country’s economic state are changing as frequently as the weather.
Teaching Your Kids Saving Smarts
For the responsible adult who thinks about being prepared for the future, savings are a fixed expense that is built into the monthly budget just like car payments and insurance.
Saving on Home Renovations
Is your home in desperate need of a facelift? As you probably know, renovations don’t come cheap. In fact, the average kitchen remodel tops $60,000 and bathroom overhauls can cost $18,000!
What Were the Actual 2018 Tax Changes?
What were the exact changes made to the U.S. tax code this year? There was so much talk about the proposed changes to the tax code, and many of the changes signed into law with the official Tax Cuts and Jobs Acts were quite different from those planned.
How to Talk Money with Your Partner
What happens when you and your partner have different approaches toward money?
It’s a common scenario.
6 Common Tax Mistakes To Avoid
It’s that time of year again! Get ready to break out the calculator and pencils; dig out the enormous pile of receipts, tax forms, and pay stubs, and get to work. Whether you choose to go it alone, use a tax-prep computer program or hand it all over to an accountant, start with checking out our handy list of common mistakes people make on their tax returns.
7 Common Life Insurance Myths Debunked
Many of us let popular misconceptions about life insurance convince us that we don’t need it. Read on to see how seven of the most widespread life insurance myths are easily debunked.
Financial Planning For College: How To Get The Most Out Of The FAFSA
If you’re the parent of a college-bound high school student, you’ve probably already started receiving junk mail with pictures of big, impressive stone facades on the outside and big, appalling price tags on the inside.
Ready, Set, Go...to College
It may seem like yesterday when you were sending your child off to preschool. And now you’re preparing him for college!
The process of a child leaving home is a major milestone that is made extra complex because of the emotions it generates.
The Real deal on the 2018 Tax Changes
The current administration is implementing changes to the U.S. tax code. The administration believes these changes will strengthen the middle class, reinvigorate business and decrease unemployment. Unfortunately, though, most of them will do little, if anything, for the state of the economy.
The iPhone X and Decoy Pricing
Retailers often manipulate our spending habits. For instance, every time you shop, your choices are likely influenced by pricing tactics like BOGO, anchoring and high-end pricing.
And then there’s the tactic favored by Apple: decoy pricing.
Beware Debt Relief
More than 42 million Americans have student loan debt, with their collective debt topping $1.4 trillion. Unfortunately, these big numbers make student loan debtors excellent targets for scams.
7 Ways to Save on Thanksgiving Costs
Between your turkey, ingredients for the holiday meal and décor to set the ambiance, hosting a Thanksgiving dinner is not cheap. If you’re looking for ways to cut back without compromising on quality, read on for seven easy ways to save on Thanksgiving costs this year.
Updates on the Equifax Breach
It’s been several weeks since the massive Equifax data breach became public knowledge. While there are still more questions than answers, lots of factors have been clarified. Here are some of the most common questions answered so far:
The Dos and Don'ts of Credit Repair
Looking for ways to improve an unfavorable credit score? Look no further! Our handy guide will help you get on the road to improving your score.
Do: Determine your actual credit score
Should I Make A Balance Transfer?
Are you considering a balance transfer to an interest-free card and wondering if it's a good idea? While transferring some or all of your credit card debt to one that includes an introductory interest-free period can help you move toward a debt-free life, there are some things to be aware of. Consider these pros and cons:
Dealing With A Financial Setback
If you’re hit with hard times, here are some tips to keep in mind.
Financial setbacks come in all shapes and sizes. It can be an expensive household repair, a medical emergency, getting laid off or the birth of a baby. Whatever the situation, it’s impossible to plan for every financial hit you will take in your lifetime.
Deciding Which Bills to Pay First
The following is a guest blog post from our partner, Greenpath Financial Wellness.
Plan For The Payoff When You Plan Your Student Loans
When your student understands the long-term consequences of accumulating..
4 Ways To Repay Your Student Loans With Help From Sharon Credit Union
We can help you pay back your loan.
Your Down Payment On A House
When you think about your down payment, balance is key.
America Saves Week - Saving For The Future Can Save The Day
The week of February 27 to March 4, 2017, is America Saves Week.
6 Questions Your Auto Dealer Hopes You Can't Answer
Let’s go through some of the more challenging parts of automotive financing.
Personal Loans: The Swiss Army Of National Finance
Sometimes life throws expensive surprises.