Life has a way of throwing financial curveballs when you least expect them. A car repair or medical bill can strain your budget, but when the challenge comes from something beyond your control - like the government shutdown - it can feel even more unsettling. Fortunately, there are steps you can take right now to protect your finances during this uncertain time.
Most people agree that life insurance is important, but it’s one of those topics that often gets pushed aside. Many think it’s something only older adults or parents with young children need. In reality, life insurance is a form of financial protection that can make sense at nearly every stage of life.
Many people assume all financial institutions are the same. After all, both banks and credit unions offer checking accounts, loans, and online services. But credit unions are built on a very different model - one that puts people over profits. That difference is what sets them apart and makes them such a valuable partner in managing your money.
Have you ever noticed your credit card rate inching upward? Or certain loan payments increasing from a rise in interest rates? Chances are that those shifts are the result of changes to the prime rate. The “prime rate” may sound like financial jargon, but it plays a significant role for borrowers and savers alike.
Digital wallets allow users to securely store their debit and credit cards directly in their smart devices, making transactions effortless. Rather than rummaging through a bulky wallet or bag, you can simply tap your smartphone or smartwatch to complete purchases in seconds.
Losing your debit or credit card used to mean days of waiting. No swiping, tapping, or spending until a replacement card arrived in the mail or you took a trip to the branch to have a new one printed. Fortunately, those days are behind you! A smarter solution has rolled out: digital card issuance.
As legislators and policymakers work to reduce overall deficits, tax reform is likely to play a major role. Bank lobbyists are once again putting pressure on Congress to remove credit unions’ federal tax exemption. This move will significantly impact how credit unions operate and hurt the communities they serve.
Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) programs may be the latest payment craze, but the concept isn’t new. These same principles made credit cards popular. These payment options are gaining traction due to the lure of no-interest charges, convenient repayment schedules, and easy approvals. While convenient, hidden dangers are lurking in the waters that many are overlooking.
Have you ever wondered how the way you bank impacts the environment? It’s likely a topic that has flown under your radar. However, there are many simple, yet effective money moves you can incorporate into your daily life that will help Mother Nature and make managing your money easier.
Just when you thought payments couldn’t get any faster with apps like Zelle or Venmo, a new system is about to change the game. FedNow®, the Federal Reserve’s instant payment network, lets credit unions and banks move money in real-time, 24/7. Unlike peer-to-peer apps, it works behind the scenes, allowing businesses and individuals to send and receive payments instantly - no waiting, no delays.
