Stay Safe from Gift Card Scams This Holiday Season
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.
Avoiding Financial Frights: How to Budget for Halloween Spending
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.
Unlocking Financial Goals: The Power of Club Accounts
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.
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:
Before making a purchase, check online prices at several retailers to find the best price. You can also search for online coupon codes to possibly save additional money at your favorite online stores.
Become a coupon master – You may be able to sock away some savings at the grocery store or when you shop online just by using coupons! Be sure to put those extra dollars saved into your savings account.
Use free budgeting tools! As an MVCU member, you have access to free budgeting tools right inside your online banking!
To save more money, you’ll need to either spend less or earn more. Once you’ve identified your monthly savings goal and a strategy to set aside money for savings, think about ways you can make saving easier:
Ask your employer about automatic payroll deductions direct to your savings account. You may be able to set it up so that the dollar amount you choose to save is removed from your paycheck before it hits your bank account.
Set up automatic transfers to your savings or investment accounts.
Consider consolidating your debts to save money on interest and possibly lower your monthly payments, too!
The change jar- simply empty all the coins out of your pockets and purse at the end of the day into a jar or bottle. When the jar is full, deposit these coins into your savings account = painless bonus savings!
Could you go back to school or get additional training to qualify for a higher salary? There is no age limit on your education, and you may even qualify for scholarships, grants, or special programs now! Your employer may also offer some form of reimbursement for education directly related to your career— contact your HR department to find out today!
Whatever your financial, personal, or career goals are for the coming year, we’d like to wish you a happy, healthy New Year! Thank you for being a valued member of Merrimack Valley Credit Union, including Bridgewater Credit Union, a division of Merrimack Valley Credit Union!