MembersFirst Credit Union: Blog
International Credit Union Day
International Credit Union Day was a success! We truly enjoyed celebrating with our amazing members! We hope you had a chance to stop by a branch and enjoy a special treat as we honored this year’s theme: “Cooperation for a Prosperous World.” What a way to recognize the power of working together—and there’s no better example of that than our members. You’re truly the best part of our credit union, and we are so glad we could share this day with you.
5 Money-Saving Tips for Millennials (or anyone who wants to save!)
Struggling to save money in today’s economy? You’re not alone. Whether you’re a millennial or just looking for smarter ways to stretch your dollars, these five creative tips can help you cut costs without sacrificing your lifestyle. From cashback apps to meal planning, discover practical strategies to boost your savings and take control of your financial future.
Are P2P Payment Systems Safe?
P2P payment apps like Venmo, Zelle, and Cash App are booming, but scams are rampant. One common trick exploits the delay in fund transfers—scammers use fake accounts to pay for goods and disappear before you realize it’s a scam. Venmo also shares transactions publicly by default, making users easy targets for identity theft. To stay safe, only send money to people you know, avoid using these apps for business, transfer funds out promptly, and enable two-factor authentication. Protect your money! Click to read more about how to stay safe when using P2P payment systems.
All You Need to Know About Third-Party App Scams
We live in a very app-driven world, and one of the latest scams involve third-party payment apps. You might download a payment app like Cash App or Zelle, only to find out it’s a lookalike and you’ve been looted. Or you might get a bogus notification of a large withdrawal about to be made from the target’s account which leads them into a scam. Be wary of any suspicious activity and never give out any personal info to unknown people on the phone. Read on to learn how to spot a scam and stay safe in the app world!
Why does my credit score matter?
Do you know your credit score? Do you know how it’s calculated and what it means? Your score is determined by many factors. Basically, if you pay your bills on time, don’t overuse your credit and don’t ignore any delinquent accounts, your score will rise. Have a variety of credit and keep your older cards open. Your score affects just about everything, from insurance rates and employment to loan/mortgage rates and eligibility. Try to pay more than the minimum payment on your credit cards and look into a debt consolidation loan to get your balances down faster!
Click to learn more on credit scores and why they’re important to consumers.
Why You Need to Be Financially Fit
Individual Americans spend hundreds of dollars a year and at least as many hours on keeping themselves physically fit — but too many people neglect their financial health. Just like physical health, being financially fit is crucial to your wellbeing, your future and your quality of life.
Read on to find out why being financially fit is so important and how you can overcome common barriers to achieving financial wellness.
How Can I Save on Energy Costs This Summer?
Summer’s here and so is the possibility of high energy bills burning right through your budget. While it’s hot out, you can still keep your cool with our energy-saving tips!
Read on and follow these hacks to save on energy costs this summer.
4 Ways to Stay Financially Fit this Summer
Ahh…summer! The season of flip-flops and sunscreen, of lemonade and baseball games. What’s not to love about summer? Who’s thinking about financial fitness?
Nothing kills summer fun like a busted budget and a mountain of debt. So, how can you stay financially fit this summer when the temptation to overspend is especially strong during the summer?
Follow these tips to keep your finances intact throughout the summer.
9 Black Friday Shopping Hacks
Black Friday deals are a siren song to shoppers, but, if you do it right you can save even more!
Stack coupons, follow retailers on social media, focus on big-ticket items and find discount codes online. To keep your spending under control, do your research, make a budget and stick to it.
Also, check price histories to be sure you’re really getting a deal, and check return policies to be sure the store will accept returns if it doesn’t work out. Make Black Friday work for you!
Click to read these 9 Black Friday shopping hacks!
Understanding Buy Now, Pay Later Services
In today’s retail landscape, Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) services have emerged as a popular alternative to traditional payment methods. From Afterpay to Klarna and Affirm, these services offer flexibility and convenience in making purchases. However, understanding the fee structures, interest rates and potential pitfalls of each BNPL provider is crucial to make informed financial decisions.
Let’s take a look at these services and some alternatives available at your credit union.