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Marine Credit Union
March 13, 2024

Is a Credit Union Membership for Me?

Managing your money and finding reliable options for financial institutions can often feel overwhelming, especially if you’ve never been to a bank or credit union.…

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Estate Planning
February 27, 2024

Estate Planning

It's easy to put off estate planning and consider it a task for later in life. You might be intimidated by the thought of getting…

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Card Skimmer
February 13, 2024

Protection From Card Skimming

People use their debit cards for everything from buying groceries to getting gas. The convenience of having debit/credit cards eliminates most needs for cash. But…

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Finding Home
January 25, 2024

Finding Home Empowers Families on Their Journey Towards Homeownership

Finding HOME is a comprehensive 12-18 month program that offers free financial education, behavior counseling, and housing support to empower families on their journey towards…

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Smart ATM
January 10, 2024

Welcome to the Future of Banking: Features and Benefits of Smart ATMs

Maybe you can picture yourself in this scenario: you wake up with a long list of errands, one being a trip to your credit union…

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Home Buying Checklist
December 19, 2023

10 Steps for First-time Homebuyers: The Home Buying Process

Buying a home is a big milestone in many people’s lives. But especially for first-time homebuyers, understanding how to buy a house can be overwhelming…

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Holiday Tips
December 7, 2023

13 Holiday Tips for Total Well-Being

The holiday season, often seen as the most wonderful time of the year, can also bring a significant amount of stress and anxiety for many…

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Checking account that get's it
November 15, 2023

Finally, a Checking Account That Gets It.

Imagine a checking account that’s easy, and convenient. It has features that help you better manage your money, it helps you out when you’re in…

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Overcoming Homelessness
November 7, 2023

Overcoming Homelessness: Your Path to a Brighter Financial Future

Individuals and families who have found themselves homeless face a challenging journey back to stability. It's not easy to figure out how to get out…

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Student Loan Repayment
October 19, 2023

Student Loan Repayment, Simplified

After a historical hiatus throughout the pandemic, borrowers now face federal student loan repayment. Evaluating your full financial picture and making a repayment plan goes…

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Marine Credit Union Foundation Golf Outing
October 4, 2023

MCU Foundation Annual Golf Outing Raises More than $150,000

Marine Credit Union works hard to help members with their financial needs, but some needs can’t be met with loans or savings accounts. We started…

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Facing Homelessness
September 13, 2023

Facing Homelessness: What to Expect and How to Prepare

Many individuals and families who have experienced homelessness have gone on to lead fulfilling lives. Preparing for homelessness and regaining housing stability and financial security…

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Identity Theft Facts
August 15, 2023

How to Report Identity Theft

Our digital lives make things easier, but they also provide opportunities for identity thieves. Thieves can commit fraud using our names, Social Security numbers, credit…

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medical debt
August 1, 2023

Medical Debt

Medical debt is a concerning financial situation faced by many individuals and families. Unexpected medical expenses can lead to substantial financial strain, impacting credit scores…

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Financial Wellness
July 5, 2023

Financial Stress and Your Mental Health

In today's fast-paced world, managing our finances effectively is a daunting task. Maintaining our finances is actually crucial for our overall well-being. Financial wellness and…

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Digital Wallet
June 19, 2023

What is a Digital Wallet?

In today's fast-paced digital world, carrying around a physical wallet filled with multiple cards seems outdated. Although most people still use physical cards and wallets,…

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May 4, 2023

How Does Refinancing Work?

Refinancing is the process of replacing an existing loan with a new loan that has different terms, often with the goal of obtaining a lower…

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HELOC
April 21, 2023

How to Use a HELOC Loan the Right Way

If you're a homeowner, you can be proud of the equity you've built in your home. You've worked hard to manage your mortgage and make…

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Car buying process
March 29, 2023

Car Buying Made Simple

Buying a car can be a daunting task, especially if you are a first-time buyer. With so many options available in the market, it can…

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Tax Scams
March 14, 2023

Taxpayers Beware: Five Common Scams to Avoid During Tax Season

At this time of year, criminals love to impersonate IRS agents. Scammers use the anxiety many of us feel surrounding our taxes to trick us…

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February 7, 2023

Understanding Overdraft Protection: Minimize Fees, Maximize Savings

Sometimes, despite your best efforts (or intentions!) to stick to a budget, you might find your checking account a little short. Maybe you ran into…

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Is it Cheaper to Build or Buy a House?
November 30, 2022

Is it Cheaper to Build or Buy a House?

Whether you're a first-time homebuyer or a current homeowner dreaming of a new abode, you may have visions of owning wide open space full of…

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November 15, 2022

Tips for Safe Holiday Shopping

The holiday season is upon us, and that means it's time to get your shopping on. While we all love getting great deals on Black…

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free checking that works for you
October 28, 2022

Checking Accounts That Work For You

When it comes to managing your money, there are a lot of different products, services, and support you can use. And while everyone's goals are…

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Basics Of Buying Land
October 17, 2022

The Basics of Buying Land: 6 Steps to Ownership

A lot of people dream of staking claim to their own piece of land. The open space comes with all sorts of possibility, giving you…

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Lending with Compassion
September 21, 2022

Compassionate Lending & Collecting

Getting a loan. For many, the thought conjures up conflicting feelings. On the one hand, it elicits hope and excitement at the prospect of fulfilling…

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Back to School Shopping
August 24, 2022

5 Tips For Back-to-School Shopping

It is that time of year again for kids to get ready to go back-to-school! With inflation continually rising, prices on all kinds of items…

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Online identity thief
July 21, 2022

Spotting fraudsters, scammers, and identity thieves online

Consider this: In 2021, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) received 2.8 million fraud reports from consumers. Of the losses those consumers reported, more than $2.3…

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Vacation Budgeting
April 6, 2022

Vacation Budgeting 101

You booked your flight, you booked your stay and you gathered a list of attractions you may want to see on your vacation… but what…

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Financial Fitness Yoga
March 28, 2022

Financial Fitness

Spring always brings a new wave of motivation! The great hibernation is almost over as people become more active. Maybe winter derailed your New Year’s…

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Movie on a budget for date night
February 14, 2022

15 Date Ideas on a Budget

Seeing hearts? Valentine’s day sets the tone for February being one of the most romantic days/months of the year. Many people feel the need to…

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New Year Fresh Start
February 8, 2022

New Year, Fresh Start! Invest in Yourself & Your Future

Ringing in the New Year is often accompanied by new year resolutions, goal resets, and how to be your best self compared to the previous…

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Understanding Credit Score
December 6, 2021

How to Understand Your Credit Score

If you were to google any topic about “understanding credit” right now, you would be directed to over 9 billion hits in total. That is…

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Apartment getting remodeled
October 21, 2021

Boost Your Property Value with These Remodeling Projects

Boosting Your Property Value The housing market is hot right now, and many people realize now is the time to get as much for your…

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Reach For The Stars
October 6, 2021

Reach for the Stars: How to Achieve Financial Wellness Post-Pandemic

It is easy to get bogged down in the day-to-day grind. And it is hard to think about the future when you are feeling uncertain…

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Woman showing distrust on laptop.
September 20, 2021

Distrust in Financial Institutions

When it comes to putting trust in banks/credit unions with your money or financial plans, there may be a lot of hesitation– Who do I…

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Padlock on a credit card
July 5, 2021

Quick Daily Tips to Prevent Identity Theft from Happening to You

This is real, people. But Marine has your back! Let us tell you a story. It was a Tuesday. A Marine Credit Union lender was…

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Savings increasing
July 2, 2021

Take Control of Managing Your Budget: The Road to Financial Independence

The road to financial independence can be intimidating, but not if you know where to start. Saving money can often be a challenge. We’re wired to take…

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Family on Vacation
May 20, 2021

Plan Ahead for Your Family Vacation

You and your family are counting down the days to vacation. The excitement’s building, especially since you plan to travel with a new (or new-to-you)…

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Couple paying off debt at computer
May 20, 2021

Tips and Strategies to Pay Off Your Debt

By Ken Brossman, Senior Vice President and Regional Manager – La Crosse, Marine Credit Union Credit cards, car loans, recreational vehicle loans, mortgage loans, school…

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People meeting at a table
May 20, 2021

Why Choose a Credit Union

Selecting a financial institution can be confusing. Credit union or bank? Better interest rates or more flexibility? These questions can create even more questions. That’s…

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keys to a home
March 22, 2021

4 Steps to Buying Your Dream Home

Subject Matter Expert: Jason Kaufman – Milwaukee District Manager Many people dream of buying a home, but not everyone knows how to make it reality.…

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International Woman's Day
March 16, 2021

Celebrating the Inspirational Women of Marine Credit Union

Inspirational and impactful women improve the world every day at Marine Credit Union. Collections Manager, Hannah Dickinson, brought forth the idea to celebrate International Women’s…

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Family smiling in front of home
March 6, 2021

3 Important Questions to Answer Before You Buy a House

By Josh Moore, District Manager – Northwest District, Marine Credit UnionMarch 6, 2021 | 1 Min. Read Down payment: How much do I have saved…

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Opening a checking account at branch
March 5, 2021

Make Your Checking Account Work for You

A checking account is a checking account, right? WRONG! Checking accounts have become a “staple” of banking, but you have more options than ever before.…

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Majel Hein and Daughter
March 1, 2021

Financial Literacy Counseling: A Calling for Majel Hein

Majel Hein was the first Financial Literacy Counselor to come on board at the Marine Credit Union Foundation to create and manage our Finding HOME…

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Couple paying off debt
March 1, 2021

Jon’s Journey to Financial Stability

After driving by Marine Credit Union’s branch in Racine, WI, Jon Eckblad became curious about the credit union and how Marine might be able to…

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Family buying home
February 15, 2021

Buying a Home Is Easy as 1, 2, 3… 4, 5, 6!

The homebuying process can be overwhelming. But it doesn’t have to be! Especially if you know where to start and what to expect. Follow these…

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Couple looking into the back seat of a car
February 12, 2021

Consider the Length of Your Auto Loan

By Jason Kaufman, District Manager – Milwaukee, Marine Credit Union When it comes to auto loans, the shorter the term, the better. That may be…

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Man excited while looking at documents
February 12, 2021

Make Your Tax Return Work For You

In just a few weeks (or less), many Americans will be receiving a tax refund. The average tax refund received in 2020 was just shy…

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Calculator, Wallet, Piggy bank, and Budget.
February 3, 2021

Take Some Stress Out Of Managing Your Money

Financial challenges have been at the forefront of many households across the country, especially with the rise of COVID-19. One thing we know is that…

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Graph showing what affects your credit score.
January 8, 2021

Credit 101 – How Does Credit Work?

Confused by your credit report? Review the five areas below that affect your credit report/score and the tips to bring your score up.

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Pennies split on to a counter
November 23, 2020

Tips for Saving Money

By Jeff Lachman, Branch Manager, Onalaska Whether you are living paycheck to paycheck or have some extra cash every month, it’s important to save for…

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Protect yourself from identity theft.
November 6, 2020

Protect Yourself Against Identity Theft or Fraud

By Marie MacGlashin, Director of Deposit Operations, Marine Credit Union Now more than ever it is important to be on the look out for scams…

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House sitting on dollar bills
October 9, 2020

Use Your Home Equity To Your Advantage

While some of us have put a spending freeze on our personal budgets, others are interested in making some home improvements or going back to…

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Woman putting money into a piggy bank
October 2, 2020

The FAQs of Certificates

What is a Certificate? A Certificates (banks call them Certificates of Deposit, or CDs) is a savings vehicle used to earn a higher rate of…

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Student going back to school
September 11, 2020

9 Ways to Cut Your Spending in College

Heading off to college is exciting! Maybe you’re in a new town, have new friends and trying new experiences all at the same time. But…

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Man and woman laughing
August 6, 2020

Navigating Financial Uncertainty

Here at Marine Credit Union we know times might be hard right now but we’re here to help! Download our free guide to Navigating Financial…

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Man and Woman improving a home
July 31, 2020

4 Ways to Make Home Improvements Fit in Your Budget

Plans cancelled this summer? Working on some home improvement projects? Want to keep things under budget while your income has slowed? Where do you start?…

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Couple look at their computer together
July 24, 2020

Be Smart When Online Shopping

Technology has made shopping easier and quicker than ever before, especially now with more people staying home. Be smart while online shopping and keep these…

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MCU Staff posing for a photo
June 23, 2020

A Mission Statement that Sparked a Movement

The mission was already there – it needed to be carved away like a sculptor removing the excess material that distracted what was underneath all…

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bill james family portrait
June 23, 2020

Blessed By The Gift of Adoption

Years ago, after Bill and Cathy were married, they felt passionate about growing their family, not only biologically but also to provide a forever family…

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Mo with friends
June 23, 2020

Dignity, Respect for All a Family Legacy for Mo Contreras, MCU’s Bilingual Mortgage Rep

Meet Mo. Mo works on the Marine team as a bilingual mortgage representative. He is an ITIN Certified Lender, which means he is uniquely qualified…

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coins in a jar
February 19, 2020

NOW Is The Time: Plan Ahead for Next Holiday Season

By Jason Kaufman, District Manager, Marine Credit Union Why wait to start planning ahead for those inevitable financial burdens that seem to come up every…

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family Christmas shopping
December 11, 2019

The Countdown Is On: Strategies for Holiday Shopping

By Josh Moore, District Manager, Marine Credit Union The holidays can be expensive, especially the gifts. Black Friday deals have come and gone, but you…

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man sitting on a table
October 30, 2019

New to the Finance World? 6 Tips to Get You Started

By Jason DeGarmo, District Manager– Fond du Lac, Marine Credit Union Amazingly enough, personal finance has not become a required curriculum in high schools or…

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invest in yourself
October 16, 2019

Invest In Yourself! Save For Your Future!

By Jason Kaufman, District Manager, Southeast This time of year, many workplaces ask us to review our benefits and make any changes necessary for the…

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couple looking at iPad
August 21, 2019

Renting vs Buying – Things to Consider

By Erin Wencl, Branch Manager, La Crosse At any point in life, your living situation may change due to career moves, family obligations, or just…

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Student at graduation
July 10, 2019

The Four Most Important Financial Tips for Graduates

By Mary Jo Healey, Market Manager, Iowa It’s that time of year – students in caps and gowns are marching down the aisles of high…

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Father and Son having fun
May 25, 2019

How to Spring Clean Your Finances

By Jason DeGarmo, Vice President & District Manager, Fond du Lac As the weather gets warmer, it’s a perfect time for some spring cleaning –…

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Cartoon guy holding funds for his future
April 5, 2019

5 Phrases to Save Money Fast

“I am buying what’s on my grocery list and nothing more.” A shopping list is a great way to save money; however, they aren’t the…

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Kids holding money
March 20, 2019

Setting Them Up for Success: Teaching Children the Value of Money

Though financial hardships are an inevitable part of adulthood, many issues can be prevented early on. When it comes to financial success, the earlier you…

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Parents feeding their baby
November 1, 2017

What to Expect Financially, When You’re Expecting

The average middle-income family will spend roughly $12,000 on child related expenses in their baby’s first year of life. Having a newborn doesn’t have to…

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Man looking at his credit card
October 18, 2017

Establishing Credit for First Timers

By Mary Jo Healey, Market Manager – Des Moines, Marine Credit Union Establishing credit for the first time is not complicated, but it does require…

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Woman next to moving boxes
September 20, 2017

The Importance of Renters Insurance

Renters insurance is often overlooked. It is critical in protecting you and your possessions if an issue arises while renting an apartment or home. Most…

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couple looking at statements
August 23, 2017

Simple Interest Loans 101

By Jason Kaufman, District Manager – Milwaukee, Marine Credit Union A simple interest loan may be perfect for your financial situation. Here are the facts:…

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Woman sitting in a meeting
July 26, 2017

3 Important Finance Tips Help Graduates Succeed

By Mary Jo Healey, Market Manager – Des Moines, Marine Credit Union Out on your own financially for the first time? Got a new job…

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Group of kids jumping
June 13, 2017

How to Manage Summer Expenses

By Josh Moore, District Manager – Northwest, Marine Credit Union When kids are out of school for the summer, there are additional expenses that will…

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Someone writing on a tax document
May 4, 2017

Avoid Becoming a Victim OR Perpetrator of Tax Fraud

Tax fraud perpetrators provide false statements as material facts, know a statement was untrue or intend to deceive someone, the victim.

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Family driving in a car
April 5, 2017

GAP Insurance Explained

Many insurance and financial companies offer Guaranteed Asset Protection (or GAP) insurance when you purchase a new or used car. What is GAP insurance? When…

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A family on a beach vacation
March 22, 2017

Maximize Your Vacation Budget

How Can You Maximize Your Vacation Budget? In the past two years, I started a new job, my wife started a new business, we had…

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December 14, 2016

8 Ways to Save for Your Next Family Vacation

Although it’s cold outside right now, it’s actually a smart time to start your planning for spring and summer family vacations. By getting a jump…

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man and woman frowning over bills
November 23, 2016

Use These 5 Steps to Reduce Your Debt!

Make a list List your debts with balances, the creditor, interest rates and payments, including debts that are not included on your credit report. List…

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Girl with piggy bank
November 9, 2016

Teach Them How to Save

Saving habits can start at a very young age. Help your child create those habits now so they are set up for financial success later…

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Family teaching child about money
October 26, 2016

3 Tips for Helping Your Child Get Money Smart

Take your kids with you to your bank or credit union. If you model a healthy relationship with your financial institution, your kids will grow…

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couple working on budget
October 14, 2016

Put Your Budget on Auto Pilot

A budget is essential to financial success. Use these tips and start today! Make it easy. It’s important to have a budget to make your…

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man and woman with piggy bank
September 14, 2016

Quick Tips for Money Management

Money management can be an intimidating for some and a breeze for others. It’s different for everyone depending on your living situation, employment and family…

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woman with shopping bags
August 31, 2016

Strategies When Saving for Holiday Gifts

The holidays can be expensive, especially the gifts. So why not plan for it year-round?! Saving a small amount periodically throughout the year can make…

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man paying bill online
July 27, 2016

Does Online Bill Pay Make Sense for You?

Everything is done online now, right? Many businesses offer online payments for their customers. A customer can log into the business’s website and pay their…

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cash in a jar for retirement
June 29, 2016

4 Smart Moves to Make with Your First Steady Paycheck

You landed your first full-time job, and more importantly for your wallet, your first steady paycheck. Congratulations! You may be thinking, “Now I can pay…

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woman holding cash and card
June 23, 2016

Six Basic Steps to Improving Your Credit Score

A low credit score can be difficult to rebuild, but your ability to adjust your habits can definitely help. It may take some discipline, but…

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woman in car reaching for keys
June 15, 2016

4 Things to Remember When Buying a Used Car

Buying a car, whether new or used, can be stressful. Where do I start? How do I narrow it down? What questions do I ask?…

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padlock on credit card
June 9, 2016

GozNym: Protect Yourself Against It and Other Malware

Online and mobile banking has made our everyday lives easier. We can deposit checks, transfer money and view our balances without having to go into…

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man and woman with moving boxes
May 26, 2016

ATTENTION RENTERS: Benefits of Renters Insurance

When moving into a rented apartment or a duplex, you should take note of a checklist of items: damages by a previous tenant, locations of…

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May 17, 2016

How to Establish Good Credit

It is important to establish good credit from the start so that you do not dig a hole that is difficult to get out of.…

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White House
May 17, 2016

Buying a House: Know the Benefits

At any point in life, your living situation may change due to a move in your career, family obligations, or just the need for a…

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