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.
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.
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.
Do you feel like just when you catch up…something hits your budget out of the blue? Like when you suddenly need new tires… or your refrigerator dies and you definitely need to replace it? Just when you think you’re on top of everything, new expenses seem to pop up.
If you look VERY closely at how much you spend and where, it’s very likely that there are some “leaks” in your budget. Small things that you could do to shave off a few dollars here and a few dollars there. Some of these things will be more difficult than others or require more sacrifice, but they can help relieve the stress of trying to make sure everything gets paid for and your credit doesn’t suffer.
Brew coffee or tea at home. If you’re like many New Englanders, your day doesn’t really begin without a quick stop at Dunkin Donuts (or some other coffee purveyor).
Even if you have to purchase a Keurig for $300, you’re still saving money over visiting Dunkin Donuts every day. You can double or triple those numbers based on the number of caffeine consumers in your household!
Replace cable with streaming services such as Netflix, Hulu, or Amazon Prime. Broadcast television can be expensive. With all of the streaming services available on the internet, chances are you won’t miss paying that cable bill. If you’re worried about missing the news, most broadcast news stations offer the same content on their websites.
Reduce the number of times you eat out per month. Eating out can be a treat for you and your family, but it can also be a strain to your budget. The average cost for a meal at a casual dining restaurant, such as Applebee’s, TGI Friday’s, or The Ninety-Nine, is $13.66 per person. For a family of three, the average is $40.98. Conversely, the cost of a home cooked meal for a family of three averages $12. Let’s assume that you eat out twice a month.
Other ways to save some money without denying yourself some fun. We all have our creature comforts and if giving them up won’t work for you, there are other ways to stop those drips in your budget:
Most importantly, continue utilizing Merrimack Valley Credit Union and Bridgewater Credit Union, a division of Merrimack Valley Credit Union, as your financial institution!
We offer convenient personal loans for when that fridge breaks down or you need emergency repairs on your home!