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.
by Chris O'Shea
Setting a financial goal is easy. Attaining that goal is the hard part. Here are some ways to make the road to your financial goal as smooth as possible.
The more detailed you get with your goal, the better. One way to go about getting there is to use the SMART method. The SMART method stands for specific, measurable, action-oriented, realistic and timely. So if your goal is “save for retirement,” refine that with the SMART method. Set a specific number, then track how you can reach it each year until retirement.
Saving for a financial goal that you don’t actually care about is setting yourself up for failure. Think about what you value and then make sure your savings goals align.
Set regular reminders to check-in on your progress. As US News reports, seeing progress will motivate you. The check-in also doubles as a way to see what isn’t working. If you see you aren’t getting closer to your goal, you can make the necessary changes.
Clear the way to your financial goals by streamlining things. That means eliminating temptation. Unsubscribe from retailer’s newsletters. Disconnect your credit cards from your phone and computers. Do whatever you have to do to cut out things that will hinder your financial goal progress.
As an MVCU member, you have access to free budgeting tools right inside your online banking that can help you work toward your financial goals!! Learn more in these short videos:
Having a savings account or club account can help you save money to achieve your financial goals.