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.
This is the big summer, the last one of your high school career! At this time next year, you’ll have graduated and will be on your way to the next phase of your life. Life will change quite a bit, whether you go to college or trade school, take a gap year to volunteer or travel, join the military, or jump right into your career. Are you ready? Probably not, but there’s still time!
While you can still enjoy the summer with long days on the beach or quiet nights at the lake, you’ll also want to put yourself in the best position for a successful senior year and beyond. You can get on the right track before school starts up again in the fall!
While you’re in school, required reading often takes the place of your own interests. Summer is a great time to lounge outside with a good book on any subject you choose. Learn something new that might never be covered in school. If you start a new book that doesn’t hold your interest, move on to something new. There’s no test! Have fun with it!
Life during the school year doesn’t leave much “free” time. Days and nights are packed with school, sports, clubs, homework, and the precious moments with friends and family. With a few extra hours this summer, think of a new hobby you’ve always wanted to try. Take an art or photography class, learn how to build a simple mobile app, or try something completely out of your comfort zone, like trapeze flying. Go for it!
Summer is a great time to get a seasonal job, and living at home gives you the perfect opportunity to save now for future expenses. It’s easiest to save if you don’t see the money. One great tactic is to set up a savings account and have a portion of your paycheck deposited directly into it. If that’s not feasible or you’re used to cashing your whole check, ask your parents to hold a set amount each week and be sure to hand over the cash each payday.
Community colleges and some high schools offer college-level courses that could help you earn college credits before you even graduate from high school. It will also give you an opportunity to try out a program you’re interested in without the commitment of enrolling full-time. Best of all, many courses are offered nights and weekends as well as online, leaving your days free for summer fun.
This is another great way to try out a field of interest before you enroll in a full-time program at a college or trade school. Check out online websites such as Internship Programs and LookSharp to search for an internship in your area, learn what to look for in a reputable opportunity, and find out how to boost your chances of getting one you want.
Merrimack Valley Credit Union and Bridgewater Credit Union, a division of Merrimack Valley Credit Union, are here to help!