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.
When I was 10 years old, I envisioned that by age 23 I would be an “adult.” I’d be married and living in a colonial home that I’d raise my family in. Fast forward 16 years. At 26 years old, I am not married, I still live at home with my parents and I couldn’t imagine having kids of my own right now. It seems laughable now but how did my 10 year old vision change so drastically over the years? What does it even mean to be an “adult?” These are questions that I still am navigating at my age.
I graduated college in 2017 with a BSA in Business Administration and a double concentration in Marketing and Management. While it was sad to graduate and leave all that I knew for the last 4 years, I was ready to start a new chapter of my life. I was actually really excited for it! At 22, I accepted my first entry level job as an HR Assistant / Marketing Coordinator at Bridgewater Credit Union. At that time, many of my friends struggled sending out resumes and applications but I was learning how to be a part of an actual work place; how to contribute to an organization’s success.
It was such a rewarding feeling, however, I still found that I lacked a lot of knowledge about that transition out of college and into adulthood. By working in banking, I especially found out that when it comes to anything financial- I was useless. A CPA still did my taxes, I had no clue what an IRA was or what a 401K was for, I never owned a credit card, and what the heck was a HELOC?
Now, don’t get me wrong, I have always been fiscally conscious and independent, I’ve just handled my finances from a conservative approach. I’ve had a job since I was 16 and stopped asking my parents for financial help once I received my first paycheck. I have a checking and savings account, I’ve handled my car payments and student loans on time and have always had a decent amount saved for emergencies. But I had and still have a lot to learn.
So this is Think Pink. A blog not only reflecting back on my transition into the “real world” but from the viewpoint of me right now- A 26 year old millennial learning how to steer through adulthood and life. Educating myself on how to conquer financial fears, gain even more responsibility and independence and become my best self.
As E.E. Cummings says, “it takes courage to grow up and become who you really are.”
Need help getting understanding your finances or how to achieve your financial goals? MVCU has partnered with GreenPath Financial Wellness to provide free financial and credit counseling.