Do you know the warning signs for carrying too much debt? If you’ve gotten off track with your credit card usage, or want to ensure your borrowing habits stay in good shape, here are some tips to help you manage your money wisely.
Credit & Debt
How to Make a Secured Card Work for You
This article is reprinted courtesy of NerdWallet.
If you crave the convenience of credit cards but worry about getting in over your head, a secured credit card may provide an unexpected solution. While they’ve developed a reputation as an option only for those who need to build or repair credit, secured credit cards offer some unique wider benefits worthy of a second look.
Travel Smart Using Your Rewards Credit Card
By Dan Skaggs
Dan Skaggs is a product manager for SchoolsFirst FCU and is based in our Tustin office.
Whenever we get the opportunity, my wife and I love to travel, and we always use our SchoolsFirst FCU Rewards Mastercard® to make our vacations easier and more enjoyable. Over the years, we’ve been to Mexico, Brazil, Uruguay, Costa Rica, England, France, Spain, Portugal, Italy, Switzerland, Germany, Austria, the Czech Republic, Morocco and South Africa. Most recently, we enjoyed using our Rewards Card when we visited Singapore, Thailand and China.
Enjoy Your Summer Vacation—Without Maxing Out Your Credit Cards
School is out, and summer is upon us. It’s time to let loose and have some fun. That sounds great in theory, but it can be horrible for our finances if we aren’t careful—especially when it comes to taking summer vacations.
Infographic: Stack Up Rewards with the Right Credit Card
When you have the right credit card, it’s easy to make the most of your rewards for travel, cash back and more.
How Much Debt is Too Much?
Reprinted courtesy of SavvyMoney.
by Jean Chatzky
There’s a lid on the amount of debt you can comfortably take on, generally tied to your income. Too much, and you’ll quickly find yourself in a bind. Here’s how to land on your sweet spot.
Beware of Fast Cash
Reprinted Courtesy of “It’s a Money Thing”
Like local car dealerships and personal injury law firms, short-term and payday lenders tend to have the most annoying commercials on TV. They’re often tacky and annoying, and tend to air during daytime talk shows or very late at night. Their promises of “fast cash!”, “guaranteed approval!” and no “credit check required!” are enough to make you change the channel—and yet, if you ever find yourself in a situation where you need to get your hands on some extra money fast, those commercials might start making sense to you.
9 Ways to Master Your Money
Set Specific Goals
Saving tends to be easier when you have a certain purpose in mind: Saving for your first house, retirement at a certain age, a child’s college education, or even a trip around the world. The important thing is to be specific.
A Credit Card to Inspire
You’re the Inspiration for Our New Inspire Card
When we designed our new MasterCard credit card, it seemed right to name it the Inspire, because we are inspired by the dedication and creativity of the educational community each and every day.