Using the SchoolsFirst FCU Mobile Banking app 1 lets you conveniently and securely stay on top of your finances. Discover all the great things you can do via your mobile device anytime, anywhere.
Saving
Understanding the Difference Between Needs and Wants
By Lynnette Khalfani-Cox, The Money Coach®
To get a handle on your finances, you must be able to distinguish between your needs and your wants. You need food, shelter and clothing. But you might want a juicy lobster and seafood dinner, a large upscale home and brand-name attire.
Protecting Yourself with a Financial Back-up Plan
By Lynnette Khalfani-Cox, The Money Coach®
As someone who has had her fair share of economic setbacks — including being in debt, going through a costly divorce and being downsized — I know from firsthand experience the importance of having a financial back-up plan.
What is a Share Certificate?
With so many financial products available, choosing which type of account to open can be just as stressful as deciding where to open one.
For consumers looking for earnings on their savings, one of the options that credit unions offer is share certificates. Here’s a brief overview of how they work and some of their advantages and disadvantages.
Create a Financial Strategy for Budgeting and Saving
By Lynnette Khalfani-Cox, The Money Coach®
If budgeting and saving money seem like difficult tasks to conquer, perhaps the issue is that you’ve not yet created a financial strategy for achieving these goals. Here are some ideas to improve your savings, and make you a better budgeter, by creating a financial strategy that works for your lifestyle.
Traveling? Go Mobile
When you go on vacation, the last thing you want to worry about is your finances. The SchoolsFirst FCU Mobile Banking app is a great travel companion, because it helps make managing your money easy, fast and secure. Here are some tips to make your vacation a breeze:
Secrets to Building an Emergency Fund
By Lynnette Khalfani-Cox, The Money Coach®
Having an emergency fund is a surefire way to protect you and your family against unforeseen events. A solid emergency fund can give you a buffer if things go wrong — like when your car breaks down, or something in your household needs repair.
How to Keep Emergencies From Ruining Your Budget
By Lynnette Khalfani-Cox, The Money Coach®
Having a financial back-up plan is a vital part of achieving financial security. After all, life never goes exactly according to plan. In any given month, something unexpected can happen that throws your budget out of whack. Your car may get a flat tire; a major appliance in your home might break down; or someone in your household could get sick, and you wind up with unforeseen healthcare bills.
The One Budgeting Mistake Almost Everyone Makes
By Lynnette Khalfani-Cox, The Money Coach®
If you’re trying to manage your budget properly and keep your finances under control, you already know that going overboard with your spending can be a huge financial mistake.But even if you understand the fundamental rule of budgeting – never spend more than you earn – chances are you may be violating another crucial principal of budgeting.
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Top 5 Ways to Save Up For a Down Payment for Your First Home
You don’t have to live like a pauper to save up for a down payment for your new home. Here are five strategies that can help you sock away the savings.