Financial Advice You Should Never Follow
Make sure your sources are trustworthy.
Continue Reading "Financial Advice You Should Never Follow" »7 Ways You Can Use a Personal Loan
We have outlined several ways to help you responsibly use a personal loan this summer.
Continue Reading "7 Ways You Can Use a Personal Loan" »Store Cards Are Rarely The Better Deal
Rates on retail cards are usually higher than credit union cards.
Continue Reading "Store Cards Are Rarely The Better Deal" »10 Scams Targeting Seniors
The annual loss by victims is estimated to be at least $36.5 billion.
Continue Reading "10 Scams Targeting Seniors" »Teach Kids Money Management
If they have shown financial responsibility, a debit card/checking account can be a great next step.
Continue Reading "Teach Kids Money Management" »8 Ways To Save Vacation Money
Plan ahead to ensure that you get the most for your money without sacrificing a good time.
Continue Reading "8 Ways To Save Vacation Money" »Secure Your Mobile Wallet
To keep your financial data safe, keep these security tips in mind.
Continue Reading "Secure Your Mobile Wallet" »Figuring Out Tax Withholding
If you're getting money back, ask yourself these questions.
Continue Reading "Figuring Out Tax Withholding" »How Much Home Can I Afford?
There are 3 things to consider before you sign anything.
Continue Reading "How Much Home Can I Afford?" »The Financial Facts of Life
It’s never too late to begin learning.
Continue Reading "The Financial Facts of Life" »Short- vs Long-Term Auto Loans
A longer-term loan can make even the most expensive car look affordable.
Continue Reading "Short- vs Long-Term Auto Loans" »Don't Lose Sleep Over Money
Americans' top 3 worries are debt, lack of savings and not having enough for retirement.
Continue Reading "Don't Lose Sleep Over Money" »Ways to Save in College
The first step is finding out what you don’t need to buy.
Continue Reading "Ways to Save in College" »How to Create Strong Passwords
When it feels like there’s another big security breach every week, you want to be sure your passwords are strong and safe.
Continue Reading "How to Create Strong Passwords" »Clean Up Your Finances
It’s easy to see when your house needs cleaning, but it may be harder to know when to “tidy up” your finances.
Continue Reading "Clean Up Your Finances" »Buying a Used Car
If you’re in the market for a deal on used wheels, follow these steps for a smoother ride!
Continue Reading "Buying a Used Car" »Budgeting for Infrequent Expenses
Many people live in a state of denial about the cost of infrequent expenses.
Continue Reading "Budgeting for Infrequent Expenses" »Fix Bad Money Habits
The peace of mind a healthy financial status brings is priceless.
Continue Reading "Fix Bad Money Habits" »How To Talk Money With Your Partner
What happens when you and your partner have different approaches toward money?
It's a common scenario.
Continue Reading "How To Talk Money With Your Partner" »Saving on Home Renovations
Is your home in desperate need of a facelift? With some careful planning, you can shave thousands of dollars off the price tag.
Continue Reading "Saving on Home Renovations" »
Saving Money When There's Not Much to Save
Life is easier if you have a cash cushion or an emergency fund, but how do you save when there is not much fat in your budget?
Continue Reading "Saving Money When There's Not Much to Save" »Don't Rely on Luck at Tax Time
At tax time, there’s no such thing as luck. Plan ahead, be proactive, and prevent surprises on your next tax return.
Continue Reading "Don't Rely on Luck at Tax Time" »IRS Imposters Among the "Dirty Dozen" Tax Scams
If you received unexpected good news in an e-mail from the IRS, it's probably bogus.
Continue Reading "IRS Imposters Among the "Dirty Dozen" Tax Scams" »Payday Loans Aren't Worth the Cost
It’s a trap that will cost you many times more than you borrow.
Continue Reading "Payday Loans Aren't Worth the Cost" »COVID-19 Vaccine Scams
Everything you need to know about COVID-19 vaccine scams and how to avoid them.
Continue Reading "COVID-19 Vaccine Scams" »5 Reasons We Overspend
Let’s take a look at five common reasons and how we can overcome them.
Continue Reading "5 Reasons We Overspend" »8 Ways To Beat Holiday Stress
‘Tis the season to be merry-except sometimes, it’s not.
Continue Reading "8 Ways To Beat Holiday Stress" »The Benefits of Using Mobile Payments
Why fumble for your wallet when checking out when you can pay using your phone?
Continue Reading "The Benefits of Using Mobile Payments" »Tracking Holiday Spending Keeps Stress Down
You don't have to dip into the kids' college savings to create a special time!
Continue Reading "Tracking Holiday Spending Keeps Stress Down" »6 Times a Bargain is Not a Bargain
Here’s when that steal of a deal is not such a bargain after all.
Continue Reading "6 Times a Bargain is Not a Bargain" »What Are the Advantages of a HELOC?
Once approved for a HELOC, borrowers can spend the funds however they choose.
Continue Reading "What Are the Advantages of a HELOC?" »Debt-Collection Scams
A caller claiming to represent a debt-collection agency demands immediate payment for an alleged outstanding debt.
Continue Reading "Debt-Collection Scams" »Political Fundraising Scams
The Better Business Bureau (BBB) is warning of an uptick in political fundraising scams seeking to collect donations allegedly going toward a candidate’s campaign or specific cause.
Continue Reading "Political Fundraising Scams" »USF Federal Credit Union Named Credit Union of the Year
The honor recognizes the credit union for maintaining sound finances, caring for its members and giving back to the community.
Continue Reading "USF Federal Credit Union Named Credit Union of the Year" »The Pending Package Scam
Scammers are using bogus packages to trick victims into sharing personal information.
Continue Reading "The Pending Package Scam" »The Importance of Being Financially Fit
Being financially fit is crucial for a well-balanced, stress-free life.
Continue Reading "The Importance of Being Financially Fit" »Beware of Jury Duty Scams
Jury duty is a responsibility that enables courts to serve justice in a fair and efficient way. Unfortunately, it is often used as a cover for scams.
Continue Reading "Beware of Jury Duty Scams" »How To Pay Off A Loan Early
If you’re like most Americans, you owe money on a large loan.
Continue Reading "How To Pay Off A Loan Early" »What's the Best Way to Use a Home Equity Loan?
A home equity loan can be an ideal way to source extra funds during a falling-rates environment.
Continue Reading "What's the Best Way to Use a Home Equity Loan?" »When Does it Make Sense to Pay a Bill with a Credit Card?
Credit cards and debit cards offer incredible convenience; but, is it a smart idea to pay monthly bills with them?
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Selling Your Home During COVID-19
National home sales climbed a record 20.7 percent in June, compared with home sales from June 2019.
Continue Reading "Selling Your Home During COVID-19" »Using Your Credit Cards Responsibly
Boost your credit score and financial wellbeing.
Continue Reading "Using Your Credit Cards Responsibly" »How to Travel Safely this Summer
Summer is here, and many Americans are itching for a vacation.
Continue Reading "How to Travel Safely this Summer" »New COVID-19 Scams
Watch out for these trending scams as the country reopens.
Continue Reading "New COVID-19 Scams" »What's the Best Way to Tackle Debt?
Snowball Method vs. Avalanche Method
Continue Reading "What's the Best Way to Tackle Debt?" »Preparing for an Interview
Here’s how to prepare for an interview that will have you presenting yourself as polished, professional and capable to any potential employer.
Continue Reading "Preparing for an Interview" »USF FCU Wins State’s Top Award for Performance
The credit union was honored this week with Florida’s top award for the way it conducts business.
Continue Reading "USF FCU Wins State’s Top Award for Performance" »Beware of Relay Theft
This user-friendly feature is also a favorite for car thieves.
Continue Reading "Beware of Relay Theft" »Don’t Mistake Your Stimulus Payment for Junk Mail
Four million Americans are receiving their Economic Impact Payment in the form of a prepaid debit card — and many are mistaking it for junk mail.
Continue Reading "Don’t Mistake Your Stimulus Payment for Junk Mail" »Getting Ahead on Your Student Loan Before You Graduate
Be sure to look at the larger picture before you accept a position.
Continue Reading "Getting Ahead on Your Student Loan Before You Graduate" »USF FCU Processes $15 Million in Paycheck Protection Loans
Helping 2,400+ employees of small businesses in the Tampa Bay area.
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How to Safely and Comfortably Wear a Face Covering
Here's how to comfortably wear your face coverings without compromising on safety.
Continue Reading "How to Safely and Comfortably Wear a Face Covering" »Spring Cleaning Hacks
Use these cleaning hacks to help banish those dust bunnies without spending a fortune on cleaning solutions and organizers.
Continue Reading "Spring Cleaning Hacks" »How to Care for Your Car During a Lockdown
While staying home is the best way to stay safe these days, it might not be the best thing for your car.
Continue Reading "How to Care for Your Car During a Lockdown" »Beware COVID-19 Cure Scams
The FBI is warning of a surge in COVID-19 cure-related scams, in which criminals peddle an alleged coronavirus vaccine or treatment, or bogus claims to disinfect homes of the virus.
Continue Reading "Beware COVID-19 Cure Scams" »How to Work from Home
If you find yourself struggling to complete your workload from home during the outbreak, we can help!
Continue Reading "How to Work from Home" »Fun Activities to do with Your Kids at Home
It isn't easy to be holed up at home with only your family for company.
Continue Reading "Fun Activities to do with Your Kids at Home" »Beware of Coronavirus Scams
Scammers often capitalize on fear, and the coronavirus outbreak is no exception.
Continue Reading "Beware of Coronavirus Scams" »What Should Be on My Financial To-Do List This Spring?
Let's review some ways you can improve your money management this time of year.
Continue Reading "What Should Be on My Financial To-Do List This Spring?" »Tips to Help You Protect Yourself from Fraud
Here at our credit union, we take the security of your account extremely seriously.
Continue Reading "Tips to Help You Protect Yourself from Fraud" »All You Need to Know About Going Cashless
As our world grows increasingly digitized, many consumers are banishing cash from their wallets and choosing other ways to pay.
Continue Reading "All You Need to Know About Going Cashless" »How to Create a Budget in 6 Easy Steps
A budget will help you gain financial awareness, which will help facilitate more responsible decisions.
Continue Reading "How to Create a Budget in 6 Easy Steps" »All You Need to Know About Data Breaches
What should you do if your info is taken?
Continue Reading "All You Need to Know About Data Breaches" »How To Dispute An Error On Your Credit Report
As a financially responsible individual, you should be checking your credit on a regular basis.
Continue Reading "How To Dispute An Error On Your Credit Report" »Taking Steps Toward Financial Improvement For The New Year
Where should you start?
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7 Naughty Scams To Watch Out For This Holiday Season
Keep your money safe by reading up on the most common scams taking place this time of year and practicing caution.
Continue Reading "7 Naughty Scams To Watch Out For This Holiday Season" »Take Caution Before You Borrow Someone’s Charging Cable
Cyber security experts are warning against using a stranger’s charging cable or even borrowing one from an airport official or front-desk concierge at a hotel.
Continue Reading "Take Caution Before You Borrow Someone’s Charging Cable" »All You Need To Know About Home Loans
If you’re in the market for a new home, you’ll likely need to take out a home loan or mortgage.
Continue Reading "All You Need To Know About Home Loans" »Thanksgiving Hacks To Save Time, Stress And Money
Whether you’re traveling home for the holiday or hosting a houseful of guests, we’ve got you covered.
Continue Reading "Thanksgiving Hacks To Save Time, Stress And Money" »5 Ways To Keep Your Finances Intact This Holiday Season
You don’t have to rack up a huge credit card bill or go into debt to cover your holiday expenses. Enjoy a financially stress-free season with these tips.
Continue Reading "5 Ways To Keep Your Finances Intact This Holiday Season" »Can I Buy A House When I’m Paying Off A Student Loan?
There are several factors to consider before making this choice, as well as steps to take before you start house-hunting.
Continue Reading "Can I Buy A House When I’m Paying Off A Student Loan?" »Understanding The Credit Card Trap
Why do most Americans carry so much credit card debt and find themselves stuck in the debt trap?
Continue Reading "Understanding The Credit Card Trap" »Do My Monthly Bill Payments Affect My Credit Score?
Read on for three steps that can help your on-time monthly payments boost your credit score.
Continue Reading "Do My Monthly Bill Payments Affect My Credit Score?" »How Much Money Should I Keep In My Checking Account?
How much money should we be keeping in these super-convenient accounts? Let's find out.
Continue Reading "How Much Money Should I Keep In My Checking Account?" »Your Complete Guide To Identity Theft Protection
When an individual's identity is stolen, the thief also impacts the victim's financial health, recovery from which can take years.
Continue Reading "Your Complete Guide To Identity Theft Protection" »11 Ways To Save On Back To School Shopping
You don’t need to spend yourself into debt just because everyone else seems to be doing it.
Continue Reading "11 Ways To Save On Back To School Shopping" »The Ultimate Smart Shoppers Cheat Sheet
Did you know you should be timing your shopping throughout the week?
Continue Reading "The Ultimate Smart Shoppers Cheat Sheet" »4 Vacation Scams To Watch For
Before heading on your dream vacation, read our list of four common vacation scams and learn how to avoid them.
Continue Reading "4 Vacation Scams To Watch For" »12 Things To Do Before Your Summer Getaway
Heading out of town for vacation? Whatever your plans, here’s a list of things to take care of before you leave.
Continue Reading "12 Things To Do Before Your Summer Getaway" »7 Money Myths You Need To Stop Believing Now
Spend less, save more and invest early. While most of these words ring true, there are lots of money management tips that are false.
Continue Reading "7 Money Myths You Need To Stop Believing Now" »6 Ways To Save on Summer Vacation
How do you save big while getting the most out of your summer vacation?
Continue Reading "6 Ways To Save on Summer Vacation" »9 Steps To Buying Your First Car
The process can be daunting, but we'll walk you through it.
Continue Reading "9 Steps To Buying Your First Car" »What To Buy And What To Skip On Memorial Day
You might be surprised at the things you should and shouldn’t buy this time of year.
Continue Reading "What To Buy And What To Skip On Memorial Day" »Don't Get Caught in a Pyramid Scheme
Let’s look at what constitutes a pyramid scheme and how to avoid falling for one.
Continue Reading "Don't Get Caught in a Pyramid Scheme" »Mortgage Rates are Dropping; Should I Refinance?
Q: I’ve heard that mortgage rates have dropped dramatically since the start of 2019. Should I refinance my mortgage loan to take advantage of these lower rates?
Continue Reading "Mortgage Rates are Dropping; Should I Refinance?" »7 Signs You're Living Beyond Your Means And How To Fix Them
Let’s take a look at seven red flags that might mean you’re living beyond your means and the steps you can take to get back on track.
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Fake Check Scams On The Rise
The Better Business Bureau (BBB) released a report warning about a spike in fake check scams across the country.
Continue Reading "Fake Check Scams On The Rise" »Student Loan Scams
Here’s what you need to know about three popular student loan scams.
Continue Reading "Student Loan Scams" »8 Valentine's Day Hacks
Celebrate the significant other in your life without breaking the budget…by using these hacks!
Continue Reading "8 Valentine's Day Hacks" »Tax Code Changes 2019
The annual tax code changes can be confusing. We’ll walk you through everything you need to know for 2019.
Continue Reading "Tax Code Changes 2019" »USF FCU Offers $205,000 in Scholarships for USF Students
USF FCU is establishing new scholarships and expanding existing ones for a total of $205,000 that will support USF students studying many disciplines.
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7 Reasons Not To Skip a Home Inspection
A professional home inspection can save you a ton of aggravation and thousands of dollars in the long run.
Continue Reading "7 Reasons Not To Skip a Home Inspection" »5 Scams To Watch For After The Holidays
The mad holiday rush may be over, but scammers aren’t slowing down.
Continue Reading "5 Scams To Watch For After The Holidays" »10 Hacks You Need To Know Before Hitting The Mall
Is there a way to spend less at the mall this holiday season and to make the experience more pleasant?
Continue Reading "10 Hacks You Need To Know Before Hitting The Mall" »10 Restaurant Hacks
Dining out with family and friends is a wonderful experience, but it can take a huge bite out of your budget.
Continue Reading "10 Restaurant Hacks" »5 Scams to Avoid This Black Friday
Black Friday and Cyber Monday can be fun – but they can also put you at risk.
Continue Reading "5 Scams to Avoid This Black Friday" »7 Halloween Hacks You Don't Want To Miss
Halloween is coming – and so are the scary costs of joining the fun!
Continue Reading "7 Halloween Hacks You Don't Want To Miss" »Beware of Blackmailing Scams!
Blackmail and extortion are some of the oldest tricks in the book — because they work.
Continue Reading "Beware of Blackmailing Scams!" »How Many Credit Cards Should I Own?
Is several credit cards and more available credit a good idea? Or, are too many cards a liability to your score?
Continue Reading "How Many Credit Cards Should I Own?" »Should I Be Concerned About Rising Mortgage Rates?
On June 13, the Federal Funds Target rate was increased for the second time in 2018.
Continue Reading "Should I Be Concerned About Rising Mortgage Rates?" »Don't Get Caught in a Free Trial Scam!
You know what they say: “If it’s too good to be true, it probably isn’t.” And yet, dozens of people fall for scams that promise them the moon — and they don’t realize they’ve been played until it’s too late.
Continue Reading "Don't Get Caught in a Free Trial Scam!" »What Can I Do About Robocalls?
Are you sick of grabbing your ringing phone only to find a robocaller on the other end? Those automatic calls are enough to make anyone go bonkers. Read on for the inside scoop on robocalls and what you can do about them.
Continue Reading "What Can I Do About Robocalls?" »Questions to ask Yourself Before Making a Large Purchase
Before you say “yes” to a large purchase, ask yourself these 7 questions.
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Smishing Scams
Text messaging has come under attack as one of the most vulnerable mediums for identity theft and more. Here’s what you need to know about an SMS message-based scam called “smishing.”
Continue Reading "Smishing Scams" »Debit Card Safety
Your random card of choice might not be the safest way to pay.
Continue Reading "Debit Card Safety" »Don't Drink Your Wallet Dry!
You probably already know water is the best beverage choice for your health and for your money. But did you know bottled water may be costing you a fortune?
Continue Reading "Don't Drink Your Wallet Dry!" »6 Ways To Turn Your Dream Vacation Into a Reality
Everyone has their own version of a dream vacation. But, for most of us, it never becomes a reality. Read on for six ways to make that dream vacation come true.
Continue Reading "6 Ways To Turn Your Dream Vacation Into a Reality" »Saving on Mother's Day
Here’s some low-cost ways to show Mom how much you care.
Continue Reading "Saving on Mother's Day" »Beware of Social Media Scams!
Over the last few years, social media scams have exploded, with fake Twitter and Facebook profiles increasing by 100% in just one year. That also means there are several types of social media scams, most which involve a phishing scheme component.
Continue Reading "Beware of Social Media Scams!" »How to Fund an Emergency
Q: I’ve had a financial emergency and I don’t know how to pay for it! What are my options?
A: Ideally, you’ll want to have an emergency fund in place. If you don’t, consider these options…
Continue Reading "How to Fund an Emergency" »Spring Clean For Extra Cash
With just a few steps, you can put some extra cash in your wallet.
Continue Reading "Spring Clean For Extra Cash" »How To Use The Money Envelope System
If you’re like many of us, you’ve been trying to stick to a budget for a while, but by the time each month is over, you’ve busted your budget – again.
Continue Reading "How To Use The Money Envelope System" »6 Common Tax Mistakes To Avoid
Get ready to dig out the enormous pile of receipts, tax forms and pay stubs, and get to work.
Continue Reading "6 Common Tax Mistakes To Avoid" »Phone Cloning and Digital Self Defense
As frightening as it sounds, the only thing a hacker needs to launch a major attack is your phone number.
Continue Reading "Phone Cloning and Digital Self Defense" »The Dos And Don'ts Of Credit Repair
Looking for ways to improve an unfavorable credit score? Look no further! Our handy guide will help you get on the road to improving your score.
Continue Reading "The Dos And Don'ts Of Credit Repair" »Updates On The Equifax Breach
While there are still more questions than answers, lots of factors have been clarified.
Continue Reading "Updates On The Equifax Breach" »Beware Of Phishing Scams!
There has been a recent upsurge in phishing scams involving credit union brands.
Continue Reading "Beware Of Phishing Scams!" »