Whether for your own children or those in your classroom, financial education is a crucial tool to give kids early to ensure they know how to handle money when they’re adults. That’s a skill many of us weren’t pushed to develop when we were young, but wish we had been. Fortunately, it’s easier than ever now to provide this important teaching thanks to modern technology. So, whether you want to give kids the ability to manage their own money when they’re older or just want to use financial lessons as a way to teach simple to complex math skills, here are some apps you may want to consider: Read on →

Being in the market for a car can be both exciting and nerve-wracking, and that’s especially true when you’re looking for a used car. Opting for a used vehicle, rather than a new one, can be a very smart move financially, since it can mean you save thousands by avoiding new-car depreciation. Still, all those stories you’ve probably heard from friends and family or seen on TV about people running into trouble buying used cars may have you nervous. Read on →

If banking with Cleveland Bradley County Teachers Federal Credit Union is your first experience with a credit union, one of the earliest questions you may have is, “What is a share account?” This type of account is not unique to CBCTFCU, but it is specific to credit unions like ours, so most of our shareholders are not familiar with them until they start working with us. The easiest comparison among the financial options most people are familiar with is to savings accounts at banks. Read on →

IRAs are among the most common retirement tools, providing financial security through individual and employer-connected accounts. They are an attractive option, with accounts that offer tax deferrals now or in retirement, and the possibility for significant annual returns. The bad news is many Americans don’t have nearly enough saved for retirement, and 15% of us have no retirement savings at all. The good news for you is you can get started with a CBCTFCU IRA today and take yourself out of one or both of those categories. Read on →

With fall settling into the Tennessee Valley and Halloween just around the corner, this is the perfect time for some seasonal crafts. Whether you’re with students in the classroom or passing them supplies for group projects conducted in a virtual setting, here are some ideas elementary students will love that only take a few supplies and a little effort. One thing in plentiful supply in fall is leaves. Put them to good use in this spooky craft that turns leaves into haunting, cheerful or goofy ghosts; it’s all up to the kids! Read on →

Buying a home can be a thrilling experience, but it can also be a very confusing one. There’s a tree’s worth of paper you have to read and sign, math you have to consider and more inscrutable acronyms than should be allowed under law. At Cleveland Bradley County Teachers Federal Credit Union, we work every day to help educators get the financing they need to buy the homes of their dreams while also ensuring they know what they’re getting into. Read on →

Whether you’re just trying to get on a better financial footing, are facing uncertainty due to pandemic-related turmoil or you want to have money to cover the holidays, fall is a great season to find ways to save. Keeping more money in your pocket doesn’t have to mean major lifestyle changes, though. Here are a few simple changes you can make to boost your bottom line: Do your own yard work. Read on →

OK, we know we’re probably far from the first to tell you it’s a good idea to keep an eye on your credit scores and report. For good reason: They’re vitally important, weighing in on everything from whether you get a loan to what kind of apartment you can lease. Unfortunately, those scores are moving targets. It’s not as though you get one rating that sticks with you for life. Read on →

Most Americans have heard of credit unions and have at least some understanding they’re different from banks, but our experience suggests that’s as far as it goes for a majority. That’s why we’re always happy to share a little bit about what credit unions do and how the service we provide is different. We can start with perhaps the most significant distinction: Credit unions are non-profits. When we bring in more money than we disburse, we return that money to our members in the form of reduced fees, higher savings interest returns and lower interest rates on loans. Read on →

The summer of the virus means a lot of cancelled plans and disappointment, but it doesn’t have to be that way. With a little effort, you can put on a home summer camp that can keep your little ones entertained, whether you’re there with them all day every day or want to make the most of those precious hours you are. Our team at Cleveland Bradley County Teachers Federal Credit Union has some tips to help you do that! Read on →