So you’ve just started your career, and along with learning a new job and all the other official “adulting” you are now doing, you need to also start thinking about where your money is going to go. It may feel entirely too far away to even begin thinking about retirement as you step into your career, but the sooner you start, the more secure your future will be. While taking money out of your paycheck for savings might not be the most appealing idea, saving now can mean retiring earlier—and retiring more comfortably. Read on →

Creating a savings account or building your savings can feel like a daunting, or even impossible, task. With costs continually rising for well, everything, it’s likely we are all just taking things day by day. While focusing on your regular finances is never the wrong thing to do, there are still ways you can create savings even when your budget feels tighter than it ever has. With a little creativity and commitment, you can make adding to your financial savings a regular part of your everyday life. Read on →

Holidays, birthdays, anniversaries or even just a random Wednesday: overspending for any reason is so easy to do. Making a grand display with gifts, taking the trip of a lifetime or going out for a great big meal are all things that we love to do throughout the year. If you have blown your budget recently, there are plenty of ways to get back on track without feeling too much of a long term pinch. Read on →

Budgeting can be a challenge at any age, but when you learn how to maintain your finances early, it can ease some of the pain. Teaching your kids about money can help empower them to take control of their lives, and give them a life skill they will use over and over again. And while it may feel impossible to get a teenager to listen to anything, he or she may be slightly more willing when it is something to do with money. Read on →

Unfortunately, financial emergencies happen at the worst times. Your washing machine kicks the dust, or your car breaks down in the middle of the road. When this happens, how are you going to fund the repair fees or purchase a new appliance or vehicle? That’s where an emergency fund comes in! There are numerous reasons you need an emergency fund to provide a buffer between your income and unexpected expenses that pop up out of the blue. Read on →

When you begin your personal finance journey, there are many terms thrown around that you may not be familiar with. One of the most important topics in personal finance that everyone should be familiar with is the emergency fund. It is also one of the first things you should take into consideration when creating a budget and saving money. What Is an Emergency Fund? An emergency fund is a savings account with money intended to cover life’s expenses. Read on →

Entertaining your family can be expensive! Even when prices aren’t inflated, finding fun things to do can cost an arm and a leg. When you have multiple children to pay for and you’re on a budget, entertainment can feel even more pricey. One of the easiest ways to save money is to cut your entertainment costs. Depending on your family, you may be able to get away with completely free activities or spend very little money in the process. Read on →

When it comes to personal finance, it isn’t about reinventing the wheel. Instead, there are some basic lessons that every person should learn about managing money. Whether you’re teaching financial lessons to your children or trying to brush up on your personal financial literacy, here are five personal finance lessons that we think everyone should know. Good Money Management Is Important This first lesson sounds obvious, right? But actually, studies show that 40% of adults worry about their financial status. Read on →

There are many reasons why having a good credit score is beneficial, including easier approval for rentals and increased negotiating power with interest rates. While your credit score won’t jump a significant amount overnight, there are many ways you can improve your score over time. These are our best tips for boosting your credit score! Pay on Time Missing credit card or loan payments is one of the biggest factors that can negatively impact your credit score. Read on →

Fall is in full effect and the festivities have begun! Autumn festivals, corn mazes and Halloween parties are in full swing. While these things are fun to do, admission prices, costumes and additional expenses can all add up. At Cleveland Bradley County Teachers Federal Credit Union, we believe that anyone can have fun, on any budget. Before breaking the bank on fall entertainment for your family, consider these free (or very inexpensive) activities! Read on →