Financial Wellness Articles
![3 Tips to Keep Your Summer Vacation Within Budget Piggy bank wearing shades while at the beach](/getmedia/db1cb16f-eda5-43e1-986d-7e1ea825f183/learn-3-vacation-budget-tips.webp?ext=.webp)
3 Tips to Keep Your Summer Vacation Within Budget
Whether you plan to travel near or far, these three tips will help you enjoy your vacation and avoid having a “financial hangover” when you return.
![Codes are Confidential phone on digital banking login screen](/getmedia/4bef372b-a8ce-4024-9afe-b975cd2edd68/codes-are-confidential.webp?ext=.webp)
Codes are Confidential
Learn about security codes and why you should never share them with anyone.
![Be Safe Shopping Online Person shopping with their credit card online](/getmedia/3998ab8b-2120-4aa2-8e7e-95da5f3916fa/learn-be-safe-shopping-online.webp?ext=.webp)
Be Safe Shopping Online
Online shopping is more prevalent than ever. Make sure to do everything you can to avoid becoming a victim of cybercrime.
![What to Do if You're Turned Down for a Loan Drawing of person upset after a denied loan application](/getmedia/23889037-36d4-4f02-b71d-9e1434cf4f08/learn-turned-down-for-loan.webp?ext=.webp)
What to Do if You're Turned Down for a Loan
Getting rejected for a loan can feel like a kick in the teeth. No way around it, rejection is painful. But a loan rejection may be a gift in disguise.
![Manage Your Credit Cards Better Woman holding several credit cards in her hand](/getmedia/c6013cde-23ac-481c-bd17-1a27689bf52e/learn-manage-your-credit-cards-better.webp?ext=.webp)
Manage Your Credit Cards Better
U.S. consumers are once again increasing their collective credit card debt, which now exceeds $1 trillion.Here's some advice for controlling credit card use.
![How to Establish a Credit History Drawing of woman pushing a credit score needle towards excellent](/getmedia/7411084b-e259-4e89-96a7-c296a99defa4/learn-establish-credit-history.webp?ext=.webp)
How to Establish a Credit History
Establishing a good credit record can be difficult for anyone without a credit history. Here are the steps to help you build credit and maintain a good credit score.
![7 Ways to Protect Your Credit Score Person looking at their credit score on a mobile phone](/getmedia/d82d2d4e-f930-46a0-ae57-6b1f91e0ac29/learn-protect-your-credit-score.webp?ext=.webp)
7 Ways to Protect Your Credit Score
Your credit score is a three-digit number that creditors use to assess how likely you are to repay your loans. Learn seven things you can do to make sure it stays healthy.
![5 Ways Good Credit is Your Safety Net Man looking at his credit score on a laptop](/getmedia/45c17611-eab7-46dc-9163-d3cb6fb096a2/learn-good-credit-is-your-safety-net.webp?ext=.webp)
5 Ways Good Credit is Your Safety Net
A good credit score can provide you access to low-interest credit options that can help cover any expenses your emergency savings can’t.
![Financial Warning Signs You Can't Ignore Woman stressed about a lot of credit card debt and bills on the floor.](/getmedia/5d821167-58d6-4551-87c9-5bf8e54f6a69/learn-financial-warning-signs.webp?ext=.webp)
Financial Warning Signs You Can't Ignore
If you find yourself dealing with any of the following financial issues, it's time to get proactive and take steps to correct them.
![Your Credit Score & Mortgage Loans House drawn on a chalkboard with credit score written inside](/getmedia/f469beb9-b5dd-4eb5-9d28-94bacfe81434/learn-your-credit-score-mortgage-loans.webp?ext=.webp)
Your Credit Score & Mortgage Loans
Your credit score is one of the biggest factors in your approval for a home loan.
![Watch Out for Phon(e)y Messages Man looking at scam text message](/getmedia/94e00bc8-d42a-454b-966c-030f6c8634ab/learn-watch-out-for-phoney-messages.jpg?width=770&height=415&ext=.jpg)
Watch Out for Phon(e)y Messages
Learn about methods scammers use to try and take advantage of our reliance on cellphones to get our personal information.
![Your Credit Score & Home Buying Power Credit report with an excellent rating](/getmedia/99d20a80-cf50-4269-8510-8e4e5a3ea2b2/learn-your-credit-score-buying-power.webp?ext=.webp)
Your Credit Score & Home Buying Power
Know how your credit score will affect your home buying power.
![Reconciling a Spender-Saver Marriage Finger puppets arguing over money](/getmedia/30e180aa-471a-4406-ad18-f9d2c5b6ed4b/learn-reconcile-spender-saver-marriage.jpg?width=770&height=415&ext=.jpg)
Reconciling a Spender-Saver Marriage
In any marriage, even one where both partners have similar money management styles, family finances can occasionally create conflict.
![Decoding Cryptocurrency Cartoon of a girl and a UFO](/getmedia/344a4e84-4317-4086-a222-33b44605e896/learn-decoding-cryptocurrency.webp?ext=.webp)
5 Common Cryptocurrency Scams
Explore five common cryptocurrency scams that you should be aware of and protect yourself and your investments.
![Put Your House to Work Person imagining a kitchen remodel](/getmedia/607f05fd-338d-4fa7-ab6c-8607d34972fd/learn-put-your-house-to-work.jpg?width=770&height=415&ext=.jpg)
Put Your House to Work
Home equity provides homeowners a ready financing source to turn their house into their dream home.
![Avoid Phishing Scams Person looking at a scam text](/getmedia/65472ca4-fdf2-4f3c-a33a-6503cc3ccc00/learn-avoid-phishing-scams.jpg?width=770&height=415&ext=.jpg)
Avoid Phishing Scams
Learn ways protect yourself from scammers trying to access your credit union account with phishing scams.
![Property Ownership and Your Will Person entering property into their will.](/getmedia/f5237000-acf3-4c6c-9979-78d071a2a83f/learn-property-ownership-and-your-will.jpg?width=770&height=415&ext=.jpg)
Property Ownership and Your Will
When creating your will and assigning beneficiaries on your accounts, the form of property ownership can have an unforeseen impact on the inheritance process.
![Pre-qualification v. Pre-approval Happy family on a couch in their living room](/getmedia/a8edcf5d-b1ce-4797-a4c8-12913f2c5b32/learn-pre-qualification-v-pre-approval.webp?ext=.webp)
Pre-qualification v. Pre-approval
We ensure our members are set up to become successful homeowners from the very beginning of the home buying process.
![Vacation Means Re-Creation Family on the beach in the sunset](/getmedia/d5a76ef7-7925-460f-a08c-fc96460c7b2d/learn-vacation-means-re-creation.jpg?width=770&height=415&ext=.jpg)
Vacation Means Re-Creation
There are many reasons why you might skip taking a vacation, but the benefits of a little time off often outweigh the drawbacks.
![9 Common Money Myths Woman with a questioning look holding a jar of money](/getmedia/70704581-f85c-4253-8eb0-c2dbacbbfcdb/learn-9-common-money-myths.jpg?width=770&height=415&ext=.jpg)
9 Common Money Myths
See how many of these common money myths you believe.
![Teach Your Kids Good Beliefs about Money Parent handing their child some money for saving](/getmedia/9ef9e828-0b6c-4c2b-810a-3e558e642afe/learn-teach-kids-good-money-beliefs.jpg?width=770&height=415&ext=.jpg)
Teach Your Kids Good Money Beliefs
Make sure you pass on positive money beliefs to the next generation.
![How Mortgage Loans are Approved Woman holding keychain with a house on it](/getmedia/6e94313f-f749-4d04-92c9-f4a5a19f5779/learn-how-mortgage-loans-are-approved.webp?ext=.webp)
How Mortgage Loans are Approved
While your loan officer and processor review your application, the underwriter will ultimately be the one who provides final approval.
![Home Improvement Projects: DIY or Pro? Homeowner installing new flooring](/getmedia/fa32ca09-86f9-48a1-9120-99a128dc6b50/learn-home-improvement-diy-or-pro.jpg?width=770&height=415&ext=.jpg)
Home Improvement Projects: DIY or Pro
If you have a home improvement project, should you do it yourself (DIY) or hire a pro?
![The Case for Debt Consolidation Different rate credit cards being consolidated into one low rate credit card](/getmedia/9b367c51-b7bf-4193-a6c4-52e9050225fe/learn-case-for-debt-consolidation.png?width=770&height=415&ext=.png)
The Case for Debt Consolidation
Consolidating your credit card bills into a single loan can be a wise financial move.
![Secure Your Mobile Wallet Young woman making a payment with her phone](/getmedia/25b97a9c-a31e-443d-a3c6-89d406cfbadd/learn-secure-mobile-wallet.webp?ext=.webp)
Secure Your Mobile Wallet
Keep your financial data safe when carrying out transactions on your mobile device.
![Managing Mom's Money Son looking over finances on a laptop with his mother](/getmedia/aa08dd11-aa91-4ff5-b327-70bebfdf9313/learn-managing-moms-money.webp?ext=.webp)
Managing Mom's Money
Managing someone else’s money, usually via a power of attorney (POA) document, is a big responsibility.
![Are You Ready to Purchase a Home? Woman playing with her child inside their house](/getmedia/a563cbda-be30-4599-9946-e641c060bd72/learn-are-you-ready-to-purchase-a-home.webp?ext=.webp)
Are You Ready to Purchase a Home?
Buying a home is typically the biggest purchase you will make. Know the process so it seems less scary.
![8 Ways to Save Vacation Money Log cabin overlooking a lake](/getmedia/1a9002d0-d1e5-47ef-b404-04fb66a35e2f/learn-save-vacation-money.webp?ext=.webp)
8 Ways to Save Vacation Money
Plan your next vacation ahead to ensure that you get the most for your money without sacrificing a good time.
![Avoid Check Deposit Scams Person taking a picture of a check for deposit](/getmedia/c7022744-92a6-41dd-970a-0e307f44d41c/learn-check-deposit-scams.webp?ext=.webp)
Avoid Check Deposit Scams
Don't be fooled by a remote deposit capture/check scam.
![Don't Fall for Gift Card Scams Woman making a payment on her phone with a gift card](/getmedia/255c5622-702a-454a-bc72-0f62cff21681/learn-gift-card-scams.webp?ext=.webp)
Don't Fall for Gift Card Scams
Scammers have come up with creative ways to convince you to purchase gift cards for them.
![Protect Yourself from Trigger Leads Cartoon of woman bombarded with cold calls and offers](/getmedia/68d9dbf4-8e33-455a-957d-5e3e125a76cf/learn-protect-yourself-from-trigger-leads.webp?ext=.webp)
Protect Yourself from Trigger Leads
Trigger Leads are a marketing tool that mortgage lenders, insurance companies, and credit card providers use to identify potential customers.