Contactless payment systems, digital wallets, and peer-to-peer (P2P) payment apps reduce the need to carry cash. Shoppers only need to preload credit or debit card information into their mobile device to experience incredible convenience. Saying “Yes” to virtual plastic and “No” to physical cash also provides fraud protection and simplified recordkeeping. Credit and debit cards often possess...

Figuring out the best time to buy a home can be tricky. Should you wait until summer when property listings are plentiful? The warmer temperatures bring a more extensive housing inventory, but also greater competition. Maybe winter is a better time to buy a home. Colder months often mean less competition and increased negotiating power for buyers. Sellers who didn’t have success in the prior...

Money lessons begin at home. Unfortunately, many parents are unaware they've been teaching their kids about money for years. Whether your teen always sees you paying for groceries with plastic (and assumes it's your credit, not debit card), or you frequently tell your eight-year-old, "Put that back. It costs too much", you're forming your child's understanding of money. If you're ready to get...

Protecting Your ATM Card Always protect your ATM card and keep it in a safe place, just like you would cash, credit cards or checks. Do not leave your ATM card lying around the house or on your desk at work. No one should have access to the card but you. Immediately notify your financial institution if it is lost or stolen. Keep your Personal Identification Number (PIN) a secret. Never write it...

The idea of a "budget" just sounds restrictive. Placing limits on how you spend your hard-earned money seems like the exact opposite of the financial freedom you crave. But spending money without a savings plan for the future — or even knowing how much you need to save — can put you in a financial bind that's hard to escape. Tracking your income and expenses using a budget is key to taking charge...

Whether you're the sole breadwinner or live in a two-income household, saving money for a rainy day can be challenging for families. Despite your best efforts, you may be like 39% of Americans who would have a hard time covering an emergency expense as little as $400. If a surprise health diagnosis or unexpected job loss happens, it could wreak havoc with your emotions and your bank account...

Car trouble is more than a hassle; it's expensive. Now you can get peace of mind on the road when you have Members Choice Mechanical Repair Coverage (MRC) from Credit Union of Colorado. MRC insures your vehicle against almost all mechanical breakdowns. You can get MRC coverage on most vehicles that are 15 years old or newer, except Saab, with fewer than 150,000 miles . It’s also available for...

Financial surprises can lift your spirits. An unexpected federal tax refund, finding a $20 bill in a shirt pocket on laundry day, or receiving an instant rebate at checkout can put a smile on your face. But, when a water pipe suddenly bursts or an A/C unit stops blowing cold air on the hottest day of the year, the resulting financial surprise can quickly dampen your mood. An emergency fund can...

Was your housing rental application recently denied? Did your new cell phone provider require a hefty deposit? It might have something to do with your credit health. Like other creditors, property management companies and cell phone carriers need assurance that you’ll meet your financial obligations, regardless of how much money you earn. Poor credit scores often result in credit denials or...

Money habits naturally change over time. Young twenty-somethings are unlikely to spend their paychecks in the same way as mid-life earners planning on early retirement. Whether you're like the nearly 40% of millennials whom a Credit Karma/Qualtrics study found have fallen victim to FOMO spending , or you classify yourself as an intermittent saver, almost every income earner hopes to avoid a life...