Inflation has fallen dramatically over the past two years. While the current rate of 3.3% at the time of this writing is higher than the Fed’s goal of 2.0%, it’s a far cry from the 7% of December 2021.* While the recent drop is good news for many, with high gas prices and the continued climb of housing costs (up 5.4% over the previous year) and medical care, it’s little wonder many people are feeling stressed about their finances.** Research has found that 80% of workers report feeling financially stressed. With 27% experiencing “high or overwhelming” stress. Read more.
Summer’s here, and in addition to longer days, vacations, and barbecues, this also means the holiday season is just around the corner. I’m only half joking. The pace of life is so hectic that before we realize it, the New Year’s Eve ball will drop in Times Square. According to one large study, the average American is so busy that they have under five hours of free time for themselves a week. I know the feeling. The study also found that six in ten of us regularly put off basic tasks like cleaning and banking for lack of time. Read more now.
For many young people, summer is a time to put away their textbooks and pick up a summer job. In 2023, 55% of young people between 16-24 years of age were employed across the U.S. during summer.* Read more.
The 2×2 System is where you set aside two hours on the calendar two times a month to complete a predetermined financial task. This modest but consistent effort can help you sustain financial health and build wealth in bite-sized chunks. Read more.
According to the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, total household debt rose by $184 billion to hit more than $17 trillion in the first quarter of 2024. Balances on auto loans increased $9 billion to $1.62 trillion. And while credit card balances fell in the first quarter, which is common after the end-of-year holidays, nearly 9% of credit card balances moved into delinquency.*
As troubling as these figures are, what most of us care about is our level of debt and how to bring it under control. Managing how much interest you’re paying plays a significant role in lowering your household debt. Read more.
The 2×2 System is where you set aside two hours on the calendar two times a month to complete a predetermined financial task. This modest but consistent effort can help you sustain financial health and build wealth in bite-sized chunks. Read more.
The 2×2 System is where you set aside two hours on the calendar two times a month to complete a predetermined financial task. This modest but consistent effort can help you sustain financial health and build wealth in bite-sized chunks. Read more now.
Some years, like this one, just seem more eventful than others. Artificial intelligence is reshaping our world rapidly. And the quest to redefine other worlds is picking up, too. It seems like virtually every other month, a new mission takes off for the moon in anticipation of setting up permanent bases and, one day, colonies. Credit Union branches in space – now there’s an intriguing thought!
Spring is finally here. Even the groundhog, Punxsutawney Phil, predicted an early spring this year. Use the start of this season of new hope and possibilities to refresh your thinking and review your withholding information when you do your taxes.
Researches has shown the benefits of focusing on one task at a time. In fact, every time you multitask, you open yourself up to doing both tasks poorly. Plus, breaking away from the task at hand to answer a text, call, or email, makes it harder to get back in the groove, harming productivity. Okay, what does this have to do with checking accounts with direct deposit? It’s the exception to the rule. It proves doing two things at once is a good thing. Let us explain.
