April is National Credit Union Youth Month, so we wanted to take a moment to highlight the importance of spending the time and energy to make sure your kids have some basic knowledge about money!
Did you know:
• From 2004 to 2009, the median credit card debt among college students increased 74%
• A report on the results of a financial literacy exam found that high school seniors scored on average 48% correct
• A survey of 15-year-olds in the United States found that 18% of respondents did not learn fundamental financial skills that are often applied in everyday…
While your idea of fun probably isn’t cleaning out the garage, closets, and kitchen all weekend spring cleaning, as the weather warms up, can be shockingly refreshing. Not to mention, you could also make some money in the process and find some cool stuff.
Did you know 78% of people get into spring cleaning every single year while 7% have admitted to never doing spring cleaning? Closets, bedrooms, and kitchens were some of the most popular rooms to start in according to that survey, with the home office following closely behind.
“It’s hard to get motivated and get started,” said…
Maybe you’ve applied for a loan in the past and the loan officer informs you of your credit score. It may be high, it may be low, but you’ve probably wondered how exactly is it measured?
First, credit scores are usually used to differentiate the likelihood that you will pay back a loan, or not. The main consumer credit scoring models, FICO® and VantageScore®, rank consumers using a 300-to-850 score range. The lower the number the more risk a lender sees. The higher the number the less risk there is of you defaulting.
Second, how is this number calculated? FICO®…
The season of holiday shopping is here, and so is the inevitable financial stress — but don’t panic! We’re here to help you conquer the chaos and take control of your finances, so you can give great gifts and feel great about what you spent.
1. Budget the Day Away
The first step for tackling the holiday shopping season is setting a budget. Your budget sets the tone of your whole shopping game plan — what presents you can buy, which deals to look for, which payment type to use, and more.
Sure, you’ve probably heard the spiel about the…
As the old slogan says, “Set it and forget it!” The days are getting shorter, and the nights are getting longer. Whether you’re running around with your kids, running around with your pets, or running because that is your chosen form of exercise, it feels like there are truly never enough hours in the day. Sure, your favorite local restaurant delivers, but there’s no beating a comforting homecooked meal. The average commercially prepared meal costs $13, while on the other hand, the average homecooked meal costs $4.
Now, it’s true that not everyone enjoys cooking or considers themselves that good…
A recent report from LendingTree® said that 44% of consumers planned on opening a store credit card this season. However, that same report said that 56% of those who have had store credit cards in the past have regretted getting them.
Sure, those sign-up bonuses can be great but if you carry a balance on one of these cards, the interest you pay with those high APRs can easily exceed what you saved with that initial discount stores offer.
While the salesperson does a great job of talking about the perks and discounts you can get when you sign up…
72% of Americans admit to being stressed about money. Of that 72%, 22% said they would classify their stress as “extreme.” Financial stress has been linked to migraines, insomnia, and even cardiovascular disease. Not only can financial stress take a toll on your health, it can also casue you to incur some hefty medical bills. That’s why we want to present you with some ways to unwind, destress, and just take care of yourself. If you aren’t taking care of yourself, how are you going to take care of anything or anyone else?
Don’t Let Stress Go Unchecked
Stress is…
Are you missing out on one of the best deals in car buying? With many people opting to stay at home to social distance and stay safe, many rental company vehicles have been stationary. Many companies are looking to make fast cash deals with increasing unused inventory, like Hertz, who recently filed for bankruptcy. If you decide to buy a rental vehicle, there are a few things you should do to ensure you’re buying a good vehicle.
To make your car shopping experience even better, Express is teaming up with Enterprise to offer you an amazing deal. After a vehicle…
What is one thing you just cannot live without? You know, those little indulgences that help us make it through the day? For some of us, it’s a jolt of caffeine. For others, Netflix and Hulu offer a sweet escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. What we sometimes don’t think about is that these things can be a constant drain on our wallets. Here are some things that we could be spending more money on than we intend to and ways you can cut those costs.
Coffee/Energy Drinks:
The mid-morning slump, the mid-afternoon slump, and the post-mid-afternoon…
You’ve been scrolling through Pinterest during quarantine and now you’re dying to have your own garden, but you don’t have a yard. If you only have a small area to have plants or vegetables, that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy your Pinterest-worthy garden. Here’s how you can make the most your urban, space-saving, garden on a budget.
Seeds Vs. Potted Plants
Did you know that buying plants and flowers from seeds is less expensive than buying a full-grown potted plant? When shopping for your urban garden, consider whether you want to splurge on the already grown plant or if you…
Express Credit Union
Our mission is to offer equitable, affordable and accessible financial services to WA state residents.
