How to Make Your Dream Vacation a Reality 

Whether it’s trekking across Europe, embarking on a coast-to-coast road trip of the U.S., or cruising through the Canadian Rockies by train, most people dream about that one bucket-list vacation. To many, this adventure remains a dream. But with dedication and planning, it’s often more attainable than people realize.  As with any grand vacation, the key is preparation. From mapping out the entire trip to plotting the logistics and setting your budget, planning your perfect adventure will take time. Use the following guide to help you put your plans in motion for that once-in-a-lifetime excursion.   1. Determine Your Destination &…

March 2, 2023Wallet Wins No Comments
How to Make Your Dream Vacation a Reality 

Whether it’s trekking across Europe, embarking on a coast-to-coast road trip of the U.S., or cruising through the Canadian Rockies by train, most people dream about that one bucket-list vacation. To many, this adventure remains a dream. But with dedication and planning, it’s often more attainable than people realize.  As with any grand vacation, the key is preparation. From mapping out the entire trip to plotting the logistics and setting your budget, planning your perfect adventure will take time. Use the following guide to help you put your plans in motion for that once-in-a-lifetime excursion.   1. Determine Your Destination &…

7 Reasons to File Your Taxes Early 

Filing your taxes can be a bit of a headache each year. While many people may have good intentions of filing as soon as they get their W-2s, the reality is people often procrastinate. Then, before they know it, the deadline sneaks up and forces them to reorganize their schedule to make time to file, causing a great deal of unnecessary stress.   If that scenario sounds familiar to you, it’s time to consider filing your taxes early. Doing so will not only relieve your stress and anxiety levels but there are many other benefits you’ll experience.  The Benefits of Filing…

February 15, 2023Future Planning, Wallet Wins No Comments
7 Reasons to File Your Taxes Early 

Filing your taxes can be a bit of a headache each year. While many people may have good intentions of filing as soon as they get their W-2s, the reality is people often procrastinate. Then, before they know it, the deadline sneaks up and forces them to reorganize their schedule to make time to file, causing a great deal of unnecessary stress.   If that scenario sounds familiar to you, it’s time to consider filing your taxes early. Doing so will not only relieve your stress and anxiety levels but there are many other benefits you’ll experience.  The Benefits of Filing…

2023 Financial Check-Up: Tips to Fight Inflation 

Creating and maintaining a budget is one of the best ways to achieve your financial goals. However, even the most dedicated can find it challenging at times. That’s why it’s essential to revisit your budget and financial plan every six months. This financial check-up is your opportunity to get back on track before you stray too far from your goals.  A regular financial check-up is even more crucial today as inflation continues to decrease the value of your money. With less money to spend, it’s important to find ways to maximize your hard-earned dollars.   Consider the following inflation-fighting strategies when…

February 2, 2023Future Planning, Wallet Wins No Comments
2023 Financial Check-Up: Tips to Fight Inflation 

Creating and maintaining a budget is one of the best ways to achieve your financial goals. However, even the most dedicated can find it challenging at times. That’s why it’s essential to revisit your budget and financial plan every six months. This financial check-up is your opportunity to get back on track before you stray too far from your goals.  A regular financial check-up is even more crucial today as inflation continues to decrease the value of your money. With less money to spend, it’s important to find ways to maximize your hard-earned dollars.   Consider the following inflation-fighting strategies when…

Family Fun in Lakeland

Looking for something fun to do with your friends and family in Lakeland? Say no more, PEFCU fam!  PEFCU is really “having a ball” this year, as our Lakeland branch is now a proud sponsor of not one, not two, but THREE sports teams: The Lakeland Magic basketball team, the Florida Tropics soccer team, and the Detroit Tigers/Lakeland Flying Tigers baseball teams!   What does this mean, you ask? It means we have several more opportunities to meet with potential members and spread brand awareness about our credit union and its values. Our “goal” is to reach associates from Publix and…

February 1, 2023We Are PEFCU No Comments
Family Fun in Lakeland

Looking for something fun to do with your friends and family in Lakeland? Say no more, PEFCU fam!  PEFCU is really “having a ball” this year, as our Lakeland branch is now a proud sponsor of not one, not two, but THREE sports teams: The Lakeland Magic basketball team, the Florida Tropics soccer team, and the Detroit Tigers/Lakeland Flying Tigers baseball teams!   What does this mean, you ask? It means we have several more opportunities to meet with potential members and spread brand awareness about our credit union and its values. Our “goal” is to reach associates from Publix and…

Why are Share Certificates (CDs) Becoming So Popular?

Share certificates (like CDs at banks) are investment accounts that yield higher returns than traditional savings accounts. They offer a spectrum of financial perks with very little downside. Keep reading to find out if adding a share certificate to your savings plan is right for you.  What Is a Share Certificate?  Most credit unions offer three primary savings and investment accounts:   Traditional share (savings) accounts   Money market accounts   Share certificates   Among the three, share certificates generally offer the greatest yields. However, there is a tradeoff in exchange for earning higher dividends. With a share certificate, your money is locked in,…

February 1, 2023Wallet Wins No Comments
Why are Share Certificates (CDs) Becoming So Popular?

Share certificates (like CDs at banks) are investment accounts that yield higher returns than traditional savings accounts. They offer a spectrum of financial perks with very little downside. Keep reading to find out if adding a share certificate to your savings plan is right for you.  What Is a Share Certificate?  Most credit unions offer three primary savings and investment accounts:   Traditional share (savings) accounts   Money market accounts   Share certificates   Among the three, share certificates generally offer the greatest yields. However, there is a tradeoff in exchange for earning higher dividends. With a share certificate, your money is locked in,…

Uncommon Uses for a Personal Loan

Whether online, in-store, or via phone, credit cards remain one of the top payment choices among consumers. However, though credit cards are convenient, they are not always the best financing option – especially for larger ticket items. Commonly overlooked, personal loans are typically a much smarter choice that offer a slew of financial perks credit cards don’t. Discover why they are so beneficial and some of their lesser-known uses.  What is a Personal Loan?   A personal loan can be used for just about anything. These short-term loans offer flexible repayment periods, typically ranging between six months and four years. As…

February 1, 2023Borrowing Basics 2 Comments
Uncommon Uses for a Personal Loan

Whether online, in-store, or via phone, credit cards remain one of the top payment choices among consumers. However, though credit cards are convenient, they are not always the best financing option – especially for larger ticket items. Commonly overlooked, personal loans are typically a much smarter choice that offer a slew of financial perks credit cards don’t. Discover why they are so beneficial and some of their lesser-known uses.  What is a Personal Loan?   A personal loan can be used for just about anything. These short-term loans offer flexible repayment periods, typically ranging between six months and four years. As…

Galentine’s Day Ideas That Don’t Break the Bank

February 13 is officially Galentine’s Day! This year marks the 23rd anniversary since Leslie Knope coined the holiday on the TV show Parks & Recreation. Leslie liked to celebrate by taking her friends out for brunch and buying them all gifts, but we’ve got some fun ideas to help you celebrate with your friends while staying on budget.  Charcuterie Night  Host a BYOB (Bring Your Own Board) Charcuterie Night. Ask each of your friends to bring a themed charcuterie board of their choice for a fun tasting night. Examples could include fruit board with different fruits and dips, French fry…

February 1, 2023Wallet Wins No Comments
Galentine’s Day Ideas That Don’t Break the Bank

February 13 is officially Galentine’s Day! This year marks the 23rd anniversary since Leslie Knope coined the holiday on the TV show Parks & Recreation. Leslie liked to celebrate by taking her friends out for brunch and buying them all gifts, but we’ve got some fun ideas to help you celebrate with your friends while staying on budget.  Charcuterie Night  Host a BYOB (Bring Your Own Board) Charcuterie Night. Ask each of your friends to bring a themed charcuterie board of their choice for a fun tasting night. Examples could include fruit board with different fruits and dips, French fry…

Is a 0% APR Balance Transfer All It’s Cracked Up to Be? 

You’ve probably already heard the sweet siren song of the promotional 0% balance transfer rate. The trick is to decide whether offer an offer like this can work out for you without getting confused.  Follow these tips—and watch your step! This path might not be as enticing as it seems.  Crunch the Numbers  When you look at offers like this from big banks and credit card companies, it comes off as pretty tempting. After all, what could be better than paying no interest for several months on your debt? However, most credit card companies are not in it for your…

December 29, 2022Borrowing Basics, Wallet Wins No Comments
Is a 0% APR Balance Transfer All It’s Cracked Up to Be? 

You’ve probably already heard the sweet siren song of the promotional 0% balance transfer rate. The trick is to decide whether offer an offer like this can work out for you without getting confused.  Follow these tips—and watch your step! This path might not be as enticing as it seems.  Crunch the Numbers  When you look at offers like this from big banks and credit card companies, it comes off as pretty tempting. After all, what could be better than paying no interest for several months on your debt? However, most credit card companies are not in it for your…

Why You Should Consolidate Debt in the New Year

The holiday season has come and gone. While you can’t put a price tag on the memories, you might feel the burden of the debt accrued from making those memories. If you’re a bit anxious about paying back your holiday debt, there’s a relatively easy solution – debt consolidation.   Consolidating debt may sound complicated and more intimidating than slowly paying down your current balance. However, the process is easier than you might think, and it could save you a significant amount of money long term. It’s a win-win!   What is Debt Consolidation?  Debt consolidation is transferring one or multiple loans…

December 29, 2022Borrowing Basics, Wallet Wins No Comments
Why You Should Consolidate Debt in the New Year

The holiday season has come and gone. While you can’t put a price tag on the memories, you might feel the burden of the debt accrued from making those memories. If you’re a bit anxious about paying back your holiday debt, there’s a relatively easy solution – debt consolidation.   Consolidating debt may sound complicated and more intimidating than slowly paying down your current balance. However, the process is easier than you might think, and it could save you a significant amount of money long term. It’s a win-win!   What is Debt Consolidation?  Debt consolidation is transferring one or multiple loans…

Setting New Year’s [Financial] Resolutions as a Couple 

As the new year begins, people take the opportunity to start fresh. It’s a time to change habits and resolve to be better in the coming year. Living healthier, spending more time with family and friends, and bettering one’s financial position are consistently the top resolutions each year.   Even though you may have the best intentions, it can be challenging to stick with your resolutions throughout the year – especially regarding financial goals.   Accomplishing your goals becomes much easier when you do it with your partner. You get to work as a team to hit your target. That includes…

December 29, 2022Future Planning, Wallet Wins No Comments
Setting New Year’s [Financial] Resolutions as a Couple 

As the new year begins, people take the opportunity to start fresh. It’s a time to change habits and resolve to be better in the coming year. Living healthier, spending more time with family and friends, and bettering one’s financial position are consistently the top resolutions each year.   Even though you may have the best intentions, it can be challenging to stick with your resolutions throughout the year – especially regarding financial goals.   Accomplishing your goals becomes much easier when you do it with your partner. You get to work as a team to hit your target. That includes…