Avoid Student Loan Forgiveness Scams  

If you or your children have student loans, you’re probably excited about August 24, 2022 the announcement of the new student loan debt forgiveness plan. The U.S. Department of Education (DOE) plans to announce details within the next few weeks on how borrowers can claim their share of the student loan debt relief.   Meanwhile, student loan borrowers aren’t sure exactly what to do next to receive the relief —and scammers will be rising to the occasion, according to the Better Business Bureau (BBB). The BBB recommends the following tips for avoiding student loan forgiveness scams:  Don’t act before knowing…

September 26, 2022Security Center No Comments

If you or your children have student loans, you’re probably excited about August 24, 2022 the announcement of the new student loan debt forgiveness plan. The U.S. Department of Education (DOE) plans to announce details within the next few weeks on how borrowers can claim their share of the student loan debt relief.   Meanwhile, student loan borrowers aren’t sure exactly what to do next to receive the relief —and scammers will be rising to the occasion, according to the Better Business Bureau (BBB). The BBB recommends the following tips for avoiding student loan forgiveness scams:  Don’t act before knowing…

Doggie Dates with Lakeland’s SPCA

Hi! Alyssa here! I’m your PEFCU Community Engagement and Branding Specialist, and I love to talk about how PEFCU helps people in our communities live their best lives. Today, I want to tell you about one initiative near and dear to my heart: SPCA Florida.    The SPCA helps eliminate animal suffering and engages the whole community in the welfare and well-being of animals. As of 2022, they have saved 2,133 lives and spayed and neutered 3,522 pets. PEFCU partners with SPCA Florida to bring awareness of the furry pals available for adoption in our hometown of Lakeland.   As a proud…

September 6, 2022We Are PEFCU No Comments

Hi! Alyssa here! I’m your PEFCU Community Engagement and Branding Specialist, and I love to talk about how PEFCU helps people in our communities live their best lives. Today, I want to tell you about one initiative near and dear to my heart: SPCA Florida.    The SPCA helps eliminate animal suffering and engages the whole community in the welfare and well-being of animals. As of 2022, they have saved 2,133 lives and spayed and neutered 3,522 pets. PEFCU partners with SPCA Florida to bring awareness of the furry pals available for adoption in our hometown of Lakeland.   As a proud…

5 Things to Avoid When Buying a Home 

Buying a home can be exciting, and with the quick pace of the market today, it’s easy to get caught up in the moment. The competitive real estate market can lead people to make home offers before they’ve done their due diligence. This can result in buying a home that doesn’t really fit their needs or wants, or worse, cost more than they planned on spending.  There’s a lot that goes into buying a home, but the most important step is planning. A home is a significant financial investment that extends far beyond the mortgage payment. Here are five things…

September 1, 2022Borrowing Basics No Comments

Buying a home can be exciting, and with the quick pace of the market today, it’s easy to get caught up in the moment. The competitive real estate market can lead people to make home offers before they’ve done their due diligence. This can result in buying a home that doesn’t really fit their needs or wants, or worse, cost more than they planned on spending.  There’s a lot that goes into buying a home, but the most important step is planning. A home is a significant financial investment that extends far beyond the mortgage payment. Here are five things…

8 Tips If You’re Living Paycheck-to-Paycheck 

Living paycheck-to-paycheck can be very draining and inadvertently affect everyone in your household. While you may be paying your bills on time and covering all your monthly costs, one unexpected expense can cause the house of cards to come crashing down. Sure, you could try to get a second job or start a side hustle, but in reality, it’s not that easy – especially if you’re raising children.  Breaking free from this financial cycle can often feel impossible. But there are moves you can make to begin building your savings and eliminate the stress of the paycheck-to-paycheck lifestyle. Here are…

August 22, 2022Wallet Wins No Comments

Living paycheck-to-paycheck can be very draining and inadvertently affect everyone in your household. While you may be paying your bills on time and covering all your monthly costs, one unexpected expense can cause the house of cards to come crashing down. Sure, you could try to get a second job or start a side hustle, but in reality, it’s not that easy – especially if you’re raising children.  Breaking free from this financial cycle can often feel impossible. But there are moves you can make to begin building your savings and eliminate the stress of the paycheck-to-paycheck lifestyle. Here are…

Smart Money Moves for Members Under 30 

Life in your twenties can be exciting and full of new opportunities. There are many milestones you might check off your lists during this period: graduating college, starting your career, getting married, and even starting your family.   While long-term financial goals might seem a lifetime away, the decisions you make today can significantly impact your future fiscal success. When it comes to building wealth, time is your best friend. The sooner you begin laying the foundation for the future, the better your position will be when you approach your next financial milestone.   Here are several wise money moves you can…

August 1, 2022Future Planning, Wallet Wins No Comments

Life in your twenties can be exciting and full of new opportunities. There are many milestones you might check off your lists during this period: graduating college, starting your career, getting married, and even starting your family.   While long-term financial goals might seem a lifetime away, the decisions you make today can significantly impact your future fiscal success. When it comes to building wealth, time is your best friend. The sooner you begin laying the foundation for the future, the better your position will be when you approach your next financial milestone.   Here are several wise money moves you can…

How to Travel Safely This Summer 

Summer is here! Now is your chance to explore new places and make special memories with your family. Preparing yourself for a safe summer ahead of time makes for a more relaxing trip for everyone. Here are a few measures you can take now for a safe and fun adventure away from home. Keep your wallet safe and secure while traveling with these simple tips:  Alert PEFCU About Travel Plans Do you plan to make a purchase with your PEFCU Visa® Debit or Credit Card while traveling? Though your cards are open for international transactions, it’s still good practice to let…

July 11, 2022Wallet Wins No Comments

Summer is here! Now is your chance to explore new places and make special memories with your family. Preparing yourself for a safe summer ahead of time makes for a more relaxing trip for everyone. Here are a few measures you can take now for a safe and fun adventure away from home. Keep your wallet safe and secure while traveling with these simple tips:  Alert PEFCU About Travel Plans Do you plan to make a purchase with your PEFCU Visa® Debit or Credit Card while traveling? Though your cards are open for international transactions, it’s still good practice to let…

When Should I Start Saving for College?

According to the Pew Research Center, 34% of adults ages 18 to 29 say they have outstanding student loans from their education expenses. About six out of ten college seniors ages 18 to 24 took out loans for their education in the 2015-2016 school year, according to the National Center for Education Statistics.   The sooner you begin putting money away for your child’s college education, the better. As college tuition and fees continue to climb, getting ahead of the curve sets your child up for success and reduces the student debt they might accumulate in the future.  The less burden…

June 30, 2022Wallet Wins No Comments

According to the Pew Research Center, 34% of adults ages 18 to 29 say they have outstanding student loans from their education expenses. About six out of ten college seniors ages 18 to 24 took out loans for their education in the 2015-2016 school year, according to the National Center for Education Statistics.   The sooner you begin putting money away for your child’s college education, the better. As college tuition and fees continue to climb, getting ahead of the curve sets your child up for success and reduces the student debt they might accumulate in the future.  The less burden…

World Elder Abuse Awareness 

World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD) was launched by the International Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse and the World Health Organization at the United Nations. The purpose of WEAAD is to provide an opportunity for communities around the world to promote a better understanding of the abuse and neglect of older persons by raising awareness of the cultural, social, economic, and demographic processes affecting elder abuse and neglect.  World Elder Abuse Awareness Day is important as it raises awareness for senior citizens who may be unable to advocate for themselves.   5 FACTS ABOUT ELDER ABUSE   Elder abuse instances…

June 3, 2022Security Center No Comments

World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD) was launched by the International Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse and the World Health Organization at the United Nations. The purpose of WEAAD is to provide an opportunity for communities around the world to promote a better understanding of the abuse and neglect of older persons by raising awareness of the cultural, social, economic, and demographic processes affecting elder abuse and neglect.  World Elder Abuse Awareness Day is important as it raises awareness for senior citizens who may be unable to advocate for themselves.   5 FACTS ABOUT ELDER ABUSE   Elder abuse instances…

Quick Tips for Buying Pre-Owned Vehicles 

Buying a new vehicle isn’t the only option. Today, it’s possible to save money and even make a better investment by purchasing a pre-owned vehicle. However, not every vehicle on the lot is a good buy. There are several steps vehicle shoppers need to take to ensure they are making the best financial decision possible for their needs. What should car buyers look for when buying pre-owned vehicles?  The History of the Vehicle  A good place to start is with the history of the vehicle. A Carfax report can provide this. Most dealerships will provide a link to the Carfax…

May 16, 2022Borrowing Basics No Comments

Buying a new vehicle isn’t the only option. Today, it’s possible to save money and even make a better investment by purchasing a pre-owned vehicle. However, not every vehicle on the lot is a good buy. There are several steps vehicle shoppers need to take to ensure they are making the best financial decision possible for their needs. What should car buyers look for when buying pre-owned vehicles?  The History of the Vehicle  A good place to start is with the history of the vehicle. A Carfax report can provide this. Most dealerships will provide a link to the Carfax…

When to Get a Secured Credit Card  

Secured credit cards work like regular credit cards, and you make purchases and payments as usual. But there’s one big distinction. With a secured card, the issuing financial institution requires you to put a cash deposit down as collateral, which they will keep if you cannot repay the balance. *  The secured funds are usually equal to the secured card limit. For instance, if the card has a $500 limit, your financial institution may put a hold of $500 on your checking or savings account or ask for a $500 deposit. Though this $500 is still in your account, it…

May 2, 2022Borrowing Basics 2 Comments

Secured credit cards work like regular credit cards, and you make purchases and payments as usual. But there’s one big distinction. With a secured card, the issuing financial institution requires you to put a cash deposit down as collateral, which they will keep if you cannot repay the balance. *  The secured funds are usually equal to the secured card limit. For instance, if the card has a $500 limit, your financial institution may put a hold of $500 on your checking or savings account or ask for a $500 deposit. Though this $500 is still in your account, it…