Welcome To Making Money Prosper

At every stage in life, we all need a routine checkup for our financial health. That is why we’ve launched Making Money Prosper! This blog is dedicated to you, our PEFCU members. We’re here to help you live your best financial life by teaching you to successfully save, invest, and manage your money. Adulting can be hard–we get it! We want you to find success through all of life’s stages: like purchasing your first car, traveling the world, planning for retirement, and everything in between. At PEFCU, our goal is to educate you and your family about your personal finances…

July 6, 2020PEFCU Perks, We Are PEFCU No Comments
Welcome To Making Money Prosper

At every stage in life, we all need a routine checkup for our financial health. That is why we’ve launched Making Money Prosper! This blog is dedicated to you, our PEFCU members. We’re here to help you live your best financial life by teaching you to successfully save, invest, and manage your money. Adulting can be hard–we get it! We want you to find success through all of life’s stages: like purchasing your first car, traveling the world, planning for retirement, and everything in between. At PEFCU, our goal is to educate you and your family about your personal finances…

Overcoming Debt with a Low Credit Score

If you’re struggling with debt and have a lower credit score, it can feel like an endless cycle – high interest rates, declined loan applications, and monthly payments that barely make a dent. But here’s the good news: You are not stuck. No matter what your credit score, there are real, actionable steps to take control of your finances, break free from debt, and rebuild your credit over time.  Whether you need quick fixes to free up cash or long-term strategies to turn things around, there are solutions available. In this article, we’ll loosen the reins debt has on your…

April 22, 2025Uncategorized No Comments
Overcoming Debt with a Low Credit Score

If you’re struggling with debt and have a lower credit score, it can feel like an endless cycle – high interest rates, declined loan applications, and monthly payments that barely make a dent. But here’s the good news: You are not stuck. No matter what your credit score, there are real, actionable steps to take control of your finances, break free from debt, and rebuild your credit over time.  Whether you need quick fixes to free up cash or long-term strategies to turn things around, there are solutions available. In this article, we’ll loosen the reins debt has on your…

PEFCU Gives Back to the Planet and the Community

At Publix Employees Federal Credit Union, we believe that giving back to our planet is just as important as giving back to our members and communities. Every year on April 22, people around the globe come together to celebrate Earth Day—a day dedicated to raising awareness about environmental protection and inspiring actions that make a difference. At PEFCU, the environment is one of our three main community pillars, and this Earth Day, we took action! This year, PEFCU marked Earth Day by partnering with Keep Polk County Beautiful for a park clean-up, a hands-on initiative that brought team members together for the day. Associates from different departments within…

April 22, 2025Community Engagement, We Are PEFCU No Comments
PEFCU Gives Back to the Planet and the Community

At Publix Employees Federal Credit Union, we believe that giving back to our planet is just as important as giving back to our members and communities. Every year on April 22, people around the globe come together to celebrate Earth Day—a day dedicated to raising awareness about environmental protection and inspiring actions that make a difference. At PEFCU, the environment is one of our three main community pillars, and this Earth Day, we took action! This year, PEFCU marked Earth Day by partnering with Keep Polk County Beautiful for a park clean-up, a hands-on initiative that brought team members together for the day. Associates from different departments within…

Don’t Give Up on Homeownership

Buying a home right now isn’t easy – prices are high, interest rates have climbed, and there aren’t as many homes on the market. If you’re a first-time buyer, it might feel like homeownership is well out of reach. The competition is tough, and finding something in your price range can be frustrating.  But don’t give up! Homeownership is still possible with the right strategy. By making informed financial decisions and exploring smart buying options, you can significantly improve your chances of success. In this article, we’ll share insights to help you navigate today’s market, manage the homebuying process, and…

April 14, 2025Wallet Wins No Comments
Don’t Give Up on Homeownership

Buying a home right now isn’t easy – prices are high, interest rates have climbed, and there aren’t as many homes on the market. If you’re a first-time buyer, it might feel like homeownership is well out of reach. The competition is tough, and finding something in your price range can be frustrating.  But don’t give up! Homeownership is still possible with the right strategy. By making informed financial decisions and exploring smart buying options, you can significantly improve your chances of success. In this article, we’ll share insights to help you navigate today’s market, manage the homebuying process, and…

30 & Behind? How to Catch Up on Retirement! 

By the time you hit your 30s, life can feel like a whirlwind. From finishing school to launching your career, buying your first home, and maybe even getting married and having children, it may seem like everything is happening at turbo speed. With so many priorities competing for your attention, it’s easy to push retirement savings to the backburner. After all, it’s so far away, right? Then, one day, reality hits: “Oh no, I haven’t saved nearly enough!”  Before you panic, take a deep breath. You haven’t missed the boat! In fact, your peak earning years are likely still ahead…

April 8, 2025Future Planning 1 Comment
30 & Behind? How to Catch Up on Retirement! 

By the time you hit your 30s, life can feel like a whirlwind. From finishing school to launching your career, buying your first home, and maybe even getting married and having children, it may seem like everything is happening at turbo speed. With so many priorities competing for your attention, it’s easy to push retirement savings to the backburner. After all, it’s so far away, right? Then, one day, reality hits: “Oh no, I haven’t saved nearly enough!”  Before you panic, take a deep breath. You haven’t missed the boat! In fact, your peak earning years are likely still ahead…

What’s the Secret to Building Wealth? 

Many believe wealth comes from a high-paying job, striking it rich in the stock market, or inheriting money. However, building wealth stems from a few principles that anyone can apply. It’s about creating habits, making informed financial decisions, and staying disciplined. Wealth-building doesn’t require a windfall – it’s about starting where you are and taking small, intentional steps.  Picture your finances as a work in progress, like leveling up in a video game or learning a new sport – each move counts. By forming habits, making wise choices, and staying committed, you can create a financial foundation that lasts. Whether…

March 25, 2025Future Planning No Comments
What’s the Secret to Building Wealth? 

Many believe wealth comes from a high-paying job, striking it rich in the stock market, or inheriting money. However, building wealth stems from a few principles that anyone can apply. It’s about creating habits, making informed financial decisions, and staying disciplined. Wealth-building doesn’t require a windfall – it’s about starting where you are and taking small, intentional steps.  Picture your finances as a work in progress, like leveling up in a video game or learning a new sport – each move counts. By forming habits, making wise choices, and staying committed, you can create a financial foundation that lasts. Whether…

Tips to Maximize Your Tax Refund

With tax season upon us, taxpayers are looking for ways to maximize their potential refund checks. While this time of the year can often feel overwhelming, it’s also an opportunity to reclaim your hard-earned money. Whether you’re filing for the first time or looking to optimize your return, understanding key deductions, credits, and strategies can make a significant difference.   In this article, we’ll walk you through practical tips to help you maximize your tax refund, reduce your taxable income, and take advantage of every dollar you’re entitled to. Get ready to file with confidence and make the most of this…

March 24, 2025Future Planning, Wallet Wins No Comments
Tips to Maximize Your Tax Refund

With tax season upon us, taxpayers are looking for ways to maximize their potential refund checks. While this time of the year can often feel overwhelming, it’s also an opportunity to reclaim your hard-earned money. Whether you’re filing for the first time or looking to optimize your return, understanding key deductions, credits, and strategies can make a significant difference.   In this article, we’ll walk you through practical tips to help you maximize your tax refund, reduce your taxable income, and take advantage of every dollar you’re entitled to. Get ready to file with confidence and make the most of this…

Become a Savvy Saver: A Guide for Beginners

Saving money sounds simple but figuring out where to start can feel overwhelming. Should you open a savings account, explore investments like stocks, or think long-term with retirement planning? And what if you don’t have much to save right now? No worries – we’re here to guide you.  In this guide, we’ll help you understand the basics of saving, from building a strong foundation with credit union accounts to exploring opportunities beyond – like investing in the stock market or preparing for retirement. No matter where you’re starting, you’ll discover tools and tips to make saving simple, approachable, and something…

March 10, 2025Wallet Wins No Comments
Become a Savvy Saver: A Guide for Beginners

Saving money sounds simple but figuring out where to start can feel overwhelming. Should you open a savings account, explore investments like stocks, or think long-term with retirement planning? And what if you don’t have much to save right now? No worries – we’re here to guide you.  In this guide, we’ll help you understand the basics of saving, from building a strong foundation with credit union accounts to exploring opportunities beyond – like investing in the stock market or preparing for retirement. No matter where you’re starting, you’ll discover tools and tips to make saving simple, approachable, and something…

Is Debt Consolidation Right for Me?

Dealing with credit card debt can be overwhelming. Managing multiple due dates, keeping track of different interest rates, and seeing balances that barely budge can feel like an impossible task. Even when you’re making payments every month, high interest charges can make it seem like you’re going nowhere fast.  Here’s the good news: there’s a way to cut through the chaos and regain control of your finances. Debt consolidation is a simple process that helps you organize your debts into one manageable payment. While it might sound intimidating at first, it’s a clear step toward becoming debt-free and building a…

March 4, 2025Borrowing Basics No Comments
Is Debt Consolidation Right for Me?

Dealing with credit card debt can be overwhelming. Managing multiple due dates, keeping track of different interest rates, and seeing balances that barely budge can feel like an impossible task. Even when you’re making payments every month, high interest charges can make it seem like you’re going nowhere fast.  Here’s the good news: there’s a way to cut through the chaos and regain control of your finances. Debt consolidation is a simple process that helps you organize your debts into one manageable payment. While it might sound intimidating at first, it’s a clear step toward becoming debt-free and building a…

Staying Scam-Savvy: Fraud Risks Gen-Z Should Watch Out For

As digital natives, Gen Z spends much of their time online—scrolling through social media, shopping, or simply staying connected. While the internet offers plenty of opportunities, it also comes with risks. Fraudsters are becoming more creative, targeting young users in new and sophisticated ways. Here are some of the most common types of fraud that Gen Z should be aware of:  1. Social Media Scams  Fraudsters often use social media platforms to spread scams, like fake giveaways or fraudulent investment opportunities. If a post claims you can double your money instantly or win high-value prizes just by sharing personal information—it’s…

February 26, 2025Security Center No Comments
Staying Scam-Savvy: Fraud Risks Gen-Z Should Watch Out For

As digital natives, Gen Z spends much of their time online—scrolling through social media, shopping, or simply staying connected. While the internet offers plenty of opportunities, it also comes with risks. Fraudsters are becoming more creative, targeting young users in new and sophisticated ways. Here are some of the most common types of fraud that Gen Z should be aware of:  1. Social Media Scams  Fraudsters often use social media platforms to spread scams, like fake giveaways or fraudulent investment opportunities. If a post claims you can double your money instantly or win high-value prizes just by sharing personal information—it’s…

Your Emergency Fund is More Than a Safety Net 

When most people think about an “emergency fund,” they equate it to money put aside for financial emergencies or unexpected expenses. While this might be the primary purpose, these funds hold much greater value in your overall financial health.  Being unprepared for financial hiccups, such as a sudden job loss, unplanned medical bills, or other surprise costs, can domino into additional challenges. A well-intentioned and planned emergency fund equips you to handle setbacks better and steer clear of costly alternatives, such as payday loans.   In this article, we’ll outline why an emergency fund is so critical to your overall financial…

February 25, 2025Future Planning No Comments
Your Emergency Fund is More Than a Safety Net 

When most people think about an “emergency fund,” they equate it to money put aside for financial emergencies or unexpected expenses. While this might be the primary purpose, these funds hold much greater value in your overall financial health.  Being unprepared for financial hiccups, such as a sudden job loss, unplanned medical bills, or other surprise costs, can domino into additional challenges. A well-intentioned and planned emergency fund equips you to handle setbacks better and steer clear of costly alternatives, such as payday loans.   In this article, we’ll outline why an emergency fund is so critical to your overall financial…