Beware of Common Holiday Scams

While fraud can occur at any time of the year, unfortunately, it becomes more popular during the holidays. This could be due to the hustle and bustle of the season and the fact that more people are shopping, especially online.   Here is a list of the most common holiday fraud schemes with tips on how to protect yourself.   3 Common Holiday Fraud Methods & Scams  Here are some of the most common holiday frauds and scams:   Skimming is carried out by using electronic devices to secretly scan and store debit card and credit card PINs and numbers. This tactic is commonly used on fuel pumps at gas stations.  SMiShing (SMS phishing) is…

November 5, 2021Security Center No Comments
Beware of Common Holiday Scams

While fraud can occur at any time of the year, unfortunately, it becomes more popular during the holidays. This could be due to the hustle and bustle of the season and the fact that more people are shopping, especially online.   Here is a list of the most common holiday fraud schemes with tips on how to protect yourself.   3 Common Holiday Fraud Methods & Scams  Here are some of the most common holiday frauds and scams:   Skimming is carried out by using electronic devices to secretly scan and store debit card and credit card PINs and numbers. This tactic is commonly used on fuel pumps at gas stations.  SMiShing (SMS phishing) is…

Thanksgiving Hacks That Will Save You Time and Money

Every year around the holidays, we put a large focus on our personal finances. Everyone is looking for deals and ways to save money. We’re budgeting for holiday gifts and planning family get-togethers. While you’re giving thanks for everything you have, we have some money-saving hacks that you can put into action right away!   Shop early, and shop sales.  Many grocery stores, like Publix, start their holiday sales early. Take advantage of those holiday sales as early as possible, as well as regular weekly sales.  Also, sometimes buying store-brand products can save you some money without sacrificing quality. In fact, many Publix branded items are produced by leading national brands.   Remember, every penny adds up!   Have a potluck…

November 4, 2021Wallet Wins No Comments
Thanksgiving Hacks That Will Save You Time and Money

Every year around the holidays, we put a large focus on our personal finances. Everyone is looking for deals and ways to save money. We’re budgeting for holiday gifts and planning family get-togethers. While you’re giving thanks for everything you have, we have some money-saving hacks that you can put into action right away!   Shop early, and shop sales.  Many grocery stores, like Publix, start their holiday sales early. Take advantage of those holiday sales as early as possible, as well as regular weekly sales.  Also, sometimes buying store-brand products can save you some money without sacrificing quality. In fact, many Publix branded items are produced by leading national brands.   Remember, every penny adds up!   Have a potluck…

Insurance Terminology You Should Know

Each industry has its own unique terminology, and insurance is no different. Below are 20 common insurance terms and definitions you may encounter when researching coverage for yourself, your family, or your personal assets.  Deductibles: A deductible is an amount you (the policyholder) agree to pay the insurance company before covering any losses. Along with your standard deductible, you’ll come across other types of deductibles for various losses, such as:  Earthquake  Flood  Wind  Hurricane  Hail  Collision Comprehensive  All-Peril Co-Pays: A co-pay is a form of coinsurance that is typically a flat fee you pay before receiving access to any medical treatment.…

October 11, 2021Wallet Wins No Comments
Insurance Terminology You Should Know

Each industry has its own unique terminology, and insurance is no different. Below are 20 common insurance terms and definitions you may encounter when researching coverage for yourself, your family, or your personal assets.  Deductibles: A deductible is an amount you (the policyholder) agree to pay the insurance company before covering any losses. Along with your standard deductible, you’ll come across other types of deductibles for various losses, such as:  Earthquake  Flood  Wind  Hurricane  Hail  Collision Comprehensive  All-Peril Co-Pays: A co-pay is a form of coinsurance that is typically a flat fee you pay before receiving access to any medical treatment.…

How to Score a Better Deal on Your Next Car 

Buying a car is an exciting time. There are so many possibilities! But, although your heart may be into the shiny sports car on the lot, your mind tells you a nice, modest sedan is actually what you can afford. This guide will help you focus so you can score a better deal the next time you buy a car.  Focus on Price First  Buying a car may be serious business to you, but the salesperson at the lot may view selling a car as a game. Their goal is to score the best deal for the dealership… and a higher commission check for themselves. Your mission,…

October 4, 2021Borrowing Basics, Wallet Wins No Comments
How to Score a Better Deal on Your Next Car 

Buying a car is an exciting time. There are so many possibilities! But, although your heart may be into the shiny sports car on the lot, your mind tells you a nice, modest sedan is actually what you can afford. This guide will help you focus so you can score a better deal the next time you buy a car.  Focus on Price First  Buying a car may be serious business to you, but the salesperson at the lot may view selling a car as a game. Their goal is to score the best deal for the dealership… and a higher commission check for themselves. Your mission,…

Teller Appreciation Week

October 4th marks the first day of Teller Appreciation Week, and in celebration, we wanted to thank all our tellers for the hard work they do each day for our members. We could not do what we do without our front-line team.   Because PEFCU’s Champions are exemplary employees and serve our members well, we try to pay them back as much as possible. We strive to provide a work environment that is inclusive, respectful, and equitable, where individual differences, backgrounds, and experiences are valued and appreciated. One of the many ways PEFCU strives to be an employer of choice is by offering competitive benefits and compensation package.  We pay 100% of employees’ medical, dental,…

October 1, 2021We Are PEFCU 3 Comments
Teller Appreciation Week

October 4th marks the first day of Teller Appreciation Week, and in celebration, we wanted to thank all our tellers for the hard work they do each day for our members. We could not do what we do without our front-line team.   Because PEFCU’s Champions are exemplary employees and serve our members well, we try to pay them back as much as possible. We strive to provide a work environment that is inclusive, respectful, and equitable, where individual differences, backgrounds, and experiences are valued and appreciated. One of the many ways PEFCU strives to be an employer of choice is by offering competitive benefits and compensation package.  We pay 100% of employees’ medical, dental,…

Hispanic Heritage Month

From September 15 to October 15, we’re celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month. Hispanic Americans, who come from a large variety of cultures and nations, number nearly 60 million people, representing over 18% of the U.S. population. We are proud to honor the incredible heritage of the second largest ethnic group in the country and acknowledge their contributions to daily American life, in ways seen and unseen. Here are some interesting facts that may surprise you: Spanish the second most common language in the United States. With 43,200,000 native speakers in the U.S., Spanish is one of its fastest-growing languages! In fact,…

September 28, 2021We Are PEFCU No Comments
Hispanic Heritage Month

From September 15 to October 15, we’re celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month. Hispanic Americans, who come from a large variety of cultures and nations, number nearly 60 million people, representing over 18% of the U.S. population. We are proud to honor the incredible heritage of the second largest ethnic group in the country and acknowledge their contributions to daily American life, in ways seen and unseen. Here are some interesting facts that may surprise you: Spanish the second most common language in the United States. With 43,200,000 native speakers in the U.S., Spanish is one of its fastest-growing languages! In fact,…

How to Boost Your Credit Score for Better Rates

It’s usually not until you apply for a loan that you realize just how valuable an excellent credit score can be. Lenders typically price loans based on your creditworthiness. Lower credit scores lead to higher interest rates. The difference between a C and B credit score, or B and A, could mean saving hundreds, or possibly thousands of dollars in interest, depending on the size and length of the loan.  You may feel that lenders are punishing you, but the reality is that financial institutions are trying to protect themselves from potential losses. Your credit score gives them a bird’s-eye view of your money management abilities. Lenders will perceive you as a higher risk if you struggle…

September 20, 2021Borrowing Basics, Wallet Wins No Comments
How to Boost Your Credit Score for Better Rates

It’s usually not until you apply for a loan that you realize just how valuable an excellent credit score can be. Lenders typically price loans based on your creditworthiness. Lower credit scores lead to higher interest rates. The difference between a C and B credit score, or B and A, could mean saving hundreds, or possibly thousands of dollars in interest, depending on the size and length of the loan.  You may feel that lenders are punishing you, but the reality is that financial institutions are trying to protect themselves from potential losses. Your credit score gives them a bird’s-eye view of your money management abilities. Lenders will perceive you as a higher risk if you struggle…

Tips for First-Time Homebuyers 

Buying your first home can seem like a daunting task. Between figuring out your budget, considering various neighborhoods, and being shown multiple properties, finding the perfect home can be time-consuming and exhausting. But the truth is, if you know what to expect from the first-time home-buying process, you’ll have a much easier time!  Since buying your first home is one of the most important decisions of your life, we’ve decided to put together a handy guide for you. In this guide, we’ll help you better understand what to expect, what costs are involved and offer some useful tips. Here’s everything you need to know about buying your first home: …

September 20, 2021Borrowing Basics No Comments
Tips for First-Time Homebuyers 

Buying your first home can seem like a daunting task. Between figuring out your budget, considering various neighborhoods, and being shown multiple properties, finding the perfect home can be time-consuming and exhausting. But the truth is, if you know what to expect from the first-time home-buying process, you’ll have a much easier time!  Since buying your first home is one of the most important decisions of your life, we’ve decided to put together a handy guide for you. In this guide, we’ll help you better understand what to expect, what costs are involved and offer some useful tips. Here’s everything you need to know about buying your first home: …

10 Ways to Make Your Accounts More Secure 

With online transactions increasing each year, it’s more important than ever to be vigilant in protecting your identity. Identity theft and fraud are on the rise, and scammers are becoming smarter and more creative with targeting you and your accounts. However, figuring out how to best protect yourself can be overwhelming. Below are ten things you can start doing right now to secure your accounts better.  1. Change Your Online Banking Password Regularly Remember to change and update your online banking passwords regularly. You should try to change them every three to six months to help lower the chances of your password being decoded or stolen by hackers.   2. Close Old Accounts If you have old financial accounts from years past that you no longer use, they…

September 6, 2021Security Center 1 Comment
10 Ways to Make Your Accounts More Secure 

With online transactions increasing each year, it’s more important than ever to be vigilant in protecting your identity. Identity theft and fraud are on the rise, and scammers are becoming smarter and more creative with targeting you and your accounts. However, figuring out how to best protect yourself can be overwhelming. Below are ten things you can start doing right now to secure your accounts better.  1. Change Your Online Banking Password Regularly Remember to change and update your online banking passwords regularly. You should try to change them every three to six months to help lower the chances of your password being decoded or stolen by hackers.   2. Close Old Accounts If you have old financial accounts from years past that you no longer use, they…

Understanding 401(k) Plans

While retirement may seem like a lifetime away for many, making smart investing decisions early is the best move to ensure you can retire comfortably down the road. There are several retirement accounts to consider, such as Roth IRAs and 403(b) accounts, but one of the most popular options for many is a 401(k) plan. Since most employers offer an easy-to-set-up, low-risk employee 401(k) plan with matching contributions, taking advantage of this option is a no-brainer.  Your company’s HR specialist can help you understand the specifics of your company’s 401(k) offerings, but it’s a good idea to have a basic understanding of how 401(k) plans work and how they can benefit you. After you…

August 30, 2021Future Planning No Comments
Understanding 401(k) Plans

While retirement may seem like a lifetime away for many, making smart investing decisions early is the best move to ensure you can retire comfortably down the road. There are several retirement accounts to consider, such as Roth IRAs and 403(b) accounts, but one of the most popular options for many is a 401(k) plan. Since most employers offer an easy-to-set-up, low-risk employee 401(k) plan with matching contributions, taking advantage of this option is a no-brainer.  Your company’s HR specialist can help you understand the specifics of your company’s 401(k) offerings, but it’s a good idea to have a basic understanding of how 401(k) plans work and how they can benefit you. After you…