Online Banks vs. Credit UnionsOnline banks operate without branches. But what else may they be lacking? 2020 was a year when everyone was required to stay “safer at home”, and the use of online-only banks increased faster than it would have without a pandemic. So, you may have been hearing about online banks more often and wondering what online banks …
6 Tips For Financial Spring CleaningSpring has officially sprung, so right now is the perfect time for some financial spring cleaning. Time to clear your desk of paper clutter, purge the super old tax documents and pay-stubs from ten years ago, and get your financial house in order. Here are 6 ways to get organized and have that fresh-start feeling …
Paying TaxesWhether you’re buying a new home, changing jobs, getting promoted, starting a business, or raising children, you’ll run into income tax implications. But that doesn’t always mean you’ll owe more to the federal government. Looking ahead and planning for the next year, you can make decisions that will reduce or at least postpone the tax you owe. The only …
Tax Help CenterTax Solutions and Special Savings for Members The federal income tax filing due date for individuals for the 2022 tax year is April 18, 2023. Please note from IRS: Tax deadline extended to Oct. 16 2023 for disaster area taxpayers in California, Alabama and Georgia Filing your taxes doesn’t have to be taxing. As a LA Financial Credit …
Controlling Your Holiday SpendingIn a year where everything is different, make sure you remain mindful about your spending this holiday season. Most years it feels like just as you’re finishing up your Thanksgiving meal, you turn around and it’s late December, and you haven’t gotten everything checked off your holiday to-do list. It’s easy to get swept up or sidetracked …
Is the Money in My Account Safe? Keeping money safe is important to everyone. Thanks to NCUA (or FDIC if you have an account with a bank) your financial institution is probably the safest place to store your hard earned cash. The best part? All you have to do is open an account. Insuring Organizations There are two organizations, both …
The Benefits of Interest Interest plays a role in almost all aspects of personal finance — including savings, investing, credit, and loans. Simply Put: Interest is the money earned or paid when someone makes or receives a loan. You can be paid interest for keeping money in a bank account, purchasing a bond, or making other investments. You can also …
50/30/20 RuleThe 50/30/20 rule is a practical rule of thumb for individuals who want a budget that is easy, yet effective, to implement. It offers guidelines for enjoying your income while putting savings on autopilot. Humans are fallible—sometimes we just need guidelines. If you struggle making sense of a sea of budgeting systems and mobile apps, consider the 50/30/20 rule. …
Credit CardsUsing a credit card is easy. But choosing one isn’t always simple. Shopping with a credit card is a snap, but shopping for the card that’s right for you is another matter. Ask yourself these questions: Do you pay your credit card bills in full and on time each month? If not, do you spread out repayment over a …
