Financial Wellness - All Topics

How To Protect Kids and Teens From Fraud

Kids and teens spend a lot of time online, which creates an opportunity for fraud. These attempts aren’t always obvious; they can show up in games, social media, job offers or college planning — often during big life changes that come with strong emotions and quick decisions. 

With open conversations and a few rules, you can help young people slow down, double-check and feel comfortable asking for help.  

A First-Time Car Buyers Guide To Staying on Budget

Buying your first car is a big milestone. It can also feel intimidating, especially if you’re not sure where to start. You don’t have to figure it out on your own. We’re here to help you avoid surprises, stay within your budget and feel confident from start to finish.

Protect Yourself From Tax Scams

Don't fall for these tax scams.

How To Protect Your Credit During Tough Times

A damaged credit rating can prevent you from achieving short- and long-term financial goals.

How To Find and Cancel Subscriptions You’re Not Using

Somewhere in your bank or credit card statement, there may be a subscription you forgot to cancel. A recent CNET survey found that unused subscriptions cost the average person at least $200 a year.

A quick 15-minute review of your accounts can help uncover money that can be used to pay down debt or grow your emergency fund.

Seven Smart Ways To Use Your Tax Refund This Year

Tax refunds started arriving this month. Whether your tax refund is $500 or $5,000, consider using a portion of it to grow your savings or pay down debt.

Earning Extra Income? Here's What the IRS Wants You To Know

The IRS has new technology to spot side income, also called gig or freelance income. This includes money earned from ride‑share driving, selling items online or doing freelance work.

The Anti-Resolution Guide To Growing Your Savings

Building savings doesn’t have to rely on willpower, perfect timing or one big, make-or-break resolution. Instead, the most resilient savers focus on small, repeatable systems that work with real life — not against it. Systems that keep moving forward even when prices zigzag or plans change.

Tips for Buying a Used Car

If you want to buy a good used car, there are plenty of ways to go about it.

Four Tips To Overcome Financial Hurdles

Regardless of past financial missteps, it’s never too late to start improving your situation.

Buy a Home Without Dipping into Retirement Savings

Here's what you should know before you make any financial moves.

Find the Best Home Loan for You

Are you planning on buying a larger home or downsizing this year?

How To Steer Clear of Online Shopping Scams

In 2024, the Better Business Bureau found that online shopping scams made up 30% of all reported fraud.  

Tackle Debt Before Holiday Spending Hits

Before the holiday shopping season kicks off, it’s time to get proactive. Taking a few steps now could mean a lot less stress when the bills arrive in January. 

What You Should Know About Personal Loans

You can use a personal loan to pay for almost anything.

How To Recognize and Avoid Cyber Scams

Be careful if someone you don’t know asks for your personal or financial details. Scammers may try to trick you into sharing private information. Stay alert and never share personal details with people you don’t know.

Tips To Avoid Today's Top Scams

Now more than ever, you need to stay vigilant to protect your personal and financial information.

Five Year-End Money Moves To Make Now

As the year winds down, it's the perfect time to take stock of your financial situation and set yourself up for a prosperous new year.

Why Renters Insurance Can Save You Money

Renters insurance is usually less than $20 a month — but offers a lot of protection.

Working With an Independent Insurance Agent

Get help finding the right coverage for you.

A Guide To Social Engineering Scams

These scams involve tricking you into sending money to someone you don't know.

Rebuild Your Credit, Regain Your Financial Confidence

The credit rebuilding process takes patience, but following a clear plan prevents costly mistakes and gets you back on solid ground  

Use Simple Conversations To Teach Your Kids About Money

Like many parents, you realize that teaching kids about money goes beyond counting coins or managing an allowance.

Why You Overspent: Summer Spending Sneaks Up On Us.

Whether it’s travel, weddings, dining out or keeping the kids entertained, summer can be a big budget killer.

Stay Safe From Crypto Investment Scams

Cryptocurrency scammers have stolen more than $1 billion since 2021.

5 Ways to Avoid QR Code Scams

All it takes is one careless scan to expose your personal data, drain your bank account or infect your device with malware.

The Real Costs of Owning a Home

It’s important to have enough money set aside for both expected and unexpected costs throughout the homebuying process.   

Understanding Market Losses: Paper vs. Reality

Don't abandon your savings goals because of the markets ups and downs.

Tips for Navigating Multigenerational Living

Here are some tips to help you plan wisely.

Why a Mid-Year Financial Cleanse Matters

Now that we’ve hit the midpoint of the year, it’s a great time to declutter your money habits, recheck your progress and build a plan that aligns with your goals — whether it’s tackling debt, saving more or simply getting organized.

Stressing About Money? Six Ways to Change Your Mindset

  A simple solution is to start changing the way you think about money.  

Payment Scams

These scams involve tricking you into sending money to someone you don't know.

FAQs: Why Credit Scores Rise and Fall

If if you wonder if you’re making the right financial moves to keep your credit score humming, here are some simple answers to frequently asked questions.

The Car-Buying Process in Seven Steps

Researching car models, financing options and total costs upfront can help you avoid financial pitfalls. 

Need a Financial Plan? An Advisor Can Help

If you are thinking about getting some expert advice, here are some things to consider.

Money Tips From Your Wiser, Future Self

Consider these six strategies to help build lasting financial well-being.

How to Build a Share Certificate Ladder

Share certificates can accelerate your savings with little risk.  

Find the Right Credit Card for You

Your credit score determines what cards you may qualify for as well as interest rates.

Five Reasons a Personal Loan May be Right for You

  When you need money, a personal loan can be a game-changer.  

The Truth About ARMs: The Facts Behind These Five Myths

Adjustable-rate mortgages (ARMs) have come a long way, yet many homebuyers don’t even consider them due to outdated or misleading information that has tarnished their reputation.

Don’t Get Stung by Banking Fees

Incurring fees can swell your spending and weaken your budget.

Money Moves to Make in Your 60s

Reassess your finances and be prepared to reboot your retirement plan.

Money Tips for Military Spouses

How to working toward a solid financial future and getting help when you need it.

Investing Moves for Retirement and Reducing Taxes

Save on what you owe Uncle Sam by regularly investing for your future.

Romance Scams

This is a type of fraud in which someone creates a fake online persona to gain your trust and steal your money or personal information.

Protecting Your Pension From California’s High Cost of Living

 If you’re a school employee, your pension is a valuable benefit to help you save for retirement.  

10 Ways to Use a HELOC

A Home Equity Line of Credit or HELOC is a versatile financial tool that allows you to borrow against the equity in your home.  

School Employees: Can You Retire Early?

If you’re a school employee and dream of retiring early, planning now can help you reach your goal. Here are some tips to help you successfully navigate your exit strategy.

How to Protect Your Home From Wildfires

If you live in an area prone to wildfires, protecting your home and property is essential.

Your Home: Love It, List It or Refinance

Improve your living situation and make the most of your money.

Home Renovations: Transform Your Space and Your Life

If you’re ready for a new project, here are some of the top renovation trends for 2025, along with tips on how to plan and pay for it.  

Get Financially Prepared for a Natural Disaster

If disaster strikes, are you financially ready?

Eight Money Moves to Successfully Battle Inflation

Although economic news point to a better economy, inflation is still with us. And while you can’t control what happens next, you can manage how you save and spend. 

Why a Financial Plan Can Improve Your Life

You wouldn’t take a road trip to a new vacation spot without the proper directions, but are you as prepared when it comes to managing your finances?  

The Sweet Spot for Refinancing Your Mortgage

It's a common question when deciding to refinance your home loan: When's the right time?

Money Hacks to Get Financially On Track

Becoming a savvy consumer doesn't have to be complicated. With the right strategies, you can take control of your money and make financial decisions you can feel good about.

On the Road: Travel Safety Tips

Road trips can be a lot of fun, especially if you plan wisely.

Stay Safe Online: Six Tips to Protect Your Identity

Sometimes we let our guard down, getting too comfortable when we should always stay vigilant.

Make Investing a Part of Your Financial Life

There are many reasons people don't invest, but one of the biggest ones is fear.

Gen Z’ers Are Falling for Online Scams

A Deloitte survey shows Gen Z'ers are at least three times more likely to fall for online scams than Baby Boomers.

Tech Support Scams

They may claim your computer is infected with a virus or other malware and offer to fix the issue for a fee.

Master Debt, Upgrade Your Financial Health

Here’s what to know about debt and how to manage it.

Build a Successful Savings Strategy

Saving regularly is one of the most important ways you can create financial security. But how do you do it strategically?

Retirement Options: 401(k), Roth 401(k) or Roth IRA?

With the rising cost of living and increasing longevity, it's important to start planning for retirement as early as possible.  

Auto Insurance Liability Limits Go Up in 2025

For the first time in 57 years, the state of California is raising the minimum liability requirements for drivers.  

Money Moves to Make in Your 50s

Even though retirement may be years away, evaluating your progress along with other long-term goals can help you shift priorities and make the most of your money.

Money Moves to Make in Your 20s

When you’re just starting out in your career, you may worry if you’re making the right decisions, especially when it comes to finances.  

Money Moves to Make in Your 30s

Here are 10 steps that can help you build security and work toward your financial goals.

Securing Homeowners Insurance in a Changing Landscape

If you’re a homeowner, here are some practical steps you can take to secure essential coverage and safeguard your largest investment.

Does Buying a Home Now Make Financial Sense?

Here are six tips to make the right financial moves.

Your Teen’s Not Too Young For a Roth IRA

A Roth IRA can help them start saving now and get tax benefits, too.

Take Charge of your Credit Score

If you want to buy a new car or home, credit scores matter. That’s why you need to make your credit score work for you.

Don't Fall for these Impersonation Scams

Fraudsters create the illusion of legitimacy to convince people to hand over sensitive financial data or money.

Top 10 Tax Scams

Tax time can be stressful, so beware of these scams.

Tips to Guard Against Fraud

Here are some top scams to steer clear of.

Secure Transactions: Use the Right Way to Pay

There are plenty of options to transact, some more secure than others.

Mobile Shopping

If you're a mobile shopper, there are plenty of resources to help you keep your financial information secure, while monitoring your spending and saving habits.

Guard Against Social Security Scams

Fraudsters are making inroads via a caller ID “spoofing” scheme pretending to be a representative from the Social Security Administration.

10 Resolutions for a Fraud-Free 2024

Here are 10 New Year’s resolutions to reduce your risk of fraud in 2024. 

IRS Warns Taxpayers of Mail Scam

This scam is designed to trick potential victims into believing that they are owed a refund.

Security Tips for College Students

Study these tips to keep your personal information personal and protect your stuff while you're away from home.

Impersonation Scams

Be cautious of impersonation attempts by individuals posing as SchoolsFirst FCU employees. They might even request sensitive details like your Social Security or credit card number.

Online Shopping Scams

Some scammers create fake websites that look like legitimate online stores, and they use these websites to trick people into entering their credit card information.

Package Delivery Scams

These scams will say you have a package waiting for you, and you to click on a link to receive it.

Employment Scams

These scams often involve someone posing as a potential employer in order to get your personal information or money.

Investing: Tips to Make Confident Decisions

There are simple ways to get started and stay invested.

Don’t Derail Your Investing Plan

It's important to invest regularly and keep a long-term perspective.

The Pros and Cons of Reverse Mortgages

Weigh the pros and cons of borrowing against your home during retirement.

First-Time Homebuyer? Avoid These 4 Costly Mistakes

Here's how to avoid these blunders.

Estate Planning for a Special Needs Child

Anyone can benefit from an estate plan, but for parents with special needs children, it’s essential.  

Yes, You Can Buy a Home in This Competitive Market

In a seller’s market, purchasing a home can seem daunting. Interest rates are up, supply is low, demand is high. But when you’re prepared, you’ll find the home that’s right for you.

How to Save and Invest This Year

Here are some solutions to make the most of your money this year – and beyond.

How to Buy a Car in Today's Market

Here's an overview of the car-buying environment and how to successfully navigate it.

Money Strategies to Weather This Economy

Good financial planning doesn't have to be complicated. Making small, intentional changes can change your life.

Your Money: Navigating Rising Interest Rates

Here's how to take a long-term view.

6 Tips for Diversifying Your Investments

No matter how the stock market performs, there are ways to help minimize risk and generate long-term growth for your investments. One way to do this is by adding diversification to your overall investing strategy.

CDs vs. Share Certificates: Are They the Same Thing?

Both CDs and share certificates allow you to invest your savings to earn interest or dividends over a set time period.  

Fight Back Against Holiday Scams

Learn how to protect your finances from holiday scams and send fraudsters on their merry way — empty-handed.

The Pros and Cons of an Auto Lease Buyout

Auto leasing remains popular as vehicle inventory improves, and interest rates rise.  

Money Moves to Make in Your 40s

You'll need a plan you can live with and adjust it to your changing needs.

5 Money Moves for New Parents

Here's how to help your family grow financially strong.

Should You Say I Do to Merging Your Finances?

There are decisions to make about your new life together, including money.

FHA Loans: It's Easier to Qualify

An FHA loan is worth considering.

What Insurance Can You Safely Skip?

Here are three situations where you may want to skip insurance or similar protections.

Money Moves to Become a Homeowner

These tips can set you up for homebuying success.

Why Used Car Prices are Still High

When you shop for a used car, you have to do your homework or turn to the experts.

Get to Know Your Financial Advisor

If you are thinking about getting some expert advice, here are some things to consider.

7 Things to Consider When Buying a Bigger Home

As you begin your search, here are some things to keep in mind.

Homeownership By the Numbers

As a potential buyer, focus on the things you can control.

Home Moves: The Perks of Downsizing

Here are some upsides to making the move.

Is it Time to Spring for a New Car?

Here's how to determine your next steps.

Demystifying Your Credit Score

These three little numbers can mean getting the best interest rates.

Demystifying Estate Planning

Here are some reasons to prepare for the future now.

Robo vs. Human Advisors: Why Personalized Help Matters

While some people prefer meeting with an advisor, others want a do-it-yourself solution.

Retirement Savings Before College

If you haven't been contributing regularly to your retirement, it's important to start and keep going.

Ways to Save for Your Retirement

Saving for your retirement is one of the best things you can do to achieve lasting financial well-being.

Solutions to Help You Start and Keep Investing

While some people prefer meeting with an advisor, others seek do-it-yourself solutions.

The Benefits of Asset Allocation in a Stormy Market

Help protect your hard-earned money with an asset allocation strategy.

What Everyone Can Learn From Women Investors

It seems that women tend to stick with tried-and-true investment principles.

Bull or Bear Market: Stay Invested

In times of upheaval, trying to time the market becomes a fool's errand.

Remodeling Trends That Increase A Home’s Value

Here are some facts to help guide your decisions.

Is a HELOC a Good Financial Move?

Consider the pros and cons before applying for this low-cost form of borrowing.

Protect Your Retirement Savings from Inflation

If you're worried about the effects of inflation on your retirement, here are six tips to help you stick to your plan.

Cars To Keep Your Teen Driver Safe

Find one that's budget-friendly, affordable to insure, and most importantly — safe.

Stay On Track With Your Investing Plan

In volatile times, it's important to establish an investment strategy.

What’s Your Investing Personality?

Knowing and understanding your investing personality can help when choosing investments.

Should You Contribute to an IRA?

An IRA allows anyone with earned income to save for retirement.

Saving Tips for a Great Vacation

Plan wisely to make your R&R more enjoyable.

Ask the Financial Counselor: Navigating Money Setbacks

How to juggle expenses and keep current with housing and other essentials.

Wise Ways to Use your Credit Card

Stay secure and take advantage of the benefits.

How to Talk to Your Family About Your Estate Plan

If you've been putting off having a plan in place, now's the time to get started.

5 Tips to Get Out of Debt

Getting out of debt is a game-changer.

Steer Clear of P2P Scams

It's great to use person-to-person (P2P) payment services, but if there's money involved, you can be sure fraudsters are not far behind.

How to Manage Medical Expenses

If you have medical bills and your savings have diminished, here are some solutions to help you manage them.

When to Start Thinking About Life Insurance

A life insurance policy protects your family and gives you peace of mind.

How to Find Deals on New Car Inventory

You can still find deals on a new or used vehicle if you do your homework.

Rebalancing Act: Managing Your Investments

Here are some strategies to help you manage your investments wisely.

Insurance Conundrums: Are You Covered or Not?

Here are answers to some common questions.

Tips to Save, Borrow and Spend During Inflation

Consumers are feeling the pinch — from food, gas and cars — to everything else.

Don't Get Skimmed at the Gas Pump

The gas station can be fraught with fraud.

Don’t Overlook These Credit Card Perks

Here are five commonly overlooked credit card benefits.

Estate Planning Moves if Your Child Isn’t Good With Money

As a loving parent, you want to protect your family if something happens to you.

Understanding Student Loan Forgiveness

Understand what loan forgiveness is, how it affects public and private student loans, and who qualifies.

Understanding Annuities

Annuities provide a more moderate approach to help build retirement savings.

Money Moves to Make in Your 70s

Here are 10 tips to help you live the retirement you want.

What To Do With An Inheritance

Here are some ways to help you decide what to do.

Security: Freezes, Fraud Alerts and More

Now more than ever, it’s important to stay vigilant when it comes to keeping your finances secure.

6 Tips to Protect Your Credit Card

Taking precautions when using them can help guard against credit card fraud.

Smart Ways to Save for College

Here are some options to help you save now for your child's bright future.

Kids and Saving

Help kids learn to save and spend wisely.

How to Manage Money During a Recession

Here are some do's and dont's to help manage your money during tough times.

Bump Up Your Retirement Savings

You can improve your overall retirement savings picture.

6 Tips to Buy a Car in Today’s Competitive Market

If you plan to buy a vehicle soon, consider the changing market so you’re not taken for a ride.

Ways to Improve Your Financial Security

Get back to basics and improve your financial picture.