The Equifax Hack Was Worse Than Expected. What to Do Next

by Jeanine Skowronski @ Chime Banking

Thu Mar 15 15:59:14 PDT 2018

Looks like that worst-ever Equifax data breach was … actually worse. In late 2017, the credit reporting agency divulged a systems breach exposed the personal information of 145.5 millions Americans, including names, Social Security numbers, birth dates, addresses, dispute documents, as well as some credit card account and driver’s license numbers. But the hackers also obtained […]

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How to Save Money on Your Utility Bills

by Melanie Lockert @ Chime Banking

Mon Mar 26 11:21:00 PDT 2018

Do you cringe each month when you get your utility bills? When you see a super high bill, do you wonder what happened? We’ve all been there, and high bills for gas, electricity and cable can certainly put a dent in your bank account. But all is not lost. If you want to keep your […]

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Service Credit Union Names VP of Marketing

by Lori Holmes @ Service Credit Union

Tue Jan 30 09:28:20 PST 2018

Service Credit Union is pleased to announce today the appointment of Wendy Bryant-Beswick to Vice President of Marketing. A seasoned executive with more than 20 years of marketing management experience, Beswick will oversee the planning and execution of Service Credit Union’s marketing initiatives including positioning, brand oversight, acquisition, communications, public relations, and business development. She […]

5 Facts About Women and Money for International Women’s Day

by Chelsea Brennan @ Chime Banking

Thu Mar 08 14:46:51 PST 2018

Did you know that only 22% of U.S. women can answer three fundamental finance-related questions correctly? It’s sad but true. While women have made significant strides to close the gender gaps in education, employment, and even wealth, the gap in financial literacy is still glaring. But, in order to even begin bridging this gap, it’s important to understand that […]

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EBates, UPromise and More Cash-Back Shopping Portals

by Brandon @ Tower Federal Credit Union

Thu Mar 01 09:43:43 PST 2018

There are a million ways to spend your money, and now hundreds of ways to actually SAVE some bucks in the process.

The post EBates, UPromise and More Cash-Back Shopping Portals appeared first on Tower Federal Credit Union.

Service Credit Union to offer assistance for those affected by a Government Shutdown

by Lori Holmes @ Service Credit Union

Wed Dec 06 08:39:27 PST 2017

Service Credit Union is committed to helping its members in the event of a government shutdown by covering the December mid-month payroll and offering a 0% loan. If the shutdown occurs and the Defense Finances and Accounting Services (DFAS) does not pay mid-month payrolls, Service Credit Union will post credits to members based on the […]

How Grads Can Get Another Shot at Student Loan Forgiveness

by Anna Helhoski @ NerdWallet

Tue Mar 27 09:20:39 PDT 2018

The Trump administration is giving student loan borrowers who missed out on public service loan forgiveness a second chance, and they should move now to prepare. The recently passed $1.3 trillion federal…

Did a Tax Pro Botch Your Return? Here’s What to Do

by Tina Orem @ NerdWallet

Fri Mar 23 06:53:52 PDT 2018

To err is human, but to err on your tax return is a total dumpster fire. If you did your own taxes, of course, you may have only yourself to…

The Single Parent’s Guide to Life Insurance

by Barbara Marquand @ NerdWallet

Thu Mar 22 17:39:02 PDT 2018

Even though it might be hard sometimes to picture your young children as independent adults, you hope to live long enough to see that day. Life insurance provides a financial…

SCU AVP Donnelly receives Young Professional Award

by Lori Holmes @ Service Credit Union

Wed Nov 01 14:03:44 PDT 2017

Portsmouth, NH – The Cooperative Credit Union Association (CCUA) recently presented Service Credit Union Assistant Vice President of the Contact Center Dennis Donnelly with the Young Professionals Award of Excellence. The award signifies a young professional who best demonstrates a commitment to the values and principles defining the credit union’s mission. Donnelly was one of […]

To Shred or Not to Shred? What Docs to Keep & For How Long

by Brandon @ Tower Federal Credit Union

Thu Mar 01 09:42:50 PST 2018

While you may not think twice about that old bill you just threw in the trash, or the pre-approved credit card offer sitting in your recycling bin, you should.

The post To Shred or Not to Shred? What Docs to Keep & For How Long appeared first on Tower Federal Credit Union.

Service Credit Union donates to the N.H. Food Bank

by Lori Holmes @ Service Credit Union

Fri Dec 22 08:49:58 PST 2017

Service Credit Union donated $10,000 and 1,326 pounds of food to the New Hampshire Food Bank, a program of Catholic Charites NH, in order to help the citizens of New Hampshire. Service Credit Union President/CEO David Van Rossum recently presented the check to New Hampshire Food Bank Executive Director Eileen Groll Liponis to help keep […]

The Dow Dropped, Don’t Panic

by Brandon @ Tower Federal Credit Union

Thu Feb 08 07:49:11 PST 2018

This week, the Dow Jones Industrial Average dropped in a way that it never had before. While Monday’s Dow loss was indeed severe, it was not as catastrophic as certain headlines trumpeted.

The post The Dow Dropped, Don’t Panic appeared first on Tower Federal Credit Union.

Great Money Resolutions for the New Year

by Carolyn Pittman @ Service Credit Union

Wed Dec 27 08:00:39 PST 2017

It’s that time of year again, recovering from the indulgences of the holidays, looking over the past year, breaking out the new calendar, and planning to do better in all aspects of life in the coming year. One of the most popular resolutions is to be better with money. The challenge, of course, is sticking […]

How to Turn a Tax Refund Into a Fatter Paycheck

by Tina Orem @ NerdWallet

Fri Mar 23 12:34:45 PDT 2018

Getting a tax refund may seem great, but tax pros say it’s also a sign two things could be happening: You may not be doing enough tax planning, and you…

Ways to prevent identity theft so you can enjoy the holiday season

by Dave Dwyer @ Service Credit Union

Fri Nov 10 09:21:46 PST 2017

As the holiday season gears up with a mad rush of excitement, fraudsters are also gearing up with excitement to steal your identity. Take the necessary precautions to protect yourself whether you are shopping online or at a brick and mortar store. Enjoy the holidays as they are meant to be, with peace, joy, and […]

SCU to offer assistance for those affected by a government shutdown

by Lori Holmes @ Service Credit Union

Sat Jan 20 05:00:06 PST 2018

Service Credit Union is committed to helping its members who are affected during the government shutdown. For those with direct deposit, Service Credit Union will post credits to members based on the postings nearest to January 1, 2018. The credit of that amount will take place on or before February 1, 2018. This will apply […]

5 Creative Habits That Will Keep Your Finances On Track

by Ben Luthi @ Chime Banking

Tue Mar 27 13:29:00 PDT 2018

Improving your financial situation may seem as easy as saving more money and decreasing your expenses. But here’s the thing: if you want to see long-term improvements, you’ve got to first establish some good financial habits. This will help you both get on the right track and achieve your money goals. Financial habits are really […]

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How to Shop for Used Clothes — and Why You Should

by Laura McMullen @ NerdWallet

Thu Mar 22 20:00:39 PDT 2018

Buying used clothes at thrift stores may seem like a smart way to slash your spending — and it is. You ought to get gold stars and stickers for spending…

If You Insist on Paying Taxes With a Credit Card, Here’s How

by Tina Orem @ NerdWallet

Thu Mar 22 14:14:34 PDT 2018

Ask any financial expert whether you should pay your tax bill with a credit card, and the answer is almost universally the same: Don’t do it. Credit cards charge far…

Spring Branch News

by Brandon @ Tower Federal Credit Union

Thu Mar 01 09:43:59 PST 2018

Upcoming seminars and dates for Spring Home Buyer Seminars. COMING SOON: New hours at all Tower Community Branches.

The post Spring Branch News appeared first on Tower Federal Credit Union.

How to Sidestep 3 Unethical Financial Advisor Tactics

by James Royal, Ph.D. @ NerdWallet

Mon Mar 26 08:00:32 PDT 2018

“There’s plenty of opportunity out there for someone who’s unethical,” warns Harold Evensky, chairman of wealth manager Evensky & Katz. That’s especially true when that someone is a financial advisor,…

Five Things to Do Before Meeting With an Advisor

by Brandon @ Tower Federal Credit Union

Wed Feb 07 12:41:24 PST 2018

Americans' financial lives are increasingly complex. It's not unusual to have checking and savings accounts, a 401(k), IRAs, and other personal investments. Keeping track of all your savings and investments has prompted many individuals to seek guidance.

The post Five Things to Do Before Meeting With an Advisor appeared first on Tower Federal Credit Union.

What Should You Do With Your Tax Refund?

by Brandon @ Tower Federal Credit Union

Thu Mar 01 09:41:43 PST 2018

Will you be receiving a tax refund this year? If so, you might want to think about the destiny of that money. Here are a few options to consider.

The post What Should You Do With Your Tax Refund? appeared first on Tower Federal Credit Union.

This Spring, Clear Mediocre Credit Cards Out of Your Wallet

by Gregory Karp @ NerdWallet

Mon Mar 26 08:00:11 PDT 2018

Spring is a great time to declutter a closet full of clothes, a garage full of boxes and your wallet full of inferior credit cards. The average credit card holder…

Don’t Miss These Major Tax Changes for 2018

by Brandon @ Tower Federal Credit Union

Wed Feb 07 12:40:07 PST 2018

This year brings the most significant changes to federal tax law in more than 30 years.

The post Don’t Miss These Major Tax Changes for 2018 appeared first on Tower Federal Credit Union.

Service Credit Union named top CU Direct auto lender

by Lori Holmes @ Service Credit Union

Fri Feb 23 08:19:49 PST 2018

Service Credit Union (SCU) was named the top auto lender in the New England/New York region and 10th nationally for 2017 by CU Direct. CU Direct works with auto dealers and credit unions throughout the U.S. to streamline the auto buying process. Last year, the credit union funded more than 21,000 auto loans at approximately […]

Service Credit Union offers free access to FICO® Scores

by Lori Holmes @ Service Credit Union

Mon Feb 05 13:55:02 PST 2018

In its continuing efforts to enhance member experience and provide innovative banking tools, Service Credit Union is now providing its members free access to their FICO® Scores. This includes key factors affecting their scores and general information on credit scores. . The scores, which will be updated quarterly, are available through Service Credit Union’s secure […]

Here’s How to Improve Your Credit Score Faster

by Paul Sisolak @ Chime Banking

Thu Mar 08 14:44:08 PST 2018

Good things may come to those who wait, but time isn’t on your side if you’re struggling to raise your credit score quickly. More than 30 percent of Americans have poor credit, and if you’re one of them it can be hard to improve it. Many people aim for a credit-building secured credit card, but it could […]

The post Here’s How to Improve Your Credit Score Faster appeared first on Chime Banking.

Does Life Insurance Cover Suicide?

by Barbara Marquand @ NerdWallet

Thu Mar 22 16:09:10 PDT 2018

Along with the profound and painful questions that follow the loss of a loved one from suicide, there are practical and financial issues to address, too. If the loved one…

3 Money Lessons We Can Learn From ‘Roseanne’

by Courtney Jespersen @ NerdWallet

Sun Mar 25 18:00:27 PDT 2018

On March 27, the Conner family is coming back to prime time, thanks to the revival of ABC’s “Roseanne.” The popular sitcom starring Roseanne Barr and John Goodman as husband…

Tower Names Denise Pope New VP of Branch Administration

by Brandon @ Tower Federal Credit Union

Wed Feb 21 06:01:20 PST 2018

Denise Pope has joined Tower Federal Credit Union, the largest federal credit union in Maryland, as Vice President of Branch Administration.

The post Tower Names Denise Pope New VP of Branch Administration appeared first on Tower Federal Credit Union.

Good Retirement Savings Habits

by Brandon @ Tower Federal Credit Union

Thu Mar 01 09:42:20 PST 2018

What can you start doing today to make that effort more productive, to improve your chances of ending up with more retirement money, rather than less?

The post Good Retirement Savings Habits appeared first on Tower Federal Credit Union.

This Is Why Research On Behavioral Finance Won the Nobel Prize

by Cat Alford @ Chime Banking

Mon Mar 12 15:50:20 PDT 2018

In October 2017, Richard Thaler got the call he’d been hoping for. After 40 plus years of economics research, he learned he won the Nobel Prize. As an economist, he faced ridicule from his colleagues for his research connecting human behavior to economics. Winning the Nobel Prize for his work in behavioral finance meant that his […]

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How to Save Money When You Get a Windfall of Cash

by Jackie Lam @ Chime Banking

Mon Mar 19 16:02:11 PDT 2018

Ah, there’s nothing quite like receiving a windfall of money. It may come by way of an unexpected inheritance, a work bonus or a job promotion. And depending on how you spend it, that sweet bit of extra cash may leave you feeling either relaxed or stressed out. While it’s tempting to spend it immediately, […]

The post How to Save Money When You Get a Windfall of Cash appeared first on Chime Banking.

Tell Your Beneficiaries About Your Accounts and Policies

by Brandon @ Tower Federal Credit Union

Thu Mar 15 13:06:19 PDT 2018

The post Tell Your Beneficiaries About Your Accounts and Policies appeared first on Tower Federal Credit Union.

You and Your Investment Representative: A Relationship of Trust

by Brandon @ Tower Federal Credit Union

Wed Feb 07 12:35:59 PST 2018

Perhaps your doctor, lawyer, and accountant are trusted advisors. Through years of working with them, they have come to know your family and your particular needs. How about your investment representative?

The post You and Your Investment Representative: A Relationship of Trust appeared first on Tower Federal Credit Union.

We Don’t Want You to Wait – Ways to Avoid Being On Hold

by Carolyn Pittman @ Service Credit Union

Tue Nov 28 10:55:02 PST 2017

(And Our 10 Favorite Hold On Songs) Sitting and waiting on the phone for support probably tops most people’s lists of things they would rather not do. Thankfully, the Contact Center at Service Credit Union has invested in a wide variety of options that not only in many cases allow you to avoid picking up […]

How to Prepare for an Interview When You’re Self-Employed

by Due.com @ Chime Banking

Tue Mar 27 13:03:23 PDT 2018

There are many myths about self-employment that people may start to mistake for fact. Working for yourself can be a great thing, but it doesn’t always mean you’ll be 100% in control of your career and the day-to-day operations. Often times, you’ll still have to work with others and may even have to please clients if you’re […]

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7 Habits That Will Help You Lead a More Successful and Productive Life

by Due.com @ Chime Banking

Tue Mar 13 15:54:24 PDT 2018

Regardless what path in life you’re on, your habits will dictate your success. They can empower you to achieve your goals just as easily as they can derail you. That said it’s just as important to focus on maintaining good habits as it is to rid yourself of the bad ones. In this article we’ll cover […]

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The Problem with Overdraft Fees

by Paul Sisolak @ Chime Banking

Tue Mar 20 02:52:00 PDT 2018

“Overdraft” is not a word we like to hear. Why? It generally means you’ll be dinged with a fee you don’t want to pay. To clarify, an overdraft fee occurs when you don’t have enough money in your bank account to pay for a purchase. When this happens, your bank will pay for the transaction […]

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Recreational Boating Safety

by Brandon @ Tower Federal Credit Union

Thu Mar 01 09:43:14 PST 2018

March is a good time to strike a deal on a boat purchase. Be sure you, your family, and your friends follow safe boating practices to help promote an incident-free return from each voyage.

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