Are You Ready for Retirement?: Essential Information on IRAs and 401(k)s

by Kara Vincent @ LRRCU

Tue Aug 22 03:05:44 PDT 2017

While you’re young, you may not be thinking about saving for retirement. You’re probably more focused on paying off student loan debt, searching for a job, or buying a house. But, starting to save for your financial future early will only benefit you in the long run. Start your retirement planning as early as you can. Think […]

The post Are You Ready for Retirement?: Essential Information on IRAs and 401(k)s appeared first on LRRCU.

Keeping You in the Green

by Kathleen @ Linn Area Credit Union

Tue Mar 28 13:28:00 PDT 2017

The month of March is all about the green. You’ve got St. Patrick’s Day, the first day of spring, and it’s also National Credit Education Month. So it’s a great time to take a look at your credit report and see what you can do to improve it! You probably already know that your credit […]

The post Keeping You in the Green appeared first on Linn Area Credit Union.

4 Financial Resolutions To Start Any Day of the Year [Downloadable Family Budget Worksheet]

by Kara Vincent @ LRRCU

Thu Dec 28 00:09:30 PST 2017

Who says resolutions have to start on New Year’s Day?  Get yourself started whatever day you feel inspired.  Here are few important financial goals that you can begin whether it’s January 1, August 1 or a random Tuesday in November. #1: Look at the Financial Big Picture – Use Our Family Budget Worksheet You feel […]

The post 4 Financial Resolutions To Start Any Day of the Year [Downloadable Family Budget Worksheet] appeared first on LRRCU.

Why every business should consider switching to electronic payroll

by rapid! PayCard @ rapid! PayCard

Thu Oct 05 05:37:57 PDT 2017

Due to advancements in technology, utilizing payroll checks is becoming an outdated form of payment. Automated payment through direct deposit saves time and money, enhances security1, 2 and can make payday easy for employers and employees. Yet, resistance to modern banking solutions like direct deposit and paycards prevent many businesses from progressing in the 21st century. Paycard technology is growing in popularity, and as the benefits of switching to electronic payroll compound,  it becomes more difficult for businesses to avoid trying out alternative payment methods such as the rapid! PayCard. Still not convinced? Here are 3 reasons why paycheck holdouts are making the switch to a more convenient, modern, and... Read More

Members Win One-of-a-Kind Motorcycle!

by Ruth @ Linn Area Credit Union

Thu Oct 26 09:17:54 PDT 2017

Linn Area Credit Union members Don and Tina Schminkey are enjoying two new motorcycles after they won a 2017 Harley-Davidson Road Glide in the 2017 Motor Madness raffle. When Don and Tina bought a new Suzuki Can-Am Side by Side 30 at Metro Harley-Davidson Suzuki Can-Am, they also picked up some $10 Motor Madness raffle […]

The post Members Win One-of-a-Kind Motorcycle! appeared first on Linn Area Credit Union.

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 […]

The post 5 Creative Habits That Will Keep Your Finances On Track appeared first on Chime Banking.

Schedule a Check-up for Your Financial Life

by rapid! PayCard @ rapid! PayCard

Fri May 05 09:13:33 PDT 2017

Most of us are diligent about maintaining the various aspects of our life. We swap out the batteries on our smoke detectors with regularity; we schedule annual physicals, and get our car’s oil changed based on the manufacturer’s mileage recommendation. Still, many of us tend to take better care of our cars than we do our financial life. The irony being, an un-tended financial life can break down just as assuredly as an under-serviced automobile. It can run out of gas, but it can also seize up and need a roadside tow. In short, a well-examined financial life is worth exploring. 1. Schedule. Set a recurring point in time for... Read More

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 […]

The post The Equifax Hack Was Worse Than Expected. What to Do Next appeared first on Chime Banking.

Your Guide to Direct Deposit During the Holidays

by rapid! PayCard @ rapid! PayCard

Thu Nov 16 05:07:27 PST 2017

The holiday season is around the corner, which for some means eggnog and lights on display, but for others it means payroll delays. Automated payment through direct deposit is proven to be more efficient, secure and cost-effective than paper checks. Still, there are a few considerations to keep in mind when switching over to electronic payment — especially around the holidays. The holiday season is a double-edged sword: it’s likely the most expensive time of the year, but is also full of banking holidays which can affect the timeliness of direct deposit. Here’s why. What is the ACH and why does it matter? The Automated Clearing House is an electronic... Read More

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 […]

How To Be Financially Smart At Any Age

by Kara Vincent @ LRRCU

Thu Aug 31 08:18:27 PDT 2017

  As you go through the stages of life what it means to be “financially smart” will change. A smart financial move when you’re approaching your 40s is not the same as a smart financial move for a 19-year-old in college. At 40, there are more things to consider when making decisions about your money, […]

The post How To Be Financially Smart At Any Age appeared first on LRRCU.

Making the Leap

by Jan @ Linn Area Credit Union

Thu May 05 13:21:33 PDT 2016

I’m truly impressed with our Mobile Money app. Truly. Generally speaking, I’m not a person who leaps into action when the brand-spankin’-newest, high-tech gadget is introduced. Or software. Or anything, for that matter. It’s pretty easy for me to be that person who just goes along with what they’ve got, and that works for them. […]

The post Making the Leap appeared first on Linn Area Credit Union.

Explor-a-Mortgage, Part 2

by Jan @ Linn Area Credit Union

Thu Jul 28 09:46:40 PDT 2016

As you may or may not know, I’ve been exploring refinancing my home on and off for a couple of months. My latest meeting was with Larry, and we worked the numbers (OK, Larry worked the numbers…) and I came to the conclusion that, even though the interest rate was a smidge lower, the $250 […]

The post Explor-a-Mortgage, Part 2 appeared first on Linn Area Credit Union.

How P2P Payment is Changing Personal Finance

by rapid! PayCard @ rapid! PayCard

Wed Sep 13 13:18:58 PDT 2017

Emerging Peer-to-peer payment technology is growing in popularity, and will soon make back-of-napkin IOUs obsolete. Peer-to-peer payment, also known as P2P payment, is online technology that allows users to transfer funds from a bank account or credit card via the internet or mobile phone. One study found that nearly a quarter of mobile users sent money to another person from an app in 2016 — this statistic nearly triples when it comes to the millennial generation. The growing trend of P2P payment is just another chapter in 21st century technological augmentation of traditional services. Whether it’s ridesharing, online shopping, or P2P payment, consumers are foregoing tradition, and choosing digital alternatives... Read More

Successfully Plan for Holiday Shopping on a Budget [Downloadable Budget Sheet]

by Kara Vincent @ LRRCU

Wed Nov 15 04:02:02 PST 2017

‘Tis the season to be jolly! ‘Tis the season for the gifts, decorations, family, friends, and children on their best behavior. ‘Tis the season for overloaded shopping bags, impulse buying, and credit card bills. Wait! That doesn’t sound as cheery. In 2016, according to a survey conducted by The American Research Group Inc., Americans spent […]

The post Successfully Plan for Holiday Shopping on a Budget [Downloadable Budget Sheet] appeared first on LRRCU.

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 […]

The post The Problem with Overdraft Fees appeared first on Chime Banking.

The growing gig economy, and what that means for electronic payment

by rapid! PayCard @ rapid! PayCard

Fri Aug 04 11:09:31 PDT 2017

Millions of Americans have jobs with little security, no benefits and irregular pay — and they love it. The gig economy is a booming business model that has changed the way employees make money. Gig work translates entrepreneurial spirit into earnings with no strings attached — whether that is to break into a new field, earn extra income for saving and investment, or make some weekend spending money. Nearly a third of the working population have a gig, according to Investopedia. Either as a primary means of income, or as a supplementary job, gigs allow flexibility in employment for a generation characterized by adaptability. This model is especially attractive to... Read More

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 […]

What Is an FEIN?

by Mike Kappel @ Payroll Tips, Training, and News

Mon Feb 26 05:10:00 PST 2018

When you run a business, you must meet many IRS requirements. You might need an FEIN to identify your business on documents like payroll tax forms. What does FEIN mean? What is an FEIN? FEIN is an acronym for Federal Employer Identification Number, also known as an EIN. This unique, nine-digit number is used by […]

The post What Is an FEIN? appeared first on Payroll Tips, Training, and News.

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 […]

The post How to Save Money on Your Utility Bills appeared first on Chime Banking.

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 […]

Apple Pay Cash is Now Live — How Does it Work?

by rapid! PayCard @ rapid! PayCard

Tue Feb 13 15:11:25 PST 2018

Learn everything you need to know about the new Apple P2P payment system That one friend, the one who still hasn’t repaid you for pizza because he “doesn’t have the right app,” is in trouble. Today, iPhone users can access what experts in the tech industry are calling “the Venmo Killer”: Apple Pay Cash. Apple Pay cash is a P2P payment service which allows users to send and receive payment through iMessage The days of P2P fragmentation are over. Thanks to Apple Pay Cash, all money transfers can take place through a central, default iOS application, and ultimately unify all P2P transactions under one secure, and intuitive, system. How to... Read More

Join us for the Easy Expo!

by Jan @ Linn Area Credit Union

Fri Apr 01 14:22:54 PDT 2016

It seems like there’s always something new and exciting going on in Linn Area land! This year, we have a brand-spankin’-new format for our annual membership meeting on Monday, April 25. We’re calling it the Easy Expo and 2016 Annual Meeting, and here’s a quick snapshot of what it’s gonna look like! At 4:30 p.m., […]

The post Join us for the Easy Expo! appeared first on Linn Area Credit Union.

Do You Know About the 2017 Tax Filing Extension?

by Liz Oliver @ LRRCU

Thu Mar 15 02:14:14 PDT 2018

The date April 15 is probably as quickly recognizable to most Americans as July 4 or December 25. Traditionally recognized as Tax Day, it’s the deadline for filing your previous year’s tax return.  With one month to go, you may be feeling the pressure and scrambling to get the task completed in the remaining days.  But […]

The post Do You Know About the 2017 Tax Filing Extension? appeared first on LRRCU.

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 […]

The post How to Prepare for an Interview When You’re Self-Employed appeared first on Chime Banking.

What Does Pay Frequency Mean?

by Michele Bossart @ Payroll Tips, Training, and News

Wed Feb 21 05:10:38 PST 2018

When you have employees, you need to run payroll so they can receive their wages. Before paying employees, you need to decide on a pay frequency. Your industry, the number of employees you have working for you, the type of workers you have, and legal requirements determine your pay frequency. But first, what does pay […]

The post What Does Pay Frequency Mean? appeared first on Payroll Tips, Training, and News.

Get FREE Checking, Get $50!

by Jan @ Linn Area Credit Union

Mon Apr 11 11:59:13 PDT 2016

We know, we know! No one really wants to move their checking account. It’s such a chore! But let’s weigh the short-term pain against the long-term gain. If you don’t have a Linn Area checking account, take a good hard look what you DO have. Are you paying a monthly maintenance fee? Are you paying […]

The post Get FREE Checking, Get $50! appeared first on Linn Area 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 […]

The post This Is Why Research On Behavioral Finance Won the Nobel Prize appeared first on Chime Banking.

Explor-a-Mortgage, Part 1

by Jan @ Linn Area Credit Union

Wed Jul 06 09:11:39 PDT 2016

When was the last time you refinanced your home? Were interest rates lower or higher? If you don’t know, then you should take a look at your mortgage paperwork. It might be totally worth your while! My interest (pun intended!) in this is very personal. My husband and I refinanced about four years ago, and […]

The post Explor-a-Mortgage, Part 1 appeared first on Linn Area Credit Union.

Financing A New Home: Answering Homebuyer Questions

by Kara Vincent @ LRRCU

Mon Mar 12 07:40:38 PDT 2018

Finding the perfect new home can be hard work, but now you also have to navigate the mortgage financing process. There are many questions that arise when it comes to financing a new home. Below we’re answering four questions about financing a new home that homebuyers commonly ask. 1. Should I Be Pre-Qualified or Pre-Approved? […]

The post Financing A New Home: Answering Homebuyer Questions appeared first on LRRCU.

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 […]

The post 7 Habits That Will Help You Lead a More Successful and Productive Life appeared first on Chime Banking.

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 […]

Will the Courts Accept a Jury Duty Excuse Letter If You’re in a Pinch?

by Rachel Gray @ Payroll Tips, Training, and News

Mon Mar 19 05:10:23 PDT 2018

Sometimes, you or your employees’ personal responsibilities conflict with your business. For many small businesses, if you miss work or lose an employee for an extended period of time, there can be harmful effects on productivity in the workplace. But if you or an employee are called in for jury duty, you might not have […]

The post Will the Courts Accept a Jury Duty Excuse Letter If You’re in a Pinch? appeared first on Payroll Tips, Training, and News.

We LOVE Teachers!

by Jan @ Linn Area Credit Union

Mon May 02 11:27:35 PDT 2016

Yep, there’s a soft spot in our heart for teachers. (After all, we ARE the teacher’s credit union!) I have fond (but vague) memories of teachers. When I was a kid, we moved around a lot. My dad was in the Navy, and we moved every couple of years. My younger brother always struggled with […]

The post We LOVE Teachers! appeared first on Linn Area Credit Union.

Should You Offer a Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Plan?

by Mike Kappel @ Payroll Tips, Training, and News

Mon Mar 26 05:10:00 PDT 2018

You know employees like employer-sponsored benefits. As an employer, offering benefits is advantageous for your business, too. A nonqualified deferred compensation plan is one type of benefit that both you and your employees can enjoy. Find out what a nonqualified deferred compensation plan is, why you might consider offering it, and how to set it […]

The post Should You Offer a Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Plan? appeared first on Payroll Tips, Training, and News.

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 […]

What You Need to Know About a Qualifying Life Event

by Rachel Gray @ Payroll Tips, Training, and News

Mon Mar 12 05:10:40 PDT 2018

Employees have a window of time each year to sign up for certain types of employer-sponsored insurance. Although this open enrollment period takes place at the end of each year for all employees, an employee can add or remove coverage at any time of the year if they have a qualifying life event. What is […]

The post What You Need to Know About a Qualifying Life Event appeared first on Payroll Tips, Training, and News.

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 […]

The post 5 Facts About Women and Money for International Women’s Day appeared first on Chime Banking.

Holiday Shopping Tips for Your Spending Personality

by Kara Vincent @ LRRCU

Mon Nov 20 10:19:45 PST 2017

Although 41% of consumers report starting their holiday shopping in October or even earlier (Wow! Good for you!), an estimated 69% of Americans will shop over the Thanksgiving weekend. Early research from the National Retail Federation shows that the 2017 season will be a big deal, with holiday spending forecasted to be near $680 billion, up almost 4% […]

The post Holiday Shopping Tips for Your Spending Personality appeared first on LRRCU.

rapid! PayCard Green Dot Announcement

by rapid! PayCard @ rapid! PayCard

Tue Jan 31 14:03:14 PST 2017

Green Dot to Acquire UniRush, LLC, Operating Company for RushCard and Rapid! PayCard Transaction Expected to Generate Significant Strategic and Financial Synergies PASADENA, Calif.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Green Dot Corporation (NYSE:GDOT) today announced that it has entered into an agreement to acquire UniRush, LLC, and its operating businesses RushCard, a leading online direct-to-consumer general purpose reloadable prepaid card provider, and Rapid! PayCard, a leading corporate payroll card provider. The acquisition, which maps to “Step Five” of Green Dot’s “Six Step Plan” to enhance shareholder value, materially expands Green Dot’s scale with the addition of the RushCard and Rapid! PayCard installed customer bases, while establishing Green Dot as a formidable player in the growing... Read More

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 […]

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.

A Look at Federal, State, and Local Minimum Wages

by Mike Kappel @ Payroll Tips, Training, and News

Wed Mar 21 05:30:00 PDT 2018

You can’t just pay your employees any amount you want. You must follow federal, state, and local laws that set minimum wages. What is minimum wage? Minimum wage is the lowest amount you can pay an employee per hour of work. You can pay more than the minimum wage, but you should never pay less […]

The post A Look at Federal, State, and Local Minimum Wages appeared first on Payroll Tips, Training, and News.

Equifax Data Breach

by Matt @ Linn Area Credit Union

Fri Sep 08 12:18:13 PDT 2017

Equifax data breach: 143 million people could be affected UPDATE 9/11/17: The Equifax data breach situation is continually evolving. According to Equifax, the company has adjusted the TrustedID Premier product Terms of Use. For more information and other updates, visit https://www.equifaxsecurity2017.com. Please note: Linn Area Credit Union cannot give legal advice. Now that’s a scary […]

The post Equifax Data Breach appeared first on Linn Area Credit Union.

Getting Out of Debt: You Can Do It and Here’s How to Get Started

by Liz Oliver @ LRRCU

Thu Jan 18 03:41:02 PST 2018

Most goals or resolutions that people set for themselves are neglected within a few weeks. It’s likely that this happens because people set far-reaching goals for themselves and then lose momentum when they don’t see results right away. A perfect example of this is the financial goal that many people set for themselves: getting out […]

The post Getting Out of Debt: You Can Do It and Here’s How to Get Started appeared first on LRRCU.

It’s time payment systems caught up with the demands of the gig economy

by rapid! PayCard @ rapid! PayCard

Tue Feb 13 16:10:28 PST 2018

Is your payment system ready for the gig economy or are you just a big wannabe? According to a Forbes article, 35 percent of the workforce have a gig, and collectively they earned $1 trillion from ad hoc work last year. But, freelance workers, who have come to expect payment as instantaneous as their work, are turning their noses up at outdated companies that can’t keep up. If you’re still mailing checks, might as well be using the Pony Express as far as tech-savvy gig workers are concerned. We are on the precipice of a major sea change, and the traditional employment model is quickly becoming as outdated as the... Read More

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 […]

Should Businesses Stop Accepting Cash?

by rapid! PayCard @ rapid! PayCard

Fri Aug 18 12:08:23 PDT 2017

Visa is paying out a jackpot to vendors willing to bet against old money, and roll the dice on cashless transactions. Visa will give $10,000 to 50 restaurants that pledge to go cashless. The new initiative, what Visa executive Jack Forestall calls “a journey to go cashless,” will incentivize vendors to rip off the bandaid of paper transactions and progress to a cashless system. The money can be used for marketing and updating point of sale technology to focus payment exclusively on credit and debit cards and electronic payment. Visa will select participating merchants in August. Cash remains the predominate method of payment, according to the Federal Reserve. A report... Read More