Author: Abbey Bowser

Back-to-School Shopping Hacks

It’s back-to-school season, but that doesn’t mean you need to break your budget. Here’s six back-to-school shopping hacks to get you started.

1.      Take inventory

Don’t set foot in a single store without first checking to see what you have at home. Keep a running list of everything you find so you know exactly what you have before you spend anything on new supplies and clothing. 

2.      Shop with a list

And we’re not talking about the list of required supplies your child’s school or teacher has sent home. When shopping for anything, it’s best to start out with a clear goal of what you plan to buy.  This way, you’ll be less likely to overspend and come home with stuff you don’t really need.

3.      Divide and conquer

The circulars are packed with specials on school supplies all summer long. The problem is that, while one store is offering a crazy-low deal on crayons this week, another is running a super sale on pencils – and the stores are across town from each other. Keep your savings and your sanity, by teaming up with another school parent. Divide the school supply list between, pooling costs and savings.

4.      Let your kids choose some items on their own

Teach your kids a lesson in budgeting by allowing them to shop for one or more of the costlier items they need on their own. Set a reasonable budget together, but let your child do the actual choosing and paying. To encourage thriftiness, you can offer to allow your child to keep the change. 

5.      Save some stuff for later

There’s no need to purchase a complete autumn wardrobe before Labor Day. Waiting a bit for the mid-season sales will save you a ton of money. 

If your kids are in need of some bigger ticket items this year, consider applying for a low-interest loan from High Point Federal Credit Union!

Use these hacks to cash in on savings this back-to-school season. 

Should I keep Cash at Home?

Q: I’m seeing posts on social media about keeping cash at home during rapid inflation. Is this a good practice?

A: Keeping large amounts of cash in envelopes, kitchen drawers or stuffed under the mattress is not recommended during times of high inflation – or any time. 

Why is it a bad idea to keep cash at home?

While it’s perfectly OK to keep some cash at home, storing a large amount brings two big disadvantages:

  • The money can be lost or stolen. Hiding cash under the mattress or anywhere in your house always carries the risk of being misplaced, damaged or stolen. Unfortunately, there is no way to trace or reclaim lost or stolen cash. 
  • The money isn’t growing. When cash doesn’t grow, it loses some of its value. This is especially true during times of high inflation. The current inflation rate is 8.5%. This means, if you’d keep $1,000 at home for the next year and inflation stays at 8.5% during that time, your cash would be worth only $985. Of course, if inflation rates increase, the loss would increase as well. 

Where is the best place to keep cash?

Here are some places you may want to keep your cash at this time:

  • Savings account. A savings account is a secure place to keep extra funds. When you open a savings account at High Point Federal Credit Union, there’s no risk of your money being lost or stolen. 
  • Precious metals. Precious metals, like gold, silver and platinum, have proven to hold their value even in times of inflation and a volatile stock market. 
  • Share certificates. A share certificate is a savings account that’s federally insured, has a fixed dividend rate and a fixed date of maturity. The fixed dividend rate will remain unaffected by the fluctuating national interest rate.

Inflation is high, but that doesn’t mean it’s a good idea to hoard your cash at home. Follow the tips outlined above to find the perfect place to park your cash. 

Olean Area FCU Awards Scholarships to Collegebound Seniors

Olean Area Federal Credit Union has awarded $2,000 in college scholarships to four high school seniors to help finance their college education.

The students, who are members of Olean Area FCU, were chosen based on their outstanding academic and extracurricular achievements.

“As a community-focused institution, we are always looking for opportunities to give back.” said Richard Yeager, CEO “The Scholarship Program allows us the opportunity to give back to our younger members as they embark on their college careers.”

The high school seniors who received the awards were: Christy Childs of Hinsdale, Kaylee Rhinehart of Otto-Eldred, Sara Thomas of Olean, and Alexis Trietley – also of Olean High School.

In addition to the Olean Area FCU Scholarship, Christy Childs was also awarded scholarships through the Jamestown Credit Union Chapter and the New York Credit Union Association totaling an additional $1,500.

Step 6 of 12 to Financial Wellness: Pay it Forward

There’s so much good you can do with the money you’ve been blessed to have. There’s also a lot of good you can do with your time, talents and possessions. Let’s explore some ways you can make the world better by paying it forward. 

1.      Donate funds to your favorite cause

The classic and simplest way to pay it forward is by supporting a charity or two that speaks to your heart. Make a donation that fits your budget to help make a difference. Be sure to verify the authenticity of the organization on a charity-vetting site, like Charity Navigator or CharityWatch. Don’t forget to save your receipt so you can claim a tax deduction. 

2.      Commit to do one random act of kindness each day

Kindness doesn’t have to be big, loud, or costly to make a difference. The smallest act of kindness can have a big impact on someone’s day. You can offer to make a coffee for your coworker, feed a parking meter that’s about to run out, remove a branch or rock from a busy thoroughfare or let someone go ahead of you at a checkout counter. 

3.      Write thank you letters 

When was the last time you thanked your child’s teacher, your parents or your postal carrier? Pick up a set of thank you cards, and spend 20 minutes writing thank you letters. Your letters may be cherished by the recipients for many months or years to come. 

4.      Donate your time 

Unfortunately, there are many people suffering from various hardships. With just a small donation of your time, you can help alleviate some of their suffering. Volunteer at a soup kitchen, help bring cheer to hospitals, offer to babysit for a couple who is going through hard times so they can have a night out or visit with a lonely person. You can brighten someone’s day simply with your presence!

There are so many ways to pay it forward and make the world into a better place. And when you give to others, you’re really giving to yourself by learning to be a better, kinder person. 

Olean Area FCU announces changes to Board of Directors

At Olean Area Federal Credit Union’s Annual Meeting, the financial institution’s volunteer Board of Directors announced new board appointments as well as two retirements.

Patrick Kelly, who served as Chairman of the Board since 1992, announced that he would step down from his Chair position but remain as a member of the Board of Directors. Michele Pancio, current board Vice-Chair was elected to the new Board Chair position. Michele joined the Olean Area FCU supervisory committee in 2006 and was appointed to the board in 2013. She was elected Vice-Chair in 2021. For over 30 years Michele has been co-owner of All American Financial Service and Insurance as well as Real Estate Development.

Current Board Member, Jason Crisafulli was elected as the new Vice-Chair. Jason joined the Olean Area FCU Education Committee in 2015 and was appointed to the board in 2018. Jason was the previous President of Kinley Corporation before his retirement. He also serves as Board President for the Greater Olean Area Chamber of Commerce and is a member of the Allegany Planning Board.

Michele stated, “Serving the credit union on the Supervisory Committee and the Board these past sixteen years has been an honor.  I am looking forward to my new role as Board Chair and the opportunity to help guide Olean Area FCU into the future.” President & CEO, Rich Yeager added, “Michele has been an integral member of our board since the day she joined us and I’m confident in her leadership going forward. I would like to thank Pat for over 30 years of dedication to our credit union as Chairman and am certain he will continue to be an advocate for our members and communities in his new role.”

Along with these recent appointments, the Board also announced the retirement of two long standing Board Members, Glenda Hall and Jean McInroy. Glenda joined the board in 1983 and Jean in 2002. Both have been an essential part in the development and growth of Olean Area FCU. Rich Yeager, stated, “We sincerely thank Glenda and Jean for their years of service to our organization and the communities we serve. Their commitment has helped make our Credit Union what it is today.”

The Ultimate Grad Gift Guide

Celebrate with your grad and show them how proud you are of their accomplishments with these low-cost, awesome gifts!

1.      ID lanyard

Make it easy for your grad to carry their ID and wallet around campus or workplace. Super-cute and durable, these lanyards are the perfect graduation gift. 

2.      ‘Oh, the Places You’ll Go!’

You can’t go wrong with this Dr. Seuss classic! Whimsical, yet inspirational, it’s a great read for the older teen setting off into the big world of adulthood. 

3.      College survival kit

Hit the dollar store to scour the aisles for a big basket, filling it with all sorts of stuff to make a college survival or house/apartment warming kit. Include essentials, like flip flops and hair ties, kitchen utensils and hand soap. Have a bit of fun with extras, like Bluetooth speakers, wall decals and more!

4.      “Open when” letters

Pen some letters for your grad to open at key milestones and/or more challenging times, such as after the first round of final exams, when feeling homesick, when needing a laugh, etc. Your letters will be the gift that keeps on giving throughout their first year outside the nest.

5.      Picture collage

Help your grad have the most awesomely decorated room in college with a fantastic homemade picture collage! Check out their social media pages for their best snapshots and put together a low-cost, meaningful gift they’ll always treasure.

6.      Laundry essentials

Spring for an adorable laundry hamper and fill it with all your grad needs to master the wash. Think detergent, dryer sheets, stain-remover and more. Add a cute note, like “Have LOADS of fun in college!” to complete the gift. 

7.      Chef’s special

Fill a big mixing bowl, Bundt pan or other large basin with all they need to master the kitchen. You can load it up with spatulas, measuring cups and spoons, a cute apron, oven mitts, a skillet and more. You can also add one of the many college cookbooks you’ll find on sites like Amazon.

Use these ideas to find the perfect low-cost gift for your grad. 

What is a Fraud Ring and How Can I Keep Myself Safe?

Q: I’m hearing a lot about fraud rings and their threat to businesses and consumers. What is a fraud ring and how can I keep myself safe?

A: A fraud ring is a group of fraudsters and merchants that can operate for years while stealing money and information, causing tremendous damage and loss along the way.

Let’s take a look at fraud rings, how they operate and how consumers and merchants can keep safe.

What is a fraud ring?

A fraud ring is an organized circle of criminals working to defraud and steal from people. They’ll use the same tactics as smaller scammer groups and individuals, but work on a massive scale. They also tend to have access to way more technology and resources than a typical scammer. Because of this, the harm they can do is on a much larger scale, too.

This form of fraud can consist of a group of criminals, as in any organized crime ring, or it can be made up of a family of crooks working together. The members of this crime ring collaborate to share info that can help them commit acts of fraud to net vast amounts of stolen funds and merchandise.

How does a fraud ring operate?

They can operate under several different pretexts. One common premise involves forgery, in which the fraudsters create fake claims, steal identities and even print counterfeit checks and/or currency. Some rings target individuals, committing identity theft and the like, but many focus on targeting ecommerce websites, businesses, charities or government agencies. 

A fraud ring can commit any of the following scams:

  • Forgery
  • False claims
  • Identity theft
  • Identity manipulation
  • Counterfeit checks and/or currency

How can I recognize this type of fraud? 

Look for these red flags, which can indicate signs of fraud:

  • Large purchases on your credit card or checking account that you didn’t make
  • Bills for loans you haven’t taken out
  • An unexplained, big drop in your credit score

If you own a business, you may be at higher risk of falling victim to a fraud ring. Be sure to look out for several sudden and large purchases from a customer who hasn’t made a purchase in a while, new accounts from customers that quickly become big spenders and claims demanding refunds for faulty products you believe were fine when shipped. 

Detecting instances of fraud at the first sign of suspicion can help mitigate the damage and keep your money and your information safe. Be sure to configure and add e-alerts on your bank accounts.

Stay up to date on prevalent scams and common types of fraud by visiting Olean Area FCU’s Security Corner.

How Can I Save on Entertainment Costs?

Q: In this time of high inflation, how can I save on entertainment costs?

A: With a bit of creativity and pre-planning, you can trim your recreation budget without feeling pinched. We’ve listed eight ways to save on entertainment costs. 

1.      Attend amateur sporting events

Instead of spending big on professional sporting events, get your fix at local high school or college games. You’ll get the same excitement and a game featuring high talent without the high price tag. 

2.      Volunteer

Volunteering your time and service at local organizations provides an outlet and the opportunity to meet new people. Reach out to local soup kitchens, animal shelters, food banks and hospitals to see how you can help. 

3.      Turn a hobby into income

If you’re crafty, you can make money through your hobby by selling your creations on sites like eBay and Etsy. Use some of the money you earn to purchase new supplies and improve your skills. 

4.      Workout at home

Get your workout at home by checking out workout videos on YouTube. You can also get your heart pumping by going for a run in your neighborhood.

5.      Spend less on dining out

Don’t visit a restaurant without checking for coupon codes and discounted gift certificates on sites like Restaurants.com. It’s also a good idea to dine out less often and make meals at home to save money. 

6.      Buy season passes

If you find yourself often visiting the same entertainment center, consider getting a season pass. These may cost as little as two one-time tickets. 

7.      Attend local art shows

Check out local galleries for free events and shows for a night of fine art. Some towns also host monthly art walks featuring several galleries on display at no cost to the viewer. 

8.      Catch a performance at a local college

If you live near a college town, find out about performances and concerts they may be hosting. Lots of performers include colleges in their tours. Score an inexpensive ticket to a big-name concert by attending such an event. 

Don’t let inflation deflate your fun! Use these tips to save on entertainment costs. 

Olean Area FCU Brings Mad City Money to Cuba-Rushford Seniors

Cuba, NY. Olean Area Federal Credit Union staff were welcomed into the Cuba-Rushford school to share their Mad City Money program with nearly 65 high school seniors. The Credit Union (CU) first implemented Mad City Money in 2013, presenting the program in Olean and Allegany high schools. With a brief hiatus due to COVID-19, the credit union employees were excited for the opportunity to bring this program back to local youth.

Originally purchased through the Credit Union National Association (CUNA), Mad City Money is a financial education tool that helps high schoolers get a taste of the “real world.” Students get to choose an “identity” at the start of the program, where they’re given an occupation, salary, spouse & children, student loan & credit card debt, and medical insurance payments. They then have to visit various stations to decide on what housing, transportation, childcare, food, and other necessities to purchase while staying within their budget.

Students learn how to calculate their credit card monthly payment, practice writing a check, experience unexpected bills – as well as unexpected financial gains, and discover how much they can actually afford with their given “identity.” While some of the students had money left over at the end to put in their savings, many had to return to certain stations to switch out their purchase for something more affordable.

When asked what the main takeaway of this program was for the students, they reiterated a better understanding of their parents’ spending habits, a realization of how expensive living in the “real world” is, and the importance of paying off debt. Being able to experience these scenarios in a controlled way provides students with a level of financial wisdom they likely wouldn’t have otherwise.

Olean Area FCU is eager to bring Mad City Money to high schools in their expanded field of membership, which includes all of Allegany, Cattaraugus, McKean & Potter counties. For more information and to schedule Mad City Money at your school, email Marketing@oleanfcu.com or call (716) 372-6607.

What to Buy and What to Skip in February

Are you looking to snag some bargain buys this month? We’ve got you covered! Here’s what to buy and what to skip this February. 

Buy: TVs

Whether you’re a diehard football fan or love to binge watch, you can pick up fantastic deals on big-screen TVs in February. These sales often continue through President’s Day and may even run until the end of the month. 

Skip: Flowers

Flowers have their big day in mid-February, but that doesn’t mean fresh blooms are discounted this month. In fact, you’re better off skipping flowers in February and finding another way to express your love.

Buy: Winter gear 

Retailers generously mark down winter gear this month as they make room for the spring stock. Prices on sporting equipment, like skis and snowboards, can be slashed by up to 30%. You can find winter clothing discounted by as much as 80%!  

Skip: Electronics

Aside from TVs, you’ll want to skip all major electronic buys this month. You’re better off purchasing them during Black Friday sales in November. If you can’t wait that long, you can also pick up great deals on electronics during “Black Friday in July” events.

Buy: Furniture

Pick up some beautiful new furniture at great prices during Presidents Day sales, which can run for a full week or two. Be sure to check out prices at several stores before splurging on a big-ticket item since prices on furniture can vary between retailers.

Skip: Fitness equipment and gym memberships

Fitness equipment and gym memberships are at their lowest in January to attract the hordes of people seeking to get fit in the New Year. By February, markdowns on workout gear and promotional offers on gym memberships are gone – and you won’t see them again until warmer weather sets in. 

Buy: Jewelry

During the second half of February, prices on jewelry plunge up to 80%. Hold onto your bargain-priced jewel buys until Mother’s Day, your love partner’s birthday or your shared anniversary. 

Find more financial tips by visiting our blog and following our social media pages!

Black History Month and Credit Unions

Black History Month provides an opportunity to celebrate the rich history and culture of the Black American people. As a financial cooperative, we’re using this month to share the history of Black Americans in the world of finance.

Let’s take a look!

The beginning of the credit union movement

In 1849, Friedrich Raiffeisen founded a credit society in southern Germany with the goal of helping members have a higher standard of living by pooling their savings and offering loans to neighbors and colleagues. This historic credit society was the precursor for today’s credit union movement.

Credit unions first reached American shores in 1909, when Alphonse Desjardins organized a credit union in Manchester, New Hampshire to avoid high interest rates being charged by loan sharks. On April 15 of that year, the Massachusetts Credit Union Act was signed into law, defining credit unions as “a cooperative association formed for the purpose of promoting thrift among its members.”

Credit unions serving the Black community

In 1920, the first credit unions servicing the Black American community were established in the U.S., enabling urban groups to move toward financial independence. At that time, the first Black-owned bank in the U.S., the Capital Savings Bank in Washington, D.C., had been open 32 years. However, it wasn’t until the civil rights movement gained momentum in the 1950s that credit unions servicing the Black community became widespread. Then, under the Johnson administration’s Great Society Initiative, hundreds of credit unions were formed to service low-income demographics, often in Black neighborhoods. These credit unions provided low-income groups with the opportunity to grow their money and to get low-interest loans.

Dozens of banks and credit unions owned by Blacks were established at this time, too. These financial institutions played a crucial role in enabling African Americans to buy homes and establish lines of credit despite ongoing racial discrimination.

Today, there are 41 Black-owned financial institutions across the country, including 21 credit unions.

The African American Credit Union Coalition

In 1999, the African American Credit Union Coalition (AACUC), was formed to promote the strength and reach of the global credit union. The non-profit of African-American professionals and volunteers in the credit union industry supports programs that help increase the number of minorities in the credit union community.

Black Americans and finance

Black Americans initially struggled against prejudice and inequality in all financial sectors. It wasn’t until the turn of the 20th century that Black Americans began establishing themselves in the world of finance. Today, the Black American community plays an important role in corporate America despite ongoing discrimination. From financial influencers like Madam Money (Tarra Jackson) to financial podcast hosts like Chris Browning, Black Americans have a powerful impact on the world of finance.

How Can I Save on Super Bowl Sunday?

Q: How can I save big on costs when hosting a party for the big game on Super Bowl Sunday?

A: Super Bowl parties are always great fun, but hosting costs can add up just like Jonathan Taylor piling on the rushing yards. So, we’ve put together some hacks to help you pull off the party of a lifetime without breaking your budget. 

Don’t fumble the decor

Keep the decor simple with free printables of your team’s logo from sites like Pinterest, and by choosing party goods in your team colors instead of branded items. You might also hit the dollar store to score some fun football-themed party supplies. 

Tackle the food together

Ask your guests to help with the food coverage. You can go potluck and have everyone bring one dish, order takeout and split the bill or set up a spreadsheet with all the menu items and have each guest choose one to bring along. 

Skip the Super Bowl platters

Fast-food chains and grocery stores aggressively advertise “game day platters” ahead of Super Bowl Sunday, but these are rarely worth the cost.  Instead, make your own for a fraction of the price and just a few minutes of work.  You can slap together some extra-long hero sandwiches and cut them up for an easy sub platter.  For your health-conscious guests, slice up everyone’s favorite veggies and add a dip for a low-cost veggie platter.

Save on pizza

If you’re going with a pizza party, consider doing it partially homemade by picking up some frozen pies at a great price from your local grocery store. Just pop them in the oven before the party. If you want it hot-from-the-pizza-store fresh, reach out to a few local pizza places ahead of time to see if they’ll be offering any specials, and see who’s offering the best deal. 

Consider your lineup

When setting up your buffet, place more affordable items at the head of the line. These are typically grabbed first, and putting them front and center, with the pricier stuff in the back, will help to ensure you don’t run out of any buffet item too quickly or blow your budget on one pricey food. 

Use the tips outlined above to keep costs down while throwing a Super Bowl party that’s fit for champions. 

OLEAN AREA FCU DONATES $4,000 TO FOOD PANTRIES

Olean, NY – With the giving spirit of the holidays and sense of community they hold year-round, Olean Area FCU announced a $4,000 donation to 4 local food pantries.

The Olean Food Pantry, Creekside Chapel, Loaves & Fishes, and the Portville Community Food Pantry each received $1,000 donations.

“As a credit union, giving back to our local food banks is one of the best ways we could think of to fulfill the credit union philosophy of, ‘people helping people’ this holiday season. We recognize the growing need for this vital service in our community and want to make sure it continues to be available to our friends and neighbors,” said Rich Yeager, President & CEO.

How to Avoid Credit Card Fraud this Holiday Season

With the holiday shopping season heading into its final frenzied stretch, scammers are in full force, taking advantage of busy shoppers. Protect yourself, and your cards, from fraud with these safety measures and preventative tips: 

Monitor your credit

Stay alert and identify the first signs of fraud to your credit accounts by reviewing your credit card statements well. It’s also a good idea to sign up for alerts to be notified of unusual or large purchases made on your card. 

Strengthen your passwords

Do each of your accounts have their own unique password? Are passwords strong, using a combination of letters, numbers, and symbols as well as varied capitalization use? If any of your passwords use your personal information, like birth dates or street names, change them. They are easily guessed and then can be used to hack into multiple accounts and/or lead to identity theft. Strengthen any weak passwords now to prevent fraud. 

Shop with caution

Only shop reputable sites and avoid clicking on pop-up ads or links in emails from unverified senders. To confirm a site’s security, look for the lock icon before the URL and the “s” after the “http.” Finally, make sure the security settings on your devices are updated and choose a VPN (virtual private network) when using public Wi-Fi. 

Keep your cards close

Don’t forget to take basic precautions with your credit cards, especially if you’ll be hitting a lot of shops before the holidays. Keep your card tucked into your wallet or purse. If you use a cardholder on your phone case, keep your phone in a safe place and make sure the card numbers are not easily visible. Finally, put your card away right after completing a purchase. 

Take immediate action if there are signs of fraud

If you suspect your credit card has been used fraudulently, alert your issuer and financial institution immediately. Your old card will be canceled to prevent additional bogus charges and you’ll be issued a new one so you can complete your shopping. Consider placing a credit freeze on your accounts as well.

Stay safe!

Your Complete Year-End Financial Checklist

As 2021 draws to a close, take a moment to go through this year-end financial checklist to ensure your finances are in order before the start of the New Year.

1.     Review your budget

Is your current monthly budget working for you? Are you stretching some spending categories or finishing each month in the red? Take some time to review your budget and make any necessary changes.

2.     Top off your retirement plan

Check to see that you are taking full advantage of your employer’s matching contributions for your 401(k). If you haven’t contributed as much as you can, you have until the end of the year to catch up, to a limit of $19,500. If you have an IRA, you have until April 15 to scrape together the maximum contribution of $6,000, with an additional $1,000 if you are 50 years or older. 

3.     Check your progress on paying down debt

Review your outstanding debts from one year ago and hold up the amounts against what you now owe. Have you shed any debt from one year ago, or is your debt growing? If you’ve made no progress, or your debt has deepened, consider taking bigger steps toward paying it down in 2022.

4.     Get a free copy of your annual credit report 

The end of the year is a great time for an annual credit checkup. You can only request a free copy of your credit report from all three credit reporting agencies once a year. Get your annual credit report here, and look for fraudulent charges and other signs of possible identity theft.

5.     Review your investments and asset allocation

You may need to make some adjustments to your mix of stocks, bonds, cash and other investments to better reflect your personal financial goals and/or the current state of the economy and market.  

6.     Review your beneficiaries

Has your family situation changed during the past year? If it has, be sure to switch the beneficiaries on your accounts and life insurance policies to accommodate these changes. 

7.     Review your tax withholdings

Review your W-4 to see if the amount of tax withheld from each paycheck needs to be adjusted. If you’re not a numbers person, ask your accountant for help.

Use this checklist to make sure your money matters are in order before the start of 2022.

9 Tips for ATM Safety

Using a compromised ATM can mean risking identity theft and/or having cash stolen. With this simple machine, all it takes is a few short minutes for a victim’s life to meet disaster. 

Here are tips to help you keep your ATM transactions secure. 

1. Keep your PIN private. Don’t share it with anyone and don’t write it down. It’s also a good idea to choose a unique PIN for all your accounts and to change it once a year.

2. Check the ATM for a card skimmer. A skimmer fits right over the card slot or keypad to read card information before passing it onto the criminal. Look for a skimmer by checking to see if the card slot feels loose, is colored differently or if the keypad is too thick or looks newer than the ATM. 

3. Bring a buddy. A lone target is always more vulnerable. If possible, and especially if you’re using an ATM late at night, bring a friend along. 

4. Be aware of your surroundings. As you use the machine, look for anything suspicious, like characters lurking nearby or dark cars parked in the area for far too long. 

5. Use your body as a shield. Stand close to the machine to block it from view and cover the keypad with your hand while you input your PIN. 

6. Have your debit card ready for use. Those precious few moments of searching for your card can give a criminal the time they need to make their move. 

7. Put away all cash after your transaction. Never count cash in public; you can check that you’ve received the right amount when you’re safely in your car. 

8. Lock all doors and roll up passenger windows when using a drive-thru ATM. If you’ll be remaining in your vehicle to complete your transaction, keep it as secure as possible. 

9. Be sure to take your receipt. Don’t leave any evidence of your transaction.

If something or someone looks suspicious, cancel your transaction, grab your card, and leave the area as soon as you can.

Stay safe!

4 Scams to Watch Out for this Black Friday

Black Friday has traditionally been the day that ignites the holiday shopping season, sending masses of crowds through retailers across the nation. Unfortunately, it’s also a day that spawns a season of shopping scams. 

Here are four scams to watch out for on Black Friday and throughout the holiday shopping season:

1.      The Amazon Prime service fraud scam

In this ruse, a scammer posing as an Amazon representative, will call to notify a target about an alleged problem with their Prime account. The victim is prompted to download a tool onto their computer or mobile device so the caller can gain remote access for “helping them resolve the problem” at hand. They’ll then be instructed to log onto their banking account so the caller can be compensated for their time. Unfortunately, this will give the scammer free reign over the victim’s accounts. 

2.      Phishing emails

In these scams, the victim receives an email allegedly sent by Amazon or another large retailer, asking them to verify or update their account. Or, it might be to supposedly confirm an order. By using the link dropped into the email, the user will give their personal information directly to the scammer. 

3.      Delivery issues

Delivery scams generally take the form of a message appearing to be from UPS or another delivery service, informing the victim of a “delivery issue” with an order. They’ll be asked to confirm or update their info using a provided link. Doing so gives the scammer access to their financial information and opens the door to identity theft and more. 

4.      Non-delivery scam

This scam involves a purchased gift that never arrives. Unfortunately, the seller disappears after payment, leaving the victim with no way of notifying them about the no-show or for requesting a refund. 


Avoid Black Friday scams

  • Never grant a stranger access to your device and/or accounts. 
  • Don’t open links sent in emails from unverified contacts. 
  • Never share sensitive information with an unknown contact.
  • Keep the privacy and spam settings on your devices at their strongest settings. 
  • If you have an issue with an ordered item, contact the retailer directly through their site.
  • When shopping on a new site, look for a physical address, a customer service number and copy that’s free of spelling errors. 

Stay safe!

8 Holiday Shopping Hacks to Help You Save Big This Season

Ready, set… charge! The holiday shopping season is here, and between inflated prices, the rising cost of gas and the urge to splurge, it can be tough to stick to your budget. Here are eight holiday shopping hacks to help keep your spending under control. 

1.      Make a list and check it twice

When you shop with a list in hand, and you’re careful to stick to it, you can make responsible shopping decisions instead of buying every shiny thing that catches your eye. 

2.      Compare prices

All it takes is a few quick clicks or taps to check if the item you want is available somewhere else, and for less. You can also use a price-checking app, like ShopSavvy, to make the search for the hottest deal. 

3.      Don’t shop alone

Grab a friend to help keep you on track as you shop. Share your budget with them, or let them know which gifts you’ll be looking for on this trip. Ask them to gently remind you to stay within budget and on-plan as you browse. 

4.      Take advantage of rebates and refunds

Want to get paid to shop? When you make a purchase through a rebate app, like Earny or Rakuten, you get cash back for every purchase you make.

5.      Buy discounted gift cards

You can find discounted gift cards on sites, like Raise and CardCash, for big-name brands like Lowe’s, Starbucks, Amazon and more. 

6.      Shop with coupons

Before completing an online purchase, do a quick search of sites, like RetailMeNot, to check for available coupons that can bring down the price. You can also use a browser extension, like Honey, which will automatically find and apply coupons while you shop.

7.      Shop early

This year, with anticipated delivery delays and supply shortages, it’s best to tackle your holiday shopping early. Shopping with a clear head, and when the stores are well stocked, will make it easier to stick to your budget.

8.      Buy electronics on Black Friday 

The Black Friday deals you’ll find on TVs, laptops, audio equipment and other electronics will likely be the best you’ll find all year. 

Follow the tips outlined above to save big on gift-shopping this year. A little low on holiday funds? Take advantage of our Holiday Loan Special until December 31st, 2021!

Video Banking