admin, Author at High Point FCU

Three Common Money Mistakes People Make

Managing money responsibly doesn’t just happen. Even with the best of intentions, many people make mistakes in how they handle money – and they don’t even realize it. But there’s good news! Harmful behaviors can be unlearned. Let’s look at three common money mistakes and how to fix them.

Mistake #1: Ignoring one’s financial situation

It is common for people to go about everyday living without a whole lot of thought toward their money. They may not know how much they have in their checking and saving accounts. They could also jam their heads in the sand when it comes to their outstanding debt. Awareness of how good or bad their credit score is? Forget about it! The hard truth, though, is that ignoring money can lead to big-time consequences, like excessive debt, missed payments and zilch in savings.

The fix: To avoid this mistake, assess your income, expenses and savings regularly. Creating a budget can help you get a handle on your financial inflows and outflows. This way, you can identify areas where you can cut back, save more and achieve and maintain financial wellness.

Mistake #2: Not having a clear money vision

The second common money mistake is a lack of financial plans or goals. Without an established money vision, it can be challenging to make smart money choices.

The fix: Establish short-term and long-term financial goals. Whether it’s saving for a down payment on a house, starting a business or planning for retirement, having a clear vision will guide and motivate all your financial decisions while ensuring they’re choices you can live with for years to come.

Mistake #3: Not discussing money

The third common money mistake is failing to talk about money with one’s life partner. Money is a sensitive topic, and many people believe they can avoid arguing over money by not talking about money. Unfortunately, though, not talking about it can lead to misunderstandings, conflict and financial instability within the relationship.

The fix: Have open and honest discussions about money with your partner. By establishing open lines of communication, you can work together to create a joint financial plan that aligns with both partners’ values and aspirations.

Use this guide to learn how to fix three common money mistakes and avoid making them in the future.

All You Need to Know About Pet Adoption Scams

Pet adoption can be a highly rewarding experience. Unfortunately, though, scammers often exploit people’s adoration for animals through pet adoption scams. Let’s take a closer look at these scams and how to protect yourself from falling victim.

How these scams play out

In a pet adoption scam, fraudsters pose as legitimate pet sellers or rescue organizations to scam potential adopters. They may advertise pets online, and use emotional appeals to lure unsuspecting individuals. One scam variation includes “puppy mills,” where animals are bred in inhumane conditions and then sold. Another variation is the “phantom pets” scam, where the scammers falsely claim to have pets available for adoption. In the first scam, the buyer is charged a huge price for a severely neglected pet. In the second, the buyer makes the required payments for a pet that never arrives.

Red flags

If you’re in the market for a new pet, watch out for these red flags:

The seller only communicates by email.
The seller demands upfront payment.
The seller refuses to provide important documentation and details about the pet’s background or health.
The seller asks for additional fees for shipping, vaccinations or permits.
The ad featuring the adoptable pet has tons of typos.
All photos of the pet are generic or stock photos.

If a potential pet seller shows any of these red flags, you’re likely looking at a scam.

Search safely

When searching for a pet to adopt, verify the authenticity of the seller or rescue organization before proceeding. Look for a physical address, contact information and a secure online presence. Check out any online reviews or complaints about the seller. Finally, reach out to local animal shelters or breed-specific rescues to validate the legitimacy of the seller.

Finalizing an adoption

Once you’ve found a pet, continue to exercise caution as you finalize the sale.

First, insist on meeting the seller and pet or visiting the rescue organization in person. This will enable you to observe the animal’s living conditions, assess its health and interact with it directly. If everything checks out and you’re going ahead with the sale, use a secure payment method that offers fraud protection, such as a credit card.

Don’t get caught in a pet scam! Use the tips outlined here to stay safe.

The Importance of Saving for a Rainy Day

Life is full of surprises, and some of them can be expensive. Whether it’s a medical emergency, job loss, car repairs or any other unforeseen event, having a financial safety net can provide a sense of security and stability. Let’s take a look at why it’s so important to save for rainy days.

Stay out of debt

When life throws an expensive surprise your way and you don’t have money to pay for it, you may fall into debt just to get by. On the flip side, if you had a well-padded emergency fund, you’d have the cash you need to fall back on in case of an emergency.

Be prepared for sudden unemployment

When you live paycheck to paycheck, your job is your financial lifeline. But no job is guaranteed to last forever. Your workplace may decide to downsize, close its doors or even to replace you with a bot. Or, you may find yourself unable to work due to personal circumstances. Having an emergency fund when you’re gainfully employed can help you stay afloat should you suddenly find your lifeline is reduced or cut out.

Flexibility and freedom

Saving for a rainy day brings an element of flexibility and freedom to your life. It enables you to pursue new opportunities, take risks and make major life changes without the constant fear of financial instability. Whether it’s starting a business, furthering your education or taking a sabbatical, savings provides the support you need to confidently explore these possibilities.

Peace of mind

Financial stress can take a toll on your physical and mental wellbeing. Constantly worrying about money can lead to anxiety, depression, strained relationships and more. Knowing you have an emergency fund prepared and on the ready for a rainy day can offer a sense of security and peace of mind.

Achieve long-term financial goals

Saving for a rainy day is not just about preparing for emergencies; it’s also a stepping stone toward achieving long-term financial goals. Whether it’s buying a house, starting a family or planning for retirement, having savings will help you stay on track.

Avoid economic downturns related to market fluctuations

The economy is subject to fluctuations, and financial markets can be volatile. During economic downturns or recessions, people will often face reduced job opportunities, pay cuts or decreased business revenue. However, an emergency fund can make a challenging economic climate easier to navigate. People who’ve saved up money for emergencies will be less reliant on credit cards and loans during such times, thus lowering their vulnerability to economic uncertainties.

If you don’t have a well-padded emergency fund, start building one today! Most experts recommend having three to six months’ worth of living expenses in your emergency fund. Review your monthly expenses to reach this number, and then make a plan for building up your fund until it’s complete. You may want to prioritize your emergency fund over other investments until it’s set up.

When the sun is shining, it’s hard to believe the rain will come, but no one’s life is all sunshine, all the time. Saving for a rainy day is a crucial part of financial wellness. Start saving today for a more secure and financially fit life.

6 Tips for Building an Energy-Efficient Home

Building a new home involves many decisions and expenses. As you work through the process, try making your new home as energy-efficient as possible. Let’s explore six ways you can build an energy-efficient home that promotes a sustainable future.

1. Optimize site selection

The first step in building an energy-efficient home is to choose the right location. Consider factors such as solar orientation, prevailing winds and surrounding vegetation. Maximizing natural resources, like sunlight and wind, can really reduce the need for artificial heating, cooling and lighting.

2. Efficient building envelope

A well-insulated building envelope is crucial for maintaining a comfortable indoor environment while minimizing energy loss. Use high-quality insulation materials in walls, roofs and floors of your new home. Opt for double- or triple-pane windows with low-emissivity coatings to reduce heat transfer. Finally, properly seal any gaps or cracks to prevent air leakage, ensuring your home remains airtight.

3. Use sustainable materials

Choosing sustainable and locally sourced materials can have a positive impact on both the environment and your health. Look for materials with low embodied energy, such as recycled content or renewable resources, like bamboo and cork. Opting for sustainable materials reduces the carbon footprint of your home and creates a healthier living environment.

4. Install energy-efficient appliances and lighting

Energy-efficient appliances and lighting fixtures can significantly reduce your home’s energy consumption. Look for appliances with an ENERGY STAR® label, as they meet strict efficiency standards. LED lighting is another excellent choice, as it consumes less electricity compared to traditional incandescent bulbs.

5. Consider renewable energy systems

Integrating renewable energy systems into your home is a proactive step toward energy independence. These include solar panels, wind turbines or geothermal systems that generate clean energy while reducing your reliance on the grid. Generating electricity sustainably will pay off for many years to come.

6. Water conservation strategies

Conserving water is an essential part of building an energy-efficient home. Install low-flow fixtures to reduce water consumption without sacrificing performance. Implementing water conservation strategies will save water while also reducing the energy required for water treatment and distribution.

Use the tips outlined here to build a home that has a lower carbon output and saves you money for years to come.

How Can I Beat Inflation and Save on Back-to-School Shopping?

Q: How can I beat inflation and save on back-to-school shopping?

A: Lucky for you, there are ways to save on back-to-school shopping. Follow these tips.

Shop with a budget

Determine how much you can afford to spend and set specific amounts for different categories such as clothing and supplies. Having a budget will help you stay focused and avoid impulse purchases.

Take inventory

Before hitting the stores, inventory what you already have at home. Check your kids’ closets, drawers and study areas for supplies and clothing that can be reused or repurposed for the coming school year. This will give you a clear idea of what you really need to buy.

Plan ahead

Start shopping early and take advantage of sales throughout the summer. Watch for clearance sales, promotions and discounts. By planning ahead, you can secure better deals and avoid the rush and price hikes closer to the start of the school year.

Buy generic

Don’t hesitate to reach for generic brands when purchasing school supplies for your kids. Store brands, like Walmart, or Target’s Up & Up, are usually cheaper than name brands without compromising on quality.

Shop without your kids

Shopping with kids is an easy budget-killer. Kids have their own ideas of what’s best to spend money on, and their opinions may not align with your budget. Leave your kids home for at least some of your shopping trips this season.

Think secondhand

Consider purchasing used textbooks, clothing and electronics. You can find gently used items at much lower prices on secondhand websites like ThredUp, and at thrift stores like Goodwill.

Use discounts and coupons

Before you shop, look for coupons, promotional codes and student discounts to bring down the prices of the items you need to buy. You can sign up for loyalty programs and use a discount-finder app or extension to pull up any coupons for the items you need.

Buy in bulk

Whenever appropriate, buy supplies in bulk. This is useful for items that are commonly used throughout the school year. Buying in bulk often comes with a lower per-unit cost, providing long-term savings.

Follow the tips outlined here to beat inflation and save on back-to-school shopping.

Money Tips for College Students

Hello, college, hello, money worries!

College life brings a sense of independence that extends to personal finances. Being in charge of your own money can seem like an impossible challenge, but it doesn’t have to be that way. If the thought of managing your money in college is stressing you out, dig into these tips for some help!

Create a budget

Living with a budget is a must for good financial wellness. First, track your income, including all earnings from part-time jobs, scholarships and student loans. Next, list your expenses, including tuition fees, textbooks, rent, groceries, transportation and entertainment. Set a realistic spending amount for each category, and your budget is good to go! Review and adjust as necessary.

Minimize student loan debt

Student loans can be a big financial burden after graduation. To minimize your debt, explore options such as scholarships, grants and part-time jobs to cover educational expenses. You can also get ahead on your debt by saving for your student loan payments before you graduate.

Live frugally

You can have your fun while in college, and your budget, too! First, buy used when possible. This goes for textbooks, sports equipment and your college car. Next, consider pooling some of your expenses with roommates. For example, you can split the costs of food items, cleaning supplies and more. Finally, get used to eating in and save big. Remember, every dollar saved can go toward your future.

Prioritize essential expenses

Life while in college is filled with temptations and social activities, so it’s crucial to prioritize your expenses. First, make sure your tuition, rent, utilities and groceries are covered and then you can spend money on fun! Having a good budget developed, and a regular review of it, will help you plan in some of that fun.

Build your credit

College is a great time to get your credit score ready for adult life. A strong credit score is essential for qualifying for large loans, getting favorable interest rates, securing a job and more. To build credit responsibly, consider getting a secured credit card or becoming an authorized user on a family member’s credit card. Use the card sparingly and make full payments on time each month.

Take advantage of campus resources

College campuses often provide many resources to help students manage finances. Take advantage of financial literacy workshops, counseling services and career centers at your college.

Use these tips to manage your money smartly in college.

How to use Appliances Efficiently

Did you know that appliances account for approximately 13% of your home’s energy use? The good news is, you don’t have to completely pull the plug to save on your energy costs. Here’s how to use your appliances more efficiently to reduce your energy use and do one for the environment.

Choose energy-efficient appliances

When purchasing new appliances, choose models with high energy efficiency ratings. Look for the ENERGY STAR label, which indicates that the appliance meets strict energy efficiency standards.

Follow the user manuals

User manuals provide valuable information about the optimal usage and maintenance of appliances. Take the time to read the manuals thoroughly, as they offer specific instructions on how to maximize efficiency and extend the lifespan of each appliance.

Use appliances smartly

Take full advantage of any automatic settings on your appliances to use them more efficiently. For example, you can set your HVAC system to adjust its temperature when no one’s home or everyone is asleep.

Saving on energy around the house

Follow these tips to use appliances more efficiently around the house:

Computer

Choose “sleep” over “screen save” to use less energy when away from your computer.
Consider switching from a desktop PC to a laptop, as these use 10% of the electricity.
Turn off your monitor when it’s not in use.
Think three times before you print.

Oven/range

Match up your pots to your burner size
Cook with aluminum pans for even heat conduction.
Keep range-top burners clean for better reflection of heat and saved energy.

Refrigerator/freezer

Keep your thermostats at the recommended settings.
Position your refrigerator away from a heat source.
Clean the condenser coils of refrigerators and freezers regularly.

Dishwasher

Only run full loads.
Avoid pre-rinsing dirty dishes unless absolutely necessary.
During warmer times of the year, run the dishwasher in the early morning or evenings, when it’s cooler out.

Washer/dryer

Wash with cold water as much as possible.
Keep the lint filter clean for quicker dry times.
Make sure your dryer is vented properly.

Air conditioner

Cook less when it’s hot out.
Set your thermostat to adjust automatically.
Clean or replace your filters regularly to maintain proper airflow.

Use these tips to use your appliances more efficiently and save on energy usage and total costs.

Olean Area Federal Credit Union Announces New Name: High Point Federal Credit Union!

Olean Area Federal Credit Union, the second largest credit union in Western New York, has announced a name change to High Point Federal Credit Union. By changing its name, the credit union is demonstrating its ongoing commitment to growth and to its mission to provide members personal service and affordable products that meet their financial needs throughout life’s journey. The High Point brand, including a new logo, tagline, and visual identity, launched August 1st. The change in brand does not reflect a change in ownership and will remain 100 percent member owned and headquartered in Olean, NY.

A site has been found for the credit union’s first site outside Allegany County, aiming to serve the Bradford community. “We’re under contract, and we hope to close this year,” Rich Yeager, President and CEO said, with construction expected to begin in the spring.

Olean Area FCU has grown throughout its 50 years of service, beginning in 1972 as Olean Dresser Clark Federal Credit Union, serving the employees of Dresser Clark. Today, they have evolved and expanded their service to anyone who lives, works, worships, or attends school in Allegany and Cattaraugus Counties, NY, and McKean and Potter Counties, PA.

Although the name change took effect on August 1st, services for members will not change. Members will continue to access account information and their normal products and services in the same way they always have. All existing account numbers, card products, and checks will continue to work as before. Member’s will be required to update their Digital Banking App, but all credentials and navigation will stay the same. All credit and debit cards will still work as they should until new cards are reissued during the first quarter of 2024.

President and CEO, Rich Yeager stated, “Although our brand name changed, our core values and commitment to our members remain the same. In fact, it’s even stronger. Our mission continues to be to provide optimal financial services at every stage of your life, always striving for your success. We are excited for the next chapter of our journey and are grateful for our members’ and communities’ support!”

The credit union’s purpose to provide personal service and affordable products will remain the top priority throughout this transition and beyond. Members will start to see communications, updated materials, and additional operational information in the coming weeks as the name change takes effect.

Going Organic on a Budget

Going organic is a great way to improve your personal health and the health of the environment. Fortunately, it does not have to mean spending big. Here’s how to go organic on a budget.

Prioritize your purchases

If you’re on a strict budget, you likely won’t be able to go completely organic all at once. Start with what’s most important to you. You can move on to another area as the budget allows until you’ve completely embraced the lifestyle.

Buy in bulk

Look for bulk b ins at your local natural grocery store for steep savings. If you can’t finish all your bulk organic purchases before they’ll go bad, partner with a friend and split the costs.

Shop the seasons

In-season produce generally tastes better than off-season fruits and vegetables, and it’s cheaper. Choosing organic produce grown locally while it’s in-season can really bring down your grocery bill. A quick Google search can tell you what’s in season now in your area of the country.

Grow your own

If you have the time and space, consider growing your own organic greens and herbs. This way, you’ll have access to inexpensive produce that’s fresh and ready to eat.

Shop the farmers market

Your local farmers market is a great place to find fresh, locally grown produce at affordable prices. Plus, it supports local business.

Stalk your favorite organic brands on social media

Brands will alert followers to fantastic deals and discounts that may otherwise be missed. As soon as you find an organic food brand you love, follow it on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. This way, you’ll never miss a sale.

Look for store brands

Lots of grocery stores now offer their own line of organic products. These tend to be cheaper than companies that are not affiliated with a specific store.

Shop smart

Finally, follow the basic rules for smart shopping to save on your purchases. Plan your menu around the sales, shop with a list and take a smaller cart, or even a basket. If all else fails, shop with cash.

Follow these tips to make the switch to an organic lifestyle without breaking the bank.

Don’t Get Caught in a P2P Scam

Before discussing how to avoid a P2P scam, you may be wondering what “P2P” stands for. A peer-to-peer (P2P) service is a decentralized platform whereby two individuals interact directly with each other, without intermediation by a third party. Instead, the buyer and the seller transact directly with each other via the P2P service. Google Wallet, PayPal, Snapcash, Venmo and Bitcoin are examples of P2P services.

P2P platforms are super-convenient. But, P2P scams are rampant and varied. Plus, once money is transferred by P2P, it’s usually gone forever.

Here are five P2P scams to beware of:

1. Mystery money

In this P2P scam, a stranger “accidentally” sends the target money and then reaches out, wanting their money back. The target sees these funds in their P2P account and returns them. Unfortunately, though, because this money was added to the target’s account using a stolen credit card or account, the platform flags the original transaction as fraud and removes the funds from the victim’s account.

2. Hidden credit card fraud

In this P2P scam, a fraudster purchases an item listed on a site, like Craigslist, using a P2P service. They’ll pick up the item, or have it shipped to their home, and they’ll never be heard from again. Meanwhile, the P2P platform will eventually recognize the funds for the purchase come from a bogus source, and will take the money back from the seller.

3. Utility scams

In this scam, a “rep” from a utility company reaches out to a target, claiming their service will be shut off unless a payment is made immediately. The scammer insists on payment by P2P. Unfortunately, once the transfer is made, it can be impossible to reclaim the money.

4. Password scam

In this scam, an alleged representative of a credit union or bank will reach out to a target by text, asking them to approve a recent large P2P transfer from their account. A “no” response will prompt the scammer to call the victim. Posing again as a rep of their financial institution, they’ll offer to assist in reclaiming the allegedly frauded money. To do so, the scammer claims the victim will need to share their Zelle login credentials. Unfortunately, if the victim shares the one-time passcode, the scammer can change the password and send themselves money through the victim’s account.

5. Bogus receipts

Here, a scammer will insert themselves into a legitimate P2P transaction by digitally manipulating a screenshot to make it appear as if they have completed a part of an ongoing deal and insisting you now owe them money. In truth, though, the transaction was never completed and, if you send the money, you’ll be sending it directly to a scammer’s P2P account.

Stay safe

Only send and accept funds from people you know and trust.
Never give out your passwords/pins/challenge response tokens to anyone.
Use strong passwords and don’t reuse them across any accounts.
Use 2 Factor Authentication.
Don’t use guest or unsecured networks when doing transactions or logging into accounts.
Always confirm you’re interacting with the correct person by verifying their phone number at every stage of the P2P transaction process.
Call the P2P platform’s customer service number directly to resolve any errors. Similarly, reach out to High Point Federal Credit Union directly if you receive notification of an allegedly frauded account.
Check your checking account after every P2P transaction to confirm that you’ve received the funds.

Device Advice: How to Keep Your Phone Safe from Fraud

Smartphones are the millennial’s answer to the disorganized life. You can buy anything with just a few swipes, schedule appointments and store your photos in this one, convenient spot. Unfortunately, all of that convenience comes at a price: Your mobile devices pose an inherent risk to your security if they fall into the wrong hands. Fortunately, there are ways to protect your device and information.

Here are 6 tips to help keep your phone safe and secure.

1. Keep your phone locked

If your entire life is on your phone, you run the risk of giving a thief access to your identity if it’s stolen or misplaced. The best way to prevent this from happening is to have a lock on your screen. Opt for a physical lock if possible, such as fingerprint or face recognition. Finally, adjust your phone’s lock settings so the screen automatically locks when not in use by setting a lock based on idle time.

2. Choose strong, unique passwords across all your devices and apps

Use a different password for each device, app and other online accounts. The longer your password the stronger it is, but security can also be improved when you include a blend of letters with varied capitalization use, numbers, and symbols.

3. Browse safely

Look for the padlock icon and the “s” after the “http” in the URL of each landing page you visit.
Never give your login information to anyone. Olean Area Federal Credit Union will never ask for this information. Please report if someone claiming to be from the Credit Union asks for your login.
Never share your personally identifiable information (PII) with an unknown contact.
Keep your security settings current.
Avoid clicking on pop-up ads or links in emails from unverified senders.

4. Use secure Wi-Fi

Using public Wi-Fi can make you vulnerable to hacking. It’s best not to use public Wi-Fi at all, especially when banking online. To help keep your device safe while using public Wi-Fi, consider using a virtual private network (VPN). In addition, be sure to keep your own Wi-Fi secured to avoid having strangers access it.

5. Encrypt your data

Using encryption on your devices along with secure logins can assist with protecting its data and potentially any PII contained on those devices.

6. Install antivirus software on your phone

Consider the use of Antivirus software for all your devices including phones and tablets.

Use the tips outlined here to help keep your phone safe from fraud.

All You need to Know About Credit Card Fraud

With the advent of online commerce, credit and debit card fraud has exploded. Unfortunately, credit card fraud can go unnoticed until it causes serious damage. Here, we’ve outlined what you need to know, how to protect yourself, and what to do when you’re targeted.

What is credit card fraud?

Credit and debit card fraud occurs when a scammer gains access to a victim’s card information and goes on to empty their accounts, commit identity theft and more.

Credit card fraud can be pulled off in many ways:

Card skimming involves a scammer tampering with an ATM or payment terminal. The machine reads the victim’s card information and transmits it to the scammer.
Brute force attacks employ an auto-dialer to access the card numbers issued within the target’s BIN. The scammer can perform infinite guesses until they land on the card’s expiration date, security code and numbers.
Online phishing is done through insecure links embedded in emails or online ads, or through bogus surveys, solicitations, job offers, dating profiles and the like. The scammer uses these means to gain access to the victim’s credit or debit card information.

Protect yourself

Follow these tips to stay safe from credit and debit card fraud:

Sign up for alerts. Many issuers will send you texts or emails when new charges post to your account or card-not-present transactions happen.
Monitor your checking and credit card accounts frequently so you can spot the first signs of fraud.
Use strong, unique passwords across all your accounts.
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 padlock icon and the “s” after the “http” in the URL. Avoid storing your credit card info in online shopping accounts. Finally, make sure the security settings on your devices are current.

If you’re targeted

If you believe your card has been frauded, take immediate steps to mitigate damage. First, let the credit card company know about the fraud. Similarly, if your debit card has been frauded, let High Point Federal Credit Union know as soon as possible. Your old card will be canceled, and you’ll be issued a replacement card immediately. You may also want to place a credit freeze on your accounts to prevent the scammer from taking out a loan or opening another account in your name.

After you’ve reported the fraud to your financial institution and/or credit card company, be sure to report it to the Federal Trade Commission at ReportFraud.ftc.gov, so others can avoid becoming victims.

Free Vacation Scams

Congrats – you’ve won an all-expense paid vacation to the Bahamas! It’s a dream come true! Or is it? If you’re notified that you’ve landed a free luxury vacation, you’ve likely been targeted by a scam. Here’s what you need to know.

How the scams play out

In a free vacation scam, a target gets a letter, email or text message telling them they’ve won a sweepstakes for a free vacation. They’re asked to pay a fee or tax to process the prize. Alternatively, they may be asked to share their credit card information before it can be claimed. After paying the fee, they’ll never hear from the sweepstakes company again.

In another variation of this scam, the target is asked to attend a “short” meeting before claiming their prize. This turns out to be a prolonged and overt sales pitch for a time-share purchase or travel-club membership. There may be vouchers for the promised vacation at the end of the class, but they can only be used for specific dates, and require all sorts of additional fees before the “free” vacation can be redeemed.

Red flags

Look out for these red flags to help you spot a free vacation scam:

You’re told you’ve won a sweepstakes you never entered.
You’re asked to pay a fee or tax before a prize can be processed.
You’re pressured to sign up for a time-share purchase or travel club membership.
You’re asked to share your credit card information to claim a free vacation.

Protect yourself

Never share personal information with an unverified contact.
Never agree to pay a “processing fee” or “tax” to claim a prize.
If a caller insists on payment by gift card or wire transfer, hang up.
Always read fine print and do research before signing up for a time-share or club.

If you’re targeted

If you believe you’ve been targeted by a free vacation scam, there are steps you can take to mitigate the damage.

First, if you’ve paid the “processing fee” or “tax” with a credit card, dispute the charge as soon as possible. If you’ve shared your credit card information, cancel the card and consider placing a credit freeze on your name as well. Finally, let the FTC know about the circulating scam.

Stay safe!

Travel Hacks 1 of 12: 5 Ways to Save on Airfare

Planning a trip overseas? Airfare will probably be your largest vacation expense. Fortunately, there are many ways to save on airfare to leave you with more to spend while at your destination. Here’s a list of five ways to save on airfare.

1. Be flexible with dates and destinations

If you’re willing to be flexible about the dates and destination, you can potentially save hundreds on your airline ticket. Instead of choosing a date and destination for your vacation and then searching for the best prices, select a date and destination based on the best available deals.

2. Shop smart online

Harness the power of technology to score the best airfare price. Searching sites and apps, like Expedia, Orbitz and Priceline, is like using multiple travel agencies to find the best flights for your vacation. Kayak, another popular travel app, plugs your preferred dates into its search engine and searches airline sites and agency sites to provide you with all the prices and options available.

3. Act quickly to snag mistake fares

When an airline accidentally discounts a ticket, you can snag a flight for as much as 90% off its conventional price. Mistake fares get snatched up fast, so check your favorite airlines and flight apps often so you don’t miss a deal.

4. Consider booking with a foreign currency

If you’ll be flying a foreign carrier, it may be cheaper to pay for your ticket with the local currency of your destination. Before paying for your flight, check to see if it’ll cost less if you don’t pay in dollars. It can sometimes actually cost more this way, but you can often save a lot by simply changing your location from the U.S. to your destination.

5. Book early

You’ll typically find the best deals on international flights 3-6 months before the departure date. If you’ll be traveling during peak times, like summer or during holiday seasons, start your ticket search even earlier. Flights are updated constantly, so check often to get the best deal.

Use the tips outlined here to get the best deal on your tickets and keep your vacation budget intact. Happy travels!

The Post-Holiday Budget Recovery Guide

The holidays are in the rearview, but if you’ve gone over budget with your spending, it’s time to deal with the aftermath, which is coming head-on. Here’s how you can get your budget back on track for the new year.

Review your holiday spending

How much debt did this season’s spending set you back? Spend some time crunching the numbers so you have a better idea of what kind of recovery steps you need to take.

Choose your recovery process

If you’ve got multiple credit card balances to pay off, you may want to consolidate your debt by taking out a personal/unsecured loan and then using the funds to pay off your credit card debt. You’ll have just a single, low interest payment to make each month.

Another option is to pay off one credit card bill at a time, maximizing payments on the bill that has the highest balance, or the one with the highest interest rate, until it’s completely paid off. Once you’ve crossed one debt off your list, move on to the next until you’re debt-free.

Trim your budget

It’s time to cut that budget down to size! Consider underused subscriptions you can drop, inflated grocery bills you can trim and auto insurance policies that can be swapped for a cheaper plan. The more you trim, the more money you’ll free up for paying down debt.

Put your holiday resources to work

Along with a pile of debt, the holiday season may have left you with some extra cash through work bonuses, tax returns and gift money. Put these resources to work by using a portion of this money, or even all of it, toward paying down your holiday debt.

Go on a shopping detox

Take a break from the mall this month and resolve to swipe the plastic only for essentials. At the very least, keep impulse purchases to a minimum until your budget recovers.

Make a plan for next year’s holiday season

When you open a holiday club account at High Point Federal Credit Union, you can set up an automatic monthly transfer from your payroll or checking account to feed your holiday savings all year long.

If you blew your budget this holiday season, take steps to help your finances recover. Use the tips outlined here to get started.

Step 12 of 12 Steps to Financial Wellness – Review and Tweak

Congratulations! You’ve reached the 12th and final step of the 12 steps to financial wellness. Here, we’ll review the previous steps and adjust this part of your financial health plan as necessary.

Step 1: Track your spending

Are you regularly tracking your spending? Knowing where your money is going will help you make more responsible spending decisions in the future.

Step 2: Create and stick to a budget

Budgets need to be reviewed and tweaked every few months or so to ensure they still work for present life circumstances. If your budget no longer works for you, tweak until it does.

Step 3: Pay down debt

Have you made as much progress in your debt-paying journey as you’d hoped to by this point? Can you beef up any payments to make debt disappear sooner?

Step 4: Talk money with your partner

Have you had the big money talk with your partner? Need to revisit any of the topics you’ve discussed, such as sharing accounts, dividing expenses and saving up for a shared dream?

Step 5: Spend mindfully

Review some of your recent purchases. Are you blowing money on stuff you don’t need instead of relieving stress in a healthier manner? If so, look for better ways to de-stress. Spending mindfully is one of the most important steps to financial wellness.

Step 6: Pay it forward

Are you remembering to pay it forward? The money, time and smiles we share are the only moments that are truly ours.

Step 7: Pay yourself first

Are you remembering to feed your savings? At this time, you may want to consider increasing the amount you’re regularly putting into savings by trimming some discretionary expenses.

Step 8: Know when and how to indulge

Are you remembering to work your just-for-fun expenses into your budget so you can indulge without guilt? Now is a good time to look back at your indulgences to figure out if they were really good uses for your money.

Step 9: Check your credit score

If you’ve been following the rules for boosting and maintaining a high credit score, like paying your bills on time, having several active cards, and keeping your credit utilization low, your score should have improved during these last few months.

Step 10: Think about retirement

Review your retirement accounts and assess whether your funds have reached the place you’d hoped they would by now.

Step 11: Start investing

Make sure your investments are performing well and that your assets are optimally diversified.

Step 12: Review your overall financial health

In this final step, you’ll review your steps to financial wellness on a regular basis, just as you’ve done here.

Reviewing your financial health on a regular basis is an important part of staying financially fit.

Don’t Get Caught in a Non-Delivery Scam

With the holidays coming up, and online shopping reaching its annual peak, scammers are out to get at your money and your stuff. There are loads of scams to watch for this time of year, from online “retailers” phishing for information as you shop to thieves swiping delivered packages from doorsteps and so many more. The non-delivery scam can be particularly difficult to spot, and recovery is nearly impossible. Here’s what you need to know about this scam.

How the scam plays out

In a non-delivery scam, a shopper makes an online purchase, often at a deep discount. Unfortunately, though, the promised package never arrives. After weeks of waiting, the shopper may try reaching out to the seller, only to find that the seller’s gone AWOL,

along with the victim’s chances of recovering their money and/or their purchase.

Protect yourself

Here’s how to protect yourself against non-delivery scams:

Never click on links or open attachments of unsolicited emails or on social media.
Keep your device’s security at its strongest settings.
Opt-out of websites that are full of typos and/or grammatical errors.
Check each website’s URL for authentic spelling and signs of security, like the “https” and padlock.
Research every new seller when shopping before sharing any information or making a purchase.
Avoid making payments by prepaid gift cards or wire transfer. When shopping online, it’s best to use a credit card.
Stay away from sellers who advertise as if they are residents of the U.S. and then respond to questions by claiming they are out of the country.
Be wary of items with prices that are too good to be true–they probably are!

If you’re targeted

If you believe you’ve fallen victim to a non-delivery scam, there are steps you can take to mitigate damage.

First, if you’ve paid by credit card, call the company to dispute the charge as soon as you recognize the scam. Next, alert the FTC about the scam so they can do their part in catching the crooks. If the alleged retailer is on the BBB website, you can let them know, too.

Shop smartly this season and follow the tips outlined here to avoid getting scammed. Stay safe!

Last Minute Holiday Hacks

The holidays are nipping at your heels and there’s still a lot to do! It probably seems like your stress levels keep rising while the money in your wallet keeps dwindling. It doesn’t have to be this way. With a bit of planning and by following these holiday hacks, you can enjoy a stress-free and affordable holiday season. Not buying what we’re selling? Well, continue reading to find out how:

Clear the clutter for cash

Before the holidays, browse your closets for clothing in good condition you no longer wear. Sell these on resale sites like eBay and Craigslist. You’ll make room for any incoming gifts and give your holiday budget a little wiggle room at the same time.

Shop small businesses

Avoid crowds and enjoy a wider selection of gift items by shopping small businesses this holiday season. Independently owned stores are more likely to be fully stocked, even late in the season. As a bonus, you’re more likely to land unique gifts, and you’ll be helping local businesses stay afloat during these trying economic times.

Suggest a Secret Santa exchange

If the gift-shopping is getting to be a bit much, consider cutting back by suggesting a Secret Santa gift exchange. You’ll only need to buy one gift instead of one for everyone in an entire group, and the surprise factor makes it super-fun.

Round up your change

It’s never too late to start saving for the holidays! As you shop, use a money app like Acorn to round up your charge to the nearest dollar, and save the change in a specific account. Small change can add up quickly and help offset the amount you’ll need to come up with in your overall budget.

Delegate

If you’ll be hosting events this holiday season, delegate jobs to your guests. Everyone will appreciate the opportunity to pitch in, and it’ll be more helpful for you if you can assign specific jobs to each guest, instead of having three different people show up with apple pies.

Shop during non-peak hours

Peak business hours, which start in the early afternoon and run until evening, will have the biggest crowds and emptiest shelves. If you can get to the store early in the day, you’ll enjoy a full selection that you can peacefully browse before crowds show up. Stress-free shopping also means you’re more likely to make responsible spending decisions. Win-win!

Use the tips outlined here for a stress-free and budget-friendly pre-holiday season.

How Can I Save on Holiday Shopping?

Q: The holidays always have me worried about money. With inflation soaring, I’m more stressed than ever. How can I save on my holiday shopping this year?

A: If you’re worried about making it through the holiday shopping season in the midst of record inflation, you’re not alone. A recent survey shows that 59% of American shoppers are stressed about buying holiday gifts due to higher prices this year. With some careful planning, though, you can enjoy stress-free holiday shopping. Here are seven easy ways you can save.

1. Shop early

Experts are urging shoppers to hit the stores earlier than normal this year to take advantage of early-season sales. Lots of big-box stores are struggling with a supply surplus thanks to an inflation-triggered decline in demand. This will likely lead to sales events to make room for more current inventory. Shop these sales for big savings.

2. Set a budget

Before you start shopping, build a reasonable budget for your holiday shopping. Make your budget easier to keep by allocating a specific amount for every gift, shopping with cash and/or reviewing your budget often.

3. Shop with a list

Instead of blindly hitting the stores, make a list of every gift to buy for friends and family. You’ll be far more likely to stay within budget when your purchases are pre-planned.

4. Leave some last-minute shopping for Green Monday

While it’s best to do the bulk of your shopping early in the season, you can leave some last-minute gift-shopping for Green Monday on Dec. 14. This is when retailers make their final pre-holiday markdowns.

5. Think outside the box

If ever there was a holiday season to get creative with gifting, this is it. Retail inventories are full of products that were backed up during the post-pandemic supply-chain disaster. Think furniture, home decor and more. While these items may not be typical holiday gifts, there’s no real reason you can’t delight a loved one with a new office chair, exercise bike or coffee organizing station.

6. Give gift cards

Protect your gift list against inflation by giving some gift cards. You can find discounted cards on sites like GiftCardGranny and CardCash, or use cash-back apps to earn them at no cost. Gift cards are easy to shop for, easy to budget for and appreciated by the receiver.

7. Use apps to save

In 2022, there are so many apps that can help you spend less on your shopping, and even put money back into your pocket. Try coupon-scanning apps like Honey, cash-back apps like Ibotta and points apps like Drop to save this season.

Use the money-saving tips offered here to shop for the holidays without breaking your budget.

‘You Better Watch Out’ for Holiday Shopping Scams!

The Holiday Season is quickly approaching, and scammers ‘see you when you’re shopping’ online and know how to trick you out of your money! Here are some quick tips that will help you avoid fraudulent retailers and ensure that you get what you pay for.

1. Maintain Your Account Awareness

Set up appropriate E-Alerts for your accounts and monitor your activity regularly. It’s especially important to monitor your accounts if while using your account information you notice anything abnormal while performing online payments. If you haven’t already, set up E-Alerts by logging in to your Digital Banking Account at HighPointFCU.com.

2. Don’t Purchase Anything Via Social Media Links

While you can find legitimate advertising on social media, it’s best to research the sale yourself via your browser, on the retailer’s official website. This way you avoid potential fraud, as scammers can easily copycat legitimate websites and advertisements.

3. Don’t Click on Links in Email or Text Messages

Even if you’ve subscribed to a particular retailer to stay up to date on sales, that doesn’t mean the ad you just received is legitimate. Scammers can duplicate or closely imitate advertisements from trusted companies. Your safest bet is to visit the official website of the retailer and look for the sale there.

4. Only Use Gift Cards on Trusted Websites

If you have a gift card you’d like to use for holiday shopping, be sure to use it with the retailer it’s associated with. If it’s a gift card that can be used anywhere, only use it on trusted websites. Do not use it in places like Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist. If the seller is a fraud, you won’t be able to get your money back.

5. Don’t Pay with Cryptocurrency or Wire Transfer

These forms of payment are nearly impossible to trace, so if you pay a scammer, you’ll likely never see that money again.

6. When in Doubt, Use Your Credit Card

Any legitimate online retailer will accept credit cards. If you’re interested in purchasing from a company you’re unfamiliar with, first do your research to see if anyone has complained about the company. If there are no red flags, make the purchase with your credit card and save the order confirmation. This way if there are any issues with your order, you can dispute the charges.

7. Be Extra Suspicious of Deals that are Too Good to be True

If something seems too good to be true, it usually is. Don’t fall prey to scammers looking to steal your information and ruin your credit. Validate the deal by navigating to the sale directly through the retailer, not through the link or ad you received.

8. Report Scams Immediately!

If you make a payment to a fraudulent retailer, call your financial institution right away. You can contact High Point FCU by calling 800-854-6052. Then, report the scam at ReportFraud.ftc.gov and at IC3.gov. And lastly, inform your friends and family! If you were tricked into a holiday shopping scam, then someone you care about could be next.