The holiday season, with its festive lights and joyful gatherings, is upon us. But with the cheer comes the challenge of gift-giving and tipping. Many of us feel the pressure to show our appreciation through presents and tips, but how do you balance your budget while still spreading holiday joy? In this guide, we'll walk you through how to plan your holiday shopping — all while making sure you don’t break the bank.

Cold drafts and high energy bills can be a real pain when the temperatures drop. But don't worry, we've got you covered with some top home improvement projects that will help keep your home warm and cozy all winter long.

In today's world, where every dollar counts, finding ways to maximize your spending can significantly benefit your financial health. One of the most effective strategies is leveraging credit card rewards.

Turn Your Loose Change Into Savings

At SCU Credit Union, we offer you convenient and hassle-free coin counting services. Whether it’s spare change from the couch cushions or a jar full of coins, our self-service coin counters are here to save you time and effort.

The end of the year can be a stressful time for many people, with holiday expenses piling up on top of regular financial commitments. That's why many credit unions, including SCU Credit Union, offer programs like "Skip a Payment" or "Defer a Loan Payment" to provide a little financial breathing room during the holiday season. 

Today, managing finances has become increasingly convenient thanks to the SCU Mobile App and CardValet. These tools offer a range of features designed to make banking easier, enhance security, and save you money.

Life is unpredictable. Whether it's a sudden medical emergency, an unexpected natural disaster like a flood, or the surprise of car repairs or home improvement needs, these unforeseen events can disrupt our financial stability. That's why having an emergency savings account is crucial.

If your auto lease is coming to an end, you might be wondering what your next steps should be. This can be both an exciting and a daunting time, as you decide whether to renew your lease, turn in your vehicle, or perhaps even purchase the car outright.

Credit cards can be more than just a tool for making purchases—they can be a way to earn rewards. If you're like most consumers, you may not be fully utilizing the benefits that come with credit card rewards.

Fleet financing is an invaluable tool for business owners looking to expand their operations with a fleet of vehicles. Whether you're in transportation, delivery, or services, having reliable transportation can be crucial to your success.

Home energy assessments, also known as home energy audits, are a great way to learn how to save money on your energy bills and reduce your environmental impact. Mass Save offers home energy assessments to residents of Massachusetts at no cost.

When it comes to personal finance, there is no one-size-fits-all approach. However, one thing that is essential for everyone is having a budget.

Taking over a business from the current owner is a significant step, one that requires careful planning and consideration. It's a journey that's as much about personal fulfillment as it is about business acumen.

If you bought a home in the last two years, you might be wondering if now is a good time to refinance your mortgage. One significant factor to consider is the possibility you could get rid of PMI (private mortgage insurance). 

Planning a vacation is one of life’s most exciting endeavors. Whether you’re picturing yourself lounging on a pristine beach, exploring ancient ruins, or dining in a quaint European café, the anticipation of a getaway can bring immense joy. But to make that dream a reality, smart saving is essential. That's when an automated savings account comes into play.

Scammers are becoming increasingly sophisticated in their attempts to steal personal and financial information. Here are some of the most prevalent scams targeting checking and savings accounts.

In today's housing market, adjustable rate mortgages (ARMs) can be a way for first-time homebuyers to break into the market.

Considering an electric vehicle (EV)? Explore affordable new & used EV options, federal & Massachusetts EV incentives, and cost-saving tips get you in a greener ride!

Is it time to start talking about shredding our checkbooks?

Life throws a lot our way, and sometimes, those curveballs come in the form of expenses that stretch our budget thin. That's where personal loans step in to help you manage expenses and interest cost.

Choosing the right mortgage can be as crucial to your financial health as selecting the right home is to your personal happiness.

 Building a relationship with a commercial lender before you get started on getting a loan can be invaluable.

If you’re in the market for a new home, it’s best to learn all you can about home loans and how they work before you get too deep into the process.

Read on to learn more!

A HELOC is a powerful financial tool, but it's vital to understand the terms and use it responsibly.

Loan-to-value (LTV) is the percentage of a home's value that is financed by a mortgage, including a home equity line of credit (HELOC).

Spoofing can make a call or text seem legitimate, displaying a familiar name or number on your caller ID.

Understanding the Draw Period of a Home Equity Line of Credit, or HELOC, will help you know if a HELOC is right for you.

Most people rarely or never think about their checking accounts. This may be a mistake as checking accounts range in the fees they charge

Massachusetts is getting serious about sustainability! Seize the opportunity to upgrade to energy-efficient solutions, maximize your savings, and contribute to the collective effort in combating climate change.

Negotiating with a car dealer can feel intimidating, but with some preparation and the right tactics, you can save money on your car purchase.

By rethinking your approach and embracing some creativity, you can have a beautiful and memorable wedding that doesn't break the bank.

Rising interest rates have given savers a real opportunity to see their savings grow.

With a Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC), it's important to understand the difference between interest-only payments and principal and interest payments.

Let’s go through some of the more challenging parts of automotive financing.

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The Mass Save® Heat Loan program presents residents with 0% interest loans, making it substantially easier to manage the upfront costs of energy-efficient upgrades. Imagine being able to enhance your home's comfort and value, all while keeping your savings intact.

A money market account can be a great way to earn more interest on your savings without being tied down to a long-term investment.

Refinancing your car loan can often be a smart financial move, potentially saving you money. Here's why you should consider it.

Earning points using your SCU Credit Union Debit Mastercard^® is easy... and redeeming the points you earn is fun. With uChoose Rewards^®, whether you're filling up the tank, making the weekly grocery run, or shopping online, every time you use your Debit Mastercard^® adds valuable points.

When you get your mortgage from us, you’ll always know where to go with questions. That’s because we service every home loan we make. Whether you’re making a payment or asking a question, you’ll work with the same friendly team throughout your loan.

When is the best time to buy a home? Whenever you are ready. Whether home prices are rising or dropping, supplies are tight or plentiful, you can be a successful house hunter.

By integrating technology with financial expertise, SCU Credit Union is helping individuals plan for a brighter and more secure financial future with robust budgeting tools.

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Are you confused about the differences of share certificates and Certificates of Deposit? Our latest blog entry highlights the differences between the two, and how SCU will help keep your money safe and insured.

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Managing multiple bills and loan payments can feel like a juggling act if you don’t have a plan. Bill consolidation emerges as a practical solution to simplify your financial life, reduce stress, and potentially save money. The goal is to streamline your monthly obligations and create a more structured approach to debt repayment. 

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As the credit card bills from the holiday season begin to arrive, many of us experience a phenomenon known as "Santa shock." Its primary symptoms include the aftermath of a disorganized household and disrupted daily schedules, coupled with the looming presence of credit card statements revealing the ghosts of past purchases. Learn how to bounce back by reading our guide to Santa Shock Recovery on our latest blog post.

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Struggling with debt? You're not alone. Building a plan and choosing a strategy are the first steps to ditching debt and building a brighter financial future.

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Discover the future of effortless transactions with SCU Credit Union! In this quick guide, learn how to link your SCU Credit Union Debit Mastercard and SCU Credit Union Visa Credit Card to Apple Pay and Google Wallet. Enjoy the convenience of contactless payments, enhanced security features, and real-time transaction alerts. 

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Ready to make the most of this year's Black Friday? Discover expert tips on planning, researching deals, and staying safe while scoring fantastic discounts. Don't miss out on this guide to a stress-free shopping experience.

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Government shutdowns can have devastating consequences, impacting everyone from government employees to local communities. Learn about the effects of a government shutdown and how SCU Credit Union can help you in the event of a shutdown.

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Scammers are capitalizing on financial worries, using threats and manipulation to coerce victims into paying non-existent debts. Don't let fear and deception lead you into their traps. Learn how to spot these scams and safeguard your finances with our latest blog post.

With student loan payments set to resume in October, you're probably wondering what you need to know. Our latest blog post addresses your questions and provides essential information on dates, helpful links, and crucial next steps to take.

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When natural disasters, such as the Hawaii Wildfires occur, the desire to offer assistance can often be confused by a wave of requests from dozens of organizations. It is important to do research before making a donation, but how? Our latest blog post answers this question and offers numerous resources to ensure that your donations reach legitimate organizations and offer the maximum impact for affected communities.

From reducing stress and debt to enhancing savings and fostering smarter spending habits, embracing a monthly budget empowers you to take control of your finances and pave the way to lasting financial freedom. Our latest blog posts highlights eight benefits to creating a monthly budget to help shape your financial future.

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When used responsibly, credit cards offer convenience, security, and numerous financial benefits. However, if not managed carefully, they can lead to a cycle of high-interest debt. For individuals facing mounting credit card debt and struggling with high interest rates, a credit card balance transfer can be a game-changer. In this blog post, we'll explore the benefits of credit card balance transfers and how they can help you regain control of your finances.

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The United States Postal Service recently raised the price of a First Class stamp from 63 cents to 66 cents. Due to this, there has been an influx of counterfeit stamp sellers posting ads on social media, offering discounts of up to 50% off the face value of a stamp. Learn how to protect yourself in our latest blog post.

As a member of a Credit Union, you're also an owner/shareholder. Without outside shareholders or investors trying to maximize profits at the expense of our members, credit unions can conduct business based on the best interest of the membership. Read more to see more differences between banks and credit unions.

Artificial Intelligence provides new ways to automate tasks, but unfortunately, it can also give scammers help in pulling off schemes. Learn what to look for and how to keep yourself safe!

Summer is officially here! Here are fifty fun activities you can do to make your summer memorable without breaking your budget.

Improving your home doesn't just refresh your living space, but it can also significantly increase the value of your house. Here are some projects you can do to provide some long-term return to your property.

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If it sometimes seems like #scams are everywhere, it’s because they are! 

Read on to learn all of our tips on how to recognize and protect yourself from scams.

A recent study found that finances were one of the most frequently cited causes for stress and anxiety. Take a look at how improving financial stability can help improve mental health and lead to peace of mind and improved relationships on our latest blog post.

While it may seem exciting to get a refund check from the government, getting a tax refund essentially means you've been providing the government an interest-free loan throughout the year, and now they're paying it back to you. Our latest blog explains why getting a big refund isn't "free money" and how you can lower your refund next year.

World Backup Day presents an excellent opportunity to ensure that all of your data is safe and secure. Whether you choose a local backup, cloud backup, or a hybrid of both, creating a backup strategy will help protect your data should disaster strike.

The elderly population has become even more susceptible to fraud with the increase of convincing and persuasive techniques that aim to scam them. It is important to know the techniques of these fraudsters in order to protect them and make sure they don't fall victim.

P2P payment services like Zelle and Venmo make sending and receiving money with friends simple, but they can also leave your money vulnerable if you aren't careful. Learn how to keep yourself safe on our latest blog post.

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Much of the cost of an overseas trip can come from the airfare alone. Knowing where and when to look for flights can ease a lot of frustration and save you time and money, as well. 

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Inflation levels are steadily increasing, which makes budgeting and saving even more difficult. Our latest blog post highlights some simples ways you can help minimize the effects of inflation on your personal budget.

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According to data from the Federal Trade Commission, there were nearly 250,000 cases of credit card fraud reported in the first half of 2022 alone. Learn how to keep yourself safe from fraud on our latest blog post.

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The major shopping holidays may be over, but there are still great deals out there, if you know where to look! Our latest blog post covers what you should buy and what you should skip while shopping in January.

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We're officially into the new year, which means you're likely focusing on your resolution list. Our latest blog post focuses on going beyond the typical weight loss resolutions to introduce some changes into your workplace life as well.

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Text messages that provide a link to update your account security are NOT from SCU. Please do not click the link or enter any information. This is a scam!

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Is your private information actually private? Keep your personal info out of the hands of scammers and make sure you don't fall victim to a SIM swap scam by reading our latest blog post.

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Looking for ways to improve an unfavorable credit score? Look no further! Our handy guide will help you get on the road to improving your score.

Do: Determine your actual credit score

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