‘Tis the season. No matter what we say, most of us will end up spending a significant amount on holiday gifts. After all, no one wants to be a Scrooge. But never fear. There are ways to save hundreds of dollars this year on your holiday shopping, both online and in person. Here are 10 suggestions:

How to have fun in the sun this summer without taking on extra credit card debt.

Summer has officially kicked off, which means that it’s a good time to set a summer budget.

A summer budget can help you maintain stability over the next few months, so you can avoid credit card debt. With that in mind, the experts at KOFE have some tips that can help you build a budget that will help you stay on track this season.

Expecting a substantial income tax refund this year? If so, you are in the majority - over 70 percent of Americans get money back at the end of the tax year, with the average refund being close to $2,000. Rather than having those precious dollars being absorbed into your normal spending routine, get the most out of your cash.

If your car seems to be chugging along perfectly fine, why should you fork out the dough for service work? When this thought flows through your mind unabated, you could be setting yourself up for trouble in the future. Whether they are driven often or not, modern vehicles require regular maintenance to remain in optimal condition. If you neglect to complete timely maintenance, you could end up paying far more than you would have otherwise to fix whatever broke. To ensure you do not make this costly mistake, utilize this guide to better understand how regular car maintenance can prevent the need for extensive repairs.

The pandemic is still causing chaos and pushing average spending higher.

This is the second year where the pandemic has severely disrupted schools. Back-to-school shopping this year is going to be difficult. Because cases of the Delta variant of COVID-19 continue to increase, school districts may quickly change their plans, which means parents will face many challenges with their budgets. This year, families like yours will spend hundreds of dollars on school supplies, Parents still do not know if their children will be in hybrid learning, in-person learning, or virtual learning, and this is causing a problem for our budgets. Do you need to budget as much for clothes or uniforms if the school will continue to be virtual or part-time?

If you've been dreaming about owning a recreational vehicle (RV) but you've been having difficulty finding a lender that offers reasonable interest rates, have you considered signing up for membership with a credit union? In Florida, one of the most trusted credit unions is We Florida Financial; so if you want better interest rates on RV loans in Florida, you shouldn't pass up the chance of becoming a member of this premier credit union.

Democracy is a privilege and a responsibility that is upheld in this great country by the election process. Unfortunately, though, scammers are out to hijack this process and wreak havoc throughout election season with various ruses and schemes. Here are three scams to watch out for this time of year.

Opening your first credit card is one of the rites of passage into genuine adulthood, but with so much conflicting information, it can all get confusing fast!

Let us walk you through the process to help you build a strong credit score and credit history that will serve you well throughout your life.

Q: Is it a good idea to use my We Florida Financial credit card to pay for gas?

A: People commonly use their debit cards or pay in good old-fashioned cash when filling up on fuel, but there are several advantages to using a credit card to pay for gas. Here are four reasons our members should use your credit card to pay at the pump. 

The Summer is here and you’ll be making lots of purchases with your debit and credit cards to prepare for your vacation getaways, family outings, and events with friends. So you can get enough bang for your buck, We Florida Financial has put together the below list of items our South Florida credit union members should buy and skip this Summer:

Buy: Patriotic items

Pledge your allegiance along with your favorite retailers when buying almost anything under the sun in red, white and blue. Of course, you’ll also find discounted fireworks and July 4th decor, which can be stored for next year’s Independence Day festivities. 

Skip: Sunglasses

If you need a new pair of shades, you’re best off waiting a bit before springing for a new pair. Sunglasses are still retailing at full price this month, and won’t start to see discounts until September. For even steeper savings, pick up a new pair of shades in October. 

Did you know that the cost of a car can fluctuate based on the month or the day of the week? Now that you have decided it is time to buy a car, make sure you purchase it at the right time so you can get the best deal possible.

As a Member of We Florida Financial, you are uniquely positioned to manage your finances and watch your money grow on the best possible terms. Like a Member of an elite club, you are entitled to exclusive privileges and individualized service, courtesy of your credit union.

Let’s take a quick look at some of the benefits you can enjoy as a member :

Get ready for savings on big-ticket items this month! Retailers are looking to bring the crowds back after the big back-to-school storm has passed, and bargain prices are always a great way to attract shoppers. They also need to clear shelves before the holiday season blows in with its shopping frenzy. Add in the Labor Day sales that kick off the month, and it means big savings during September – but not on everything. Here’s what to buy and what to skip in September. 

 Now is the right time to start perfecting the art of saving.

“Pay yourself first” is a catchphrase that means prioritizing your personal savings above other expenses. Savings should not be an afterthought or an extra that only happens if there’s money left over at the end of the month. Putting aside money should be a fixed line on your budget that happens every month without fail. 

Here’s how to successfully pay yourself first.

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If you’re looking to fund a home improvement project, consider tapping into your home’s equity with a home equity line of credit, or a HELOC.

What is a HELOC?

A HELOC is a revolving credit line allowing homeowners to borrow money against the equity of their home. Borrowers can withdraw money as needed during a set amount of time known as the “draw period,” which generally lasts 10 years.

Consumer debt can be one of the biggest challenges to financial wellness. With some intentional action and commitment, reaching true financial wellness is possible!

Here’s how to pay down or off your debt in five simple steps:

1. Organize your debt

List every credit card you own along with an outstanding balance. Jot down the amount owed to each card issuer. Next, list the interest rate of each card. Repeat these steps for other loans you may have as well. 

Q: What should be on my financial to-do list this spring?

A: It’s wonderful that you’re using the season to clean up your finances. Let’s review some ways you can improve your money management this time of year.

Produced by Ann Davidson, VP of Risk Consulting at Allied Solutions

As the holidays approach, credit union employees and members must become increasingly aware of scams and identity theft and other forms of fraud. Combating fraud is easy when the credit union and member are fully aware of the types of scams and how to avoid them.