We Make Life… More Resilient

Hello from your favorite guest blogger, Mommy Money. We have made it to December, and the year is quickly coming to a close. For parents who recently sent their children off to college, this may be their first return home for winter break. I have been there…wandering the house and looking into unoccupied rooms, missing the angsty teen chaos. The only time you hear from them now is when they need money or they are in complete emotional breakdown mode. After having three girls in college, I saw a consistent theme their first year. They struggled between, “I’m too old for you to tell me what to do,” vs. “I’m too young to be adulting just yet.”

We make life… SAFER!

‘Tis the season…and not the merriest of kinds. As an old-school banker, November always marked the kickoff to the most active fraud and theft time of year. We would see an uptick in counterfeit checks and currency, kiting activity, and worse. I have lived through my fair share of all kinds of circumstances.

As a supporting organization of International Fraud Awareness Week, or Fraud Week (November 16-22, 2025), We Florida Financial is proud to demonstrate our commitment to preventing and detecting fraud.

Fraud Week was established by the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE) in 2000 as a dedicated time to raise awareness about fraud. Fraud Week encourages business leaders and employees to proactively take steps to minimize the impact of fraud by promoting anti-fraud awareness and education.

Zoie DiGioia, BSA and Fraud Director, leads We Florida Financial’s Fraud Management department. “I’m proud of the work our team does daily to spot and prevent fraud from negatively impacting our members. The fraudsters are constantly coming up with new scams, so it’s important for our members to stay vigilant to protect their accounts.”

We’ve been made aware of sponsored posts from "Gibbs Mura Law Group Overdraft Lawsuit Investigations" falsely implying there is a lawsuit related to overdraft fees at multiple financial institutions, including We Florida Financial.

These posts are NOT legitimate. They appear to be part of a phishing scheme designed to steal personal information.

• If you see one of these ads:
• Do NOT click on any links
• Do NOT fill out any forms
• Do NOT share personal or banking information

If you’re unsure about a message you receive or a social media post you see, please contact us directly at wefloridafinancial.com or visit your local We Florida Financial branch. We are happy to answer any questions you have.

Hello friends, it’s Mommy Money here with you again to share some quirky personal stories and solid financial advice. We have made it to October, and this year has flown by. Summer vacations came to a close and the kids are back in school. It got me thinking now that my kids are grown, I actually miss this time of year…filling out forms, getting to know new teachers, and most importantly, finding opportunities to volunteer at my children’s schools.

Volunteering has always been my way of making a contribution to my community. It gives me a chance to jump in to lend support where it’s needed. Oh, the things I have done…from reading to kids to painting community park bathrooms and too many other fun things to list. My favorite type of volunteering though, is when I can make a positive impact with the children of our community, like the days I spent volunteering for 5th graders at JA’s BizTown in Coconut Creek. It is no wonder I ended up at a credit union where there is a major focus on volunteerism and financial literacy.

Fraud attempts are on the rise and knowing what to look for can help you protect your accounts. Fraudsters are increasingly using spoofing tactics - pretending to be trusted companies -- such as pretending to be We Florida Financial --  to try to access your personal and financial information.

Why I Want to Share My Story

Hello credit union members, I am a guest blogger for the next few months. Why did I volunteer to share my experiences? It’s not just my 36 years of banking experience, it’s the perspective from a now middle-aged woman with a husband, three grown children and one young grandchild. I have been through the ups and downs both in the financial industry and in my personal life. My wish is that I can bring a very personal touch to the blog and help some of you with relatable topics.

Hello again, from your guest blogger Mommy Money. We are in the middle of summer in South Florida and if you are like me, you are thinking…is it HOTTER this year! Hotter summer triggers even more concern; the hot ocean water means bigger hurricanes. It’s inevitable that we will have storms that cause a ruckus. The question on my mind is “Am I prepared?”   

💰 Max Out Catch-Up Contributions

Hitting 50 may feel like a wake-up call, but financially, it comes with a unique advantage: catch-up contributions. These are additional amounts that the IRS allows you to invest in retirement accounts beyond the standard annual limits. For 2025, you can contribute up to $30,500 to your 401(k) and $8,000 to your IRA (if eligible). This means you can turbocharge your retirement savings during what may be your highest-earning years. If you’ve fallen behind or started saving later in life, these contributions can help you make up serious ground. Even increasing your contributions by 5% of your paycheck now could result in tens of thousands more in retirement, thanks to compound growth. If you have an employer match, that’s even more money working on your behalf.

For millennials, managing credit and debt is more than just keeping up with monthly bills—it’s about laying the foundation for long-term financial success. Whether it’s climbing out of student debt, improving a credit score, or making smarter borrowing choices, credit and debt management remains one of the most searched—and most impactful—financial topics today.

As we progress through 2025, the U.S. housing market presents a complex landscape, especially for millennials striving for homeownership. Economic fluctuations, policy shifts, and evolving market dynamics are influencing both opportunities and challenges.

In today's turbulent economy, stability is more valuable than ever.

Between fluctuating interest rates, rising inflation, and international tensions impacting markets, it's no surprise that many individuals and families are seeking financial safe havens. Credit unions like We Florida Financial are stepping up to the challenge by offering reliable, people-first solutions during times of uncertainty.

Let’s face it—tax season can be a real headache. Whether you’re filing on your own or working with a tax preparer, the process is rarely enjoyable. And if you end up owing money to the IRS or your state government? That’s the cherry on top of a financially stressful sundae.

For many people, it’s not just the paperwork that’s overwhelming—it’s the payment. Having to suddenly come up with hundreds or even thousands of dollars can seriously derail your finances if you haven’t planned ahead. But here’s the good news: a little preparation throughout the year can make next tax season feel like no big deal.

Banking is evolving, but your relationship with your credit union doesn’t have to disappear behind a screen.

As digital technology continues to transform industries, financial services are no exception. From mobile banking apps to AI-powered financial tools, today’s consumers enjoy more control and convenience than ever before. But in a world of automation, personalization matters more than ever.

In today’s unpredictable financial landscape, finding a balance between earning more and keeping your money safe is top of mind for many investors. If you're someone who prefers stability over risk, but still wants your money to work for you, it's time to consider CD laddering—a smart, flexible savings strategy built for people who want both growth and access.

In today’s digital landscape, scammers are constantly evolving their tactics to deceive users, and a new phishing scam is making rounds under the guise of an “Important Warning from Meta.” This fraudulent message claims that your Facebook page is scheduled for permanent deletion due to a supposed trademark infringement, urging you to take immediate action by clicking a malicious link.

If you or your business receives a message like this, do not click on the link. Instead, here’s what you need to know about this scam and how to protect yourself.

With the sun setting by 6 pm since we fell back for Daylight Saving Time, it’s more important than ever to brush up on ATM safety. Using a compromised ATM can mean risking identity theft and/or having cash stolen.

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

The Risks of Meme Coins vs. The Security of Long-Term Investments: Why CDs, Interest-Bearing Accounts, and Other Secure Options Are the Smarter Choice

In recent years, the rise of meme coins and viral investing trends has captured the attention of both novice and seasoned investors alike. Buzzwords like "to the moon" and "diamond hands" flood social media platforms, encouraging individuals to jump on the latest cryptocurrency bandwagon with the hope of striking it rich overnight. While the allure of quick profits is tempting, the reality is that these speculative investments come with significant risks. Conversely, secure financial products like Certificates of Deposit (CDs), Interest-Bearing accounts, and other low-risk investments offer stability, growth, and long-term financial peace of mind.

The road to homeownership isn’t just about finding a house you love—it’s about making informed financial decisions that set you up for long-term success. To avoid common pitfalls in the homebuying process and ensure you’re fully prepared, it’s crucial to follow a structured approach.

Let’s break it down into five key steps every first-time homebuyer should take.