As technology advances, so too do the methods used by scammers to target unsuspecting victims. With this in mind, it is important to stay informed of new phone scam tactics.

Credit cards are an essential tool in modern finance, and they come with a range of benefits that can make them an excellent choice for consumers. When used correctly, credit cards can provide a secure and convenient way to make purchases, build credit, and access various perks and rewards. In this article, we will explore some of the key benefits of using a credit card.

• Your Credit Union will never ask for your account number via phone. If you are uncomfortable with the caller, you can call the Credit Union directly and verify any information. In addition, if you are told your account was taken over, you should call the Credit Union directly and ask for assistance.

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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.

Q: With rising inflation, I want to spend my money in the best way possible. When paying for various everyday and occasional purchases, should I be using cash, credit or debit?

A: There’s a time and place for everything. Some purchases should be paid for with cash, some with a credit card, and others with a debit card. Your lifestyle and personality may influence this choice as well. Let’s take a closer look at each payment method and when they should be used.

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. 

Recently there has been an uptick in scams involving McAfee. In this scam, there is an email purported to be from McAfee, which is a well-known leader in online protection. The email involves the following:

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 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.

Government impostor scams decreased in 2021 after peaking during the pandemic, but scam victims still lost twice as much money that year to fake government agents, according to new research from the Better Business Bureau (BBB).

With government impostor scams, someone claims they’re with a government agency so they can swindle money or personal information from unsuspecting victims.

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. 

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. 

Leaving college often means the start of a new job, new living arrangements to pay for and other new expenses to cover. All of this means your finances will likely need an overhaul. It’s time to create your post-college budget.

If you’ve been working with a budget throughout college, you’ll already have the concept down pat. You’ll want to rework the numbers to incorporate your new expenses, as well as your new salary. If you’ve floated by on a wing and a prayer while in school, you’ll have to start at the very beginning as you build a workable budget to manage your finances.

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.

Scammers are always dreaming up new ways to con people out of their money. Recently, they’ve figured out a “quick” way by hijacking QR codes. Here’s what to know about QR code scams and how to avoid them. 

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.