Credit or debit? Find out which one is the smartest swipe!
News & Insights
Welcome to Mutual Security’s News and Insights page, where you’ll find updates, tips, and resources on banking, borrowing, and financial planning from the experts at one of the best credit unions in Connecticut.
Member Appreciation Month was a huge success! We’re thrilled to celebrate our amazing members, and we’d like to congratulate our winners for their support and loyalty. Thank you for being part of our community!
It’s time for #holiday shopping, and working out how to handle the expense may have you wanting to guzzle a gallon of eggnog and sleep until January. Fortunately, we’ve got a guide!
Did you always think a wallet full of #credit cards was a sign of success? Not necessarily! Let us help you figure out the right number of credit cards for you.
Whether you're shopping online or in-store, remember to stay mindful of safety precautions. Let's keep ourselves and our communities safe while making the most of the holiday season.
MSCU made a proud charitable donation of $1,000 to support the Apostolic Worship Center to host their annual Thanksgiving Food Drive.
On November 20th and 21st, MSCU hosted the Gobble & Give Fundraiser, a two-day event filled with generosity, community spirit, and holiday cheer. In collaboration with Smile Dental Center, the event raised vital support for Spooner House and the Valley Food Bank Network, reinforcing MSCU's commitment to serving ...
Our recent Financial Reality Fair was a huge success, giving students a hands-on opportunity to learn about budgeting, financial planning, and making real-world money decisions. It was a day full of learning, fun, and important life lessons on managing money!
The #holiday season is great, except for the part where the bills start to mount up and the credit cards start to come out. Manage your holiday expenses with our handy guide!
You think your small #business is thriving, but the bottom line doesn’t agree. What’s the problem? We’ve got a simple list of things to check to get you back on track!
You’ve heard of using a HELOC or a home #equity loan to get money out of your home, but have you heard of a home equity investment? We’ve got all the details on this new option!
This holiday season, double-check URLs before shopping online. Stick to trusted retailers and look out for suspicious discounts. Stay safe and don’t get scammed! By following these guidelines, you can shop confidently and safely.
Want to get the most out of your Black Friday #deals? It takes more than just making a shopping list and checking the ads. We’ve got tips to help you save even more!
Buying a new car? That means a new car #payment to factor into your budget. What goes into figuring out the payment, and what other expenses will you have? We’ve got all the info!
If you’re looking for #debt consolidation, you’re wading into one of the most scam-filled swamps there is. We’ll help you steer clear of the hazards!
Mutual Security Credit Union’s Alex Holderman Awarded Outstanding Credit Union Young Professional Award 2024 by Credit Union League of Connecticut
When your money doesn’t last until #payday, it’s easy to fall victim to payday loan scams. They come in many shapes, but we can help you avoid them!
MSCU Announcement: Jeffrey Tracey has been promoted to Chief Operating Officer/Senior Vice President
Mutual Security Credit Union (MSCU) is pleased to announce Jeffrey Tracey's promotion to Chief Operating Officer/Senior Vice President. Jeff, a valued team member for over 17 years, strongly advocates collaboration and teamwork!
Learn more about the International Credit Union Day and ways how you can be a part of the celebration! Be sure to check with your credit union to see if there is a way you can participate in what it has planned.
Imposter scams involving credit unions have become increasingly common, with fraudsters posing as bank representatives to steal personal and financial information. These scams may occur through phone calls, emails, or even text messages, often mimicking the credit union’s branding to appear legitimate. Stay vigilant ...
Imposter scams involving credit unions have become increasingly common, with fraudsters posing as bank representatives to steal personal and financial information. These scams may occur through phone calls, emails, or even text messages, often mimicking the credit union’s branding to appear legitimate. Stay vigilant ...
Sure, #overdraft protection sounds like a great idea, but with banks and even some credit unions, the fees can be huge. We’ve got ways you can stay out of trouble and avoid paying fees!
Your #credit report affects a dizzying array of things that go on in your life, so you really need to know what it is and what affects it. We’ve got the total breakdown!
Finding the right time to #purchase your new car can save you big money, and we’ve got the lowdown on all the best times to get yourself a snazzy new set of wheels!
Thanks to inflation, even #Halloween is getting scary expensive, but there are plenty of ways to save on everything from costumes to candy to the all-important decorations. We can help!
Saving for your kid’s #college is serious business, but there are lots of options. We’ve got the details on all the different accounts to help you decide what works best for you!
When you’re getting a #mortgage, you’re going to come across a lot of unfamiliar terms, and a lot of alphabet soup like FHA, DTI, PMI and LTV. Fortunately, we’ve got it all spelled out!
Creating and working toward a savings goal can help you build an emergency fund for unexpected expenses or future expenses that might not be covered by a monthly budget. A solid emergency fund can provide you with peace of mind, knowing that you have taken the extra step to plan for whatever the future might hold.
Creating and working toward a savings goal can help you build an emergency fund for unexpected expenses or future expenses that might not be covered by a monthly budget. A solid emergency fund can provide you with peace of mind, knowing that you have taken the extra step to plan for whatever the future might hold.
Our money moves mostly via ACH and wire #transfers, but there are some major differences between them, especially when it comes to speed and security. We’ve got it all explained!
Whether it’s a hot #investment tip or a new romance that needs a loan, beware of handing out money upfront for anything. It’s likely a scam, and your money will disappear. We’ll help you stay safe!
It seems like the next financial #crisis is always one bad government report away, so where can you keep your money the safest? Find out why a credit union is your best choice!
Back-to-school #shopping doesn’t have to break the bank! If you go at it with a budget and use the other handy hacks we’ve got listed, you’ll survive the season without too much pain.
In light of the recent wave of data breaches, including AT&T and the Rock You 2024 Data Breach, now is an opportune moment to reinforce the importance of robust cybersecurity practices.
MSCU is proud to award $8,000 in scholarships to those who have given selflessly of themselves to improve their community.
Mutual Security Credit Union (MSCU) is proud to announce that it has been selected by the National Credit Union Foundation (the Foundation) to receive a grant aimed at deepening the credit union’s understanding of its employees' and members' financial health.
Are you having the usual #summer battle between having a cool house and keeping your energy costs down? We’ve got some hacks that will save you big bucks!
It’s time for summer #vacation, but you don’t want to lose sight of your budget completely. What do you do? Fortunately, we’ve got plenty of tips to help!
A one-time #password is a great way to have secure access to an account … until someone scams you into revealing it. Find out about this new scam and how to avoid it!
When you’re planning for #retirement, keep a spousal IRA on your radar. This lets an unemployed or underemployed spouse help with the savings. We’ve got the details!
Father’s Day is almost here, but you know Dad won’t want you spending a ton of #money on him, so we’ve got some great ideas for Father’s Day fun on a budget!
While you’re doing #spring cleaning around the house, spend some time doing the same with your savings. We’ve got a pack of ideas that will let your accounts sparkle!
Are you paying attention to your mental #health at work? There are a host of negative consequences if you don’t. Check our list of things you can do to make your workplace better.
Your credit is a valuable asset. Protecting it is a crucial step in overall financial wellness and identity theft protection. We want to remind you the importance of understanding credit scores, and provide some tips on helping you improve and maintain a healthy credit score.
Did you get some #exercise today? How about working out with your money habits? You need to get yourself financially fit just as much as physically, and we can help!
You want to remodel your place, but what projects will net you the most #value when it comes time to sell? Pick the right projects and you might really boost your sales price and appeal!
You want to get the perfect #gift for Mom for Mother’s Day, but that solid gold charm bracelet isn’t in the budget. What to do? We’ve got plenty of budget-friendly ideas!
If you’re looking to buy a new #home, it helps to know the best time of the year to do so. Each season brings its own advantages and disadvantages, and we’ll lay them out for you!.
Class of 2024 Gets a Head Start on Financial Reality at Staples High School!
Does a #checking account sound like one of those old-school things your parents had that you don’t need in these days of online financial wizardry? Find out why you need to rethink that!
Springtime means home #improvement time, but there are scammers out there looking to do a job … on your wallet! We’ll tell you what to look for.
MSCU understands that prosperity extends beyond financial stability; it also encompasses physical well-being. We're dedicated to safeguarding your financial health and promoting your overall wellness.
It’s tax time, and of course that means it’s also tax #scam time. The scammers are everywhere, and you need to be careful. We’ve got tips to help you stay safe!
Everybody loses their #happy every now and again, and we’ve got ways to get yours back that don’t involve prescriptions or long hours of therapy. Check it out!
You need to use your #credit to keep your credit rating up and drive it higher, but what are the smartest ways to use it? We’ve got a great list of tips!
When you start planning for #retirement, a traditional IRA is likely going to be one of the items at the top of your list. Find out the advantages and potential pitfalls of this route!
As we celebrate our 70th Anniversary, it is fantastic to see from where we started, how far we have come, and where we are going in the future…
The Black community has long found a financial home with the credit #union community, and we look forward to many more decades of success! Learn our history.
International Data Privacy Day, on Jan. 28, is a worldwide initiative to promote awareness of the importance of privacy online as well as protecting personal information.
All You Need to Know About Managing Your Student Loan.
When the temperature outside drops, save on heating costs.
January is the Financial Wellness Month and being financial ly fit is very important for your overall wellness.
Tax time is coming soon, so how can you prepare to #file without too much stress?
As the year draws to a close, many people are thinking about the new year, debts they are trying to manage, and the upcoming chore of filing their income tax return. Find out how you can keep safe from Tax Frauds!
Tips to reduce financial stress this holiday season!
To reach your financial goal, find a supportive financial advisor!
How to teach your kids the value of kindness and giving?
How to teach your kids the value of kindness and giving?
MSCU Donates $1,000 to Apostolic Worship Center!
It’s a great time to reflect on your financial goals and boost your savings.
Why choose Credit Unions over traditional Banking? How Credit unions make a difference in building communities?
Take control of your student loan repayment! Refinance and consolidate your private and federal student loans (including PLUS loans) into one manageable loan, setting up one convenient payment.
Learn how good credit card habits can help you achieve your goals!
Protect yourself from Identity Theft!
October is Domestic Violence Month
Watertown Shred Day and Food Drive was a big success!
Watertown Shred Day and Food Drive was a big success!
MSCU member appreciation month was September!
MSCU was awarded First Place in Leadership in Adult Financial Education category by CUNA and also bagged 2023 Marketing Excellence Award (Website Redesign) presented by CULCT.
In honor of 2023's Hispanic Heritage Month, celebrated from Friday, September 15 to October 15, 2023, Mutual Security Credit Union is proud to announce our donation to the Bridgeport Caribe Youth Leaders.
As the payment pause ends, are you realizing you have no earthly idea what’s going on with your student loan? We’ve got all the information you need!
Now, more than ever, it’s important to safeguard sensitive card information to prevent an interruption in your ability to make important purchases.
The economy is facing tough times right now, and you’re probably feeling the pinch. So how do you build financial resilience? We’ve got some ideas.
One of the best ways to practice affordable sustainability is energy efficiency in your new home. We’ve got some easy steps you can use to get on the way!
Announcing the credit union winners of MSCU's 3rd Annual Photo Calendar Contest! This year’s theme allows us to journey through Architecture and Landscape.
Summer’s winding down, and it’s time to give your finances a checkup. Check out our tips to make sure you're headed in the right direction!
With the avalanche of mail that hits your mailbox, sometimes your bank statements can get misplaced. Switch to eStatements, and that’ll never happen again!
Have you made the switch to mobile banking? It’s the ultimate convenience and portability, making handling your money easier. But it’s also got hazards!
Life is good, so why must you worry about an emergency fund? Well, life can go from good to disastrous pretty quickly, and you need to be prepared!
Everyone makes mistakes, but money mistakes can really wreck your life. Let us help you steer clear of the three most common money mistakes!
Is there any way to get through the back-to-school season without spending a small fortune? Save these tips for your shopping this year!
It’s time for back-to-school shopping, but inflation is taking a big bite out of everyone’s budget this year. Use our tips to navigate the season!
College life brings a sense of independence that extends to personal finances. If the thought of managing money is stressing you out, we're here to help!
Getting around on vacation doesn’t have to be a drain on your budget if you do it smartly! We’ve got tips to help you save for important stuff: food!
Vacations are the stuff that dreams are made of, but scammers want to turn those dreams into your worst nightmare. Let’s take a look at some common vacation scams and how to avoid them.
Does trying to keep up with the current financial news give you a headache? Let us help you make sense of it!
With all the turmoil in the economy lately, it’s a great time to invest in a share certificate.
You might have been affected by a data breach or received a notification from a retailer that your personal information could have been compromised.
Being a first-time homebuyer involves hard work, but it's worth it! We’ll walk you through the steps from getting your finances ready to getting the keys.
Hotel stays can take a big bite out of your vacation budget, but there are ways to cut back! Here are nine ways to save on hotel stays.
MSCU is proud to award $8,000 in scholarships to those who have given selflessly of themselves to improve their community.
Do you sometimes feel buried by all the free money advice? Just remember, free advice is often worth what you pay for. Let's do a little myth busting!
Do summer weekends seem to always blow a hole in your budget? They don’t have to! We’ve got a guide to a spend-free weekend that will make you a believer.
Private documents, which contain sensitive information, should be destroyed once you no longer need them. Here are four ways to properly destroy documents.
Are you thinking of starting a family? There are big costs involved for everything from child care to college, and you’ll need to be prepared.
When you’re looking for a house, you know all the things you want. We’ve got a list of the things that should make you walk away.
When it comes to convenience, nothing beats Amazon. Unfortunately, though, scammers leverage Amazon’s reputation in many unique ways.
June is Pride Month! Here are 5 ways to celebrate this month.
It’s summertime! Here are 50 budget-friendly activities to try this summer.
It’s great to get away from the daily grind, but budgets never go on vacation. But, good news! A vacation budget will actually make your trip more relaxing.
Despite its bad rap, not all debt is bad debt. Some are actually beneficial for the debtor and considered good debt.
In 1992, the month of May was officially designated as Celebrating Asian American, Native Hawaiian & Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month.
With May being Mental Health Awareness Month, this is the perfect time to take a look at the connection between money and mental health.
While you’re tending to everything on your list, be careful not to let your guard down. A recent uptick in mortgage fraud means house-hunters need to be extra vigilant.
Do you suspect your computer’s picked up a virus? If it’s running slowly or doing odd things, it’s quite possible.
Is a vacation overdue but still need to watch your budget? We’ve got great ideas to help you get that dream vacation!
Have you ever heard of upcycling? Chances are, you have most of what you need to jump into this trend sitting around your house.
Did you have a savings account when you were a kid? Whether or not you did, it’s important for your kids to have one!
When it’s time to pick a mortgage, you’ve really got two to choose from: an adjustable-rate mortgage or a fixed-rate mortgage. Let's help you decide!
It's tax season and also scammer season. The IRS will never call or email you with threats. Know the warning signs of tax scams. Click here to learn more.
Deciding whether to remodel or move can be a tough choice. We’ve got a breakdown of the options and whichever one you choose, our credit union can help!
Did you know April is Financial Literacy Month? We’ve got a ton of ideas to make the month great and enriching both for you and your kids!
World Backup Day is on March 31. Let's take a look at potential threats to your data, the importance of backup strategies and best practices.
The homebuying market has finally come to its senses from the pandemic and mortgage rates seem to be stabilizing.
Are you happy because you’re getting a big tax refund this year? Sorry to rain on your parade, but that refund is an interest-free loan you gave Uncle Sam this year.
It's everyone’s favorite time of the year: time to file your income taxes! And this year, it’s made extra fun by the myriad of changes to the tax code.
Did you know hackers are after your cell just like they used to go after your computer? We’ve got tips to keep your data safe and keep your phone secure!
Members have received phone calls from Mutual Security Credit Union impersonators, notifying them of fraudulent attempts to use their debit card.
Mutual Security Credit Union (MSCU) attends the 2023 Credit Union National Association's (CUNA) Governmental Affairs Conference (GAC) in Washington, DC.
5 Tips to Improve Your Credit Score for National Credit Education Month.
On National Slam the Scam Day, we give you tools to recognize Social Security scams and stop scammers from stealing your money and personal information.
National Credit Education Month is observed throughout March and is a reminder of the importance of understanding the ins and outs of your credit score.
Mutual Security Credit Union celebrates women in finance and business to celebrate Women’s History Month!
You probably use a P2P service like Zelle or Venmo to send and receive money or handle small business transactions, but watch out for scams!
It's tax time! Here are five tips to support you in 2023's tax season.
We’ve outlined what you need to know about credit and debit card fraud, how to protect yourself and what to do when you’re targeted.
Mutual Security Credit Union (MSCU) officially accepted the Credit Union National Association (CUNA) First Place 2022 Louise Herring Philosophy in Action Member Service Award on Tuesday, January 17th, 2023.
Mutual Security Credit Union’s new Financial Independence Tool (FIT) is here to support your journey to financial freedom.
You know that February is Black History Month, but do you know where the whole celebration started and why it takes place in February?
In this day of online financial wizardry, the humble checking account doesn’t get the credit it deserves. You can use it to pay all your bills, and some of them even earn interest.
Mutual Security Credit Union’s new Financial Independence Tool (FIT), is coming soon to support your journey to a healthy financial life!
If you’re traveling on vacation, airfare is going to take a big bite out of your budget. That’s even more true now thanks to inflation.
Mutual Security Credit Union (MSCU) is a proud grant recipient of the National Credit Union Foundation’s Pathways to Financial Empowerment Program.
Have you thought about installing solar panels on your home? You’ll have to figure out if your home is a good fit, and that’s just the beginning!
If you pay with credit cards, you may have noticed that you often get a little fee tacked onto the price of what you’re buying.
Does one of your resolutions involve taking better control of your finances? We’ve got a set of apps for you to check out that can do the job well.
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.
January begins with a bang, but there are no major shopping holidays once the new year gets going.
Congratulations! You’ve reached the 12th and final step to financial wellness. Let's review and adjust as necessary for a healthy financial plan.
Holiday hosting can be super-stressful — and expensive. This year, with prices soaring, breaking that budget on hosting can seem like a sure thing. We can help!
With the holidays coming up, and online shopping reaching its annual peak, scammers are out to get at your money and your stuff.
With a bit of planning, you can enjoy a stress-free and affordable holiday season. Not buying what we’re selling? Well, continue reading to find out how.
Mutual Security Credit Union celebrated the Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting of their new Shelton Branch location at 1000 Bridgeport Avenue.
The world of investing can be confusing, especially to a first-timer. No worries, though, Mutual Security Credit Union can help!
Whether you’re finishing up your holiday shopping or looking for year-end bargains in any category this month, we’ve got you covered!
MSCU made a proud charitable donation of $1,000 to support the Apostolic Worship Center to host their annual Thanksgiving Food Drive.
You may have heard lately that the U.S. dollar is strong. That sounds great, but what does it really mean?
When shopping online during the holiday season—or any time of year—always be wary of deals that seem too good to be true.
What do I need to know about Biden’s student loan forgiveness plan?
Federal Trade Commission Warning – Protect your home from scammers this winter!
The month of November is National Native American Heritage Month to recognize the achievements and contributions of Native Americans.
Sticking to a budget during times of high inflation is challenging – but not impossible. Here are five ways to help make it happen.
In honor of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, MSCU donated $1,000 to The Center for Empowerment and Education.
Cybercrimes are increasing massively each year. In fact, according to Cybercrime Magazine, cybercrime will cost the world $10.5 trillion annually by 2025.
The biggest shopping month of the year is here! Before you start charging up a storm, though, remember not all “Black Friday Deals” are worthy.
I’m always worried about money during the holiday season, and with inflation, I’m more stressed than ever. How can I save on holiday shopping this year?
My parents are aging and I believe they can use help in managing their everyday expenses, and may eventually need a proxy.
Voting is a sacred right and duty in this country, and can you believe there are scams trying to harvest your money and information to get their target?
Once you’ve got your financial present taken care of, it’s time to plan for your financial future, namely retirement.
International Credit Union (ICU) Day® has been celebrated on the third Thursday of October since 1948.
In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, MSCU celebrated the richness of Hispanic and Latinx culture on Tuesday, October 3rd with our Taco Tuesday & Art Mosaic
MSCU was honored to receive the 2022 Father Cascia Service Award for our remarkable dedication to uplifting the community.
The Give Back Sweepstakes, which began in July, is an initiative ran by PSCU simply to show how much we care for our card members!
There are no big shopping holidays on the calendar this month, but you can still pick up a scary-good deal in October. Here’s what to buy and what to skip.
Auto warranty scams can lead to financial pain, or even disaster, for an unwary consumer. Here’s what to know about these scams and how to stay safe.
With gas prices rising nationwide, pain at the pump is real. There isn’t much you can do about the price of gasoline but there are ways you can pay less.
Your credit score is vital to your financial health. This number measures your money management skills, credit capacity and fiscal responsibility.
Purchasing a mobile home can be a great way to find an affordable place to call home. However, you’ll probably need to fund this big purchase.
MSCU’s Board Chairman took part in the Pan-Mass Challenge Bike Ride, which supports cancer research and treatment at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.
Get ready for big savings on big-ticket items this September! Retailers want to bring the crowds back after the big back-to-school storm has passed...
Mutual Security Credit Union would like to congratulate, Mia Piacenza, our 2022 Community Service Scholarship Recipients!
If you’re under contract for a new home, you’ve probably had an inspection done.
Mutual Security Credit Union (MSCU) is proud to announce the winners of our second year’s Calendar Photo Contest!
When paying for various everyday and occasional purchases, should I be using cash, credit or debit?
Here’s what to know about the state of the market, as well as the pros and cons of buying a car in 2022.
Living a life of financial wellness means being happy with a lifestyle that’s within your means, but doesn’t leave you feeling like you’re lacking.
Congratulations to one of our 2022 Community Service Scholarship recipients, Sally Kirk.
Nothing makes you look forward to the empty nest years more than back-to-school shopping time, but follow our shopping tips and you’ll save time and money!
“Pay yourself first” is a catchphrase that refers to prioritizing your personal savings above other expenses. To achieve it, savings should be a fixed line on your budget that happens every month without fail.
We’d like to congratulate, Kourtney Payne, one of our 2022 Scholarship Recipients of the Larry F. Holderman Scholarship.
You’re earning, budgeting, saving and investing, all so you and those you love can enjoy a worry-free life on your own standards.
Independence Day sales are long gone and Labor Day is a month away, but you can still pick up great bargains in August. Here’s what to buy and what to skip this month.
Congratulations to one of our 2022 Community Service Scholarship recipients, Alexis Gonzalez.
Congratulations to one of our 2022 Community Service Scholarship recipients, Pratham Kapadia.
With gas prices higher than they’ve ever been, more and more people are choosing #electric vehicles (EVs). But are they a good choice?
A discussion on how your account holders can safeguard their networks and network-enabled devices from hackers, viruses, and malware.
Unfortunately, though, vacation rental scams are on the rise. Here’s all you need to know about these scams and how to avoid them.
The days are still long and filled with sunshine. And though retailers would have you think otherwise, school is still a long way off. If you’re looking to save on some purchases this month, you can find lots of bargains around Independence Day weekend and beyond. Here’s what to buy and what to skip in July.
On average, Americans pump close to 392 million gallons of gasoline a day. That’s more than a gallon for every American! Each day!
Budget for summer expenses like vacation, keeping the kids entertained, social events like weddings, etc. Remember that utility bills will be higher, and factor in extra money for gas if you’ll be traveling.
Subscribe to the MSCU Blog
Get the latest MSCU News and Insights right to your inbox