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.
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.
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.
Asking for the occasional raise should be part of any career path, but it can sometimes be difficult to know when and how to ask for an increase in salary. Follow these tips to make negotiating your next raise easy.
Celebrating Memorial Day can cost a pretty penny, but there’s no need to spend lavishly to have an epic holiday weekend. Here’s how to celebrate Memorial Day on a budget.
How fraud rings operate and how consumers and merchants can keep themselves safe.
Creating a budget and deciding to stick to it is easy; it’s actually carrying through on your plan that’s the hard part. For too many people, financial responsibility ends at having good intentions and real life gets in the way of all well-laid plans.
Scammers will capitalize on anything to pull off another ruse, even the special bond between a grandparent and grandchild. Grandparent scams are not new, but they have gotten a lot more sophisticated in recent years, so they can be difficult to spot. Here’s what you need to know about grandparent scams and how to ...
It’s an amazing employment opportunity – or is it? Scammers often hijack the job market and ensnare hopeful job seekers into their schemes. If you’re job-hunting, it’s a good idea to review the way these scams play out and how you can avoid them. To help you out, we’ve put together a short primer on what you need to ...
Here’s a list of six ways you can show your mom how much you care without draining your wallet.
Did you know that choosing to bring your own lunch to work each day can save up to $3,000 a year? Each takeout lunch can easily cost $12 more than a homemade meal. If you’d put that money into an index fund and contribute to it for 25 years, you can save $500,000!
Knowing how to spot a QR code scam can help prevent you from falling victim. Here’s all you need to know about QR code scams and how to avoid them.
Communicating openly about how you manage your money is a crucial part of a relationship. Here are 6 tips to help guide you in this important conversation.
Goodbye Winter. Hello Spring. That means it’s time to stop hibernating and get outside! Here are six steps for preparing your home for spring.
If you've heard that the Federal Reserve plans to raise the interest rate this year, here is how it will impact the economy and the current inflation rates
Answers to your top questions about tax identity theft, and what you can do to protect yourself.
Tickets to live sporting events can be pricey, and scammers know this well. Here’s what you need to know about sport ticket scams and how to avoid them.
The big day is drawing near, and it’s time to file your tax return! Below, we’ve compiled a list of last-minute tax tips to know before you file.
Mutual Security Credit Union has been selected to receive the Father Cascia Service Award during this year's upcoming banquet on Thursday, September 22, 2022.
Be a smart consumer and learn which items are on sale in March and which purchases would be best pushed off for another time.
Although April doesn't have any major shopping holidays, you can still score some great deals. Here’s what to buy and what to skip in April.
Every business is blogging today, but making a killer business blog can be hard. We’ve outlined 4 steps for creating an outstanding business blog.
Here’s how the war in Ukraine is influencing the U.S. economy, additional fallouts we may be facing soon, and steps you can take to protect your assets.
Consumer debt can be one of the biggest challenges to realizing good financial wellness. We’ve outlined how to pay down debt in five simple steps.
High debt can be scary and can destroy any chacne of financial wellness. Here’s what you need to know about debt relief scams and how to avoid them.
In honor of Black History Month, Mutual Security Credit Union donates $2,500 to three nonprofits that serve and empower the Black community
Do you know how to spot triangulation fraud? Learn how this scam works and how innocent bystanders are becoming money mules for scammers.
Being proactive about a budget that doesn’t work any longer due to current prices is admirable. Below, we’ve listed 8 ways to save on entertainment costs.
One of the hardest parts of adulting is learning how to manage your paycheck. Use the tips outlined below to learn how to manage your paycheck responsibly.
Let's look at the history of credit unions in the Black American community as we study Black American history in regards to finances and credit unions.
Taking out a home loan? It’s important to learn about the current market trends. Here’s what you need to know about taking out a home loan in 2022.
Budgets play a crucial role in promoting financial awareness. Let’s take a look at how to create a budget and how some popular budgeting systems work.
Here are 14 tips on how to avoid identity theft, and what to do if you are a victim of identity theft.
Take a look at two major innovations in the world of technology and finance, as well as how they may affect us in the near future: the metaverse and NFTs.
It’s an especially good idea to start 2022 with a renewed security presence. We list five ways you can strengthen your identity’s security.
As the outside temperature falls, we raise the temperature inside, and heating costs go up, too. Here's some helpful tips for saving on heating costs.
Super Bowl parties are always great fun to host, but they can cost a pretty penny. Here's some hacks so you can pull it off without breaking your budget.
Kids are a major target for identity thieves. Our enhanced/elevated account holders have access to Identity Theft Recovery Advocates for the whole family.
MSCU offers small personal loans with affordable interest rates and easy eligibility requirements. Here are six popular ways to use a small personal loan.
If you are considering leaving your job, it’s important to make sure your finances are in order before you give official notice.
Tracking your spending is the first step toward greater financial awareness. Here are 3 easy steps to track every dollar you spend.
Learn how home ownership can impact your taxes so you know which home-related expenses to claim on your returns for maximizing your savings potential.
Post-holiday scams look like charities, gift sellers, well-wishers, and more. Find out how to dodge them!
Are you blues getting hold of you after the holiday whirl? It’s natural. We’ve got some great ways for you to shake them and get back to your happy self!
Inflation is affecting more than just your grocery bill and the cost of gas. Here are some ways to insulate yourself against inflation.
Are you tired of making New Year’s resolutions only to see them all fall by the wayside by March? We’ve got some great ways to help you keep your financial resolutions this year!
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