News and Insights
Welcome to Mutual Security Credit Union's news and insights page where you'll find updates, tips, and tricks for your banking, borrowing, and financial planning needs.
Auto Loans | Car-Buying | Economy | Finances
If you’re in the market for a new set of wheels, you’re probably prepared to get greeted by sticker shock. You may also know that supply is low, so finding your dream car can be challenging – or impossible. Here’s what to know about the state of the market, as well as the pros and cons of buying a car in 2022.
Share
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. At the same time, financial wellness means money choices are governed by discipline and not by emotion. So how do you strike a balance between the two?
Share
You'll get the latest credit union news and updates right to your inbox.
Budgeting | Finances | Savings
“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.
Share
Budgeting | Finances | Savings
[Now that you’ve started paying down debt, you and your partner have tackled big money issues, and you’ve mastered the art of spending mindfully, you’re now ready to think beyond your own needs by learning how to pay it forward.]
Share
Budgeting | Finances | Savings
Independence Day sales are over and Labor Day is a month away, but great deals can still be had in August. Here’s what to buy and what to skip this month. Buy: Back-to-school supplies Look for weekly deals on school and office supplies at big-box stores, pharmacies and e-tailers this month. Think beyond school – you can stock up on a year’s worth of pens and paper for your home printer at a bargain price this August by shopping back-to-school sales.
Share
Cyber Security | Finances | Financial Wellness | Fraud Protection | ID Theft Protection
A 2021 study by Deloitte found that the average American internet household owns 23 connected devices, an increase from an average of 11 devices in 2019, and that number is increasing each year. When we think of devices, we mostly consider our smartphones, home computers, and tablets. Increasingly, though, additional WIFI enabled gadgets like televisions, thermostats, home security systems, and even kitchen appliances are being included in that list. Some predict that by the end of 2022, the average will have increased to as much as 50 devices per American household. The convenience of adjusting your home thermostat from your desk at work, or looking inside your own refrigerator from the dairy aisle in the grocery store comes with an often overlooked security risk. Every connected device provides a window for someone with malicious intent to access the personal information stored on that device, or even worse, to gain access to your home network. If someone gains access to your local network, they can easily access your personal data by "listening" to your internet traffic, or they can launch various attacks, such as malware or ransomware. This cybersecurity article from the Federal Trade Commission contains more insight about the importance of protecting your connected devices and your home network.
Share
Budgeting | Cyber Security | Economy | Finances | Fraud Protection | Holidays | ID Theft Protection
With prices rising on everything, including hotel stays, record numbers of vacationers are choosing to rent private homes or apartments on sites like Airbnb and Vacation Rentals by Owner (VRBO). Unfortunately, though, vacation rental scams are on the rise as well. Here’s all you need to know about these scams and how to avoid them.
Share
Budgeting | Finances | Savings
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.
Share
Finances | Health & Wellness | Savings
Ahh…summer! The season of flip-flops and sunscreen, of lemonade and baseball games. What’s not to love about summer?
Share
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.
Share
