How will I make an income once I’m retired?
Setting aside a fixed amount of monies each pay into an IRA or 401K is ideal for your retirement. Increasing your savings or planning for retirement can be handled easily at Stark Federal Credit Union. Even if you want advice before taking action, please drop by, our skilled staff will help you plan for your future.
What are some ways I can save money?
Meal planning is a simple and effective way to save a lot of money each month, not to mention cut down on pricey (and unhealthy) dining out. Serving home-cooked meals to your family not only reduces your grocery budget, it’s a healthy alternative to fast food. At Stark Federal Credit Union, we’re more than happy to help you plan a budget and put more money back into your pocket.
A financial savings tips from the Stark FCU!
A good way to spend less on going to the movies or going out for entertainment is by visiting your local library. Unless you habitually return books late (which results in late fees) it’s free! If you haven’t been to your local library lately, take the time to make a trip. In addition to borrowing books at no cost, you can borrow DVDs and music.
I have a problem with impulse shopping, what do I do?
Freeze! Sometimes, what seems like a “must have” is really just a “want it right now” item. When you want something you don’t need immediately, push it off for a month, a week, or even a day. Sleep on it. The staff at Stark Federal Credit Union can help you plan your monthly budget and help you create a savings account designed specifically for shopping. That way, you do not have to feel bad about treating yourself.
Energy saving tip- Did you know?
Keeping a computer on day and night will consume about 250 kilowatt-hours of electricity and will cost you around $50 a month. By shutting down your computer at night, it will consume only around 100 kilowatt-hours, saving you about $30 a month.
The holidays wiped my savings out, how can I be more prepared next year?
Stark Federal Credit Union has a Christmas savings account designed specifically for this purpose. The account allows you to save monthly for Christmas presents and holiday expenses, without stretching your budget. Your funds are distributed to you in early October, giving you plenty of time to get your shopping done.
Season Savings- Did you know?
Most things are cheaper in season. Fruits and vegetables come to mind. The same is not true of clothing. If you shop for your winter clothes in the spring and your summer clothes in the fall, you’ll end up saving quite a bit of money.
My co-workers are constantly eating out for lunch!
One great way to save money every day is by forgoing restaurant lunches. Brown bagging could easily mean a savings of $5 a day, which translates into $100 a month, or $1,200 a year. Take your leftovers to work or find snack items at the grocery store such as, yogurt or fresh cut veggies.
My home is completely out dated!
There are plenty of ways to spruce up your home in an affordable fashion, that doesn’t require a lot of effort. Adding new lamps to a living area or purchasing candles can brighten/accent a room perfectly. If your updating involves something a little more extensive, the Stark Federal Credit Union has lending options that can help fill the gap. – Stop by for a free consultation.
Are you prepared for emergencies?
The tires on your car no longer have enough tread on them to help stop your car, or your hot water tank kicked the bucket and you’ve been taking cold showers for a week now. These are all emergencies that we have no idea when they are going to come about. But, there is something that we can do financially to prepare for them. Come have a conversation with our expert staff at the Stark Federal Credit Union. We want to help you plan for your future.
Grocery shopping savings- Did you know?
Did you know that stores put their most expensive products at eye level? That means that a quick trip through the supermarket where you grab the first familiar item of everything on your list can cost a lot more than looking up or down. Stark Federal Credit Union recommends you try this, keep records for a month of generic brand shopping and compare it to a month of brand name shopping. The difference may shock you.
How do I teach my kids about money?
For the responsible adult who thinks about being prepared for the future, savings are a fixed expense that is built into the monthly budget. For most people, though, this habit does not come naturally. It needs to be acquired and practiced. Stark Federal Credit Union urges you to start these conversations early. Ask your children why they should save and show them how to save monies for long-term and short-term needs. Need guidance? Stop by any Stark Federal Credit Union today!
Teaching your children the value of money!
Do your children understand that every time you pull out a wad of bills or swipe a card to pay for a purchase, that money is directly linked to time you put in at the office? The staff at Stark Federal Credit Union suggests that you start a conversation with you children by asking them, “When we spend money for pizza, groceries, toys or movies, where do you think that money is coming from?”
Vacation Challenge!
Planning the ultimate family vacation is quite a challenge. This is especially true when you’re trying to give your kids the vacation of a lifetime while staying within a budget. Try letting your kids be a part of planning that vacation. They’ll quickly understand that choices have to be made, but making them part of the process will improve their attitudes and lead to more summer fun!
Being a college student can be expensive- Did you know?
Stark Federal Credit Union knows that student life can be expensive, but lucky for you a lot of companies offer big student discounts as long as you have an .edu email address, a student ID or a recent transcript. Some of the companies are Amazon, Spotify, Microsoft Office, Adobe and Amtrack. Visit Stark Federal Credit Union’s Facebook to learn about the full savings.
