T&I Credit Union Blog

Learn how a credit freeze can protect your identity, the difference between freezes and locks, when to use, and step-by-step instructions to secure your credit.

"Discover the best times to shop for clothing on a budget! From end-of-season sales to Black Friday deals, update your wardrobe without overspending."

Find the perfect holiday gift for coworkers or your boss with these 5 ideas: from desk plants to custom mugs, snacks, or gift cards they'll love!

Beware of work-from-home scams! Learn how to spot red flags and protect yourself from fraud with tips on avoiding common scams like reshipping and mystery shopper schemes.

Score big this Black Friday with expert tips: research deals, set a budget, follow retailers, use price comparison apps, and stack coupons for maximum savings!

Looking to earn extra cash this holiday season? Discover five lucrative side hustles, from gift wrapping to baking, that can boost your budget!

Halloween can be a scary time for your wallet. From costumes to decorations, we’ve got you covered with the tricks and treats to help save this spooky season.

Payday loan scams can range from upfront fees, rolling over amounts to keep you in debt, or even loans you never took out. Read here to learn more.

Need to get a new car, but uncertain of your auto loan payment or how to calculate one? We’ve got you covered with a breakdown of common questions!

Do you know how to repair your vehicle or cost that may or may not be associated with it? Check out our helpful tips before taking your car in for that repair to avoid being taken advantage of!

Decorating your dorm room on a budget is simple if you make a plan. Here are some ways to make your dorm feel like home, without going broke.

Timing your new car #purchase can save you big money, so we’re going to give you the whole deal calendar!

If the lifestyle brass ring for you is becoming a digital nomad, it’s easier now than ever before! But you will need to do some planning. Check out what you need to know!!

The Google voice verification scam is one of the newest around, so a lot of people are falling for it. Learn more about how it works and how to keep yourself safe!

You’ve got all your ideas for saving money on vacation when it comes to things like attractions and dining out, but what about the really big-money parts: travel and lodging? Learn the key to booking an amazing trip in a cost-efficent way!

At one point, back to school shopping was as simple as some pencils, crayons, and the occasional new backpack. However, things have changed and back-to-school shopping has become more complex and expensive. Here are 10 tips to make back-to-school shopping more affordable.

No matter how careful you are, you may at some point find yourself the victim of fraud. If it happens, here are the steps you should take to protect yourself and report it!

We all love free stuff, but when it’s a free trial subscription, it often comes wrapped in a scam. It might be difficult to cancel before the trial ends, you might get stuck with auto-renewals or even get billed for products and services that weren’t part of the original package. Here are some things you can do to protect yourself!

Summer is here, and you want to have some vacation fun without completely blowing your budget. We can help! Here are some ways you can save and still enjoy a summer of fun!

One-time password scams are one of the newest around, but they use some old tactics. They’ll hijack your device, call and demand your OTP or send you an “urgent” email or text message demanding your OTP to protect you from fraud. Read more to learn how to dodge this new scam!

Father’s Day is upon us, and it’s time to celebrate the first man in your life! But don’t blow a lot of money doing so. Here are some thoughtful and cost effective ways to celebrate Father’s Day.

An #engagement ring is one of the biggest jewelry purchases you’ll make, but there are ways to save on even these. Learn more about when to buy and what to look out for!

Graduation season is here and it can be intimidating to anyone’s budgets. Celebrating a milestone doesn’t need to break the bank though. Here are seven great ideas to make graduation gifts work within your budget!

So, you’re selling a piece of old jewelry for $500 online and get an immediate buyer. Lucky you! But when the check arrives, it’s for $1,500. The buyer asks you to wire back the overpayment, and of course you do since you’re honest. Then, you find out the check’s no good and you’re out the money you sent. It’s an overpayment scam! How do I protect myself?

It’s well past New Year’s, and you’ve still got weight to lose, maybe a lot of it. You’re a prime target for a weight-loss scam! Watch out for excessive jargon, promises of a specific amount of weight loss, strange ingredients and long-term contracts. They’ll use before-and-after photos to draw you in, and promise their “magic” pills will do all the diet and exercise work for you. Oh, and watch for anything promising to “detox” you. Your body has organs and systems for that. Give it some produce, fiber and exercise and it will handle things. Sadly, there’s no magic way to lose weight, but at least you won’t get scammed!

You want to get mom the perfect gift for Mother’s Day, but your budget is tight. What to do? How about putting together a scavenger hunt with clues that spark memories from your lives? Maybe stock a personal spa basket or fill that basket with homemade treats you know she’ll love. Snuggle in on the couch and binge-watch her favorite show together, or go through a family scrapbook you’ve put together. If the weather’s nice, a family outing with each family member bringing one of Mom’s favorite dishes would be great, or a shopping spree to her favorite store with a gift card you got at a discount online. There are plenty of ways to celebrate on a budget and make Mom’s day!

Your home needs remodeling, but which projects will add the most value when it comes time to sell it? Kitchens and bathrooms lead that list, with mostly cosmetic things like new floors and fixtures yielding good results. The biggest return, however, might be under your feet, with a basement refit into living space paying back almost its full cost. More good choices are new siding and insulation and a roof replacement (if you actually need one). Be sure your projects keep you in harmony with your neighborhood, and be sure you hire reliable contractors to do the work.

Your finances are a lot like baseball. Three strikes (missed payments) can put you on the bench. And while you’d love to have the home run, singles and doubles can add up when you manage your money right. Remember that it’s a long season, and always keep an eye on your stats (budget, portfolio). Be as disciplined as a home run hitter waiting for the right pitch, and learn to adapt when situations change. You’ll end the season with a winning record … and a healthy retirement!

Are you a smart shopper, always looking for a bargain? Well, beware, because not every “bargain” out there is what it seems to be. It might be a “discount” on an inflated price, or it might be a BOGO when you only need one. It might be something you don’t actually need, but the price drop draws you in, or it might be drastically discounted because it’s a returned or damaged item. Finally, have you done your homework to make sure there’s not a cheaper alternative? Be smart with your money!

Your son’s on the phone, and he’s got an emergency! He’s been kidnapped, arrested or put in some other jeopardy and needs money right away. Before you leap to his aid, look for red flags that show you you’re being scammed. Does he want the money sent by some untraceable means? Does he want personal information over the phone? Is he pushing the urgency of the situation and demanding you act quickly? All of these are sure signs of an emergency scam. Ask personal questions only he could answer, hang up and call him on his number. Remember: You’re most likely not helping anyone … just feeding a scammer!