SafeAmerica Credit Union

Pleasanton

• By Kevin Alvarez

Don’t Let Back-To-School Shopping Stress You Out

The National Retail Federation (NRF) is expecting this year’s back-to-school shopping season to be the most expensive ever.

Parents are feeling pressured to overspend and many are worried about hitting the stores this year. The good news is that with a little planning, you can successfully manage these additional expenses while managing your stress.

According to their survey, K-12 families will be spending about $36.9 billion in back-to-class spending. An average of of $846 per household while back-to-college spending is expected to reach $73.9 billion, an average of $1,199 per household both. the highest ever recorded by the NRF.

Here are three steps you can take to plan for the upcoming back-to-school shopping season:

1. Make A Plan Before You Shop

Take some time to assess your financial situation. GreenPath’s budgeting worksheet is a great way to get started, click here to view and download. Once you have good handle on your current financial state, determine how much you truly feel comfortable spending.

2. Take Stock of What You Have Versus What You Need

Prioritize your needs list. What do you need to buy before school starts and what can you purchase later? What really needs to be replaced versus what can be reused? If new clothes are a need, many stores will be clearing their shelves to makes way for winter clothing. This is a good time to stock up at a discount.

3. Avoid Impulse Buys

Take your needs list with you and stick to it. If your kids will be shopping with you, share the list with them beforehand. Better yet, have them help you create it.

If they want something that isn't in the budget, offer them the option to chip in their own money. Generation Z has become more involved than previous generations and are spending more of their own money on back-to-school supplies. Teaching your children about finances plays a critical role in forming a healthy attitude about money and setting them up for long-term success.

2022 Back-To-School Webinar Trends - (Webinar Recording)

Information brought to you by our partner, GreenPath Financial Wellness

Greenpath Financial Wellness

Sources:
National Retail Federation Trends

• By Kevin Alvarez

Coping with Inflation

Inflation continues to put pressure on household budgets. From groceries to gas, record-breaking inflation means the purchasing power of your money is decreasing each month. Below you will find guidance on how to best navigate a time with high inflation.

1. Take Inventory of your full financial picture. Has your household income changed? have you adjusted your budget for rising groceries, transportation, or other expenses? Check your existing budget to see where you stand and where your money is going. If you don't have a budget, it can help to create a simple spending plan or roadmap of monthly expenses. A good place to start is to use resources like a budgeting worksheet track your monthly income against current expenses.

2. Continue to build an emergency fund to tap into when unexpected circumstances arise like a medical expense or costly home repair. An emergency fund helps reduce the chance of taking on debt to cover an unplanned expense. It might be tempting to pause monthly savings as rising prices take a bigger bite out of your monthly budget, but resist the urge. Put savings on auto pilot with each paycheck. Even a small amount will add up over time.

3. Prioritize monthly spending in a time of rising prices. Rethink certain monthly expenses such as subscription or streaming services. According to researchers, the average household has 4.5 streaming services and spends an average of $55 on them per month. This may not seem like much, yet $55 a month adds up to more than $600 per year. If you’re trying to cut expenses in the face of higher prices, ditching underused subscriptions can be a good place to start. As essentials get more expensive, figure out your new baseline. Limit credit card use and curb discretionary spending (dining out, entertainment). GreenPath’s Aligning Priorities workbook can help you make these decisions.

4. Monitor debt, especially as interest rates rise. Paying off high-interest credit card debt saves you money in interest, improves your credit score, and frees up room in your budget. Choose a debt payoff strategy that works for your situation. Consider GreenPath’s Debt Management Plan which helps you pay off unsecured debt in 3 to 5years. GreenPath can work with many creditors to bring your ac-counts current, lower interest rates, and eliminate fees.

5. Shop smart. Research the best sales, coupons, and specials, especially on products that are low in inventory. Check dollar stores for deals on household items and stock up on those items where possible. Bulk retailers or wholesale clubs might be a good way to stock up on items in large quantities for a lower per-use cost. Strategically plan your higher-cost purchases. Swap out brand-name items for generic as much as possible.

6. Keep tabs on your credit history. In times of rising prices, it pays to keep tabs on credit history, which is used to calculate your credit scores. The three digit number of your credit score helps determine whether lenders approve you for new credit and what interest rates they offer. Annualcreditreport.com is a trusted “one-stop-shop” to check your reports from Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion – the three industry-standard credit bureaus. You can also work with GreenPath to review your credit history.

7. Get independent guidance from a nonprofit financial counseling agency like GreenPath. Counselors look at your entire financial picture to help you ease financial stress and uncertainty, through access to clear information and a personalized action plan.

Information brought to you by our partner, GreenPath Financial Wellness

GreenPath Financial Wellness

• By Kevin Alvarez

Choosing The Right Credit Card

There is no right or wrong answer to the question, "Is this the right credit card for me?" You need to understand the various features and benefits of the credit card, and then make a decision after comparing a few options. Here are some guidelines to help you with choosing the right credit card:

Understand What The Fees Really Mean

Don’t pick a card just because it offers a zero annual fee. Many unsecured credit cards still offer a zero annual fee these days. Banks understand that a “no annual fee” card is attractive to many consumers. This doesn’t mean you should never consider a card because it comes with a fee – if the card comes with a substantially lower interest rate, that might justify paying the annual fee. Or, the perks and benefits that come with the card (such as airline frequent flier miles) might outweigh the downside of paying an annual fee.

Understand all the fees that could be applied. Credit Card agreements will disclose the possible fees that could be charged to card holders:

  • Annual fee – The card’s annual fee is simply the amount that is charged to you, as the cardholder, for using the card each year.
  • Cash advance fee – This fee is charged to the account when the card is used to process a cash advance (if the card has this feature included). The cash advance fee may be accessed either as a flat fee amount or as a percentage of the cash advance amount.
  • Balance-transfer fee – This is a fee that is charged if you are transferring a balance from one card to another — often 3% of the transferred amount.
  • Late payment fee – This fee is fairly self-explanatory. You are charged a fee if your payment arrives after the invoice due date. Fees could be as high as $39-$49 per month.
  • Over-the-credit-limit fee – This is a penalty fee that is accessed when you make a purchase that goes above your current credit limit. Fees could be as high as $39-$49 per month.

Look For The Lowest Interest Rate

If you’re not going to pay off the balance in full each month, choose the card with the lowest annual interest rate. Don’t get distracted by offers for cash back or rewards. The amount you will pay in interest charges will exceed the value of the perks.

Creditors will determine your interest rate AFTER you apply for the card. The rate will be based on your credit history. A solicitation in the mail to apply for a card is not a guarantee that you will receive a particular rate. Once you apply and the lender reviews your credit report, you may get approved for the card but at a higher interest rate than you thought. Finally, understand that your rate can change – credit cards are unsecured lines of credit, and creditors often use variable interest rates which adjust based on economic and market conditions.

Get Value From Perks, but Don’t Get Distracted by Them

If you’re going to pay your balance in full each month, consider a card that offers something you really value. The interest rate here doesn’t matter, since you’ll be paying your balance off immediately. Cash-back options are an example.  Once you accrue a certain level of spending on the account, you become eligible to receive a cash-back “reward.” There are other perks such as travel rewards, frequent flier miles, roadside assistance, insurance, and “member-only” privileges that could be attractive to the card holder.

Don’t pick a credit card just because it offers great rewards or cash back. Credit cards that offer cash back or perks may sound great, but if rewards come with many strings attached, then it might not be worth it. If you aren’t sure whether you’ll pay the balance in full each month, a high APR may cost you more money than you save with the rewards. Also don’t pick a credit card just because it has a low introductory or “teaser” rate. The introductory rates are only a fraction of the total time the average person retains a credit card.

Go For Low APR

In general, opting for a credit card with a low APR is a good approach. If you are one of the 30 percent of Americans who pay their credit card balances in full each month, the interest rate is irrelevant to you, since almost all cards come with a grace period allowing a period of time to pay the balance in full without incurring interest fees. However, if you regularly carry a balance on your credit cards, the interest rate should always be a top consideration.

Talk to your credit union, and understand their different card products.  Compare the terms and rates from national lenders, and most importantly, always use the card wisely and within your spending means.

Your Credit Union Can Help

Because we're a credit union, we are not-for-profit, so our earnings are returned to our members in the form of higher dividends, lower loan rates and reduced fees. As a SafeAmerica Credit Union member, you have exclusive access to our Visa Platinum Rewards credit card. Our card offers no fees - not even for balance transfers!

You get:

  • Rates as low as 9.90%APR
  • Rewards points, one for every dollar you spend
  • No annual fee
  • No balance transfer fee
  • No cash advance fee
  • More!

Plus, for a limited time, we offering our cardholders a chance to win one of three Amazon gift cards, up to $1,000*, just for using our card. For full details, click below.

Learn More

APR (Annual Percentage Rate) as of 7/1/22, is based on credit worthiness and is subject to change without notice. Cash advances and balance transfers do not qualify to earn rewards points.  Program is subject to terms and conditions.

*Minimum 5 credit card purchases but no more than 30 in the promo period (July 11 – August 19, 2022) required for sweepstakes entry. Each time you use your card acts as one entry.  Balance transfers and cash advances do not qualify as a card transaction/raffle entry. Promotion valid July 11, 2022 through August 19, 2022.  See official contest rules.

• By Kevin Alvarez

Financial Terms To Teach Your Kids

It’s never too early to start teaching your kids about finances. After all, it is a topic they will use for the rest of their life. Breaking down some the key financial terms will help them have an understanding of a few fundamental concepts.

Here are some terms you can teach your child and why it’s important for them to know.

Budget

What is a budget?

A budget is a plan that helps you keep track of your money and where it goes. One way parents like to teach kids how to budget is to categorize money into three “buckets”: give, save, and spend.

Why is a budget Important?

A budget allows you to plan out your finances for the future and ensures you’ll have enough money to pay for all your “needs” and, if you have money left-over, to pay for all your “wants”. It provides structure towards reaching a financial goal, such as saving for a video game system, a vacation or even a college education.

Checking Account

What is a Checking Account?

A checking account is a contractual relationship between you and your financial institution where you can make day to day transactions. The financial institution holds your money in a safe place and helps to facilitate your purchases. You are responsible for handling your account wisely by not overspending the money you have in your account.

Why is a Checking Account Important?

A checking account makes your money accessible and serves as a way to keep track of your spending. It also keeps your money safe, meaning it can’t be lost, stolen or damaged. Institutions must be insured in order to operate, so there’s no risk and much safer than carrying cash.

Credit and Credit History

What is Credit?

Credit is a way to borrow money (such as a credit card or loan) with the agreement of paying it back in full, plus interest. Paying back the borrowed amount on time is reflected on your credit report/history. One important concept to remember is that credit isn’t free and should only be used if you’re able to pay it back right away.

Why is Credit History Important?

Developing good credit history allows lenders see how responsible you are when it comes to paying that money back. The more on-time payments you make, the better your credit becomes, making it easier to borrow money in the future, rent an apartment, or even get a job.

Credit Score

What Is a Credit Score (also known as FICO Score)?

A credit score is a number that lenders use to measure your credit worthiness. Your credit score is influenced by a number of things such as the amount of open credit accounts, overall amount of debt you have and your repayment history (making payments on-time). Credit scores range from 300 to 850 and lenders use these scores to determine how much risk they will take on when lending to you. The higher your credit score, the lower your interest rate will be (less risk) and vice-versa; the lower your credit score, the higher your interest rate will be (more risk).

Why is a Credit Score Important?

The better the credit score, the easier it will be to reach life’s milestones. A good credit score can help you get a lower interest rate on a loan (like a car loan or mortgage), thus you pay less over the lifetime of the loan. A good credit score can even help you get an apartment or job. Overall, it pays to have a good credit score! Literally.

Loan

What is a Loan?

A loan is a sum of money that you borrow with an agreement to be paid back with interest. One way to help your child understand loans, is to explain why people take out loans in the first place. A great example is a car or mortgage loan. These items usually cost a lot of money, so it becomes necessary to borrow the money. Having that good credit score (as explained above) will help you get a lower interest rate on that loan, making it more affordable. Agreeing to the terms of a loan means you’re obligated to pay it back with the agreed upon interest. Failure to do so can be detrimental to your good credit.

Why Is Having a Loan Important?

Having a loan allows you to enjoy the item you borrowed money for right away. Rather than saving up $20,000 for a car, you can take out an auto loan to immediately have access to the vehicle and repay on a monthly basis until the loan has been paid off. Paying off loans strengthens your credit score and allows you to become prepared for any future or bigger purchases.

Debt

What is Debt?

Debt is money borrowed (a loan) which has not been paid off. Types of debt range from credit cards and student loans to major purchases such as vehicles and mortgages.

Why is Debt Good?

Borrowing money and having debt is typically the only manner in which some people will be able to purchase important high cost items such as a home or higher education. Debt is okay if it’s going to help you make money in the future, whereas taking on debt on items such as cars or clothes is not recommended based on the depreciating factor associated with these items.

Interest

What is Interest?

Interest has two sides; it is either something you pay (an interest rate on a loan) or something you earn (an interest rate on a savings account). Show your children the interest you pay on a loan, like a vehicle loan, each month. And then also show them that when you deposit money into a savings account (your “save bucket” from earlier) that the bank pays you for the deposits you place there.

Why is Interest important?

Whether you’re paying interest or earning interest, the amount of interest is important to understand. When obtaining a loan, you want to look for an institution that offers the best rate (lowest rate or APR). That combined with your good credit score will help you get the best deal. The same goes for deposits. When saving your money, you want to look for the highest yield (or APY). This will get you most amount of interest earned.

Taxes

What are Taxes?

Taxes serve as payment to the government and are used to pay for things like improving public schools and fixing the roads. Taxes are taken from your paycheck and the amount you pay depends on how much money you make. A great way to explain it is to relate it to their allowance. Take a small amount from their allowance and put it away to be used toward a household expense, like an improvement!

Why are Taxes Important?

Taxes are the main source of revenue for the government. Without taxes, funding for many of the public benefits we take advantage of every day would be impacted severely.

Youth Month

Save small. Dream big.

We're celebrating Youth Month all April long! Be sure to check out our blog each week or follow is on social media for a new youth financial literacy topic.

You can also check out our Youth Program to help get your child started on the path to smart money management.  

youth program

• By Kevin Alvarez

Here’s How An Auto Refinance Can Save You Money On Your Monthly Payment!

Did you know an Auto Refinance can provide instant savings on your monthly car payment? Maybe you already knew that? Either way, read through to see if there is something more you can add to your own financial strategy!

Here's an example of what an auto refinance is:

You pay off your auto loan balance from one lender and transfer the balance to another lender with a better rate and/or term.  For example, you have an auto loan with an APR of 7% and refinance with another lender to a new lower rate of 3%. The 4% drop in interest will provide you with a new lower monthly payment.

When it's best to refinance:

There are multiple opportunities in which it makes sense to refinance your auto loan. They are:

  • Pay less in interest - If you find a lower rate than what you’re currently paying, you could save in the amount of interest you pay over the life of the loan.
  • Lower payment - If you’re looking for a lower payment, a reduced rate and/or term extension could help.
  • Shortened term - If you’re looking to pay off your loan earlier and can afford the payments, a refinance can help direct that money toward principle while paying less in interest.

The cons to refinancing:

When making any financial decision, it’s always best to weigh the pros and cons of each situation.  When refinancing your auto loan, the option to extend your repayment period will allow for a lower monthly payment but it also extends the amount of interest owed. In general, you will pay more in interest over the life of the loan, even if your payments are smaller.  You can also risk owing more than the car is worth if you extend your term too long.  Use a financial calculator to compare your options.

Try Our Calculators

When deciding if a refinance is right for you, have a clear goal in mind.  Are you looking to reduce your payment, pay your loan off sooner, or maybe both!  You have options.  Do your research to find what other financial institutions have to offer; lower rates, no fees, and term options that work for you.  Run the numbers and take advantage of the tools that are available to you as a member of SafeAmerica Credit Union.

Refinance with us

As a member of SafeAmerica Credit Union, you can refinance your auto loan from another financial institution and take advantage of exclusive member-only savings.

  1. Great rates
  2. Flexible terms
  3. No fees

Auto Refinance

Learn more about our Auto Loans

• By Kevin Alvarez

Tax Return Delays Likely, Here’s What To Do This Tax Season

Tax season is fast approaching! The pandemic has affected production on a multitude of levels and has taught us to be prepared for any delays whether it be shopping in person or even online. The Internal Revenue Service has shared it is faced with backlogs of up to 6 million in unprocessed individual returns. This tax season could very well have delays we are not in favor with. To help alleviate the burdens of the IRS and improve our chances of receiving our returns in a decent time frame, the IRS strongly suggests you do the following:

Use Free Online Resources Provided By The IRS

Filing taxes always brings a myriad of questions; questions we never know who to direct to, but the IRS. For this year’s tax season the IRS has shared, instead of calling in with your questions, you can visit the IRS’ Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) and/or Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE). Both programs are managed by the IRS and staffed with IRS-certified volunteers, who must take and pass tax law training which meets or exceeds IRS standards. To learn more and find a location near you, click here.

File Your Taxes Electronically This Year

The IRS strongly suggests taxpayers file their tax return electronically along with their direct deposit information as soon as all their tax documents have been made available. Tax payers should also check on the accuracy of all their information. Filing a tax return with errors or one that is incomplete may add to the overall delay of receiving your tax return. For the latest IRS forms and instructions, you can visit the IRS website at IRS.gov/forms.

Expect To Receive IRS Letters This Tax Season

People receiving these letters should keep them. Do not throw them away. These letters can help taxpayers, or their tax professional prepare their 2021 federal tax return.

Letter 6419 - Advance Child Tax Credit Payments

Did you know the Child Tax Credits were actually advanced payments on your 2021 taxes? The tax credit was temporarily expanded from $2,000 to $3,600 and the government began to pay half of the available credit via monthly payments from July through December. Those who opted out of advance payments will be receiving full refund amounts.

Each individual, even those who file jointly, should have received letter 6419, 2021 Advance Child Tax Credit. The IRS began sending Letter 6419 via the United States Postal Service back in December 2021 and has continued into the month of January. This letter contains information such as the total Advance Child Tax Credit amount as well as the number of qualifying children used to calculate the overall amount. Anyone who did not receive any payments listed is instructed to call the IRS before filing a return.

Letter 6475 - Economic Impact Payment

Letter 6475, Third Economic Impact Payment (Stimulus Money) was also issued out to individuals who received a third payment in 2021, in late January. This letter is needed to provide verification to the IRS that the taxpayer received the money.

What if I never received Letter 6419 or Letter 6475?

As mentioned above, to ensure you receive your refund, you will need the information on both letters. If you are missing either letter you can use the child tax credits portal to verify the information you need.

You always have the option to call the IRS at 1-800-829-1040, but remember, delays are imminent and strongly suggested you complete all your tax needs, electronically.

For more important IRS information, you can click here.

Tips To Make Filing Easier

  • Gather all your 2021 tax records, Individual Tax Payer Identification Numbers, Adoption Taxpayer Identification Numbers, and this year’s Identity.
  • Set up or log in securely at IRS.gov/account to access personal account tax information including balance, payments, and tax records including adjusted gross income.
  • Individuals can use a bank account, prepaid debit card or mobile app to use direct deposit and will need to provide routing and account numbers.

Key Filing Dates

Below are important dates taxpayers should be aware of this season:

April 18 — Due date to file 2021 tax return or to request an extension and pay tax owed due to Emancipation Day holiday in Washington, D.C., even for those who live outside the area.

April 19 — Due date to file 2021 tax returns or request extension and pay tax owed for those who live in MA or ME due to Patriot’s Day holiday.

When it's time to file your return, remember that filing your taxes electronically and including your direct deposit information would result in the quickest possible return.

SafeAmerica Credit Union Members Save

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The information in this article is for general educational purposes only and not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations. Please discuss your particular circumstances with an appropriate professional before taking action.

• By Kevin Alvarez

Credit Reports – How to Get Your Annual Credit Report

How to Get Your Free Credit Report

The Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions Act of 2003 (FACT Act) entitles you to receive a free copy of your credit report once a year from each of the reporting companies – Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. The three companies have set up one central website, toll-free telephone number, and mailing address. You can request your free report either online, by phone or even mail by visiting www.AnnualCreditReport.com or calling 1-877-322-8228.

Should Consumers Order All Their Credit Reports at Once or Space Them Out Over 12 Months?

It is entirely your choice whether you order all three credit reports at the same time or order one now and others later. If you request all three at the same time, you can compare them, however you won’t be eligible for another free report for 12 months.  On the other hand, if you space them out, (for example, requesting one report every four months), you can keep track of any changes or new information that may appear on your report. If you order from only one company today you can still order from the other two companies in the future.

Consumer Alert! Beware of Ads Claiming "Free" Credit Reports

Many other websites claim to offer “free credit reports, free credit scores, or free credit monitoring.” But, be careful.  Their claims of “free” are not always no cost. These sites are not part of the official, government-mandated annual free credit report program. In most cases, these sites will provide you with a free credit report and score, and they will attempt to enroll you in some type of credit monitoring or protection service. Before signing up for such a service, do your research and determine if it’s something that you really need. The Federal Trade Commission has received complaints from consumers who thought they were ordering a free annual credit report, but instead paid hidden fees or agreed to unwanted services. Don’t be fooled by misleading TV ads, e-mail offers, or online search results.

Other Situations That Warrant Getting a Free Credit Report

Under federal law, you may be entitled to a free credit report if a company takes “adverse action” against you such as denying an application for credit, insurance, or employment, based on information in the report. In addition, other circumstances include unemployment, receiving welfare benefits, and any report of fraud (including identity theft).

Is it Important to Review Your Credit Report Frequently?

Yes, absolutely! The information in a person’s credit report is used to evaluate applications for credit, loans, insurance, and employment. Therefore, making sure that your information on your credit report is accurate and up-to-date is very important.

It may be helpful to go over your credit report with one of our financial wellness counselors.  Call us to get started today.

GreenPath Financial Wellness