SafeAmerica Credit Union

tips and tricks

• 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

• By Kevin Alvarez

Free Webinar: Family Lessons About Money

Register Now

This free, one hour webinar about Financial Transformation is presented by GreenPath Financial Wellness

Join us for a lively discussion about tips, challenges, and resources needed in order to raise financially healthy kids. Be part of our audience for our live podcast, Real Stories: Journeys of Financial Wellness. Our panel will feature GreenPath clients who are inspiring their children to be financially resilient. We'll also chat with Professor Bernard Dillard. Come along with GreenPath Financial Wellness for an enlightening session on how we might support the next generation in their financial in their financial wellness journeys.

Who should attend

  • Parents who would like to learn from others' experiences about kids and money
  • Anyone who wishes to mentor a young person about money
  • Teens or young adults who wish to jump start family conversations about money

What You'll Learn

  • How to communicate with your kids about money
  • How to overcome family financial challenges
  • About resources to share with your family and community

Details

Date: Wednesday, July 28, 2021

Time: 10:00 am PST - 11:00 am PST

Register Now

• By Kevin Alvarez

Tips and Tricks for Your Summer Road Trip

A historic period of uncertainty, finally on its way out. With the reopening of the state of California upon us and the built up frustration from stay-at-home orders set back in March of 2020, many Americans are expected to travel up to 500 miles from their homes this summer via road trips as a way to help wash away the stagnant year we all never saw coming.

California families have been juggling a handful of “from home” routines, from distance learning to working from home and everything in between for nearly 16 months now. So with little ones out of school for their summer vacation and recent high school and college graduates (congratulations!), this summer season is going to be one we will all appreciate for years to come.

To help our members and community prepare for upcoming travel we came up with a list of things to prepare you for an easy-going road trip (or two or three).

The summer heat influences a handful of important components with your vehicle—air conditioner, tires, oil, battery, fuel, coolant and even your wiper blades. Keep this heat factor in mind while reading over this blog post.

Vehicle Road Trip Reminders

Check Your Fluids

According to AAA you should be checking your vehicle's fluids more often than the dealer's recommended amount, with consistent monitoring you will have a better idea of when your vehicle's fluids need to be topped off.

Oil - When was the last time you had an oil and oil filter change? New vehicles require an oil change every 5,000 miles or every 6 months, while “older” vehicles require an oil change every 3,000 or 3 months. Know the life of your oil and if it can endure a road trip at the distance you plan on covering. There are plenty of recommendations from each of the many auto makers out there. Make sure you are aware of your specific vehicle’s recommendations for an oil change service.

Brake Fluid – Do you remember the last time you changed your brakes, let alone the brake fluid? Brake fluid is used every time you press on your brake pedal and it is generally recommended to flush your brake fluids every 30,000 miles or 2 years.

Anti-Freeze/Coolant/Radiator Fluid – This summer is due to be a hot one. On top of staying hydrated, drivers need to make sure their vehicles coolant is topped off to prevent radiators from overheating and leaving you stranded.

Wiper Fluid/Blades – A windshield full of bugs is bound to happen and who knows what other muck gets on there. Go over your wipers and windshield to clear any debris that may be lurking on the base of your wiper blades as well as the wiper blades themselves. There are occurrences when debris clings to the blades themselves and scratches your windshield. This can also happen from old and worn wiper blades. The metal design which presses the blades down to your car could be exposed and leave “streaks” or scratches on your windshield. Due to excessive heat, you can prevent the rubber blade from melting onto your windshield by leaving them in the standing up maintenance/wash position.

Transmission Fluid – Do you know the status of your transmission? What about transmission fluid? If your vehicle has been jerking when you accelerate or leaving a burning smell, it may be best to get your vehicle looked at by a professional and maybe even using a different vehicle for your road trip.

Check Your Vehicle's Belts

  • Serpentine Belt
  • Drive Belt/ V Belt
  • Timing Belt
  • Accessory Belt

Timing-belt of alternator.

Check Your Vehicle's Hoses

  • Low Pressure Fuel hose
  • High Pressure Fuel hose
  • Radiator hose
  • Heater Hose
  • Power Steering hose
  • Hydraulic Hose
  • A/C Hose
  • Vacuum Hose

Check Your Tires and Tire Tread

Do you remember when you last changed your tires? Look over your wheels for any signs of tears or for any foreign objects such as screws that may compromise your wheel’s integrity. If it’s been a few years since your tires have been changed or even rotated them, then it wouldn’t hurt to check the tread life of all four of your vehicle’s tires.

You Can Easily Do This With A Penny

  • place a penny into a groove with the side of Abraham Lincoln’s portrait facing you
  • Rotate the penny so the top of Abe’s head is touching the surface of your tire
  • Based on how much of Abraham Lincoln’s head you are able to see, will determine if you should change your tires. If you are able to see his head, it is time to change your tires right away.

Inspecting tire tread using a penny.

Check Your Battery

Go over your battery’s connections to make sure they are clear of any debris or battery corrosion and ensure your battery is fastened securely to your vehicle. You can always visit an auto parts store for a free battery test to provide an accurate reading of your battery’s overall life.

Example of a corroded car battery.

Emergency Roadside Kit SuppliesTo make unexpected roadside situations easier to bear with, you should consider carrying the following items in your vehicle:

  • Emergency contact info
  • Insurance/registration information
  • Reliable tow company information
  • Spare tire that is inflated to its specified pound per square inch (psi)
  • Lug nut lock key
  • Lug nut wrench
  • Reliable Jack stand Kit(make sure to get one that is strong enough for your vehicle)
  • Car escape tools/Pocket knives (seat belt cutter/glass breaker)
  • Jumper cables
  • Basic assortment of tools to operate on your vehicle
  • Blankets
  • A change of clothes
  • Flashlight(s) with extra batteries
  • First Aid Kit
  • Water
  • Nonperishable foods
  • Can opener
  • Phone charging cable(s) AND wall plug
  • Safety vest and hazard reflective roadside triangles (set of 3). Place the first triangle 10 feet behind your vehicle, the second triangle 100 feet behind your vehicle and the final triangle, 300 feet from your vehicle. All reflective triangles should be on the side closest to oncoming traffic.

red triangle red emergency stop sign red emergency symbol.

There are many variables that need to work together efficiently in order have a car running smoothly and unless you managed to grab a new auto during the microchip/parts shortage this last year, best to take all preventative steps available to ensure a safe and memorable road trip.

Get out and explore this summer. A Personal Loan from SafeAmerica Credit Union can help make it happen – and the funds can be used for just about anything, including road trips!

We want to help you make memories. Act now to receive a free AAA membership with your new Personal Loan. AAA offers travel services, discounts and insurance, road-side assistance and more!

Free AAA Membership

Sources

  1. “Quick Tips For Checking Your Vehicle's Fluids,” AAA (blog), accessed July 7, 2021, https://www.aaa.com/autorepair/articles/quick-tips-for-checking-vehicle-fluids
  2.  “Get Your Vehicle Check During AAA Car Care Month,” AAA (blog), October 9, 2013, accessed July 7, 2021, http://news.aaa-calif.com/news/get-a-vehicle-check-during-aaa-car-care-month
  3. "Tire Tread Depth" Firestone (blog), accessed July 7, 2021, https://www.firestonecompleteautocare.com/penny-tire-test/
  4. "How To Test A Car Battery At Home with (No Equipment)" (blog), October 23, 2018, accessed July 7, 2021,  https://www.firestonecompleteautocare.com/blog/batteries/how-to-test-car-battery-at-home/
  5. "The Best Gear For A Roadside Emergency" (blog) May 18, 2021, accessed July 8, 2021, https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-gear-for-a-roadside-emergency/
  6. "Know-How Notes: All About Hoses" (blog), accessed July 8 2021, https://knowhow.napaonline.com/know-notes-hoses/

• By Kevin Alvarez

What Influences your Money Habits?

Information brought to you by our partner, GreenPath Financial Wellness

When our financial counselors speak with members about specific challenges they might be facing, it can be helpful to have a conversation about the factors that influence money habits and behaviors. 

From family experiences to other factors such as the media, a range of influences shape our views of the world – including the money habits we put into practice each day. 

Whether we have patterns of spending, saving, investing or even budgeting, these habits are usually shaped by our past experiences. 

As the webinar highlight notes, there are three key influences when it comes to money habits:

Family

How we regulate to finances is very much related to what we experience in our families, and the money lessons people experience across generations.

Perhaps our parents were not comfortable spending money and had a distrust when it comes to taking on debt. Or maybe we witnessed a family where there was a high tolerance for spending and taking on loans for purchases both big and small. whether we were in families that were big spenders or big savers, or somewhere along the spectrum, many people can identify with the role their family's played in their money habits.

Media

Movies, television shows and social media often romanticize the appeal of beautiful homes, nice cars, new gadgets, and brand-name clothing and jewelry. The media plays a big role in emphasizing the desire to have the latest and greatest of everything - despite the realities of our financial situation.

While the entertainment industry is a big part of our media diets, our social media feeds serve up a never-ending stream of photos and updates showing off expensive vacations, cars, elaborate events and more. As a result, many of us are tempted to "keep up with the Joneses" and by ramping up our spending. This is a significant influence on our money habits.

Culture

Attitudes and perceptions about how we handle our money are also influenced by the larger culture. For those living in a culture of consumption, the "buy now, pay later" philosophy is everywhere. For those in a culture that puts an emphasis on economic restraint, that philosophy and influence is likely quite different.

While cultural influences affect how we view money, we also have the power to choose how we interpret cultural exceptions. Many people turn the "conspicuous consumption" influence into a positive effect to encourage good money habits. They might see the cultural behaviors as life lessons on what not to do.

Know Your Money Habits

Where do you stack up when it comes to money habits - especially when it comes to credit card debt?

All told, knowing your money habits is a good step towards financial health and wellness. If spending is getting out of hand, for instance, due to the pressures of keeping up with a friend's social post, it might be time to slow down and take a hard look at spending.

Take the next step - check out the educational course - Redesign Your Money Habits

Learn More

• By Kevin Alvarez

Why Credit Matters!

Information brought to you by our partner, GreenPath Financial Wellness

Understanding your credit is easier than you may think. Building it properly has it's benefits. It can help with everything from buying a car, house, to getting a job. Yes, even a job. That three-digit number can be important building block in establishing a solid financial foundation.

Sometimes, the unexpected can happen; like a pandemic, a temporary loss of income, or an illness. Improving your credit may take time and patience, but it is worth it. If you have run into a bump in the road or experienced hardship in your finances, there are programs to help.

Why Is A Good Credit Rating So Important?

Juggling your credit is possible with planning and knowledge to get a better handle on your financial future. it is helpful to understand how it can impact you, your family, and your goals for the future.

Credit scores are increasingly important as the economy continues to recover, and more people apply for loans, rent, and buy homes. Banks and other lending institutions use your credit scores to decide who is a good risk based on their previous financial history.

Having A Good Credit Score Can Save You Money!

What does this all mean? A good credit score is part of a path to provide opportunities you may not otherwise be able to access. Lower interest rates are offered to people with better credit scores - that means more money staying in your pocket. It's also easier to get a loan or line of credit. Many companies require at least a fair credit rating before they will even consider doing business with you.

How Is Your Credit Score Determined?

Your FICO score (Fair Isaac Corporation) is a three-digit number based on the information in your credit reports. It helps lenders determine how likely you are to repay, and how much it will cost (the interest rate).

When you apply for credit, lenders need a fast and consistent way to decide whether to loan you money. In most cases, they'll look at your FICO Scores which track history with credit card debt.

There are several factors that help determine your credit score. Understanding them can get and keep you on a great path.

Payment History (35%) - Are you paying your bills on time? Keeping up with your payments and having a history of doing so, is a big factor in your credit score. If you've fallen behind, or need to get back on track; you can set up automatic payments, set reminders, maintain a monthly budget or savings plan.

Amounts You Owe And How You Use Available Credit (30%) - Know your credit limit and keep your balances low (30% of available credit or less).

  • If your balances are high, create a proactive plan to pay them down.
  • As you are working to pay down balances, stop using the card altogether, Also, instead of paying the minimum, increase your monthly payment.

Length Of Credit History (15%) - How long you have gad a line of credit open can help you.

  • Review your credit report to see how long it has been open.
  • Keep accounts active. If possible, keep older accounts active, without interest charges.

Types Of Credit You Use And Your/Credit Mix (10%) - it's important to have a combination of revolving accounts and installment loans. This shows your ability to responsibly handle different types of loans like auto loans , personal loans, or student loans.

New Credit/Having Too Many Lines Of Credit (10%) - Opening an account is certainly alright. Opening five accounts at once, not so much, when you apply for credit remember:

  • Applications for new credit stay on your account for two years.
  • When you do apply, it can cause a slight dip on your credit score.
  • Remember it is important to handle any new accounts responsibly to avoid more significant impact to credit.
  • If you are taking on too much credit, it could signal you are having financial issues.
For more Financial tips and education, visit GreenPath Financial Wellness.

• By Kevin Alvarez

3 Tried and True Facts About Personal Finances

Information brought to you by our partner, GreenPath Financial Wellness

No matter your age or stage in life, it pays to know the facts about personal finances. When you understand the basics, you can set yourself up for success and build a healthy financial future.

Here are three facts to know about personal finance to get on the right track.

Fact #1 - Good Financial Habits Pay Off

Making it a habit to set aside money each month helps you save to meet both short and long-term goals. For many of us, the big savings goal is purchasing a home, and eventually retirement. But people also save to build up an emergency fund, afford a new vehicle, education, and more.

Making regular deposits, no matter how small, will add up over time. Besides setting aside money and ensuring your funds earn a competitive rate of interest, the second most important habit is to control spending. By budgeting wisely, you not only set aside more money for potential savings, but you also develop spending habits that serve you in the  long term.

Fact #2 - There's a Smart Way to Manage Debt

Many people find it helpful to understand the facts of managing debt wisely. For example, making only the minimum payment each month on a credit card extends how long it takes to wipe out your debt and adds to the amount of interest you pay. Minimum monthly payments can be a short-term approach to dealing with financial challenges - because you are keeping up on bills - however, making more than the minimum payment each month helps avoid digging yourself into a financial hole.

If you've hit the maximum balance on credit cards, or run into issues keeping up with other debt, it is time to take a hard look at where your money is going and make a plan to change any habits that are not beneficial to your financial health.

Fact #3 You Don't Have To Go At It Alone

There are times in life when you might need to get a handle on high credit balances, understand your options when facing financial challenges, or figure out how to get a healthier credit score. A financial counseling session, working one-on-one with a certified counselor, is a good first step. Not only will the counselor help you understand your full financial situation, but they will also help you to develop a customized plan for your unique situation.

Whether it's overwhelming credit card debt, student loan balances or issues with keeping up with housing costs, the path is easier when you work with a trusted resource.

A trusted source, along with an action plan that provides proven strategies, can propel people toward financial health with confidence.

Connect with a GreenPath Counselor Today

Through our partnership, counselors at GreenPath Financial Wellness are ready to share some "tried and true" facts when it comes to financial health. Gain a better understanding of your financial picture and whats steps to take to improve financial wellness.

Get started with a free, confidential financial counseling session by clicking the link below.

Learn More

• By Kevin Alvarez

Free Webinar: Buying a Home in a Seller’s Market

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This free, one hour webinar about money concepts is presented by GreenPath Financial Wellness

Do you have a financial wellness goal of becoming a homeowner? With interest rates at a record low, you are not alone. Let us help you navigate this important milestone during a seller's market. The goal is for you to secure a good home, without jeopardizing your financial future.

What You'll Learn

  • What is important to most sellers in today's real estate market
  • The realistic timeline of how long buyers, lenders, and other real estate professions may impact the home buying process

Who should attend

  • Those providing guidance to home buyers (real estate agents, housing counselors, parents, grandparents, etc.)
  • Potential home buyers
  • Lenders

Details

Date: Wednesday, June 23, 2021

Time: 10:00 am PST - 11:00 am PST

Register Now

• By Kevin Alvarez

Financial Literacy For Kids – Financial Literacy Month

Information brought to you by our partner, GreenPath Financial Wellness

Practical money management skills learned at an early age can have a lasting impact on the rest of your child’s life. In fact, this is one of the most important areas where you can truly change the course of their life. Educating your children about financial wellness will help them build healthy spending habits for the future.
Here are some great ways to teach your kids about money.

1. Play Games That Involve Money

One of the best ways to teach a lesson is by doing so without your child even realizing that they are learning. Play games that include a financial element like Monopoly or Life and help them strategize during the game. This will help your child learn the importance of budgeting and planning for the future, all under the guise of play.

2. Make A Wish List with Your Child

An essential part of financial literacy is creating a set of priorities. We can’t have everything we want all at once, but we can achieve our goals over time if we plan ahead. This is a great lesson that children can learn. Sit down with your child and have them list five things they want. Then have them rank them from most important to least important. Once the list is created, strategize with your child about how they can obtain their wishes

3. Teach While You Shop

Take your child shopping and actively explain your decision-making process. When you arrive at the store, tell your child how much money you have to spend and what your priorities are. Show them why you are picking one item over another and explain things like discounts and coupons. Remember, children will learn from your example. Telling them about budgeting is important, but it’s much more impactful if they see you following a budget yourself. Additionally, give your child small amounts of money to spend themselves. You'll be surprised at how happy they will be to spend $2 on anything they want! They'll also learn the importance of spending with a limited budget.

4. Give an Allowance

Giving an allowance gives children first-hand experience with money. They learn the rewards of careful spending and saving and the risks of making impulsive spending decisions. And those risks are a lot smaller than they will be later in life! Kids also appreciate things that they can buy with their own money. If you’re wondering how much allowance to give, know there aren’t strict guidelines. Some parents choose to give one dollar for each year of a child’s age. Other parents base their kids’ allowance on work they do around the house — like cleaning, lawn and garden chores, or babysitting younger siblings. Some parents put their kids in charge of paying for some of their own expenses — like clothing, video games, or tickets to movies — and set the allowance based on that. Whatever amount you decide on, keep in mind that it will become a regular expense for you to consider in your family budget. Make it work for you and your child.

5. Split Money into Categories

Get a piggy bank that splits money into spending, saving, and giving. Teach your child about what each category is and how they are allowed to use the money in each section. Every time you give them their allowance, talk them through how they plan to use their funds. Place the piggy bank next to your child's wish list so that their spending and savings goals are clear to them. Alos, talk through the charitable causes your child thinks are important, and when they hit a giving goal, donate the money to that cause in your child's name.

6. Involve Your Kids in Major Purchases

Deciding where to go on vacation? Buying a new appliance? Include your kids in the process and have them help with the research. You can show them the factors that go into making the decision and have them help you compare the options before making the purchase. They’ll feel proud to know they helped with the research to make the best decision for the entire family.
In short, teaching children about finances can be easier than it might seem. It just takes a bit of planning, a little patience, and some creativity. Once your child learns the basics of finances, you can increase their
financial responsibilities by upping their allowance and helping them to open a savings and checking account. These lessons will help your child develop a healthy attitude towards money as they grow into adults.
For more Financial tips and education, visit GreenPath Financial Wellness.