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If you suspect you are being scammed, Ent Credit Union is here to help. Money scams can take many different forms. Criminals may claim to be the government, such as the IRS, or even your local financial institution to con you out of your hard-earned money. There are several ways to find out if you are indeed the victim of a scam. Use this guide to protect yourself from scams online and over the phone.

Student loan forbearance is a period in which you aren’t required to make a payment on your student loans. You can temporarily make a smaller payment, but the principal amount of the loan will continue to accrue interest. Forbearance can help you reduce your monthly expenses in the short term, however, you won’t make any progress in terms of paying off the loan or loan forgiveness. Learn more about student loan forbearance and when to consider this option.

ESG investing, SRI, impact investing, thematic investing, stock screeners; there are many ways to invest your dollars so they’re working for the greater good. Although there are many different names for these methods, they all share the common objective of investing your money in companies that align with your values and are trying to make a positive change. This primer into the wide world of sustainable investing will give you a little back story on how the movement was started, the key differences between the different methodologies and what you need to know to get started.

As fuel costs climb, the ripple effects of inflation touch nearly every aspect of our finances, from daily commutes to the overall cost of living. As such, adjusting for inflation can be critical to our ongoing effort to maintain financial stability. In this article, we’ll explore the ins and outs of handling the effects of rising gas prices by employing budget adjustment strategies that work.

Being in your 20s is sure to be one of the most exciting times in your life, but it’s also a great time to think about your financial future. The decisions you make today will have a tremendous impact on your financial situation in the years to come. It is never too early to start thinking about saving for retirement, getting out of debt or saving for a down payment on your first home or car. Starting early gives you an advantage because your savings will grow interest over time. You can also lock in low rates on life insurance and other important financial safeguards. Use these financial milestones to set yourself up for success later in life.

Certificates of deposit (CDs) let you earn money off your savings without taking on unnecessary risks. They come with fixed interest rates that can help you plan for your future and are convenient to use for all income levels. CDs also provide peace of mind in today’s unpredictable economy.

It’s important to invest your money so that it appreciates in value over time. Many investment options let you earn money off the funds you have already earned, but CDs tend to be the most reliable. They are a predictable, stable way to grow your money over the long term. There are several types of CDs to choose from based on whether you need access to the funds in the account. Learn more about the benefits of CDs and how they can help you protect your money from inflation.

If you’re in the market for a consumer loan, you may have the option of choosing between what’s known as a secured loan and an unsecured loan. Both types of loans will give you access to funds that you will need to pay back at a later date, but they come with clear differences that every borrower should be aware of. Learn more about the difference between secured and unsecured loans so that you can find the right type of loan for your needs.

Money psychology studies our relationship with money, influencing how we earn, save, spend, and invest. So, why understand the psychology of money? Because money, in its essence, is not just a currency or a tool for exchange. It's a lens through which we view our security, success, and, sometimes, our self-worth. Our financial decisions are seldom purely logical. They are deeply intertwined with our emotions, upbringing, and societal influences. Recognizing and acknowledging this can be the first step toward financial empowerment.

If you’re looking to save money, you may be interested in what’s known as the zero-based budget (ZBB), or zero-sum budget. This means allocating all of your monthly income to various expenses, including basic needs like food and rent, as well as savings and paying off existing debt. Allocating 100% of your monthly income doesn’t mean spending all your money every month, nor does it mean you have to put it all in savings either. It just means you have a plan for every cent you make. Learn more about this method of budgeting and how it can help you improve your finances.

Your vigilance is the best defense against phishing, and here are some quick tips to help keep your information safe.

Refinancing your mortgage is a strategic move that sometimes makes financial sense. It lets you lower your interest rate, reduce monthly payments, or change loan terms to suit your needs better. However, if you have poor credit, the path to refinancing becomes more complex. This guide will help you understand how to refinance a mortgage with bad credit, the challenges you might face, and strategies to improve your chances of approval.