<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?>
<rss version="2.0" xmlns:atom="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom">
	<channel>
		<title>River Valley Credit Union - RVCU Blog</title>
		<link>https://www.rvcu.org/resource-links/blog/rss.xml</link>
		<atom:link href="https://www.rvcu.org/resource-links/blog/rss.xml" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml" />
		<description>River Valley Credit Union</description>
		<language>en-US</language>
		<pubDate>Tue, 16 Jun 2026 07:46:50 +0000</pubDate>
		<lastBuildDate>Tue, 16 Jun 2026 07:46:50 +0000</lastBuildDate>
		<copyright>Copyright 2026 River Valley Credit Union. All rights reserved.</copyright>
		<managingEditor>postmaster@globalreach.com (Postmaster)</managingEditor>
		<webMaster>postmaster@globalreach.com (Postmaster)</webMaster>
		<generator>Global Reach Posts Aggregator v0.96</generator>
		<docs>http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss</docs>
		<ttl>60</ttl>
		
			<item>
				<title>Financial Literacy Month </title>
				<link>https://www.rvcu.org/resource-links/blog/2026/04/14/financial-literacy-month</link>
				<guid>https://www.rvcu.org/resource-links/blog/2026/04/14/financial-literacy-month</guid>
				<pubDate>Tue, 14 Apr 2026 10:45:34 +0000</pubDate>
				<description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img alt=&quot;&quot; height=&quot;1184&quot; src=&quot;/media/cms/financial-literacy-month-blog-cover_e847fa16fec9c.webp&quot; width=&quot;2000&quot; /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;April marks Financial Literacy Month, an ideal time to focus on acquiring the knowledge and skills essential for effective money management. Understanding how to save, budget, and invest your funds is crucial for anyone looking to enhance their financial well-being. By grasping key concepts like interest rates and personal finance management, you position yourself to make informed decisions regarding spending and saving, avoid debt, and prepare for a secure financial future.&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;Being financially literate isn&amp;#39;t just about crunching numbers; it&amp;#39;s about empowering yourself with the tools required to navigate today&amp;rsquo;s financial landscape. Financial literacy allows you to establish a budget, build an emergency fund, and identify the best savings and investment strategies tailored to your individual needs. This foundational knowledge can lead to better decision-making and a stronger financial position overall.&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Valuable Resources to Boost Your Financial Knowledge&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;To help you on your journey to financial literacy, here are some excellent resources you can tap into:&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;ol&gt;
	&lt;li dfsfontsizes=&quot;{&amp;quot;h1&amp;quot;:25,&amp;quot;h2&amp;quot;:20,&amp;quot;h3&amp;quot;:18,&amp;quot;p&amp;quot;:15}&quot; draggable=&quot;false&quot; firstlettermarks=&quot;[{&amp;quot;type&amp;quot;:&amp;quot;bold&amp;quot;}]&quot; firstlettertextkind=&quot;p&quot; listnestinglevel=&quot;1&quot;&gt;
	&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/su/Z0K0Srb/RVCU&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Email Newsletter:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&amp;nbsp;Stay updated on upcoming educational webinars, seminars, and the latest news from RVCU by signing up for our email newsletter. It&amp;#39;s a great way to ensure you&amp;#39;re always informed about new opportunities to expand your financial knowledge.&lt;/p&gt;
	&lt;/li&gt;
	&lt;li dfsfontsizes=&quot;{&amp;quot;h1&amp;quot;:25,&amp;quot;h2&amp;quot;:20,&amp;quot;h3&amp;quot;:18,&amp;quot;p&amp;quot;:15}&quot; draggable=&quot;false&quot; firstlettermarks=&quot;[{&amp;quot;type&amp;quot;:&amp;quot;bold&amp;quot;}]&quot; firstlettertextkind=&quot;p&quot; listnestinglevel=&quot;1&quot;&gt;
	&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;/about-us/rvcu-newsletter-archive/&quot;&gt;RVCU Newsletters:&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/strong&gt; Tune in quarterly for all things RVCU and educational in our newsletters. These are released quarterly and can be found archived on our website.&lt;/p&gt;
	&lt;/li&gt;
	&lt;li dfsfontsizes=&quot;{&amp;quot;h1&amp;quot;:25,&amp;quot;h2&amp;quot;:20,&amp;quot;h3&amp;quot;:18,&amp;quot;p&amp;quot;:15}&quot; draggable=&quot;false&quot; firstlettermarks=&quot;[{&amp;quot;type&amp;quot;:&amp;quot;bold&amp;quot;}]&quot; firstlettertextkind=&quot;p&quot; listnestinglevel=&quot;1&quot;&gt;
	&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;/about-us/blog/&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;RVCU Blog&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/a&gt;: Our blog serves as a valuable resource filled with insights and information. Make sure to check it regularly for tips and articles that can help enhance your financial skills.&lt;/p&gt;
	&lt;/li&gt;
	&lt;li dfsfontsizes=&quot;{&amp;quot;h1&amp;quot;:25,&amp;quot;h2&amp;quot;:20,&amp;quot;h3&amp;quot;:18,&amp;quot;p&amp;quot;:15}&quot; draggable=&quot;false&quot; firstlettermarks=&quot;[{&amp;quot;type&amp;quot;:&amp;quot;bold&amp;quot;}]&quot; firstlettertextkind=&quot;p&quot; listnestinglevel=&quot;1&quot;&gt;
	&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;/about-us/first-community-trust/&quot;&gt;First Community Trust:&lt;/a&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/strong&gt;With First Community Trust, you can explore a variety of financial services that cater specifically to your needs. It&amp;#39;s a fantastic way to receive personalized advice and support on your financial journey.&amp;nbsp; If you&amp;#39;re interested in exploring trust services, consider setting up a meeting at RVCU with Jason Freese, our partnered Trust Officer.&lt;/p&gt;
	&lt;/li&gt;
	&lt;li dfsfontsizes=&quot;{&amp;quot;h1&amp;quot;:25,&amp;quot;h2&amp;quot;:20,&amp;quot;h3&amp;quot;:18,&amp;quot;p&amp;quot;:15}&quot; draggable=&quot;false&quot; firstlettermarks=&quot;[{&amp;quot;type&amp;quot;:&amp;quot;bold&amp;quot;}]&quot; firstlettertextkind=&quot;p&quot; listnestinglevel=&quot;1&quot;&gt;
	&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;/resource-links/zogo/&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Zogo Finance:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/a&gt; Get paid to learn with the Zogo Finance app! This engaging platform makes financial education rewarding. You can learn at your own pace while earning rewards, making learning about finance enjoyable.&lt;/p&gt;
	&lt;/li&gt;
	&lt;li dfsfontsizes=&quot;{&amp;quot;h1&amp;quot;:25,&amp;quot;h2&amp;quot;:20,&amp;quot;h3&amp;quot;:18,&amp;quot;p&amp;quot;:15}&quot; draggable=&quot;false&quot; firstlettermarks=&quot;[{&amp;quot;type&amp;quot;:&amp;quot;bold&amp;quot;}]&quot; firstlettertextkind=&quot;p&quot; listnestinglevel=&quot;1&quot;&gt;
	&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://www.facebook.com/RVCUIowa/&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;RVCU Socials:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/a&gt; Connect with us on social media platforms such as Pinterest, Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Follow us to stay informed and engage with our community.&lt;/p&gt;
	&lt;/li&gt;
	&lt;li dfsfontsizes=&quot;{&amp;quot;h1&amp;quot;:25,&amp;quot;h2&amp;quot;:20,&amp;quot;h3&amp;quot;:18,&amp;quot;p&amp;quot;:15}&quot; draggable=&quot;false&quot; firstlettermarks=&quot;[{&amp;quot;type&amp;quot;:&amp;quot;bold&amp;quot;}]&quot; firstlettertextkind=&quot;p&quot; listnestinglevel=&quot;1&quot;&gt;
	&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://consumer.ftc.gov/&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Federal Trade Commission&amp;nbsp;Resources:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/a&gt; Explore articles focused on finance&amp;nbsp;by the FTC to further enrich your understanding of managing your finances effectively.&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;
	&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ol&gt;

&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Tips from RVCU for All Ages&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;ul&gt;
	&lt;li dfsfontsizes=&quot;{&amp;quot;h1&amp;quot;:25,&amp;quot;h2&amp;quot;:20,&amp;quot;h3&amp;quot;:18,&amp;quot;p&amp;quot;:15}&quot; draggable=&quot;false&quot; firstlettermarks=&quot;[{&amp;quot;type&amp;quot;:&amp;quot;bold&amp;quot;}]&quot; firstlettertextkind=&quot;p&quot; listnestinglevel=&quot;1&quot;&gt;
	&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Financial Planning at All Ages:&lt;/strong&gt; It&amp;#39;s never too early or too late to start planning. Whether it&amp;#39;s budgeting, building an emergency fund, or saving for future goals, strong financial planning is essential.&lt;/p&gt;
	&lt;/li&gt;
	&lt;li dfsfontsizes=&quot;{&amp;quot;h1&amp;quot;:25,&amp;quot;h2&amp;quot;:20,&amp;quot;h3&amp;quot;:18,&amp;quot;p&amp;quot;:15}&quot; draggable=&quot;false&quot; firstlettermarks=&quot;[{&amp;quot;type&amp;quot;:&amp;quot;bold&amp;quot;}]&quot; firstlettertextkind=&quot;p&quot; listnestinglevel=&quot;1&quot;&gt;
	&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Stay Updated on Fraud and Scams:&lt;/strong&gt; Keeping informed about the latest fraud trends can help protect your hard-earned money. Stay vigilant and do not hesitate to reach out for help if you have concerns.&lt;/p&gt;
	&lt;/li&gt;
	&lt;li dfsfontsizes=&quot;{&amp;quot;h1&amp;quot;:25,&amp;quot;h2&amp;quot;:20,&amp;quot;h3&amp;quot;:18,&amp;quot;p&amp;quot;:15}&quot; draggable=&quot;false&quot; firstlettermarks=&quot;[{&amp;quot;type&amp;quot;:&amp;quot;bold&amp;quot;}]&quot; firstlettertextkind=&quot;p&quot; listnestinglevel=&quot;1&quot;&gt;
	&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;You&amp;rsquo;re Not Alone:&lt;/strong&gt; Whether you have questions about your account, loans, or just need financial guidance, remember that we&amp;#39;re here for you! Our team is always ready to assist you with questions you have on your financial journey.&lt;/p&gt;
	&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;

&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;As we celebrate Financial Literacy Month this April, take the opportunity to empower yourself with knowledge. Utilize these resources, engage with our materials, and start forging a path towards a brighter, more financially secure future!&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;hr /&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;Isabel Kinzie&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;Marketing Specialist&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
				<author>kinziei@rvcu.org (River Valley Credit Union)</author>
			</item>
		
			<item>
				<title>Spring Cleaning Your Finances </title>
				<link>https://www.rvcu.org/resource-links/blog/2026/02/27/spring-cleaning-your-finances</link>
				<guid>https://www.rvcu.org/resource-links/blog/2026/02/27/spring-cleaning-your-finances</guid>
				<pubDate>Fri, 27 Feb 2026 10:47:33 +0000</pubDate>
				<description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img alt=&quot;&quot; height=&quot;1184&quot; src=&quot;/media/cms/spring-cleaning-blog-cover_6690b8d61ec74.webp&quot; width=&quot;2000&quot; /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;Spring is almost here! As the days grow longer, thoughts often turn to spring cleaning. While we focus on tidying up our homes, we tend to overlook an essential aspect of our lives: our finances. This time of year offers a valuable opportunity to review our financial goals and how we can achieve them.&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;Consider creating a comprehensive financial checklist to guide your spring cleaning efforts. Start by assessing your budget and tracking your spending habits. This will help you identify areas where you can cut back or redirect funds toward your savings.&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;Assess your current debt situation comprehensively. This includes evaluating any credit card balances, student loans, or mortgage obligations you may have. It&amp;#39;s essential to develop a strategic plan that prioritizes paying off high-interest debts first, as this approach can help reduce the overall cost of borrowing and enhance your financial well-being.&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;Subscriptions can easily slip under the radar and quietly drain your finances if left unchecked. Set aside some time to review each one: Are you truly making the most of them, or would it be wiser to cancel those you no longer use? Taking a thoughtful approach to your subscriptions can free up money for your more important goals.&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;This is an excellent moment to review your savings goals. Are you on track with your emergency fund? Do you have specific savings plans for future expenses, such as vacations, home renovations, or retirement? If not, set clear, attainable targets. Try using the SMART method. Specific: What do you want to achieve? Measurable: How will you track your progress? Attainable: How will you accomplish this? Relevant: Is this goal relevant to your life right now? Time-bound: When do you want to achieve this?&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;Don&amp;rsquo;t forget to review your investments and ensure your portfolio aligns with your long-term financial objectives. By taking the time to clean up your financial landscape this spring, you can ensure that you stay on course toward achieving your goals and building a secure financial future.&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;It is also essential to start investing in yourself if you haven&amp;#39;t already. Set aside money for books and classes that interest you. In addition, investing in yourself can also include self-care. Your health, happiness, and well-being are essential to include in your budget!&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;RVCU wishes you success on your journey to financial freedom!&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;hr /&gt;
&lt;p draggable=&quot;false&quot; nodeid=&quot;39e87bdf-1a44-4b77-907e-0ba146d7d32d&quot;&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;Isabel Kinzie&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;Marketing Specialist&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
				<author>kinziei@rvcu.org (River Valley Credit Union)</author>
			</item>
		
			<item>
				<title>26 Financial Tips and Goals for 2026</title>
				<link>https://www.rvcu.org/resource-links/blog/2025/12/30/26-financial-tips-and-goals-for-2026</link>
				<guid>https://www.rvcu.org/resource-links/blog/2025/12/30/26-financial-tips-and-goals-for-2026</guid>
				<pubDate>Tue, 30 Dec 2025 10:34:39 +0000</pubDate>
				<description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img alt=&quot;&quot; src=&quot;/media/cms/26-tips-blog-cover-1_42966055c786f.png&quot; /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;As the new year draws near, it&amp;#39;s an ideal opportunity to evaluate our current situation and determine our aspirations. Many individuals set objectives at the beginning of the year, but how frequently do we follow through? With 2026 upon us, it&amp;#39;s crucial to think about enhancing our financial well-being. Whether it&amp;#39;s increasing savings, making wise investments, or simply spending more efficiently, implementing a few adjustments can result in significant outcomes.&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;Let&amp;rsquo;s explore some financial tips and goals to help you maximize the upcoming year!&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;ol&gt;
	&lt;li dfsfontsizes=&quot;{&amp;quot;h1&amp;quot;:25,&amp;quot;h2&amp;quot;:20,&amp;quot;h3&amp;quot;:18,&amp;quot;p&amp;quot;:15}&quot; draggable=&quot;false&quot; firstlettertextkind=&quot;p&quot; listnestinglevel=&quot;1&quot;&gt;
	&lt;p&gt;Establish an emergency fund&lt;/p&gt;
	&lt;/li&gt;
	&lt;li dfsfontsizes=&quot;{&amp;quot;h1&amp;quot;:25,&amp;quot;h2&amp;quot;:20,&amp;quot;h3&amp;quot;:18,&amp;quot;p&amp;quot;:15}&quot; draggable=&quot;false&quot; firstlettertextkind=&quot;p&quot; listnestinglevel=&quot;1&quot;&gt;
	&lt;p&gt;Create and follow a budget&lt;/p&gt;
	&lt;/li&gt;
	&lt;li dfsfontsizes=&quot;{&amp;quot;h1&amp;quot;:25,&amp;quot;h2&amp;quot;:20,&amp;quot;h3&amp;quot;:18,&amp;quot;p&amp;quot;:15}&quot; draggable=&quot;false&quot; firstlettertextkind=&quot;p&quot; listnestinglevel=&quot;1&quot;&gt;
	&lt;p&gt;Apply the 50-30-20 budgeting rule to your income:&lt;/p&gt;

	&lt;p&gt;a. 50% for monthly needs&lt;/p&gt;

	&lt;p&gt;b. 30% for wants&lt;/p&gt;

	&lt;p&gt;c. 20% for savings&lt;/p&gt;
	&lt;/li&gt;
	&lt;li dfsfontsizes=&quot;{&amp;quot;h1&amp;quot;:25,&amp;quot;h2&amp;quot;:20,&amp;quot;h3&amp;quot;:18,&amp;quot;p&amp;quot;:15}&quot; draggable=&quot;false&quot; firstlettertextkind=&quot;p&quot; listnestinglevel=&quot;1&quot;&gt;
	&lt;p&gt;Track your spending and expenses&lt;/p&gt;
	&lt;/li&gt;
	&lt;li dfsfontsizes=&quot;{&amp;quot;h1&amp;quot;:25,&amp;quot;h2&amp;quot;:20,&amp;quot;h3&amp;quot;:18,&amp;quot;p&amp;quot;:15}&quot; draggable=&quot;false&quot; firstlettertextkind=&quot;p&quot; listnestinglevel=&quot;1&quot;&gt;
	&lt;p&gt;Identify your spending triggers&lt;/p&gt;
	&lt;/li&gt;
	&lt;li dfsfontsizes=&quot;{&amp;quot;h1&amp;quot;:25,&amp;quot;h2&amp;quot;:20,&amp;quot;h3&amp;quot;:18,&amp;quot;p&amp;quot;:15}&quot; draggable=&quot;false&quot; firstlettertextkind=&quot;p&quot; listnestinglevel=&quot;1&quot;&gt;
	&lt;p&gt;Avoid impulse spending&lt;/p&gt;
	&lt;/li&gt;
	&lt;li dfsfontsizes=&quot;{&amp;quot;h1&amp;quot;:25,&amp;quot;h2&amp;quot;:20,&amp;quot;h3&amp;quot;:18,&amp;quot;p&amp;quot;:15}&quot; draggable=&quot;false&quot; firstlettertextkind=&quot;p&quot; listnestinglevel=&quot;1&quot;&gt;
	&lt;p&gt;Evaluate and cut back on subscriptions&lt;/p&gt;
	&lt;/li&gt;
	&lt;li dfsfontsizes=&quot;{&amp;quot;h1&amp;quot;:25,&amp;quot;h2&amp;quot;:20,&amp;quot;h3&amp;quot;:18,&amp;quot;p&amp;quot;:15}&quot; draggable=&quot;false&quot; firstlettertextkind=&quot;p&quot; listnestinglevel=&quot;1&quot;&gt;
	&lt;p&gt;Budget for activities that bring you joy&lt;/p&gt;
	&lt;/li&gt;
	&lt;li dfsfontsizes=&quot;{&amp;quot;h1&amp;quot;:25,&amp;quot;h2&amp;quot;:20,&amp;quot;h3&amp;quot;:18,&amp;quot;p&amp;quot;:15}&quot; draggable=&quot;false&quot; firstlettertextkind=&quot;p&quot; listnestinglevel=&quot;1&quot;&gt;
	&lt;p&gt;Live below your means&lt;/p&gt;
	&lt;/li&gt;
	&lt;li dfsfontsizes=&quot;{&amp;quot;h1&amp;quot;:25,&amp;quot;h2&amp;quot;:20,&amp;quot;h3&amp;quot;:18,&amp;quot;p&amp;quot;:15}&quot; draggable=&quot;false&quot; firstlettertextkind=&quot;p&quot; listnestinglevel=&quot;1&quot;&gt;
	&lt;p&gt;Automate your savings&lt;/p&gt;
	&lt;/li&gt;
	&lt;li dfsfontsizes=&quot;{&amp;quot;h1&amp;quot;:25,&amp;quot;h2&amp;quot;:20,&amp;quot;h3&amp;quot;:18,&amp;quot;p&amp;quot;:15}&quot; draggable=&quot;false&quot; firstlettertextkind=&quot;p&quot; listnestinglevel=&quot;1&quot;&gt;
	&lt;p&gt;Save for both your &amp;quot;wants&amp;quot; and your &amp;quot;needs&amp;quot;&lt;/p&gt;
	&lt;/li&gt;
	&lt;li dfsfontsizes=&quot;{&amp;quot;h1&amp;quot;:25,&amp;quot;h2&amp;quot;:20,&amp;quot;h3&amp;quot;:18,&amp;quot;p&amp;quot;:15}&quot; draggable=&quot;false&quot; firstlettertextkind=&quot;p&quot; listnestinglevel=&quot;1&quot;&gt;
	&lt;p&gt;Diversify your income streams&lt;/p&gt;
	&lt;/li&gt;
	&lt;li dfsfontsizes=&quot;{&amp;quot;h1&amp;quot;:25,&amp;quot;h2&amp;quot;:20,&amp;quot;h3&amp;quot;:18,&amp;quot;p&amp;quot;:15}&quot; draggable=&quot;false&quot; firstlettertextkind=&quot;p&quot; listnestinglevel=&quot;1&quot;&gt;
	&lt;p&gt;Start a side hustle&lt;/p&gt;
	&lt;/li&gt;
	&lt;li dfsfontsizes=&quot;{&amp;quot;h1&amp;quot;:25,&amp;quot;h2&amp;quot;:20,&amp;quot;h3&amp;quot;:18,&amp;quot;p&amp;quot;:15}&quot; draggable=&quot;false&quot; firstlettertextkind=&quot;p&quot; listnestinglevel=&quot;1&quot;&gt;
	&lt;p&gt;Invest in yourself&lt;/p&gt;
	&lt;/li&gt;
	&lt;li dfsfontsizes=&quot;{&amp;quot;h1&amp;quot;:25,&amp;quot;h2&amp;quot;:20,&amp;quot;h3&amp;quot;:18,&amp;quot;p&amp;quot;:15}&quot; draggable=&quot;false&quot; firstlettertextkind=&quot;p&quot; listnestinglevel=&quot;1&quot;&gt;
	&lt;p&gt;Make repaying debt a priority&lt;/p&gt;
	&lt;/li&gt;
	&lt;li dfsfontsizes=&quot;{&amp;quot;h1&amp;quot;:25,&amp;quot;h2&amp;quot;:20,&amp;quot;h3&amp;quot;:18,&amp;quot;p&amp;quot;:15}&quot; draggable=&quot;false&quot; firstlettertextkind=&quot;p&quot; listnestinglevel=&quot;1&quot;&gt;
	&lt;p&gt;Make extra payments towards your debt&lt;/p&gt;
	&lt;/li&gt;
	&lt;li dfsfontsizes=&quot;{&amp;quot;h1&amp;quot;:25,&amp;quot;h2&amp;quot;:20,&amp;quot;h3&amp;quot;:18,&amp;quot;p&amp;quot;:15}&quot; draggable=&quot;false&quot; firstlettertextkind=&quot;p&quot; listnestinglevel=&quot;1&quot;&gt;
	&lt;p&gt;Actively track your credit score&lt;/p&gt;
	&lt;/li&gt;
	&lt;li dfsfontsizes=&quot;{&amp;quot;h1&amp;quot;:25,&amp;quot;h2&amp;quot;:20,&amp;quot;h3&amp;quot;:18,&amp;quot;p&amp;quot;:15}&quot; draggable=&quot;false&quot; firstlettertextkind=&quot;p&quot; listnestinglevel=&quot;1&quot;&gt;
	&lt;p&gt;Pay your bills on time (consider using autopay!)&lt;/p&gt;
	&lt;/li&gt;
	&lt;li dfsfontsizes=&quot;{&amp;quot;h1&amp;quot;:25,&amp;quot;h2&amp;quot;:20,&amp;quot;h3&amp;quot;:18,&amp;quot;p&amp;quot;:15}&quot; draggable=&quot;false&quot; firstlettertextkind=&quot;p&quot; listnestinglevel=&quot;1&quot;&gt;
	&lt;p&gt;Review your monthly statements&lt;/p&gt;
	&lt;/li&gt;
	&lt;li dfsfontsizes=&quot;{&amp;quot;h1&amp;quot;:25,&amp;quot;h2&amp;quot;:20,&amp;quot;h3&amp;quot;:18,&amp;quot;p&amp;quot;:15}&quot; draggable=&quot;false&quot; firstlettertextkind=&quot;p&quot; listnestinglevel=&quot;1&quot;&gt;
	&lt;p&gt;Enroll in online banking and actively track your transactions to stay on budget&lt;/p&gt;
	&lt;/li&gt;
	&lt;li dfsfontsizes=&quot;{&amp;quot;h1&amp;quot;:25,&amp;quot;h2&amp;quot;:20,&amp;quot;h3&amp;quot;:18,&amp;quot;p&amp;quot;:15}&quot; draggable=&quot;false&quot; firstlettertextkind=&quot;p&quot; listnestinglevel=&quot;1&quot;&gt;
	&lt;p&gt;Eliminate expensive spending habits&lt;/p&gt;
	&lt;/li&gt;
	&lt;li dfsfontsizes=&quot;{&amp;quot;h1&amp;quot;:25,&amp;quot;h2&amp;quot;:20,&amp;quot;h3&amp;quot;:18,&amp;quot;p&amp;quot;:15}&quot; draggable=&quot;false&quot; firstlettertextkind=&quot;p&quot; listnestinglevel=&quot;1&quot;&gt;
	&lt;p&gt;Implement and track &amp;quot;no spend&amp;quot; days&lt;/p&gt;
	&lt;/li&gt;
	&lt;li dfsfontsizes=&quot;{&amp;quot;h1&amp;quot;:25,&amp;quot;h2&amp;quot;:20,&amp;quot;h3&amp;quot;:18,&amp;quot;p&amp;quot;:15}&quot; draggable=&quot;false&quot; firstlettertextkind=&quot;p&quot; listnestinglevel=&quot;1&quot;&gt;
	&lt;p&gt;Set SMART goals:&lt;/p&gt;

	&lt;p&gt;a. &lt;strong&gt;S&lt;/strong&gt;pecific: What do you want to achieve?&lt;/p&gt;

	&lt;p&gt;b. &lt;strong&gt;M&lt;/strong&gt;easurable: How will you track your progress?&lt;/p&gt;

	&lt;p&gt;c. &lt;strong&gt;A&lt;/strong&gt;ttainable: How will you accomplish this?&lt;/p&gt;

	&lt;p&gt;d. &lt;strong&gt;R&lt;/strong&gt;elevant: Is this goal relevant to your life right now?&lt;/p&gt;

	&lt;p&gt;e. &lt;strong&gt;T&lt;/strong&gt;ime-bound: When do you want to achieve this?&lt;/p&gt;
	&lt;/li&gt;
	&lt;li dfsfontsizes=&quot;{&amp;quot;h1&amp;quot;:25,&amp;quot;h2&amp;quot;:20,&amp;quot;h3&amp;quot;:18,&amp;quot;p&amp;quot;:15}&quot; draggable=&quot;false&quot; firstlettertextkind=&quot;p&quot; listnestinglevel=&quot;1&quot;&gt;
	&lt;p&gt;Review your financial literacy and consider trying Zogo!&lt;/p&gt;
	&lt;/li&gt;
	&lt;li dfsfontsizes=&quot;{&amp;quot;h1&amp;quot;:25,&amp;quot;h2&amp;quot;:20,&amp;quot;h3&amp;quot;:18,&amp;quot;p&amp;quot;:15}&quot; draggable=&quot;false&quot; firstlettertextkind=&quot;p&quot; listnestinglevel=&quot;1&quot;&gt;
	&lt;p&gt;Declutter your home and sell items for cash&lt;/p&gt;
	&lt;/li&gt;
	&lt;li dfsfontsizes=&quot;{&amp;quot;h1&amp;quot;:25,&amp;quot;h2&amp;quot;:20,&amp;quot;h3&amp;quot;:18,&amp;quot;p&amp;quot;:15}&quot; draggable=&quot;false&quot; firstlettertextkind=&quot;p&quot; listnestinglevel=&quot;1&quot;&gt;
	&lt;p&gt;Aim for financial independence&lt;/p&gt;
	&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ol&gt;

&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;As we welcome the new year, let us carry forward the spirit of optimism and determination. Here&amp;#39;s to transforming goals into achievements and may every day of 2026 bring you nearer to financial independence.&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;Cheers to an amazing year to come!&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;hr /&gt;
&lt;p draggable=&quot;false&quot; nodeid=&quot;39e87bdf-1a44-4b77-907e-0ba146d7d32d&quot;&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;Isabel Kinzie&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;Marketing Specialist&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
				<author>kinziei@rvcu.org (River Valley Credit Union)</author>
			</item>
		
			<item>
				<title>Recognizing and Avoiding Travel Scams </title>
				<link>https://www.rvcu.org/resource-links/blog/2025/09/16/recognizing-and-avoiding-travel-scams</link>
				<guid>https://www.rvcu.org/resource-links/blog/2025/09/16/recognizing-and-avoiding-travel-scams</guid>
				<pubDate>Tue, 16 Sep 2025 10:56:17 +0000</pubDate>
				<description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img alt=&quot;&quot; height=&quot;533&quot; src=&quot;/media/cms/travel-scam-blog-cover-webp_65326e91f153a.webp&quot; width=&quot;900&quot; /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;As the holiday season approaches, many of us begin to anticipate our travel plans. Whether you&amp;#39;re planning a cozy getaway or an adventurous trip, there are several factors to consider when preparing for your journey. However, amid the excitement, it&amp;rsquo;s crucial to remain cautious and informed about potential risks that could impact your plans. Be vigilant for travel scams and learn how to avoid them.&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;h2&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Recognizing Travel Scams:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/h2&gt;

&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;h4&gt;✈️&lt;strong&gt;Fraudulent Travel Services:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/h4&gt;

&lt;p&gt;Fake websites can appear professional by utilizing AI, making them difficult to spot. Common clues of scams include misspellings and grammatical mistakes.&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;h4&gt;⛰️&lt;strong&gt;&amp;quot;Free&amp;quot; Trips and Bargains:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/h4&gt;

&lt;p&gt;Fake travel deals can come through emails, texts, and ads, often imitating legitimate businesses. They may claim to offer free trips, then include costly hidden fees.&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;h4&gt;🏙️&lt;strong&gt;Vacation Rental Scams:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/h4&gt;

&lt;p&gt;Scammers hijack legitimate rental listings by advertising at low prices, risking double bookings. Use trusted platforms like Airbnb and VRBO for protection.&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;h4&gt;🚢&lt;strong&gt;Hotel Credit Card Scams:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/h4&gt;

&lt;p&gt;Be cautious of scammers who may call your hotel room pretending to be from the front desk and asking for your credit card information. Always verify such requests by contacting the front desk directly. Additionally, be wary of fraudulent menus placed under your door. These documents may include QR codes and phone numbers that can be used to scam you for personal information.&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;h4&gt;&amp;nbsp;🏖️&lt;strong&gt;Real ID Scams:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/h4&gt;

&lt;p&gt;Due to changes in Real ID requirements for flights, an in-person visit to the DMV is now necessary, along with specific documents. Be cautious of phishing scams that disguise themselves as legitimate sources, claiming to help you update your ID online, as these scams aim to steal your personal information.&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;h4&gt;🧳&lt;strong&gt;Fake Currency Scams:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/h4&gt;

&lt;p&gt;In cities with currency exchanges, locals may offer to help you secure a better rate. However, it is important to exercise caution during these transactions, as there exists the risk that counterfeit bills may be substituted for your legitimate currency.&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;h2&gt;&lt;strong&gt;How to Protect Yourself from Travel Scams:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/h2&gt;

&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;h4&gt;✈️ &lt;strong&gt;Verify Websites:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/h4&gt;

&lt;p&gt;When booking a trip or excursion, check that you are using a legitimate website.&amp;nbsp;Especially before entering personal details, including ID and credit card information. A good practice is to check if the webpage provides a phone number, email, and physical address. Then you can cross-reference the information.&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;h4&gt;🚢 &lt;strong&gt;Avoid the Word &amp;quot;Cheap&amp;quot;: &lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/h4&gt;

&lt;p&gt;When researching, never use the word &amp;quot;cheap&amp;quot;. For example, &amp;quot;cheap car rentals&amp;quot; and &amp;quot;cheap hotels&amp;quot;. This often leads to a higher number of fraudulent companies in your search results. While the listing may be high on your Google search, it does not mean it is trustworthy.&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;h4&gt;⛰️ &lt;strong&gt;Research, Research, Research: &lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/h4&gt;

&lt;p&gt;When using services such as a travel agency, consider reading reviews and diving deeper into the authenticity. Reviews will give you insight into how customers have been treated in the past. Through research, you can learn about common complaints and possible scams to gauge if their services are trustworthy.&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;h4&gt;🏙️ &lt;strong&gt;Never Pay for Services by Wiring or with Gift Cards: &lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/h4&gt;

&lt;p&gt;A telltale sign of a scam is when payment is requested through gift cards or wiring money. Once the payment has been made in these forms, it is almost impossible to get back and dispute. Even a debit card is not the number one choice. The safest way to pay is with a credit card.&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;h4&gt;🏖️ &lt;strong&gt;Be Cautious with Wi-Fi: &lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/h4&gt;

&lt;p&gt;When connecting to public Wi-Fi, be wary of possible threats. Public servers leave you open to hackers trying to obtain your personal information. A better alternative is to connect to a hot spot or purchase a private network.&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;h4&gt;🧳 &lt;strong&gt;Trust Yourself: &lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/h4&gt;

&lt;p&gt;Scammers often create a sense of urgency to make you act without thinking. If something feels wrong, take the time to ask questions and proceed rationally. Don&amp;#39;t be afraid to walk away or not follow through with a deal because it feels off.&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;As you set off on your holiday adventures, it&amp;rsquo;s crucial to stay alert and protect yourself from potential scams. A little knowledge and vigilance can go a long way in securing your travel plans, helping you enjoy your trip with peace of mind. Remember, taking some simple precautions can make all the difference, ensuring your journey is packed with joy and unforgettable moments, not regrets. Stay safe out there, enjoy every moment, and may your holiday adventures turn out to be as amazing as you hope!&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
				<author>kinziei@rvcu.org (River Valley Credit Union)</author>
			</item>
		
			<item>
				<title>25 Financial Tips for 2025</title>
				<link>https://www.rvcu.org/resource-links/blog/2024/12/20/25-financial-tips-for-2025</link>
				<guid>https://www.rvcu.org/resource-links/blog/2024/12/20/25-financial-tips-for-2025</guid>
				<pubDate>Fri, 20 Dec 2024 12:01:58 +0000</pubDate>
				<description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img alt=&quot;&quot; height=&quot;533&quot; src=&quot;/media/cms/25-tips-blog-cover_500f48dabf7ac.webp&quot; width=&quot;900&quot; /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;As the new year approaches, it&amp;#39;s a perfect time to assess where we stand and what we want to achieve. Many of us set goals at the start of the year, but how often do we stick to them? With 2025 on the horizon, it&amp;#39;s essential to consider improving our financial health. Whether saving more, investing wisely, or simply spending smarter, making a few changes can lead to big results.&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;Let&amp;rsquo;s dive into some tips and potential goals to help you make the most of the upcoming year!&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;ol&gt;
	&lt;li&gt;
	&lt;p&gt;Establish an emergency fund&lt;/p&gt;
	&lt;/li&gt;
	&lt;li&gt;
	&lt;p&gt;Avoid impulse spending&lt;/p&gt;
	&lt;/li&gt;
	&lt;li&gt;
	&lt;p&gt;Create (and follow) a budget&lt;/p&gt;
	&lt;/li&gt;
	&lt;li&gt;
	&lt;p&gt;Actively track your credit score&lt;/p&gt;
	&lt;/li&gt;
	&lt;li&gt;
	&lt;p&gt;Pay your bills on time (try autopay)&lt;/p&gt;
	&lt;/li&gt;
	&lt;li&gt;
	&lt;p&gt;Diversify your income&lt;/p&gt;
	&lt;/li&gt;
	&lt;li&gt;
	&lt;p&gt;Analyze the usage of all paid subscriptions&lt;/p&gt;
	&lt;/li&gt;
	&lt;li&gt;
	&lt;p&gt;Budget for activities that bring you joy&lt;/p&gt;
	&lt;/li&gt;
	&lt;li&gt;
	&lt;p&gt;Track your spending and expenses&lt;/p&gt;
	&lt;/li&gt;
	&lt;li&gt;
	&lt;p&gt;Become financially independent&lt;/p&gt;
	&lt;/li&gt;
	&lt;li&gt;
	&lt;p&gt;Make extra payments on your debt&lt;/p&gt;
	&lt;/li&gt;
	&lt;li&gt;
	&lt;p&gt;Set SMART goals:&lt;/p&gt;

	&lt;ol&gt;
		&lt;li&gt;
		&lt;p&gt;S: Specific (What do you want to do?)&lt;/p&gt;
		&lt;/li&gt;
		&lt;li&gt;
		&lt;p&gt;M: Measurable (How will you track your progress)&lt;/p&gt;
		&lt;/li&gt;
		&lt;li&gt;
		&lt;p&gt;A: Attainable (How will you do it?)&lt;/p&gt;
		&lt;/li&gt;
		&lt;li&gt;
		&lt;p&gt;R: Relevant (Is this relevant to your life right now?)&lt;/p&gt;
		&lt;/li&gt;
		&lt;li&gt;
		&lt;p&gt;T: Timely (When do you want to do it?)&lt;/p&gt;
		&lt;/li&gt;
	&lt;/ol&gt;
	&lt;/li&gt;
	&lt;li&gt;
	&lt;p&gt;Review monthly statements&lt;/p&gt;
	&lt;/li&gt;
	&lt;li&gt;
	&lt;p&gt;Save for your &amp;quot;wants&amp;quot; as well as your &amp;quot;needs&amp;quot;&lt;/p&gt;
	&lt;/li&gt;
	&lt;li&gt;
	&lt;p&gt;Automate your savings&lt;/p&gt;
	&lt;/li&gt;
	&lt;li&gt;
	&lt;p&gt;Identify your spending triggers&lt;/p&gt;
	&lt;/li&gt;
	&lt;li&gt;
	&lt;p&gt;Start a side hustle&lt;/p&gt;
	&lt;/li&gt;
	&lt;li&gt;
	&lt;p&gt;Invest in yourself&lt;/p&gt;
	&lt;/li&gt;
	&lt;li&gt;
	&lt;p&gt;Declutter your home and sell the items no longer used&lt;/p&gt;
	&lt;/li&gt;
	&lt;li&gt;
	&lt;p&gt;Live below your means&lt;/p&gt;
	&lt;/li&gt;
	&lt;li&gt;
	&lt;p&gt;Make repaying debt a priority&lt;/p&gt;
	&lt;/li&gt;
	&lt;li&gt;
	&lt;p&gt;Apply the 50-30-20 budgeting rule to your income&lt;/p&gt;

	&lt;ol&gt;
		&lt;li&gt;
		&lt;p&gt;50% for your monthly needs&lt;/p&gt;
		&lt;/li&gt;
		&lt;li&gt;
		&lt;p&gt;30% for wants&lt;/p&gt;
		&lt;/li&gt;
		&lt;li&gt;
		&lt;p&gt;20% for savings&lt;/p&gt;
		&lt;/li&gt;
	&lt;/ol&gt;
	&lt;/li&gt;
	&lt;li&gt;
	&lt;p&gt;Eliminate expensive spending habits&lt;/p&gt;
	&lt;/li&gt;
	&lt;li&gt;
	&lt;p&gt;Implement and track &amp;quot;no spend&amp;quot; days&lt;/p&gt;
	&lt;/li&gt;
	&lt;li&gt;
	&lt;p&gt;Expand your financial literacy, &lt;a href=&quot;/resource-links/zogo/&quot;&gt;try Zogo&lt;/a&gt;!&lt;/p&gt;
	&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ol&gt;

&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;As we embrace the new year, let us carry forward the spirit of optimism and determination. Here&amp;#39;s to turning aspirations into reality, and may each day of 2025 bring you closer to financial freedom.&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;Cheers to a wonderful year ahead!&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;hr data-en-clipboard=&quot;true&quot; data-pm-slice=&quot;0 1 []&quot; /&gt;
&lt;p nodeid=&quot;39e87bdf-1a44-4b77-907e-0ba146d7d32d&quot;&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;Isabel Kinzie&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;Marketing Specialist&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
				<author>kinziei@rvcu.org (River Valley Credit Union)</author>
			</item>
		
			<item>
				<title>Building Good Financial Habits for Long-Term Success</title>
				<link>https://www.rvcu.org/resource-links/blog/2024/08/20/building-good-financial-habits-for-long-term-success</link>
				<guid>https://www.rvcu.org/resource-links/blog/2024/08/20/building-good-financial-habits-for-long-term-success</guid>
				<pubDate>Tue, 20 Aug 2024 08:37:50 +0000</pubDate>
				<description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img alt=&quot;&quot; height=&quot;533&quot; src=&quot;/media/cms/habits-cover_fe71e2901e91a.webp&quot; width=&quot;900&quot; /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;In the journey towards financial stability, there are various strategies and considerations that can make a significant difference. From evaluating the pros and cons of purchases to recognizing spending triggers, each step plays a crucial role in managing finances effectively.&amp;nbsp;This guide will explore practical tips for building good financial habits for long-term stability and success.&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;h4&gt;Creating A Pros and Cons List&lt;/h4&gt;

&lt;p&gt;Evaluating the pros and cons of purchasing items is crucial for maintaining financial discipline. It involves considering the benefits, such as fulfilling immediate needs or taking advantage of a good deal, against the drawbacks, like potential overspending or deviating from a budget. For necessary items, shop around and compare the prices of various brands to ensure you&amp;#39;re getting the best product for the right price. This is vital especially when purchasing high ticket items.&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;h4&gt;Prioritizing Paying Off Debts&lt;/h4&gt;

&lt;p&gt;When it comes to managing finances, one of the key priorities is focusing on paying off debts. This is an important aspect of financial planning that can have a significant impact on overall financial well-being. Creating a debt repayment strategy and setting up automatic savings can help maintain financial discipline effectively.&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;h4&gt;Maintaining A Budget&lt;/h4&gt;

&lt;p&gt;Managing your finances is essential for ensuring stability and peace mind in the future. One of the key elements in this process is maintaining a budget. This plays a vital role in ensuring your financial obligations are met while also allowing for savings and &amp;quot;fun&amp;quot; spending.&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;h4&gt;Recognizing Spending Triggers&lt;/h4&gt;

&lt;p&gt;By recognizing the triggers that lead to impulsive or unnecessary purchases, you can take proactive steps to control spending and make more informed financial decisions. This insight will help you prioritize expenses and work towards achieving your financial goals.&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;h4&gt;Categorizing Wants vs. Needs&lt;/h4&gt;

&lt;p&gt;It&amp;#39;s important to distinguish between our wants and needs when making financial decisions. This can help us prioritize our spending and make more mindful choices. While it&amp;#39;s crucial to prioritize our spending, it&amp;#39;s equally important to remember that it&amp;#39;s okay to indulge ourselves from time to time.&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;h4&gt;Staying Motivated by Celebrating Accomplishments&lt;/h4&gt;

&lt;p&gt;When it comes to managing your finances, small victories can make a big difference. Recognizing and celebrating milestones, whether it&amp;#39;s reaching a savings goal or paying off debt, can have a significant impact on your financial journey. These moments of achievement can provide motivation and momentum to keep moving forward.&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;Creating a strong financial foundation leads to stability and achieving financial goals. Staying on track with financial goals is a result of hard work it isn&amp;#39;t always easy. Achieving long-term financial goals may seem daunting, but building good habits is key. Focusing on cultivating good financial habits lays the foundation for financial freedom. These habits will set individuals on the path to achieving personal finance aspirations.&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;hr data-en-clipboard=&quot;true&quot; data-pm-slice=&quot;0 1 []&quot; /&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;Isabel Kinzie&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;Marketing Specialist&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
				<author>kinziei@rvcu.org (River Valley Credit Union)</author>
			</item>
		
			<item>
				<title>Financial Terms Glossary </title>
				<link>https://www.rvcu.org/resource-links/blog/2024/04/23/financial-terms-glossary</link>
				<guid>https://www.rvcu.org/resource-links/blog/2024/04/23/financial-terms-glossary</guid>
				<pubDate>Tue, 23 Apr 2024 09:43:49 +0000</pubDate>
				<description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img alt=&quot;&quot; height=&quot;533&quot; src=&quot;/media/cms/glossary-cover_2a113b58b9e21.webp&quot; width=&quot;900&quot; /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;At River Valley Credit Union, our primary goal is to positively impact the financial well-being of our members. When engaging with our members, we are committed to providing them with timely and valuable information to empower their financial journey.&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;We want to ensure you&amp;#39;re fully equipped to navigate the world of finance with ease. That&amp;#39;s why we&amp;#39;ve put together a handy list of financial terms provided by the &lt;a href=&quot;https://www.consumerfinance.gov/&quot;&gt;Consumer Financial Protection Bureau&lt;/a&gt;&amp;nbsp;to help you out. Let&amp;#39;s make your financial journey more enjoyable and clear any confusion you may have.&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;For more information, visit the &lt;a href=&quot;https://www.consumerfinance.gov/&quot;&gt;Consumer Financial Protection Bureau&amp;#39;s website&lt;/a&gt; for a comprehensive &lt;a href=&quot;https://www.consumerfinance.gov/consumer-tools/educator-tools/youth-financial-education/glossary/&quot;&gt;Financial Terms Glossary&lt;/a&gt;. This resource is excellent for those looking to deepen their understanding of finance.&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;ul&gt;
	&lt;li&gt;
	&lt;h4&gt;APR (Annual Percentage Rate)&lt;/h4&gt;

	&lt;ul&gt;
		&lt;li&gt;
		&lt;p&gt;The cost of borrowing money on a yearly basis, expressed as a percentage rate.&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;
		&lt;/li&gt;
	&lt;/ul&gt;
	&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;

&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;ul&gt;
	&lt;li&gt;
	&lt;h4&gt;Asset&lt;/h4&gt;

	&lt;ul&gt;
		&lt;li&gt;
		&lt;p&gt;An item with economic value, such as stock or real estate.&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;
		&lt;/li&gt;
	&lt;/ul&gt;
	&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;

&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;ul&gt;
	&lt;li&gt;
	&lt;h4&gt;Beneficiary&lt;/h4&gt;

	&lt;ul&gt;
		&lt;li&gt;
		&lt;p&gt;Someone or something named to receive proceeds or benefits. In the insurance context, it&amp;#39;s the person, charity, trust, or estate designated by the policyholder to receive the policy&amp;#39;s benefits or payments.&lt;/p&gt;
		&lt;/li&gt;
	&lt;/ul&gt;
	&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;

&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;ul&gt;
	&lt;li&gt;
	&lt;h4&gt;Bond&lt;/h4&gt;

	&lt;ul&gt;
		&lt;li&gt;
		&lt;p&gt;A type of debt. When you buy a bond, you&amp;#39;re lending to the issuer, which may be a government, municipality, or corporation. The issuer promises to pay you a specified rate of interest during the life of the bond and to repay the principal, also known as the bond&amp;#39;s face value or par value, when the bond &amp;quot;matures,&amp;quot; or comes due after a set period.&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;
		&lt;/li&gt;
	&lt;/ul&gt;
	&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;

&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;ul&gt;
	&lt;li&gt;
	&lt;h4&gt;Certificate of Deposit (CD)&lt;/h4&gt;

	&lt;ul&gt;
		&lt;li&gt;
		&lt;p&gt;A savings tool from a bank or credit union that has a fixed maturity date and a fixed interest rate.&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;
		&lt;/li&gt;
	&lt;/ul&gt;
	&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;

&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;ul&gt;
	&lt;li&gt;
	&lt;h4&gt;Collateral&lt;/h4&gt;

	&lt;ul&gt;
		&lt;li&gt;
		&lt;p&gt;An asset that secures a loan or other debt that a lender can take if you don&amp;#39;t repay the money you borrow. For example, if you get a home loan, the bank&amp;#39;s collateral is typically your house.&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;
		&lt;/li&gt;
	&lt;/ul&gt;
	&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;

&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;ul&gt;
	&lt;li&gt;
	&lt;h4&gt;Credit&lt;/h4&gt;

	&lt;ul&gt;
		&lt;li&gt;
		&lt;p&gt;Borrowing money, or having the right to borrow money, to buy something. Usually, it means you&amp;#39;re using a credit card, but it might also mean that you got a loan.&lt;/p&gt;
		&lt;/li&gt;
	&lt;/ul&gt;
	&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;

&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;ul&gt;
	&lt;li&gt;
	&lt;h4&gt;Debt&lt;/h4&gt;

	&lt;ul&gt;
		&lt;li&gt;
		&lt;p&gt;Money you owe another person or a business.&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;
		&lt;/li&gt;
	&lt;/ul&gt;
	&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;

&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;ul&gt;
	&lt;li&gt;
	&lt;h4&gt;Emergency Fund&lt;/h4&gt;

	&lt;ul&gt;
		&lt;li&gt;
		&lt;p&gt;A cash reserve that&amp;#39;s specifically set aside for unplanned expenses or financial emergencies. Some common examples include car repairs, home repairs, medical bills, or a loss of income.&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;
		&lt;/li&gt;
	&lt;/ul&gt;
	&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;

&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;ul&gt;
	&lt;li&gt;
	&lt;h4&gt;Fraud&lt;/h4&gt;

	&lt;ul&gt;
		&lt;li&gt;
		&lt;p&gt;An illegal act that occurs when people try to trick you out of your personal information and your money.&lt;/p&gt;
		&lt;/li&gt;
	&lt;/ul&gt;
	&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;

&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;ul&gt;
	&lt;li&gt;
	&lt;h4&gt;Imposter Scam&lt;/h4&gt;

	&lt;ul&gt;
		&lt;li&gt;
		&lt;p&gt;An attempt to get you to send money by pretending to be someone you know or trust, like a sheriff, local, state, or federal government employee, a family member, or a charity organization.&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;
		&lt;/li&gt;
	&lt;/ul&gt;
	&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;

&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;ul&gt;
	&lt;li&gt;
	&lt;h4&gt;Interest Rate&lt;/h4&gt;

	&lt;ul&gt;
		&lt;li&gt;
		&lt;p&gt;A percentage of a sum borrowed that is charged by a lender or merchant for letting you use their money. A bank or credit union may also pay you an interest rate if you deposit money in certain types of accounts.&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;
		&lt;/li&gt;
	&lt;/ul&gt;
	&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;

&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;ul&gt;
	&lt;li&gt;
	&lt;h4&gt;Maturity Date&lt;/h4&gt;

	&lt;ul&gt;
		&lt;li&gt;
		&lt;p&gt;The date that&amp;nbsp;an investor&amp;#39;s investment is to be paid back in full in accordance with its agreement. A certificate of deposit (CD) contains a maturity date provision obligating the financial institution to repay the investor the sum invested plus interest on a specified date.&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;
		&lt;/li&gt;
	&lt;/ul&gt;
	&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;

&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;ul&gt;
	&lt;li&gt;
	&lt;h4&gt;Money Market Deposit Account&lt;/h4&gt;

	&lt;ul&gt;
		&lt;li&gt;
		&lt;p&gt;A federally insured account at a bank or credit union that offers a higher rate of interest than a savings account, allows for a limited number of transactions monthly, and may require a minimum deposit or minimum account balance.&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;
		&lt;/li&gt;
	&lt;/ul&gt;
	&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;

&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;ul&gt;
	&lt;li&gt;
	&lt;h4&gt;Principal&lt;/h4&gt;

	&lt;ul&gt;
		&lt;li&gt;
		&lt;p&gt;In the lending context, principal is the amount of money that you originally received from the lender and agreed to pay back on the loan with interest. In the investment context, it is the amount of money you contribute with the expectation of receiving income.&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;
		&lt;/li&gt;
	&lt;/ul&gt;
	&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;

&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;h3&gt;Happy learning and exploring the world of finance!&lt;/h3&gt;

&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;hr /&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;Isabel Kinzie&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;Marketing Specialist&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;Sourced:&amp;nbsp;&lt;a href=&quot;https://www.consumerfinance.gov/consumer-tools/educator-tools/youth-financial-education/glossary/&quot;&gt;Financial Terms Glossary | Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (consumerfinance.gov)&lt;/a&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
				<author>kinziei@rvcu.org (River Valley Credit Union)</author>
			</item>
		
			<item>
				<title>Talking Money with Kids</title>
				<link>https://www.rvcu.org/resource-links/blog/2024/04/04/talking-money-with-kids</link>
				<guid>https://www.rvcu.org/resource-links/blog/2024/04/04/talking-money-with-kids</guid>
				<pubDate>Thu, 04 Apr 2024 09:48:16 +0000</pubDate>
				<description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img alt=&quot;&quot; height=&quot;533&quot; src=&quot;/media/cms/talking-money-with-kids-cover_78720783675af.webp&quot; width=&quot;900&quot; /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;In today&amp;#39;s rapidly changing world, teaching kids about money has become an essential part of their education. There&amp;#39;s no better time than Financial Literacy Month to start! It&amp;#39;s crucial for children to learn the value of money, how to save, and make wise financial decisions from an early age. This guide provides practical tips and activities for parents to engage their children in fun and educational conversations about money. From using piggy banks to understanding the basics of budgeting, these simple yet effective strategies will help kids develop a healthy relationship with money that will benefit them for years to come.&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;ol&gt;
	&lt;li&gt;
	&lt;h2&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Piggy Bank Savings Account:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/h2&gt;

	&lt;ol&gt;
		&lt;li&gt;
		&lt;p&gt;Are you looking for a fun and practical way to teach kids about the importance of saving money? Piggy banks offer a fun and visual way for children to understand the concept of saving while seeing their progress in a tangible form.&lt;/p&gt;
		&lt;/li&gt;
	&lt;/ol&gt;
	&lt;/li&gt;
	&lt;li&gt;
	&lt;h2&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Utilizing Money Jars:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/h2&gt;

	&lt;ol&gt;
		&lt;li&gt;
		&lt;p&gt;Managing money is an essential skill that can greatly impact our financial well-being. One effective way to grasp the fundamentals of financial management is through simple methods like using money jars. These methods can lay the groundwork for understanding the basic principles of checking and savings accounts.&lt;/p&gt;
		&lt;/li&gt;
	&lt;/ol&gt;
	&lt;/li&gt;
	&lt;li&gt;
	&lt;h2&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Allowance Lessons:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/h2&gt;

	&lt;ol&gt;
		&lt;li&gt;
		&lt;p&gt;Providing children with an allowance not only teaches them how to manage money but also instills the value of saving for the future. It&amp;#39;s a practical way to help them develop essential life skills that will benefit them in the long run. In addition, this gives an opportunity to teach the importance of the phrase, &amp;quot;saving for a rainy day&amp;quot;.&lt;/p&gt;
		&lt;/li&gt;
	&lt;/ol&gt;
	&lt;/li&gt;
	&lt;li&gt;
	&lt;h2&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Needs vs&amp;nbsp;Wants:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/h2&gt;

	&lt;ol&gt;
		&lt;li&gt;
		&lt;p&gt;As a child one of the hardest concepts to grasp is a need vs want. Teaching children at a young age the difference between a want vs need can help later in life to avoid impulse purchases and establish smart spending habits.&lt;/p&gt;
		&lt;/li&gt;
	&lt;/ol&gt;
	&lt;/li&gt;
	&lt;li&gt;
	&lt;h2&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Understanding Earnings:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/h2&gt;

	&lt;ol&gt;
		&lt;li&gt;
		&lt;p&gt;Understanding the various ways people earn money through jobs and entrepreneurship can be an important lesson for children. Teaching them about earnings provides valuable insight into the real world and helps them develop a strong foundation for financial literacy.&lt;/p&gt;
		&lt;/li&gt;
	&lt;/ol&gt;
	&lt;/li&gt;
	&lt;li&gt;
	&lt;h2&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Learning Through Activities:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/h2&gt;

	&lt;ol&gt;
		&lt;li&gt;
		&lt;p&gt;Through fun activities like pretend shopping or encouraging them to start a small business, there are engaging ways to teach children valuable money management skills. These methods not only make learning about finances enjoyable for kids but also lay the foundation for a financially responsible future.&lt;/p&gt;
		&lt;/li&gt;
	&lt;/ol&gt;
	&lt;/li&gt;
	&lt;li&gt;
	&lt;h2&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Setting Savings Goals:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/h2&gt;

	&lt;ol&gt;
		&lt;li&gt;
		&lt;p&gt;Sit down with your kids and set a goal. Whether that goal is saving a certain amount, for an event they want to attend, or a material item; this gives them the opportunity to save with an end goal in mind, which in return will add excitement when that achievement is reached.&lt;/p&gt;
		&lt;/li&gt;
	&lt;/ol&gt;
	&lt;/li&gt;
	&lt;li&gt;
	&lt;h2&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Becoming A Smart Shopper:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/h2&gt;

	&lt;ol&gt;
		&lt;li&gt;
		&lt;p&gt;Grocery shopping is an easy way to display smart purchasing decisions by comparing prices for the best deal. While budgeting is important so is saving while still in indulging in the things you enjoy as it is vital to have a balanced budget.&lt;/p&gt;
		&lt;/li&gt;
	&lt;/ol&gt;
	&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ol&gt;

&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;hr data-en-clipboard=&quot;true&quot; data-pm-slice=&quot;0 1 []&quot; /&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;Isabel Kinzie&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;Marketing Specialist&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
				<author>kinziei@rvcu.org (River Valley Credit Union)</author>
			</item>
		
			<item>
				<title>24 Financial Tips for 2024</title>
				<link>https://www.rvcu.org/resource-links/blog/2023/12/20/24-financial-tips-for-2024</link>
				<guid>https://www.rvcu.org/resource-links/blog/2023/12/20/24-financial-tips-for-2024</guid>
				<pubDate>Wed, 20 Dec 2023 09:55:27 +0000</pubDate>
				<description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img alt=&quot;&quot; height=&quot;533&quot; src=&quot;/media/cms/24-financial-tips-blog-cover_96d1cfac122fd.webp&quot; width=&quot;900&quot; /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;h5&gt;2024 is right around the corner, can you believe it? As you reflect on your 2023 goals and resolutions... we&amp;#39;ve got a few new ones for you to achieve in 2024! Start your journey of financial freedom and make 2024 you best financial year yet! Check out the &lt;a href=&quot;https://linktr.ee/rvcu/&quot;&gt;RVCU social media&lt;/a&gt; pages for more information and informational articles are various topics listed below.&amp;nbsp;Don&amp;#39;t wait until the last minute to start planning for your financial future. Let RVCU be your guide to financial freedom in 2024 and beyond.&lt;/h5&gt;

&lt;h3&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Here are 24 financial tips for 2024:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/h3&gt;

&lt;ol data-en-clipboard=&quot;true&quot; data-pm-slice=&quot;3 1 []&quot;&gt;
	&lt;li&gt;
	&lt;p&gt;Create a budget.&lt;/p&gt;
	&lt;/li&gt;
	&lt;li&gt;
	&lt;p&gt;Establish an emergency fund.&lt;/p&gt;
	&lt;/li&gt;
	&lt;li&gt;
	&lt;p&gt;Build sinking funds.&lt;/p&gt;
	&lt;/li&gt;
	&lt;li&gt;
	&lt;p&gt;Live within your means.&lt;/p&gt;
	&lt;/li&gt;
	&lt;li&gt;
	&lt;p&gt;Budget your income each month.&lt;/p&gt;
	&lt;/li&gt;
	&lt;li&gt;
	&lt;p&gt;Diversify your investments.&lt;/p&gt;
	&lt;/li&gt;
	&lt;li&gt;
	&lt;p&gt;Reduce unnecessary spending.&lt;/p&gt;
	&lt;/li&gt;
	&lt;li&gt;
	&lt;p&gt;Reevaluate all paid subscriptions.&lt;/p&gt;
	&lt;/li&gt;
	&lt;li&gt;
	&lt;p&gt;Remember to treat yourself.&lt;/p&gt;
	&lt;/li&gt;
	&lt;li&gt;
	&lt;p&gt;Check your credit score.&lt;/p&gt;
	&lt;/li&gt;
	&lt;li&gt;
	&lt;p&gt;Try a no spend week or weekend.&lt;/p&gt;
	&lt;/li&gt;
	&lt;li&gt;
	&lt;p&gt;Start a side hustle.&lt;/p&gt;
	&lt;/li&gt;
	&lt;li&gt;
	&lt;p&gt;Declutter and sell old or unused items.&lt;/p&gt;
	&lt;/li&gt;
	&lt;li&gt;
	&lt;p&gt;Avoid impulse spending.&lt;/p&gt;
	&lt;/li&gt;
	&lt;li&gt;
	&lt;p&gt;Identify your spending triggers.&lt;/p&gt;
	&lt;/li&gt;
	&lt;li&gt;
	&lt;p&gt;Budget for activities that bring you joy.&lt;/p&gt;
	&lt;/li&gt;
	&lt;li&gt;
	&lt;p&gt;Look for spending cutbacks.&lt;/p&gt;
	&lt;/li&gt;
	&lt;li&gt;
	&lt;p&gt;Add selfcare into your budget.&lt;/p&gt;
	&lt;/li&gt;
	&lt;li&gt;
	&lt;p&gt;Diversify your income.&lt;/p&gt;
	&lt;/li&gt;
	&lt;li&gt;
	&lt;p&gt;Set smart goals:&lt;/p&gt;

	&lt;ol&gt;
		&lt;li&gt;
		&lt;p&gt;S: Specific (What do you want to do?)&lt;/p&gt;
		&lt;/li&gt;
		&lt;li&gt;
		&lt;p&gt;M: Measurable (How will you track your progress?)&lt;/p&gt;
		&lt;/li&gt;
		&lt;li&gt;
		&lt;p&gt;A: Attainable (How will you do it?)&lt;/p&gt;
		&lt;/li&gt;
		&lt;li&gt;
		&lt;p&gt;R: Relevant (Is this relevant to your life right now?)&lt;/p&gt;
		&lt;/li&gt;
		&lt;li&gt;
		&lt;p&gt;T: Time bound - Timely (When do you want to do it?)&lt;/p&gt;
		&lt;/li&gt;
	&lt;/ol&gt;
	&lt;/li&gt;
	&lt;li&gt;
	&lt;p&gt;Pay bills on time.&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;
	&lt;/li&gt;
	&lt;li&gt;
	&lt;p&gt;Spend 50% less on eating out.&lt;/p&gt;
	&lt;/li&gt;
	&lt;li&gt;
	&lt;p&gt;Spend 75% less on online shopping.&lt;/p&gt;
	&lt;/li&gt;
	&lt;li&gt;
	&lt;p&gt;Expand your financial literacy, try out Zogo!&lt;/p&gt;
	&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ol&gt;

&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;Happy New Year from all of us at RVCU! As we welcome in 2024, we want to take a moment to wish you peace, prosperity, and joy in the coming year. Whether you have set resolutions, goals, or simply have dreams you want to pursue, we believe in you and are rooting for your success. Cheers to a fantastic year ahead!&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;hr data-en-clipboard=&quot;true&quot; data-pm-slice=&quot;0 1 []&quot; /&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;Isabel Kinzie&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;Marketing Specialist&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
				<author>kinziei@rvcu.org (River Valley Credit Union)</author>
			</item>
		
			<item>
				<title>Black Friday &amp; Cyber Monday Shopping Guide</title>
				<link>https://www.rvcu.org/resource-links/blog/2023/11/21/black-friday--cyber-monday-shopping-guide</link>
				<guid>https://www.rvcu.org/resource-links/blog/2023/11/21/black-friday--cyber-monday-shopping-guide</guid>
				<pubDate>Tue, 21 Nov 2023 09:53:02 +0000</pubDate>
				<description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img alt=&quot;&quot; height=&quot;533&quot; src=&quot;/media/cms/bf-cm-blog-cover_d8696f93fc08e.webp&quot; width=&quot;900&quot; /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;While Black Friday and Cyber Monday may assist your holiday shopping budget it can also cause financial stress. This shopping frenzy can be hard to navigate as a consumer when big red sale tags are scattered in front of you on about... everything.&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Here are some tips to take into consideration if you are participating in Black Friday and Cyber Monday:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;ol&gt;
	&lt;li&gt;
	&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Go In with A Gameplan&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

	&lt;ol&gt;
		&lt;li&gt;
		&lt;p&gt;Check for leaked ads and social media promotions on what deals will be available.&lt;/p&gt;
		&lt;/li&gt;
	&lt;/ol&gt;
	&lt;/li&gt;
	&lt;li&gt;
	&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Compare Prices&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

	&lt;ol&gt;
		&lt;li&gt;
		&lt;p&gt;Stores have similar items on sale... compare the percentage of the sale for the best deal.&lt;/p&gt;
		&lt;/li&gt;
		&lt;li&gt;
		&lt;p&gt;Black Friday deals can be tricky. Items may be sold at a discounted price but only in bulk. If you do not need the bulk quantity, then it is not worth the price.&lt;/p&gt;
		&lt;/li&gt;
		&lt;li&gt;
		&lt;p&gt;Focus on brands that rarely go on sale.&lt;/p&gt;
		&lt;/li&gt;
	&lt;/ol&gt;
	&lt;/li&gt;
	&lt;li&gt;
	&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Shop Stores Strategically&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

	&lt;ol&gt;
		&lt;li&gt;
		&lt;p&gt;Don&amp;#39;t buy items just because they are on sale. It is tempting to impulse buy on Black Friday and Cyber Monday!&lt;/p&gt;
		&lt;/li&gt;
	&lt;/ol&gt;
	&lt;/li&gt;
	&lt;li&gt;
	&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Shop Online Exclusively&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

	&lt;ol&gt;
		&lt;li&gt;
		&lt;p&gt;If you have a tendency to impulse buy, then Cyber Monday will be more appealing to your budget. Make a plan of what you intend to purchase and stick to it... in the store and online.&lt;/p&gt;
		&lt;/li&gt;
	&lt;/ol&gt;
	&lt;/li&gt;
	&lt;li&gt;
	&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Shop Black Friday Week&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

	&lt;ol&gt;
		&lt;li&gt;
		&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp; Black Friday can feel overwhelming leading to impulse purchases and an overall bad experience. Shop Black Friday... &lt;strong&gt;&lt;u&gt;week&lt;/u&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;! Stores will often extend sales to multiple days rather than just one.&lt;/p&gt;
		&lt;/li&gt;
	&lt;/ol&gt;
	&lt;/li&gt;
	&lt;li&gt;
	&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Evaluate Each Item&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

	&lt;ol&gt;
		&lt;li&gt;
		&lt;p&gt;Ask yourself if the item is a want or a need. Are you wanting to buy it for the sole reason that it is on sale?&lt;/p&gt;
		&lt;/li&gt;
	&lt;/ol&gt;
	&lt;/li&gt;
	&lt;li&gt;
	&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Skip the Cart&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

	&lt;ol&gt;
		&lt;li&gt;
		&lt;p&gt;The more you can carry the more you will buy. Carry the items you intend on purchasing rather than mindlessly throwing them in a cart just because there&amp;#39;s room.&lt;/p&gt;
		&lt;/li&gt;
	&lt;/ol&gt;
	&lt;/li&gt;
	&lt;li&gt;
	&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Know the Return Policy&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

	&lt;ol&gt;
		&lt;li&gt;
		&lt;p&gt;Black Friday deals are often&amp;nbsp;final or have a different return policy. Be aware at the time of purchase.&lt;/p&gt;
		&lt;/li&gt;
	&lt;/ol&gt;
	&lt;/li&gt;
	&lt;li&gt;
	&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Avoid Items Made Specifically for Black Friday&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

	&lt;ol&gt;
		&lt;li&gt;
		&lt;p&gt;Be aware of items made specifically for Black Friday as they are often cheaper due to the use of cheaper materials. The quality may be drastically different than other products by the brand.&lt;/p&gt;
		&lt;/li&gt;
	&lt;/ol&gt;
	&lt;/li&gt;
	&lt;li&gt;
	&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Read the Fine Print&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

	&lt;ol&gt;
		&lt;li&gt;
		&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp; Are you getting the deal only in addition to a full price purchase? Is it worth it?&lt;/p&gt;
		&lt;/li&gt;
	&lt;/ol&gt;
	&lt;/li&gt;
	&lt;li&gt;
	&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Review Credit Card / Financial Statements&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

	&lt;ol&gt;
		&lt;li&gt;
		&lt;p&gt;Be aware of the activity on your credit/debit cards. Checking this often can result in catching fraudulent activity.&lt;/p&gt;
		&lt;/li&gt;
	&lt;/ol&gt;
	&lt;/li&gt;
	&lt;li&gt;
	&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Deals Are Year Round&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

	&lt;ol&gt;
		&lt;li&gt;
		&lt;p&gt;Keep in mind you will always be able to find deals and stores will continue to push out coupons. Don&amp;#39;t feel pressured to do any shopping just because it&amp;#39;s a labeled day.&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;
		&lt;/li&gt;
	&lt;/ol&gt;
	&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ol&gt;

&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;hr data-en-clipboard=&quot;true&quot; data-pm-slice=&quot;0 1 []&quot; /&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;Isabel Kinzie&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;Marketing Specialist&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
				<author>kinziei@rvcu.org (River Valley Credit Union)</author>
			</item>
		
	</channel>
</rss>
