Welcome to Our Blog!
We are excited to offer our weekly Tutorial Tuesdays' email in blog format! This blog provides timely curated information such as money-saving ideas, financial wellness, tips on using Nymeo's financial products and services, credit union news, and much more. Educating our members is top priority at Nymeo. The Tutorial Tuesdays' blog will provide useful information whenever and however you want to read it. Enjoy the blog!
Buying a Car
Make it Easy! Get Pre-Approved Before Shopping for a Car
Getting pre-approved for a loan before car shopping is always a great idea.
Which is Better: Selling or Trading in Your Car
So, you’ve decided to buy a new car. Congratulations!
Perks of getting an auto loan with a credit union
If a new vehicle is in your near future, remember that credit unions, like Nymeo, offer auto loans. Credit unions, in general, offer better auto loan rates than major banks.
Buying an Out of State Vehicle
If you are in the market to buy a car, you may still experience issues with inventory. Because of this challenge, you may be tempted to go out-of-state to purchase your new wheels. If so, here are things to watch out for.
Do you own an electric vehicle
Do you own an electric vehicle or an EV? Electric vehicles are gaining popularity all over the world. Some estimates say that almost 50% of all cars produced by 2030 will be EVs. However, one problem owners seem to encounter is finding out where the charging stations are located. But -- isn’t everywhere with power a charging station?
Safety Tips for Young Drivers
August is “Safe Driving Awareness Month” and “National Traffic Awareness Month.” Every day, thousands of pedestrians, drivers, and passengers become victims of avoidable vehicle accidents.
What is in a Basic Auto Policy?
Auto insurance information can be confusing but important to understand. Did you know that your auto policy may include six coverages? Each coverage is priced separately.
Home Ownership
Housing Options to Move Forward into the Year
If you are a homeowner exiting a forbearance program, or a renter struggling with late payments or potential eviction, know that you are not alone.
Home Inspection 101
Planning to buy or sell a home? Read below on what to expect when working with a home inspector.
A Guide to Successful Homeownership
You may have a child or know a child who is preparing to attend college in the fall.
College and Finances
Student Loan Forbearances are coming to an end.
As we return to normal, post-pandemic, it is important to note that as of May 1st, 2022, student loan forbearances and 0% interest will end.
Top 6 money tips to prepare students for college
You may have a child or know a child who is preparing to attend college in the fall.
Will Refinancing My Student Loans Lower My Payments?
If you’ve done research to try to lower your monthly student loan payments, you’ve undoubtedly come across the option to refinance them. It may sound like a complicated process, but don’t be intimidated; it’s much simpler than you might think and can potentially save you a significant amount of money in the long run.
Approaches to Managing Student Loan Debt
The return of federal student loan payments is approaching quickly with interest resuming on these loans starting on September 1st. The first post-pandemic payment will resume in October. If you're feeling anxious about this, consider these strategies to effectively address your debt situation.
Are you eligible for a tuition deduction?
Did you know that you may be able to deduct qualified education expenses paid during the year for yourself, your spouse, or a dependent? The amount you can deduct depends on your modified adjusted gross income (MAGI).
Credit & Budgeting
A 101 on Keeping Your Info Safe
As we return to normal, post-pandemic, it is important to note that as of May 1st, 2022, student loan forbearances and 0% interest will end.
Six Ways to Save Energy (and Money) in Your House!
Did you know you can save up to 10 percent on heating and cooling costs by investing in a programmable thermostat?
Tips to Save Money as Gas Prices Rise
As gas prices continue to soar, AAA and other agencies are offering recommendations that can contribute to savings at the pump and ease the financial strain of higher gas prices.
How to Build Credit from Scratch
If you need to build credit and aren’t sure how to do it without going into debt, this recorded webinar presented by our partners at GreenPath Financial Wellness
Vacationing On A Budget
Does your brain need a vacation, but your wallet is telling you no? All of us have been there so let us share our years of combined experience to help you achieve your goal.
How Your Credit Score Impacts Your Financial Future
Many people do not know about the credit scoring system— much less their credit score—until they attempt to buy a home, take out a loan to start a business or make a major purchase.
Understanding “Buying Now, Pay Later” Programs
If you shop online, you probably have noticed an increase in “Buy Now, Pay Later” (BNPL) services.
Shopping for Back-to-School Items During Inflation
For many in our community, school is just around the corner and that means back-to-school shopping. According to the National Retail Federation, approximately 87% of shoppers say current economic conditions will impact the way they shop.
Cost of Convenience
The ease and convenience of home grocery delivery and meal delivery services can be a lifesaver as people continue to manage through COVID. Food delivery is also essential for households without transportation and helpful to anyone who decides that home grocery and meal delivery are services that meet their needs.
However, as inflation continues to rise and budgets are tightened, it’s good to consider these top key cost considerations of home grocery deliveries, restaurant deliveries, and home-delivered meal subscription boxes.
Financial calculators can help you plan your future!
Long gone are the days when you need to carry a calculator. Most phones have an app for calculations, and you can easily access one on the internet. But did you know that you can use specific types of calculators to help make sound financial decisions and plan for your future?
The Buy & Do Not Buy List for Black Friday
It’s November, and that means Thanksgiving and the infamous Black Friday shopping! With inflation, you may have been scooping up deals earlier this year. If you are still shopping or haven’t started, here are a few things to consider before shopping on Black Friday this year.
5 Spending Tips to Bring You Less Stress (and More Joy!) This Holiday Season
This year, many Americans may find they are dealing with financial setbacks such as a loss of employment, reduced income, or other unanticipated expenses that may make it more difficult to avoid having holiday debt follow them into the new year.
Best Practices When Donating at Food Drives
With the higher cost of food, it’s become more of a challenge for families in our community to put a meal on the table. Local organizations need food and monetary donations to restock their shelves.
Health Benefits of Gratitude
Gratitude has been shown to impact our emotional, physical, and mental well-being. Studies have shown it can make us feel more optimistic and less aggravated.
Last Minute Holiday Shopping Tips
The clock is ticking down, and maybe you are running out of time to buy a gift(s) for that special person. Here are tips for last minute holiday shopping.
Work Wellness into Your Overall Budget
Mental wellness should always be a priority for everyone, and this means budgeting for it!
4 Financial Resolutions You Can Accomplish NOW
New Year’s resolutions are a mixed bag for many. On the one hand: personal betterment! On the other hand: methodical auditing of our refrigerator, checking account, and various vices. As the new year beings, most of us feel compelled to immediately transform our lives for the better. This is especially true when it comes to financial goals.
Things to Do to Start the New Year Right
Every year people make plans to change their lives for the better. But far too often resolutions are broken within just weeks of making them. Below are suggestions on things to do to start 2023 off on the right foot.
What Makes a Good Credit Score?
A good credit score can earn you lots of advantages in life: lower interest rates on lines of credit and loans, like auto and home loans; better insurance rates; lower security deposits on rentals, cell phone services, and new utilities; and even a stronger job application with employers who run a credit check.
Common Cents for Couples: How to Manage Money Together
For some couples, February might be a month for romantic connection - celebrating Valentine’s Day with dinner reservations or romantic gifting. For others, solidarity and closeness can be found in boycotting Cupid together.
Regardless of whether you have a love or hate relationship with the cherubic matchmaker who wields heart-tipped arrows, one thing is certain: cohabitating couples will enjoy a more harmonious relationship when they align on money matters.
Learn how to protect yourself from identity theft
Understanding your money personality is important right now. We’re experiencing a changing economy, rising inflation and uncertainty. The actions you take with your finances and the emotions you’re feeling are normal and understanding them can help change the way you think about money.
Watch this webinar to learn more about money personalities and how to fall in love with your money.
Learn how to save money while shopping
We are all trying our best to save money these days. Nobody wants to buy a dozen eggs for $6! There is an old-fashioned way of saving money that may help in a volatile economy: couponing. This simple act, without turning into an extreme couponer, may save you hundreds of dollars.
Check your Credit Report Often
Did you know 1 out of 3 credit reports have errors? More than one-third of consumers have found at least one error on their credit report. Does yours? Find out what to look for.
Money-$aving Travel Tips
Is a vacation in your near future? If so, take a look at these tips on how to enjoy the summer without emptying your bank account.
Should You Tap into Your 401(K) Before You Retire?
Accessing money, whether borrowing or withdrawing money from your 401(K) before you retire is not an easy decision. While taking money out of your plan is possible, you should weigh the risks, costs, and benefits.
Preparing Your Finances for Back to School
As summer winds down, back-to-school season looms. Whether you are preparing for your student to return to elementary, high school, or college, it’s important to have a plan for financial costs.
When Should You Start Collecting Social Security?
As you continue to work toward your retirement goals, you may be considering when you should start collecting your Social Security benefits. Because Social Security income lasts your entire life, deciding when to file for it is key. Specifically, the age at which you choose to collect these benefits will directly impact the total amount of income you will receive throughout your entire retirement.
10-ways-to-handle-unpaid-medical-bills
Experiencing a serious illness is stressful and responsibilities are sometimes placed on temporary hold until you heal. However, if paying for your medical bills is one of the items placed in the “deal with it later” bucket, there is a strong chance your finances will be impacted by affecting your credit report.
Practicing Financial Self-Care
We all see information about the importance of self-care everywhere. Messaging reminds us to nurture our physical and mental well-being—with mindfulness practices, exercise routines, and virtual detoxing. But what about financial self-care?
International Credit Union Day is Thursday, October 19th
Nymeo will join thousands of other credit unions in recognizing International Credit Union Day on Thursday, October 19th.
Credit unions are built on the idea of people helping people. The concept of people pooling money and lending to one another and those in need within their community is where the history of credit unions began.
What is Financial Burnout?
What is Financial Burnout? Financial burnout refers to a state of extreme stress and exhaustion related to one's financial situation. It occurs when the demands and pressures of managing finances, such as debt, bills, or budgeting, become overwhelming and lead to physical, emotional, and mental exhaustion.
Money-$aving Holiday Spending Tips
The holiday shopping season is officially here! Below are spending tips to help you navigate the holiday season with a focus on saving, so you can celebrate without the stress.
Six Family-Proof Financial Topics for Holiday Gatherings
He might be fictional, mean, and green, but The Grinch can also be a relatable figure during holiday season when spirits are high (and holiday spending is higher). Personal finance is a triggering topic for many families. Festive gatherings—intended to bring people together—can quickly become the backdrop for Grinchy behavior when money enters the conversation. However, finance doesn’t have to be a polarizing subject.
The Procrastinator’s Guide to Holiday Savings
The holiday season is about celebrating, family, feasting, and . . . financial stress. With high interest rates and student loan payments resuming, many of us are less inclined to spend more this year. But how? Here are strategies to help you save this season.
Is your New Year’s Resolution to be Financially Healthy?
If financial wellness is a part of your New Year’s resolution we have some tips and resources for you.
5 Things You Didn’t Know Were Tax Deductions
It's a new year, and you may be starting to organize your finances for tax time. Here are a few lesser-known deductions.
Budget, Learn & Grow in 2024!
For many of us, 2023 was a challenging year in terms of navigating inflation, accommodating high-interest credit card rates, and deciphering headlines around student loan repayment.
What are the Benefits of Debt Consolidation?
Do you find yourself stuck in seemingly insurmountable debt? Maybe this year you should consider consolidating your debt, but what does that mean and how is it done?
Starting a Small Business Soon?
Do you have a passion or idea you want to turn into a profitable business? If so, you might want to consider starting your own small business. It may sound like quite the undertaking, however with these tips we hope to help you kickstart your business!
Tax Saving Strategies
Tax season can be daunting, but with the right strategies, you can minimize your tax burden and keep more of your hard-earned money in your pockets. Whether you’re a seasoned investor or a newcomer in the world of taxes, hopefully these tips can help you out.
The Importance of Financial Education
In an age where financial literacy is more critical than ever, the significance of financial education is also more important than ever. From managing personal finances, to investment decisions, being financially literate is a key tool to building a secure future.
Modeling Healthy Money Management
How you handle money doesn’t just impact your life, but your children’s. That’s why modeling healthy financial habits is essential. Here are some ideas to help build positive habits and attitudes towards building children’s financial stability.
Credit Cards & Loans
Top Ways to Pay Off Holiday Credit Card Debt
The holidays are over, and it’s time to get back into shape – physically and financially. Tackling your credit card debt by consolidating is a great place to start.
Why Using a Mobile Wallet is a Smart Move
Contactless payments by mobile wallets and payment apps are more popular than ever. If you are not a mobile wallet user, you may be hesitant because you are not sure if this technology is safe or easy to use. Read below on the top benefits of using mobile payments.
Use your Credit Card Rewards for Mother’s Day Purchases and Save!
Mother’s Day is on Sunday, May 8th, and Americans are expected to spend a record $28.1 billion on this holiday, according to the National Retail Federation.
Alternative Ways to Consolidate Your Debt
With inflation being a keyword these days, everyone is trying to save money one way or another. If you have multiple credit cards or loans with balances and different due dates, it can make life chaotic. Consolidating debt could be the answer to saving you time and money.
Should You Consolidate Your Loans?
When you have more than one source of credit and a loan or two in your name, it’s easy to feel as if your payments are getting out of control. Debt consolidation can offer a handle on finances and relief from stress. While that’s often the case, there is more to learn and understand about this type of loan.
Traveling? Three Financial To-Dos Before Traveling
If you are planning a get-away, there are steps you need to take before you set off for a holiday. Whether it’s a short stay in your state or a three-month get-away in another country, if you are left with a frozen credit card and minimal cash, you will not enjoy your vacation. Here are three financial tips to take before you travel.
What to Look For in a Credit Card?
Credit cards are powerful financial tools that offer the owner convenience and flexibility. Credit cards can be a great tool in managing expenses and building credit history. However, not all credit cards are created equal and there are things you need to look out for.
Credit Union Benefits
Effective Ways to Make Resolutions Stick
Approximately 92% of New Year’s Resolutions end in failure. Most have good intentions in January but will later join the ever-growing number of people who will give-up on their resolutions before the year ends.
Member benefits and perks
As a Nymeo member, you have access to different types of benefits and services. Check and see if any of these can help you.
A Story about Credit Unions and Nymeo
On Thursday, October 20th, Nymeo will celebrate International Credit Union Day with thousands of fellow credit unions around the globe! As cooperatives, we believe in the spirit of people helping people.
Things to Do to Start the New Year Right
Every year people make plans to change their lives for the better. But far too often resolutions are broken within just weeks of making them. Below are suggestions on things to do to start 2023 off on the right foot.
Share Certificates Can Offer More for Your Money
Looking for a safe alternative way to save money? With a Share Certificate or Certificate of Deposit, you’ll receive guaranteed returns.
What Makes Up Your Credit Score?
Do you know what factors affect your credit score? First, your credit score is a number between 300 and 850, which determines how likely you are to pay back the money you might borrow for a loan.
Financial Literacy & Safety
How Your Personal Finances Affect Your Heart Health
February is Heart Health Month, and the perfect time to evaluate your overall health in terms of your diet and exercise.
How to Save Automatically
Automatic savings simply means you have a process in place to save at regular intervals, whether that’s monthly, weekly, or daily.
Make Saving Money Fun for Kids!
Last year, traveling during Spring Break still seemed like a bad idea due to COVID-19. This year, everyone is ready for a vacation. As we get excited to venture out whether during Spring Break or over the summer, we may lose focus on keeping safe.
Tips on Keeping Safe During Vacation
Last year, traveling during Spring Break still seemed like a bad idea due to COVID-19. This year, everyone is ready for a vacation. As we get excited to venture out whether during Spring Break or over the summer, we may lose focus on keeping safe.
Top Reasons You Should Shred
If you ever thought shredding was a waste of time, below are 4 reasons why you should do this at least once a year.
Avoid Dynamic Currency Conversions When Traveling
When a merchant offers to convert your credit card transaction from the local currency into U.S. dollars, it might sound like a good idea because it is easier to but don’t be fooled. This is called dynamic currency conversion (DCC) and is an expensive and unnecessary fee for the cardholder.
Financial Literacy for Kids
Summer is the perfect time to help children get a peek into how to effectively manage money.
Protecting Older Adults from Fraud and Financial Exploitation
On average, a victim of elder financial abuse loses $120,000 per incident. Losing money or possessions to scams, fraud, and exploitation can be especially devastating to older adults, who may not be able to earn back what they’ve lost.
Criminals will go out of their way to scam the elderly. Below are common scams to watch out for:
Want to Be a Money Pro? Here’s How!
While it may feel as if the only way to achieve financial success—or even stability—is with an advanced degree in mathematics, economics, or investing, the truth is you can be a money pro with these non-financial skills.
Are you shredding or throwing away?
As you probably know, identity theft is quickly becoming one of the most organized and costly crimes of our time. Although, as a society, we are slowly using digital means to store our information.
Be “Scared” about the Latest Crypto Investment Scams
“Pig slaughtering” or “pig butchering” may not sound like scams, but they are. These are the latest crypto scams that involves sophisticated, yet phony, cryptocurrency investment platforms. These scams are run by a fraud ring of cryptocurrency scammers who mine dating apps and other social media for victims and the scam is becoming increasingly popular.
These Holiday “To-Dos” Can Keep You Financially Healthy All Season Long
While the holidays are a festive time with family and friends, a potentially not-so-fun part of the season is the temptation to go overboard on holiday shopping.
Learn how to protect yourself from identity theft
The holidays are a prime time for identity theft. This pre-recorded webinar provided by GreenPath Financial Wellness will bring you up to speed on identity theft, inform you of common scams and pitfalls to avoid, and offer methods to protect yourself against identity theft.
Saving for the Unexpected
How often have you heard that saving for unexpected events is important and a necessary part of being financially prepared?
Romance Scams are on The Rise
While young people are more likely to fall victim to online scams overall, older people are more susceptible to romance scams.
Top Reasons Why You Should Consider Getting a Certificate
If you're looking for a safe and secure way to invest your money a Certificate of Deposit or a Share Certificate, is a great option. A certificate is a type of savings account that offers a higher interest rate than a traditional savings account in exchange for locking up your funds for a fixed period.
How Your Money is Protected
News about bank failures can cause panic and anxiety. After all, we work hard for our money and can’t help wondering if our money is safe at our local financial institution. Here is a quick summary of how your money is protected.
Top Reasons Why You Should Consider Getting a Certificate
Tax season is here, and for many Americans, that means a tax refund is on the way. While it may be tempting to spend on something frivolous, like a new TV or a fancy vacation, there are better ways to use your tax refund that can help you achieve your financial goals. Here are some of the best ways to use your tax refund today.
Money Management is an Essential Life Skill
April is recognized nationally as Financial Literacy Month. Studies have shown teaching teenagers about money management is an essential life skill that can set them up for financial success in the future.
Why Saving Money is Crucial Today
ASaving money is important in today's market for a variety of reasons. With the global economy constantly evolving and changing, it is essential to have a solid financial plan in place. Here are key reasons why saving money is crucial in today's volatile market:
Here are key steps you should be taking
Preparing for retirement is an important financial goal that everyone should prioritize. Retirement planning can be overwhelming, but with the right strategies and tools, you can set yourself up for a secure and comfortable retirement.
What is Student Loan Refinancing?
Refinancing is when a borrower takes out a new loan with different terms. The new lender (such as a credit union or bank) pays off the rest of the old loan(s). The borrower then makes payments on the new loan.
However, there are many reasons you may choose to refinance student loans:
Financial Impact of Sign-On Bonuses
Sign-on bonuses, also known as signing bonuses or recruiting bonuses, serve as incentives for employers to attract prospective employees. According to a survey conducted by WorldatWork, 76% of employers use signing bonuses to entice employees. These bonuses can range from 5% to 25% of the base salary!
Spoofing fraud is on the rise
Nymeo and other financial institutions across the country continue to see spoofing on the rise. Spoofing is a type of cyberattack or deceptive technique where a person or system disguises their identity or pretends to be someone else to gain unauthorized access, manipulate data, or deceive others. It can involve phone calls, emails, and text messages that appear to be from your financial institution with the sole purpose of tricking you.
Real Cost of Owning a Pet
October is recognized as “Adopt a Shelter Dog” month and many families will welcome a dog or cat into their lives during this time. Unfortunately, dogs and cats are often returned to shelters due to the new owner’s misunderstanding of the expenses involved.
New pet owners should be aware that adoption comes with financial responsibilities that go beyond food and toys. Below are the various costs associated with owning pets and tips on managing your furry friend's expenses.
Top 7 Reasons You Should be Using SavvyMoney
Did you know that as a member of Nymeo, you have access to SavvyMoney? This is a free comprehensive credit reporting and monitoring program built within Nymeo’s Online Banking and Mobile App. This tool helps you stay on top of your credit and understand what your score represents.
Should my Teen have a Checking Account?
You may think that your teen is too young to have a checking account, but teens can benefit from having a checking account for several reasons:
Protect Yourself from Identity Theft
In today's digital age, identity theft and fraud are ever-present threats, but we can't overlook the importance of safeguarding our sensitive information - in paper form. Even in a world dominated by computers and smartphones, paper documents can still be a vulnerability. One discarded piece of mail containing personal details like your name or address could potentially set the stage for identity theft. That's why document shredding remains a valuable practice still.
Protecting Your Loved Ones from Elder Fraud
Financial exploitation is a reality many seniors face, especially in the age of online scams. With the holidays here, scammers are looking for victims to exploit.
Here are actions you can take to help financially safeguard your loved ones.
Importance of Emergency Funding
You never know what’s going to happen. Having money in an emergency fund is designed to protect you from unforeseen problems. An emergency fund is an insurance policy that alleviates financial burden in times of emergency.
Unconventional Valentine’s Gift Ideas
We love giving gifts during Valentine’s Day but sometimes roses, chocolates, jewelry, and dinners can get super expensive. Plus, these gifts are cliché. Don’t worry, we’ve got ideas that are friendlier on the wallet and more meaningful to the heart. (And you’re still not late!)
Top Tips for Finding a Trusted Financial Advisor
Are you looking for support with your financial planning? If so, you are not alone. Many Americans may benefit from financial advice. In fact, the National Financial Educators Council estimates that the average American spends $1,500 per year owing to a lack of personal finance understanding.
Getting Help from an Estate Planning Attorney
You might not think about hiring an estate planning attorney until you really need one. But what exactly do they do, and how do you find one?
Benefits of Entrepreneurship
Entrepreneurship is a dynamic field that offers not only personal benefits but also societal ones. Both economic and personal growth are key aspects of being a successful entrepreneur. Most people don’t know about entrepreneurship and the benefits that come with it. Here are some of the biggest draws entrepreneurship has to offer.
Online Banking
Learn About Our New Online Banking Features
In today’s world of financial uncertainty, it’s a good idea to have control over your money – spending, saving or adding security.
Use Payment Apps with Caution
Venmo, Zelle and other payment apps have limited or no fraud protection
Although Peer-to-Peer (P2P) apps, like Venmo or Zelle, are convenient, many consumers don’t realize these payment services offer no or limited fraud protection. There is a risk involved because once you send money digitally using these apps, it may be impossible to get it back.
15 Ways to Teach Financial Literacy to Generation Alpha
Generation Alpha or Gen A is set to become the largest generation in history. Born from 2010 onwards, this group will comprise over 2 billion globally by 2025. They could be a generation unafraid of money: making it, spending it, investing it, and budgeting it too. With the power of information in their hands, it is crucial to teach them effective financial literacy and life skills early on.
Home Improvement & Security
Top 10 Home Design & Improvement Trends
According to Realtor.com, there are definite design and home improvement trends this year.
How Pets Affect the Value of Your Home
If you’re one of the more than 84 million American households with at least one pet, your to-do list is a bit longer. We love our pets so much, but if you own a home, you should pay attention to this list before you decide to place it on the market:
Save Money and Winter-Proof Your Home
To lower your energy bill, take time to winterize your home with these following suggestions.
Renovating This Spring?
If you are planning to renovate your house, especially before putting it on the market, take a look at housing design trends. They may be trends but reflect our changing needs and values. So, what are the hot design trends for 2024?