News And Updates | Chicago IL Credit Union Financial Tips

Selling Your Home: The Basics

For most of us, selling our home is a significant event demanding considerable attention and effort. It's a major milestone that can bring up a lot of emotions. Whether we are moving for work, upgrading to a bigger place, or downsizing to enjoy retirement, it's important to understand the home-selling process. Knowing the ins and outs can help us achieve our goals and avoid common mistakes.

Saving vs. Borrowing: Weighing the Pros and Cons

At first glance, the decision to save or borrow money for large purchases can seem obvious: save for it so you can own it now and avoid paying interest. However, it’s not always that simple. Sometimes, you can come out ahead by borrowing—even when you already have the money on hand. It’s a matter of strategy in some cases. Whether for a home, a car, an education, or an appliance, there are factors that are important to keep in mind when deciding whether to use savings or borrow money.

To Buy or Rent? How to Make an Informed Decision

Contrary to common belief, it’s not always better to buy than rent. Sometimes, one choice is the only option available, but when you have two choices, the answer isn’t always straightforward.

Don't Be Fooled: How to Recognize and Avoid Imposter Scams

Imposter scams have become increasingly prevalent, ranking as one of the most common types of consumer fraud, according to a report by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). In 2023 alone, consumers lost $2.7 billion to imposter scams. Unfortunately, as scammers find more creative ways to outwit consumers, it's becoming harder to detect what's real and what's a scheme.

Bouncing Back: How to Overcome Budget Setbacks

In the world of personal finance, setting a budget is a crucial part of your financial journey. It’s meant to be a roadmap designed to guide you toward your goals. However, even with smart planning and the best intentions, budget setbacks can and do happen. Unexpected expenses, overspending, or emergencies can quickly derail even the most well-constructed financial plans.

Investing Basics: The Power of Diversification

We’ve all heard the phrase, “Don’t put all of your eggs in one basket,” and conceptually, we understand the implications. By concentrating your risk in one place, you can potentially lose everything. So, how do you limit your exposure when investing? This concept is known as diversification. Let’s take a closer look at how it works.

Estimated Taxes: What Are They and Who Pays Them?

For individuals who work as employees, the tax payment process can be relatively simple. Employers are typically required to withhold a portion of the gross income on your paycheck and send it to the U.S. government on your behalf. This is called tax withholding, and it’s how most employees pay their taxes throughout the year. Then, come tax time each spring, taxpayers prepare their tax return and reconcile their tax due with their total tax withholding from throughout the year.

Sharpen your fraud-fighting skills during this year’s National Consumer Protection Week

March has come, which also brings National Consumer Protection Week—beginning on March 3. As scammers are always evolving, staying informed on the latest trends can help you reduce your risk of becoming the next victim. With resources for college students, seniors, veterans, immigrants, and general consumers, the Federal Trade Commission and consumer protection experts are hosting a number of free educational sessions.

Understanding the Difference Between Brokerage Accounts and IRAs

When investing for the future, there are two types of investment accounts you may come across—a brokerage account or an Individual Retirement Account (IRA). While both can serve as long-term investment vehicles, there are some key differences to understand before deciding which one is best for you.

How Do Tax Brackets Work?

Tax brackets may be one of those things that you’ve heard about but don’t exactly understand how they affect your tax bill. Have no fear—in this article, we’ll discuss what tax brackets are, why they exist, and how you can use them to better understand your tax bill.

Loud Budgeting: Understanding Social Media’s Latest Financial Trend

Money has historically been a taboo topic, shrouded in shame and secrecy. However, the latest financial trend going viral on social media is all about freeing yourself from this cultural norm and seeking financial transparency.

Avoiding Financial Pitfalls: The Threat of Predatory Lending

In pursuing large financial goals, it's common to seek out loans and credit offers to help achieve them. However, hidden amidst some financial offers is a dangerous trap known as predatory lending. Predatory lending refers to the unethical practices of lenders who impose unfair, deceptive, or unaffordable terms on borrowers. These practices can result in long-term debt cycles, often disproportionately affecting vulnerable consumers.

HACU Annual Board Meeting - 2/28/2024

Annual Board Meeting Notice All HACU members are invited to join our Annual Board Meeting! Location: IHA Conference Rooms C, D, & E Date: Wednesday, February 28, 2024 Time: 9:00am

What Are the Different Types of Brokerage Accounts?

A brokerage account is a versatile financial tool that allows individuals to manage and invest their money. However, various types of brokerage accounts exist, each serving a different purpose and catering to varying investment goals. Because of this, it's important to understand the different types of brokerage accounts available. In doing so, you can better ensure that you’re choosing an account that aligns best with your financial objectives. But before diving into the different types

The New FAFSA Landscape: A Guide to Recent Changes

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) has undergone notable changes in 2023 that could potentially reshape the financial aid landscape for millions of students. The FAFSA was originally designed to help students access federal and institutional aid for their higher education pursuits. However, the process of completing the FAFSA has been confusing for some and not as accessible as it was intended to be for others.

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