Education Articles

Affordable Sustainability, Part 2: Going Organic

Here are six ways to shop organic on a budget. It’s not unusual to walk right past the organic foods sections in a grocery store—after all, the cost of groceries is high enough without the added premium. But going organic—whether for health, environmental, or taste reasons—doesn’t mean you have to be a big spender. Here are ways to go organic on...

Account Takeover Fraud Is on the Rise. Avoid Becoming a Victim

Online systems have never been more secure, providing multiple ways to protect your personal information. Because these systems are so safe, fraudsters have to look for new ways to access this sensitive information.   A new technique called account takeover fraud (ATO) has pushed its way to the front of the line. Because online security systems...

Payment Apps Are Convenient, But Storing Money There Poses Risks

According to a recent Motley Fool survey , about 75% of Americans trust digital payment apps more than, or as much as, traditional payment methods like cash or cards. The apps’ convenience and wide availability as payment options have made it increasingly easy to perform peer-to-peer (P2P) transactions like splitting a check, requesting funds, o...

Your Financial Checklist for Traveling Abroad

Your trip of a lifetime is almost here. Your passport is up to date and ready for some new stamps. You know what you need to pack—and how to make use of every square inch of luggage. You’ve learned about the culture and all the exotic food at your destination. You’re ready to travel across the international dateline. But are you financially read...

Digital Banking Upgrades: Making Your Day-To-Day Even Easier

We’re always looking for ways to improve your digital banking experience, and thanks to member feedback, we have a number of updates that will make it easier to do your banking digitally. Read on for an overview of the latest enhancements. Please note: If you don’t have automatic updates enabled on your mobile device, be sure to update the SELCO...

Financial Wellness Planning: Reviewing and Tweaking

Step 10 of 10 Steps to Financial Wellness The foundation is set for your path toward financial wellness. The key now is to not get complacent. Take each step intentionally, adjust your plan when needed, and stay true to your vision. Here’s a quick overview of what brought us here: Step 1: Tracking your spending Are you regularly tracking your...

Financial Wellness Planning: Start Investing for Retirement

Step 9 of 10 Steps to Financial Wellness You’re now ready to start saving—and growing that savings—for a comfortable retirement. And the longer you allow your savings to grow, the bigger your nest egg will be when it’s time to cash in on your funds. In other words, the earlier you can start saving, the better. For step 9 of your financial wellne...

Financial Wellness Planning: Building and Maintaining an Excellent Credit Score

Step 8 of 10 Steps to Financial Wellness Establishing and maintaining a healthy score is a crucial part of financial wellness. What’s a healthy number? Most lenders consider 670–739 to be an indication of stability and reliability. As such, benefits of such a score include: Better interest rates on credit cards and loans. Improved chances of...

Financial Wellness Planning: Knowing When and How to Indulge

Step 7 of 10 Steps to Financial Wellness At this point in your financial fitness journey, you might be wondering if it has all become a little too restrictive. You’re saving whenever you can, you’re mindful about your spending, and you’re sticking to your budget. But what if you want to cut loose once in a while? Living a life of true financial...

Financial Wellness Planning: Paying Yourself First

Step 6 of 10 Steps to Financial Wellness Every ounce of work you’re putting into earning, budgeting, saving, and investing helps you “look out for number 1.” And you’ll want to stay on this path by learning how to “pay yourself first” by prioritizing your personal savings above other discretionary expenses. For step 6 of your financial wellness...