Smart Money Financial Blog

Buying a home is a huge piece of the American dream, but there’s a lot that goes into the mortgage process. Between all of the jargon and complex processes you’re expected to know, it can be extremely overwhelming. At Education First Credit Union, we’re here to help you make sense of it all! 

Creating a budget and deciding to stick to it is easy; carrying through on your plan is the hard part. Mindless spending can be the undoing of the most carefully crafted budget. Follow these tips to learn how to spend mindfully.

It's a new year, and tax season is around the corner. This season is a busy time for criminals and scammers as it brings a significant increase in phishing attempts targeting W-2s and sensitive financial information. Continue reading to learn the most common threats and how to combat them.

Financial changes are coming to your credit score in 2026. Read more to learn what these changes mean for you and how you can prepare.

Effective tax planning can significantly reduce your tax liability, both now and in the future. Click to learn careful tax planning strategies that can lead to substantial savings.

January is Financial Wellness Month, a great time to review your budget, reset your goals, and build healthier money habits. Learn how to start now and see how fast your financial habits can shift in the right direction.

Kids today have more ways to manage money than ever before, from debit cards to mobile apps. Opening a savings account early can help children learn the basics of saving, money management, and responsibility. With tools like short‑term goal setting, earning interest, and hands‑on experience, these accounts give young savers a foundation for future financial success.

Start 2026 with confidence by rethinking your finances. From tracking spending to building savings and tackling debt, small steps today can reduce stress tomorrow.

How to know when it's okay to splurge on name-brand items and when you should save your money with off-brand items.

10 creative ways to save money on your heating bill this holiday season