Smart Money Financial Blog

Tax refund season is here, and for many people, that extra cash feels like the perfect chance to finally upgrade their vehicle. That surge in activity creates an opportunity for predatory sellers. When you’re excited about getting into a new (or new-to-you) car, it’s easy to overlook the fine print or miss red flags

There are a million different reasons why you may need to cut back on expenses. Regardless of why, looking at your budget can be overwhelming. This list will ...

If you or your child is a senior in high school, you’re probably overwhelmed by all of the college preparation. There are a lot of things to consider when choosing which college you want to commit to. One of the biggest considerations is cost. Continue reading to learn how to research and prepare for the cost of college.

Spring is coming up quickly this year, and it's never too early to start your spring cleaning. But why should spring cleaning be limited to your house? This spring, clean out your finances too! This way, you can get rid of any unwanted expenses and debt to be ready for a fun summer. Keep reading for more tips on how to "spring clean" your finances.

A broken-down car, an unexpected medical bill, a broken appliance, or even a damaged cell phone. No matter how large or small, these unplanned expenses can feel like they happen at the worst times. With an emergency fund, you can protect yourself and your loved ones from losing everything to a financial emergency. By setting aside money for unplanned expenses, you can recover more quickly and get back on track toward your financial goals.

After all of this cold weather, people are ready to travel to some warmer temperatures. The kids have spring break coming up, so it's the perfect time to plan a family vacation. Before you start planning your spring break trips, check out a few budget-friendly tips.

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.