My adventures living paycheck to paycheck
I started my career in credit unions as a teller in 1980. I used an employment agency to get the job and I had to pay the fee, which was a month’s salary spread [...]
Best of Personal Finance Archives
Economy gaining ground a year after pandemic
The economy is finally starting to rebound a year after the recent pandemic. As detailed in the just-released Q1 2021 TransUnion Industry Insights Report, consumers are performing well one year since the pandemic began, and [...]
Teamwork makes the financial relief dream work
Delinquent borrowers at STCU ($4.4B, Liberty Lake, WA) receive more than phone calls, letters, and emails seeking to make payment arrangements. Since the Great Recession, the Evergreen State cooperative has used a dual approach [...]
5 office perks employees don’t care about
Startup culture has driven new conversations about workplace perks across more traditional industries. Over the past decade, it’s become increasingly common to walk into the workplace and find a pool table, free snacks and [...]
Episode 4: Connecting Rural Women to Financial Services
https://open.spotify.com/episode/5Brq67ecquBb9oLN8ASJTS We spoke to Emilie Hibbard, a recent Boston University grad who has carried out focused research for Alacriti. Today, she discusses her research on the difficulties of rural women [...]
How your company can offset the rising cost of employee benefits
At a time when the desire and expectation for employee benefits coverage are on the rise, it’s important for employers to find creative ways to make their employee benefits plansmore cost effective. Companies that [...]
Financial education in school: It’s time to close the gap
Think back to how you learned how to manage your finances—were you taught about money from teachers in school or family members at home or were you self-taught through trial and error? If your [...]
Ally Bank to credit unions: Your move
Last week, on the heels of the viral spat between Elizabeth Warren and Jamie Dimon, Ally Bank (NYSE: ALLY) announced the elimination of overdraft fees on all accounts. Before the announcement, Ally charged a $25 [...]
Mission failure: The banking industry’s approach to financial health
Here are two phrases commonly found in the mission or value statements of banks and credit unions: “The path to financial wellness starts here.” Or, “Helping members achieve financial success.” The sincerity is real, but [...]
3 decisions that can be bad for your finances
Money isn't everything, but your personal finances matter. Lenders look at your accounts and your credit score to decide what kind of loan you’ll be able to get and what interest rate you’ll [...]
Non-traditional benefits that attract and retain top talent
The way Americans work and what employees value in a benefits package has been rapidly evolving for the past decade. In the wake of last year’s COVID-19-related shutdowns and subsequent transition to working from [...]
Consumer credit is positioned for a strong recovery as the country reopens
Despite the turbulence of the last year due to the COVID-19 outbreak, the consumer credit market is poised to make a strong recovery. As detailed in the just-released Q1 2021 TransUnion Industry Insights Report, consumers [...]
Inspire young entrepreneurs through Biz Kid$
Summertime is here. For some kids, it’s time to dust off their lemonade stand. For others, it’s a chance to make some extra cash with a summer job. It’s also an opportunity [...]
3 inexpensive ways to get your kids out of the house this summer
After being stuck with your kids for the better part of the last 15 months, you're probably ready for them to be somewhere else (even if you have to go with them). Here are three [...]
4 homebuying myths you should not believe
Sometimes, the housing market can feel like a jungle. Some of you have been on the hunt for months, searching through a forest of homes that hopefully are within your budget, but nothing has really [...]