Winter is coming … Be prepared with MSUFCU
Credit union’s programs, services can help you budget for the season
EAST LANSING, MI (December 10, 2018) — With an average snowfall in the Lansing area topping 50 inches, there will soon be no shortage of reminders that winter is fast approaching and you live in Michigan. Fortunately, Michigan State University Federal Credit Union (MSUFCU) has you covered for any unexpected needs that may arise during the season.
“Between the cold weather and school being back in session, the winter months can often cost us a pretty penny. From increased heating bills to snow-related car problems, there are many reasons why we may spend more than we plan to in the winter,” said Deidre Davis, chief marketing officer at MSUFCU. “The good news is that there are a number of ways to prepare for and prevent some of these seasonal expenses. Sometimes these expenses can sneak up on us no matter how prepared we think we are. MSUFCU offers a number of products and services that will allow you to manage these expenses as they come.”
Some of the services offered by MSUFCU to assist residents include:
- Sub-savings accounts
- Saving money over time for emergency situations will lessen the impact to your finances if/when they happen
- Short-term and long-term loans
- Talking to your financial institution can save you money because they can show you the best loan options available if/when you need to cover unexpected expenses
- Knowing your options will help prevent you from spending more than you have to, thus leaving you in a better financial position
“Some good ways to save money in the winter are to be prepared for the inevitable cold weather and potential issues related to it,” said Davis, who recommended the following:
- Invest in a programmable thermostat
- Set a timer for the heat to decrease the temperature when you aren’t home and at night
- Programming your thermostat to decrease by 10-15 degrees for eight hours could save you 5-15 percent on yearly heating costs
- You can even invest in smart heating technology for your home, allowing you to set the temperature right from your mobile device
- Prevent leaks in your home
- Seal windows by investing in window coverings or thermal/insulated curtains
- Seal doorframes with weather strips to keep heat in the house
- Winterize your car
- Proper care and maintenance can prevent accidents and damage to your vehicle over time
- Keep tire pressure at recommended level and/or invest in snow tires
- Use recommended amounts of antifreeze
- Keep windshield wiper fluid full
- Keep the gas tank near full to prevent a frozen fuel line
About Michigan State University Federal Credit Union (MSUFCU)
Founded in 1937, MSUFCU has a national reputation for excellence and has received several top industry and workplace awards, including being named a Best Credit Union to Work For® by American Banker for the sixth year, a Top Workplace by the Detroit Free Press for 13 consecutive years, and a National Best and Brightest Companies to Work For® winner for seven consecutive years. MSUFCU has also been certified as a Great Place to Work® for 10 consecutive years and has been recognized by the Credit Union National Association, earning first place for the people-helping-people philosophy Louise Herring Award. The Credit Union operates an award-winning, wholly owned credit union service organization, Reseda Group; along with digital financial platforms AlumniFi and Collegiate; trade name Oakland University Credit Union; and its foundation, the Desk Drawer Fund. MSUFCU is headquartered in East Lansing, Michigan; and has 24 branches; over 350,000 members; $7.61 billion in assets; and more than 1,100 employees. For more information, visit msufcu.org.
