Financial Fridays
Financial Information To Help You Live Smarter
First Source is all about sharing knowledge with our Members and the Community. We’ve had a few different iterations of our Financial Friday program including offering helpful financial tips on the radio, social media, and in print. Over the last year, we began incorporating a whole new interactive element with fresh Financial Friday entries, right here on this page. The interactive coaches will personalize modules to your own needs and goals.
New entries into our Financial Fridays program will be added here twice per month, all to help you Live Smarter with a balanced, healthy financial life. Be sure to check back often to see what’s new. Take the power of your finances to the next level!
March 17, 2023
Why Opt for Credit Insurance?
Credit insurance can provide protection from payment disruptions due to a variety of different events, such as, automobile accidents, illness, injury, or even death. In short, it not only ensures that creditors are paid portions of what they're owed but also offers you peace of mind by helping alleviate financial stressors associated with potential losses resulting from nonpayment.
March 3, 2023
Helpful Tips to Reduce Energy Costs at Home
Did you know that your phone charger continues to use energy even when your phone has reached 100%? It may not seem like much but there are a number of items throughout your home that are using more energy than you may realize. Here is how you can reduce the amount of energy you use - and your bill at the same time.
February 17, 2023
Pre-Prep Help to Prepare for Taxes
Many people dread tax season, mostly because of the pre work that needs to be done. It’s the time of year when we scramble to get our paperwork in order and try to figure out how much money we will owe, or get refunded. But it doesn’t have to be a stressful time. We’ve provided some resources to help make tax preparation easier.
February 3, 2023
Estate Planning Checklist
Estate planning is important to take care of in advance. It can provide financial security, legal protection, tax reductions, property maintenance, and fulfill your last wishes. This 5-minute Coach session will help you understand the basics of starting a plan for the assets you will leave behind.
January 20, 2023
Take Advantage of Rising Dividend Rates
There are terrific advantages to consider when it comes to investing in dividends. They can provide additional income and grow your portfolio, just to name a few. There are multiple plan options to help you save in both the short and long term. See which plan might be best for you.
January 6, 2023
Scam Checker Coach
If you’ve ever received a strange and unexpected text message, email, or alert in the past, there’s a good chance it could have been a scammer. It’s also likely you will see more communications like these in the future. It’s important to recognize which ones are real and which ones are potentially dangerous.
December 23, 2022
Frugal Date Nights: Keep Your Partner and Wallet Happy
You don’t have to put your relationship on hold when paying down debt. Consider these inexpensive date night options to help you have fun and keep the romance going - all without breaking the bank.
December 9, 2022
The Five-S Plan for Debit Card & ATM Safety
Consider these safety routines to help ensure your security when using debit cards and ATM machines. Learn how to keep your information secure, select the right ATMs, safeguard yourself at the machine, stay vigilant, and spot skimming scams.
November 25, 2022
How to Weather an Economic Storm
When the economy fluctuates, short-term and long-term goals can be affected. Check out these strategies that can help minimize the impacts of an economic storm and still have room to grow your finances.
November 11, 2022
Keep Holiday Shopping Affordable
If you’re an avid gift giver, getting all of your loved ones the perfect gift can become overwhelming. But preparing a budget, making a list, and sticking to it doesn’t have to be stressful. We’ve got some tips to help you minimize the holiday spending stress so you can enjoy the season and stay on track with planning this year.
October 28, 2022 - Cybersecurity Awareness Month
Workplace Cybersecurity
Whether you work from home or at your organization’s workspace, threats to sensitive information can appear at any time across online devices. Learn what kind of suspicious activity to look for and general security tips you can use to help stay protected against digital attacks.
October 14, 2022 - Cybersecurity Awareness Month
Scams Targeting Seniors
Fraud attacks involving the elderly are increasing each year due to scammers being more creative and having access to better technology. Unfortunately, scam artists are preying on our most vulnerable citizens who may not be able to recognize when they are being scammed. Fortunately, there are red flags to watch out for and ways to protect yourself from a future attack.
September 30, 2022
Building an Emergency Fund
An emergency fund is money you set aside to cover unexpected out-of-pocket expenses or to cover normal expenses if there are significant changes/decreases in your income. Begin building your emergency fund today.
September 16, 2022
Is Refinancing an Auto Loan a Good Choice?
Refinancing an auto loan could save you money in the long run. You can find out if refinancing your loan is a good move for you by comparing rates and using a loan calculator to evaluate monthly payments. Learn why refinancing is important and how effective it can be to lower your interest rates on debts.
September 2, 2022
Back-To-School Shopping Quick Tips
Whether you are buying school supplies for yourself or your child, for elementary needs or college needs, school shopping can be a pricey process. It helps to have a plan in place to set aside time for mapping out materials needed and shopping around for the best prices. Here are some tips to help smooth out the process.
Augut 19, 2022
Daily Habits That Can Make Building Wealth Easier
Do you want to start building wealth? It’s a process that takes patience, work, and dedication but might be easier than you think. Start today by adopting these smart habits that can help you succeed.
Augut 5, 2022
Make Your Credit Card Work For You
Credit cards are a financial tool that can help you build your credit history and make it easier to get approved for future loans. It’s important to use them responsibly so you don’t risk harming your credit score in the long term. See our useful tips that will help you use your credit cards to your advantage.
July 22, 2022
Simple Ways to Add Value to Your Home
When it comes to selling your home, you want to do everything possible to appeal to buyers. There are many factors that go into marketing a home, including its condition. Luckily, it’s possible to increase your home’s value by making some simple repairs.
July 8, 2022
Preserving Your Spending Power - Fighting Inflation
Inflation is among the most destructive economic problems and can be a stealthy thief of your income. Protecting your finances and maintaining disciplined spending habits can be crucial. By having a strategy in place, you can help safeguard your current value and buying power.
June 24, 2022
Funeral Costs - Financial Assistance During Adverse Times
When a loved one passes away, it can be overwhelming for those who have to work through the details of funeral and burial costs. The last thing anyone wants is to make an already difficult time harder for family and friends. Planning ahead for funeral arrangements is a way to honor final wishes and have the funding you need to cover expenses.
June 10, 2022
Debit Cards - Everything You Need To Know
Debit cards are one of the most common forms of payment today. They have taken the lead as the preferred method of payment over writing checks, are considered safer than carrying cash, more convenient to use online or in emergencies, and a debit card can be replaced if it’s lost. Debit cards are typically free to use and bridge a secure connection to your checking account. Learn about debit cards versus credit cards, overdraft protection, fees, benefits, and more.
May 27, 2022
Preparing Yourself to Find a New Place to Rent
While renting requires less immediate cash and fewer obligations than owning a home, there are some factors that you’ll need to consider before you begin your search. Finding, and keeping, a good rental can be difficult but if you know what you’re getting into beforehand, you may have a better chance of finding a good affordable place.
May 13, 2022
Secured vs Unsecured Loans
Even with a well-balanced budget and healthy savings, most people do not have enough cash for life’s bigger expenses like a house, a new car, opening a business, renovating their home, or paying for college. Taking out a loan is the most likely avenue for these big-ticket items.
There are two main types of loans - secured and unsecured - and it’s important to know their differences.
April 29, 2022
What You Need to Know About College Tuition Costs
Finding the best and most affordable college for yourself can be tough. But you don’t have to do it alone. There are some choices you can make to help reduce the stress of expenses. Learn more about the potential costs.
April 15, 2022
Protecting Yourself from Phone Scams
Fraudsters are continually coming up with new and clever ways to trick people, making some scams very hard to detect. Being the target of an attacker isn’t always obvious, so it’s essential to be cautious at all times when it comes to divulging personal financial information. Keep these tips in mind to protect yourself from scammers.
April 1, 2022
Tips for Paying Debts Down Faster
Anyone is susceptible to debt. It’s easy to lose track of your spending and incur charges you aren’t prepared for covering. If you’ve found yourself in this situation, use these tips to help make a plan to get back on track, and debt-free, faster.
March 18, 2022
Vehicle-Buying Considerations
The best way to shop for a vehicle is to be prepared. It’s exciting but can also be complicated and you want to set yourself up for a successful purchasing plan. See what you should consider when getting ready to look for your next vehicle, so you can drive away happy!
March 4, 2022
When Should You Update Your Budget?
Having a budget to help pay for life’s events can give you the ability to be prepared and adapt accordingly. Knowing exactly where your finances stand at any time allows you to know where and when funds can be moved around. Here are some common reasons our budgets need to shift throughout the different stages of our lives, as well as tips on how to prepare for them.
February 18, 2022
Be Credit Smart
Credit plays a big role in our lives and it is important to understand how it works. This article outlines key factors to understanding what credit is, how to maintain a good credit score, and how to avoid damaging your credit as you use it.
February 4, 2022
New Business Quiz
Are you starting a new business? How you structure your enterprise will determine your tax bill, ability to attract investors, liability, and more. This short session will take into account the goals you have in mind, as well as other factors, and help you identify which type of business structure may work best for you.
January 21, 2022
Quality vs Cost
We often make assumptions that higher-priced items are ‘better’ than their lower-costing counterparts. But is this true in every situation? While sellers sometimes rely on these false assumptions to get you to spend more than necessary, it’s important to recognize the differences between quality and cost. Learn to evaluate the information between assets to help you shop smarter and save on expenses.
January 7, 2022
Trim Your Budget
When was the last time you re-evaluated your monthly budget? Reducing your monthly expenses can be a great way to keep extra money in your savings account. In this short session, you will see the power of trimming expenses and reap the benefits of your new spending habits.
December 24, 2021
Am I Ready to Retire?
Have you thought about what your personal goal is for your retirement savings? Regardless of whether you have a specific number in mind or aren’t exactly sure where to begin, this short session will help you make a plan.
December 10, 2021
Your Tax Return Pre-Game
Filing taxes can be intimidating but some basic knowledge, and a little legwork, can make you more prepared and confident when taking on this yearly task. This session will give you an understanding of how to prepare and gather your information prior to starting your tax return.
November 26, 2021
How Do I Build Credit?
Having good credit is essential in being able to afford many of life’s major expenses. Learn what building good credit means, why it’s important to your financial health, and how to do so in both the short-term and long-term.
November 12, 2021
The Cost of Baby’s First Year
A new baby is wonderful and exciting! It can also be quite expensive, especially if you are having your first child. Learn about the common, yet often unanticipated, costs associated with having a baby throughout the first year and how you can plan your finances accordingly.
October 29, 2021 - Cybersecurity Awareness Month
How to Recognize and Avoid Phishing Scams
Falling for a phishing scam could lead to identity theft, which in turn could lead to financial loss and hardship. Cyber criminals have no bias and may target anyone, anywhere, and at any time. Learn to spot and avoid different types of phishing attacks at home, at work, and on your phone.
October 15, 2021 - Cybersecurity Awareness Month
10 Important Rules for Creating Strong Passwords
Weak passwords can account for the loss of jobs, identities, reputations, and large sums of money. A staggering 81% of all data breaches are caused by weak or easily stolen passwords. Learn these 10 rules for helping you create a stronger password and protect access to your online information.
October 1, 2021 - Cybersecurity Awareness Month
Are You Cyber Safe?
Some things online are unsafe even though they appear to be harmless. In this 10 minute fun, interactive game you’ll navigate through interesting internet dilemmas and scenarios, all while learning real-world safeguards that you can apply.
September 17, 2021
Can I Afford a Mortgage?
Carefully selecting a mortgage that you know you can afford will help ensure that you can successfully pay for your new home. This short, personalized, interactive coaching session, will help you figure out how much you can afford each month and overall, as well as lead you to which type of mortgage may be best for your specific scenario.
September 3, 2021
The 50/30/20 Budgeting Rule
The 50/30/20 rule is a simple, practical rule for those who want a budget that’s easy and effective. It offers guidelines for enjoying your income while putting your savings on autopilot.
August 20, 2021
Financial Wellness Assessment
Are you financially fit? This free, quick, and personal coaching session will determine your present financial wellness situation and provide you with the resources to get it into shape. Learn to adapt your spending, budgeting, and savings habits to reach your financial freedom.
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Live Smarter
If you would like to schedule our Community Educator for a seminar or workshop for any Financial Friday educational topic, please email your request to FinancialEducation@fsource.org