Saving Savvy: Save with Your Tax Return

Tax season is here which means you could be in line to put a chunk of money back into your pocket.  So what should you do with this year’s refund? While you may want to spend it, Community Financial Credit Union recommends investing in your future with these tips. 

Invest in your retirement savings.  Roth IRA allows you to make cash contributions of up to $5,000 annually.  Roth IRAs also offer more investment options than many retirement plans. Learn more about a Roth IRA by contacting one of our Financial Service Representatives today. 

Pay off high rate debt.  Review any debt you have and consider what you should pay off first.  Credit card debt often has the highest interest rates.  Paying off a credit card now can save you money you would spend on interest throughout the year. 

Save.  Build an emergency fund.  Getting into the habit of saving is one of the best money management strategies you can develop.  If you struggle with saving routinely throughout the year, it might be best for you to put away your tax return money. 

File Your 2011 Taxes Online – Free

Thousands of dollars go unclaimed every year from the IRS because people don’t take the deductions that they are due.  Using tax filing software can tell you what deductions that are automatically applied.  If you are still filing your taxes, try using our FREE tax service Just File It!

Just File it!,  This simple to use online tax filing software walks you through the process and allows you to file for both federal and state of Michigan income tax.  For credit union members, your tax return can be deposited fast, right into your account. Visit Just File It! online right now to get started.

*Consult your tax adviser.

Posted by: Community Financial
Community Financial Members Federal Credit Union is a not-for-profit, full-service financial institution owned and governed by its membership.

Community Financial Awarding College Scholarships

Last year's scholarship recipients.

Community Financial Credit Union has announced, in collaboration with the Community Foundation of Plymouth (CFP), it will be awarding twelve $1,000 scholarships in April to college-bound students.

Each year, college tuition rises and many students struggle to afford the expense. According to USA Today, two thirds of the undergraduate class of 2011 graduated with an average of more than $25,000 of debt.

“With rising college costs, families may be struggling to help their children financially,” says Sarah Cousineau, Community Financial Marketing Manager. “That’s why we give back to students every year through our scholarships.”

Students must be accepted at or applied to an accredited college, university or trade school for either full or part-time for the 2012 Fall semester. If you’re eligible, make sure to apply by March 2, 2012. You can apply online now by visiting http://scholarships.egrant.org. Please follow the instructions and guidelines for “Community Financial Margaret Dunning, George Lawton and Phil Curtiss Scholarships.”

Judging will be based on a combination of academic performance, community service, extra-curricular activities, letters of recommendation, job and employment, essay answers and financial need. All application materials must be submitted online.

If you are heading off to college soon, make sure to follow these steps to prepare yourself financially and read our previous post on how to budget for your freshman year.

Good luck with the scholarship application and be sure to follow Community Financial on Facebook and Twitter for updates on scholarships and other awards and contents.

Posted by: Community Financial
Community Financial Members Federal Credit Union is a not-for-profit, full-service financial institution owned and governed by its membership.

Could you use some help tackling your debt? Community Financial Teams up with Accel Members Financial Counseling to provide assistance.

If you’re struggling to pay your bills, it’s good to know there are options available to help you get them under control. For members who are interested in financial counseling, Community Financial Credit Union is proud to work with Accel to provide free counseling services.

Accel Members Financial Counseling is a financial education and counseling program designed specifically for credit union members. Counselors will meet with you and provide professional advice and help you get out of debt free of charge. Accel also provides credit counseling, financial education, housing counseling services and an optional debt management program.

“Never be afraid to seek financial counseling,” says Ken Kollar, Community Financial Asset Protection Manager. “The counselors at Accel are very supportive and well informed. Our members who have participated have benefited greatly.”

Accel’s free services are designed to help you better manage your money and prepare for your future. Accel counselors are trained to help you with all types of debt. They are available six days a week and charge no hidden fees.

Learn more about Accel by vising them online. If you are not seeking counsel but would like tips on handling debt, Community Financial recommends following these steps in our previous post for strategies for handling your debt.

Posted by: Community Financial
Community Financial Members Federal Credit Union is a not-for-profit, full-service financial institution owned and governed by its membership.

Preparing Your Finances for Emergencies

When an emergency strikes, you may not have time to grab all your important belongings. Therefore, be sure to take steps in advance to protect certain documents. Follow these steps to prepare yourself financially for an emergency.  

Keep important documents safe.  It’s easy to forget about the documents you rarely use, such as your marriage license or birth certificate.  You should store these in a fire proof safe at home, or consider renting a safety deposit box to store original copies.  

Create an emergency kit. This could be a waterproof box with a lock or any type of safe compartment. Your emergency kit should include copies of your original documents, health insurance cards, telephone numbers for emergency contacts, and emergency cash. 

Always have a rainy day fund.  Get in the habit of saving money for an emergency.  It helps to setup a separate account specifically for this fund.  It’s always better to be prepared and you can learn more about saving by reading our previous post.

Community Financial Credit Union offers a variety of savings accounts to help you be prepared. Learn more about Community Financial by visiting one of our branch locations or calling us at (877) 937-2328.  We’ll be happy to answer your questions and assist you with any of our services.

Posted by: Community Financial
Community Financial Members Federal Credit Union is a not-for-profit, full-service financial institution owned and governed by its membership.

Winter Savings Tips – How to lower your Heating Bills

With winter weather sweeping over Michigan, it’s smart to pay attention to the amount you spend on energy bills.  If you haven’t prepared your house for the winter, here are a few easy steps:

Cover up drafty windows.  Use a strong, clear plastic sheet to cover any drafty windows. Make sure you seal it tight to keep the heat in. You can also try installing tight, insulation drapes or shades for your windows. 

Monitor and adjust your temperature. This is a good habit to get into.  When you’re home, keep your thermostat at a comfortable temperature.  Always turn it down when you’re out for the day.  The US Department of Energy claims that turning it down your thermostat 10-15 degrees for eight hours can save around 10% a year on your heat bill. 

Maintain your heating system. To keep your system at its best performance, it’s always good to replace air filters and schedule regular maintenance. If you’re looking to try alternative heating options, make sure you follow these Safety Tips from US News and Money.  

For more information on how you can save on Energy check out this Energy Savings Guide from the State of Michigan. Lowering your energy use is good for the environment and for your pockets.  Stay warm and keep an eye on your heating bills this winter!

Posted by: Community Financial
Community Financial Members Federal Credit Union is a not-for-profit, full-service financial institution owned and governed by its membership.