Using 20/20 Vision in Your Financial New Year's Resolutions

With 2020 around the corner, it’s time to get into the New Year’s Resolution spirit! But instead of doing typical goals, like losing weight and taking that well-need vacation, let our 20/20 vision help you set up some great financial resolutions for the New Year!

1. Cut Down Your Credit Card Usage

Stay Safe From These Airbnb Scams This Winter

With Michigan winter in full-swing, going on a vacation to some warm, tropical location sounds like a dream! Airbnb can make this process super easy and fun. As a guest of a local, you can get a real sense of the location—and you’ll save money, too!

However, because the Airbnb system is based on trust of the individual renting out their home or rooms, crooks will always try to exploit the system. The Australian Better Business Bureau reported a six-fold increase in scams related to AirBNB in recent years. The service recently expanded its offerings, allowing users to book independently run guided tours or experiences in addition to rooms. This expansion has been part of the drive behind the increase.

Before you book at Airbnb for your winter getaway, be aware of these scams.

1.     Fake Websites

An Airbnb host you were interested in sends you a link to several other properties they have for rent. These properties come complete with reviews, logos, a live chat service and other hallmarks of authenticity. So, you think nothing of wiring a fee to reserve your room.

But when you try confirming your reservation with Airbnb, they have no record of your transaction and don’t even have the properties listed. What happened?

A scammer capitalized on your trust by directing you to a fake booking website that’s not hosted by Airbnb. These groups go to extreme lengths to create accurate reproductions of the official site.

There are two ways to avoid this scam. First, always check the URLs of sites you visit, making sure the word Airbnb occurs right next to the .com. This tells you it’s not a phony site. Second, only pay through Airbnb’s official checkout platform, which uses modern encryption technology.

2.     Phony Excursions

A new feature of Airbnb is the ability to book “experiences,” or days out on the town with locals.

This creates a new opportunity for scammers who can now offer phony tours. While the company vets the potential tours carefully, it’s difficult for them to monitor a distributed network of service providers.

Local experiences appeal to many visitors. However, proceed with caution. Always check reviews (on a legitimate Airbnb site) before paying for anything!

3.     External Payment

Airbnb charges a 3% commission on bookings done through their website. This prompts some landlords to offer a discount in exchange for direct payment through a third-party processing site. Tightfisted travelers might be tempted to save a few bucks this way.

Resist the temptation. Payments outside the website don’t have the conflict resolution procedures usually covered by Airbnb, so there’s no guarantee you’ll have a room at all if you use one.

Also, no legitimate business will have you wire funds directly to their account. With services like PayPal, even small businesses can now accept credit cards. When you use a card, you can always stop a payment. After you wire money, it’s gone. It’s always a good idea to use only secured forms of payment.

Your Turn: Have you ever used Airbnb or a similar service? What was your experience like? Share safety and savings tips with us in the comments!

*Community Financial does not endorse the information, content, presentation or accuracy, nor make any warranty, expressed or implied, regarding the websites and/or apps mentioned above.

How to Prepare Your Home for Winter

Michigan winters are no joke. Keep your home warm and safe this winter by following this comprehensive to-do list before the real cold sets in.

1.     Seal your home

Give your home a quick run-through, checking for drafts. You can do this by holding a lit candle near the following areas:

• Windows
• Doors
• Vents and fans
• Plumbing areas
• Air conditioners
• Mail chutes
• Electrical and gas lines

If the candle flickers, you’ve got a draft.

Seal up all holes and reinforce existing points of entry with weather stripping. You can also caulk windows and doors to make sure they’re truly sealed against the cold.

2. Clean your gutters

If your gutters are clogged with sodden leaves, they can freeze up and block the drainage, allowing melting ice and snow to slowly seep into your roof and cause excessive damage.

3. Invest in a roof rake

Michiganders see lots of snow each winter, which means your roof can be sitting under several feet of snow for weeks at a time. All of that snow can cause your roof to collapse. Invest in a roof rake that will help you clear the snow off your roof when it really starts piling up.

4. Reverse your ceiling fans

Flick the reverse switch on your ceiling fans to make the blades spin in a clockwise direction instead of counterclockwise. This way, the fans will produce an updraft to push the rising hot air downward.

5. Prune your trees

Check all trees near your home’s facade for low-hanging or loose branches. Prune them so they don’t end up cracking from heavy snow or wind and causing damage to your home.

6. Take inventory of your emergency supplies

Because of Michigan’s tendency to have an annual Snowpocalypse, it’s always a good idea to take inventory of your emergency supplies before they’re needed. Stock up on water, canned food, batteries, flashlights and storm lanterns. You may also want to invest in an external charger for some juice when the lights go out.

7. Turn off external faucets

Unscrew your garden hose from the spigot and drain your sprinkler system to prevent any freezing. You may need to call in a professional in order to do this properly.

8. Protect your pipes from freezing

Prevent burst pipes, and avoid costly repairs, with these simple steps:

• Keep your heat on even when you’re not home so that your pipes don’t freeze and burst.
• Allow your faucets to drip during severe cold snaps.
• Wrap any exposed piping and hose bibs to prevent freezing.

Your Turn: What’s on your checklist this fall as you prepare your home for winter? Share it with us in the comments!

School Spotlight: Bentley Elementary Students Benefit with the Student-Run Credit Union and Junior Achievement Programs

Bentley Elementary Student-Run Credit Union fall volunteers

Community Financial is proud to partner with Bentley Elementary in Canton for its thirteenth year in partnership.  Fifth grade students help to operate the Student-Run Credit Union and assist student members with money management skills.

Student volunteers are “hired” in September and work in shifts during the year.  Volunteers are taught job-related skills, such as professionalism, organization, and money handling.

6 Ways to Keep Your Finances Intact This Holiday Season

You don’t have to rack up a huge credit card bill or go into debt to cover your holiday expenses. Enjoy a financially stress-free season with these six tips:

1. Create a Detailed List of All Your Expenses

Draw up a list of every holiday expense you anticipate. Include all gifts, décor, travel expenses and donations. Try to keep it as trim as possible by cutting out non-essentials and using stuff you may have in storage from previous years.

2. Determine How Much Money You Can Spend

Work on finding a magic number that will cover everything on your list and that you can realistically afford. Ideally, this money should come from funds you’ve set aside just for this purpose.

3. Divide and Conquer

Next, assign specific amounts of money in your budget for each expense category and for every person on your gift list. Again, make sure your numbers will work from both a financial and practical perspective.

4. Track as You Shop

As you shop, keep careful account of exactly how much money you’ve spent for each person and in each expense category. Review your budget often to make sure you’re staying on track.

To make this job easier, use an app, like Santa’s Bag. It allows you to set a budget for each person on your list and then makes tracking the amount you spend super simple.

5. Shop Smartly

Keep your spending to a minimum with these hacks:

·       Use shopping apps or browser extensions, like Honey and Shopular, to get your favorite retailers’ best deals and coupons delivered right to your phone or computer.*

·       Shop online on Tuesday morning. Research shows this time of week is when you’ll find the hottest online deals.

·       Shop with a friend. Take advantage of BOGO sales by splitting the cost of a single item with a friend and each of you taking one item home.

·       Shop late. Prices actually fall in the weeks leading up to Christmas as retailers get ready to clear out their holiday inventory.

6) Let Community Financial Help

Community Financial can help take financial stress out of the holiday season:

1.     Special Rate Holiday Loan: If you can’t come up with the funds you need for the holidays, consider a Community Financial Holiday Loan. From now until December 31^st, you can apply for a loan up to $3,000 with rates lower than your average Personal Loan!

2.     Holiday Savings Account: Spread the cost of the holidays across the year with an account created just for that purpose. You’ll set aside a little bit of money each month, and next year, when the holiday season rolls around, you’ll have all the funds you need.

Your Turn: How do you get through the holidays with your finances intact? Share your best tips with us in the comments.

*Community Financial does not endorse the information, content, presentation or accuracy, nor make any warranty, expressed or implied, regarding the websites and/or apps mentioned above. 

Warming Hearts & Homes is Back. You Click. We Donate!

Community Financial Credit Union is excited to kick off the holiday season with the return of our 8th annual Warming Hearts & Homes charitable campaign! Throughout the month of December, Community Financial will donate up to $40,000* to local nonprofit organizations that provide heat, food, shelter and clothing to families in need.

During the winter months, cold weather puts extra strain on families, some of whom are forced to choose between paying utilities and putting food on the table. Community Financial remains dedicated to supporting the fight against cold and hunger in Michigan each winter.

What Are You Grateful For?

With Thanksgiving just around the corner, and National Gratitude Month in full swing, now is the perfect time to sit back and reflect on all of the things we’re grateful for. At Community Financial, we’re grateful for a lot of things: our friends, family members, the roofs over our heads and the amazing people we get to interact with each day through our work.

5 Scams to Avoid This Black Friday

Black Friday and Cyber Monday can be fun — but they can also put you at risk. Here are 5 scams to look out for as you brave the frenzied crowds while trying to snag the best deals after Thanksgiving.

School Spotlight: Celebrating Diverse Learners at Kennedy Elementary

Education Partnership Coordinator, Amy Fava, with Kennedy
Elementary's Student-Run Credit Union fall volunteers.

Recognizing and celebrating how each student offers new and unique perspectives is important for any successful classroom.  The same applies to the Student-Run Credit Union program.  Community Financial believes in valuing diverse learners.  It is imperative that we work with teachers, parents, and students to understand each student as an individual with certain skills, personalities, cultural backgrounds, etc.

Education Partnership Coordinator, Amy Fava, strives to know each student volunteer and member personally at Kennedy Elementary in Livonia.  Amy works tirelessly with teachers and parents to address any accommodations students may need to be successful workers and savers at the school’s Student-Run Credit Union.   

How Much Money Should I Keep in My Checking Account?

Most of us use our checking accounts on a daily basis. Every swipe of a debit card, every bill we pay, and every personal check we write takes money out of our checking account.

But how much money should we be keeping in these super convenient accounts? Let’s find out.

9 Ways to Thank a Veteran This Veterans Day

Take a few minutes to show your appreciation for our nation’s veterans on November 11^th, Veterans Day. There are so many ways to express your gratitude! Join Community Financial as we thank past and present military members this Veterans Day.

Thankful Thursdays are Back!

#ThankfulThursdays are back! November is “National Gratitude Month” and Community
Financial is so grateful for our members and the communities we serve. With the Thanksgiving season upon us, it’s the perfect time of year to practice gratitude and appreciation for what we have around us.

To help spread our gratitude, we are bringing back our #ThankfulThursdays campaign. Every Thursday this November, we will make donations to local food initiatives in Michigan, helping those who help others. In total, we will donate $60,000 to help feed our communities!

Save Money by Dining In | Butternut Squash and Chicken Chili

At Community Financial Credit Union, we believe financial wellness comes in many forms. One way to save money and keep yourself financially fit this fall is by dining in! Staying at home to cook is a great way to bond with friends and family while also saving money. So bring on the heat! This Butternut Squash and Chicken Chili is served with a real kick:

Yield: 4 servings
Hands-on prep time: 8 minutes
Cooking time: 25 minutes
Price per serving: $1.85

5 Apps to Download Before the Holiday Shopping Season

Before you start making your lists and checking them twice, check out our list of free apps that can help you save boatloads of money and stress this holiday season. It just may make holiday shopping fun again!

The Coupons App
Look up deals, coupons, and special online promo codes from over 100,000 retailers on this nifty, free app. You can also find thousands of exclusive deals and offers at local chains and restaurants; sign up for alerts so you can be the first to know when your favorite stores and eateries are holding sale events, and get calendar reminders when your saved coupons are about to expire. Sign up now to find out why millions of happy users have trusted The Coupons App to help them save more since 2008.

School Spotlight: Ridge Wood Elementary Teachers Engage Students in Financial Education

Senior Education Partnership Coordinator, Mary Kerwin,
instructs volunteers on cash handling procedures before
Ridge Wood's Student-Run Credit Union Grand Opening.

The Student-Run Credit Union Program is Back!

Community Financial’s award winning Student-Run Credit Union program is back again! Our school partnerships continue to grow every year, and we are now partnered with 52 schools in our neighboring communities. Ridge Wood Elementary in Northville began a partnership with us in 2017. With the added support of Ridge Wood’s staff and students, we are now partnered with all elementary and middle schools within the Northville school district.

International Credit Union Day is October 17th!

On October 17th, Community Financial Credit Union will join with 56,000 credit unions around the world in celebration of International Credit Union (ICU) Day®. There are 200+ million credit union members around the world—more than 100 million in the U.S. alone—and  Community Financial joins them in celebration of the not-for-profit cooperative spirit that all credit unions share.

This cooperative spirit has led to life-changing opportunities for people all over the world who’ve wanted to start a small business, own a home or continue their education but were denied access to other financial institutions. In many parts of the world, people’s first taste of democracy is through their credit union, where “one member, one vote” is the governing structure.

Making Banking Easier with an Updated Mobile App!

We are excited to share several new features of our Mobile Banking App with you! Go to the app store on your device now to update and you'll be directed through a brief tutorial when you first log in! If you would like a refresh on mobile banking benefits, check out this short video

Here's What's New!

Mortgage Payments:
You can now conveniently transfer payments to pay your Community Financial Mortgage from the transfer menu in our mobile app.

Ways to Save on Food Costs in College

With your mind so muddled with details like classes, exams, and papers, who has time to think about food? You might be heading into the new semester with plans to subsist solely on convenience food and packaged junk. We’re looking at you, ramen noodles!

But as you’ll quickly discover, overdoing the processed foods will leave you feeling not quite full and not so nutritionally sound, either.

You’re ready for a change. But how can you prepare nutritious meals that don’t cost a bundle or take hours of prep time? Is it even possible?

The Ultimate Cheat Sheet for Weekday Shopping

You’ve already perfected your monthly shopping schedule to get the best possible prices throughout the year: linens in January; luggage in March; household appliances in May; patio furniture in September and wedding dresses in December.

But, did you know you should be timing your shopping throughout the week as well? That’s because each weekday brings its own deals and specials.

Here’s the ultimate cheat sheet for your weekly shopping!

Back to School for Our Student-Run Credit Union Team!

Back-to-school time means another busy year for our Education Partnership team! Each year, through our Student-Run Credit Union Program, we partner with Michigan school districts to help expose thousands of students to money management skills and financial wellness. Students run, or participate in school branches as members, credit union tellers, branch managers, marketing representatives, computer operators and accountants.

New Partnerships 
Earlier this year we opened our 52nd Student-Run Credit Union at Wildwood Elementary! Wildwood is our second Wayne-Westland Community Schools partner and we are so excited to work with all of these wonderful students. Through our program, students at Wildwood will be able to experience financial education presentations, as well as the opportunity to make a deposit into their credit union savings account at the school.

Do My Child’s Activities Really Need To Make Me Go Broke?

Extracurricular activities are an important part of a child’s development. They allow students to shine in ways that may not be possible in the classroom. It also helps kids step out of their social circles to forge new friendships. They may even be your child’s gateway to a college scholarship and possibly a lucrative career.

But extracurricular activities are expensive. If you’ve got several school-aged children and each wants to participate in two activities, you can be looking at an investment as high as $10,000 or more for fees, equipment, uniforms, instruments and supplies.

Community Financial Named "Best and Brightest" for 14th Year

Community Financial leaders get ready
for the annual Meetup event!

We are thrilled to announce that for the 14th consecutive year, Community Financial Credit Union has been selected as one of “Metro Detroit’s 101 Best and Brightest Companies To Work For™!” This award recognizes companies for their excellence in human resources and practices which create exceptional work environments.

This recognition is awarded based on questionnaires completed by the employees of each nominated company. Companies give insight into their workplace environment by providing details on things like: work place communication, work-life balance, employee education, diversity, employee recognition, and retention. Employees then fill out an extensive survey, and winners are selected based on independent research on key measures in those various categories.

Destroy Confidential Documents at Shred Day- September 21st!

Your valuable personal information is often buried throughout your paperwork and mail, leaving you and your finances vulnerable. One search through your mailbox or trash could garner enough evidence for a thief to take control of your identity — and your finances.

Thieves can use credit cards, financial statements, or utility bills to obtain and exploit your personal information. That’s why it’s important to take actions to prevent theft of this kind from happening in the first place. Your first line of defense is to destroy documents containing your personal information before anyone can access it. Private documents and credit/debit cards, which contain sensitive information, should be destroyed as soon as you no longer need them.

Your Guide to Identity Theft Protection

Did you know there were 14.4 million victims of identity theft in 2018? According to Javelin Strategy, each case cost the victim an average of $1,050, and that’s only the dollar cost. When an individual’s identity is stolen, the thief also impacts the victim’s financial health, recovery from which can take years.

Luckily, there are steps you can take to prevent becoming the next victim. Here’s your complete guide to identity theft protection.

11 Ways to Save on Back-to-School Shopping

Back-to-school time already? Did you know the average American parent will spend about $700 per child this shopping season? If that’s likely to put a damper on your summer, take a deep breath and relax.

You don’t need to spend yourself into debt just because everyone else seems to be doing it. Instead, take a proactive approach when shopping for the new school year and spend much less than the national average. Let Community Financial show you how!

Here are 11 ways to save on back-to-school shopping.

7 Steps to a Mid-Year Financial Checkup

It feels like you just packed away the holiday decorations yesterday, but believe it or not, 2019 is already half over. As we sail into the season of barbecues and beaches, take a few minutes to give yourself a mid-year financial checkup. A small investment of time can spur important changes that can affect your financial wellness for the rest of 2019 or even for years to come.

Use the seven steps detailed below to guide you through your checkup. 

Summer of Sharing Donation Helps Local Robotics Team

The Lightning Robotics team poses with
Community Financial team members.

Community Financial’s 9th annual Summer of Sharing campaign is under way and thousands of dollars have already been donated to local charitable organizations throughout Michigan!

Running through August 30th, Community Financial will donate $60,000 to organizations that make your community better. Recipients are chosen based on nominations submitted at SummerofSharing.org, where we ask you to consider, “What GOOD could you do with $1,000?”

What’s the Best Way to Pay for a Home Renovation?

Whether you’re gutting your entire kitchen or turning your basement into a home theater, we’ve got you covered!

As a Community Financial member, you have several choices when it comes to funding a home renovation. And we want to help you find the right one for your specific needs. First, let’s take a look at some of the most common choices and see which may be the best fit for financing your home renovation project.

Make a Splash This Summer with $100 Cash from Sprint

Summer is here and the temps are heating up outside. Even if you can’t make it to the nearest pool, you can still be swimming this summer—in cash! Did you know Community Financial members can get $100 cash for every new line activated with Sprint®?

Get $100 deposited into your account for every new line activated with Sprint, now available on unlimited lines! It’s just one more perk of being a credit union member!

7 Money Myths You Need to Stop Believing

Most of us grow up hearing the same financial advice: spend less, save more, and invest early. While most of these words of wisdom ring true, there are lots of widespread money management tips that are actually false.

You might think you’ve got a handle on your finances, but it’s likely you’re falling for at least one of these myths. Read on for 7 money myths that might be causing you more financial stress than benefit.

Myth #1: Debit is always better than credit.

How to Enjoy a Busy Wedding Season without Going Broke

Celebrating a new marriage together with your friends is great fun, but all those wedding invites can put a real strain on your budget. Between wedding attire, travel costs, and gifts, each wedding can add up to a pretty penny. In fact, according to the most recent research, the average wedding guest is out $673 for each wedding they attend. That’s enough to make you go broke by the time wedding season is through!

If these numbers are scaring you, take a deep breath and relax. You don’t need to go into debt just to attend your friends’ weddings. Just follow these hacks for simple ways to celebrate in style—and within budget.

Is FIRE a Realistic Goal for You?

FIRE (Financially Independent, Retire Early) is having a moment, and it’s not hard to understand the appeal. Retiring early, who wouldn’t sign up for that? When you think of retirement age, you probably think of someone in their late 50's or 60's, and there’s a reason for that: it’s the norm. While this is the standard age most people retire, people who strive for FIRE retire much earlier than this, usually in their 30's or 40's.

FIRE isn’t always a realistic goal. There are challenges associated with early retirement that you won’t read about in the accounts of bloggers who have achieved this goal. Also, as you correctly assume, early retirement is not for everyone. Here’s why:

CFCU-Sponsored Events in Your Community!

Summer is here, which means Michigan will come alive with fun events to attend. From outdoor concerts to movies in the park, there are tons of activities for the whole family to enjoy. Here’s your guide to some of the events Community Financial will be sponsoring this summer in your community!

SOUTHEAST MICHIGAN 
Plymouth 
Music in the Air – Bring your lawn chairs and blankets to Plymouth’s Kellogg Park and enjoy the free concerts on Friday nights, May 24 – August 30, at 7 p.m.!

Which Features Should I Look for in a New Car?

Are you in the market for a new set of wheels and the choices are making you dizzy? Shopping for a new car can be complicated—but it doesn’t have to be that way. With a bit of research and some time spent determining what’s important to you, you can make a choice you’ll be happy with for years to come.

To help you out, we’ve created a list of key features you might want to consider in your new car, as well as a list of features you can skip.

School Spotlight: Celebrating the School Year with Field Elementary

Field Student-Run Credit Union 2018-2019 volunteers
posing with their certificates of appreciation and
end-of-the-year prize, piggy banks!

Another Successful School Year Comes to an End…

Community Financial’s Student-Run Credit Union program has had another amazing school year! Student-Run Credit Union members successfully set money goals, saved for their futures and learned valuable money skills throughout the year.

Our fourth, fifth, and seventh grade student volunteers learned a lot as well, such as job skills, budgeting, and professionalism. Field Elementary students in Canton showed a lot of growth this year in particular. Student members and volunteers were among some of the best savers, workers and goal setters around!

8 Side Hustle Ideas for Extra Income

Who wouldn’t love some extra pocket money? These days it seems like most people have a side hustle. These freelance jobs don’t require any experience and can be done by practically anyone. Plus, some of them might pay you for tasks you’re already doing! Read on for eight side hustle ideas and to see if one may be right for you.

1.) Play with dogs
When you offer your services as a dog-walker or pet-sitter, you can charge as much as $25 an hour, depending on the going rate in your area. Hang flyers to advertise your services or sign up with Rover or Wag!, services that match pet owners with sitters or walkers for a small fee.

We’re Ready to Give Back with the Summer of Sharing

Summer will be here soon, and with it comes sunny days, flip-flops, and the return of Community Financial Credit Union’s Summer of Sharing program! During our 9th annual Summer of Sharing campaign we want to know, “What GOOD could you do with $1,000?”

This summer, Community Financial will donate $60,000 to nonprofit, educational and community organizations throughout Michigan! That's $1,000 a day every Monday – Friday from June 10, 2019 – August 30, 2019.

8 Ways for Kids to Make Money This Summer

The best way to teach children financial responsibility is by encouraging them to earn and manage money on their own. As the weather warms and summer nears, there are many opportunities for your kids to pull in some extra money.

The next time they ask you to buy something that’s out of budget, tell them they can earn the money to buy it themselves. As an alternative, suggest that you’ll cover half the cost if they earn the other half. Talk to them about finding a summer job, the work they can do on weekends, or suggest a one-time gig they can initiate.

School Spotlight: Edison Elementary Students Learn on the Job!

Edison Elementary’s Student-Run CU
Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony, with Community
Financial’s Westland Branch Manager
Shawn Campion and Education Partnership
Coordinator, Karie Gonczy.

Edison Elementary Volunteers are Beginning Their Journey to Financial Success!
Community Financial has continued to grow our Student-Run Credit Union program since its beginning in 1990. Edison Elementary School in Westland was another added partnership this year! Edison Elementary students, teachers, and staff have jumped at the opportunity of teaching financial education at Edison.

Check out these pics of Edison Elementary’s winter volunteers taking the reins, ready to assist student members and continuing the outstanding service from the fall.

6 Ways to Save Money on Camping Costs

Camping was always considered the low cost vacation option, cheaper than spending money on hotels and eating in restaurants, certainly. But if you’re not careful, camping comes with hefty start-up costs to sleep comfortably in the great outdoors and protect yourself from the elements. How can I cut down on camping costs but still have a great experience?

If you’re looking to trim your vacation expenses, read on for 6 ways to save on camping costs.

When Should I Put My House on the Market?

If you’re thinking of selling your home, think spring. That’s because the season of blossoming flowers and gentle breezes has traditionally held the designation as the best time of year to sell a home. Before you start prepping your home for a photo shoot, take a moment to consider your particular circumstances and needs.

What makes spring so well-suited for house-hunting? Let’s take a deeper look at the sell-in-the-spring rule so you can make an informed decision about when to put your home on the market.

Easy Spring Cleaning Tips

The sun is shining, the birds are chirping, the flowers are blooming—and your cluttered closets are calling. That means it’s time to roll up your sleeves and whip your home into shape! Use this handy list of creative cleaning hacks to banish those dust bunnies without spending a fortune on organizers and cleaning solutions. Plus, you’ll be doing your part to help keep the planet green by skipping over those toxic cleansers this year. Let’s get started!

Schedule smart
Create a physical list of every part of your home you plan on attacking. Next, divide the chores according to the amount of time you estimate it will take to clean them. Make smaller sub-lists of 3-hour jobs, 1-hour jobs and 15-minute jobs. Post your lists in a place you’ll often see. This way, when you have spare time, you can find the right big or small job to tackle at a glance.

Home Improvement Hacks

You’ve finally finished scrubbing and purging your home from top to bottom in honor of spring. And now, with every surface, closet, and room sparkling clean, you’re starting to see all the areas that could use a facelift. Maybe you’re hankering after a complete kitchen makeover. You might be dreaming of a fresh coat of paint for your bedrooms. Or maybe your window treatments are in desperate need of an overhaul.

The only thing standing between you and your dream home is finding piles of cash for funding it, right? Maybe not. Lucky for you, you don’t need to spend a fortune this spring to give your house a new look. Read on for our list of home improvement hacks and learn how to upgrade your home on a budget.

School Spotlight: West Students Learn Budgeting Basics

LME students rotate to different stations to choose their
life essentials (food, clothing, transportation, etc.).

Students at West Middle School in Plymouth are learning budgeting basics! Students in the 7th and 8th grade Life Management Education (LME) course participate in Mad City Money, a reality simulation designed to engage students in making money-smart adult choices.

Students begin Mad City Money by choosing a profession with a set salary. After they learn about credit card debt, student loan payments, and setting a monthly budget, they are tasked to choose their transportation, housing, child care, home essentials, food, clothing, etc. The goal is for students to build a monthly budget with $100 left in their checking account. Here are some pictures of West Middle School 7th and 8th grade LME students participating in Mad City Money.

8 Ways to Spot a Job Scam

If you’re in the market for a new job, or you’re looking for extra part-time work, be careful. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is warning of a surge in employment scams of every kind.

Victims might have their accounts emptied, their identities stolen, or they may even find themselves facing jail time for money laundering charges. Protect yourself from employment scams by holding up any job you’re considering against this list of red flags:

7 Signs You're Living Beyond Your Means and How to Fix Them

In the age of plastic spending and mobile payments, it’s easier than ever to buy stuff you can’t pay for right away while supporting a lifestyle you can’t really afford. Let’s take a look at seven red flags that might mean you’re living beyond your means and the steps you can take to get back on track.

1. You’re carrying a credit card balance from month-to-month
If you have a high credit card balance and you’re paying just the minimum each month, you can end up carrying this balance for years while paying a lot in interest. You might also be tempted to make more purchases on this card since it already has a balance.

Free CFCU Resources for Financial Literacy Month

Did you know that April is Financial Literacy Month? It's a great time to focus on your finances and evaluate which areas could use some help. Financial Literacy Month focuses on raising public awareness about financial literacy and the need for financial education at a time when the need is high. Here are some stats about where Americans currently are with their finances:

• 33% of American adults have $0 saved for retirement.
• 38% of U.S. households have credit card debt.
• 44% of Americans don't have enough cash to cover a $400 emergency.

7 Ways to Spring for Extra Cash

When that first delightful spring breeze starts blowing, you know it’s time to get your house in shape. The warmer weather and the brilliant sunshine pouring through your windows can fill you with boundless energy. You’re going to banish those dust bunnies! Every piece of useless clutter must go! You are on a mission to turn your home into a sparkling palace that is completely free of junk.

But there’s more than just a neat house awaiting you at the end of all that hard work. Here’s how you can spring clean your way to riches – well, almost. You won’t become a millionaire from your junk, but you’ll put some spare cash in your pocket just by taking a few extra steps while clearing out the clutter. And that’s always a good thing!

Springtime Gardening Tips

There’s nothing quite like a garden in full bloom. And nothing says spring like a row of breathtakingly beautiful flowers blossoming in a variety of colors. But all that beauty comes after some serious work. There’s planning, planting, maintenance and more.

Fortunately, it’s not that difficult to turn your own patch of grass into a botanical work of art. Have you always wanted to try gardening, but weren't sure where to start?  Here’s how to make it happen: 

School Spotlight: Coolidge Elementary Starts Early with Financial Education

Education Partnership Coordinator, Amy Fava,
uses the book Arthur’s Pet Business by:
Marc Brown to introduce second grade
to key economic concepts.

Community Financial believes it’s important for all students to receive financial education. The money management skills students learn through our Student-Run Credit Union program and our financially-based classroom presentations set the tone for a positive financial future.

Coolidge Elementary School in Livonia partners with Community Financial to jump-start their students’ financial confidence at an early age. Take a look at these awesome students from Coolidge Elementary learning about opportunity costs, goods and services, and what a business plan is with Education Partnership Coordinator, Amy Fava.