Congratulations! You’ve just gotten the positive pregnancy test results, and you’re breathless with excitement — and nerves. Or maybe you’re a few months along, and the mild panic is growing right along with the baby bump. Regardless, a baby means big changes, and some of those changes bring many new expenses. How will you pay for it all? Here are …
Beware Coronavirus Vaccine Scams
There is finally a light at the end of the socially distanced tunnel – the FDA has approved two coronavirus vaccines. Detailed plans to distribute from pharmaceutical companies Pfizer and Moderna are already underway, with additional vaccines expected to gain FDA approval in 2021. Unfortunately, whenever there’s big news, scammers aren’t far behind. Almost as soon as the news of …
Stay Safe With Contactless Banking
As our community continues to see increases in COVID-19 cases, our members’ and employees’ health and safety remain a top priority. Therefore, to help each other during this challenging time, we want to remind you of our contactless banking options that make it easy to access and manage your account. Below are numerous Directions contactless banking services, organized alphabetically by …
How Much Business Debt Is Too Much?
Q: My business can use an infusion of cash, so I’m considering a business loan. I already have some outstanding debts, though. How do I strike an appropriate balance when borrowing for my business? A: Borrowing money is often a necessary part of running a business. It’s important to proceed with caution and understand business borrowing before taking on new …
What Do I Need to Know About Medicare?
Q: My 65th birthday is approaching and I’m ready to apply for Medicare. What do I need to know before signing up? A: Medicare offers affordable health care coverage to older Americans. However, the application process and the various options can be confusing. If you’re getting close to 65 or meet certain other requirements, it’s time to learn about the …
Beware of Debt-Collection Scams
No matter what’s going in with the economy, debt-collection scams are always around. Now, scammers are exploiting the financial downturn by tricking unsuspecting victims into paying for debts that don’t actually exist or using abusive tactics to collect legitimate debts. Don’t be the next victim of a debt-collection scam. Here’s all you need to know about these scams: How the …
All You Need to Know About Selling Your Home During These Uncertain Times
Selling a home is a move people generally plan years in advance, and 2020 was no different. For many homeowners, the hot real estate market of spring and summer of 2020 was going to be the season they put their homes up for sale. And then came the coronavirus — and the world turned upside down. With people struggling to …
8 Ways to Spot a Counterfeit Bill
The COVID-19 pandemic has brought with it a wave of scams, with no signs of slowing down. These scams are also producing a surge of counterfeit bills into circulation. Using cutting-edge technology, scammers create bills that look just like the real thing to the untrained eye. Unfortunately, once counterfeit bills are passed, their new owner can become liable for passing …
The Back to School Guide for These Unconventional Times
Back-to-school season is traditionally marked by a run on discounted pencils, overcrowded malls, and lots of nail-biting nerves about new teachers. But this year, the back-to-school season is entirely different. Forget the crowds and a race to find the hottest-selling backpack. This year, it’s all about the trendiest face masks and getting ready for a school year that promises to …
When Does it Make Sense to Pay a Bill with a Credit Card?
Credit cards and debit cards both offer incredible convenience. With just a quick swipe or a linked account, a payment can be instantly processed. It seems like a no-brainer to use that convenience for taking the hassle out of paying bills. But, is it a smart idea to pay monthly bills with a credit card or debit card? Choosing to …