Your Money, Further
Practical tips to help you save, grow and make dreams happen, and member stories to back up that promise
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How to Protect Yourself From the Latest Financial Scams
To protect yourself from financial scams, slow down and verify before you act. Scammers create urgency to push you into sending money or sharing account details. The biggest threats in 2026 are imposter scams (someone pretending to be your bank, the government, or a company), social media scams, and peer-to-peer (P2P) payment fraud. Never share one-time passcodes, never move money Read More
Soft Credit Inquiry vs. Hard Inquiry: What’s the Difference?
Soft credit inquiries, also known as soft pulls, are checks on your credit report that do not affect your credit score. Common instances of soft pulls include when mortgage lenders pre-approve loans, potential employers conduct background checks, or credit card companies assess your eligibility for pre-approved offers. Unlike hard inquiries, which can lower your credit score temporarily, soft pulls are harmless and only visible to you on your credit report. It's important to monitor your credit regularly to ensure accuracy and protect your score. Read More
Best Bank Accounts for College Students
The best bank account for a college student is one with no monthly maintenance fee, no minimum balance, a fee-free ATM network, a strong mobile app, and a clear path to building credit. Credit unions like BluPeak — federally insured by the NCUA up to $250,000 — often beat big national banks on fees and rates because they’re member-owned and Read More
How to Build Credit From Scratch: A Step-by-Step Guide
Everyone starts with no credit — a blank file isn’t a bad score, it’s simply the beginning. But that blank file can still stand between you and an apartment, a car loan, or a decent interest rate. The good news is that building credit from scratch is one of the most predictable things in personal finance. Follow a few steps Read More
What Is a Mobile Wallet and How Does It Work?
The use of contactless payments with mobile wallets has increased significantly since the start of the pandemic. Are you still paying the old-fashioned way? Here’s why you should give your phone’s mobile wallet a try. Read More
Personal Loan vs. Credit Card: Which Should You Use?
A personal loan and a credit card are both useful — they’re just built for different jobs. A personal loan gives you a fixed amount at a fixed rate with a set payoff date, which makes it the better fit for a large, one-time expense or for consolidating high-interest balances. A credit card is revolving credit that’s ideal for everyday Read More