SRI Federal Credit Union Blog - SRI Federal Credit Union

Give Yourself the Gift of Financial Flexibility This Holiday Season with Skip-A-Pay!

The holiday season is here—a time for joy, celebration, and giving. But with festive gatherings, gift shopping, and travel plans, the expenses can quickly pile up. At SRI Federal Credit Union, we want to make your holidays a little brighter by giving you the option to free up extra cash when you need it most with our Skip-A-Pay Program!

Buying a Car in December 2024: Why Financing with SRI Federal Credit Union is the Smart Move

December is one of the best months to purchase a car. Dealerships are eager to hit their year-end sales quotas, which means you can take advantage of deep discounts and special promotions. Whether you’re buying a used or new vehicle, this is the perfect time to find great deals. However, securing the right financing is just as important as finding the right car. That’s where SRI Federal Credit Union comes in.

Why Buy a Car in December?
Dealerships are motivated to clear out inventory to make room for next year’s models. This often leads to:

Year-End Sales Events: Discounts on both new and certified pre-owned vehicles.
Low-Interest Promotions: Dealer incentives can reduce prices, but beware—these can sometimes come with high-interest financing.
Negotiation Power: With lower foot traffic during the holidays, you have more leverage to negotiate the price you want.

While dealerships may offer tempting financing deals, credit union financing is often a smarter choice.

Benefits of Financing Through SRI Federal Credit Union

Competitive Rates
We offer some of the most competitive auto loan rates (currently 4.99% APR* for new or used through December 2024) in the market, ensuring you pay less over the life of your loan.
Flexible Terms
Choose a repayment plan that fits your budget, whether it’s short-term for quick payoff or longer-term for lower monthly payments.
Pre-Approval for Confidence
Before stepping onto the lot, get pre-approved with us to know exactly what you can afford. Pre-approval also gives you more bargaining power with dealerships.
Personalized Service
As a member of SRI Federal Credit Union, you’re not just another customer. We’re here to guide you through every step of the financing process with tailored advice and no-pressure service.
No Hidden Fees
Unlike many dealership loans, our auto loans have transparent terms and no hidden costs plus, there is no markup on Gap or Micanical Breakdown insurance.

Ready to Start?
Financing your car through SRI Federal Credit Union is simple and straightforward. Follow these steps to drive away in your dream car:

Apply for Pre-Approval: Click HERE to apply online. You can also call or apply in branch.
Shop Smart: Use our pre-approval letter to shop with confidence and negotiate the best deal.
Close Your Loan: Finalize your auto loan with us, securing the best rate and terms available.

Don’t let year-end deals pass you by. Take the first step toward owning your next car with affordable financing that puts you in the driver’s seat—literally!

At SRI Federal Credit Union, we’re committed to driving your financial success forward.

*APR=Annual Percentage Rate

Posted in Financial Literacy, Hello World, Loans

#1 in California and #5 in the nation!

Credit unions are known for delivering exceptional value to their members through competitive products, personalized services, and meaningful community engagement. Measuring that value, however, is a complex challenge. Over 20 years ago, Callahan & Associates developed the Return of the Member (ROM) calculation to provide a comprehensive assessment of member value. ROM evaluates three core credit union functions:

Posted in Hello World

Ease Holiday Stress with an SRIFCU Personal Loan at a Special Rate

The holiday season is a time for joy, celebration, and making memories with loved ones, but it can also bring financial challenges. Whether you’re planning festive gatherings, shopping for gifts, or traveling to visit family, those extra expenses can quickly add up. To help make this season as stress-free as possible, SRIFCU is offering a Special Holiday Rate Personal Loan at 8.99% APR, fixed.

Posted in Hello World, Loans

Get Ready for the Holidays with Smart Savings!

As the holiday season approaches, it’s easy to get wrapped up in the festivities, from gift-giving to family gatherings and travel plans. While it’s a time to celebrate, these activities can quickly add up and put a strain on your wallet. At SRI Federal Credit Union, we’re here to help you prepare for a joyful, stress-free holiday season by planning and making the most of your budget. Here are some practical tips to keep your finances in check, so you can enjoy all the magic of the holidays without the financial hangover.

1. Set Your Holiday Budget Now

Start by identifying how much you can comfortably spend during the holidays. Your budget should include expenses like gifts, food, decorations, travel, and any additional holiday events. Once you know what you can spend, you’ll be better prepared to avoid last-minute splurges.

2. Use Your Core Savings Account to Save for Holiday Expenses

Did you know your SRI Federal Credit Union Core Savings Account can be a powerful tool to help you save for the holidays? Every member receives a Core Savings Account when they join SRIFCU, and as of November 1, 2024, it offers a highly competitive 4.08% APYE on the first $5,000. This high rate makes it an excellent option for setting aside funds for special expenses, like holiday gifts or travel. By depositing a little each month, you’ll have a tidy holiday fund ready when the season arrives—without putting a strain on your other finances.

3. Shop Early and Take Advantage of Deals

Sales events like Black Friday and Cyber Monday are popular times for holiday shopping, but deals can pop up any time. By shopping early, you can spread out your expenses, avoid the holiday rush, and snag the best prices. Don’t forget to check out member-only discounts that might be available to you through your credit union’s card benefits.

4. Make a Gift List and Stick to It

Impulse buying can make holiday expenses balloon quickly. Make a list of who you plan to buy for, set a spending limit for each, and stick to it. Consider meaningful, personalized gifts that don’t break the bank. Or, if you’re feeling creative, homemade gifts can be both thoughtful and cost-effective.

5. Use Your Credit Card Wisely

Credit cards can be a helpful tool for managing holiday expenses, especially if they come with rewards. With SRI Federal Credit Union’s Visa® Gold card, you can earn rewards on your purchases. But remember: plan to pay off your balance each month to avoid interest charges. This way, you can enjoy the benefits without carrying debt into the new year. Don’t have an SRIFCU Visa? Click HERE to read about our three Visa credit card options or click HERE to apply.

6. Plan Your Travel in Advance

If your holiday plans involve travel, booking ahead can often save you a substantial amount. Look for off-peak travel dates, set up fare alerts, and consider alternative accommodations to find the best prices. Many credit union cards, like our Visa options, offer travel perks and protections—check with us to see how they can support your holiday travel needs.

7. Keep Track of Your Spending

Holiday expenses can sneak up, so make it a habit to track your spending. With SRI Federal Credit Union’s mobile app and online banking features, you can easily monitor your account and keep tabs on your holiday budget. Seeing where you are with your spending can help you make adjustments before it’s too late.

8. Consider an SRIFCU Personal Loan with a Special Holiday Rate

If you need a little extra support to make your holidays extra festive, SRIFCU is here to help with a Special Holiday Rate Personal Loan at 8.99% APR, fixed! Our holiday loan can provide an affordable, flexible option to cover seasonal expenses, and with fixed monthly payments, you can keep your budget under control and avoid high-interest credit card debt. Apply HERE or reach out to us to see how this loan can help ease your holiday finances with manageable payments.

Enjoy a Financially Healthy Holiday Season!

Planning and saving for the holidays might seem like a lot of work now, but come January, you’ll be glad you took these steps. SRI Federal Credit Union is here to support you every step of the way with tools, tips, and personalized financial guidance. If you’re ready to make the most of your Core Savings Account, apply for a rewards card, or simply want advice on managing your finances this season, don’t hesitate to reach out to us.

Let’s make this holiday season as joyful for your budget as it is for you!

Posted in Accounts, Financial Literacy, Hello World, Loans, Online Banking, Travel

Stay Spooky and Secure: Halloween Safety Tips to Protect Your Finances

Halloween is all about fun, costumes, and sweets, but it’s also an opportune time for fraudsters who capitalize on the season’s chaos. At SRIFCU, we want you to enjoy all the Halloween festivities with peace of mind. Here are some key tips to keep you and your finances safe from the tricks you didn’t sign up for:

1. Beware of Phishing Tricks

During Halloween, you might notice an increase in promotional emails and pop-up deals for costumes, treats, and haunted attractions. Be cautious of “too good to be true” offers, which could be phishing attempts designed to collect your personal or financial information. Look out for emails with poor grammar, misspelled URLs, or suspicious attachments. As a rule of thumb, never click on unsolicited links or enter your login details on websites unless you’re certain they’re legitimate.

Pro Tip: When in doubt, go directly to a retailer’s official website instead of clicking on email links. For added safety, SRIFCU provides fraud monitoring on all credit and debit cards. Contact us if you notice anything suspicious.

2. Watch Out for Skimmers at Haunted and Pop-Up Locations

The Halloween season brings with it many pop-up stores and temporary events like haunted houses and pumpkin patches. Be vigilant at these locations, as they can sometimes be targets for card skimming devices. Skimmers capture your card’s data, which can be used later for fraudulent charges.

Pro Tip: If you’re paying at an outdoor or temporary location, consider using a digital wallet or contactless payment, which reduces your exposure to skimmers. Many of our credit union cards support secure contactless payments for this very reason.

3. Secure Your Accounts with Strong Passwords and Alerts

Even though costumes change with each Halloween, one thing shouldn’t: your online security. Make sure your online banking account has a strong, unique password and set up alerts to notify you of any unusual activity.

Pro Tip: At SRIFCU, you can enable real-time alerts that notify you of any suspicious transactions or login attempts. It’s a simple way to stay informed and act quickly if anything looks out of place.

4. Be Wary of Social Media Scams and “Free” Halloween Deals

Social media is buzzing with Halloween-themed quizzes, costume contests, and freebies. However, some of these could be traps to steal personal information. Avoid sharing sensitive information or clicking on unfamiliar links, even if they appear to come from friends or trusted sources.

Pro Tip: If you’re unsure about the legitimacy of a deal or contest, visit the official website of the company offering it. Many reputable organizations post their contests and promotions there as well. Your credit union’s fraud team is also available to answer questions about suspicious activity.

5. Protect Your Kids’ and Family’s Data

If your kids are trick-or-treating or participating in Halloween events, ensure they’re only visiting safe and trusted locations. Additionally, many Halloween apps and games aimed at kids can request excessive permissions or data.

Pro Tip: Monitor what information is being shared through apps and encourage your family to avoid downloading unknown apps without checking reviews and privacy settings. As your credit union, we take your family’s privacy seriously and can offer tips on safe digital habits.

6. Keep Your Credit Card Contact Info Handy

Halloween can be hectic, and losing track of your credit or debit card while out and about can happen to anyone. If you do lose your card, report it immediately to prevent unauthorized use.

Pro Tip: Make a note of your credit union’s card contact information and have it saved on your phone. SRIFCU offers 24/7 support for lost or stolen cards, so you can be confident that we’re here to help when you need it.

This Halloween, let’s all take a little extra care to avoid the scams that can take the fun out of the season. For any questions about account security, fraud protection, or safe online banking tips, contact us at connect@srifcu.org Stay safe, stay spooky, and remember—your credit union is here to keep the financial “tricks” away!

Posted in Financial Literacy, Hello World

don't get caught up in an overpayment sacm!

All You Need to Know About Overpayment Scams

Great news – you’ve just received a check, and you’ve been overpaid! But there’s a catch: the check writer wants you to send the surplus back to them. Unfortunately, though, if you follow these directions, you’ll be buying right into a scam.

Overpayment scams are fairly common, and for the unaware, they can be difficult to spot. Let’s take a look at these scams and what you need to know to avoid falling victim to these ruses.

What is an overpayment scam?

In an overpayment scam, fraudsters target an individual who’s selling a large item online, such as a car. The scammer will reach out to the seller, offering to buy their car for more than the asking price. Then, they’ll send the seller payment in the mail.

At this point, the seller is thrilled. But, when the check comes, it brings with it a surprise – they’ve been overpaid. Soon after, the alleged buyer contacts the seller to ask them to refund the surplus. The seller may think it’s strange, but they comply, not wanting to keep money that isn’t theirs. The next thing they know, the original check hasn’t cleared and they realize they’ve been scammed. Not only have they not been paid for the purchase they believed the check writer was buying, but they’ve also lost the money they’ve sent back to the scammer.

Red flags

When selling an item on an online platform, look out for these red flags, which can alert you to a possible overpayment scam:

You’re offered more than your asking price for an item you’re selling online.
You get paid more than you’re owed for an item you’re selling.
You’re urged to act quickly and take up a buyer on an offer or risk having them pull the offer off the table.
You’re asked to refund an overpayment via wire transfer or prepaid debit card.

If you encounter any of these red flags while trying to sell an item online, do not engage with the “buyer.” Block their email address and mark it as spam to avoid further contact from the scammer. You may also want to report them to the platform you’re selling the item on to help stop them from reaching out to others.

How to avoid overpayment scams

The FTC offers the following tips for avoiding overpayment scams when selling online:

Always know who your buyer is. Confirm the buyer’s name, street address and telephone number independently.
Never accept payment for more than your selling price.
Never agree to finalize a transaction until the buyer’s check has completely cleared. This can take several days.
Never agree to wire funds back to a buyer.
Don’t be tempted by offers that urge you to “act now.” If a buyer is offering you a price that seems too good to be true, it may just be a scam. Slow down, and research the buyer thoroughly before reaching any agreements.
It’s best not to accept payment by a check from an unknown buyer.
If you do accept payment by check, ask for a check that’s associated with a local bank, or a bank with a local branch. This way, you can visit the bank to determine if the check is authentic. If you cannot get a check from a local bank, ask for the bank’s phone number and call it to verify its validity.
If cash is not an option and you want to avoid checks, consider an alternative method of payment, such as an escrow service or online payment service. If the buyer wants to use a service with which you are not familiar, verify its legitimacy before agreeing to accept payment from this service. You can research its website, customer service hotline, read its customer reviews and more.

If you’ve been targeted

If you believe you’ve been targeted by an overpayment scam, there are steps you can take to mitigate the damage.

First, report the scam to your financial institution, as they may be able to reverse the payment. Next, alert the FTC at ftc.gov so they can do their part in catching the criminals. Finally, you can let your local law enforcement agencies know about the scam and warn your friends and family about it as well.

Don’t get caught in an overpayment scam! Use this guide to stay safe.

Posted in Financial Literacy, Fraud, Hello World

Protecting Our Members After the NationalPublicData.com Breach

In today’s digital landscape, data breaches have become all too common. The most recent incident involves a hacker known as “USDoD,” who allegedly breached the systems of National Public Data, a company that aggregates data to provide background checks. This breach, which is believed to have started in or around April 2024, resulted in the theft of personal records that were later posted for sale and eventually released by other criminal groups onto the dark web.

As a credit union committed to the security and privacy of our members, we want to keep you informed about this incident and provide you with actionable steps to protect yourself from potential fraud and account takeovers.

Understanding the Breach

The breach at National Public Data exposed a significant amount of personal information. While this breach did not directly involve our credit union’s systems, the compromised data could still affect our members if their personal details were included. Currently, available information suggests that this breach involved personal information—such as names, addresses, contact information, and potentially Social Security numbers—not credit or debit card information. At this time, we do not believe card data was compromised in this event.

How This Could Affect You

Even though credit and debit card information was not compromised, the exposure of personal data still poses a risk. Cybercriminals may use this information to engage in identity theft, phishing scams, or account takeovers. They could impersonate you, gain unauthorized access to your accounts, or create new accounts in your name.

Steps to Protect Yourself

Monitor Your Accounts Regularly:
- Keep a close eye on your credit union accounts and any other financial accounts you may have. Look for any unfamiliar transactions or changes. If you notice anything suspicious, report it to us immediately.
Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA):
- Wherever possible, enable 2FA on your accounts. This extra layer of security requires you to verify your identity through a second method, such as a text message or an authentication app, making it harder for unauthorized users to access your accounts.
Update Your Passwords:
- Change your passwords, especially for any accounts associated with the email address or phone number potentially exposed in the breach. Use complex passwords that combine letters, numbers, and symbols, and avoid reusing passwords across different accounts.
Be Wary of Phishing Attempts:
- Be cautious of emails, texts, or calls that ask for personal information or prompt you to click on links. Fraudsters often use this information to trick you into giving away your credentials. Always verify the sender’s identity before responding.
Check Your Credit Reports:
- Regularly review your credit reports for any new accounts or inquiries you don’t recognize. You can obtain free credit reports annually from each of the three major credit bureaus at AnnualCreditReport.com.
Place a Fraud Alert or Credit Freeze:

Fraud Alert: A fraud alert is a warning placed on your credit report that tells creditors to take extra steps to verify your identity before issuing credit in your name. This can be particularly helpful if you believe your personal information may have been compromised, as it makes it harder for identity thieves to open new accounts.

How to Place a Fraud Alert:

- You can request a fraud alert by contacting any one of the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, TransUnion). Once you place the alert with one bureau, they are required to notify the other two, so your alert is added to all three of your credit reports.
- The initial fraud alert lasts for one year and can be renewed if necessary. You can also request an extended fraud alert, which lasts for seven years, if you have a police report or other documentation showing you’ve been a victim of identity theft.

Credit Freeze: A credit freeze (also known as a security freeze) is a more robust protection that locks your credit report, preventing creditors from accessing it entirely. This means that new credit accounts cannot be opened in your name while the freeze is in place. Unlike a fraud alert, a credit freeze does not expire and remains in place until you remove it.

How to Place a Credit Freeze:

- To place a credit freeze, you must contact each of the three major credit bureaus individually. Here’s how:
  - Equifax: Visit the Equifax website or call their automated line to request a freeze.
  - Experian: You can place a freeze online through the Experian website or by phone.
  - TransUnion: TransUnion also allows you to freeze your credit via their website or by calling their support number.
- You will be provided with a PIN or password when you place the freeze. Keep this information secure, as you’ll need it to lift the freeze if you want to apply for credit in the future.
- It’s important to note that a credit freeze does not affect your existing accounts, nor does it prevent you from using your credit cards. It only stops new creditors from accessing your credit report.
Report Suspicious Activity:
- If you believe your identity has been compromised, report it immediately to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at IdentityTheft.gov. Also, contact your financial institutions to notify them of the potential fraud.

Our Commitment to Your Security

At SRI Federal Credit Union, your security is our top priority. We are continuously monitoring our systems and taking proactive measures to protect your accounts. We also encourage you to take these precautions to safeguard your personal information. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out to our member services team.

Together, we can protect your financial well-being and maintain the trust you’ve placed in us.

Posted in Financial Literacy, Fraud, Hello World

10 Back-to-School Hacks to Beat Inflation

Back-to-school season is here, and while it’s known as the second-biggest shopping season of the year, it’s shaping up to be more expensive than ever. But don’t worry! You can trim your back-to-school spending and keep your budget intact with some smart strategies.

At SRI Federal Credit Union, we’re here to help you make the most of your money with our Visa and account products. Here are 10 back-to-school hacks to beat inflation and make your finances work for you:

1. Set a Budget and Stick to It

Create a realistic budget for your back-to-school shopping and stick to it. Start with a list of essential items and set a target amount for each category. This will help you avoid impulse purchases and stay within your financial limits. Plus, using any of our SRI FCU Visa cards can help you track your spending easily.

2. Start Early and Plan Ahead

One of the best ways to save money is to start shopping early. This will help you take advantage of sales and avoid the last-minute rush when prices may be higher. Planning ahead also means you can use our SRI FCU Mobile App to manage your finances on the go.

3. Take Inventory of What You Already Have

Before heading to the stores, check out the inventory of supplies and clothes you already have at home. This can help you avoid buying more of what you already have and save a lot of money.

4. Shop During Tax-Free Holidays

Many states offer tax-free holidays, where certain items are exempt from sales tax. Plan your shopping around these dates to maximize your savings.

5. Buy in Bulk

For items you’ll need to buy many of, like notebooks, pens, and paper, buying in bulk can be cost-effective. You’ll generally find discounts on bulk purchases at warehouse stores and office supply retailers.

6. Use Price Comparison Tools

Harness the power of technology to find the best deals as you shop for school supplies, gear, and clothing this season. A price comparison website or app will automatically compare prices across different retailers to find the best deal.

7. Consider Secondhand Options

Thrift stores, consignment shops, and online marketplaces like eBay and Facebook Marketplace can be treasure troves for gently used clothing, backpacks, and other school supplies.

8. Choose Quality Over Quantity

While buying the cheapest option available may be tempting, investing in high-quality items can save you money in the long run.

9. Take Advantage of Student Discounts

Many retailers offer student discounts on many items, from clothing to electronics. Check out the sites of your favorite retailers to see what they offer before completing a purchase.

10. Leverage Cashback and Rewards Programs

Using an SRI Federal Credit Union Visa card can be particularly beneficial during back-to-school shopping. For example, our Visa Uchoose Rewards cards offer cashback and rewards on purchases, giving you a little extra back from your spending. Just remember to pay off the credit card bill in full to avoid interest charges.

By incorporating these tips and utilizing the financial products offered by SRI Federal Credit Union, you can navigate the back-to-school season with ease and keep your budget intact. Happy shopping!

Posted in Financial Literacy, Hello World, Loans

What is a Credit Report?

Q: I’ve heard that I should be checking my credit report regularly to ensure my ongoing financial wellness. What is a credit report and how do I read mine?

A: Your credit report plays a crucial role in measuring your financial health and the outcome of many related opportunities. Whether you’re applying for a loan, a credit card, or even a job, your credit report can significantly influence the outcome. A credit report is an important part of your financial health, so it’s important to understand what you’re looking for when you review it. Here’s everything you need to know about a credit report and how to read one.

What is a credit report?

A credit report is a detailed record of your credit history compiled by credit bureaus. It includes information about your credit accounts, such as loans, credit cards, and mortgages, as well as your payment history, credit limits, and balances. Credit reports are used by lenders, landlords, employers, and others to evaluate your creditworthiness and financial responsibility.

There are three major credit bureaus in the United States: Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. Each bureau collects and maintains its own version of your credit report, so it’s important to check all three regularly to ensure complete accuracy.

What’s in my credit report?

Understanding the components of your credit report can help you better manage your credit and identify any errors or fraudulent activities. Here’s what you’ll typically find in a credit report:

Personal information. This includes your name, Social Security number, date of birth, current and previous addresses, and employment history. This section is used to identify you and does not affect your credit score.

Credit accounts. Also known as tradelines, this section lists your current and past credit accounts, including the type of account (e.g., mortgage, auto loan, credit card), the date the account was opened, the credit limit or loan amount, the account balance, and your payment history.

Credit inquiries. This section shows who has accessed your credit report and when. There are two types of inquiries: hard inquiries, which occur when a lender reviews your credit report as part of a credit application, and soft inquiries, which occur when you or a company checks your credit for non-lending purposes. Hard inquiries can impact your credit score, while soft inquiries do not.

Public records. This includes information on bankruptcies, tax liens, and civil judgments. Public records can significantly impact your credit score and remain on your report for several years.

Collections. If you have any accounts that have been sent to collections, they will appear in this section. Collection accounts indicate that you have defaulted on a debt, which can severely damage your credit score.

Why does my credit report matter?

Your credit report is more than just a summary of your financial history. It’s a tool that can affect many aspects of your life. Here are some reasons why your credit report matters:

Credit approval. Lenders use your credit report to determine whether to approve your credit applications and what terms to offer. A strong credit report can help you secure loans and credit cards with favorable interest rates and terms.
Employment opportunities. Some employers check credit reports as part of the hiring process, especially for positions that involve financial responsibility. A poor credit report can impact your job prospects.
Rental applications. Landlords often review credit reports to assess the risk of renting to a potential tenant. A good credit report can improve your chances of securing a rental property.
Insurance rates. Insurance companies may use information from your credit report to determine your premiums. A better credit report can lead to lower insurance costs.
Financial health. Regularly reviewing your credit report can help you track your financial health, identify errors or fraudulent activity, and take steps to improve your credit score.

How can I access my credit report?

Under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), you are entitled to a free credit report from each of the three major credit bureaus once every 12 months. You can request your free reports through AnnualCreditReport.com.

Here’s how to review your credit report effectively.

First, verify that all personal information is correct. Look for any errors in your credit accounts, such as incorrect balances or payment statuses.

Next, look for any potentially unauthorized accounts. If you spot any accounts you don’t recognize, it could be a sign of identity theft.

Now review the list of inquiries to ensure you recognize all the entities that have accessed your report. Unauthorized hard inquiries can also indicate fraud.

Finally, examine all public records and collections on your credit report. If you’ve resolved a debt, make sure it’s reflected correctly.

How can I improve my credit report?

Maintaining a healthy credit report requires hard work and responsible financial behavior. Here are some tips to improve and maintain your credit report:

Pay all bills on time. Your payment history is a major factor in your credit report. Always pay your bills on time to build a positive payment history.
Keep your credit utilization down. Aim for a credit utilization ratio of 30% or less.
Limit hard inquiries. Avoid applying for too much credit in a short time period. Each hard inquiry can temporarily lower your credit score.
Monitor your credit regularly. Check your credit statements for errors or signs of fraud on a regular basis. Dispute any inaccuracies with the credit bureaus promptly.
Build a diverse credit mix. Having a mix of different types of credit (e.g., installment loans, and credit cards) can positively impact your credit score.

Your credit report is a vital tool in your financial toolkit, influencing many aspects of your life. Use this guide to learn what a credit report is, how to read one, and how to improve yours for optimal financial wellness.

Posted in Financial Literacy, Hello World, Loans

Hello World!

Why Choose an SRIFCU Personal Loan?

A Better Alternative to Credit Cards

How to Apply

Don’t Wait—This Special Rate Won’t Last!

1. Set Your Holiday Budget Now

2. Use Your Core Savings Account to Save for Holiday Expenses

3. Shop Early and Take Advantage of Deals

4. Make a Gift List and Stick to It

5. Use Your Credit Card Wisely

6. Plan Your Travel in Advance

7. Keep Track of Your Spending

8. Consider an SRIFCU Personal Loan with a Special Holiday Rate

Enjoy a Financially Healthy Holiday Season!

1. Beware of Phishing Tricks

2. Watch Out for Skimmers at Haunted and Pop-Up Locations

3. Secure Your Accounts with Strong Passwords and Alerts

4. Be Wary of Social Media Scams and “Free” Halloween Deals

5. Protect Your Kids’ and Family’s Data

6. Keep Your Credit Card Contact Info Handy

1. Set a Budget and Stick to It

2. Start Early and Plan Ahead

3. Take Inventory of What You Already Have

4. Shop During Tax-Free Holidays

5. Buy in Bulk

6. Use Price Comparison Tools

7. Consider Secondhand Options

8. Choose Quality Over Quantity

9. Take Advantage of Student Discounts

10. Leverage Cashback and Rewards Programs