Financial Fundamentals Blog

Checking accounts vs. savings accounts: Leveraging your financial options wisely

  • 7 17 Staff
You’ve likely heard the terms checking account and savings account thrown around a lot. What you may not know is how they differ and how they can be used to efficiently manage your money. Today we’re taking a look at checking versus savings accounts and how you can leverage both to put your money to work for you.

The Ins and Outs of Tax Deductible Donations

  • 7 17 Staff
Disclaimer: 7 17 Credit Union is providing this information for educational purposes only. 7 17 does not offer tax advice; please consult a qualified tax professional for matters related to your finances. With many people facing a wide array of financial challenges, more and more people are turning to nonprofits and charities...

The Top 6 Benefits of Keeping a High Credit Score

  • 7 17 Staff
Financial experts all talk about the importance of building and maintaining good credit. But what exactly does this mean — and why should consumers care? If you haven’t pulled a credit report or applied for credit recently, your credit score might not be at the top of your mind. But your credit score plays a crucial role in...

4 Ways to Have a Budget-Friendly Valentine's Day

  • 7 17 Staff
Valentine’s Day is fast approaching, and with it, the reminder that you should shower your loved ones with lavish gifts. But expressing your love doesn’t mean emptying your wallet. You can still make romantic or thoughtful gestures without breaking the bank.

Financial Literacy: 7 Lessons to Teach Your Kids

  • 7 17 Staff
Parents have a lot of aspirations when choosing what lessons and skills they plan to teach their children. But if money management and other financial lessons aren’t near the top of that list, they should be.

Understanding Deferred Interest: Avoiding Financial Pitfalls

  • 7 17 Staff
Using a credit card may sound like a smart way to finance a large purchase, but if you’re not careful, you may be falling into a debt trap. Most retailers offer store-branded, deferred interest credit cards to appeal to buyers, but few consumers are aware of the pitfalls of deferred interest.

What is a checking account and how do they work

  • 7 17 Staff
No matter who you are or how much you earn, money management is a necessary skill that involves creating a budget, tracking spending and saving money for financial well-being.

Why You Should Open A Checking Account with a Credit Union

  • 7 17 Staff
Opening a checking account is a pretty easy process, right? You walk into a bank or credit union and simply apply for the checking account you want.

Financial planning: How to create a plan and stick to your goals

  • 7 17 Staff
No matter how big or small your financial goals are, a financial plan can help you make those goals a reality. Think of financial planning as a roadmap to help you achieve your goals. It’s an ongoing process that can help you feel more confident about your finances and navigate any bumps in the road, such as inflation or a...

Essential tips for affordable college textbooks

  • 7 17 Staff
School is back in session, and with it comes a myriad of costs. If you’re heading off to college for your first or last semester, don’t be afraid to look for ways to save. One way to cut costs is to eliminate visiting your college bookstore for textbooks. Don’t be afraid to look for deals or to get creative! Here are some tips to help.

What is elder financial abuse and how to prevent it

  • 7 17 Staff
Knowing the signs of elder financial abuse can help protect yourself or your loved ones. Seniors are increasingly becoming targets for financial abuse. People over the age of 50 control over 70 percent of the nation’s wealth, and fraudsters are using new tactics to take advantage of the growing number of older Americans. Senior abuse is estimated to have cost victims at least $2.9 billion in the last year alone.

Financial benefits of working from home

  • 7 17 Staff
While the country returns to normal following the height of the pandemic, many people are still finding themselves working from home. It’s not surprising to learn that working from home can be very different from working in the office. There are new complications.