July 23, 2024
by: IAMT
by: IAMT
The Secret History of the Wall Street Bull
Bulls and bears can be considered the unofficial mascots of the stock market. They represent the upward and downward movements of the stock market over a period of time and have even come to describe investor behavior (optimistic investors are said to be bullish, while investors with a pessimistic outlook are said to be bearish). In a field typically known for its confusing financial terminology and often uninspired language, the bull and bear symbols really stand out—and this is especially true in Lower Manhattan.
July 17, 2024
Are Checks Obsolete?
Checks hold an odd place in our personal finances. In many ways, checks seem like relics from a previous era. We maybe write one or two checks a month (usually for rent or similar bill-paying situations where electronic payment simply isn’t an option). This is vastly different from only a few decades ago, when checks represented more than 85% of all non-cash retail payments. (Can you imagine whipping out a checkbook in line at the grocery store? Times have certainly changed!)
July 9, 2024
by: IAMT
by: IAMT
Boost Your Credit Score: 4 Myths Debunked
Credit scores are an area of personal finance that seem a lot more mysterious than they actually are. Many people believe that improving them is a matter of trial and error and, as a result, there’s a lot of “credit score advice” floating around that can end up doing more harm than good. Four common credit score myths have been rounded up and debunked below:
June 27, 2024
by: IAMT
by: IAMT
The Upside of Frugality
Frugal living discussions often talk about pinching pennies or “stretching a dollar.” A penny saved is a penny earned, or so the saying goes, but is that actually the case?
June 13, 2024
by: Banzia
by: Banzia
Be Prepared, Because Life Happens
An emergency fund is an essential part of your personal finances. Its importance is stressed in almost every personal finance book and budgeting blog, and yet 26% of Americans currently have no emergency fund in place. Of those who do have an emergency fund, up to two-thirds do not have the often-recommended six months’ worth of expenses saved up.
May 29, 2024
by: Banzai
by: Banzai
The 3 Hidden Expenses of Pet Ownership
According to the American Pet Products Association, nearly 70% of all US households own a pet. That translates into an estimated $86 billion spent on food, supplies, medical care and pet services in 2018. Although the love and companionship our furry (or feathered, or scaly) friends provide is priceless, it’s impossible to ignore the effect that pet ownership has on our wallet.
April 24, 2024
by: Banazi
by: Banazi
How to Overcome ‘Credit Card Shyness’
April 19, 2024
by: Banzai
by: Banzai
When Buying a Used Car Privately, Beware of “Curbstoning”
Auto dealers are expected to sell cars that meet certain consumer protection criteria. This may include providing a warranty that will cover the buyer’s costs if a car turns out to be a lemon. Unfortunately, some unethical dealers may attempt to bypass these laws by curbstoning. Curbstoning is when a dealer poses as a private seller to sell a car. By curbstoning, an unethical dealer can avoid having to comply with the regulations that apply to dealers. To a buyer, this could mean buying a car that has a salvaged title (a car that’s been declared a total loss by an insurance company). It could also mean unknowingly buying a car that has been in a flood and suffered severe water damage.
November 30, 2023
Common Scam Prevention Tips
EmailsStart by checking the sender’s email address; legitimate organizations use official domain names, so be cautious if it appears unusual or contains misspellings. Pay attention to the email’s tone and grammar; scammers often use urgency, fear, or overly formal language to exploit recipients. Be careful with unexpected attachments as they may contain malware. Never send personal or financial information in an email and keep your anti-virus software and operating system up to date.
November 28, 2023
Red Flags of Holiday Scams
As the holiday season approaches, it’s a time of joy, celebration, and unfortunately, an uptick in various scams aiming to take advantage of your festive spirit. Kohler Credit Union is committed to ensuring you remain safe and secure by sharing valuable insights on how to safeguard yourself from scams.
