Making Money Personal

Tips to Keeping Connected Devices Secure - Money Tip Tuesday

Identity theft can be expensive. It costs you not only time to fix, but money and resources too. When it comes to keeping your information secure, even the newest technology still has weaknesses, and it’s up to you to stay aware of what those weaknesses are.  
Links:
Learn more about KnowBe4 Security Awareness 
Protect your identity with Triangle's Better Checking account with IDProtect
Check out TCU University for more financial education tips and resources!
Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter!
Learn more about Triangle Credit Union
Transcript:
Welcome to Money Tip Tuesday from the Making Money Personal podcast.  
This tip comes from an article provided by KnowBe4 Security Awareness and training. 
We’re going to explore the future of connected devices, how these devices may impact cybersecurity, and what you can do to stay safe. 
New innovations in technology are being developed at a rapid rate. But new technology comes with new risks. Let's go over some examples of how technology will change in the future and ways you can stay safe.  
5G Cellular Networks 
You may think a cellular network is only used for cell phones, but it can also be used for GPS devices, wifi hotspots, logistics tracking, and more. 5G stands for the fifth generation of cellular networking. In short, 5G is a dramatically faster and more stable way to connect to the internet. 
While this is great for connectivity, it could be a major struggle for cybersecurity. Current security monitoring methods may not be strong enough for the speed and amount of traffic created on a 5G network.   
The Internet of Things 
The Internet of Things, or IoT, is a network of connected devices designed to work together using an internet connection. A common example of this is the use of “smart” devices in the home. Smart devices connect and communicate with one another using your wifi network. IoT is being used and developed across a number of industries, from healthcare to logistics. 
Each device within an IoT network is a potential risk. As more devices are connected to one another, an organization’s attack surface grows. Meaning, there are more targets for cybercriminals to attack and more points of entry to protect. As these networks grow, it is essential that cybersecurity measures grow with them.   
Safety Tips for Now and Later 
Stay Informed
No matter what the future holds, it is always harder to fool an educated person. Follow trusted news and media outlets for the latest updates in technology and cybersecurity.  
Be Suspicious
As technology changes, cybercriminals will find new ways to attack. If something doesn’t look or feel right, report it. It is better to be safe than sorry!  
Time Travel to the Past
Maybe technology isn’t quite there yet, but you can use classic communication to outsmart cybercriminals. For example, if you receive a suspicious email, reach out to the sender by phone to verify that it’s legitimate.   
If there are any other tips or topics you would like us to cover, let us know at tcupodcast@trianglecu.org. Like and follow our Making Money Personal FB and IG page and look for our sponsor, Triangle Credit Union on social media to share your thoughts.  
Thanks for listening to today’s Money Tip Tuesday and be sure to check out our other tips and episodes on the Making Money Personal podcast.  
Have a great day! 

Try This Five Point Debt Payoff Plan - Money Tip Tuesday

Debt is a familiar burden most Americans face daily. Whether the debts are small or large, many are becoming fed up and joining a movement to pay off debt and reach financial freedom.
If you’re one of those looking for a way out of debt, it’s time to put together a debt payoff strategy to set you up for success. 
Links:
Get your budgeting tools on our TCU University resources page
Watch our pre-recorded financial freedom webinar for a more in-depth explanation of this debt payoff plan
Check out our upcoming events for new webinars and workshops
Check out TCU University for more financial education tips and resources!
Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter!
Learn more about Triangle Credit Union
Transcript:
Welcome to Money Tip Tuesday from the Making Money Personal podcast.  
Getting out of debt can be overwhelming. Staring at a large number, wondering how in the world you’ll be able to pay it off, is enough to make anyone want to give up and say, “Never mind.”  
But debt and the burden it brings does not have to haunt you forever.   
With a simple, five-point plan, you can tackle that debt burden and finally get onto a path that will eliminate it forever.  This plan breaks the debt payoff journey down into manageable, actionable steps to stay on track to meeting your goal.   
Step one: Acknowledging you have a problem  
Debt is no different than any other personal challenge we face. Once we determine the problem affecting us, then we get the resolve to do something about it. Is your debt affecting your mood? Your relationships? Your health? If you answered yes to any of these questions, it’s a burden in your life that has to go. Be honest about where you are now and where you want to be.  
Acknowledge all your debts. Then list them all from credit cards, personal loans, student loans, medical bills, car payments, everything. With it all out front and visible, it’ll be easier to assess how much work you’ll need to put in to pay it off.  With the debt problem illuminated, it’s time to move to the next step.  
Step two: Resolve to do something about it  
This step is where you take ownership. You’ve admitted you have a debt problem, and now it’s time to do something about it.  
This step involves finding all the information needed for a proper strategy. Seek out resources that provide education and insight into solving your problem. If that’s a trustworthy friend or professional, a webinar, online course, book, or even blog, take that first step of resolving to commit to this journey.   
Step three: Create your plan  
This step is all about laying out the strategy you’ll follow, and the very first step in this plan is to create a budget. Know your income and expenses and put them all onto a budget sheet. This process organizes your money into categories so you can see all the money coming in and going out. If you need access to a budget sheet, we’ll link to one in the show notes you can download and use. 
Within the budget process, determine to put any extra income towards debt. That means you'll need to pause additional spending on fun and other frivolous things for some time. Put all your remaining money towards that debt pile to reach that debt-free goal sooner.   
It’s also essential to choose the order in which you’ll pay your debts off. Many people use one of two popular debt payoff structures for this – the debt avalanche or debt snowball.  
The debt avalanche method involves paying off the highest-interest debt first, eventually working down to the lowest-interest debt. The debt snowball consists of tackling the debt with the smallest balance and then working up to paying off the largest balance.   
The principles of both plans are the same. Tackle one debt with any extra money while paying the minimum balance on other debts. Once one debt is paid, use that money that you had been paying to pay off debt to the next one—keep doing this same process until all debts are paid off. 
Step four: Execute your plan  
This step is where the rubber meets the road. It’s time to act upon everything in the plan.  Find a trusted person to hold you accountable throughout this process. If you decide to stop using credit cards, this is where you’ll cut them up. Establish your target date to be debt-free. Do you want to be out of debt in a year? Maybe two? This number will differ for everyone depending on the amount of debt and their net income.   
If you’re looking to work an extra job or hours, this is the time to start. Start working out your debt reduction plan, whether the debt avalanche or the debt snowball method.  
Step five: monitor your results and repeat  
This step is the only way to determine if your plan is working. Keep an eye on it and monitor it regularly to stay on top of it.   
Print out your sheet or save it somewhere you’ll see it daily. Putting it on a poster is a super effective way to keep it top of mind. Tape it to a bathroom mirror, bedroom mirror, or fridge to keep it visible.   
The key is remembering it. You want it to be a daily reminder of the goal you set for yourself.   
Check-in on your progress regularly. Weekly, monthly, however frequently you think is best.   
With these five steps, you can tackle almost any challenge, debt being one of them.   
If you’d like to dive deeper into these steps, check out Triangle’s Paying off Debt webinars, which are available to join live throughout the year or watch them on-demand on our YouTube channel.  
If there are any other tips or topics you’d like us to cover, let us know at tcupodcast@trianglecu.org. Like and follow our Making Money Personal FB and IG page, and look for our sponsor, Triangle Credit Union, on social media to share your thoughts.   
Thanks for listening to today’s Money Tip Tuesday. Check out our other tips and episodes on the Making Money Personal podcast.   
Have a great day! 
 

Episode 66: Support a Local Nonprofit with Share 'Cuz You Care

Caring for our community has been part of Triangle's DNA since we incorporated 85 years ago. Community means so much that we added it as one of our core values.
Through volunteerism, donations and sponsorships, Triangle supports over 50 charitable organizations that help our communities for those who need a helping hand. Stay tuned to hear from local charities, how they help others, and how you can help with a simple vote in our Share 'Cuz You Care campaign.
Links:
Learn more about the three organizations featured in the episode:
Harbor Care, Nashua, NH
The Upper Room, Derry, NH
Webster House, Manchester, NH
Visit our Share 'Cuz You Care campaign page to vote DAILY for the nonprofit you'd like to see win the top donation of $1,000 from Triangle Credit Union. 
Learn about Triangle's financial planning resources 
Check out other financial resources and blogs at TCU University
View episode transcript.
 
 

Financial Topics Couples Should Discuss - Money Tip Tuesday

How often do you talk with your spouse or partner about money? Are you even on the same page when it comes to finances? The truth is, if you’re married or in a serious relationship there are some important financial topics you should discuss.  
Links: 
For budgeting resources check out:
You Need a Budget (YNAB)
Ramsey Solutions
Triangle Credit Union webinars 
Learn about Triangle's financial planning resources 
Check out other financial resources and blogs at TCU University
Transcript:
Welcome to Money Tip Tuesday from the Making Money Personal podcast.  
If you’re in a relationship, there’s a good many things you need to work together on, and finances aren’t any different.  
For some people finances are that sort of thing that most don’t want to discuss at all. I mean, it can turn a civilized conversation into a knockout drag out fight. 
But, the reality is that some of these topics should be talked about, and for many people, sooner rather than later.  
Here are six financial topics couples should discuss: 
The first topic couples should discuss is budgeting.  
For most couples, particularly married couples, this is a must. The purpose of this is to work together to determine how much you make and where it’s all going every month.  
If you’re new to this, get started by watching some videos, attending a webinar, or reading some books. Then, armed with the knowledge of how to properly set up a budget system, take some time, sit down and do your budget. Make it a date. Try ordering takeout or cook a special meal to make it feel more of a fun event rather than a chore. 
If you need some help, check out resources like You Need A Budget (YNAB), Ramsey Solutions, and Triangle Credit Union webinars, available to watch on YouTube. 
The next topic couples need to discuss is savings and retirement. 
Like the last one, this one also applies more to married couples, but for single people however, it might not be a bad idea to get an idea of where your partner stands when it comes to spending. It’ll give you a peek into how compatible you two really are. 
When discussing spending, ask each other what you’re saving for, both as a couple and as individuals. Determine whether you have an emergency savings account and how much you’ll need to fully fund it. Having a proper savings plan ensures that your financial future will be secure. 
Are you both planning to retire and when? Make sure you’re discussing retirement goals and how working to reach those goals affects your savings rate now. If you’re going to build your financial future together, you need to give it the best foundation possible by having a healthy emergency fund, good savings habits and a well-planned retirement strategy.  
The third thing to discuss is goals.  
If you have wishes and goals, your partner likely does too. You need to talk about what those goals are and how they affect your finances in both the near future and distant future.  
Start with short term goals. As a couple, do you want to save for a downpayment? How about paying off a credit card? Or perhaps paying down a set portion of your student loans? 
When it comes to long term goals, look a little farther out. Depending on where you are in life, do you want to finally own a home? Get completely debt free? Maybe buy a second home? Plan a once in a lifetime vacation? 
The best way to achieve goals is by determining where you want to be or what you want to achieve as a couple, laying out the steps you’ll need to get there and work hard and keep focus to meet that goal at its appointed time. Set up a timeline, determine milestones and remember to celebrate once your goal is reached. 
The fourth topic to discuss is whether you’ll have separate or joint bank accounts. 
If you’re not married, then keeping accounts separate is the better plan. 
If you’re married, the typical choice is to combine finances. Though there are many cases where husbands and wives continue to manage their own money, in many ways combining finances and accounts forces you to make the financial decisions together as one household rather than two separate individuals with their own goals.  
If you are married and choose to keep your accounts separate, that can work too. Just make sure that you’re both fiscally mature and communicate about everything. Keeping an open conversation about spending, saving and the like will keep the stress down and ensure you’re both still on the same page. 
The fifth topic is to discuss what you’ll teach your children when it comes to money. 
If you have kids, or plan to have them one day, talk about what you’re going to teach them when it comes to money. Will they have chores? Get an allowance? How much?  
Will you teach them how to budget? How old do you think they should be when they get their first job? 
You and your spouse should discuss all these questions so you’re both on the same page when it comes to raising your kids in a financially responsible way. 
The sixth topic to talk about is Insurance. 
For couples, this is definitely not the most exciting topic at all, but it’s important to have this discussion. Because there are so many different types of insurance coverage for a variety of things from houses and cars to pets and identity, you need to talk about which ones would benefit you most as a couple and household.  
Insurance costs money, so just because your spouse thinks you need that special coverage doesn’t mean it’s best for you both to dish out the extra money each month. Have a discussion to decide on the most beneficial types of insurance for your lifestyle and select the plans that you can reasonably afford.  
If you’re not sure where to start when it comes to insurance, meet with a financial planner who can steer you into the right insurance plans with the proper coverage and premiums for your current financial situation. They’ll also help reassess any existing plans and provide alternate options to keep up with the many changes that can occur in life. 
That’s it for this tip with six financial topics couples should discuss.    
If there are any other tips or topics, you’d like us to cover, let us know at tcupodcast@trianglecu.org.  Like and follow our Making Money Personal FB and IG page and look for our sponsor, Triangle Credit Union on social media to share your thoughts.  
Thanks for listening to today’s Money Tip Tuesday and be sure to check out our other tips and episodes on the Making Money Personal podcast.  
Have a great day! 

Follow This Simple Money Rule to Start Building Wealth - Money Tip Tuesday

Building wealth might seem complicated and hard to master, but there’s one financial habit when done effectively, that can put you on a path to building wealth in no time. In this tip, I’m going to share one simple money rule that changed the way I view my paycheck forever. 
Links:
The Richest Man in Babylon by George S. Clason
Get your dollars earning more for you with CDs, IRAs and Online Savings
Learn how Triangle's financial professionals can help you set up an investing plan that will build wealth!
Check out TCU University for more financial education tips and resources!
Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter!
Learn more about Triangle Credit Union
Welcome to Money Tip Tuesday from the Making Money Personal podcast. 
When it comes to building wealth, it’s easy to get discouraged when after years we don’t seem to be any farther along than when we first started.  
We then jump to conclusions about ourselves with thoughts like, “I don’t make enough”, “I can’t afford to save”, or “I don’t have enough time”.  
But surprisingly, building wealth has less to do with how much money you make and has more to do with how much you save.  
If you want to be wealthy, if you want to amass a fortune, I’m going to share a brief segment from a little parable you may have never heard before. It comes from the book, “The Richest Man in Babylon” by George S. Clason.  
This book was first published in 1926 and it shares important financial principles in the form of parables set during the time of ancient Babylon. 
The first parable addresses how your perspective on the money you make and how you choose to use it determines whether you’ll grow wealthy.  
Here goes:  
Arkad, known to be the richest man in Babylon, started as a humble scribe and now as an older man, owns a legendary fortune that rivaled even the very king.  
In the parable, Arkad speaks with a young man who wants to know the secret to building a fortune.  
Arkad responded by simply saying, “I found the road to wealth when I decided that a part of all I earned was mine to keep.” 
The young man was a bit confused at the short reply and responded, “Is that all? But all I earn is mine to keep.”  
Arkad replied, “Far from it. Do you not pay the garment maker? Do you not pay the sandal-maker? Do you not pay for the things you eat?... What have you to show for your earnings of the past month?... You pay to everyone but yourself. You labor for others.” 
This first exchange illuminates the reality that much of the money we earn is spent. Much of it goes to bills and necessities as well as other things we desire or want to experience.  
Arkad’s first point is important because we need to recognize that when we’re spending money, we’re paying other people and that money isn’t ours to keep. 
So what does that leave for us? How can we build wealth if we don’t have any money to build wealth with? 
At this point, Arkad continues the lesson by saying, “Every gold piece you save is a slave to work for you. Every copper it earns is its child that also can earn for you. If you would become wealthy, then what you save must earn, and its children must earn...” 
 Arkad sums his lesson up with this simple message. 
“A part of all you earn is yours to keep.... Pay yourself first.” 
Arkad’s simple, yet profound advice, though fictional, is a simple strategy to building wealth over time. 
When we spend everything we make, we’re contributing to making others rich rather than building our own wealth. We’re paying everyone but ourselves.  
Faithfully set aside a portion of your income for yourself every time you get paid. 
Then, find a way to get that money to make more money. Use savings accounts like online savings, CDs, IRAs with good interest rates and talk to a financial professional to set up quality investment accounts that will get those dollars earning more in the background. 
Before closing I’ll leave this final message from Arkad. He says, “Wealth like a tree, grows from a tiny seed. The first copper you save is the seed from which your tree of wealth shall grow. The sooner you plant that seed the sooner shall the tree grow. And the more faithfully you nourish and water that tree with consistent savings, the sooner may you bask in the contentment beneath its shade.” 
If there are any other tips or topics, you’d like us to cover, let us know at tcupodcast@trianglecu.org.  Like and follow our Making Money Personal FB and IG page and look for our sponsor, Triangle Credit Union on social media to share your thoughts.  
Thanks for listening to today’s Money Tip Tuesday and be sure to check out our other tips and episodes on the Making Money Personal podcast.  
Have a great day! 

Maximize February Car Deals with a Pre-Approval - Money Tip Tuesday

Hunting for a new car doesn’t have to be a hassle. It should be fun and enjoyable. Fortunately, this time of year is a good time to find that perfect car and, with a little advanced planning, score a fantastic deal and a great rate. 
Links: 
View auto rates, get pre-approved, and start your search with our AutoSmart tool.
Check out TCU University for more financial education tips and resources!
Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter!
Learn more about Triangle Credit Union
Transcript:
Welcome to Money Tip Tuesday from the Making Money Personal podcast.  
If you’re in the market for a car, you’ll have a lot of decisions to make. You’re probably hunting through car listings or scoping out nearby dealerships to pop by and maybe take a few cars for a test drive.  
But did you know that the process of buying a car starts before you even sit in that driver’s seat?  
If you’re ready to take advantage of the upcoming car deals this time of year, you’ll want to take certain steps to make sure you get a great price. 
 
First, establish your budget then go ahead and shop the prices. - Determine your budget by crunching numbers to find an affordable price. Use some online payment calculators to get an idea of how much your monthly payment will be.  With your ideal price in mind, start scoping around for good deals. 
This time of year, President’s Day is a spectacular deal day, particularly for car buying. It’s usually the first deal weekend of the year for most car sellers so they’re going to be extra eager to share attractive pricing on not only new models but also on popular cars you’ve been dreaming to own. 
Before you visit the dealer, scope out the car or cars you’re interested in a few weeks before President’s Day so you can keep an eye on pricing and take advantage of any deals that pop up over President’s Day weekend. Remember to keep that budget in mind.  
 
Second, make sure you know your credit score and check your report. Prepping your credit is an ideal way to set yourself up for getting a great price for the car you want. Your credit eligibility is an important factor to getting the most from these special deals because it largely determines how much you’ll get approved for and at how low a rate.  
Review your credit score and report. If you’re not happy with what you see, start taking steps to fix it. Make sure you make all your payments on time and keep any balances well under your credit limits. Doing this will help demonstrate that you’re responsible with your credit and will likely score you a lower rate.  
 
The final thing to getting the car you want at a great price is to get pre-approved BEFORE you head to the dealer.  
Whatever your reasons for buying a car, whether it’s your first ride, or you’re ready for an upgrade, if you’re planning to take out a loan for your vehicle, you’ll want to be prepared with the financing that is best for your budget and you do this by pre-qualifying for the loan. 
Prequalifying tells the dealer that you’re already set up with financing. It will help you shop with confidence because you already know the amount you’ve been approved for. That confidence also comes in handy when you negotiate pricing with the dealer, because your budget remains fixed due to the pre-approval.  
Pre-qualifying can also move the process along much faster because it cuts down on your time spent at the dealership. Once you decide on the vehicle you want, you simply return to the credit union and get your check to complete the purchase.  
If you’re wondering how to get pre-approved, it’s pretty straightforward.  
You can get started online or stop by your local branch. Once you’re in the system, a representative will get in touch with you to work through the next steps.  
Once your preapproval is established, it’s time to shop. When visiting the dealers, inform them that you already have a pre-approval with your credit union. When you’ve selected your vehicle, you’ll then bring the purchase and sales agreement from the dealership back to the credit union to finalize the process.  
If there are any other tips or topics you would like us to cover, let us know at tcupodcast@trianglecu.org. Like and follow our Making Money Personal FB and IG page and look for our sponsor, Triangle Credit Union on social media to share your thoughts.  
Thanks for listening to today’s Money Tip Tuesday and be sure to check out our other tips and episodes on the Making Money Personal podcast.  
Have a great day!
 
 
 

Banking in a Box: Advantages of an ITM - Money Tip Tuesday

Have you ever wanted the convenient experience of an ATM with all the benefits of going into your local credit union branch?
With an Interactive Teller Machine, or ITM for short, you can do anything you’d do at an ATM, plus get access to other features that are usually only available in a branch. Learn how you can make this technology work for you! 
Links: 
Watch this video to learn more about ITMs!.
Check out TCU University for more financial education tips and resources!
Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter!
Learn more about Triangle Credit Union
Transcript:
Welcome to Money Tip Tuesday from the Making Money Personal podcast. 
An ITM is essentially banking in a box. One of the most convenient features of an ITM is the ability to call for assistance from a live teller. Not a machine or artificial intelligence, the teller is a real person who is ready to help you with all your banking needs. This feature is only available during business hours, so don’t expect to have any late-night chats with your local teller. But if you visit during the available hours, a live teller can video chat with you to help you through your transaction or answer any questions about your accounts.  
That’s not all ITMs can do. Like an ATM, ITMs let you deposit and withdraw cash, check account balances, and transfer money. You can also make loan or credit card payments and cash checks at an ITM, which you can’t do at an ATM. 
ITMs give you the ability to do almost anything you’d do at the teller line and provide better service through features that ATMs have lacked for years. For example, ATMs are usually limited by set cash denominations with most distributing only $20 bills. With an ITM, you're offered an assortment of denominations to choose from so if you want a $50 bill, or a bunch of $1s, you can select the quantity of each when you take out cash. This can come in handy, especially if you need smaller bills like $5s but don’t have time to run into the branch. 
Today, more and more people are doing their banking while on the go. This is where ITMs fit in for those of us living a busy lifestyle. If you’re in a rush, ITMs can sometimes be a quicker alternative to waiting in line at the bank or credit union. If there’s a long line to get to the tellers, just look for the ITM and do your transactions there. Many financial institutions also offer drive-up ITMs, which allows you to use the ITM from the comfort of your vehicle.  
With all these features, the ITM truly is banking in a box. An ITM allows you to bank your way, offering the perfect blend of self-service banking and in-person assistance. 
If there are any other tips or topics, you’d like us to cover, let us know at tcupodcast@trianglecu.org and don't forget to like and follow our Making Money Personal Facebook and Instagram to share your thoughts And remember to look for our sponsor, Triangle Credit Union on Facebook and LinkedIn.  
Thanks for listening to today’s Money Tip Tuesday and be sure to check out our other tips and episodes on the Making Money Personal podcast.  
Have a great day! 

Episode 65: Take Charge of Your Credit Score in 2024

If you don't have a New Year's resolution, we've got one for you. In this episode, we'll be sharing tips on how to take charge of your credit score in 2024. 
*For the most accurate and up to date disclosures about the products or services mentioned in this episode, visit our website at trianglecu.org
Links:
Learn how to check your credit score with Triangle's Better Checking account
Learn more about Triangle's Teen Club account and the teen builder loan
Check out more information from this Forbes article about how to improve your credit score
Check out the credit score simulator from NerdWallet to see how certain adjustments might affect your score
Check out TCU University for more financial education tips and resources!
Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter!
Learn more about Triangle Credit Union
 

Protect Yourself, Protect Your Money - Money Tip Tuesday

We are in a value-added age for consumer products and services, and the financial industry is no exception.  Checking accounts, for example, provide many bells and whistles, including identity protection for you and your family. Stay tuned to learn how to protect yourself and your money.
Links:
Learn more about Triangle's Better Checking account
Check out TCU University for more financial education tips and resources!
Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter!
Learn more about Triangle Credit Union
Transcript:
Welcome to Money Tip Tuesday from the Making Money Personal podcast. 
With so many online banking services available today, consumers are no longer relegated to banks or credit unions at the end of the street. How does one decide which financial institution or product is right for them? Often that decision is decided by the value-added benefits of the financial product. As an example, let’s explore the value-added features and benefits of a checking account. 
According to one financial blogger, value-added checking can take a standard checking account to new levels and adds a bit of a mission-focus.  
At Triangle, our mission is to protect you and your money. For over 85 years, Triangle has maintained the strictest financial safety and soundness standards, so how does our Better Checking account, with IDProtect™, safeguard you and your money?  
First, enrollment for identity theft protection is automatic. As soon as you open a Better Checking account, you have protection that covers you and your eligible family members, including elderly parents and dependent children, up to age 25, living in your household. 
Second, IDProtect™ provides state-of-the-art detection and monitoring services around the clock. Time is of the essence in discovering identity theft, since the quicker it is discovered, the easier it is to recover from it. Identity monitoring is a critical component in discovering identity theft quickly in order to limit the amount of damage done.  
For example, credit reports contain information about you, including what accounts you have and how you pay your bills. If an identity thief is opening credit accounts in your name, these accounts are likely to show up on your credit report. IDProtect’s ™ Credit File Monitoring service alerts you to these key changes. 
Monitoring your credit report and score can be a tedious task, but it is imperative to keep a watchful eye out for fraudulent activity. With Better Checking, members rest easy with credit file monitoring and have access to a 3-in-1 credit report every 90 days. 
Because lenders use credit scores to determine who qualifies for a loan, the interest rate they’ll get, and the credit limit, it’s important to monitor your credit score and keep track of changes and setbacks. 
Third, Better Checking’s IDProtect™ offers recovery and resolution with a dedicated case manager. 
Becoming a victim of identity fraud is a frightening, frustrating experience and it can happen to anyone at any time. 
IDProtect™ is here to help during such a difficult time. Should you become a victim, a dedicated fraud specialist will be assigned to manage your case. Experienced recovery professionals will handle the recovery process until your identity is completely restored. Plus, IDProtect™ provides identity fraud expense reimbursement to cover expenses associated with restoring your identity. 
Triangle Credit Union’s Better Checking, with IDProtect™, is available for those who are 18 and working or residing in the Hillsborough, Merrimack, Belknap, Rockingham, and Cheshire Counties of New Hampshire, as well as the Franklin, Worcester, Middlesex, and Essex Counties of Massachusetts.  There is a nominal monthly fee of $4.99. 
For a full list of features and value-added benefits, including identity protection for you and your qualifying members of your household, visit trianglecu.org/checking.  
If you have any questions about today’s topic or suggestions for future topics, please email us at tcupodcast@trianglecu.org. For more great content, be sure to follow the Making Money Personal podcast wherever you listen to podcasts and the Making Money Personal podcast Facebook page. 
Many thanks to our sponsor, Triangle Credit Union, voted Best Credit Union in NH, and to you for tuning in. 
Have a great day everyone! 
 
 
 

How to Prepare for a No Spend January - Money Tip Tuesday

What resolutions have you made this year? Did you decide it’s time to start making some financial changes?
Financial resolutions aren’t for the faint of heart, and if you’re gearing up to make this year one of your best for financial discipline then there’s nothing better than a no-spend challenge to put yourself to the test.
Links:
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Transcript:
Welcome to Money Tip Tuesday from the Making Money Personal podcast.  
The New Year has finally come and if you’re like many other people you’re likely sitting down to plan out some resolutions. When it comes to resolutions, people often choose to start a new diet or exercise routine while others set financial goals.   
One goal you may want to consider participating in is a no-spend challenge.   
A no spend challenge can last for a week, a month or even a year!  
The purpose of a no spend challenge is to cut back on frivolous spending and have a better grasp of your financial habits.   
How does a no spend challenge truly work?  
Although the name suggests it, it’s impossible to not spend any money for a whole month.   
You need to make sure you have your four walls—food, utilities, shelter, and transportation—covered.   
Note: When we say food we mean groceries, not restaurants. Transportation refers to gas, public transportation, or anything else that is necessary to get you where you need to go   
Once the four walls are taken care of, you are not allowed to spend money on anything else.   
When’s the best time to start a no spend challenge?  
This month, January, seems like the best month to start a no spend week or month for a few reasons:   
January follows the holiday shopping season and on average, Americans spend approximately $997.73 on holiday shopping each year. Starting a no spend challenge in January is a great way to let your bank accounts and credit cards breathe a bit.  
You might have received some restaurant or store gift cards over the holiday season that you can use during the challenge. This is essentially free money since it won’t be coming out of your accounts.  
No spend challenges are easier to participate in when the weather is cold or snowy since poor weather conditions typically mean staying indoors, thus you are less tempted to go out and spend money.  
How Do You Prepare?  
Before you begin this challenge, it’s important to plan out all your meals, snacks, desserts, etc. to ensure they fit into your grocery budget for the duration of the challenge. Be resourceful and take inventory of your pantry, freezer, and fridge, that way you know exactly what you have. 
To help yourself with online shopping, delete all shopping apps (Target, Amazon, Walmart, etc.) from your mobile devices. It may also be helpful to set up a filter on your email that will send marketing emails to a hidden email folder, that way you aren’t tempted to shop those deals.
One of the benefits of a no spend challenge is the money you save. Write down your plan for those saved funds. This will serve as a reminder and a motivator of your goals if you struggle during the challenge.  
Obviously, if an emergency arises, that does not break the no spend challenge.   
A no spend challenge may seem a bit daunting if this is a new idea for you, but once completed it is very rewarding.   
If at first you don’t succeed, don’t be too hard on yourself and don’t be afraid to try again! We’re rooting for you. 
 
If there are any other tips or topics you would like us to cover, let us know at tcupodcast@trianglecu.org. Like and follow our Making Money Personal FB and IG page and look for our sponsor, Triangle Credit Union on social media to share your thoughts.  
Thanks for listening to today’s Money Tip Tuesday and be sure to check out our other tips and episodes on the Making Money Personal podcast.  
Have a great day!