Making Money Personal

Tips to Save on Vehicle Expenses - Money Tip Tuesday

Vehicles can get expensive, but all those costs don't have to break your bank or budget. In this episode we cover some tips you can try to save money on your vehicle expenses. 
View transcript.
Like what you heard? Go ahead and share on your social media! There may be someone else out there who may benefit. 
Visit trianglecu.org to learn more about how we can serve you and don't forget to follow us on Facebook and Twitter!
 

Tips to Avoid Emotional Spending - Money Tip Tuesday

This Money Tip Tuesday episode covers emotional spending and offers some practical tips on ways you can avoid it.
View transcript.
Like what you heard? Go ahead and share on Triangle Credit Union's social media! There may be someone else out there who will benefit. 
Visit trianglecu.org to learn more about how we can serve you and don't forget to like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter!

Tips to Save on Energy Costs - Money Tip Tuesday

We are proud to launch our very first Money Tip Tuesday mini episode! This one features some tips you can use to save money on your energy costs. 
In the episode, we mentioned Energy Star's Home Energy Yardstick to assess the energy efficiency of your home. Try it out! 
View transcript.
Like what you heard? Go ahead and share on social media! There may be someone else out there who may benefit. 
Visit trianglecu.org to learn more about how we can serve you and don't forget to follow us on Facebook and Twitter!

Improve Your Banking Experience with Digital Apps

Mobile apps and online services have changed a lot of how we do our banking. With the convenience that apps and digital technologies bring to us as users, it’s no surprise that more people are doing their banking right from their devices.
In this episode we discuss the features and benefits of Triangle’s digital banking products like online banking, Triangle’s mobile app, the TCU cards app, and mobile payment options. 
Notes and Links:
Sign up for Online Banking to handle some of your banking right from your computer and save yourself a trip to the branch.
Download Triangle’s mobile banking app for on the go convenience. Pay bills, transfer money, deposit checks and more. Available for iOS and Android. Download from the App store or Google Play
Download the TCU Cards app and take control of your Triangle Debit and Credit cards right from your phone. Turn your cards on and off, set usage parameters, pay credit card bills and more. Available for both iOS and Android devices.
Try mobile payments and add your Triangle debit card to your phone’s mobile wallet. Pay securely and easily without having to use your card. All you need is your phone and a finger ID. Available on Apple Pay, and Google Pay. 
View transcript.
 
For more information visit trianglecu.org and don't forget to like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter!

Triangle Credit Union COVID 19 Update

Listen in for updates on what Triangle is doing to keep members and employees safe during the COVID-19 health crisis.
Notes:
If you need in-person assistance, we still have staff available by appointment only. Call (603) 889-2470 or email mailto:memberservices@trianglecu.org to set up a meeting.
Contact us to learn more about skip-a-payment and our other financial offerings at this time.
Due to the increased risk of fraud, be aware of unsolicited emails and phone calls and make sure to protect sensitive information like passwords and credit card information.
If you believe you may have been the victim of an Internet scam or cybercrime, you can email the FBI’s Internet Crime Compliant Center at www.ic3.gov
View these helpful tips from the Credit Union National Association (CUNA) on what you can do to take financial caution and protect your self during a pandemic.
Visit the Cooperative Credit Union Association (CCUA) for additional updates from the credit union community.
Visit the NH Bankers Association for updates from the NH banking community.
View episode transcript.
 
 For more information visit trianglecu.org and don't forget to like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter!

Budgeting Basics

Do you find budgeting intimidating, confusing, or maybe just boring? Don’t let emotional dread of budgeting hold you back from taking control of your finances. In this episode we break budgeting down to its basics so you will learn how to easily create one, what line items you should be including, and ways to stay on track once it’s established.
Notes & Links:
Use our budget sheet to write in and add up all your monthly expenses to make sure every dollar has an allocation. View our sample sheet for assistance.
Take your budget digital. Try out some budgeting apps like the ones below:
Every Dollar
Bills Manager
Debt Payoff Planner
Balance Check Book
Remember that your two largest expenses are most likely to be your house and car. Rule of thumb: Your house payment should be less than 25% of your net monthly income and the total value of all your vehicles should be less than 50% of your net annual income.
Try our Money Management tool within online banking for integrated goal tracking and budgeting capabilities.
Interested in more financial education? Check out our upcoming events with a running list of educational seminars on a variety of financial topics.
You can easily open additional accounts online to help keep your expenses and categories organized.
View episode transcript.
 
 For more information visit trianglecu.org and don't forget to like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter!

6 Financial Topics Couples Should Talk About

Communication is critical in every relationship, especially when it comes to money. In this episode we cover 6 money topics we think you should be discussing with your partner to increase communication, build unity and help you move forward together towards a financially secure future.
Notes & Links:
Come up with your monthly budget together. Use the zero based budget system to tell every dollar where you want it to go.
Discuss your saving plan. This includes putting aside money into an emergency fund and saving for retirement.
Determine what types of life goals you have. Talk about the short, medium, and long term goals you have and plan them out using the SMARTER goals strategy.
Discuss whether you want to join your accounts or keep them separate. Depending on your relationship and communication style, this can make a difference between fighting about money and talking about it.
If you have kids or plan for kids, talk about your parenting plan and how you’ll handle allowance, chores, extracurricular activities, and even paying for college.
Review all the insurance policies you have and talk about any new ones you think you’ll need. Insurance is there to protect your family and your assets in case of unexpected life occurrences.
View episode transcript.
 
Running Now! Special Valentine’s Day Offer:
From now until February 29th, you can enter to win a $100 Triangle VISA gift card to be used on your next date night. All you have to do is send us an email (using the link below) telling us something you learned from the episode and we will automatically enter you into the drawing. Good luck!
Please see the details below and review the Official Rules for more information.
Offer details:
This offer is for a $100 Triangle VISA gift card.
Open to non-members and members within our service footprint – If you work or reside in the Hillsborough, Merrimack, Belknap, Rockingham and Cheshire Counties of New Hampshire, as well as the Franklin, Worcester, Middlesex and Essex Counties of Massachusetts.
Contest runs until Saturday, February 29, 2020.
Email us at mailto:tcupodcast@trianglecu.org mentioning something you learned on the show to enter.
 
For more information visit trianglecu.org and don't forget to like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter!

5 Ways to Spend Smart During the Holidays

It’s so easy to overspend during the holiday season, but with the proper planning and the right tools, you can keep yourself from scrambling every year. In this episode we cover 5 ways you can spend smart during this holiday season and what you can do to prepare for next year.
 
Notes & Links:
Shop with your Triangle debit card to earn money back with Purchase Rewards; activate your rewards through online or mobile banking.
Learn more with our online banking video.
Use your Membership Rewards credit card to earn points on every purchase and get rewarded for your spending —just be sure to stick to your spending budget.
Earn extra rewards points per dollar with your Membership Rewards credit card by shopping the premium brands at the CUrewards.com mall.
Start saving holiday money early with a Triangle savings or checking account.
Check out the variety of shopping apps and tools you can use for planning such as groupon.com, Wikibuy, ibotta.com, retailmenot.com
Get creative and try making a personalized gift on Shutterfly.com or other related sites.
View episode transcript.
 
For more information visit trianglecu.org and don't forget to like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter!

Fundamentals of Financial Planning

In this episode we talk with Brian Luce, Financial Planner at Triangle Financial Group, about the steps people can take to get financially organized, the fears he helps them overcome, and his motivation for helping them make the best financial decisions they can for their futures.
Notes & Links:
Brian mentioned three foundational strategies for financial planning.
Protect your finances with life and disability coverage
Build up a healthy cash reserve
Save 15% - 25% of your income
Learn more about Triangle Financial Group and its financial planning resources
Check out trianglecu.org for upcoming seminars with Brian
Set up a time to meet with Brian! Speak to a teller or Financial Service Representative at any branch, email Brian at bluce@financialguide.com or call 1-800-276-2470 to set up a free consultation.
View the episode transcript.
 
Securities and investment advisory services offered through qualified registered representatives of MML Investors Services, LLC, Member SIPC. www.sipc.org, 101 Federal St, Suite 800, Boston, MA 02110. Tel: 617-439-4389. Triangle Financial Group is not a subsidiary or affiliate of MML Investors Services, LLC or its affiliated companies. CRN202110-253204.
NOT A DEPOSIT - NOT NCUA INSURED - NOT GUARANTEED BY ANY FEDERAL GOVERNMENT AGENCY - NOT GUARANTEED BY THE CREDIT UNION - MAY GO DOWN IN VALUE.

A Lower Cost Option to Higher Education

 
Community colleges offer students of any age the opportunity to achieve the degree they want at a significant cost savings. In this episode, Terri chats with Laura Tremblay and Anne Eule, representatives from Nashua Community College, about how community colleges can be an integral part of any student’s long term education plan and the many resources available for both students and parents to save money on financing, earn scholarships and ultimately transfer to a 4-year institution.
 
Important Notes:
Community colleges can be a great way for students to get their core classes out of the way before transferring to a 4-year school while saving thousands in the process.
Start looking for scholarships in middle school. There are plenty out there and even a $500 scholarship can cover books or other college costs.
Visit NCC’s website to learn more
Visit NHtransfer.org to learn about the college transfer process
Learn about the FAFSA form and student aid at studentaid.ed.gov
Download the myStudentAid mobile app for convenient FAFSA filing and tracking
Visit the NH Charitable Foundation to learn about available NH scholarships
Attend our College Night event to meet with college representatives and learn about college funding from New Hampshire Higher Education Assistance Foundation (NHHEAF).
View the episode transcript.
 
For more information visit trianglecu.org and don't forget to like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter!