guest blogs
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Tips for Teaching Kids About Money and Finances
Apr 2, 2026April is National Credit Union Youth Month, a perfect time to focus on building strong money habits at home. These tips help parents introduce financial concepts like allowance, saving, and budgeting in ways kids can understand. Learn how IAA Credit Union supports families with youth-focused tools and accounts every step of the way.Read More about Tips for Teaching Kids About Money and Finances -
Ways to Build Credit With No Credit History
Mar 19, 2026Starting a credit history takes time, but there are practical steps you can take to build it responsibly. By using a starter or secured credit card wisely, keeping balances low, paying on time, and even becoming an authorized user, you can establish a strong credit foundation. Regularly checking your credit report and score helps ensure you stay on track and catch issues early.Read More about Ways to Build Credit With No Credit History -
3 Credit Score Myths Debunked
Mar 2, 2026March is National Credit Education Month, a perfect time to take a closer look at how credit really works and how it affects your financial future. Understanding your credit score can help you make smart money decisions, but it's just as important to separate fact from fiction. There are several ways to boost your credit score, and the more techniques you know, the better off you are. However, there is a lot of misinformation out there about credit, too. Here are some credit score myths.Read More about 3 Credit Score Myths Debunked -
Don't Let Travel Scams Ruin Your Vacation: What to Watch for Before You Book
Feb 16, 2026As summer travel planning gets underway, scammers increasingly target travelers with fake booking sites, misleading ads, and “too‑good‑to‑be‑true” offers. Even savvy consumers can be misled but knowing common travel scams including fraudulent rentals and passport or Real ID schemes can help protect your money and personal information before you book.Read More about Don't Let Travel Scams Ruin Your Vacation: What to Watch for Before You Book -
How to Set Financial Goals You'll Actually Keep in the New Year
Jan 21, 2026New Year goals become far more achievable when they’re broken into clear, SMART steps instead of broad resolutions. By focusing on specific, measurable actions, and reinforcing them with accountability and written plans, you’re more likely to stay consistent and see real progress. Practical examples like saving small amounts regularly show how simple habits can build toward big milestones.Read More about How to Set Financial Goals You'll Actually Keep in the New Year -
Don't Let a Romance Scam Break Your Heart This Valentine's Day
Jan 16, 2026Romance scams often begin with fast‑building emotional connections that feel genuine, only to escalate into urgent requests for money and sudden disappearance. As Valentine’s Day approaches, it’s important to watch for red flags like love bombing, long‑distance excuses, and pressure to move conversations off secure platforms. By staying cautious, verifying identities, and seeking support from loved ones and financial institutions, people can better protect themselves from these increasingly sophisticated schemes.Read More about Don't Let a Romance Scam Break Your Heart This Valentine's Day -
Top Resolutions For A Fraud-Free New Year
Dec 29, 2025As scams and fraud schemes continue to evolve, protecting your personal and financial information has never been more important. Whether you’re checking emails, shopping online, or interacting on social media, scammers are constantly developing new tactics to trick unsuspecting individuals. By making informed and proactive choices every day, you can significantly reduce your risk of falling victim to these deceptive practices. Here, you’ll find practical resolutions to help you stay alert, protect your identity, and keep your finances secure throughout the year.Read More about Top Resolutions For A Fraud-Free New Year -
Easy Steps for Financial Wellness in 2026
Nov 19, 2025Financial wellness is best achieved through small, manageable actions rather than strict budgeting. By reviewing spending habits and automating savings, individuals can gain better control and reduce financial stress.Read More about Easy Steps for Financial Wellness in 2026 -
7 Ways to Protect Yourself From Fraud
Nov 13, 2025Fraud is on the rise, costing Americans billions each year, but there are practical steps you can take to protect yourself. From securing your mail and personal information to strengthening online and financial security, monitoring credit, and staying alert on social media, these strategies help reduce your risk. Adopting a scam-savvy mindset and acting quickly when something feels off are your best defenses against fraud.Read More about 7 Ways to Protect Yourself From Fraud -
How to Get Out of the Subscription Crunch
Oct 31, 2025One way to get the most out of your budget is to reduce subscription expenses. This is especially important with the holidays almost here. Here are some things to consider when dealing with subscription expenses.Read More about How to Get Out of the Subscription Crunch -
Tackle Credit Card Debt Before Holiday Spending Hits
Oct 14, 2025Holiday spending can quickly worsen existing credit card debt, especially as more Americans struggle to keep up with payments. By taking proactive steps, like budgeting, choosing a repayment strategy, and pausing credit card use, you can reduce financial stress and set yourself up for a more peaceful start to the new year.Read More about Tackle Credit Card Debt Before Holiday Spending Hits -
30 Days to a Better Budget
Oct 1, 2025October is National Financial Planning Month, making it a great time to reassess your budget and take control of your financial goals before year-end. This 30-day budgeting challenge designed to help you track spending, make small adjustments, and build momentum toward financial wellness. With support from IAA Credit Union and GreenPath Financial Wellness, you're encouraged to take manageable steps to reduce stress and improve your money habits.Read More about 30 Days to a Better Budget -
Five Ways to Boost Your Credit Score Starting Now
Sep 29, 2025Improving a credit score requires consistent effort and strategic financial habits. By understanding and managing credit reports, payments, debt, and credit usage, individuals can strengthen their financial profiles over time.Read More about Five Ways to Boost Your Credit Score Starting Now -
How Can I Avoid Falling Into Debt?
Jul 24, 2025Avoiding high-interest debt starts with building smart financial habits like budgeting, using cash for everyday purchases, and setting up a dedicated emergency fund. By living below your means and removing spending temptations, you can stay in control of your finances. Even small, consistent changes can lead to long-term financial stability and peace of mind.Read More about How Can I Avoid Falling Into Debt? -
Good Money Habits to Start in Your 20's
Jun 26, 2025Your 20's are the ideal time to build smart money habits that can set the stage for lifelong financial success. From setting clear financial goals and creating a budget to building credit, saving for emergencies, and starting to invest early, these foundational steps can help you take control of your financial future. With consistency and a willingness to learn, the small decisions you make today can lead to big rewards tomorrow.Read More about Good Money Habits to Start in Your 20's -
Are You Making These Financial Mistakes?
Apr 24, 2025It can be easy to make mistakes with money. It's easy to make mistakes with anything. However, with money, certain pitfalls are easier to avoid than others. Here are some common money mistakes that can be avoided with just a bit of work.Read More about Are You Making These Financial Mistakes? -
How to Protect Your Credit from Identity Theft
Mar 25, 2025To close out National Credit Education Month, it’s important to take proactive steps to protect your personal and financial information from identity theft. Freezing your credit, regularly checking your credit reports, and setting up online purchase alerts can help safeguard your accounts and prevent fraudulent activity. Experts also recommend freezing your child’s credit to prevent long-term identity fraud that could go unnoticed for years.Read More about How to Protect Your Credit from Identity Theft -
How Can I Build a Stronger Credit Profile?
Feb 19, 2025Improving your credit score is essential, as it impacts everything from loan interest rates to job background checks. Start by regularly monitoring your score through tools like My Credit Score from IAA Credit Union, and take proactive steps such as paying bills on time, keeping credit utilization low, and disputing any errors on your credit report. By practicing good credit habits and avoiding unnecessary new credit applications, you can steadily build a stronger financial profile.Read More about How Can I Build a Stronger Credit Profile? -
5 AI Scams Set to Surge in 2025: What You Need to Know
Jan 14, 2025While 2024 provided us with rare glimpses of deepfakes, voice clones, and AI-generated phishing scams, it was merely “training wheels” for fraudsters as they tested the waters. It’s 2025 which is now poised to become the year AI scams become a dominant force in draining fintech and bank accounts. With so much more activity on criminal channels, fraud experts now believe AI-enabled scams will flourish in 2025. Here is what you need to know.Read More about 5 AI Scams Set to Surge in 2025: What You Need to Know -
3 Simple Ways To Improve Your Credit Score Starting Today
Dec 9, 2024There are several ways to boost your credit score; the more techniques you know, the better off you are. If you’re looking to improve your score, try these methods below. Remember that improving your score can take time, but it is worth it.Read More about 3 Simple Ways To Improve Your Credit Score Starting Today