guest blogs
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Good Money Habits to Start in Your 20's
Your 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 -
Five Ways to Boost Your Credit Score Starting Now
Improving your credit score starts with small, intentional steps that can make a big difference over time. Key strategies include reviewing your credit reports for errors, setting up automatic payments to avoid late fees, paying down debt, keeping older credit cards active, and exploring secured credit card options. With consistency and awareness, it's possible to rebuild and strengthen your financial standing.Read More about Five Ways to Boost Your Credit Score Starting Now -
Are You Making These Financial Mistakes?
It 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
To 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?
Improving 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
While 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 -
Top Resolutions For A Fraud-Free New Year
Online purchase scams continue to be the third-riskiest scams due to the loss of money and personal information and the perseverance of scammers. The Better Business Bureau (BBB) recommends adding a few precautionary steps to the New Year's resolution list to help make the upcoming days and months fraud-free.Read More about Top Resolutions For A Fraud-Free New Year -
3 Simple Ways To Improve Your Credit Score Starting Today
There 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 -
How Well Have You Planned for Your Financial Future?
October is National Financial Planning Month! With the holiday season around the corner (a time of more spending) and the new year to follow, Financial Planning Month is a great time to get your finances and budgets in order before the busy end-of-the-year season. Use this as your reminder to sit down and take a good look at your finances including your spending, saving, investments, and more.Read More about How Well Have You Planned for Your Financial Future? -
How to Set and Achieve Your Financial Goals
Reaching your financial goals can be difficult, but not impossible. The key is to get out of your way. Here are some strategies and resources that can make reaching your goals easier.Read More about How to Set and Achieve Your Financial Goals -
Are You Prepared for a Financial Emergency?
A recent study revealed that 56% of Americans are unprepared to handle a $1,000 emergency, with many citing inflation as a key barrier to saving. To avoid relying on debt, the blog advises prioritizing savings, setting up a dedicated account, and utilizing high-yield savings options like IAA Credit Union’s Premier Savings.Read More about Are You Prepared for a Financial Emergency? -
Earning 101: Top 12 Summer Jobs for Teens
School is out for the summer! Okay, now what?! We’re sure your teens have plenty of stuff to keep you busy – but do they have the money to pay for it all? That’s where a summer job might come into play. Lots of companies hire for the summer months, and high schoolers can take advantage of their flexible schedules over the summer months to earn some cash. But what are some good summer jobs for teens? We’ve got you covered!Read More about Earning 101: Top 12 Summer Jobs for Teens -
A Parent's Guide to Chores and Allowances
At IAA Credit Union, we think chores are important – especially on the path to financial independence. With Greenlight’s money app for families, you can teach kids life skills and connect chores with allowance to teach the relationship between work and money.Read More about A Parent's Guide to Chores and Allowances -
Scammers Impersonate IRS Agents: How to Protect Yourself from Imposters Trying to Steal Your Money
Scammers impersonating IRS agents use various tactics: claiming you owe money and threatening arrest, offering unclaimed tax refunds in exchange for personal information, or promising tax rebates in return for identity verification. To avoid falling victim to these scams, remember the IRS doesn't initiate contact by phone, email, text, or social media, won't threaten arrest, and won't ask for immediate payment via unusual methods like gift cards or cryptocurrency. If you suspect a scam, hang up immediately, verify the IRS contact information independently, and report any fraudulent activity to the appropriate authorities.Read More about Scammers Impersonate IRS Agents: How to Protect Yourself from Imposters Trying to Steal Your Money -
Ways to celebrate financial literacy with your family
IAA Credit Union partnered with Greenlight, the debit card and money app for kids and teens. In honor of April being Financial Literacy Month, learn why financial literacy is important and 6 ways to teach financial literacy to kids and teens.Read More about Ways to celebrate financial literacy with your family -
Fake Check Scams Online
IAA Credit Union has observed an increase in fake check scams targeting teenagers online. In response, we want to provide parents with information they can share with their teens to protect them from falling victim to these scams.Read More about Fake Check Scams Online -
Spring Break Fraud
Are you gearing up for your spring break adventure? While you're busy making plans, safeguarding against identity theft or fraud might not be your top priority. However, being in a new environment, especially if you're not fully focused on your surroundings, can make you vulnerable. Here are some tips on how to avoid fraud while traveling for spring break.Read More about Spring Break Fraud -
The Power of Proactivity: Shielding Yourself from Identity Theft
In recent years, discussions about information security have become increasingly prevalent. This comes as no surprise, given that data from the Federal Trade Commission indicates a significant rise in fraud-related losses among Americans, surpassing $8.8 billion in 2022—a staggering 30% increase compared to 2021. To shield yourself from fraud and identity theft, consider incorporating these three crucial tips.Read More about The Power of Proactivity: Shielding Yourself from Identity Theft -
Romance Scams
Adults of all ages are going online in hopes of finding love and companionship. But seeking romantic bliss online can have a major downside: Cyberspace is full of scammers eager to take advantage of lonely hearts, and their ranks are growing.Read More about Romance Scams -
Navigating 2024: A Tactical Approach to Financial Wellness
As the new year begins, it's an ideal time to evaluate or re-evaluate your household budget...Read More about Navigating 2024: A Tactical Approach to Financial Wellness
