Category Archives: Guest Blog

Cut the Holiday Spending and Make Memories

If holiday gift giving is part of your culture and traditions, there are many ways to show your fondness for friends and loved ones without major holiday spending. With a little planning, you can reduce the added pressure that comes with holiday gifting, and make sure you start 2025 without more debt. NerdWallet’s 2024 Holiday… (read more)

Charitable Strategy: Charitable Tax Deduction and Beyond

With holidays around the corner, what better time than now to consider giving to charity. It’s a popular way to do some good and maybe benefit from a charitable tax deduction. Charitable giving is not only an opportunity to make a difference in the world—it can be a savvy financial move when integrated into a… (read more)

Saving For Your Child’s Future

Saving for your child’s future is a crucial priority for families, and one we work hard to support. From Sparky’s Kids Club to our Club Ignite program for teens, FFCCU offers many of the tools to suit your family savings needs. Guest blogger, Nichole Coyle, CFP® CSLP®, details 8 key steps in preparing your child for financial… (read more)

American Credit Unions: 90 Years of “People Helping People”

American credit unions are celebrating International Credit Union Day (October 17, 2024). When it comes to managing your hard-earned money, it’s important to choose a financial services provider that makes your needs their top priority. Credit unions are uniquely focused on helping people reach their financial goals, whether that is saving for the future, buying… (read more)

Small Business IRAs: Why Small Biz Owners Need to Think About Retirement Now

With an abundance of challenges to juggle—managing employees, satisfying customers, keeping the lights on—small business IRAs might have slipped your mind! Amid this chaos, it’s easy to push retirement planning to the back burner. However, helping secure your financial future is not just a good idea; it’s essential. Some IRAs are available to individuals, and… (read more)

Pain-Free Car Buying Tips

Many consumers have waited to buy a car in recent years as prices and interest rates have soared. Interest rates remain high, but car prices are starting to come down in 2024. On average, new cars are being sold at 97 percent of list price compared to 102 percent in 2022, according to Kiplinger.com. If… (read more)

How to Brace for Increasing Housing Prices: A Guide for Homeowners and Renters

Have you noticed your insurance bills skyrocketing lately? If so, you’re in good company. According to Policygenius, the average home insurance premium rose by 21% between May 2022 and May 2023. Combine this with increasing housing prices, property taxes, and high interest rate debt, and it’s no wonder why so many Americans are struggling in… (read more)

Empower Your Kids with a Student Savings Account

Learning how to manage money wisely is an important skill that can set children up for financial success in life. But it’s harder to explain the value of money in a society that is increasingly cashless. When children don’t see real money being exchanged, it’s harder for them to grasp the basic concepts around how… (read more)

Financial Planning and Divorce

Divorce can be one of the most challenging life events. It is an emotional time and can bring about significant changes. Among the many adjustments that follow divorce, achieving financial independence can be intimidating. However, with careful planning, customized strategies, and a positive mindset, it is possible to regain financial stability and independence post-divorce. Here… (read more)

What is a Certified Financial Planner?

Managing your personal finances can be stressful. Are you saving enough for retirement? Will you have enough set aside to help your kids with college expenses? Are you dealing with any debt? Are you confident about your current savings and investment decisions? There are subtleties, legalities, best practices, and changing rules that influence all of… (read more)