With the leaves changing colors and that nice, cool, crisp feeling back in the air, the autumn season has finally arrived! Are you looking for ways to enjoy the fall without falling into debt? Well, get your pumpkin spice, grab a football, and pick up that rake in the garage, because we’re about to explore some great ways to enjoy the fall traditions on a budget!

As inflation continues to wreak havoc on the middle and lower socioeconomic classes, many will feel the sting of rising costs in different areas of their lives. Those with children can attest to this fact, as the statistics show that raising a child can cost upward of $310,000.00 from infancy to age 17. This does not include any higher education costs and works out to be about $18,000.00 per year. We aren’t going to scare you with this stat and leave you wondering what to do. Here are a few ways you can combat the rising costs of parenthood:

Look out — there’s a new scam in town! “Smishing” is a scam format that has recently encountered a boost in scammer popularity, and it’s surprisingly sneaky. Keep reading to learn more about smishing and how to keep your information safe!

Whether you’re trying to distract a group of restless kids, entertain a few bored teens, or just enjoy yourself, the summer can be a taxing time on your wallet. However, there are so many things you can do that cost little to no money. Don’t worry, just because you’re saving money, doesn’t mean you’re sacrificing fun. There’s still plenty of summer left, which means there’s still plenty of time to save money AND have a great time. Here are five things you can do this summer (and beyond) that won’t break the bank.

Credit reports, budgets, goals, and debt can be frightening words and concepts whether you are hearing them for the first time or the hundredth time. They are chilling because they are important in leading a healthy financial lifestyle, but we may not be well-versed in what they mean. Once you become familiar with the world of finance, you can maneuver more effectively through your own financial history to set up your future. Here are some ways to become more comfortable with the wild world of money.

A Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC) is a financial solution that, like any financial solution, has pros, cons, and considerations. So, how do you know if a HELOC is right for you? Allow us to give you the breakdown!

Did you know, a recent survey reported that 44% of the 2,500 responders said that being a member of a credit union has had a “very positive” impact on their financial situation? Compare this to the only 29% who said being a part of a big bank has had the same positive impact. These results were reflected across various demographics as 43% of women surveyed and 44% of people of color felt their financial situation was improved by a Credit Union.

Have you heard the term “debt consolidation” tossed around? It sounds both intimidating and interesting. A way to simplify your debt and monthly payments? Perfect! But debt consolidation isn’t for everyone, especially if you don’t want to rush into something that isn’t right for your finances.

With gas prices soaring, many Americans are feeling the financial sting at the pump. Stops to fill up are costing anywhere between $70 to $100 on average cars, so it might be time to consider trading in for a more fuel efficient model. So if you’re thinking about trading in your gas guzzler for an economically and environmentally friendly vehicle, here are some of the best to look at! And don’t forget, HealthShare Credit Union is here to help you out with a low-rate auto loan!

Making ends meet. A shoestring budget. Scraping by. Scrimping. No matter what you call it, a recent study finds that seven out of ten Americans are now living paycheck-to-paycheck. If you’ve never had to adopt this lifestyle, consider yourself lucky. At HealthShare Credit Union we understand the immense burden that a paycheck-to-paycheck budget can place on you and those you love. The last thing you need is someone wagging their finger at you chastising you for not managing your money better. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of ways you can save money on a month-to-month basis, as well as some solutions unique to credit unions.

What types of thoughts or feelings come to mind when you read the word "budget?" For some, budgeting comes naturally, a skill that has been with them since a young age. For the rest of us, we may think, “I should be budgeting,” or “that’s scary and I don’t want to think about it, so I won’t.” Wherever you fall in that spectrum, the hard truth is that budgeting is a necessary tool to keep finances in check. Learning the difference between needs and wants can be a humbling experience. Watching debt disappear is a thrilling experience.

(and 3 ways to get back on track)

Have you failed your resolution for 2022 yet? Don’t panic! If you’re like most people, your answer is probably “yes.” About 84% of people aren’t able to follow through on their resolutions, but that doesn’t mean you should throw in the towel!

It is absolutely possible to stick to your resolutions— you just need to recognize the common pitfalls of failing resolutions and plan to overcome them. Luckily for you, we’ve gathered three reasons many resolutions fail and some ways you can get back on track.