Making Money Personal

Think identity thieves only target high income individuals, a bigger prize if you will? False. Identity thieves target anybody they think might fall for their scams. They’ll keep coming up with new ways for unsuspecting victims to hand over personal and financial information. Keep listening to learn a little more about how thieves work to steal your identity, and a few things you can do to stop them in their tracks.  

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• F...

In this episode we chat with AJ Lemarier, Financial Planner, about the basics of Medicare and the various options individuals consider when selecting the right plan for their future needs.

Links:

• Take the free financial assessment: Financial Wellness Experience
• Get in touch with AJ: https://www.trianglefinancialgroup.com/the-team
• Check out more Medicare options at: https://www.medicare.gov/
• Explore more retirement and Medicar...

Developing strong financial habits starts with understanding how you interact with money—both consciously and unconsciously. To truly make the most of what you earn, you need to uncover the hidden patterns in your spending and recognize where money might be slipping away. So, what everyday habits could be quietly draining your wallet without you even realizing it?  

Links:

• Want lower interest rates? Contact Triangle Credit Uni...

Ever glance at your bank account and wonder, “Where did it all go?” Impulse buys might be the usual suspects, but they’re just the beginning. In today’s economy—where every dollar counts—there are plenty of subtle ways money slips through the cracks. Some are so routine habits that could be draining your wallet, and you might not even notice them. 

Links:

• Keep better track of your expenses with our Money Management tool within...

There are so many different ways scammers try to trick people. Some scams are easily recognizable, while others might not be so obvious. The effectiveness of a scam depends on many factors, most importantly, the victim’s unawareness of the scammers’ techniques. Staying aware is the number one thing we should all do to stay ahead of scammers and live with a little more peace of mind.  

Links:

• Check out TCU University for financ...

How's your credit score? Is it in tip-top shape, or maybe it could use a little bit of love? The fact is that your credit score is one of the most important financial metrics we use today and how we manage and nurture it makes a huge difference in shaping your financial opportunities. By managing and improving it, you can secure better loan terms and lower interest rates, paving the way for a healthier financial future.  

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When it comes to impulse buying and overspending, one often overlooked area is the grocery store. Fortunately, there are simple strategies you can use to save money on groceries and keep your costs within your budget. 

Links:

• Check out TCU University for more financial education tips and resources!
• Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter!
• Learn more about Triangle Credit Union  

Transcript:

Welcome to Money Tip Tues...

Planning for college involves important decisions, especially when it comes to financing and financial aid. In this episode, we discuss the FAFSA process with Matt Wallace, Vice President of Education & Career Pathways at Granite Edvance. We cover essential tips for completing the FAFSA, upcoming changes to streamline the filing process, and valuable resources for parents and students to ensure a smooth experience.

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• ...

Fall is in the air, and you know what that means? It's still a great time to search for that perfect house! As the leaves begin to change and the weather cools down, the real estate market stays active with fresh listings and motivated sellers. Whether you're cozying up to the idea of buying your first home or thinking about making a move before the holidays, autumn is a great time to explore your options and find that perfect plac...

In today’s digital world, with so much of our information and interactions taking place over the internet, sooner or later we’re bound to receive suspicious messages or emails trying to trick us into giving sensitive account information. There are always scams circling around we should all be aware of, and today’s scam of note involves Amazon. 

Links:

• Stay up to date on scams with Amazon's security info blog
• Report scams and s...

Recurring subscriptions – such as streaming services, apps, and memberships - can quietly drain a budget. Many people don't realize how much they're spending until it's too late. If you are one of the many people trying to manage several streaming services and other subscription services, it is crucial to pay special attention to subscription payments to properly manage and understand their total cost over time. 

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• Explor...

Purchasing a home is a big decision. For most people, it's the biggest purchase they will make in their lifetime. Unfortunately, for many homeowners, even a possession like a house can fall under the threat of identity theft tactics, which makes awareness and protection an important necessity in this day and age.  

Links:

• Explore the benefits of a Triangle Better Checking account
• For those with Better Checking, sign up now or ...

Food delivery apps offer a convenient service to get delicious food brought directly to your door. But they can also pose financial hazards that can derail even the tightest budget. How can food delivery habits impact your overall financial health? Keep listening to find out.   

Links:

• Check out TCU University for financial education tips and resources!
• Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter!
• Learn more about Triangle Cr...

Community outreach and financial literacy go hand in hand. Part of Triangle's mission involves bringing our many financial products and services out into the community through various sponsorships, engagement initiatives and employee programs. 

In this episode, we're chatting with Jana Gemelli, Community Outreach & Sales Coordinator at Triangle Credit Union, about the work she does to bring Triangle's products, services and fin...

Are you an animal lover thinking about welcoming your first pet into your home? That’s so exciting! Here are some friendly tips to help you prepare for the journey of pet ownership and understand the costs involved.  

Links:

• Search for and adopt your next furry friend at petfinder.com
• Use Triangle's Goal Builder tool to start a saving fund for your next pet or a sinking fund for your current one!
• Check out TCU University for f...

It's never too late to start building a financial plan, but the more time you have to make your money work for you, the better. Developing good financial habits early on increases your chances of achieving financial independence, and starting in your 20s is even more beneficial. 

Links:

• Start your savings journey with Triangle's Goal Builder tool
• Start your investment journey with Triangle's Financial Planning services
• Check o...

Identity thieves work extra hard to trick us into giving over our personal information. But there are ways for us to implement effective tactics to safeguard our identities and stop thieves in their tracks. In this tip, we’re sharing five ways to take steps you can take to make it harder for identity thieves to steal your information. 

Links:

• Explore the identity protecting benefits of a Better Checking account
• IRS Taxpayer Gu...

Vehicles can get expensive. The average American spends approximately $12,000 on vehicle costs annually, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (2023). Are there ways to cut those costs and save a little money on expenses?   

Links:

• Research tools like Gas Buddy as an option to save money on gas purchases*
• Check out Triangle's competitive auto refinance rates
• Check out TCU University for financial education tips and ...

In an era where technology is intertwined with our daily lives, fraudsters are continually devising new strategies to steal sensitive information from unsuspecting individuals. Among their most insidious tactics is phishing—a deceptive practice designed to manipulate you into divulging your personal information without your awareness. 

• Learn more about KnowBe4 Awareness
• Check out TCU University for financial education tips and...