New Horizons Credit Union Blog

If all of your kids have gone to college, living on their own, or started their own family, you are now considered an empty nester. Though a little bit sad, you can make the most of it! Downsizing is a big step for empty nesters, but it can save you a lot of money that you can use for other things like trips with your partner or family vacations every now and then. Read on for some downsizing tips for empty nesters. 1. Let go of items you don't need anymore. If you're moving to a smaller house, townhome, or apartment, you are going to need to downsize. Gather your kids, if you can, to help you sift through the items in your house and let them keep the things they want. If there is something of sentimental value you would like for them to keep, now is a great opportunity to do so. When you're going through your belongings, it's hard to want to get rid of things. Keep in mind this rule of t...

You may think this new year scammers will finally give it up and get a real job, right? Unfortunately, scammers will always be around. That's why we need to keep ourselves on alert and know what a scams look like to avoid getting scammed. Below are a few scams you need to watch out for in the New Year. Common Signs of a Scam:   1. A Sense of Urgency   2. Obvious Spelling Mistakes   3. Too Good to be True deals   4. Asking for Personal Information   5. Contact You Out of the Blue 1. Phishing Scams The Oxford Dictionary definition of Phishing is the fraudulent practice of sending emails or other messages purporting to be from reputable companies in order to induce individuals to reveal personal information, such as passwords and credit card numbers. For example, you receive an email claiming to be from Amazon. They tell you your account has been compromised and you need to enter your email and password through the link they provided so...

It's a new year, which means new goals to achieve before the year ends! Whether that be working out, picking up a new hobby, or working less, it's up to you to choose your new goal and stick with it. This year, be sure to include financial wellness in your to-do list. Being financially healthy is just as important as keeping your body healthy. Read on for a couple of money habits you should take into 2023 and stick with. 1. Spend Less Than You Earn This is a tale as old as time. If you earn about $5,000 each month, but spend up to $10,000 each month, you need to take a step back and reevaluate your financial choices. Are you splurging on expensive items each week? Are you maxing out your credit cards? If you are spending more than you earn, you will never build a savings or an emergency fund. Take a step back and assess where your money is going. Cut down on spending and focus on paying for the essentials first. Make sure your bills are paid and up to date, pay down cr...