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 Medicare resources at: The United States Social Security Administration Check out TCU University for financial education tips and resources! Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter! Learn more about Triangle Credit Union  

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 Union for more information on debt consolidation options Keep better track of your expenses with our Money Management tool within online banking Check out TCU University for financial education tips and resources! Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter! Learn more about Triangle Credit Union   Transcript: Welcome to Money Tip Tuesday from the Making Money Personal podcast.   In order for us to live financially free lives, we need to take charge of ALL the ways we spend money. Part of taking charge involves recognizing all the productive and unproductive ways we’re spending our money.   Last week we covered five sneaky ways our habits can drain our wallets and this week I’m going to present five more for you to be aware of.  Exorbitantly High Interest Loans High-interest loans—like payday loans, certain credit cards, or quick cash advances—can trap you in a relentless cycle of debt. What starts as a short-term fix often turns into long-term financial strain, with interest piling up faster than you can pay it down. These types of loans are especially risky in tough economic times, when borrowing may feel like the only option. Unfortunately, the high rates make it difficult to catch up, and the stress of mounting debt can affect your overall financial health.  If you recently discovered you’re paying a lot of money towards high-interest debt, explore alternatives like refinancing, balance transfers to lower-interest cards, or consolidating debt through a reputable lender. If you're unsure where to start, speaking with a financial advisor or nonprofit credit counselor can help you find safer, more sustainable solutions.   Overspending on Convenience Services Food delivery, express shipping, and pre-packaged items are all about ease—but that convenience comes at a cost. Whether it’s the markup on restaurant meals, the extra fees for rush shipping, or the premium price of ready-made products, these small expenses can quietly snowball into a major budget drain. It’s tempting to lean on these services when life gets busy, but using them regularly can eat into your finances more than you might expect. In today’s economy, where every dollar matters, convenience should be a conscious choice—not a default habit.   Plan ahead to reduce reliance on convenience services. Cooking at home, batching errands, or choosing standard shipping instead of express can lead to meaningful savings without sacrificing too much comfort.  Lifestyle Inflation As income grows, spending often grows right along with it—a phenomenon known as lifestyle inflation. It’s easy to justify upgrades like a nicer car, more frequent dining out, or luxury gadgets when you’re earning more, but these habits rarely improve long-term financial security. In fact, they can quietly prevent you from building savings, investing, or reaching bigger financial goals. Without a plan, higher income can lead to higher expenses and little progress.   Keep your lifestyle modest even as your earnings rise. Automate savings so a portion of your income goes directly into a savings or investment account, and set clear financial goals to stay focused. That way, you can enjoy your success without letting it slip through your fingers.  Buying Low-Quality Items That Need Frequent Replacement Cheap products may seem like a bargain at first glance, but poor quality often leads to more frequent replacements—costing you more over time. Whether it’s clothing that wears out after a few washes, electronics that break down quickly, or furniture that doesn’t h

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 online banking Check out TCU University for financial education tips and resources! Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter! Learn more about Triangle Credit Union   Transcript: Welcome to Money Tip Tuesday from the Making Money Personal podcast.   In a time when prices seem to rise faster than paychecks, keeping track of your spending is more important than ever. Yet even the most budget-conscious among us can fall into habits that quietly drain our finances. From everyday conveniences to overlooked fees, these money leaks often go unnoticed until it’s too late. The good news? Most of them are fixable with a few smart tweaks.   This tip is part one of two tips that will cover ten sneaky yet common budget busters. Here are the first five.   Throwing Away Wasted Food Buying groceries with good intentions only to toss them out a few days later is a quiet but costly habit. Whether it’s forgotten leftovers, produce that never made it into a meal, or bulk items that seemed like a good deal at the time, food waste can add up fast—and so does the money lost with it. In today’s economy, where grocery prices continue to climb, letting food go unused is like throwing cash straight into the trash. The problem often stems from lack of planning or overestimating what we’ll actually eat during the week. Plan meals before shopping and stick to a list that reflects your actual schedule and appetite. Explore tools like dinner planning apps or notebooks to keep your meal plan organized and easy to follow.   Overspending on Dining Out Takeout and restaurant meals are undeniably convenient—especially after a long day—but that convenience comes at a steep price. With rising food costs, service fees, and delivery charges, even a quick bite can end up costing double what it would to make at home. It’s easy to fall into the habit of dining out regularly without realizing how much it’s impacting your budget. Over time, those small splurges can add up to hundreds of dollars a month. Set a realistic weekly dining-out budget and explore simple, quick recipes that make cooking feel less like a chore. Even swapping just a few restaurant meals for homemade ones each week can lead to noticeable savings—and might even spark a new love for cooking.  Impulse Purchases Online shopping makes it incredibly easy to buy things on a whim—just a few clicks and it’s on its way to your doorstep. These impulse purchases often feel satisfying in the moment, but they can quickly lead to regret, clutter, and a shrinking bank balance. With targeted ads and flash sales constantly vying for your attention, it’s easy to convince yourself that you need something you didn’t even know existed five minutes ago. Over time, these small, unplanned buys can add up to a significant drain on your finances. Curb this temptation with the 24-hour rule—wait a full day before buying non-essential items. This simple pause gives you time to reflect on whether the purchase is truly worth it or just a fleeting desire.  Paying for Unused Subscription Services Streaming platforms, mobile apps, and memberships can quietly renew month after month—even if you’ve completely forgotten about them. It’s easy to sign up for a free trial or a service you might use, only to let it slip under the radar while the charges keep rolling in. These recurring expenses may seem small individually, but together they can take a noticeable bite out of your budget. In a subscription-heavy world, it’s more important than ever to stay on top of what you’re actually usin

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 financial education tips and resources! Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter! Learn more about Triangle Credit Union   Transcript: Welcome to Money Tip Tuesday from the Making Money Personal podcast.   We cover fraud scams and alerts on this channel a lot, but the truth of the matter is that fraud attempts are always occurring so it’s imperative that everyone should stay on top of the most effective or newest trends in order to keep themselves and their loved ones safe.  This tip is going to present examples of some gut-wrenching scams individuals have experienced using three fictitious stories based on real tactics.  #1 Virtual Kidnapping  David was halfway through his morning coffee when his phone rang with a recognized number – his wife’s. The voice on the other end was cold and urgent: “We have your wife. If you want to see her again, send $25,000 through Zelle—now.” Panic surged through him as the caller described personal details about his wife, making the threat feel terrifyingly real. He knew his wife was already on her way to work, but occasionally stopped at a local cafe or store to pick up a coffee or morning snack. David’s hands trembled as he opened his banking app and considered sending the money, but something about the situation didn’t feel right. He asked the caller to put his wife on the phone. The caller refused and instead continued to push David into sending over the money. David began to suspect he was being scammed, so he decided to hang up and call his wife’s office phone. Within seconds, she answered on the other end, confused but safe. Immediately, the scam unraveled, leaving David shaken but relieved, and prompting a call to the police to report the fraud.  This kind of scam preys on fear and urgency. Scammers often use social media to gather personal details, then demand payment through apps like Venmo or Zelle, which are harder to trace. David’s quick thinking saved him from a costly mistake—but not everyone is so lucky.    #2 AI Voice Cloning:  Margaret was folding laundry when her phone buzzed with a call from her daughter, Emily—at least, that’s what the caller ID said. Emily’s voice came through in a frantic rush: she’d been in an accident, her wallet was gone, and she needed money immediately to avoid legal trouble. “I’ll send you a link,” she said, her voice trembling. “Just click it and send whatever you can through Zelle.” Margaret’s heart raced. The voice sounded just like Emily’s—same tone, same cadence—but something felt off. The urgency, the unfamiliar link, the fact that Emily had just messaged her hours before about coming to visit for the holidays. Margaret hesitated, then decided to try something. She remembered Emily had just told her something personal a little while ago that no one else could have known. She quickly asked to Emily to remind her the specific details about that conversation. The caller on the other line was silent for a second then came back with a different question in an attempt to deflect. Margaret was more convinced now this was a scam, so she hung up the phone and called Emily’s number. When her daughter answered calmly from her apartment in Pennsylvania, the truth hit: the voice had been AI-generated, and the link was a scam.  This type of fraud is growing more sophisticated, using voice cloning and spoofed caller IDs to exploit emotional bonds. Margaret’s instinct to verify, saved her from financial loss, but the experience left her shaken—and more cautious than ever. Any of us might face a scam like this in the future,

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.   Links: Explore the identity protecting benefits of a Better Checking account Disputing Errors on Your Credit Reports | Consumer Advice Check out TCU University for financial education tips and resources! Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter! Learn more about Triangle Credit Union   Transcript: Welcome to Money Tip Tuesday from the Making Money Personal podcast.   A credit score might seem like a mysterious three-digit number, but it holds significant influence over your financial life. Whether you're applying for a loan or a credit card, renting an apartment, or even setting up utilities, your credit score plays a crucial role in the decisions that lenders, landlords, and service providers make. Your credit is a valuable asset, and credit score awareness can be a crucial piece in overall financial wellness and identity theft protection. In this tip, we want to remind account holders of the importance of understanding credit scores and provide some tips to help them improve and maintain a healthy credit score.   What Is a Credit Score?   Simply put, a credit score is like a grade for how good you are at managing money. It is one of the most important tools that lenders and financial institutions use to assess the risk of lending money to you. A higher credit score indicates a healthy credit history; therefore, a lower credit risk, making you more appealing to potential creditors. Credit scores typically range from 300 to 850, with higher scores being better, indicating that you have consistently made payments on time to satisfy your credit obligations. While a "good" credit score varies based on the lender and the specifics of the loan request, it is typically around 700 or higher. Once your score is over 760, you may expect to be offered the best available rates. Credit agencies refresh scores once a month, but the exact timing of those updates may vary based on a myriad of factors.  How Is a Credit Score Calculated?   You might be surprised to learn that you can have multiple different credit scores at the same time. Based on where the lender obtained their data (from one, two, or all three credit reporting agencies), the credit score model that is used, the lender’s own criteria for issuing credit, and the timing of when the score was produced. A hypothetical scenario for calculating a credit score might weigh the following factors this way:  Payment History (35%): This is the most important part. It's like getting a gold star for paying bills on time. If you pay on time, your score goes up. If you miss payments, it goes down.  Credit Utilization (30%): Imagine you have a money jar, and you use only a little bit of it. That's good for your score. But if you use a lot of it, it's not so good. This measures how much of your available credit you're using.  Length of Credit History (15%): The longer you've had credit (like a credit card or loan), the better. It's like experience points. More experience means a higher score.  Credit Mix (10%): Having different types of credit, like credit cards and loans, can be like having a diverse team. It's good for your score, but you don't need to have them all.  New Credit (10%): Every time you apply for new credit, like a loan or a credit card, it can slightly lower your score. Too many applications at once can hurt your score.  Lenders will also look at other factors, such as your income, your assets, or how long you have been at your current job. Note that a high credit score isn’t the only sign of financial health. An individual who cho

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 Tuesday from the Making Money Personal Podcast.  Have you ever looked at your grocery receipt in shock, realizing you spent more than you planned? Groceries can quickly add up, and many people are just as likely to make impulse purchases at the grocery store as they are elsewhere. Being aware of your spending and planning ahead are essential to shopping smart and managing regular expenses.  If you're looking to reduce your grocery bill, here are a few tips to consider:  Serve Simple Meals: Dinner doesn’t have to be complicated. Large meals with multiple sides and desserts can require significant prep work and increase costs over time. Consider simpler meal options like BLTs, big salads, egg sandwiches, or quiches. You don’t need to prepare an elaborate feast every night; with a little creativity, you can enjoy satisfying meals without the extra effort and expense. This approach may also help reduce food waste if you or your family can’t finish leftovers.  Pay with Cash: This is a useful strategy for those who stick to a budget. If you know how much you can spend on groceries each week, bring that exact amount in cash and avoid exceeding it. This way, overspending becomes impossible. If you prefer not to use cash, consider setting a spending limit on your credit or debit card.  Try Delivery or Pickup Services: The growing popularity of grocery pickup and delivery services offers more than just convenience; these options can help you cut back on spending. Shopping online decreases the likelihood of impulse purchases. When you walk through the store aisles, you're more likely to encounter items you didn’t plan to buy and toss them into your cart. Instead, opt for online shopping, scheduling a pickup or delivery. While many grocers may charge a small service fee, it could be insignificant compared to the money you save by avoiding impulsive buys. Often, the minor service charge is worth the savings. Pay Attention to Sales: Smart shoppers always keep an eye out for sales, especially on meats, which can help reduce your grocery bill. Take note of when your favorite items go on sale and track their sales cycles to plan your purchases in advance. With some discipline, you’ll find that the savings add up over time. Consider Buying Generic: Generic items are often cheaper than their brand-name counterparts. By switching some or all of your items to generic brands, you could see significant savings. Some grocery stores offer rewards programs that provide money back when you purchase their store brands. Not only are you buying cheaper items, but you’re also getting a little something back for your purchases—an extra win for your wallet!  Groceries are a necessary expense in our budgets, but how much we spend can vary widely. With some planning, discipline, and creativity, you can keep this essential expense from getting out of control.  If there are any other tips or topics you'd like us to cover, let us know at tcupodcast@trianglecu.org. Also, remember to like and follow our Making Money Personal Facebook and Instagram to share your thoughts. Finally, remember to look for our sponsor, Triangle Credit Union, on Facebook and LinkedIn.         Thanks for listening to today's Money Tip Tuesday. Check out our other tips and episodes on the Making Money Personal podcast. 

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. Links: Access free resources, book one-on-one appointments, and find links to helpful tools and guides: Get Our Help - Granite Edvance Get in touch with Granite Edvance: Contact Us - Granite Edvance Book appointment: Calendly - Granite Edvance Explore various financial aid resources: Resource Library - Granite Edvance Check out Granite Edvance's YouTube Channel: Granite Edvance - YouTube Visiting studentaid.gov for official FAFSA forms and helpful wizards to determine dependency status and required contributors Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter! Learn more about Triangle Credit Union   **The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed are the speaker’s own and do not represent the views, thoughts, and opinions of Granite Edvance. The material and information presented here is for general information purposes only and is believed to be materially accurate at the time of this recording; however, information presented is subject to change without notice and should not be construed as a commitment by Granite Edvance.  

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 place to settle in.  Learn more about Triangle's Mortgage programs Get started now with a Mortgage application Questions? Get in touch with one of our Mortgage Originators Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter! Learn more about Triangle Credit Union   Triangle Credit Union is an equal housing lender. Transcript: Welcome to Money Tip Tuesday from the Making Money Personal podcast.  Home Buying can be a daunting task, especially if you've never gone through the process before. There are so many things associated with home buying that it can cause you to become quite anxious. Still, by following these steps, you'll have a more enjoyable experience on your journey to home ownership!   Step 1:  Get as educated as you can early in the process. Watch videos, listen to podcasts and explore articles and blogs on the subject of home ownership to get yourself familiar with as much as you can. Also, if you don't already have a realtor in mind, follow a couple of them on social media and see what they are posting about in terms of home ownership. Go to Facebook and type in "Realtor" followed by "in [your town.] For example, I might type in Realtor in Nashua, NH. A list of realtors in my area will appear. I wouldn't reach out yet. This is more to get a feel for their posts and gain some valuable insight.    Step 2:  Once you feel ready to start the process, it's time to get pre-approved. In today's market, being well-prepared is key, and that includes having your finances in order. To be financially ready, you'll want to have little to no debt, an emergency fund, and a down payment, typically anywhere from 3.5% -20 % of the purchase price. The more you put down, the less your monthly payment will be. For a pre-approval, Triangle Credit Union offers tailored programs to meet your needs, so don't hesitate to reach out if you are within our area. We're here to support you every step of the way!   Step 3:  Find the right realtor for you. I am sure you know someone who has purchased a home before.. Ask them who they worked with and how their experience was! They will give you a first-hand account of the process and will be happy to recommend their agent to you. If you can't get someone to recommend a realtor, go back to Facebook and check out the ones you followed in step 1, and consider reaching out to two or three. Interview them and see if one of them meets your needs! Ask ALL of the questions you have! Remember, they work for you!   Step 4:   Visit open houses and make an offer on the home that catches your eye. Houses go on the market on Monday, and within a few hours, private showings are scheduled, and in some cases, offers are being made above the asking price! If you find a home you love, make a firm offer and keep your fingers crossed. But if your offer isn't accepted, don't lose heart! Your dream home is out there, waiting for you to discover it!    Step 5:  Once your offer is accepted, it's time for the Home Inspection. A home inspection of the property is a thorough walk-through by a licensed professional to check for signs of structural damage or things that may need fixing. This includes checking the foundation, roof, plumbing, electrical systems, and more. Your real estate agent will usually help you arrange this within a few days of the seller accepting your offer. This process protects you by giving you a chance to renegotiate your offer or withdraw it without penalty if the inspection reveals significant material damage. Both you and the seller will receive a report on the home inspe

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 stay up to date on PayPal's security center Get Triangle CU news and fraud updates at TCU University Learn more about the Better Checking account with Identity Protection Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter! Learn more about Triangle Credit Union   Transcript: Welcome to Money Tip Tuesday from the Making Money Personal podcast.   As of 2025 data, Amazon Prime has surpassed over 260 million users worldwide. It’s a company widely recognized that countless users know and trust. So it’s no surprise that scammers will try to use anything associated with Amazon, to pump out deceiving, yet convincing messages to grab your attention and get you to think you’re working with Amazon to resolve an issue or update and order. But beware, because you might instead be working with a fraudster.   Imagine this. You’re in the middle of your workday, focused on projects, emails and tasks, and suddenly your phone buzzes with a new message. It looks to be from Amazon stating that there’s an issue with your recent order and that you can quickly resolve the issue by clicking the link to resolve the issue or initiate a refund. The message tries to get you to act fast by noting that if you don’t follow the instructions you’ll lose the refund. Maybe you’re alarmed, or surprised, so what do you do? Click the link?  Unfortunately, many people fall for scams like these, especially when they come from such a recognizable company as Amazon. I personally have received these from not only Amazon, but PayPal, Ebay and even some of my financial institutions. It can’t be stressed enough how important it is for us to respond appropriately to these messages. In this case, caution and consideration over swift action.   This message is timely because just recently Amazon reports that there have been fraudulent messages circulating with the purpose to steal financial information include fake order confirmations that require payment and emails claiming there is an account issue or order issue that needs to be resolved.  The purpose of these scams is to steal financial information or get you to transfer money. You’re the first line of defense in safeguarding your financial information.   Here are a few tips to keep in mind when it comes to suspicious messages and identity protection in general.   Don’t EVER click links in urgent text messages or emails. Verify by checking your account updated in the application or website that you visit directly. I personally do it myself all the time. If I get an urgent message about something going on with any of my accounts, I open the app on my own, log into my account and check my updates or order information. Most of the times that I’ve done this, it further confirmed the alarming message was fraudulent. Stay on top of current fraud trends. Knowledge is power. It’s important to know what kinds of fraud tactics exist so you can best guard against them. Scammers are always inventing new ways to trick people, so keeping informed on current tactics is your best line of defense. They’ve found ways to use QR codes, text messages, phone calls, and now AI tools to come up with new and convincing scams. Keep an eye out for news on data breaches, scam alerts, and explore blog articles and other security information to keep your knowledge up to date.Amazon posts updates on their own security blog (check the link in the show notes), PayPal dedicates a page on their site for reporting and learning about ongoing fraud trends (link in show notes), even your financial institutions likely share news on

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.  Links: Explore Triangle's Money Management tool in online and mobile banking Check out TCU University for financial education tips and resources! Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter! Learn more about Triangle Credit Union   Transcript: Welcome to Money Tip Tuesday from the Making Money Personal podcast.  Let's start this tip off with a short story.  Ryan, a tech-savvy professional, was taken aback when he reviewed his bank statement and found over a dozen subscription charges he had overlooked. Each month, small fees from various fitness apps, streaming services, and even a couple of online magazines accumulated, ultimately totaling hundreds of dollars. As he analyzed the list, he remembered signing up for some of these services during promotional periods, but many had slipped his mind entirely. The realization left him feeling a bit frustrated, as he struggled to keep his finances in check amidst an overwhelming number of recurring payments. Determined to regain control, he decided it was time to reassess his subscriptions and prioritize his spending.  There are many people out there who can relate to Ryan's story. We eagerly sign up for subscriptions to services and platforms that we don’t always remember we’re on the hook to pay for month over month.   The real challenge arises when we've accumulated so many subscription services over time that we’ve stopped paying attention to how many we’re paying. This can be dangerous, not only because it can lead to wasteful spending, but subscription prices can rise over time to where we’ll likely find ourselves paying way more than we initially planned.    This tip is about empowering you to live more financially free by building awareness on how to properly manage the subscriptions you currently use.   Here are three things you can do to take charge of your subscriptions so you can enjoy the benefits without letting them wreak havoc on your wallet.   First of all, do the math. Add up the cost of every subscription service you’re paying for. The only way to determine if your subscriptions are becoming too expensive is to know how much they’re costing you in the first place. Don’t assume you know each charge because prices may have changed since you first signed up. It’s not uncommon for subscription services to increase prices periodically so what used to be $5.99 a month might now be $8.99.   Second, stay organized. Keep track of all the subscriptions. Use a financial app or other tool that can give you a snapshot of all your subscriptions and their due dates. Using a tool like Triangle’s Money Management makes it easy to categorize all your payments into groups. Creating a category for streaming services will make it easy to see every charge that goes towards subscriptions.   Third, use it or lose it. Cancel any subscriptions you find you’re no longer using. If you haven’t gone to the gym in months, but are still paying for it, consider either blocking time off the schedule to head there or cancel it altogether. Signed up for monthly delivery boxes or paying for a streaming service you haven’t used in a while, it might be time to cut those out of your budget. This step is all about truly reflecting on your needs and wants and determining whether there are any opportunities to free up some extra money by shedding unnecessary spending.   Finally, for any new subscriptions you consider, take time to look up and understand the cancellation terms. Before signing up for a new subscription, take a moment to review the cancellation policy. Check for cancella

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 log in to access additional identity protection benefits Check out TCU University for financial education tips and resources! Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter! Learn more about Triangle Credit Union   Transcript: Welcome to Money Tip Tuesday from the Making Money Personal podcast.  A home is so much more than an asset. It's where we live, raise our children, entertain friends, and feel the most secure and at peace. It's easy to understand why people would want to protect their homes at all costs. "Home Title Theft" or "Deed Fraud" has received a lot of attention lately and sounds as scary as it is. Let's take a look at what defines Home Title Theft and the prevalence of this crime. We will also present the difference between Home Title Theft and Loan Fraud, and how Triangle Credit Union can help protect you against the effects of both, no matter where the fraud occurs.   Home Title Theft is a Real Thing  Home Title Theft occurs when a fraudster, armed with your personal information, uses forged documents to apply to the registrar of deeds of the county to have ownership of your property transferred to the fraudster's name. The fraudster then borrows money using the property as collateral and never makes the payments. You may not know that this transaction has occurred until the lender tries to foreclose on the property and finds that you, the "previous owner," is still living there. This situation leads to many questions about what comes next. Do you have to make payments on the loan to keep your home? Will you be able to sell your home? How can you undo the damage that has been done and get the title back in your name? What if the fraudster has sold the home to another person? How do you defend your rights to the ownership of your home? Before we go any further, let us put your mind at ease.   Professional Identity Theft Recovery Advocates Are Standing By  If you’re a Triangle Better Checking account holder, your benefits include Fully Managed Identity Theft Recovery. If you find that you've become a victim of Home Title Theft a professional Identity Theft Recovery Advocate will personally assist you, including working on your behalf to reverse the damage, no matter how long it takes. It is also important to note that in addition to addressing the Home Title Theft, your Identity Theft Recovery Advocate will research and address ALL identity fraud that has occurred in your name. Having professional help to resolve your entire identity theft situation, especially in the protection of your home, is critically important.  How Often Does Home Title Theft Occur?  The short answer is that no one knows for sure. The FBI doesn't break out Home Title Theft in their annual crime statistics. Neither does the Federal Trade Commission ("FTC"). In the FTC's annual consumer fraud and identity theft report, the much broader category encompassing Real Estate Loans shows that this category represents less than 1% of the total of all identity theft incidents reported to the FTC in 2024. On the other hand, it appears that cases of Home Title Theft are on the rise in some regions of the United States.  Home Title Theft vs Loan Fraud  A much more prevalent crime is "Loan Fraud", where the fraudster impersonates you using your personal information. They approach a financial institution and borrow money using your property as collateral. This fraudulent loan will satisfy the criminal's goal of fast cash without going through the process of changing the title.   Who are Typical Victims of Home Title Thef

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 Credit Union   Transcript: Welcome to Money Tip Tuesday from the Making Money Personal podcast.   It's hard to resist the ease and comfort of using a food delivery service.  Whether it's for lunch, dinner, or a few simple items you need from the local grocery store, these services bring the world to your doorstep.    Delivery app services like Uber Eats, DoorDash, and Grubhub may be easy and convenient to use, but they can also be the reasons we find ourselves overspending on meals month over month.     Food delivery apps can often misguide us in various ways, and their impact on our budgets is significant. How do they influence our spending habits and finances?  Well, there's a chance you'll be paying more for the item than you would if you went to the store or restaurant yourself. Many restaurants list higher prices for items on delivery platforms to offset fees on their end. For example, a burger that costs $10 at the restaurant might be $12-$13 on the app. It's hard to say whether all restaurants increase pricing for items within the app, but I've noticed it a few times when I order some of my favorite treats from a local coffee shop in my neighborhood.   Another thing to keep in mind is that you can expect to pay additional fees, such as delivery and processing fees. For example, most platforms charge a delivery fee, which can range between $1.99 and $6.99, depending on the app, the distance for delivery, and demand. They can charge a service fee, typically a percentage of the order, such as 10-15%. Some apps will charge a small order fee if the order doesn't meet a minimum. And then there's, of course, the tip. Although tipping is optional, it's often expected and essential to give a little extra to the driver delivering your order. Considering all the fees, a $15 meal in person could become $25+ after the fees and the tip. Not exactly a budget breaker, but over time, those fees and tips can add up to a substantial amount of unexpected costs.     It's important to recognize that you are paying a premium for meals ordered through the apps. While delivery is undoubtedly convenient—especially when we aren't in the mood to prep, cook, and clean—the real money-saving option is cooking for yourself. On average, restaurant meals can cost up to five times more than making them at home. For instance, a deluxe cheeseburger might cost $4.63 to prepare at home, but it could cost $13.69 for takeout and $23.79 for delivery after the fees and tip are factored in. By consistently opting for food delivery, you'll end up spending considerably more on your meals. Sometimes the convenience of delivery is justifiable, but other times it's not worth the extra cost, so before opening the app to hunt for tonight's dinner, consider the significant cost savings of preparing the same meal at home.   So, we've covered the most significant way food delivery apps can cost you more. How can we help you enjoy the benefits of these apps without overspending? Here are a few ways to minimize the chances of overspending the next time you want to order out.    Opt for takeout and pick up the order yourself instead of paying more for delivery. You'll avoid all the added fees, and there's no need to tip a driver.    Avoid using the app and order directly from the restaurant. This can reduce the processing or service fees associated with ordering through an app.    Use a loyalty program to save. Most apps offer a loyalty program with zero delivery fees and other savings, albeit for a monthly fee. But if you find yourself

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 financial literacy resources to the many people living and thriving in the communities we serve. Links: Explore the various webinars and workshops in our financial literacy course catalog  Explore upcoming community events and financial literacy webinars on our Events page Learn more about Triangle's SEG program for businesses Check out TCU University for financial education tips and resources! Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter! Learn more about Triangle Credit Union  

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 financial education tips and resources! Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter! Learn more about Triangle Credit Union   Transcript: Welcome to Money Tip Tuesday from the Making Money Personal podcast!   Owning a pet is one of life’s great pleasures. We adore our furry friends—whether they’re cats, dogs, rabbits, guinea pigs, or even gerbils! Who wouldn’t want a playful buddy to share their lives with?   When it comes to how much a pet will cost you, there can be a big range. Some pets are quite affordable, while others may stretch your budget a bit. But don’t worry—with some planning and a little research, you can get a good feel for the expenses that come with your new furry family member, making budgeting a breeze!   So, what should you keep in mind when considering costs?   First up is the purchase price. For dogs, you might find yourself spending anywhere from a couple hundred to a few thousand dollars for certain breeds. Cats typically come in a bit lower, but you should still budget a few hundred dollars. Smaller pets like rabbits, guinea pigs, and hamsters can be more budget-friendly both in terms of purchase price and ongoing care.   Remember, where you get your pet can make a difference in cost. Breeders often charge more, while adopting from a shelter can be a wonderful and economical option. Plus, when you adopt, you’re giving a loving home to an animal in need, and many shelter pets are already vaccinated and treated, saving you those initial costs. If you’re considering adoption, check out your local humane society or petfinder.com to find animals looking for forever homes.   Next, let’s chat about medical expenses. If your new furry friend needs vaccinations, treatments, or surgeries, it's good to know what to expect. Procedures like spaying or neutering are quite common; you might pay around $130-$500 for dogs and $60-$370 or more for cats.   Grooming is another consideration. Some breeds need regular grooming, and while you can definitely take this on yourself if you're up for it, a professional groomer can do wonders too. Expect grooming costs to be around $30-$90 for dogs and about $50-$120 for cats per visit.   Food is a big part of your pet’s budget, and there’s a wide range of options out there. Whether you go for dry food, wet food, or even fresh scraps (just make sure they’re safe for your pet!), you’ll want to budget accordingly. Some pet owners even get creative and feed their pets fresh veggies or other kitchen scraps—just be sure to keep their nutritional needs in mind!   Let’s not forget about supplies and toys! Depending on your pet, you’ll need to stock up on some essentials. For dogs, think about getting a leash, tags, a comfy bed, and plenty of toys. Cats will need a litter box, a few toys, and a cozy place to sleep. Smaller pets like rabbits or guinea pigs will need cages, bedding materials, and a water bottle. Make a checklist of what you’ll need and hunt for good deals so you can save a little!   If you’re bringing a dog into your life, training is a worthy investment to consider. Some pups benefit greatly from professional classes, with the average cost of classes being $300 per course. But if you’re up for the challenge, you can train them at home, too!   Planning to travel? You’ll need to consider boarding costs, which for dogs averages $40-$100 per night and for cats $30-$70 per night. Many facilities offer package deals, which can help you save a bit.   Lastly, let’s touch on pet insurance. Having coverage can be a lifesaver when unexpected costs

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 out TCU University for financial education tips and resources! Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter! Learn more about Triangle Credit Union   Transcript: Welcome to Money Tip Tuesday from the Making Money Personal podcast.   Many Americans often delay building a financial plan until they're much further along in life, typically waiting for unexpected circumstances to push them into action. This habit of postponing critical decisions can create unnecessary stress and limit our ability to grow wealth. Instead of taking charge, we allow life's pressures to dictate our financial choices, which can hinder long-term success.  If you're in your early, mid, or late 20s, now is the perfect time to prioritize your financial future. Don't wait for a life event to motivate you! Starting your financial journey now enables your money to grow and compound over time, giving you a distinct advantage.   Take the initiative to outline your financial goals. By working to develop healthy financial habits early on, you'll empower yourself to make informed decisions that will lead to lasting financial security. The actions you take today will pave the way for a brighter future—don't hesitate to seize this opportunity!  Here are a few practical things you can do in your 20s to start building wealth early:   PAY YOURSELF FIRST – Make it a point to develop good saving habits. Whether you're working part-time while in school or recently graduated and working full-time, whenever you get your paycheck, set aside a portion of your income into a savings account for emergencies or other savings goals. Any percentage is good, but somewhere around 10% is a widely accepted rule of thumb. Use a savings too like Triangle’s Goal Builder tool within online and mobile banking to start your savings plan.  START INVESTING EARLY – Investing early in your 20s is one of the smartest financial moves you can make. The most significant advantage is compound growth—your money earns returns, and those returns earn returns, snowballing over time. Starting early also gives you more time to recover from market fluctuations, build wealth gradually, and potentially retire earlier or with more financial freedom. Explore financial resources, such as books, or connect with a financial professional to help you set up a solid investment portfolio. If you’re ready to an investment journey, get started with Triangle’s Financial Planning services. Visit trianglecu.org to learn more and get in touch! AVOID BAD DEBT -  Not all debts are created equal. Some are better than others. Bad debts are types of borrowing that do not contribute to building wealth or generating future income. They often come with high interest rates and are used to purchase depreciating items like clothes, electronics, or luxury goods that lose value quickly. Unlike good debt, which can be an investment in your future (like student loans or a mortgage), bad debt can trap you in a cycle of repayment without long-term benefits. Avoiding bad debt is important because it protects your credit score, reduces financial stress, and allows you to focus on saving and investing for your future.  LIVE BELOW (OR WITHIN) YOUR MEANS – Find a way to manage your money in a way that keeps you from overspending. Practicing good financial management habits can help reduce excessive spending, which might interfere with savings goals and even lead to increased debt. Understand your income and set up a budget that covers your living expenses, encourages saving, and allocates some money for fun, di

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 Guide to Identity Theft Check out TCU University for financial education tips and resources! Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter! Learn more about Triangle Credit Union   Transcript: Welcome to Money Tip Tuesday from the Making Money Personal podcast.   Identity theft continues to be more than just a costly headache. Fraud scams and identity theft reports continued to top the list of scams reported to the FTC in 2024. In fact, nearly 6.5 million incidents were reported to the FTC last year, and over 1 million of those incidents included an instance of identity theft. These numbers prove that while scams and identity theft continue to evolve, so do the tactics that criminals use to commit these crimes. In this tip we’ll share some lesser-known steps you can take to help avoid becoming the next victim of identity theft and fraud.  Use fake answers for your security questions One simple way to add a layer of protection to your accounts is to choose wrong or nonsense answers to security questions. If at age 16, you drove a green SUV, the security answer to “What was your first car?” might be “big avocado” rather than “green Ford Explorer.” The idea is to choose an answer that only has meaning to you and cannot be easily guessed. Real answers to your security questions may have been published in the past if you have ever participated in social media quizzes, polls, and challenges. Avoid using your real information, especially information typically found in security questions, like your mother's maiden name or the name of the street you grew up on, in any situation, no matter how seemingly harmless it may seem. A moment of fun could lead to many lost hours spent repairing damage to your identity.  Opt in for multi-factor authentication When available, enable multi-factor authentication ("MFA") to your online accounts. MFA is a type of authentication that adds two or more layers of security beyond a password. If only two factors are used, it is sometimes referred to as two-factor authentication or 2FA. While passwords should always be difficult to guess, and you can work to protect the answers to your security questions, adding another step to the login process decreases the chance that a hacker can gain access to your accounts. MFA typically works by sending a verification code by SMS text, by email, or by voice to a phone number listed on your profile. You must enter the provided code before being allowed to complete the login process. MFA should always be added when available. To know whether your account provider offers MFA, you may need to investigate your online options or give the company a call to ask, as it is not always offered proactively.  File your taxes early As this IRS Taxpayer Guide to Identity Theft website states, "tax-related identity theft occurs when someone uses your stolen personal information, including your Social Security number, to file a tax return claiming a fraudulent refund." One simple way to avoid scammers getting a hold of your tax refund is to file before they do! Surprisingly, this type of fraud affects an estimated hundreds of thousands of Americans every year. Often, the scam isn’t uncovered until an individual tries to file their own return and their refund is rejected because it has already been claimed. When tax season comes around, get everything in order ` and file early. This way you can both mark the chore off your list and avoid leaving your refund out there for someone else to claim.  Be smart and stay private on social media Two ways p

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 resources! Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter! Learn more about Triangle Credit Union   Transcript: Welcome to Money Tip Tuesday from the Making Money Personal podcast.   This money tip outlines a few things you can do to reduce your vehicle expenses.    With everything from gas to repairs to purchase and resale, owning a car can be expensive. Of course, the purchase price is worth noting, as well as your financing costs or interest. But what about maintenance and fuel efficiency?   If you are searching for a vehicle, this provides insight into what to consider when making a purchase. If you already own a car, you may find some of these tips helpful in saving money over time.   Tip 1: Be savvy, buy used. This can save you money right off the bat. You don’t need to get an old vehicle; something 2-3 years old is fine. But compared to buying a new car, you could save yourself thousands off the price tag. A new vehicle can average around $47,000 according to Kelley Blue Book. However, due to depreciation, the same car can cost about half its original price in only a few years. The average price for a used car is around $26,000. If you buy a vehicle that’s a few years old, you can save yourself a good chunk of change right off the bat and still get a good, reliable car.  Tip 2: Get regular servicing. Tire rotation, regular oil changes, and even car washes can all help extend the life of your vehicle. Although these are all considered expenses, regular maintenance can save you quite a bit of money in the future because you’re less likely to incur repair costs and it helps maintain the value of your car. It also extends the life of your vehicle, keeping you from having to buy another car every 7 years. Pay attention to your vehicle, budget for regular maintenance costs, and you’ll pay less overall.   Tip 3: Take control, perform repairs or maintenance yourself. If you’re mechanically inclined, you may be able to do some of the work yourself. Some car servicing or repairs are easy enough to do yourself. You may not need to pay someone for servicing when you are just as likely to perform the job yourself. YouTube is an excellent resource for watching repair or service vehicles. You’ll most likely be able to find a tutorial for your car and watch someone perform the repair. Just make sure you know what you’re doing so you don’t make a mistake that requires a professional to fix.  Tip 4: Find ways to reduce your gas expenses. You can achieve this by purchasing a fuel-efficient vehicle, such as an electric car or a hybrid. If you are not looking to buy another vehicle, consider reducing the number of miles you travel. Consider staying home a little longer if you’re usually on the go. You can also use an app like GasBuddy to search for the nearest gas stations and their prices, avoiding the need to drive across town to your favorite, low-cost station.  Tip 5: Refinance your car payment. This is always a good option if you find your car payments are just too high. Shop around for low rates and try refinancing your car loan. This can save you a significant amount of money in expenses and reduce your monthly car payment. Triangle offers refinancing at competitive rates. Visit trianglecu.org to check the current rates and apply to refinance your vehicle.   What did I miss? What are some other ways you save money on your car expenses?   Let us know on social media. Share your tips and tricks. There may be someone else out there who could use the extra tips. Together, we can all save a little mo

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 resources! Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter! Learn more about Triangle Credit Union  Transcript: Welcome to Money Tip Tuesday, brought to you by the Making Money Personal podcast!   Today, we’re sharing crucial insights inspired by an article from KnowBe4 Security Awareness and Training Solutions.  Security Tips: How to Detect Phishing Emails  As phishing activities increasingly proliferate, remaining vigilant is of paramount importance. Here are some key indicators to scrutinize before you take any action on an email:  Is it Expected? - Take a moment to consider whether you were anticipating this email. If it appeared unexpectedly, exercise caution as it may not be legitimate.  Is it Reasonable? - Context matters. Ask yourself whether it makes sense for you to receive this type of correspondence. If the content feels out of place or irrelevant, it’s wise to be skeptical. Are There Grammatical Errors? - Pay close attention to the language used in the email. Messages that claim to be from established companies often contain spelling mistakes or poor grammar—this is frequently a clear warning sign of a phishing attempt. Does It Contain a Link? - Always hover your mouse over links without clicking to verify their authenticity. For example, if an email claims to be from emailaddress@google.com but the link leads to a suspicious domain like website.yahoo.com, you’re facing a significant red flag. Does It Have an Attachment? - Be cautious about opening attachments, as they might harbor malicious programs disguised as harmless files. It’s best to avoid clicking on attachments from unfamiliar sources. Does It Create a Sense of Urgency? - A common tactic among phishing emails is to instill a sense of panic, prompting you to act quickly. They may claim to be from a high-ranking official or require immediate attention. Resist the urge to respond hastily—take a moment to assess and critically evaluate the situation to protect yourself from potential phishing attempts.  Stay vigilant and take proactive steps to safeguard your personal information!  If there are any other tips or topics you'd like us to cover, let us know at tcupodcast@trianglecu.org. Also, remember to like and follow our Making Money Personal Facebook and Instagram to share your thoughts. Finally, remember to look for our sponsor, Triangle Credit Union, on Facebook and LinkedIn.         Thanks for listening to today's Money Tip Tuesday. Check out our other tips and episodes on the Making Money Personal podcast. 

Have you ever heard people talking about net worth and wondered what it means? Well, today, you are going to learn!    Links: Watch our Financial Freedom Webinar to learn how to strategize and build a debt payoff plan Learn how to set savings goals with Goal Builder  Check out TCU University for financial education tips and resources! Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter! Learn more about Triangle Credit Union  Transcript: Welcome to Money Tip Tuesday from the Making Money Personal podcast.  Net worth! What is it? Why is it important to track? How do you find out what your financial net worth is? All valid questions, my friends. First, let's define what net worth is.   The dictionary defines net worth as "the total wealth of an individual, company, or household, taking account of all financial assets and liabilities."    Most people will agree that the definition of net worth is simply: assets - liabilities = net worth.     Now that we know what it is, why is it essential to track it?    Well, it allows you to see your financial situation at any point and whether your wealth is increasing or decreasing. Tracking your net worth is important because it gives you a clear picture of your financial health and can help you make informed decisions about your money. Please know that it is very possible to have a negative net worth. This means that you owe more money than what your assets are worth. We'll talk a little more about this later.     Now, let's take a look at how you can figure yours out. Are you ready? Ok... take out a piece of paper and a pen or pencil. Draw a line straight down the middle.     On one side, you are going to write the word assets, and on the other, write the word liabilities.     On the assets side, make a list of valuable items that you own… think bank accounts, investment accounts like 401(k)s, any real estate property that you may own, personal property such as cars, or other items that have value. Next to these items, write down their approximate value. Here is an example of what this may look like (we'll use easy round numbers for simple math):     Bank Accounts - $5,000     Personal Home - $300,000    401(K) - $50,000    Car - $20,000    At the bottom, you will write the total for all assets. In this example, we will have a total of $375,000. Nice!    On the liabilities side of your sheet, make a list of your liabilities. Liabilities are the debts that you may owe. Next to them, write the balance so again, for easy math, in this example, we will do    Mortgage -  $210,000    Credit Card Debt - $5,000    Auto Loan - $10,000    Student Loans - $50,000      And that Home Equity Line of Credit you took out to fix up your house - $40,000    At the bottom, you will write the total for all liabilities. In this example, we have $315,000. Ouch!    Now, we have the numbers we need to calculate net worth. Remember, net worth equals assets minus liabilities.     In my example, the assets total $375,000, while the liabilities amount to $315,000, resulting in a total net worth of $60,000. Not too shabby.     Let's say you calculated yours, and you didn't like what you got. You got a negative number. This means that your debts exceed the value of your assets. Let's flip my example and say you have a negative $60,000.     Do not get discouraged. Many families and individuals are right there with you. According to MarketWatch, one in five Americans has a zero or negative net worth. You're not alone in this journey. Instead of dwelling on it, get motivated to get that number into the positive. You got this!    Here are a couple quick tips on how to improve your net worth:  Work to pay down existing debts. Focus on developing a method to really pay down debt. Read a book, attend a seminar, or watch one of our debt reduction webinar recordings on YouTube to learn all about the process of taking control of and tackling debt. Check the link in the show notes to watch.   Avoid taking on any new deb

Almost every adult has a checking account. Many of us may have more than one. Checking accounts are more than just a place to save and spend money, many come with additional benefits like saving perks, cash back promos and even protective services for you and your family.  Links:  Learn more about Triangle's Better Checking account with ID Protect Already have Better Checking? Access your benefits through the Better Checking website.  Check out TCU University for financial education tips and resources! Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter! Learn more about Triangle Credit Union  Transcript: Welcome to Money Tip Tuesday from the Making Money Personal podcast.   Choosing the right financial institution is a significant decision, and we're thrilled that you've selected Triangle Credit Union as your trusted financial partner. Your trust in our institution is something we hold dear, and we are committed to providing you with a banking experience that goes the extra mile. At Triangle, we have a checking account that is right for everyone, at every stage of their financial lifetime. Now is an excellent time to review your financial goals, accounts, and the benefits available to you. Here are a few reasons why you should consider either a Basic or Better Checking account at Triangle Credit Union for you and your family:  1. Worry-free Banking Benefits – Our checking accounts include the convenience of our network of surcharge-free ATMs, neighborhood locations, flexible branch hours, and peace of mind knowing that your deposits are covered up to $250,000 by the NCUA. 2. Team of Professionals, here for you – Our friendly, knowledgeable customer service representatives are eager to help you meet your goals. 3. More Savings and Benefits by Using Your Account Wisely – Let us show you how to use your account to its maximum advantage, such as getting cash back with Purchase Rewards and setting up direct deposit to get paid up to two days early. 4. Tons of Account Freebies – Mobile and online banking, remote deposit, and a free debit card are just a few of the things you receive as part of every Triangle Basic or Better Checking account.  5. Additional Features with Better Checking - with a Better Checking account, you are entitled to additional features, for a nominal fee of $4.99 a month, that on their own could easily cost you more than $50 per month. Identity Theft Monitoring Services – rest easy knowing that you have access to free monitoring services that can alert you if changes to your credit file are detected, or if your personal information is discovered on the dark web.  Identity Theft Expense Reimbursement Insurance – up to $25,000 in reimbursable expenses if you find that you are a victim of identity theft.  Professional Identity Theft Remediation Services – an experienced team of professional, certified identity theft recovery advocates will help you to reverse the damage if you suspect identity theft for any reason.  Mobile Phone Protection – know that you can stay connected when the worst happens, and your mobile phone is damaged, or stolen.     If you are already a Better Checking account holder, you’re ahead of the game and set up with great savings.  Looking for ways that you can save even more? We’re only a click, tap, or phone call away. Reach out today–we are here to provide you with personalized guidance and can help you find the financial products and services that meet your needs.  If there are any other tips or topics you would like us to cover, let us know at tcupodcast@trianglecu.org. Like and follow our Making Money Personal FB and IG page and look for our sponsor, Triangle Credit Union on social media to share your thoughts.   Thanks for listening to today’s Money Tip Tuesday and check out our other tips and episodes on the Making Money Personal podcast.   Have a great day!