Jolt Credit Union

6 Reasons to Switch to eStatements

Posted by Bethany Dutcher, VP Marketing on Oct 19, 2020 3:54:31 PM

If you are still waiting for your printed statements every month, there is a faster way to access your Jolt Credit Union account statement with eStatements.

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Staying Safe Online

Posted by Melissa Pashak, Marketing Specialist on Oct 7, 2020 12:33:16 PM

With the average American spending 24 hours a week online, internet safety is more important than ever. A hacked or compromised computer can put you at risk for money loss, phishing scams or even complete identity theft.

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Topics: Security, Online, Cyber Security

Personal Finance Topics All High School Students Should Know

Posted by BALANCE on Sep 16, 2020 9:30:13 AM

For good reason, high school students are set on an academically rigorous track towards college. Unfortunately, though, personal finance (a topic they need to understand to survive in life) is rarely taught to them in school.

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AMP Teen Club: (Credit) History in the Making

Posted by Melissa Pashak, Marketing Specialist on Jul 15, 2020 4:03:56 PM

Think you’re too young to worry about your credit history? Think again! Credit history can open doors. One day you’ll need a loan to buy something big like a car or a house. To do this, you’ll need a positive credit history. The earlier you learn good credit habits, the better.

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Topics: credit, credit score, credit report, teens

First-Time Homebuyer? Make Sure You Prepare for These 7 Hidden Costs

Posted by GreenPath Financial Wellness on Jul 10, 2020 10:36:44 AM

As real estate markets re-open across the country, current historically-low mortgage rates may make it seem like the perfect time to purchase your first home.

For many, owning a home is a big part of the American Dream. There’s a sense of pride and accomplishment in ownership. It can give you greater freedom and privacy, while also adding to your financial security.

However, purchasing a home is also a substantial responsibility and commitment—not to mention one of the largest (if not the largest) purchases you’ll make in your life.

One of the biggest mistakes first-time homeowners make is spending more than they can afford by overlooking the “true” cost of home ownership.

When budgeting for your first home, here are seven often overlooked costs that can have a big impact on your bottom line:

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Topics: mortgage, home ownership

Creative Ways to Fill Your Soul With Art and Culture

Posted by Bridget Staffileno, VP Community Affairs on Apr 20, 2020 2:05:55 PM

Arts and culture in the Great Lakes Bay Region is known for its vibrancy. Regardless of what sings to your soul, you can be sure you will find something right here in your own backyard.

Since we find ourselves in either lock down or on the front lines, art and culture in our region and around the globe has the power to unite us and to bring a little joy. And, you do not have far to look to be in awe at the creativity and collaboration that is happening. Theatre, music, painting, literature, festivals, and all other forms of art that illuminate our inner lives and enrich our emotional world are just a click away! In addition to the Facebook live events that are bringing art to you, below are some links that can take you to where your soul can grow.

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Topics: Great Lakes Bay Region, arts and culture

5 Ways to Boost Your Immunity During the Coronavirus Pandemic

Posted by Bethany Dutcher, VP Marketing on Apr 15, 2020 9:31:55 AM

1. Reduce stress

Stress hormones strain the immune system so it can’t do its best at protecting us from those nasty bacteria, says Dr. Tammy Born of the Born Clinic, Grand Rapids, Mich. Reduce the amount of stress in your life by practicing mindfulness, keeping in touch with friends and family through virtual means while social gatherings are restricted and by checking the news less often while the pandemic rages.

2. Get enough shut-eye

Adequate sleep helps keep your immune system strong and proficient at fighting off illness, according to WebMD. Aim for 7-9 hours a night to give your body the best fighting chance against foreign invaders.

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Topics: Stay Home, Stay Safe Order, immunity

How to Use Your Stimulus Check

Posted by GreenPath Financial Wellness on Apr 3, 2020 11:46:58 AM

The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has had a financial impact on millions of Americans. Thankfully, some relief is on the way.

Lawmakers recently passed a stimulus package to combat the economic impact of COVID-19. As part of the bill, people are expected to receive payments of up to $1,200 for each adult and $500 for every child.

If you are expecting a stimulus check, you may be unsure how to best use the money you receive. This will depend on your unique situation. But in general, here are five areas to prioritize:

#1: Start with the essentials

Prioritize your essentials (the stuff you can’t live without) first: things like medication,

food, utilities, and housing. Taking care of your immediate needs so you can stay

healthy is crucial!

Once you’ve taken care of yourself and your family’s immediate needs, you can

look at other areas to allocate the money.

#2: Emergency Savings

Consider putting at least part of the money toward emergency savings, whether it’s

an existing emergency fund or one you’re starting from scratch. Setting aside as

much as you can and knowing it’s available if you need it can provide you with peace

of mind.

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Fun Activities to do with Your Kids at Home

Posted by Melissa Pashak, Marketing Specialist on Mar 25, 2020 11:23:31 AM

It isn’t easy to be holed up at home with just your family for company. After just a few days, you may be thinking there isn’t enough coffee or chocolate in this world for a parent who’s stuck home with their kids for weeks at a time. As the parent, though, you have the unique opportunity to set the tone in your home and decide if these weeks will be a nightmare for everyone, or filled with precious memory-making and family-bonding activities.

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Topics: family, diy, everything is figureoutable, coronavirus COVID-19, staying healthy

5 Things to Do if Your Income is Interrupted

Posted by GreenPath Financial Wellness on Mar 24, 2020 11:10:58 AM

As COVID-19 spreads in the U.S., people all over the country are beginning to feel its financial ripple effect. For the first time since the 1960s, people potentially exposed to the coronavirus are being asked to quarantine themselves. Businesses, schools, childcare centers and other institutions are taking steps such as closing offices or transitioning to remote work to protect the health and safety of their employees and communities.

For most of us, and especially for the 32 million workers who do not have paid sick time, the idea of missing work because of an illness or a shutdown is financially daunting. What do you do if you are suddenly and unexpectedly unable to work and you have no income? These five steps will help you stay as financially healthy as possible if you experience an interruption or loss of income.

5 Things to Do If Your Income Is Interrupted

#1 — Assess Your Budget and Prioritize Your Expenses

You will want to know as much as you can about your budget and expenses. If you don’t have a budget, you can start planning for your monthly expenses by using this worksheet.

Identify and total up all income sources and assets such as savings that may be able to get you through until you can resume working or replace your income. Review your living expenses and eliminate the things you can live without. Reduce expenses in the “essentials” category as much as you can.

You may be able to save money by doing things like planning your meals to save money at the grocery store, or reducing your electric bill by cutting energy usage

You may also be able to save money on your debt by finding options to lower interest rates or reduce monthly payments

If you are feeling stressed by debt, exploring options such as debt management plans or working with a credit counselor could help you reduce monthly payments and reduce the overall cost of your debt

If you are concerned about the financial impact of an income loss and you are currently working, get ahead as much as you can by building up your emergency savings.

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Topics: income