Romance Scams: What they are and how to avoid them

Each year, romance scams steal millions of dollars from hopeful hearts across the country. Thousands of victims are left not only financially shaken, but emotionally devastated as well. But falling for someone shouldn’t mean falling into debt.

The good news? This doesn’t have to be you!

This month and beyond, a little awareness can go a long way in protecting both your heart and your hard-earned savings. Let’s break down what romance scams are, how they work, and what you can do to avoid becoming a victim of a romance scam.

What is a Romance Scam?

According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), a romance scam happens when a criminal creates a fake online identity to gain someone’s affection and trust, then uses the illusion of a romantic relationship to manipulate or steal from them.

Scammers are willing to say (and do) just about anything to convince you their feelings are real. They often reach out through dating apps, social media platforms, or even text messages. After building what feels like a meaningful connection, they begin asking for money or personal information.

While the details may vary, the pattern is often the same: They claim to live or work far away, potentially overseas or in the military. Conversations are quickly moved off of dating apps and over to text or phone. Scammers will create an emotional tie by showering their victim with affection very early on, then create an urgent financial emergency. This is where they begin asking for money, specifically through hard to trace methods like gift cards, wire transfers, cryptocurrency, or payment apps like PayPal or Cash App.

The stories romance scammers come up with can often be elaborate. Medical emergencies, business investments, or even travel expenses to come visit you are all tactics they continue to use to get you to send them money. Be sure to trust your gut if you believe the story you’re being told is extravagant or has too many missing puzzle pieces to make sense.

Romance scammers commonly target people who may be feeling lonely or going through major life transitions. However, anyone can become a victim. These criminals are skilled manipulators who exploit trust, kindness, and vulnerability. So how do avoid becoming one?

How to Avoid Romance Scam Tactics

The best defense against these scams is knowing the warning signs.

Be cautious if someone you’ve never met in person professes strong feelings towards you very quickly. If they avoid video calls or meeting face to face, this is also a red flag to be aware of. It may be a scam if the person you’re talking to refuses to provide verifiable details about their life or themselves, especially if the stories they tell you have multiple inconsistencies. Above all, if this person asks for money from you for any conceivable reason, it might be time to consider if you’re speaking to a scammer.

A major red flag? Any requests for gift cards, cryptocurrency, wire transfers, or help moving money. Legitimate romantic partners do not ask you to handle financial transactions on their behalf, especially early on or when you’ve never met. This is a stand out tactic that romance scammers lean on in the attempt to steal your money.

When talking to people online, take your time getting to know someone. Slow down the relationship if things feel rushed, or if you feel like you’re being pressured to make a decision. Consider reverse-searching profile pictures to see if the person you’re connecting with appears elsewhere online under different names. This can help you confirm if they are a verifiable person, or a fake profile used by a scammer.

And most importantly: talk to someone you trust about these kinds of interactions. A friend or family member may spot red flags that are harder to see when emotions are involved, which can save you (and your money) from heartbreak in the long run.

Smart Financial Habits That Protect You

Beyond spotting scam tactics, building strong everyday financial habits can offer an extra layer of protection. Never share your online banking login information, financial account numbers, or other personal details with someone you’ve met online. Monitor your monthly bank statements regularly. If you’re worried about unusual transactions potentially occurring on your account, then consider setting up account alerts so you’re notified of anything suspicious.

Be cautious when sending money over payment apps like Cash App or Zelle. Once money is sent, it can be difficult to recover in the case of fraud. In the case that you do decide to send someone money, take a moment to think before you hit send. Are you being pressured to pay this person? Do you have any doubts about this person’s intentions with your money? If you feel unsure, that may be your cue to step back and keep your funds where they are.

It’s also wise to regularly review your credit report and consider placing a fraud alert if you suspect suspicious activity. Remember, urgency is a scammer’s favorite tool. Real love is patient (and it certainly doesn’t demand gift cards).

Protect Your Heart and Your Wallet

This season, don’t let your heart win over your head. Your funds are yours to spend, save, and grow, and we’re here to help you keep them safe.

If you or someone you love has recently fallen victim to a romance scam, don’t stay silent. Contact our office at (717) 843-1153 for assistance and financial guidance. You can also access readily available resources about fraud protection on our website. After contacting your trusted financial institution, report the scam directly to the Federal Trade Commission at https://reportfraud.ftc.gov/.

When it comes to scams, knowledge is power. Share this information with friends and family, and let’s work together to stop romance scams before they steal another dollar — or another broken heart.

The Gift of Financial Literacy: Holiday Budgeting for Kids

Oftentimes, the habits we develop as children stick with us throughout our adolescence and beyond. This is why teaching kids smart financial habits while they’re young is an important step to help them establish a strong financial foundation. Once that foundation is created, children can grow into adults who know how to make smart decisions with their money. This can reduce their chances of falling into debt and mismanaging their funds when they’re older.

So what better time to teach these skills than during the holiday season? A time when shopping and sales are at an all time high, and the pressure to spend money is prevalent. This is the perfect opportunity to teach children how to budget, save money, and look out for scams, with real world examples that will inevitably affect their lives. By using the holidays as a learning opportunity for kids to learn financial literacy, you can help them create smart habits early on that shape future adult spending.

“Wants” Vs. “Needs”

A defining factor of shopping at any time of year is differentiating between a want and a need. For children, this can be a difficult concept to grasp, but adults use this strategy often when they spend their money. And ultimately, knowing when you need to spend money versus when you just want to is a key factor to avoiding debt. Explain to your children that expenses that are non-negotiables are bills like rent, car payments, and credit card bills. Any costs that cover basic needs of living, like groceries or gas for your car, would be considered needs as well. Wants are items that you can go without and it won’t make a negative impact on your lifestyle or budget. New clothes when they aren’t necessary, impulsive shopping sprees, or eating out instead of cooking at home — all of these are good examples of wants.

Children should understand that the goal is to ensure your needs are taken care of, that way you have enough money to comfortably spend on your wants. So how are they expected to tell the difference between these things? The holidays exist almost solely on buying wants, after all. The best way for kids to know which costs are needs, which are wants, and how to afford both, is for them to make a wish list and budget for it.

Creating A Budget

Budgeting is at the center of making smart financial decisions. For children, budgeting for things like their holiday wish lists is a great example of showing them how to manage their money in real time. For example, say your child has an allowance of 20$ at the end of the week. They’re filled with excitement to use this money to buy themselves a toy off their wish list, but you know from their teacher that they need to get a new notebook for class. Explaining to the child that you need to account for the cost of the notebook first, before you can consider buying a new toy, provides a real world example of financial needs versus wants. You need school supplies, and you want a new toy.

Creating a budget to help kids afford their holiday wish lists also encourages them to save their money, because that wish list acts as a savings goal they can work towards. If the notebook costs 5$, this leaves them 15$ to use towards their wants, with room to save if they want to spend more. Aiding them in this process can aid in their financial decision making, and inspire them to make smart decisions to get closer to their goal: spending money on the things they want.

Shopping With A List

Once your child has their wish list created and their budget decided on, the next step is obvious: going shopping! Here, lists are still incredibly important. Explaining to a child that their wish list acts as a guide to what they’re buying at the store is imperative to keeping them from buying impulsively. If taught well, this is an impactful skill that their adult selves will benefit from.

While children can often get distracted by the first new toy they see at a store, it’s important to keep them on track. Explain that they only budgeted for the things they want on their list, therefore they can only spend their designated money on those items. The long term benefits of developing this skill early on is shaping an adult that is less likely to overspend, buy impulsively, and go over budget to accumulate debt.

Teaching kids smart financial habits during the holiday season gives them more than just spending money, it gives them lifelong confidence. When children learn how to save, budget, and make thoughtful choices early on, they grow into adults who can navigate financial challenges with ease. The lessons you share now, even through something as simple as a wish list or a shopping trip, become the foundation of responsible money management in their futures. By making financial literacy part of your holiday traditions, you’re helping your children build healthy financial habits that can support them for a lifetime.

Saving Money as a First Year College Student

Starting college is an exciting milestone, but it also comes with financial responsibilities that can feel overwhelming for first year students. From tuition and textbooks to dorm essentials and meal plans, costs can add up quickly. For many students, this is their first real experience managing money on their own. Learning to save early and make smart financial decisions can set the foundation for long-term financial success. Whether you’re attending a trade school or university, majoring in theater or business, building strong money habits now will help you avoid stress later — and give you more freedom to enjoy your college experience.

Understanding Student Loans and Financial Aid Options

Young student sits with financial advisor and smiles as they go over her loan options.

Before you worry about cutting costs, make sure you’re taking full advantage of all the financial support available to you. Fill out the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) every year to determine your eligibility for federal loans and grant opportunities. Unlike loans, grants and scholarships don’t need to be repaid, so try to prioritize those whenever possible. Unsure of the difference between financial aid options? Read about the difference between scholarships and loans here. Students can search for scholarships through their school’s financial aid office, local organizations, and trusted scholarship databases. If you do take out student loans, borrow only what you need and understand the terms. Keeping student loan debt manageable from the beginning is a crucial part of staying financially healthy during and after college.

Summer Savings

Female student using POS system while working at a coffee shop.

The summer before your first college semester is a great time to get a head start on building your savings. A part-time or full-time job, even if temporary, can help students build a small financial cushion for unexpected school expenses. Try creating a savings goal, such as setting aside 30%–50% of each of your paychecks, and try to stick to it. Opening a separate savings account dedicated to these savings can help you avoid the temptation of spending what you’ve earned. Whether you’re saving for books, dorm supplies, or personal spending, these early savings can ease the transition into college and reduce student reliance on credit or loans.

How to Avoid Financial Stress with a College Budget

Person sitting at desk with laptop, phone and calculator works on building their budget.

One of the most effective ways for students to save money in college is to track where their money is going. Start by listing all the sources of your income, including financial aid refunds, part-time jobs, or help from your family. Then list fixed expenses like rent, meal plans, or phone bills, and estimate flexible spending for things like food, transportation, and entertainment. Apps like Mint, YNAB (You Need a Budget), or even a simple spreadsheet can help students stay organized. Budgeting may sound tedious, but it gives students control over their finances and can prevent unnecessary stress throughout the semester.

Finding the Best Student Credit Cards to Build Credit

Student sits at table with her laptop and credit card in hand.

College is a great time to start building your credit history — if you do it responsibly. Look for a student credit card with a low interest rate and no annual fee. Use it only for small, regular purchases like gas or groceries, and try to pay off the balance in full every month. This shows lenders that you’re reliable and helps you build a strong credit score, which will come in handy later when renting an apartment, buying a car, or applying for loans in the future. Be sure to avoid maxing out your credit card or missing any payments, as that can damage your credit and lead to unnecessary debt.

Smart Ways to Save Money on College Textbooks

Young male student sits in the library and smiles as he reads his textbook.

Textbooks can be surprisingly expensive, but there are several ways to cut costs for students. Instead of buying directly from the campus bookstore, compare prices on websites like ThriftBooks or Amazon. Renting textbooks, buying used copies, or using older editions can save you hundreds of dollars each semester. Some professors even upload free PDFs or use open-source materials, so be sure to ask or check the syllabus before purchasing anything. Starting the habit of price-checking and exploring budget-friendly alternatives will help you stretch your monthly budget without sacrificing the quality of the tools needed for your education.

Student Discounts

Two female students look at a phone while out shopping together and carrying shopping bags.

Students are usually on a very tight budget due to limited income, high tuition costs, and the expense of living off campus. Given these discrepancies, many businesses offer student discounts. Organizations like Hulu, Nike, Dell, AMC, and many more. Savings typically range from 10% to 50% off the retail price. Tech tools are often used for research, assignments, or design projects. Valid student IDs can access premium services at a reduced cost. Searching for student discounts can be time-consuming, but online tools make the process easier. One helpful site is Student Beans, where students can quickly find and access a wide variety of discounts on clothing, food, tech, entertainment, and more, just by verifying their student status. Being approved by Student Beans can be instant if your student email domain is recognized, or it takes up to three days if manual review is required. Start exploring your resources and take full advantage of your student benefits.

Building an Emergency Fund

Young female student puts coins into her piggy bank.

As an incoming college student, building an emergency fund may not seem important, but it is a significant step in your college career. An emergency fund is money set aside for unexpected expenses like car repairs, electronic repairs, a lost job, and even surprise medical expenses. Starting your college career can be scary and even stressful. Having a small fund gives you a sense of peace of mind, allowing you to focus on classes and schoolwork. Having this fund will also teach you how to save money early. It helps you build healthy habits that will benefit you in the long run. First things first — set a goal for how much money you want to save. Next, don’t feel pressured to meet your goal immediately. Put aside a few dollars at a time. Then keep your savings separate from your spending account to avoid temptation. Lastly, set up automatic transfers no matter the amount to reach your financial goals.

Automate Your Savings

cell phone sits face up on desk with notification that reads "transaction complete".

Whether you’re saving for an emergency fund, a big purchase, or your future, automating your savings keeps you on track to long-term success. Automatically transferring funds eliminates the need for willpower, removes the mental burden, and helps you stay consistent without even thinking about it. Automatic actions train your brain to treat savings as a priority and encourage long-term financial discipline without feeling like a sacrifice. Money that goes directly into your savings is less tempting to spend and keeps your finances growing without the urge to spend it. No matter what you’re putting money aside for, it keeps you on track with your savings goals. You consistently make steady progress without doing any extra work. Setting money aside while working toward your financial goals reduces stress, boosts your confidence, and ensures you’re prepared for both planned expenses and surprises.

Sharing Subscriptions

group of female friends sitting on couch and watching tv together.

Budgeting is key when you are a college student. One of the easiest ways to save money is by sharing subscriptions. You can share with friends, family, and/or roommates to cut and minimize your cost. Sharing your Amazon Prime student or DoorDash dash-pass allows students to get free or faster shipping and discounted delivery fees. Some may say sharing subscriptions can help you stay connected to your friends and family. Whether it’s a show you all may be bingeing or a playlist you build together, it’s a shared experience.

University Resources

A student receiving help from a university resource hands a clip board back to an employee.

Taking advantage of the resources your university provides can help students save money, stay healthy, and make the most of their college experience. One of the most valuable resources available to students is the Financial Aid Office, which plays a crucial role in helping manage the cost of college and accessing funding opportunities. They can offer you help with aid packages, apply for scholarships, and access emergency funds. Another resource that schools provide is free/discounted public transportation. Since many schools don’t allow freshmen to bring cars, and owning one can be expensive, discounted or free transportation passes make it easier for students to get to class, work, and run errands without the extra cost. Another critical resource for students is the campus food pantry, which helps ensure that no one has to choose between meals and other college expenses. By taking full advantage of the resources offered on campus, students can ease financial stress, stay focused on their goals, and make the most of their college experience.

Being a college student doesn’t mean doing everything alone. There are countless resources available to help you stay afloat financially and emotionally. Whether you’re splitting subscriptions with roommates, leaning on your school’s financial aid office, or accessing the campus food pantry, support is always within reach. Many of your peers are using the same tools to stretch their budgets and reduce stress. Embracing these options doesn’t make you less independent; it makes you knowledgeable and resourceful. Leaning into your campus community can make a huge difference in your college experience. So take the time to explore what’s available, ask questions, and make choices that support your well-being and your wallet.

Graduation Season: Financial Advice for Grads & Their Families

As the 2025 school year comes to a close, it’s time to celebrate this year’s graduates! Graduation is a time to recognize the hard work of students and their families — but it also marks the beginning of some of the biggest financial decisions young people will begin to make. Whether you’re headed to college or technical school, going straight into the workforce, or supporting a grad, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by all the options you now face. Here are some practical tips to help graduating students and their families make smart money moves, this season and beyond!

Choosing Student Loans

If you plan on furthering your education after high school, it’s important to know how to finance that decision. The easiest way to fund the next 4+ years of your life is through student loans. But did you know there are two different kinds? Federal loans and private loans. According to FAFSA, “Federal student loans are made by the government, with terms and conditions that are set by law…”, whereas private loans are, “made by private organizations such as banks, credit unions, and state-based or state-affiliated organizations, and have terms and conditions that are set by the lender.” Knowing which loans are best for your circumstances makes it easier to choose which to apply for. When applying for student loans, remember to consider interest rates, repayment plans and refinancing for after school, tax benefits and credit checks. These factors all contribute to how much money you’ll be spending on school in the long run, and shouldn’t slip through the cracks of your financial decision making.

When it comes to loan repayment, there are numerous plans to choose from. There are plans that base your monthly payments on your income each year (IDR), and some that base your payments on how long you’d like to be paying the loan off (Standard). Some plans you can pay as you go while still basing payments on a percentage of your income (PAYE), and others you can extend the payment period up to 25 years to make your payment amounts more manageable (Extended). With these plans and more available, it’s important to go over each one to decipher which will work best for you. Take a look at FAFSA’s repayment plan page here, and don’t forget to try out their loan simulation calculator to get an estimate on what your payments may look like with different repayment plans. Wondering how to pay off your student loans even after you’ve crunched the numbers? Our partnership with Student Choice is a great option for graduates looking to consolidate or refinance their loan payments.

Checking & Savings Accounts

If you’re leaving high school without a checking or savings account, graduation season is the perfect time to establish one! These accounts are imperative to good financial decisions as they form a strong foundation for our money. Savings accounts are where we build and keep our excess money — think of it as your emergency fund. Checking accounts are typically where you keep your spending money, and are linked to a debit card. Both create a healthy balance to begin your financial journey.

When looking for a financial institution to join, consider one that matches your lifestyle best. Look for one that offers services you’re interested in and is available wherever you decide to go to school or move to after graduation. When opening a checking/savings account, does the bank or credit union you’ve chosen have a minimum balance requirement? Are the interest rates for a credit card reasonable? Do they offer a mobile banking app that you can get on your phone? These are all questions you should be asking yourself when deciding where to store your finances.

When you’re still learning to save money, automatic transfers are a great option to build a consistent habit. Once you’ve established your accounts, ask to have a designated amount of money transferred to your savings account each month. This takes the pressure of remembering to save off those who are new to the habit, and the amount transferred can be changed at the account holder’s discretion. When it comes to your personal funds, how you keep them safe is one of the most important financial decisions you could ever make.

Building Credit Responsibly

Building credit is a financial decision that heavily determines your financial future — after graduation is the perfect time to begin to build it. The point of using credit is to build a high credit score. In our blog, Understanding Credit Scores and How to Boost Yours, credit scores are described as “…a number that creditors use to determine your credit behavior, including how likely you are to make payments on a loan.” They determine the jobs we can apply for, the places we can live, and the loans we can receive. The higher your credit score, the better your financial standing. To learn more about what is considered a good credit score, how to boost them with daily habits, and how to maintain a good score, take a look at our blog and others here.

Life after graduation is a great time to begin using credit, as long as you do so responsibly. After applying for a credit card whose interest rate isn’t too high, try making small purchases to get comfortable using credit. This could be your weekly gas station visit, buying groceries every month, or treating yourself to a coffee on the weekend. Starting your credit journey with payments that are manageable will help you cement smart financial habits into your daily life.

It’s important not to get carried away with your credit card at any point of your financial journey. You never want to go over the limit you have to spend as this can damage your credit score, and you should always remember to make your payments on time. Remember — damaging your credit score for a fleeting moment of spending is incredibly easy, but rebuilding your score so you can afford life’s necessities is much harder.

Looking Toward the Future

Life after graduation is an exciting time for students and their families. Help your grad step into this chapter with confidence and financial clarity by showing them how to make financial decisions they’ll appreciate in the future. Your trustworthy credit union is here to help each step of the way!

Scholarships vs. Student Loans: How to Fund College without Debt

The rising cost of college tuition has left many students and families wondering how to pay for higher education without accumulating massive debt. While student loans are a common solution, they come with long-term financial obligations. On the other hand, scholarships offer a debt-free way to fund your education. Understanding the differences between these options can help students make smarter financial choices and minimize or even eliminate student debt.

What is the difference between loans and scholarships or grants?

Scholarships are financial awards that do not require repayment, making them an ideal way to cover educational expenses. They come from a variety of sources, including colleges, private organizations, non-profits, and employers. Scholarships can be awarded based on different criteria, such as:

Merit Based: Awarded for academic excellence, athletic ability, or artistic achievements.
Need Based: Given to students from low-income families or those demonstrating financial need.
Demographic Based: Designed for specific groups, such as first-generation students, minorities, or veterans.
Field Specific: Offered to students pursuing careers in specific industries like STEM, healthcare, or education.
Community or Employer sponsored: Provided by local businesses, credit unions, or employers as an incentive for continuing education.

Where to Find Scholarships

To maximize scholarship opportunities, students should explore multiple sources, such as:

FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid), which can reveal eligibility for grants and institutional aid.
University financial aid offices, which often have lists of available scholarships.
Online databases like Fastweb, Scholarships.com, and the College Board’s scholarship search.
Local organizations and non-profits, including community foundations, credit unions, and religious groups.

How is a student loan different from a scholarship?

Student loans are borrowed funds that must be repaid with interest. They are typically used when scholarships, grants, and savings are not enough to cover tuition and other expenses. There are two main types of student loans:

Federal Student Loans – These are government-backed loans with lower interest rates and flexible repayment options. They include:
- Subsidized Loans – The government covers interest while the student is in school.
- Unsubsidized Loans – Interest begins accruing immediately upon disbursement.
Private Student Loans – These are issued by banks, credit unions, and other private lenders. They often have interest rates that depend on your circumstances, and may require a cosigner.

Why Should You Consider Scholarships and Grants First When Trying to Pay for Higher Education?

To minimize the need for student loans, consider these strategies:

Prioritize Scholarships & Grants – Apply for as many scholarships as possible to maximize free funding.
Consider Community College First – Attending a community college for the first two years can significantly reduce costs before transferring to a four-year institution.
Explore Tuition Reimbursement Programs – Certain employers and organizations offer tuition assistance for employees.
Use Savings & Smart Budgeting – Setting aside money in a college savings account can help cover tuition without relying solely on loans.

Scholarships are a powerful tool for funding college without the burden of student debt. While student loans may sometimes be necessary, they should be a last resort after exploring scholarships, grants, and other financial aid options. Taking the time to research and apply for scholarships can save students thousands of dollars in the long run.

At York Educational Federal Credit Union, we are committed to helping our members make informed financial decisions. Contact us today to learn more about financial planning, student loan options, and scholarship opportunities!

5 Financial Habits to Start Before the New Year

As 2024 comes to an end, there’s no better time to review your finances in preparation for 2025. Looking to improve how you save and spend your money? By analyzing your previous financial practices throughout the year, you can pinpoint which ones are worth bringing into the new year, and the ones better left in the past. Adopt these smart financial habits by the end of the year and give yourself a head start to a successful 2025!

1. Track Your Spending

We’ve heard it all before – keep track of how much you spend in order to truly see how much money we’re losing rather than saving. It’s the oldest trick in the book. But what they don’t tell you is that this trick really does work! It’s easy for small expenses to add up over time (think that morning coffee run or an impromptu shopping spree), but when coupled with larger expenses like monthly bills? That means a lot of money is leaving your account rather than accumulating. When you track your spending and come face to face with just how much of your money is being spent, it’s easier to cut out the expenses we can live without. This way we can guarantee the funds for more expensive costs, like rent, car payments, and other bills. Keep yourself in the loop of your own spending by tracking them month by month.

2. Automate Your Savings

Most people have heard of automatic bill payments that are taken out of their account each month, but did you know you can do the same thing for your savings account? It’s recommended that 10% of each paycheck be deposited into your savings, but truly any amount is better than none! This is a great option for those who struggle with consistently building up their savings – whether it be because we don’t prioritize it, or simply because it slips our mind. Once these automatic transfers are set up, you can focus on other things while being assured that your savings is slowly growing.

3. Create A Budget

Creating a budget is an extremely important step to saving money, and typically goes hand in hand with tracking your spending. By calculating how much money you spend each month, you budget those funds by deciding which areas of your life you can afford to spend more, and which ones you need to spend less. If you see that you’re spending more on impulse purchases yet come up short for bills, try cutting back on those costs. Best practice calls for us to decide what expenses are non-negotiables and adjust our spending around them. Things like bills, rent, credit card or other loan payments, etc. would be defined as things we can’t live without, and they should always be paid first. Money should also be set aside for everyday, affordable costs, as well as emergency funds for expenses we can’t foresee, such as car troubles or a cracked phone screen. Everyone’s budget is specific to them, and it’s the best financial act of preparation you can take for every year of your life.

4. Tackle Debt

Make the effort to improve your debt in the upcoming year by making payments when you’re able. You can have your payments automated monthly to ensure consistent payments, or you could even pay them in advance if that fits better into your budget. Diminishing debt can be a time consuming job, which is why any attempts to pay it back is best practice. After all, any payment is better than none! You never want to let debt go unchecked, so start paying it back slowly and your debt will decrease over time. If what you owe seems unmanageable, speaking to a professional like our loan officers is an irreplaceable resource. They can aid in breaking down what you owe and creating a payment plan that works best for you. You can schedule a meeting with a YEFCU loan officer here.

5. Set Clear Goals

Like any goal, it’s important to be as specific as possible with what you’re trying to achieve. Are you looking to grow your savings in the upcoming year? Do you have a loan you’d like to pay off completely? Once you decide what you’d like to accomplish, write down every step you need to take to get there. This allows you to visualize the process and make it less daunting, and more doable. How much can you budget to go towards this goal? Can you increase potential payments to speed up the process? These are all important questions to consider when planning just how you want to tackle your goals in 2025, and the first step in working towards materializing them.

Looking back on the previous year is imperative to improving the one ahead. By doing so we analyze what practices worked, what didn’t, and what we can improve on. Adopting better habits not only improves our daily lives, but our financial futures in the long run. Consider tweaking the way you interact with your money and 2025 could be your most financially successful year yet!