Tools and Resources to Help You Plan, Budget, and Thrive.
At Rio Grande Credit Union, we believe that everyone deserves to feel confident about their finances. Whether you're just starting out or reworking your financial goals, we're here to support your journey toward financial wellness.
This is your go-to space for free, practical tools that can help you take control of your money and plan for what matters most—without the stress.
Why It Matters
Taking small steps now can lead to big changes down the road. Budgeting isn’t about cutting back—it’s about moving forward with confidence. With the right tools and support, you can build a plan that fits your life and your goals.
Start Today
Ready to take the first step toward your best financial self? Here are some FREE financial resources available to help you become your Best Financial Self!
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Budgeting Workbook |
Financial Goals Worksheet |
Free Financial Coaching |
Financial Education Articles |
Financial 411
Financial Wellness Videos
New Blog Articles
November 2025
- What to Buy and What to Skip in November
November is the Super Bowl of shopping, with Black Friday, Cyber Monday and sales all month! We’ve got the things to shop for this month and the ones to avoid!
- Dine on a Dime: Thanksgiving Stuffed Sweet Potatoes
Bring all the classic Thanksgiving flavors to your table without breaking the bank! These stuffed sweet potatoes are filled with savory turkey, colorful veggies, and a touch of sweet cranberry sauce—perfect for a festive, hearty meal that’s easy on your wallet.
- Thanksgiving Hacks – Save Yourself Time, Stress and Money
Thanksgiving will be here before you know it. This year, avoid the last-minute hassles and a blown budget. Use these Thanksgiving Day hacks for a stress-free and budget-friendly Thanksgiving.
- Scams To Avoid This Black Friday
It’s time for holiday shopping, and holiday scams! Both online and in-store, the unwary shopper can be scammed … but we’ve got the tips you need to stay safe!
- Job Seekers And Social Media
Your online profile, including social media, could help or hurt your hiring chances. Are you savvy enough?
- What to Expect on Your First Holiday as a College Student
The holidays can be a bit different when you’re in college. Going home costs money, and you might find that the family dynamic has changed. You’ve become more independent, and your family has likely also adapted to new norms, so be prepared.
- Ways To Thank A Veteran This Veterans Day
With Veterans Day upon us, you might be wondering about ways to show your support for those who defend our freedom every day. We’ve got a great list of ideas, from flying the flag to taking a walk!
- Stress-Free Thanksgiving That Doesn’t Break the Bank
Are you hosting Thanksgiving again? Instead of limping across the finish line on Thursday a frazzled stress-ball far more interested in a glass of wine than a slice of pie, make it stress-free!
- Best Cyber Security Practices
Practicing good internet hygiene doesn’t have anything to do with wiping down your keyboard or cleaning your mouse. It’s actually a lot easier than that, but can be far more important!
- Money Management: The Cost of Borrowing
Credit cards may be handy, but they’re also a quick route to finding yourself under a pile of debt. Let our advice help you use those cards responsibly and stay out of trouble!
- Is Black Friday Shopping Worth the Hassle?
Do you stalk Black Friday sales like a hungry jaguar, waiting to pounce on just the right air fryer discount? Or do you stay home and shop in your jammies? We make the case for both!
- How to Crush Credit Card Debt While in College
Paying off credit card debt on a student budget can be tough, but it’s doable with a solid plan. Start by listing everything you owe.
October 2025
- Wrapping Up October: Reflect, Reset, and Recharge for What’s Next
As the final days of October fade and the air grows cooler, it’s the perfect time to pause, reflect, and reset before diving into the busy months ahead.
- Beware Of Inheritance Scams!
Inheritance fraud is an old scam that’s reared its ugly head again. Find out what to watch for!
- Shopping Hacks for IKEA
Shopping at IKEA is about more than tasty meatballs and cool furniture! With our shopping hacks, you’ll save money most others won’t and get benefits you never knew existed!
- Reasons to Create and Stick to a Budget
Here are a bunch of great reasons to be a budget-conscious person!
- How Much Should I Save?
A lot of thought and math goes into determining how much you should save each month.
- How To Spot And Avoid A Fake Ticket
Learn the key tips and tricks to identify counterfeit tickets and protect yourself from scams before your next event
- The Ultimate Guide To Your First Apartment
Before you sign a lease, be sure to read our tips on finding your new apartment and being sure you get the best deal in the best place!
- What Should I Look For In My Credit Report
Homework time! Learn how to get, check and challenge errors on your credit report!
- Tips For Raising Secure Kids
How can you teach your kids about money? It’s really not all that hard, but you have to be consistent and work at it … and teach them to work! Read our tips!
- The Basics of Financial Negotiation
At many points in your financial life, negotiation will be a powerful skill to have in your arsenal. We can teach you when and how to do it, plus much more!
- Questions You Need To Ask About Debt Consolidation Loans
Before committing to a debt consolidation loan, it’s important to ask the right questions to ensure it truly helps you simplify payments, reduce interest, and move toward financial freedom.
- Shopping Hacks to Fall for This Autumn
Fall brings welcome cooler air, lots of festivals, two of our favorite major holidays and … shopping hacks! You can save tons this time of year if your strategy is solid. We can help!
- Avoiding Dormant Accounts
Letting your savings accounts sit too long can be a dangerous thing. Learn about dormant accounts and how to avoid them!
- Mortgage Scams And How To Beat Them
Surely that company offering to help you out of your mortgage trouble isn’t scamming you, right? Think again!
- Dine on a Dime:Spooky Hand Meatloaf
This meatloaf shaped like a hand looks horrifying but tastes amazing — a spooky showstopper for your Halloween dinner!
- Signs You’re Living Beyond Your Means
Does life just seem too expensive? You might be living beyond your means. We’ve got some ways to tell if you are, and tips to help you get your money back in line!
- Halloween Costs Are Scaring Me. How Can I Save?
Thanks to inflation, even Halloween is getting scary expensive, but there are plenty of ways to save on everything from costumes to candy to the all-important decorations. We can help!
- Should I Buy A House During The Holidays?
Are you in the market for a new home during the holidays? You just might find some great deals while the snow flies. See the pros and cons to holiday house hunting!
- Super-Scary Scams To Watch For This Halloween
Like a mummy from a tomb, Halloween scams are lurking around this candy-filled holiday looking to haunt your wallet and scare up some quick cash. We can help you stay safe.
- What to Buy and What to Skip in October
With Halloween coming this month, there are tons of great deals to scare us out there, and not just on candy and costumes! Check our guide to see what to buy and what to skip.
- How to Find Happiness at Work
Discover practical ways to bring more joy, purpose, and satisfaction into your everyday work life.
- Credit Unions Make a Difference
International Credit Union Day is October 16, a time to reflect on the way credit unions contribute to a brighter future by working to improve members’ financial well-being.
September 2025
- Reasons To Open A Money Market Account
Check out the money market accounts at today! You’ll get higher rates with the security you trust and easy access to funds!
- DIY Halloween Décor
Before you know it, Halloween will be here! We’ve got DIY decorating hacks that will make your house spook-tacular without breaking your budget.
- Shopping Hacks for Kohl’s
Kohl’s is managing to make it in the retail sales battles on the strength of tons of shopping hacks which can save you big money. Read on and take notes to save big!
- Beware of Robocall Scams!
Everybody knows the old, traditional robocall scams, but there are new tactics that might fool you if you’re not in the know. We’ve got all the info you’ll need!
- How to Play the Retail Game and Get the Biggest Bang for Your Buck
There are always deals to be had when you’re shopping, but the list we’ve put together here makes finding them like shooting fish in a barrel. Oh, and IKEA has barrels on sale!
- A Fast, Flexible Way To Fix Your Finances
If your paycheck goes up and down, your budget can still be steady. Let help!
- How to Shop for Fall on a Budget
Looking for ways to save on your fall and winter clothing buys? We’ve got a whole list of tips to keep your budget warm! Read on for six timely money-saving tips this shopping season.
- Get These Things Out Of Your Purse Or Wallet Now!
Don’t let a clogged wallet lead to an emptied bank account! Cut down on the weight and add to your peace of mind.
- Don’t Get Hooked: Recognize and Avoid Phishing Scams
Phishing, along with its evil cousins smishing and vishing, are the most common scams around. Read our guide to learn how to avoid them and keep your information safe!
- Wardrobe While on a College Budget
Need to update your wardrobe while on a college budget? Start by checking your closet to see what you already have. Make a list of essentials and set a spending limit.
- Ways To Pay Off A Loan Early
Want to get out of debt? Who doesn’t? You can take small steps that add up to big interest savings and earlier repayment. We’ve got the info!
- The 8 Most Harmful Attitudes Toward Money
Your relationship with money shapes your financial reality.
- How Much Money Should I Keep In My Checking Account?
How much should you be keeping in your checking account? Too little and you could be in trouble. Too much and you lose interest earnings. We can help you figure it out!
- How to Keep Your Finances Safe While Traveling
Summer travel is a ton of fun, but it can also bring fraud and theft if you’re not careful. Your security prep should start before you even pack your first bag, and continue after you get home!
- Why Choose A Credit Union?
Fed up with fees and slack service? Looking for great service and better rates on loans? A credit union is your best bet!
- How to Create a Budget in 6 Easy Steps
Do you have a budget? It’s not as hard as you might think to make one. We’ve got a simple six-step process that will have you in full command of your finances in no time!
- Buying A Home In Today’s Economy
If buying a home in this economy has you a bit scared, we’ve got helpful tips to make sure you’re a happy homeowner!
- Dine on a Dime: Barbeque Chicken
Hosting a cookout this year? Keep it fun and affordable with BBQ chicken, grilled corn on the cob, and a quick macaroni salad—easy, breezy, and delicious!
- Steps Toward Purchasing An Auto Insurance Policy
Are you shopping for car Insurance? It can be confusing, but we can help you get the best coverage for the best price. Read our tips!
- What to Buy and What to Skip in September
September means Labor Day, the last big summer holiday, and there are deals to be had this month, as well as stuff to skip buying. We’ve got all the info you’ll need to shop smart!