News and tips from Rio Grande Credit Union
September 2024
- Why You Should Finance Your Car Through Your Credit Union
Credit union rates are on average a full point lower than market rates, and there’s no high pressure to sign or set a monthly payment. Let us help you get behind the wheel!
- Dine on a Dime: Garlic Parmesan Zucchini Noodles
Save some cash with this healthy, affordable dinner that helps beat the summer heat. These zucchini noodles are an oven-free dinner and perfect for a weeknight meal.
- Personal Finance for Digital Nomads
If you dream of ditching the house in the ‘burbs and becoming a digital nomad, now is a great time. Just be sure you have all your plans in order before you hit the road. We can help!
- What do I Need to Know About Escrow
If you’re a first-time home buyer, the escrow process might be a little confusing to you. Fortunately, our handy guide will explain what it is, how it works and what to do while it’s in effect!
- 6 Signs You May be a Shopaholic and Steps to Take to Curb that Behavior
Almost all of us love to shop, but that’s very different from being a shopaholic. If you’re addicted to everything from finding sales to just the act of buying, you need our guide.
- How to Protect Yourself from Google Voice Verification Scams
Have you heard of the Google Voice verification scam? You need to know about it, and especially about how to avoid it. We’ve got the info you need!
- Best Time to Pay for Vacations
You know how to save money on vacation when it comes to attractions and dining out, but what about the big-ticket stuff like travel and lodging? We’ve got a guide that’s got you covered!
- Setting Yourself Up for Auto Loan Success
Are you in the market for a new automobile? We have a list of points to consider before signing on the dotted line to make your dream of vehicle ownership a reality.
- How to Build and Maintain an Excellent Credit Score
Here’s a big financial wellness tip: Build your credit score and keep it high! A high score opens doors in many areas of your life. We can tell you how to do it!
- The Anatomy of a Mortgage Payment
So, you’re ready to buy a house and take on a mortgage payment for the first time. You’ll need to learn everything that goes into your payment before you sign on the dotted line!
- What to Buy in September
Whether you’re looking to refresh your home, snag a travel deal, or update your wardrobe, here’s a guide to what you should buy and what to skip this month.
August 2024
- As the seasons change and new needs arise, it’s important to make smart purchasing decisions. Here’s a guide on what to buy and what to skip during this time of the year.
As the seasons change and new needs arise, it’s important to make smart purchasing decisions. Here’s a guide on what to buy and what to skip during this time of the year.
- Back-to-School Shopping Hacks
Back-to-school shopping can be both exciting and overwhelming for students and parents alike. Here are some clever hacks to make this annual ritual more efficient and budget-friendly.
- Why a Credit Union is Safer Than a Bank in a Financial Crisis
It seems like the next financial crisis is always one bad government report away, so where can you keep your money the safest? Find out why a credit union is your best choice!
- Best Times to Buy Headphones and Audio Gear
If you’re looking for a bargain on new headphones and audio gear, you’re in luck! Pretty much every major sale period of the year includes this category, but be sure you know what you want!
- Beware Advance Payment Scams
Whether it’s a hot investment tip or a new romance that needs a loan, beware of handing out money upfront for anything. It’s likely a scam, and your money will disappear. We’ll help you stay safe!
- Know When and How to Indulge
Did you know there’s room in your budget for fun? In fact, if there’s not, there should be! Keeping your budget too tight for too long will make you more likely to bust it. Read our tips!
- All You Need to Know About 401(k)s
Saving for retirement is a big deal, but it can be really easy if you automate your savings with a 401(k) plan through your employer. We’ll explain how it works!
- Planning the Perfect Company Fun Day: a Guide to Employee Engagement
Have you ever been to a company fun day where it was obvious the employer really didn’t put much thought into it? Make yours different this year! We can show you how.
- Dine on a Dime: Kid-Friendly Cheeseburger Pasta
Having trouble deciding between cheeseburgers and pizza for the kiddos? Why not both! Here's an inexpensive recipe to your kid's new favorite meal.
- College Life: How to Create Your First Elevator Pitch
Is your elevator pitch ready to go? You’ll You’ll want to spend some time carefully crafting this vital part of your job search. We’ve got tips that will have you doing your silver-tongued best!
- What is a Credit Report
Your credit report affects a dizzying array of things that go on in your life, so you really need to know what it is and what affects it. We’ve got the total breakdown!
- Financial Lessons We Can Learn from Football
As football season kicks off again, it's a perfect time to draw parallels between this iconic sport and financial lessons that can help us manage our money better.
- How to Report Fraud
No matter how careful you are, the chances are good that eventually you’ll fall victim to some sort of fraud. Find out what to do, who to tell about it and how to repair the damage!
- Teaching Kids About Saving Money
Teaching kids about saving money is a valuable life lesson that sets them up for financial responsibility in the future. Here are some effective strategies to instill good saving habits in children.
- What Should I do With My RGCU Reward Points?
Whether you decide to indulge in cash back, splurge on merchandise, or plan an exciting trip, your rewards are a well-deserved perk for your responsible financial habits with RGCU.
- Do I Need to Balance My Checkbook?
Balancing your checkbook may seem like a relic of the past, but it’s still a useful practice for managing your finances effectively.
- Slow Cooker Mojo Pork
This simple, satisfying recipe from The Bite is excellent for multiple meals during the busy summer months. Use it to make tacos, nachos, or rice bowls.
- How to Prepare for the Fall Season
By preparing thoughtfully for the fall season, you can make the most of this beautiful time of year and enjoy all the comforts and festivities it brings.
- All You Need to Know About Free Trial Scams
An offer of free stuff always catches our attention, but sometimes a free subscription can end up costing you big money. Learn how to steer clear of free trial scams!
July 2024
- What’s the Difference Between ACH and Wire Transfers
Our money moves mostly via ACH and wire transfers, but there are some major differences between them, especially when it comes to speed and security. We’ve got it all explained!
- How to Conduct a Mid-Year Financial Wellness Check
As we reach the halfway point of the year, taking the time to review your finances can provide valuable insights and set you up for success in the remaining months.
- Best Ways to Save for Big Purchases
Saving for big purchases can be both exciting and challenging, but with the right strategies, you can achieve your financial goals without feeling overwhelmed.
- How to Teach Your Teen About Finance
How to you start talking with your teenager about money? We have some tips!
- Cash, Credit, or Debit: How Should I Pay?
Should you pay with cash, credit or debit? It’s a question you come across every day! They each have their strong points, and we’ve broken them down for you in a handy guide.
- Best Time to Buy Engagement Rings
An engagement ring is usually one of the biggest jewelry buys you’ll ever make. We’ve got ways to save even on these, though! Read on for details!
- What is The Credit Union Difference?
What makes a credit union different from a traditional financial institution? It's all about the owners - our members!
- Savings Accounts vs. Share Certificates: Understanding the Differences
When it comes to saving money, choosing the right financial product is crucial. Two common options are savings accounts and share certificates (also known as certificates of deposit or CDs).
- All You Need to Know About Cybersecurity
It’s time to take a long, hard look at how you’re protecting your devices and your data. We’ve got a comprehensive guide to keep you safe!
- BLT Pasta For One
With crispy bacon and the burst of in-season tomatoes, this pasta dish is an easy weeknight dinner to pull together.
- Which Home Improvement Projects Can I Do Myself?
Want to remodel but you don’t have the budget for big projects? Read on for some budget-friendly ways to give your home a big upgrade!
- 5 Ways to Be a Better Coworker
Whether you’re in the same workplace for a while or you’re just starting out, here are five ways to be a better coworker.
- All You Need to Know About One-time Password Scams
A one-time password is a great way to have secure access to an account … until someone scams you into revealing it. Find out about this new scam and how to avoid it!
- Dine on a Dime: Cheeseless Quesadillas
Serve up something a little different for dinner tonight with this easy, budget-friendly dish.
- Summer Entertaining on a Budget
If you’ve got the itch to do some summer entertaining but you don’t have the budget, we’ve got plenty of tips that will help you save your budget!
- How Can I Save on Energy Costs this Summer
Are you having the usual summer battle between having a cool house and keeping your energy costs down? We’ve got some hacks that will save you big bucks!
- Why Become a Board Member at Rio Grande Credit Union
Becoming a member of the Board of Directors at Rio Grande Credit Union (RGCU) is an opportunity to play a pivotal role in your financial institution!
- What to Buy and What to Skip in July
As summer hits its stride, July presents unique opportunities for savvy shoppers. Here's a guide on what to buy and what to skip this month.
- Dine on a Dime: Cabbage Carbonara Pizza
Have you mastered a gluten-free dough or found a brand of premade that you like? No? Cabbage carbonara pizza is your gluten-free answer.