Getting Serious About Retiring

A senior African American couple enjoy an evening on the town with ice cream

As I approach retirement I am looking at my finances and wondering when I should actually retire and will I have enough money to live on. Will I be financially comfortable in retirement? I believe when planning for retirement you should have two goals in mind.

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Two Minutes and a Phone Call Can Turn Into Identity Theft

Don't fall for a vishing scam.

There are so many things you can do in under two minutes - brush and floss your teeth, make a delicious cheese quesadilla, walk 200 steps, or become a victim of identity theft! These days, identity theft doesn't just come from cyber criminals hacking multimillion-dollar organizations to steal data, it's also criminals gathering data from a simple two-minute phone conversation that could put you at risk for identity theft.

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Debit Cards vs. Credit Cards: Which is better?

Debit Cards vs. Credit Cards: Which is better?

They are both small plastic cards that you can use to buy stuff and you probably have one of each in your wallet or purse. But did you know they each have distinct differences? Debit cards and credit cards can both be great tools to use when purchasing goods and services. Is one better to use than the other? First, let’s find out how each works.

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What You Should Know About Aircraft Financing

plane flying

The loan process for financing an airplane can be quite different than a car or boat. When you’ve decided it’s time to buy your first plane, it’s important to start the airplane loan process as prepared as possible. Lenders will look at more than just your credit history, they will want to assess the plane and the purpose for owning. Here are a few standard questions you might be asked during the process. Not all of these factors can be a determining factor in how much you are able to borrow.

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Finding Work-Life Balance in the New Normal

KOFE

Significant historical events, from the Great Depression to WW2, changed our society in unimaginable ways. The Great Depression gave us some of the social programs Americans have come to expect, such as Social Security. WW2 ushered in a “golden age” for our nation, bringing us prosperity, advancements in technology, and a position as the world’s leader. Now, the pandemic is changing the ways we work, set priorities, and look at our lifestyles. One major area of where are perspectives are evolving is how to find the right work-life balance.

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Aviation Flying Clubs: What are they?

airplane at airport

Many aspiring pilots are concerned with not only the cost of earning a private pilot’s license but once they acquire it, if they will be able to afford to fly. Owning a plane or just renting a plane is a very expensive hobby.

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How to make an extra $1,000

Woman walking many dogs.

Could you use an extra $1,000? Who couldn’t? No need to whip out your resume or ask your rich uncle for a loan. Here are five ways in which most of us can earn some cash honestly and easily.

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Celebrate International Credit Union Day

Celebrate International Credit Union Day!

The credit union movement is steeped in a rich history of collaboration across divides. For nearly two centuries, financial cooperatives all over the world have encouraged people of every race, gender and belief to come together and give their all towards the betterment of their communities. It’s about people helping people.

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The Qs and As about Credit Scores

man holding phone looking at his credit score

What credit score should you really be striving for?

Most people have heard the old adage that the higher your credit score the better. We all know that a good credit score means lower rates when you want to obtain a loan on a car, mortgage and other large ticket item. The truth is that financial institutions use ranges to determine interest rates on a loan.

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The Best Things In Life Are Free

Fort Lauderdale beach

If you are a South Florida resident, you know that visiting relatives or friends are a reality of life. As hosts, we are often tasked with finding and accompanying our guests to suitable attractions. Since we live in a tourism driven economy, these spots are often quite taxing to the wallet.

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For the Empty Nesters Among Us: Loving the Game of Life

woman kayaking 900x500

You used to dream of this time and thought the day would never come. The day when your kids grow up, move out and become financially self sufficient.

Now they are gone and you and your spouse are empty nesters. After years of non-stop parental activities -- rushing to soccer practice, piano, karate, recitals, birthday parties and sleepovers, they are gone. You feel like Usain Bolt after the 100 meters – accomplished, happy and a wee bit sad.

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How much of your income should you save?

man saving money in jar

Your ideal savings rate depends on your goals and when you want to reach them. Are you saving for retirement? A vacation? Creating an emergency fund? There are also a variety of circumstances that can affect how much you should save. We’re going to breakdown the savings timelines and factors that go into figuring out how much to save and when.

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What are CDs and IRAs?

couple looking at computer

Are you thinking about investing but aren’t sure where to begin? CDs and IRAs are a good, low risk place to start. In this blog, we will explain just what these are and when it would be a good time to invest.

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5 Reasons to Refinance Your Mortgage

a couple reviewing paperwork with a bank staff member

Refinancing. You hear the term in the media almost every day especially in this low rate environment. Refinancing means paying off your existing mortgage with a new one. Should you do it? Consider these five reasons why refinancing may be right for you.

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5 Ways to Spend Less on Food

a man chopping food on a small cutting board while a woman beats eggs in a bowl.

When it comes to our finances, most people underestimate just how much they spend on food.  And while we can get rid of other expenses, food is the one line item that we cannot eliminate. We can however, spend a lot less with a bit of thought and planning.

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