For many people, debit cards are the perfect plastic. They offer most of the conveniences of credit cards with no risk of accumulating debt.

But like credit cards, debit cards are vulnerable to rip-off artists. And debit card fraud is particularly scary because thieves can withdraw money directly from your checking account.

Here's how debit fraud happens and how to protect yourself.

Retirement. It’s not exactly like death and taxes but it’s pretty much inevitable. So like everything else in life, it pays to do a little planning. With this wise thought in mind, I headed off on Tuesday, June 13 to the Members Financial seminar on Social Security at the credit union’s Pembroke Pines branch.

While credit unions have been around for more than a century, plenty of consumers are often faced with myths about what credit unions are – or aren’t. Credit unions are an excellent alternative to banks, and often have plenty more to offer. Let’s take a closer look as we debunk some misconceptions about credit unions.

If you’ve been thinking of buying a second home, you may not want to wait much longer. You may have heard that mortgage rates are expected to rise this year, which means waiting could cost you. Securing a mortgage for your second home now, while rates are low, means you can buy more home for your money.

If retirement is in your 5 to 10 year plan, you may be starting to think about buying your retirement home now. Or, you might want to buy a second home as a vacation home for your family. Either way, now is a good time to buy.

Spring is a popular time to upgrade your car and enjoy driving something different. We Florida Financial wants to guide you toward making the perfect car purchase with these easy tips!

How do you know if you should refinance your mortgage? If you think that the refinance wave has passed you by, think again. Mortgage rates are only slightly higher now than the bottomed-out low rates we saw a few years ago.

What You Need for Florida Home Loans

Florida is a great state to live in. Naturally, you’d want your own house to come home to. And unless you can pay for one in full, that means applying for a Florida home loan.

March is Credit Education Month! The best way to celebrate is to take charge of your credit habits. Learn more about how you can improve your credit standing below.

One of the hardest things about saving money is trying to budget during a holiday, especially one that gives you the opportunity to dote on someone you love. So how do you make birthdays, date nights, and even Valentine’s Day special without draining your bank account? We’ve compiled a few inexpensive date ideas that will impress your date without breaking the bank.

You might have big plans for 2017, and you likely have made a resolution or two for the New Year. As we say goodbye to January, how are you doing on those goals? Have you already lessened your resolve? The important thing to remember about making attainable goals is to make them specific and measurable.

The New Year is upon us and it is time to improve on ourselves with resolutions. The New Year is a great opportunity to talk to your children about making resolutions to grow as a person, as well. Children can be very receptive to this idea and the younger you start getting them involved, the better.

When it comes to holiday spending there are tons of ways to get off-track. Unexpected costs can come from any angle, and it is important to be prepared for them during the holidays.

Produced by Ann Davidson, VP of Risk Consulting at Allied Solutions

As the holidays approach, credit union employees and members must become increasingly aware of scams and identity theft and other forms of fraud. Combating fraud is easy when the credit union and member are fully aware of the types of scams and how to avoid them.

Why New Graduates Should Join a Credit Union

Being a new graduate, and presumably headed towards joining the workforce, becoming a member of a credit union is a wise move. But why should you join a credit union?

Car Loans with Lower Interest Rates at We Florida Financial

When it comes to car loans borrowers usually turn to their banks or the car dealer for financing. But did you know that an auto loan from a credit union provides more long-term benefits?

When it comes to credit union memberships, a lot of people are hesitant about joining because of common misconceptions. Despite the high interest rates and fees imposed by banks, people still choose them over credit unions when in fact, there are numerous benefits to becoming a member—benefits you won't receive from traditional financial institutions.

We Florida Financial provides four types of home loans to cater to the different needs and situations of our members.

Reasons To Be Optimistic About Mortgages in Florida

Home prices in Florida are steadily rising. This means it's a more advantageous period for buyers who want to buy or swap homes, especially compared to market conditions years ago. For mortgages in Florida that suit every type of budget, We Florida Financial is a trusted name among credit unions in the area.

When Should You Look into Vehicle Refinancing

First-time car owners aren't all the same. Some may spend plenty of time finding the best deal while others let down their guard and trust whatever financing the local dealership offers. If you've realized too late that you signed up for a bad deal, vehicle refinancing can give you some breathing room in your budget and extra savings in your wallet.

Home Financing 101: Home Equity Lines of Credit vs. Home Equity Loans

When it comes to home financing, a home equity loan can be categorized in two ways: a home equity line of credit and a home equity loan. While they may appear similar at first, they have fundamental differences that make one more appropriate than the other, depending on your needs.