10 Tips for Planning a Wedding on a Budget

Posted on May 16, 2013 by Financial Forum Online

Ring And Checkbook Planning a Wedding on a BudgetHorse-drawn carriage rides look great on TV and in the movies – especially when the people who enjoy those rides never seem to actually work or have jobs. Here in the real world, we have jobs, responsibilities… and yes, we even have budgets, especially when it comes to planning a wedding.

Even a small, modest wedding can set you back a few months’ salary. If you’re planning a wedding on a budget, here are 10 tips that can help you stick to that budget without compromising your experience, your memories or your happiness. Continue reading →

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Financial Resources Foundation Accepting Applications for Scholarships

Posted on May 9, 2013 by Financial Forum Online

Financial Resources Foundation Accepting Applications for ScholarshipOne of the best ways that Financial Resources Federal Credit Union can give back to the community is by helping young people get the education they need to be successful – and eventually give back to the community themselves someday.

That’s why we’re thrilled to announce that we’re now accepting applications for the Financial Resources Foundation 2013 Scholarship Program. The Foundation will be awarding three $1,000 scholarships, and high school seniors who are entering a university, community college or trade/technical school this fall are encouraged to apply.

Applicants must be a member in good standing of Financial Resources Federal Credit Union or reside in Somerset, Hunterdon or Middlesex Counties. Judging will be based not only on each student’s performance and achievement in the classroom, but also their community involvement, a teacher reference, and their personal and academic goals.

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7 Smart Ways To Put Your Income Tax Refund To Good Use

Posted on May 2, 2013 by Financial Forum Online

Getting-refund-from-the-income-7373736More than 70 percent of Americans receive an income tax refund, with an average refund of nearly $2,000. That’s a nice chunk of change. There are endless ways to use this money, but what’s the smartest way?

Sure, you can simply deposit your income tax refund into your checking account and you’ll be no worse off than you were yesterday. However, if you take a quick look at your overall financial situation, you can probably put that money to better use.

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President’s Corner

Posted on April 25, 2013 by Financial Forum Online

Lena MatthewsDear Friends and Fellow Members:

It is hard to believe how quickly the year is proceeding along, but yet here we are welcoming in the change of the seasons and the warmer weather. It truly seems like time flies by, and here at Financial Resources, we are doing our best to help you spend less time on things you have to do, and more time on the things you want to do, by making it easier than ever to bank with us.

Becoming your primary Financial Institution is our goal. And in order to do that, we know we have to provide you with the types of convenience and technology you’d expect from a big bank, without all of the hassles, fees and impersonal service.

We achieve this by not just offering the latest banking products and services like the best Internet tools in banking, but by implementing technological advancements to help make your life easier and your banking relationship with us more rewarding.

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Organizing Household Files in 3 Simple Steps

Posted on April 18, 2013 by Financial Forum Online

House documentsThis is the time of year when the chaos that is your home filing system rears its ugly head. As you rushed to get your taxes done by April 15, you probably scrambled to find paperwork to give to your accountant. A filing cabinet here. A shoebox there. A junk drawer or two. Between all of these storage spaces and your children’s artwork and the junk mail in a giant stack of papers on the kitchen table lie the documents you have been searching for day and night.

This isn’t exactly the ideal way to store and organize important files, documents and financial statements. Why not use tax time as motivation to get your household files in order?

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6 Reasons Why You’re a Prime Target for Identity Theft

Posted on April 4, 2013 by Financial Forum Online

Protecting Yourself from Identity TheftAn identity thief is like any other criminal. They prey on those who are most vulnerable, and those who are most vulnerable are usually the most careless. The more careless you are, the more damage an identity thief can do.

If you or someone you know has been the victim of identity theft, you know that the price you pay goes far beyond any money spent from your accounts. It’s the hours, weeks and months spent on the phone with creditors and your attorney, filing and following up with police reports, and making sure your good name and credit rating are restored.

If you’re not careful with sensitive information, an identity thief could be sizing you up for a strike right now. Here are a few things that they’re looking for.

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Help Us Help Children Affected By Cancer

Posted on March 28, 2013 by Financial Forum Online

FCU Foundation News20 years. More than $450,000 raised. The beneficiaries? Charities and medical institutions that provide services to children, the most innocent victims of illness and disease.

Financial Resources FCU Foundation organizes events each year to support children’s causes in the local community. At this year’s Foundation Event, being held Monday, May 6 at the Palace at Somerset Park, we’ll be raising money for two outstanding local organizations that help children fighting cancer – the Hugs for Brady Foundation and the Beez Foundation.

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5 Ways to Save Money that Won’t Turn Your Life Upside Down

Posted on March 21, 2013 by Financial Forum Online

Umbrella sheltering money, saving for a rainy dayThe most important thing to remember about saving money is that it doesn’t require any kind of deprivation. You don’t necessarily have to do without things you love or dramatically alter your lifestyle. You just have to make smarter decisions and find a good balance that works for you.

For example, if you decide to cut out luxury items, you don’t have to cut out all luxury items. If you love a certain moisturizer that’s a tad on the pricey side, get the moisturizer. But do you really need a $4 gourmet cup of coffee every day when a K-cup that tastes just as good costs less than a dollar? Do you really need Netflix and the premium movie channels? Again, it’s all about finding the right balance.

Here are five easy ways to save money every month while barely lifting a finger.

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House, Condo or Rent – Which is Best for You?

Posted on March 14, 2013 by Financial Forum Online

Property-Sale-and-Rent-Signs-17457707

That’s the million dollar question. Or a half million dollars. Or a quarter million dollars. Regardless of how much you plan to invest in a home, it’s important to look at this decision from all angles – financially, professionally and personally, both short-term and long-term. Take a close look at your financial situation and create a detailed budget of living expenses. Think about how that budget will evolve.

Here are some basic factors you should consider when buying a house or condo, or signing a lease to rent.

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A Better Answer to the Leasing vs. Financing Debate

Posted on March 7, 2013 by Financial Forum Online

Car Leasing vs. BuyingShould you lease or finance a vehicle? Which will cost you more each month? Which will cost you more up front? Which is a better investment? Which is best for you – now, and three years from now?

First, it’s important to realize that leasing or financing through the dealership is not your only option. You can pay for a vehicle through a number of financial institutions, including credit unions. Here at Financial Resources Federal Credit Union, we’re constantly working to develop lending programs with your best interests in mind. We want to make car buying more accessible and less confusing.

To that end, we’ve created what we feel is a better answer to the leasing vs. financing debate. It’s called the Better Than A Lease program. Here are a few reasons why this is such an appealing option.

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