With Thanksgiving being so late this year, it may feel like the holiday shopping season has flown by. You gobbled down the turkey, rushed out for Black Friday shopping, and suddenly, it’s December! If you’re like many, you still have plenty of shopping to do, with just a short time to do it. But don’t let the holiday rush stress you out. We’ve got a few tips that may help you take control of your last-minute Christmas shopping.

Most of us rely on our smartphones every day, whether for work, staying connected with loved ones, or managing finances. But when the unexpected happens—a cracked screen, water damage, or even theft—replacing or repairing your phone can be expensive.

Have you ever dropped your cell phone and hoped the screen wasn’t cracked? Or found yourself stranded with a flat tire? Or maybe you’re just trying to save money on things you buy every day.  Heartland is here to help with our new Beyond Spending accounts. 

When did you first start learning about money and how to manage it? How did you learn about it?

The truth is….. most of us learned through watching our parents, family members, and friends handle it, along with some of our own trial and error mixed in. How we grew up and saw money being managed shapes our outlook and beliefs about it.

It’s safe to say that most of us understand the importance of credit in today’s world. Not only does it affect your buying power, but it can also affect your ability to rent or own a home, get a job, and even what you’ll pay for insurance coverage. Trying to maintain a healthy credit score can cause some individuals anxiety, stress, and even depression. It’s important to gain a clear view of where we are financially so that we can set a goal and make a practical plan of where we want to be in the future.

When you’re young and just starting out, it’s important to consider and plan for all of life’s major milestones that are on your horizon. 

Here are a few goals to consider now that will help you get your financial life in order and ready for all the important events and milestones, you’ll encounter on this journey called life……

How often have you heard that saving for life’s unexpected events is very important and a necessary part of being financially prepared? Most likely A LOT! Accompanying this message often is the statement that you need three to six months of expenses in your emergency savings account.  

Do you ever find yourself wondering if there is a magic formula to saving?

Does it seem that everyone around you knows the secret to saving successfully except you? It’s not unusual to feel unconfident about saving, no matter how much money you earn. Confidence doesn’t necessarily come with having a lot of money. Rather it comes from building healthy financial habits and using the resources you know are available to you – this is your financial confidence! 

As a member of Heartland Credit Union, we care about your financial well-being and want to help you plan for the future. One important aspect of being financially prepared is having an emergency fund. Let's look at what that means and how you can start building one.