News

Sharpen your fraud-fighting skills during this year’s National Consumer Protection Week

March has come, which also brings National Consumer Protection Week—beginning on March 3. As scammers are always evolving, staying informed on the latest trends can help you reduce your risk of becoming the next victim. With resources for college students, seniors, veterans, immigrants, and general consumers, the Federal Trade Commission and consumer protection experts are hosting a number of free educational sessions.

Understanding the Difference Between Brokerage Accounts and IRAs

When investing for the future, there are two types of investment accounts you may come across—a brokerage account or an Individual Retirement Account (IRA). While both can serve as long-term investment vehicles, there are some key differences to understand before deciding which one is best for you.

How Do Tax Brackets Work?

Tax brackets may be one of those things that you’ve heard about but don’t exactly understand how they affect your tax bill. Have no fear—in this article, we’ll discuss what tax brackets are, why they exist, and how you can use them to better understand your tax bill.

Loud Budgeting: Understanding Social Media’s Latest Financial Trend

Money has historically been a taboo topic, shrouded in shame and secrecy. However, the latest financial trend going viral on social media is all about freeing yourself from this cultural norm and seeking financial transparency.

Avoiding Financial Pitfalls: The Threat of Predatory Lending

In pursuing large financial goals, it's common to seek out loans and credit offers to help achieve them. However, hidden amidst some financial offers is a dangerous trap known as predatory lending. Predatory lending refers to the unethical practices of lenders who impose unfair, deceptive, or unaffordable terms on borrowers. These practices can result in long-term debt cycles, often disproportionately affecting vulnerable consumers.

HACU Annual Board Meeting - 2/28/2024

Annual Board Meeting Notice All HACU members are invited to join our Annual Board Meeting! Location: IHA Conference Rooms C, D, & E Date: Wednesday, February 28, 2024 Time: 9:00am

What Are the Different Types of Brokerage Accounts?

A brokerage account is a versatile financial tool that allows individuals to manage and invest their money. However, various types of brokerage accounts exist, each serving a different purpose and catering to varying investment goals. Because of this, it's important to understand the different types of brokerage accounts available. In doing so, you can better ensure that you’re choosing an account that aligns best with your financial objectives. But before diving into the different types​

The New FAFSA Landscape: A Guide to Recent Changes

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) has undergone notable changes in 2023 that could potentially reshape the financial aid landscape for millions of students. The FAFSA was originally designed to help students access federal and institutional aid for their higher education pursuits. However, the process of completing the FAFSA has been confusing for some and not as accessible as it was intended to be for others.

Meal Planning Magic: Strategies for Smart Grocery Shopping

Grocery shopping can be a daunting task—especially when you’re on a tight budget. But with a strategic weekly meal plan, you can say goodbye to overspending and hello to smart and cost-efficient grocery shopping. Ready to reign the pantry and your bank account? With these clever steps and thoughtful tips, you’re about to make those savings sizzle.

What Is Business Succession Planning?

As a business owner, deciding what happens to your business after you’re gone is one of the most important parts of preserving your legacy. This decision can not only affect the future of the company you've worked hard to build but also impact the livelihoods of your employees and the well-being of your family.

Phone Number Spoofing Scam

Phone spoofing is a technique used by scam artists to falsify or “spoof” their caller ID information. Phone number spoofing causes the Caller ID to display a phone number or other information to make it look like calls are from a different person or business. While the caller’s information may appear local, very often the calls are placed by scam artists located outside of the state or country.

5-Ways to Stay Safe from Scams

Discover five crucial strategies to protect yourself from scams in this informative article. Learn the importance of maintaining secure passwords, trusting your instincts when faced with unusual payment requests, and exercising caution with suspicious emails. Take your time in financial transactions, ask clarifying questions, and be wary of high-pressure tactics.

Start the New Year Off Right: Achieving Financial Freedom

The new year is a perfect time to reflect on your spending and money habits. Just a few small tweaks can make the difference between an early retirement, your ability to switch careers, travel the world, or otherwise achieve the financial freedom you desire.

Watch Out for Seasonal Scams

The holidays are supposed to be fun—they usually involve spending time with your loved ones, enjoying good food, and great company. Unfortunately, though, criminals never rest, even on holidays. To save yourself the grief of dealing with these fraudsters, we'll look at the top eight scams that crawl out of the woodwork during the holidays, so you can learn how to protect yourself.

Securing Your Future: Working With a Retirement Plan Advisor

Retirement planning is an important aspect of financial security. It involves saving money for retirement, investing for the long term, and reaching a point where you're financially independent. For many individuals, saving for retirement is done through an employer-sponsored retirement plan, such as a 401(k), 403(b), or 457 plan.