Financial Education

Helpful, easy-to-understand articles to guide your financial wellness journey at every stage.

Categories

Credit Balance Transfers

You’ve probably received at least one in the mail: a letter inviting you to transfer your existing credit card balance to another card at a special low rate. You may have even seen these offers on TV, social media, or email. So what are balance transfer offers, and what are the benefits – and pitfalls – to look out for?

Date:

Debit Card & Credit Card Debt Management
Family playing in ocean.

Traveling for Spring Break? Protect Your Finances!

It's time for Spring Break! If you've got plans to travel over the next few weeks, we hope that the preparation and the journey go as smoothly as possible. One pro tip to ensure that happens on the finance front? Let your financial institution know if you'll be leaving the state.

Date:

Fraud Protection & Security

Think About Protecting Your Purchase Before Saying “No”

I know what you’re thinking: protection plans and warranties can’t possibly be worth it, can they? Hey, I’ve been there, I get it. I’ve been in the checkout line to buy an electronic device that I already know is specifically designed to not last the long-haul only to be offered an “insurance” or “extended warranty” for the item. Of course, I declined. There’s no way I wanted to go through the hassle that would go with filing a claim. But there are times when it’s worth it to pay a little for peace of mind.

Date:

Auto Loans

Beware of IRS Phone Scams

Many people in the area, including 3Rivers members and employees, have been receiving suspicious phone calls over the last several days from scammers claiming to be from the IRS. In most cases, the scammers will claim that you owe bogus debts and threaten to take extreme actions, such as freezing your account or pressing legal charges, if you don't pay up.

Date:

Fraud Protection & Security

Personal Finance 101: Budgeting Basics

A detailed budget can help us achieve our financial goals and develop a plan on how to get there. 3Rivers Lending Administrator, Chris Mulkey, further explains the six basic steps of budgeting in the video below!

Date:

Personal Finance