Financial Education

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

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Identity Theft: The Fastest Growing Crime in America

Identity theft is "the fraudulent acquisition and use of a person's private identifying information, usually for financial gain." In other words, someone who is not ;you using your information to better their situation, often leaving you in debt and your personal records – like your credit score - in bad shape.

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Fraud Protection & Security

Credit Scores: How They’re Calculated + How to Improve Yours

A credit score is one major way of measuring how financially responsible we are. It determines our creditworthiness. It's a number that financial institutions, renters, and car dealers, along with many others, look at to determine whether or not we're a dependable candidate to pay back what we'll owe them on time. So, it needs to look good.

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Credit Score

Budgeting 101: How to Create a Budget

You may occasionally drop the phrase, “That doesn't fit my budget,” or hear family, friends, or strangers claim, “I’m really sticking to my budget this year!” But answer me this: How often do we actually have a budget – one that’s mapped out, detailed, and truly top of mind – to be referencing?

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Personal Finance

10 Tax Scams to Avoid

The IRS often warns consumers about tax scams this time of year. While it’s important to keep an eye out as you work with your tax preparer or do your own yearly tax filing, watch out for many of these scams that happen year-round.

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Tax Returns Fraud Protection & Security

Consumer Protection: Your Rights & Responsibilities

As National Consumer Protection Week continues, here are some basic steps you can take to protect yourself. Phishing and identity theft are serious problems, costing banks, credit unions and consumers millions of dollars every year. In many cases involving credit card fraud, your bank or credit union assumes most of the risk. But even in cases where the customer is made whole, and the bank or credit union covers the fraudulent charge, the consumer pays a price in terms of inconvenience and occasionally with a hit to their credit that takes time and effort to clear up.

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Understanding Your Credit Score & Report

At 3Rivers, we believe establishing a good credit history is important to your future borrowing ability. Your first car loan is often your first credit obligation, so handling it properly is essential. On-time payments are vital to a good credit rating and future loans from the lender. Even one late payment appearing on your credit report can have a major negative impact on your credit score.

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Students standing in room at college.

4 Options to Consider for More Financial Aid

If you have college funding gaps that need to be filled, there are still options for additional financial aid. We’d love to help you explore ways to get this semester paid for.

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Student Loans College & Trade School Preparation