Beacon FCU Blog

Financial Education for Kids: Why it Matters and How to Get Started

It's never too early to start teaching kids about money. Financial education is an essential life skill that can help kids make better financial decisions in the future. Here are some reasons why financial education is important for kids and some tips on how to get started/

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Using Mindful Spending to Prioritize Purchases

In a world of consumerism and materialism, mindful spending has emerged as a "beacon" of financial wisdom and personal fulfillment. By embracing minimalism and prioritizing intentional purchases, individuals can cultivate a sense of clarity, purpose, and contentment in their financial lives. At Beacon Federal Credit Union, we recognize the importance of empowering our members, particularly those in younger demographics, to adopt mindful spending habits that align with their values and aspirations.

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Financial FOMO: Navigating Social Pressure without Breaking the Bank

In the age of social media and constant connectivity, it's easy to fall victim to financial FOMO—the fear of missing out on experiences and possessions that others seem to afford effortlessly. From extravagant vacations and designer clothes to trendy restaurants and lavish outings, the pressure to keep up with the Joneses can be overwhelming, especially for young adults and professionals.

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The Side Hustle Hustle: Turning Passions into Profit

The side hustle concept has become increasingly popular in today's fast-paced world. With the rise of the gig economy and its flexibility, more and more people are seeking ways to supplement their income by monetizing their passions and skills. Whether you want to earn extra cash or pursue a long-held dream, turning your hobbies or talents into a profitable side hustle can be fulfilling and financially rewarding.

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Broke but Brilliant: Unconventional Ways to Save Money in College

Your college budget may be tight, but fear not; we are here to guide you through the "art" of being broke but "brilliant" when saving money during your college years. Don't store your savings under the mattress, keep adulting with a savings account from your credit union.

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Website Fraud Protection

In today’s world, where many people spend hours of each day browsing the internet, staying safe online is paramount. The web is rife with scammers employing sophisticated tactics to get at your money and information. Fortunately, with protective measures, you can easily avoid unsafe websites.

Here are six ways to tell if a website is safe.

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National Cyber Security Awareness Month

This October is the 20th annual Cyber Security Awareness Month, bringing people together on how to stay safe while operating online. 

Here are four simple steps you can take to ensure you stay safe online at home, work, and school. 

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Your security is our top priority.

Imposter Scams: What Credit Union Members Should Know.

Scammers are contacting members posing as Beacon FCU employees. Fraudsters are using "Caller ID Spoofing" technology to make phone calls appear to be from one phone number while hiding the actual caller's phone number. These scammers are socially engineering members to obtain details about their account information and personal identity. Members have received phone calls, emails, and text messages that seem to originate from their financial institution. Only after sharing confidential information do the victims discover that it was a scammer pretending to be a credit union employee.

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Imposter Scams: What Credit Union Members Should Know

Fraud schemes can take root wherever there is fertile financial ground. This might explain why imposter scams didn’t take long to pop up like pesky weeds at credit unions nationwide. Members have received phone calls, emails, and text messages that seem to originate from their financial institution. Only after sharing confidential information do they discover that it was a scammer pretending to be a credit union employee.

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Imposter Scams in the Age of AI

With the help of basic digital communication tools, bad actors can send emails and text messages that appear to originate from a trusted source. While phishing and smishing scams are nothing new, recent advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) are helping spread a new imposter scam faster than a nasty computer virus. Here’s what you should know about the latest AI-infused imposter scam.

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Phishing, SMishing & Vishing

Phishing

Phishing is when Internet fraudsters impersonate a business to trick you into giving them your personal information, such as usernames, passwords, and credit card details. Legitimate companies don’t ask you to send sensitive information through insecure channels.

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