Partners - Winter 2008 - (Page 15)

99861.VISAPrtnrMag.AD.11.07 12/12/07 1 member education Transfer your balances and save! Get a Handle on Finances for the New Year Like most people, your New Year’s resolutions probably looked something like this: Shed a few pounds, join a gym and get a handle on finances. If we guessed right on the last daunting goal, there’s no need to fear. Taking charge of your money starts with five easy steps. 3. Start Saving Today! Everyone can always save just a little more than they do now. One of the easiest ways to start saving is to have money automatically transferred from your paycheck into a retirement plan like a 401(k). If you’re a college student, you can transfer your savings from a checking account into a college savings account (like a 529). Whatever you do, make sure you don’t touch that money — it will come in handy as you start planning for retirement. Still paying for the holidays? Transfer balances from high rate department store credit card accounts to a Partners Visa Card. Our rates can be more than 2/3 lower*, saving you a bundle! Just call 800.948.6677. 1. Become Educated Sitting down with another person — a spouse, roommate, friend or parent — can open your eyes to how you use money and where you need to adjust spending. Over the next few months, sit down with someone once or twice and pay your bills together. In case of an emergency, make sure you both know where important documents are filed. Also, be sure to keep a list of key contacts (banker, accountant, etc.) in case you ever need to contact them. 4. Go Online Online banking is one of the easiest ways to save time and money and to protect yourself against identity theft. No more writing checks or licking stamps, and as for identity theft, the experts at Javelin Strategy and Research say that people who bank online typically check their accounts four times as often as those who don’t and are more likely to notice something gone wrong with their money. We’ll take care of everything. 2. Stop Spending More Than You Make Living within your means is the key to achieving your financial goals. Set a budget for how much you spend each month on food, gas, entertainment and other expenses. Keeping receipts and writing down purchases can also help you be more aware of how much you spend on a given day, week or month. Also, software such as Quicken and MS Money can help you get your finances in order. 5. Be Consistent and Don’t Give Up It’s easy to get discouraged if you don’t meet your financial expectations, but don’t let this get you down. Set realistic and measurable goals. You’ll start to see progress and success as you achieve these incremental goals, and soon you’ll be on a secure path for your future. 800.948.6677 PartnersFCU.org *Based on difference between Partners Visa Platinum Card rate of 7.49% APR and department store rate of 22.90% APR. APR = Annual Percentage Rate. Rates and terms subject to change without notice. Subject to credit approval. Your individual rate may vary and will be based on your individual credit qualifications. Fees associated with this card may include late payment, over the limit, credit limit increase, and others. Read your credit card agreement to see if there are other fees and charges. Prior to applying for our credit card, you must become a member of the credit union. APR can change over time. WINTER 08 15 http://PartnersFCU.org http://PartnersFCU.org

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Partners - Winter 2008 Contents Member News What's Next? Motley Fool: A Tale of Two Borrowers Jean Chatzky: Extreme Jobs Investment Corner On Your Side Member Education

Partners - Winter 2008

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