Rest Confident, Your Money is Safe and Secure at Kirtland Credit Union, a message from our President & CEO. Learn More

All Kirtland CU branches and locations will be closed on Thursday, November 28 in observance of Thanksgiving.

Phishing attempts are on the rise. Use caution if you receive a call, email, or text message that claims to be from Kirtland CU. Remember: we will never ask for your online banking access codes or credentials, or for you to transfer money. Learn more on our Fraud Awareness and Prevention Center. 

FRAUD ALERT: Have you received a text message asking to verify a fraudulent transaction? Do not click on that link or call the phone number on your text message. Scammers are using a variety of messages and techniques to gain access to your account. Learn how to protect yourself on our Fraud Awareness and Prevention Center.

We have engaged Forvis Mazars, LLP (Attn: Bud Hollenkamp, 1801 California Street, Ste. 2900, Denver, CO 80202) to perform member verifications. Kindly compare the balance of your accounts on your September 2024 statement WITH YOUR RECORDS. If balances do not agree, please address your discrepancies directly to Forvis Mazars, LLP. Include your name, truncated account number, and an explanation of the difference noted.  A reply is not considered necessary unless a difference is noted.

We're Invested

Retirement, investments, financial planning for every stage of life—learn about it all here at Invested,
a blog from your Wealth Management Advisors at Kirtland Financial Services.

Your Financial Fresh Start: 12 Resolutions in 12 Months

By Kirtland Financial Services

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn

Change may be difficult, especially when you try to change your financial habits. The process might be easier if you take an incremental approach. Do you want to get on top of your finances this year? Are you looking for ways to improve your fiscal health? Here are 12 financial resolutions to consider.

Work on a resolution each month in whatever order works for you, and by the end of the year, you may feel a lot happier about your relationship with money.

1. Create a Budget

Sit down and create a budget. It should outline how much money you have coming in and going out. If your expenses exceed your income, look for areas where you may make changes. 

2. Pay All Bills on Time

Paying your bills late may be stressful and it costs you money. Utility companies generally charge a fee for late payments, while credit card companies tend to charge penalties and may increase your interest rates. Paying your bills on time may require you to tighten your belt for a month or two until you get ahead.

3. Review Your Subscriptions

Many people end up with subscriptions that they do not use, which wastes money. Look through your bank and credit card accounts to find subscriptions you do not use and cancel them.

4. Pay Down Credit Card Debt

Find some extra money in your budget and devote it to paying down your credit card debt. Start with the cards with the highest interest rates and when paid off, go to the cards with the next highest rates.

5. Track Your Credit Score

A high credit score may make borrowing money at lower interest rates easier, which might save you money in the long run. Your credit score may increase as you pay down your credit card debt. You may also want to download an app. There are many apps that track your credit score and give you tips for improvements.

6. Save for Emergencies

An emergency savings account helps you get through issues like an unexpected car or home repairs with less stress. Find money to set aside and if needed, identify one expense that you eliminate so that you save more.

7. Boost Your Financial Literacy

Regardless of how much you know about finances, there is always more to learn. Listen to a financial podcast, read a newsletter, or make other efforts to brush up on your financial literacy.

8. Start Investing

A cash savings account may prepare you for short-term emergencies, but investments focus on long-term goals such as retirement. If your employer offers a retirement plan, consider participating. Fund your individual retirement account (IRA) each year. If you are self-employed, look into a self-directed 401(k) plan.

9. Save for Something Fun

Saving might be easier when you work toward something fun. If you feel like you do not have any extra money for savings, find an expense to eliminate, and then save the money for something fun.

10. Earn More Money

Brainstorm ways to earn more money. For some people, this may mean taking on a side gig, while for others, it means brushing up on skills and looking for more opportunities in your current career.

11. Update Your Insurance Policies

Review your insurance policies for adequate coverage. Get a few quotes for premiums to compare rates and providers.

12. Consult with a Financial Professional

You do not have to handle everything on your own. Schedule some time with a financial professional to get advice on managing your money.

The opinions voiced in this material are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations, nor is it intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual security. To determine which investment(s) may be appropriate for you, consult your financial professional prior to investing.

Investing involves risks including possible loss of principal.

Contributions to a traditional IRA may be tax deductible in the contribution year, with current income tax due at withdrawal.  Withdrawals prior to age 59 ½ may result in a 10% IRS penalty tax in addition to current income tax.

This article was prepared by WriterAccess.

LPL Tracking # 1-05345916

To access your investment account – click the button below. The login page for LPL will open in a new window.

If you have access issues, CONTACT KIRTLAND FINANCIAL SERVICES.

Let's Make Friends

Share the love! Get $200 for you and your friend for each qualified referral you make.

Online and Mobile Banking are currently experiencing technical difficulties and may be intermittently unavailable. We apologize for any inconvenience this causes our members.