. . . And Stuff

Life Hacks and Other

Good Information

Ever checked your account balance and thought, Where did all my money go?  You’re not alone. A well-structured budget doesn’t have to be about cutting back – it’s about gaining control, reducing stress, and working toward what matters, whether that’s paying down debt, saving for retirement, or (finally) taking a vacation.

Numbers That Tell a Story

📌 41% of U.S. adults have credit card debt

📌 Inflation continues to challenge household budgets.

📌 Even though 74% of Americans use budgets, many struggle to stick to them. 

The 30-Day Budgeting Challenge

Even when money is tight, small steps can help you regain a sense of control. This challenge is about working with what you have and making a plan that fits your reality.

 Week 1: Take Stock (Without Judgement)

  • Days 1-2: Gather documents – Collect checking and savings account statements, bills, and income records. If you don’t have access to everything, just start with what you know (like recent pay stubs or receipts).
  • Days 3-5: Sort spending into essentials vs. non-essentials – Focus on basic first:  housing, food, transportation, and bills. Then, list everything else.
  • Days 6-7: Track daily spending – If writing down every dollar feels overwhelming, start small – like noticing where cash disappears fastest (fast food? Gas? Impulse buys?)

Week 2: Think Small

  • Days 8-10: Find areas to free up cash – Look for small, manageable changes. Might you cook one extra meal each week in lieu of going out or switch to coffee at home?
  • Days 11-13: Commit to one realistic goal – Maybe it’s just covering rent this month or paying one bill in full. Small wins build momentum.
  • Day 14: Choose a budgeting style that fits your situation – Decide what budgeting system supports where you’re at. Zero-based budgeting or the 50/30/20 rule.

Week 3: Adjust and Automate

  • Days 15-17: Adjust spending based on what’s possible – Don’t aim for perfection. Aim to find small ways to stay on top of expenses.
  • Days 18-20: Automate what you can – Even if it’s just setting reminders to pay bills on time, little systems can help.
  • Day 21: Revisit and adjust – If your first plan didn’t work, that’s normal. Tweak it and keep moving forward.

Week 4: Subtract, Add, and Celebrate

  • Days 22-24: Downgrade without losing what matters – Instead of cutting everything, swap or downgrade packages (e.g., cheaper phone plans).
  • Days 25-27: Explore ways to boost income – Selling things you don’t need, freelancing, or joining the gig economy part-time can provide short-term relief.
  • Days 28-29: Plan for expenses you know are coming – Even setting aside $5-$10 per paycheck for emergencies makes a difference.
  • Day 30: Reflect on progress (no matter how small) – If you made any improvement this month, celebrate it! Every step forward counts


As you’re probably already aware, your credit score can impact your financial picture across several categories. Lenders evaluate your score in determining whether you’ll be approved for a loan or credit card, what interest rate they’ll charge, and even whether you’ll be eligible for job or security clearance. If you need to give your credit a boost, we have five suggestions for helping you get back on track. But first: the basics.

What is a Credit Score?
A credit score uses historical information about a person’s past use of credit to calculate the likelihood that they will pay back what they owe on time and in full. Ranging from a low of 300 to a high of 850 (sometimes referred to as “perfect credit”), credit scores are calculated based on payment history, amount owed, length of credit history, types of credit used, and new applications for credit.In general, a score of 660 and above would make a borrower eligible for credit with favorable interest rates. A score below 600 may result in difficulty getting approved for credit and is likely to be subject to high-interest rates.If you don’t know your credit score, you can contact one of the three major credit bureaus; Equifax, Experian or Transunion.
1. Be punctual with payments
Paying your bills on time is the biggest single factor used to calculate your credit score. Late payments, past due accounts, and accounts in collections have a negative impact on your credit. Always aim for consistent, timely payment (even it’s the minimum amount). Punctuality pays off: a positive payment history across 18 months or longer increases the likelihood that you’ll receive more favorable loan terms from lenders.If you’re falling behind, be proactive in your financial planning. Create a realistic monthly budget that accounts for bills and everyday expenses like gas and groceries. Struggling to keep track of multiple bills? Consider automation. Automated payments can minimize late fees. If you know you will miss a due date, call your credit card company or lender. They may be able to help by moving your due date out.
2. Pay down your debt
How much you owe is another big factor when it comes to credit score calculation. If you have a large amount of debt or are carrying balances on credit accounts for extended periods of time, it can negatively affect your score.Make it a goal to pay down your debt. Take inventory of any categories where you can reduce non-essential spending so that you pay a little extra on your credit accounts. A credit counselor can walk you through different options for dealing with debt and may be able to help you pay it off more quickly.
3. Don’t max out your credit limit
The amount of credit you use (also called credit utilization) also affects your score. Our financial counselors suggest using less than 30 to 40% of your available credit. Spending above that threshold or carrying high balances relative to your credit limit will cause your score to fall. If you are using more of your credit limit than you would like, consider making adjustments in your budget and spending choices to reduce your overall reliance on credit.Keep in mind that regularly utilizing small amounts of credit (and paying it off) will increase your score. People without established credit history typically receive lower credit scores.
4. Maintain good habits
Your credit score is built on patterns over time, with an emphasis on more recent activity. Improving credit and rebuilding a credit score that has fallen will take some patience, but it can be done! Credit scores can and do change. A history of timely payments and accounts that you have held for five years or longer have a positive effect on your credit score. Quickly opening multiple accounts, carrying high balances for a sustained period, or even closing unused accounts have a negative effect on your score. Events like foreclosure and bankruptcy, while they serve an important purpose for those with severe debt, have a significant and lengthy impact on your credit score. (We are not lawyers, and this is not legal advice. If you are considering one of these options, we encourage you to consult a legal professional and to investigate other alternatives as well.)
5. Chat with a credit counselor
While talking to a credit counselor won’t have a direct effect on your credit score, you can gain valuable insight and information. We will work with you to understand your financial situation, explore different options, and make a personalized plan. We can help you review and understand your credit report. If debt is preventing you from making progress, we can help you explore debt management plans and other options that can accelerate your path forward.

In today's digital age, safeguarding your personal and financial information is more crucial than ever. As your trusted financial advisor, Siouxland Federal Credit Union is committed to providing you with the tools and knowledge needed to help protect your accounts. One of the most effective ways to enhance the security of your accounts - financial and non-financial - is to follow and maintain healthy password habits. Below are a few tips that can help you secure your accounts and help protect your personal information.

1. Create Strong and Unique Passwords

A strong password is your first line of defense against cyber threats. Here are some tips for creating a robust password:

  • Length Matters:Aim for at least 12 characters. Longer passwords can be harder to crack.
  • Mix It Up:Use a combination of upper-case and lower-case letters, numbers, and special characters.
  • Avoid Common Words:Steer clear of easily guessable words and phrases like "password," "123456," “Aa123456”, "qwerty" or any combination of these. Other common passwords include “admin”, “P@ssw0rd” and all ones or all zeros.
  • Unique to Each Account:Use different passwords for different accounts. This way, if one password is compromised, your other accounts remain secure.
2. Use a Password Manager

Remembering multiple complex passwords can be challenging. A password manager can help you store and manage your passwords securely. These tools can generate strong passwords for you and automatically populate them when needed so that you don't have to remember each one. Remember to do your homework before you trust a third-party password manager application.

3. Enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)

Multi-Factor Authentication, sometimes referred to as Two-Factor Authentication or 2FA, adds an extra layer of security by requiring two or more verification methods to access your account. This could be something you know (password), in combination with something you have (a smartphone or security token), or something you are (fingerprint or facial recognition). Enabling MFA can significantly reduce the risk of unauthorized access to your account by validating your identity through more than one authentication method when you log in.

4. Regularly Update Your Passwords

Changing your passwords periodically is a good security practice. Aim to update your passwords every three to six months. Regular updates can help protect your accounts from the impact of data breaches, if your username and password are ever compromised. If you receive a notification that your information could have been compromised, that’s also a good reminder to update your passwords.

5. Be Wary of Phishing Scams

Phishing scams are fraudulent attempts to obtain your personal information by pretending to be a trustworthy entity. Be cautious of emails, messages, or websites that ask for your password or other sensitive information. Always verify the source before providing any details. By staying aware, you can avoid unwittingly providing your password (and access to your accounts) to scammers or identity thieves.

At Siouxland Federal Credit Union, your security is our top priority. By following these tips and creating healthy password habits, you can significantly reduce the risk of unauthorized access to your accounts. While cybersecurity threats are constantly evolving, remember that a strong password is your first line of defense. Stay vigilant and proactive in protecting your personal and financial information.

Remember that regularly checking your account activity can help you spot any unusual transactions or unauthorized access early. If you notice anything suspicious, contact us. Theft Recovery Advocate who can work with you one-on-one to identify and resolve identity theft or fraud and return your identity and your accounts to pre-event status.

For more information and resources on online security, please visit our website or contact our customer service team. We're here to help you stay safe and secure.

Stay secure, 



You might be reluctant to make upgrades when you’re ready to sell your house. After all, you won’t be in the house to enjoy them for long. But did you know that most projects recoup an average of 60% of their costs, according to the 2023 cost versus value report from Reporting magazine. 

But complacency can mean your house stays on the market for months—time that costs you money. That’s why these seven updates that rank high on buyers’ wish lists, from the National Association of Home Builders’ (NAHB) "What Home Buyers Really Want" report, are worth considering:

  1. Laundry room. 63 % of buyers prefer the washer and dryer on the first floor.
  2. Energy-saving features. Not surprisingly, many home buyers are concerned about the environment as well as saving money. They look for Energy Star-rated appliances, ceiling fans, programmable thermostats, and energy efficient windows.
  3. Roomy garage. Many buyers want garage space that’s accessible, big enough for two cars, and has cabinets and shelving to keep things organized.
  4. Open-concept kitchen and dining room. About 85% of respondents said they prefer these areas to be completely or partially open.
  5. Walk-in pantry. Many are looking for pantries with built-in organization systems to keep food and preparation items out of sight. It’s a bonus if your pantry doubles as a broom closet.
  6. Smart-home features. Buyers are looking for a wireless home security system, video doorbells, and security cameras.

Home improvements can be a great way to increase the value of your home but keep this list in mind, so you spend your money on the right renovations.


As summer hits its stride, the idea of financially preparing for the holidays might feel like overkill. 

July is an ideal month to assess your financial picture and make mid-year adjustments that will help you cruise into the holiday months with fewer concerns.  To make planning easier, here is a seven-item checklist you can use as your guide: 

1.  Review Your Budget

With a customizable budgeting worksheet or free app, identify areas where you may be overspending and eliminate costs or comparison shop if possible. Budgeting isn’t about guilt, rather it is a way to ensure you’re saving a little each month – ideally 10% of your income. Less still counts.

2.  Automate Savings

July is an ideal month to assess your financial picture and make mid-year adjustments that will help you cruise into the holiday months with fewer concerns. To make planning easier, here is a seven- item checklist you can use as your guide:

allocating savings so that when peak holiday spending season comes around, you’ve avoided (or at least minimized) high interest credit card balances that can put a damper on the season and coming year. Look into opening a holiday-specific savings account at your financial institution and start saving now.

3.  Strategize Debt Repayment

Review the balances and interest rates of your credit cards, loans, and other debts. Tackle high-interest payments first (so you’re able to put more toward principal in the long run).  

4.  Check Your Credit Report

Request a free copy of your credit report from AnnualCreditReport.com. Review the report for any inaccuracies or signs of identity theft. Dispute any errors you find, which could be a contributing factor to a lower score.

5.  Revisit Investments

If you have any investment accounts, assess whether your allocations still align with your long- term goals and risk tolerance. Market conditions often change, and your investment strategy should account for these fluctuations.

6.  Maximize Retirement Contributions

If you have a retirement account, check your contributions, and see if you have any room in your budget to increase them. This especially applies if your employer offers matching contributions, as it’s essentially free money. The sooner you invest, the more time your money has to grow.

7.  Review Insurance Policies

Ensure that your health, auto, home, and life insurance policies still meet your needs. Life changes such as marriage, the birth of a child, or significant purchases might necessitate  adjustments to your coverage or comparison shopping for more favorable rates.

Key Takeaways

Make sure your basic needs—food, housing, and utilities—are covered first. Your well-being comes first. 

If you’re struggling to keep up with payments, reaching out to your creditors can open the door to possible solutions. You’re not alone in this. 

If it feels like there’s never quite enough to cover everything, you’re not alone. A quarter of American households are living paycheck to paycheck, making it harder than ever to stay on top of monthly bills. With inflation stretching budgets thin, many people are facing impossible choices about which expenses to cover now and which must wait. While there’s no one-size-fits-all solution, these key strategies can help you take control and prioritize your bills with confidence. 

1. Food and Groceries

Ensuring you and your household have enough to eat is a fundamental necessity. Prioritize setting aside a portion of your budget for groceries before addressing other expenses. To stretch your food budget further: 

  • Plan meals ahead of time to avoid impulse buys. 

  • Use store loyalty programs, coupons, and cashback apps to maximize savings. 

  • Buy in bulk for non-perishable essentials and look for generic brands, which are often more affordable. 

  • Consider local food banks or community assistance programs if you need temporary relief. 

2. Housing

Keeping a roof over your head should be a top priority. Whether you rent or own your home, missing payments can lead to profound consequences, including eviction or foreclosure. If you’re struggling: 

  • Contact your landlord or mortgage lender to discuss potential payment plans or hardship assistance. 

  • Review your lease or mortgage terms to understand your rights and responsibilities. 

  • Check if you qualify for government or nonprofit housing assistance programs. 

3. Utilities

Essential utilities such as electricity, water, and heating should be paid to maintain a safe and comfortable living environment. If your utility bills are overwhelming: 

  • Contact your utility providers to ask about budget billing or hardship programs. 

  • Reduce consumption by using energy-efficient appliances, turning off unused electronics, and setting thermostats wisely. 

  • Consider downgrading or suspending non-essential services like cable TV or premium Internet plans. 

4. Transportation

Reliable transportation is crucial for getting to work and handling daily responsibilities. Prioritize car payments, public transportation costs, or other necessary commuting expenses. If high costs are straining your budget: 

  • Explore carpooling or public transportation options to save on gas and maintenance. 

  • Check if you qualify for discounted transit passes or commuter benefits from your employer. 

  • If you own multiple vehicles, consider selling one or switching to a more fuel-efficient model. 

5. Insurance Premiums

Health, auto, and home insurance provide financial protection in emergencies and should remain a priority. While insurance premiums can feel like an unnecessary expense, not having coverage can be even more costly. 

  • Review your policies to see if you can adjust coverage to lower your premiums. 

  • Shop around for better rates or bundle multiple policies for discounts. 

  • If you’re struggling to make payments, contact your insurer to discuss temporary relief options. 

6. Child Support and Financial Health 

Child support payments are legally mandated and should be considered a top priority. Failure to pay can result in penalties, wage garnishments, and even legal action. If you’re struggling to keep up: 

  • Contact your local child support office to discuss modification options if your financial situation has changed. 

  • Utilize state programs that offer aid or mediation services for payment adjustments. 

  • Prioritize these payments to avoid legal consequences and ensure the well-being of your child. 

7. Minimum Credit Card Debt Payments 

Debt payments, such as credit card debt, medical bills, and personal loans, should still be addressed, but they often fall lower on the priority list compared to necessities like housing and food. If you’re struggling: 

  • Reach out to creditors to explain your situation and request hardship programs, reduced interest rates, or extended repayment terms. 

  • Focus on making minimum payments to avoid penalties and damage to your credit score. 

  • Consider a Debt Management Program, which is designed to lower your monthly payments and eliminate debt within three to five years. 

In navigating these financial responsibilities, we understand that life can present challenges, and we encourage you to reach out for support and explore options that ensure the well-being of your home and peace of mind.  

On Friday, January 31st, we presented a check for $966.00 to Girls Inc. from our Jeans for Charity. Our contribution will help Siouxland girls to be strong, smart and bold future leaders.