Saving money doesn’t have to feel like a struggle, even on a tight budget. By using smart strategies and building healthy financial habits, you can make steady progress without feeling overwhelmed. Every small step counts, and over time, those little wins can lead to greater financial confidence and security. What Does a Personal Budget Look Like? A personal budget is a clear, specific, and easy-to-read breakdown of your income and expenses, typically over a month. It should be tailored to your individual goals and lifestyle. Budgets help you track spending, plan for future expenses, and make informed financial decisions, whether you’re saving for college, paying off debt, or investing for… read more »

What Is a Budget? A budget is a simple yet powerful financial tool that helps you manage how you save and spend your money each month. Simply put, a budget helps you take control of your money instead of wondering where it went. When you create a budget, you can clearly see: How much money you bring in (your income) Where your money goes (your expenses) Once everything is laid out, you may begin to spot areas where you can cut back, reallocate your spending, or start saving more intentionally. According to Debt.com’s 2025 Budgeting Survey, over 86% of people say they budget regularly, and among them, more than 84%… read more »

Choosing where to keep your money is a major decision. While many people go with big banks simply out of habit, that may not be the best option. Credit unions offer a compelling alternative. As member-owned, not-for-profit institutions, they focus on people over profits. While they offer many of the same services as banks, credit unions can provide a more personal, affordable, and community-driven experience. Here are 10 key benefits of joining a credit union Profit vs Not-For-Profit Banks exist to make money for their shareholders, not their members. That often means focusing on profits over people. Flashy ads and big marketing budgets may grab attention, but they don’t always… read more »

As you chip away at your mortgage, you’re not just reducing debt. You’re building something valuable: equity. That’s the portion of your home you truly own, free and clear. The more equity you build, the more financial flexibility you gain. If you need funds for a major expense or an unexpected situation, a home equity loan can help. It allows you to tap into the value you’ve already built in your home, turning your hard work into real financial support when you need it most. When A Home Equity Loan Makes Sense A home equity loan can be a great way to resolve unplanned expenses and meet other financial needs;… read more »

Check out these tips to help you support small businesses in your community May is National Small Business Month, a time to celebrate the significant impact small businesses have on our lives and well-being. By supporting them, you strengthen the local economy and foster a thriving, connected community. Supporting local businesses doesn’t have to be complicated, since there are many easy ways to make a difference. Here are some simple tips to help you champion small businesses this May and throughout the year! 1. Shop Local When you’re ready to make a purchase, whether online or in person, consider the small businesses in your area. Supporting local shops, restaurants, and… read more »

This article was written by Jean Chatzky and our friends at Credit Score. Learn more aboutCredit Score here or in your Money Manager app. Check out these ideas for helping children learn to set money aside When it comes to teaching children about money—including the importance of saving forthe future—it’s smart to start early. And it’s really up to us, the parents, family members,and mentors of the next generation, to drive these points home. While it may seem a little daunting, building a strong financial foundation for youngsterscan start with just a few simple steps. Here are some real-life examples of how you canteach children good money habits. That way,… read more »

Juggling a busy schedule and finding time to visit your local credit union can be a real headache. You might find yourself rushing to deposit checks during your lunch break or frantically squeezing in a bank visit before closing time. It’s a common challenge that many people face in today’s fast-paced world. Mobile banking offers a convenient solution to this time-consuming problem. With just a regular smartphone and a few finger taps, you can manage your finances from the comfort of your home or while on the go. Read on to learn how to mobile deposit a check and enjoy a hassle-free banking experience. What is Mobile Deposit? Mobile Deposit… read more »

The start of the new year presents the perfect opportunity to improve your financial future. It’s the ideal time to set new goals and strategies for how you manage your money. Belco Community Credit Union is here to assist you in doing just that. As your trusted financial advisor, we’ll help you save more, spend wisely, reduce debt, and secure your future.  Read on to discover ten tips for improving your finances in the new year. 1. Setting Financial Goals for the New Year Set clear and attainable financial goals that enable ongoing success. Consistently refer back to them so they steer every spending and savings choice toward your overarching… read more »

Zelle® is a fast, safe and easy way to send and receive money with people you trust, like your babysitter, coworkers, fellow PTA mom, or your son’s soccer coach. Whether you just enrolled with Zelle® or have been an active user for a while, there are a few tips you should always keep in mind to ensure you are being safe when sending money. Only send money to those you know and trust Money moves fast with Zelle®, directly from bank account to bank account within minutes*, so it’s important you know and trust the people you’re sending money to. Why? Because you can’t cancel a payment once it’s been… read more »

Opening a money market account (MMA) might seem a bit daunting, especially when headlines warn of market instability. But even in the face of economic unpredictability, these specialized accounts offer a secure option to park your cash while earning interest. Read on to learn how money market accounts work and why they make sense for Pennsylvania residents looking to grow their savings. What Is a Money Market Account?  An MMA is a type of deposit account that often requires a higher minimum balance to maintain compared to regular savings accounts. It offers the dual benefit of better interest rates while providing easy access to your funds. You’ll enjoy the ideal… read more »