Dream Blog
Looking for practical tips to help you save, grow and make dreams happen? Browse the articles in our Dream Blog to find inspiration.
Managing Money in Uncertain Times
While times are uncertain for many, these money management tips can help you take control of your finances, build your savings, and boost your financial security.
How to Spot a Scam: 8 Warning Signs
We’re committed to helping our members protect themselves—and their money—from fraud and identity theft. That’s why we want you to know about eight warning signs of a potential scam.
9 Tips to Help You Stay Safe & Save Money
Ready to get back on the road? Follow these tips to help you stay safe and save money on your summer road trip.
Paying for College: What are my Options?
You just got that much-anticipated acceptance letter from the college of your dreams, and you’re ready to take on the world. But if you’re like most Americans, the hefty cost of tuition is putting a squeeze on your family’s wallet.
Critical Money Talks to Have with Your Future Spouse
Before you say “I do,” it’s important to have a few heart-to-hearts with your future spouse about your finances.
7 Ways to Make Learning Fun This Summer
Even if you’ll be spending more time at home this summer, you can still keep your kids learning and having fun.
Making the Best of Working From Home
Many of us will be working from home for the foreseeable future. Here are 9 tips to help you make the most of it.
What You Should Know Before and After You Graduate College
Creating a financial plan is a life skill that takes commitment and focus. As a college student, this may be your first stab at creating a budget.
Manage Money Quickly & Safely with Digital Banking
You may be spending more time at home in order to stay safe and help fight the spread of COVID-19, but that doesn’t mean you have to go without the banking services you need. Even with limited branch access, our free Online Banking and Mobile Banking App let you manage your accounts quickly, from the comfort and safety of home.
3 Tips to Maintain Good Financial Health
The COVID-19 pandemic has thrown routines out of balance, and while staying healthy is a top priority, we also know that many are concerned about how this pandemic is affecting their financial health. So, we thought we’d share three ways to help you maintain your financial wellness during this uncertain time.
Helping Yourself & Your Community During COVID-19
Around the world and throughout California, the COVID-19 pandemic has quickly changed many people’s lives. At USE Credit Union, we know that many of our members have had to reevaluate their goals as a result of unexpected changes.
Using Mobile Check Deposit
Are you among the tens of millions of Americans who use Mobile Banking to easily and securely manage money on the go? One of the most exciting, convenient features of Mobile Banking is Mobile Check Deposit, which lets you use your smartphone to deposit money from anywhere.
How Secure Is Your Financial Data?
Here at USE Credit Union, helping safeguard your data is a responsibility we take seriously, and we use the latest security measures to do just that. Unfortunately, in today’s highly connected, highly online society, there are lots of ways for criminals to steal someone’s personal or financial data.
Help Keep Your Information Safe While Social Distancing
While you practice social distancing to protect yourselves and the ones you love, don’t forget to protect your finances and personal information. Here are some potential scams to look out for in the midst of all that’s going on.
What The New Face Mask Policies Mean for USECU and Our Members
On Friday, April 3, San Diego County to its public health order. The new policies state that employees who work with the general public must wear a cloth face mask or coverings.
Raising Financially Savvy Kids
April is National Financial Literacy Month, so there’s no better time to boost your child’s financial know-how. Whether your child is starting kindergarten or heading to college, you can support their success by teaching them the skills they’ll need to budget, save, and spend responsibly.
Spring Cleaning: 4 Ways to Tidy Up Your Finances
As the season reaches full bloom, many of us are eager to reorganize, refresh, and revamp our homes and work spaces, however there’s more to spring cleaning than just dusting the cabinets and clearing out the clutter.
Are You Meeting Your Retirement Goals?
Whether you’re looking forward to time on the golf course or time with the grandkids, retirement can be a stage in life that affords you the greatest freedom—if you prepare for it.
6 Tips To Help You Boost Your Credit Score
It’s not a secret that your credit score is important to your financial well-being. After all, financial institutions and other businesses check your credit to make sure they’re not taking a big risk by doing business with you.
3 Must-Have Money Management Tools to Save You Time
In one way or another, you probably think about money every day. Do you ever find yourself thinking “I’ll never find time to take this check to a branch” or “Did I run out of stamps AGAIN?”
6 Ways to Save More Money in 2020
Did you make a resolution to save more money in 2020? There’s still plenty of time to make it happen. Follow these tips, and by the end of the year, you’ll be an expert on how to save money—and you’ll have a bigger savings account balance to prove it.
Get Your Finances in Shape With This Helpful Checklist
Visiting the doctor helps keep you healthy. Trips to the mechanic keep your car on the road. And regularly reviewing your finances—and finding ways to improve them—can help you live better today and achieve your dreams tomorrow.
Is Debt Consolidation Right for You?
Sometimes life can get expensive. Whether you’re paying for holiday festivities or emergency car repairs, it’s convenient to cover expenses with a credit card or other financing.
How to Use Your First Credit Card Responsibly
Some people say “cash is king,” but carrying a lot of cash can be inconvenient and risky. A credit card is often safer and easier to carry. Plus, it can give you access to more money than will easily fit in your wallet.
How the Hoyo Family Tackled COVID-19
Virtually everyone has been impacted in some way by the coronavirus/COVID-19 pandemic, but few have been affected as extensively as the Hoyo family – Erik, his wife Laura, three of their four children, and Laura’s mother all contracted the illness.
9 Mortgage Terms Every Home Buyer Should Know
Buying a home is exciting, but it can also be a little daunting. After all, you’re getting ready to take on a major financial responsibility, and the home buying process can feel overwhelming. We understand.
How Terry gained peace of mind and avoided double paying a bill
Terry wrote a check to a business for close to $1,000 and watched her account closely so she would know when it cleared her account. When the business told her the check had been processed by their financial institution, but she saw the funds hadn’t actually been withdrawn from her account, she turned to Deanna who works in our La Mesa branch for help and advice. Should she write out another check to send to the company just to be safe, or wait and see?
How Dana finished college and recovered from bankruptcy
A single mother of two boys, Dana had put off completing her college degree due to various life events and was working to reestablish her credit after a bankruptcy when she connected with Genevieve in our La Jolla branch. She’d only been a member for six months and wondered if there was any way we could help. That day changed her family’s life.
How Karen and Steven were able to manage the costs of grandparent parenthood
It was great news for Karen and Steven when they were given full guardianship/stewardship of their four and six-year-old grandchildren, but becoming parents a second time around wasn’t in their original financial plan. As members of USECU for 34 years, they knew that Michele in our Member Service Center would know how to help them explore their options.