The Modern Wallet Blog
USF FCU Supports USF With $1 Million Gift
Gift supports scholarships and student/alumni programming.
Review Your Financial Situation Regularly
What should you be looking at specifically?
Your Funds Are Safe With Us
Learn how your funds are protected and secured.
Beware of Fraudulent Websites
A spoofed website can be hard to spot and difficult to identify.
Car Buyers' Worst Mistakes
Put your money to work rather than throwing it away.
Secure Your Mobile Wallet
To keep your financial data safe, keep these security tips in mind.
10 Scams Targeting Seniors
The annual loss by victims is estimated to be at least $36.5 billion.
Figuring Out Tax Withholding
If you're getting money back, ask yourself these questions.
Outsmart Phishing Scams
Protect yourself and keep your personal information safe.
Fix Bad Money Habits
The peace of mind a healthy financial status brings is priceless.
How Much Home Can I Afford?
There are 3 things to consider before you sign anything.
How to Create Strong Passwords
When it feels like there’s another big security breach every week, you want to be sure your passwords are strong and safe.
Basic Steps To Financial Fitness
Gain control of your finances with these 5 steps.
Mobile Check Deposit Scams
Never give your banking information to anyone you don’t know or trust
Financial Advice You Should Never Follow
Make sure your sources are trustworthy.
Store Cards Are Rarely The Better Deal
Rates on retail cards are usually higher than credit union cards.
Teach Kids Money Management
If they have shown financial responsibility, a debit card/checking account can be a great next step.
The Financial Facts of Life
It’s never too late to begin learning.
Don't Lose Sleep Over Money
Americans' top 3 worries are debt, lack of savings and not having enough for retirement.
Ways to Save in College
The first step is finding out what you don’t need to buy.
Budgeting for Infrequent Expenses
Many people live in a state of denial about the cost of infrequent expenses.
Buying a Used Car
If you’re in the market for a deal on used wheels, follow these steps for a smoother ride!
How To Talk Money With Your Partner
What happens when you and your partner have different approaches toward money?
Saving on Home Renovations
With some careful planning, you can shave thousands of dollars off the price tag.
Saving Money When There's Not Much to Save
How do you save when there is not much wiggle room in your budget?
IRS Imposters Among the "Dirty Dozen" Tax Scams
If you received unexpected good news in an e-mail from the IRS, it's probably bogus.
Payday Loans Aren't Worth the Cost
It’s a trap that will cost you many times more than you borrow.
5 Reasons We Overspend
Let’s take a look at five common reasons and how we can overcome them.
How To Pay Off A Loan Early
If you’re like most Americans, you owe money on a large loan.
The Benefits of Using Mobile Payments
Why fumble for your wallet when checking out when you can pay using your phone?
6 Times a Bargain is Not a Bargain
Here’s when that steal of a deal is not such a bargain after all.
Debt-Collection Scams
A caller claiming to represent a debt-collection agency demands immediate payment for an alleged outstanding debt.
Political Fundraising Scams
Report any election scams to a local FBI field office as soon as possible.
The Pending Package Scam
Scammers are using bogus packages to trick victims into sharing personal information.
The Importance of Being Financially Fit
Being financially fit is crucial for a well-balanced, stress-free life.
What's the Best Way to Use a Home Equity Loan?
A home equity loan can be an ideal way to source extra funds during a falling-rates environment.
Should You Pay a Bill with a Credit Card?
Let’s take a closer look at the pros and cons.
Using Your Credit Cards Responsibly
Boost your credit score and financial wellbeing.
What's the Best Way to Tackle Debt?
Snowball Method vs. Avalanche Method
Preparing for an Interview
Present yourself as polished, professional and capable to any potential employer.
Beware of Relay Theft
This user-friendly feature is also a favorite for car thieves.
Getting Ahead on Your Student Loan Before You Graduate
Be sure to look at the larger picture before you accept a position.
Tips to Help You Protect Yourself from Fraud
Here at our credit union, we take the security of your account extremely seriously.
All You Need to Know About Going Cashless
As our world grows increasingly digitized, many consumers are banishing cash from their wallets and choosing other ways to pay.
How to Create a Budget in 6 Easy Steps
A budget will help you gain financial awareness, which will help facilitate more responsible decisions.
All You Need to Know About Data Breaches
What should you do if your info is taken?
How To Dispute An Error On Your Credit Report
As a financially responsible individual, you should be checking your credit on a regular basis.
Take Caution Before Borrowing A Charging Cable
Be aware of this threat and practice caution when traveling.
All You Need To Know About Home Loans
If you’re in the market for a new home, you’ll likely need to take out a home loan or mortgage.
Can I Buy A House When I’m Paying Off A Student Loan?
There are several factors to consider.
Understanding The Credit Card Trap
Why do most Americans carry so much credit card debt and find themselves stuck in the debt trap?
Do My Monthly Bill Payments Affect My Credit Score?
Read on for three steps that can help your on-time monthly payments boost your credit score.
How Much Money Should I Keep In My Checking Account?
Let's find out.
The Ultimate Smart Shoppers Cheat Sheet
Did you know you should be timing your shopping throughout the week?
Vacation Scams To Watch For
Before heading on your dream vacation, read our list of four common vacation scams and learn how to avoid them.
7 Money Myths You Need To Stop Believing
There are lots of money management tips that are false.
9 Steps To Buying Your First Car
The process can be daunting, but we'll walk you through it.
Don't Get Caught in a Pyramid Scheme
Let’s look at what constitutes a pyramid scheme and how to avoid falling for one.
7 Signs You're Living Beyond Your Means
Here are steps you can take to get back on track.
Student Loan Scams
Here’s what you need to know about three popular student loan scams.
USF FCU Offers $205,000 in Scholarships
USF FCU is establishing new scholarships and expanding existing ones.
7 Reasons Not To Skip a Home Inspection
A professional home inspection can save you a ton of aggravation and thousands of dollars in the long run.
10 Restaurant Hacks
Dining out with family and friends is a wonderful experience, but it can take a huge bite out of your budget.
Beware of Blackmailing Scams!
Blackmail and extortion are some of the oldest tricks in the book — because they work.
How Many Credit Cards Should I Own?
Are too many cards a liability to your score?
Don't Get Caught in a Free Trial Scam!
You know what they say: “If it’s too good to be true, it probably isn’t.”
What Can I Do About Robocalls?
Read on for the inside scoop on robocalls and what you can do about them.
Questions To Ask Before Making a Large Purchase
Before you say “yes”, ask yourself these 7 questions.
Smishing Scams
Here’s what you need to know about an SMS message-based scam.
Debit Card Safety
Your random card of choice might not be the safest way to pay.
Don't Drink Your Wallet Dry!
Bottled water may be costing you a fortune.
Turn Your Dream Vacation Into a Reality
Six ways to make that dream vacation come true.
Beware of Social Media Scams!
There are several types you need to know about.
How to Fund an Emergency
Do you have a secure plan in place for emergencies?
The Money Envelope System
Keep your spending in check.
Phone Cloning and Digital Self Defense
The only thing a hacker needs is your phone number.
The Dos And Don'ts Of Credit Repair
Our handy guide will help you get on the road to improving your score.
Beware Of Phishing Scams!
There has been a recent upsurge in phishing scams involving credit union brands.