Financial Tips and Resources

Financial wellness is about more than dollars and cents. It's about feeling confident in your financial decisions, managing life's challenges, preparing for the future, and having support when you need it most. Whether you're building savings, managing debt, improving your credit, or navigating a major life event, TRUE is here to help.

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Budgeting and Money Management

Take Control of Your Everyday Finances

A budget isn't about restricting yourself. It's about giving your money a purpose.

Good money management can help you:

  • Reduce financial stress
  • Avoid unnecessary debt
  • Reach savings goals faster
  • Gain confidence in your financial future

Resources

Budgeting Tip

Start small. Even tracking your spending for a single month can reveal opportunities to save.

Financial Planning and Tips

Resources 

Free Financial Counseling 

If you need assistance as a result of an unexpected loss of income, call our financial partner GreenPath Financial Wellness at (877) 337-3399. GreenPath counselors are available Monday through Thursday 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. (EST), Friday 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. 

Fee Refunds 

In the instance of an account overdraft, we will reimburse NSF fees that may be incurred on a case-by-case basis, as requested by members affected by an unexpected loss of income. 

How to Read a 1099 Form 

Your 1099 provides important information about income, dividends, interest, or other financial activity during the year. This guide breaks down the form section by section to help you understand what you're seeing.

Credit Score and Credit Building

Understand Your Credit and Take Steps to Strengthen It

Your credit score can play an important role in your financial life. It may affect your ability to qualify for loans, secure favorable interest rates, rent a home, or even obtain certain services. Understanding how credit works can help you build a strong financial foundation and make confident borrowing decisions.

Whether you're just starting to establish credit or looking to improve your score, small, consistent habits can make a big difference over time.

Ways to Build and Maintain Good Credit

  • Pay bills on time, every time.
  • Keep credit card balances low compared to available limits.
  • Review your credit report regularly for accuracy.
  • Avoid applying for multiple new credit accounts in a short period.
  • Build a history of responsible credit use over time.

Resources

Credit Building Tip

Payment history is one of the most important factors that affects your credit score. Setting up automatic payments or payment reminders can help you stay on track and avoid missed payments.

Credit Tools

Skip-a-Pay 

With Skip-a-Pay, fees will be waived on all eligible loans for the first 2 months.  

Learn More

TransUnion 

Curious about your credit rating? Purchase your 3-in-1 Credit Profile and get your information in seconds from all three national agencies, via TransUnion. 

Visit TransUnion 

Savvy Money

Staying on top of your credit has never been easier

With one powerful tool, access your credit score, full credit report, credit monitoring, financial tips and education. All of this without impacting your credit score. 

You can do this ANYTIME and ANYWHERE. And for FREE*. 

Benefits of Savvy Money: 

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Access your credit score at any time, from anywhere. 

Real-Time Credit Monitoring Alerts 
Receive email alerts when there has been a change to your credit profile. 

Personalized Credit Offers 
Money saving loan offers, tailored just for you. 

Full Credit Report 
FREE access with no impact to your credit score. 

Credit Score Simulator 
An interactive tool to help you see how much your credit score might increase or decrease based on your specific financial decisions. 

Credit Score Education and Resources 
All the tools you need to be credit savvy. 

Accessing Savvy Money is EASY: 

  1. Log into Online and Mobile Banking* 
  2. Select the Main Menu 
  3. Select Credit Score & Report 

*Carrier rates may apply for data usage. 

Emergency Savings

Prepare for the Unexpected

Life happens. Car repairs, home repairs, medical expenses, and unexpected emergencies can appear without warning.

Building an emergency fund can help you:

  • Reduce financial stress
  • Stay on track with your goals
  • Recover more quickly from setbacks

Tips for building an emergency fund:

  • Start with a realistic savings goal
  • Set up automatic transfers to your checking account
  • Save a portion of tax refunds, bonuses, and other extra income
  • Keep your emergency fund separate from everyday spending money

Resources

Savings Tip

Don't wait until you can save a large amount. Setting aside just $5 to $10 a week can help build the habit of saving, and over time, those small deposits can add up to a meaningful financial safety net.

Life Events and Milestones

Financial Guidance for Life's Major Moments

Major life changes often come with important financial decisions. Whether you're starting a new job, getting married, growing your family, buying a home, planning for education, or preparing for retirement, having a financial plan can help you navigate each milestone with confidence.

Taking time to understand the financial impact of life's big moments can help you stay on track, avoid surprises, and make informed decisions that support your long-term goals.

Questions to Consider

  • How will this life change affect my budget?
  • Do I need to update my savings goals?
  • Should I review my insurance coverage?
  • Do I have an emergency fund in place?
  • What financial resources are available to help?

Buying Your First Home

Resources

Growing Your Family

Resources

Retirement Planning

Resources

Navigating Life Changes

Resources

Life Planning Tip

Big milestones can feel overwhelming, but you don't have to prepare for everything at once. Break large financial goals into smaller, manageable steps, and celebrate your progress along the way.

Debt Management and Debt Consolidation

Creating a Plan for Progress

Managing debt can feel overwhelming, but taking steps to understand your options can help you regain control of your finances. Whether you're working to pay down credit card balances, reduce monthly payments, or simplify multiple debts, creating a plan can help you make steady progress toward your financial goals.

Debt consolidation may be one option to consider if you have multiple debts with varying interest rates and payment schedules. By combining debts into a single payment, you may find it easier to manage your finances and stay on track.

Signs You May Need Help

  • Making only minimum payments
  • Using credit to cover daily expenses
  • Difficulty keeping up with bills
  • Carrying balances month after month

Steps Toward Managing Debt

  • Review all of your debts, balances, and interest rates.
  • Create a budget to identify areas where you can free up extra money for payments.
  • Focus on paying more than the minimum whenever possible.
  • Avoid taking on additional debt while working toward your goals.
  • Explore whether debt consolidation could simplify repayment.

Resources

Debt Management Tip

If you have multiple debts, consider organizing them from highest interest rate to lowest. Paying extra toward high-interest debt while making minimum payments on the rest can help you save money over time and become debt-free sooner.

Speak With a Financial Expert

 

Financial Stress and Mental Wellness

Find Balance and Build Confidence in Your Financial Journey

Money can affect more than just your bank account. Financial challenges and uncertainty can lead to stress, anxiety, and feelings of overwhelm. Taking small steps to improve your financial well-being and seeking support when needed can help you feel more confident and in control.

Remember, you're not alone. Many people experience financial stress at some point in their lives, and there are resources available to help you develop healthy financial habits and reduce the emotional impact of money-related concerns.

Healthy Ways to Reduce Financial Stress

  • Create a realistic budget
  • Focus on one financial goal at a time
  • Build an emergency fund
  • Seek trusted financial guidance
  • Celebrate small wins along the way

Resources

Wellness Tip

You don't have to solve every financial challenge at once. Focus on one manageable step today, whether that's reviewing your budget, making a savings plan, or learning more about a financial topic. Small actions can help build confidence and reduce stress over time.

Gambling

When Gambling Impacts Your Financial Well-Being

Gambling can start as entertainment, but for some individuals it can become a source of financial stress, debt, and personal hardship.

If gambling has affected your finances, know that you're not alone and support is available.

Warning Signs

  • Using credit cards or loans to gamble
  • Missing bill payments due to gambling losses
  • Borrowing money to continue gambling
  • Hiding gambling activity from loved ones
  • Feeling anxious, overwhelmed, or stressed about finances
  • Chasing losses in hopes of recovering money

Strategies for Staying in Control

  • Set and stick to a spending limit before gambling.
  • Never gamble with money needed for bills or essentials.
  • View gambling as entertainment, not a source of income.
  • Take regular breaks and monitor the time you spend gambling.
  • Seek support if gambling is causing financial or personal difficulties.

Steps You Can Take

  • Take an honest look at your financial situation.
  • Prioritize essential expenses including housing, food, transportation, and utilities.
  • Develop a plan to manage existing debt.
  • Reduce access to gambling platforms and accounts.
  • Seek support from trusted professionals and organizations.
  • Focus on rebuilding healthy financial habits.

Resources

Encouraging Message

Recovery is possible. Every step you take toward financial stability is a step worth celebrating.

 

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Whatever life brings, we're here to help you take the next step toward financial confidence and peace of mind.