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Read our latest posts.
![pexels-gary-barnes-6248552 Smiling woman and man sitting in coffee shop](https://www.4frontcu.com/images/default-source/default-album/blog-images/pexels-gary-barnes-6248552.png?sfvrsn=f0a061ed_4)
![Couple with Baby Smiling man and woman standing in front of home holing babies.](https://www.4frontcu.com/images/default-source/default-album/blog-images/couple-with-baby.jpg?sfvrsn=2f18b393_5)
Preparing for a Recession
Recessions are an unavoidable part of any economy. But you can weather the storm by anticipating challenges early and preparing for the future. Here are some essential steps to help you plan for uncertain times.![Man on phone in park Concerned man sitting in park on mobile phone.](https://www.4frontcu.com/images/default-source/default-album/blog-images/pexels-ketut-subiyanto-4560184.jpg?sfvrsn=caafac23_4)
How to avoid the Social Security Scam
The Social Security number scam — in which a fake officer from the Social Security office calls and claims there’s an issue with your number and you must make a payment to fix it — is not going away.![Credit cards closeup Close up image of MasterCard and VISA Credit Card](https://www.4frontcu.com/images/default-source/default-album/blog-images/credit-cards-closeupdec008b27c94402fb236cab3117d6bfa.png?sfvrsn=68544867_7)
Credit or Debit or Both? (Oh My!)
But while credit cards are better for a bank’s bottom line, the real question is what’s better for yours? Both forms of plastic have pros and cons.![Teen girls with laptop Two teens laying on the floor looking at laptop.](https://www.4frontcu.com/images/default-source/default-album/blog-images/pexels-karolina-grabowska-8003527.jpg?sfvrsn=68c2eb71_4)
Financial Milestones for Young Adults
Here’s how to make the most of your first credit card and other payment methods on the road to full-fledged adulthood (and financial freedom)![bathroom with long vanity Refinished bathroom](https://www.4frontcu.com/images/default-source/default-album/blog-images/pexels-curtis-adams-7601105.jpg?sfvrsn=8aded4b7_4)
How to Turn Your Bathroom into a Spa Oasis
When the times comes to renovate your bathroom, think spa. It doesn’t have to cost a lot. Some fresh paint and switching out your textiles can make a nice change. Or, if you are thinking bigger, check out our tips!![Phone with glasses and laptop Mobile phone, laptop and glasses on wooden table](https://www.4frontcu.com/images/default-source/default-album/blog-images/pexels-michelle-forrest-3953812.jpg?sfvrsn=c1c166ba_4)
Don't Fall Victim to a Wrong Number Scam
According to a recent report from the phone app Truecaller, one out of every 6 Americans has lost money due to a phone scam. That’s unfortunate, and a sign that the scourge of cell phone life — robocalls — is more than just a nuisance, it’s a real problem.![Older woman with plant Smiling senior man and woman holding plant](https://www.4frontcu.com/images/default-source/default-album/blog-images/pexels-greta-hoffman-7728136.png?sfvrsn=d930a4f9_5)
Strategies for Retirement
Retirement should be mostly fun and games. But that doesn’t mean it takes some work (pun intended) to get there. Here are two key financial habits that you should have nailed down before you retire. Adopt these strategies and retirement will be as fun as you want it to be.![Couple in office with paperwork Couple in office filling out paperwork.](https://www.4frontcu.com/images/default-source/default-album/blog-images/pexels-rodnae-productions-8293775.png?sfvrsn=b2ef966a_5)
Refinancing to a 15-Year Mortgage
Most mortgages start as a 30-year fixed loan. These spread out your principal payments and help to keep your monthly costs low. The downside is you pay interest for 30 years! We’ll look at the benefits of refinancing to a 15-year fixed loan and whether it makes sense for you.![Woman using laptop computer Woman sitting at table working on laptop](https://www.4frontcu.com/images/default-source/default-album/blog-images/pexels-antoni-shkraba-5244025.png?sfvrsn=473f0e3c_7)
3 Reasons to use your Credit Card for Subscriptions
Many subscriptions require a linked credit card to start the service. But if they don’t, you should consider doing so. Linking a subscription to your credit card offers a few benefits.![Woman with wallpaper Woman sitting looking at wallpaper](https://www.4frontcu.com/images/default-source/default-album/blog-images/pexels-nataliya-vaitkevich-5641783.jpg?sfvrsn=10b8e05a_4)
6 Home Remodeling Tips
Remodeling is not for the faint of heart, but it also doesn’t have to take your sanity to the brink either. Here are some tips to make your renovations go off without a hitch.![digital wallet Two arms illustrating how to use digital wallet.](https://www.4frontcu.com/images/default-source/default-album/blog-images/digital_wallet.jpg?sfvrsn=e4420d53_6)
Paying With Mobile Can Be Safer Than Plastic — If You Do It Right
Our smartphones make life easier in so many ways. Understanding the latest security innovations and protections — layered passwords, staying off public wifi — can make a big difference.![car driving at sunset with couple Man and woman driving in a car](https://www.4frontcu.com/images/default-source/default-album/blog-images/car_drive_sunset_family.jpg?sfvrsn=1dc0fa0c_6)
Buying a Car vs. Leasing
When it comes to cars, the question of whether to lease or buy is asked. For some, the thought of a brand new car every three years is enticing, but for others, owning their car just makes sense. Join us as we look at both options and learn which may be the right choice for you.![baby feet Hand holding an infants feet](https://www.4frontcu.com/images/default-source/default-album/blog-images/baby_feet.jpg?sfvrsn=56b99fcc_6)
Get Set for a Baby
Signs you’re financially ready to have a baby. From budgeting, to leave and long term planning, we're looking at how to get as ready as you can for a new baby.![Couple in front of new home Couple holding home sign](https://www.4frontcu.com/images/default-source/default-album/blog-images/pexels-kindel-media-7579142.jpg?sfvrsn=e2a66cd5_6)
How to Buy a House
When it comes to buying a house there are a lot of steps, and while we wish it was as simple as putting in an offer on your dream home, it’s just not. Here are the steps you can expect to take on your journey to homeownership.![worried man with laptop Frustrated man sitting at a desk with his head in his hands.](https://www.4frontcu.com/images/default-source/default-album/blog-images/worried_man_526548812.jpg?sfvrsn=374544ae_8)
Credit Reports: Your Digital Defense
Credit reports are a great defense tactic against fraud. And, if the FBI recommends watching your credit, it's probably a good idea to watch your credit!![three older woman sitting together Three senior women sitting together smiling at camera](https://www.4frontcu.com/images/default-source/default-album/blog-images/three-older-woman-sitting-together.jpg?sfvrsn=d57e67d5_4)
Three Thoughts on Retirement
Here are three questions to ask yourself before taking Social Security payments.![Older couple shopping with red bags Senior man and woman arm and arm shopping](https://www.4frontcu.com/images/default-source/default-album/blog-images/pexels-kampus-production-8201158.jpg?sfvrsn=ff6e4148_6)
Everything You Need to Know About Emerging Buy Now, Pay Later Methods
Buy now, pay later makes shopping for big-ticket items more affordable for consumers, but if you don’t keep up with payments, you could owe more than you expected.![Parent and child exchange money Parent handing child ten dollars](https://www.4frontcu.com/images/default-source/default-album/blog-images/parent-and-child-exchange-money.jpg?sfvrsn=6305ed5f_8)
Five Steps to Raising Money Smart Kids
Giving children an allowance can help them build better spending and saving habits, know when to start and how to keep it going.![Couple shopping in mall Man with arm around woman's shoulder shopping](https://www.4frontcu.com/images/default-source/default-album/blog-images/istock-1277267181.jpg?sfvrsn=fdc4c6ee_6)
Adding it On
A rise in Buy Now, Pay Later options may seem like good news, but beware, there's always a catch!Ready to join? Let's get started.
Wherever you are on your financial journey, we make banking smart and simple.