Three Ways To Trick Yourself Into Saving More Money!

I think that we can all agree that at times, we are our own worst enemy.  Don’t let that be the case when it comes time to starting to build your savings!  With these life hacks to trick yourself into saving more money, your savings will start building before your eyes!

1. It’s all about physics – that topic you covered in high school science called inertia can work to your benefit with savings, too!  Set your plan in motion using automated tools that take the thinking out of it and watch your savings continue to roll and move all on its own!  When you add the manual aspect of transferring money into your savings every month, the consistency can start to slack which is the opposite of what you want to happen.  One really great tool that Honor has to make this part a piece of cake are “It’s Your Change” where every purchase you make gets rounded up to the next dollar and that change automatically put into your savings!  We can also set up an automatic transfer from your direct deposit into your savings so you don’t even have to think about it.

2. Keep looking ahead – goals, goals, goals is what it’s all about.  Keep your sight set on the future and the goals that you set for yourself and it will make those thinner months where you really, really want to dip into that savings easier to avoid.  If you’re a visual person, post a picture of your dream state (whether that’s your ideal retirement destination, your next vacation spot, or that new car) on the fridge or someplace you will see it every day.

3. Get a raise? Use it wisely – Don’t slip into the pitfall of a spending spree with 

that next raise or bonus!  Redirect that addition to your monthly income directly into your savings and keep your budget the same, almost like you’re pretending you never got the raise to begin with.  This may sound weird, but the direct raise you will be giving your savings every month will really add up!

HINT!! – There may be a giveaway coming up this week!  If you want included in the fun (and a shot at $50!) be sure to keep up with Honor on Twitter @honorcu!

Listen to Honor's Scott and 97.5 Y-Country's Wild Bill talk about their tips to trick yourself into saving on this week's Mason Jar Monday! 

Source - http://time.com/money/3658298/how-to-save-more-money/#money/3658298/how-to-save-more-money/

The Three "T's" of Tax Time

After the New Year’s resolutions have been made and the grand plans for 2015 have been laid out, it’s time to get down to business.  One of the first line items for many is getting those taxes filed!  Employers will be sending out W-2’s over the next couple of weeks, and if you’re eager to find out what your tax return might be you might be one of those early filers that is able to check your taxes off your list early!  Before you jump right in, make sure you know the three “T’s” of tax time to get you started!

1.  Take Your Time!  Filing your taxes is definitely not something that you want to feel rushed doing.  Gather all the documents that you will need before you sit down and make sure you have the time you need to start and finish all at the same time.  You don’t want to miss something or make a mistake because you got interrupted half way through!

2.  Tally Your Deductions!  Even if you are using a tax professional to help you, do some of your own research and tally the deductions you think you qualify for in advance.  This will help make sure you have the supporting documents for those deductions ready and available.

3.  Take Advantage…of your resources, that is! If you’re approaching filing taxes without the help of a certified tax preparer, take advantage of programs that will help you along the way, like TurboTax!  You can find a discount and link to TurboTax from Honor’s website, and here’s some inside information….follow the link through Honor’s website to get to TurboTax and not only will you receive a discount when you file, but you will also be entered to win cold hard cash!

Did you catch Honor's Scott live on the air with 97.5 Y-Country's Wild Bill?  You can listen to their full conversation from Mason Jar Monday about the Three "T's" of Tax Time here! 

Don’t forget to follow us on twitter @honorcu and let us know what you want to hear about next week using #askhonorcu!  

Honor Financial Group Check-Up's: Start Planting Seeds For Your Retirement Now!

You've heard us say it before, and we're gonna say it again...it is never too early to start thinking about your retirement plan! If you find yourself wondering what that magic number to retire is, how much should you have saved, where do you even begin then keep reading because Honor Financial Group is here to help:

What is Honor Financial Group?

• Whatever stage of life you may be in, Honor Financial Group can provide you with the options and one-on-one financial planning that will help you pursue the future that you want. Some of the options that we offer include:
• Retirement Plans
• Mutual Funds
• IRA Consolidation/Rollovers
• Annuities (variable, fixed, index)
• Insurance (life, disability, long term care)
• And more!

What is the Check Up Tour?

• Honor Financial Group’s Financial Representative, Greg Hildebrand, will be making the rounds to EVERY single Honor CU branch to give members (and non-members) the opportunity for a free investment check up.

How do I sign up?

• Stop by any Honor CU branch location or call the Member Solutions Center at 800.442.2800 to schedule your free, no obligation, investment check up!

Did you catch Greg Hildebrand, Honor Financial Group Financial Representative, chatting with 97.5 Y-Country's Wild Bill on Mason Jar Monday this week?  If not, no worries! You can listen to their full conversation here!

Don't forget to follow us on Twitter @honorcu and use #askhonorcu to ask us any questions you may have or let us know what you want to hear talked about on Mason Jar Monday next week! 

A Fitness Plan For Your Finances

It’s a New Year, and time to make those New Year’s resolutions!  Two of the most common New Year’s resolutions have to do with financial health and physical health.  Starting a new year on the right foot is important, so getting your finances and your body right are both fantastic goals.  As you think about getting your wallet and yourself in shape, here are a couple of similarities between your local credit union and the gym to get you on the way to achieving your new year’s goals:

• All The Tools To Succeed – One reason people join a gym is to get access to all the equipment to get in shape that they just don’t have at their own house.  You can get a better workout when you have access to many of these machines, and your wallet can get in better shape with access to all of the products and services that credit unions have to offer!   

• Work Independently or Utilize a Personal Trainer – Some people prefer to work out on their own, while others like a personal trainer with them every step of the way.  At a credit union, like Honor, we can give you both scenarios, too!  Our team is here waiting to walk you through our products and services if you want, but we also give you the tools to manage your finances on your own with easy to understand and use technology like our mobile app, or online bill pay!

• No Judgment Zone – A good gym will welcome you with open arms regardless of your physical health.  They will help you achieve your goals, no matter how big or small they may be.  You can expect the same at a credit union!  We are here to help you get in the best financial situation possible, no matter your starting point!  No two people’s finances are exactly the same, and you can have confidence that there will be no judgments or comparisons at Honor! Every member matters!

Don’t forget to follow us on twitter @honorcu and let us know what you want to hear about next week using #askhonorcu!  

Listen to Honor's Scott and 97.5 Y-Country's Wild Bill talk about their financial fitness tips in Mason Jar Monday!