Tips to Keep to Your Budget During Easter!

Easter is almost here (April 5^th)! And for young and old alike, that means the Easter Bunny is on his way, hopping down the bunny trail to bring treats to good girls and boys. Did you know that Americans spend $14.6 BILLION annually on Easter goods and candy*? That’s a big chunk of change. Check out these tips to save your hard earned cash this holiday, while still keeping the magic of Easter alive.

1. Homemade Decorations- Americans spend an estimated $1 billion on Easter decorations each year. That’s an average of $30 (or more) per person/family. Save that money instead, and get crafty! Gather up some household items such as paper tubes, paints, cotton balls, and other odds and ends. Make decorating a fun family night, and have each person make their very own decoration to put up in the house. Homemade decorations are far more valuable than store-bought, anyway.

2. Natural Egg Dyes- Did you know that there are ways to dye your hardboiled eggs without actual dye? Use spices! Red cabbage can make blue dye, Turmeric makes yellow, and beets can make a dark pink or red color. And these are all ingredients you can find in your kitchen! For recipes, click here.

3. Easter Candy- About $2.1 billion is spent by Americans each year on Easter candy. Who needs all that sugar? Not only is it unhealthy in numerous ways, but it can become costly very quickly. But on the other hand, Easter candy has become a part of Easter, something to look forward to. Instead of doing away with it completely, find out what your child(ren)’s favorite candy is, and splurge on that. If Johnny likes the big chocolate bunny from the local candy store, just buy that. Don’t buy “filler” candies for their Easter basket that they don’t like, or won’t eat as quickly (some may not like jelly beans, some might not like chocolate).   That way, you’ll  be good to Johnny’s health, and your wallet.

So go ahead; Enjoy Easter dinner, the decorations, the candy. But don’t feel like just because it’s a holiday that you have to spend, spend, spend! Make the most of your dollars by using what you already have, and splurging on the goodies that matter the most.

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

To listen to Honor's Kaylee and 97.5 Y-Country's Wild Bill talk about Easter savings, listen to the Mason Jar Monday episode below.

*http://www.freep.com/story/money/business/michigan/2015/03/24/easter-spending-poll/70367416/
*  http://www.statisticbrain.com/easter-statistics/

Three Things Your Credit Union & Your Best Friend Have In Common

Think about your best friend. You laugh together, hang out together, know each other’s favorite things to do and places to go.  I bet one thing you didn’t think of when you pictured your best friend is all that they have in common with your credit union!  Here are three things your best friend has in common with your credit union:

1. Your credit union has your best interests at heart. Just like your best friend is always on your side rooting for you to succeed, so is your credit union! And it not only wants you to financially succeed, it has the tools to help you do that! Credit unions, like Honor, offer everything from savings and checking accounts to auto loans to mortgages.
2. Your credit union is made up of local people who care. Just like your best friend cares about you and everything you do, so does your credit union! Your CU wants to help you make financial decisions that are right for you. Maybe you’re looking to buy a new car, but you don’t exactly have the funds right now. Your local credit union has individuals who can help you get on track and apply for a loan, step by step. And the best part? You’ll be talking to a real person who cares.
3. Your credit union is there for you when you need them. Just like your best friend is ready and willing to take your phone call no matter the time of day, credit unions have tools that give you access to your accounts virtually 24/7!  From a mobile app and online banking to extended call center hours, credit unions are there for you when you need them!

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 97.5 Y-Country's Wild Bill and Honor's Kaylee talk about the similarities between your best friend and your credit union!

Three Benefits of Reading That Can Also Benefit Your Budget

Did you know March is National Reading Month?  Just as important as being financially literate is being literate in general.  Reading is important, no matter how old you are.  Here are three benefits of reading that can also benefit your budget:

1. Mental Stimulation – Reading is to the mind what exercise is to the body.  Studies have even shown that just as exercise can help prevent physical ailments, reading can slow the progress of (or even prevent) some mental illnesses such as Alzheimers or Dementia*.  A sharp mind can approach life and finances with a more focus.  Help your mind and your pocketbook and pick up a book instead of turning on the TV tonight.
2. Stress Reduction – Stress is present in so many different areas of our lives, including for many their finances and budget.  A well written story, be it fiction or non-fiction, can have the power to drain the tension from your body and relax.  When you approach your budget with a calm mind, you may be able to make better decisions and see your long term goals come to life.
3. Memory Improvement – Brains are marvelous things and can remember things with ease.  Reading helps you forge new memories with every page or article you read, which actually contributes to strengthening existing memories, assisting in short term memory recall and stabilizing moods*.  A sound memory will help you make and stick to your monthly budget as you go about your busy day to day. 

Honor Credit Union understands the importance that reading can provide to our communities.  Next Tuesday, March 17 (St. Patrick’s Day!) we will be teaming up with United Way of Southwest Michigan and dozens of other volunteers to read to kids throughout Berrien & Cass counties with Reading Day of Action 2015!  We know the power that reading can have not only on life in general, but specifically financial success, and we can’t wait to share how exciting and fun reading can be with kids K-5^th grade next Tuesday!

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 97.5 Y-Country's Wild Bill and Honor's Scott talk about the benefits that reading can have on your budget in last week's Mason Jar Monday! 

* http://www.lifehack.org/articles/lifestyle/10-benefits-reading-why-you-should-read-everyday.html