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banking tips

Banking

5 Major Benefits Of Joining A Credit Union

Credits unions are often a hazy concept to people who have either never heard of them, or to people who buy into the idea that credit unions aren’t real banks. When it comes down to it, the major banking institutions want people to believe that credit unions aren’t real banks – or else people would start flocking to credit unions. However, the truth is that credit unions can often be a welcome alternative to the big banking experience and some credit unions, like 1st Financial Federal Credit Union, can offer benefits and advantages that the big banks just can’t offer. Here are five major benefits of joining a credit union.

You matter. When you start an account with a credit union, you essentially become a member. While big banks have multiple stock holders and executives, a credit union only has the people banking with their institution. This means that when you walk into a credit union, you get treated with the utmost respect and the money you have invested in your accounts is respected too – often with no hidden fees. Most big banks are riddled with hidden fees.

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Banking

3 Ways To Avoid NSF Fees

What are NSF fees?

NSF or nonsufficient funds fees are charged by your bank if you write a check and it bounces due to lack of funds.  Most banks charge a fee of $40 or more, so this is definitely a fee you want to avoid.

You can prevent NSF fees by doing the following:

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Banking

What Is CDIC And Why Is It Important?

What is CDIC?

While some Canadians bank at credit unions, many more deal with the big banks.  The major banks in Canada are all insured by the Canada Deposit Insurance Corporation (CDIC).  So, just what exactly is CDIC?  Well, it’s actually a federal Crown corporation that was created by the Canadian Parliament in order to protect your deposits in case the bank ever happened to go under.

What CDIC is NOT

CDIC is not a private insurance company and neither is it a bank.  The main point of the creation of CDIC is to help keep Canada’s financial system as strong as possible.

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Banking

Five Tips On Getting The Most Out Of Your Bank Account

There are a lot of financial institutions out there that can provide you with bank account services, however, regardless of the bank you choose to do business with, there are five key things you can do to make the most of your banking experience.

1.  Keep only the minimal amount required in your checking account.  Most banks pay little or no interest on balances kept in checking accounts, so every time you get paid, keep only a minimal amount of money in your checking account, and put the rest into savings.  That way you can earn some interest on your money and make it work for you.

2.  Learn how you can bank for free. Most financial institutions provide a way for you to do your banking for free either by maintaining a minimum balance or by only doing a certain number of transactions.  Most banks also provide free banking to seniors and students.  It is well worth your while to give your bank a call and find out how you can bank for free.

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