Ever felt like your bank was plotting against you? Maybe you were hit with a fee, didn’t get the rate you were hoping for on a loan, or just felt the stereotype that financial institutions are only there to take your money and not help.

One of the rites of passage for children is when they get their first bank account.

Do credit unions offer online banking services? Absolutely! Local credit unions have had digital banking tools and apps similar to financial players like the big banks for years, but it’s still often a concern for new and potential customers.

It’s understandable to be concerned about your credit score being affected when opening a new credit account. In your research, you probably want to weigh your options to not only compare which account will get you the lowest interest rate for loans (for highest return on savings), but also if opening the account will affect your credit score.

In an earlier article, I talked about the importance of finding a financial institution that fits your needs, serves your core values, and is somewhere you trust. Well… a big part of that trust includes knowing your money is protected.

Think about the last time you traveled – do you remember how much you spent? Did you set a budget? Did you go over that budget? Or did stay diligent in your prepping and managed to enjoy your trip while staying on track?

When finding a financial institution, you want to make sure it’s a place you trust, fits your needs, and serves your core values. While some choose to store money in a jar or coffee cup at home, most look to credit unions and banks. This is because there’s an opportunity for financial growth, financial literacy, and lending solutions.

A debit card can be a very handy tool to have in your financial arsenal, but it's important to use it wisely in order to avoid any chances of your account information getting compromised.

Do you typically maintain a high account balance in your savings or checking account? If so, you don't have to limit yourself to just savings or checking accounts. You have options - one includes, money market account (MMA).