Freedom First Advice Center

Dos & Don’ts of Getting Your First Credit Card

Opening your first credit card can be both an exciting and daunting experience. On the one hand, a credit card offers more financial freedom and flexibility. On the other hand, you likely heard horror stories of people falling into a debt cycle that’s hard to escape.

The truth is that you should start working to build your credit score as soon as you’re able. Even if you have no plans to purchase a car or rent an apartment anytime soon, building credit takes time. And while it may seem backward, one of the best times to build credit is when you’re a young adult with limited financial obligations.

Criminals can be very clever, spoofing an email that is very similar to something you receive from Freedom First. Take note of the types of content we may communicate via email, as well as note that we will never request you to confirm personal information via an email. We will never contact a member by email or phone requesting you to provide us with your account information or other personal data. Never share your personal username, password, PIN, or account number in unsecured emails or other communications.

In a roller-coaster-type fashion, consumer saving and spending have seen their ups and downs during the Covid-19 pandemic. First, when the pandemic started, not only did spending on travel come to a screeching halt, but entertainment rapidly declined, as did in-person shopping. In general, people were spending less of their money, preferring to hold onto their cash partly or fully due to the unknown. Then, as the pandemic continued, government stimulus payments started hitting consumers’ accounts, and many people decided to safeguard these payments too.

This scenario resulted in a rise in consumer savings. However, that shift in consumer saving over spending is starting to reverse course as a result of a few key drivers, making it harder to maintain the savings you built. 

If you’re like most people, you likely have received a questionable email or text that had the potential to be a scam. Scams have advanced in recent years, which can make it difficult to tell if an email, text, or call is real or fake. There are a few rules you need to know to protect yourself from fraudsters gaining your information.

If you’re like most people, you likely start each year with a list of resolutions to help you improve various aspects of your life. The list may include resolutions to help you become more physically fit, further your career growth and improve your personal relationships. Another category of resolutions you may make centers on those that affect your finances. 

As 2021 draws to a close and we prepare to usher in 2022, take a moment to go through this year-end financial checklist for ensuring your finances are in order before the start of the New Year.

Retailers and suppliers have been urging consumers to shop early this holiday season, but that doesn’t mean everyone has been paying attention. If you’ve pushed off their shopping until the last minute, we’ve got you covered! Here are six ways to keep your last-minute shopping stress-free and inexpensive. 

As the year comes to an end, you may be starting to think about all you want to accomplish in the new year. If you’re like most, some of your resolutions probably include either breaking an old habit or starting a new one. Whether your goals consist of losing a certain amount of weight or getting out of debt, the key to success is starting small.

After all, significant changes, especially when it comes to habits, can be difficult. By starting with small wins, you’ll eventually work your way up to your ultimate goal.

With the holidays quickly approaching, your mind is probably focused on gift lists, decorations, travel plans, and family events. But the end of the year is also the perfect time to review your loans.

While loans typically make up members’ largest monthly expenses — from mortgages and car loans to student loans and credit cards — they also provide some of the most significant saving opportunities. Taking time to review your existing loans and looking for opportunities to save could put you in a much better financial position as a new year rolls around.

The holidays are coming and it’s time to hit the shops! Retailers and consumers around the nation are anticipating a holiday season that’s a lot closer to pre-pandemic days than last year’s festivities. Unfortunately, though, suppliers are cautioning consumers to expect supply shortages, shipping delays and higher price tags than ever.

With that in mind, here’s a look at what you might expect to see this holiday shopping season.