Money Tips No One Told You

In today's episode we are talking good debt vs. bad debt.  If you’re like me, you’ve been taught your whole life that debt was bad… and you automatically equate it to something negative.  But that’s not entirely true.   So we are going to break it down and give you information to help you make informed decisions about your credit future. You can find First Pioneers Federal Credit Union at our...

In this episode we are talking about products and services your college student can use when they are moving away to school.  These tips are also handy when traveling and away from your credit union.   We talk about finding an ATMs or Shared Branching, using Online Banking, Zelle, and our app.   Ways to find a Co-op ATM or Shared Branch -  Visit Firstpioneers.com: https://www.firstpioneers.com/atm...

In this episode we are talking about tough talks conversations adult children need to have with their parents.  No one wants to think about our parents aging… but the sad reality is there will come in a point in our lives where parents may need the help of their children through the next stage of their journey.   Retirement, debt, long term care, wills, and estates are among the topics we discuss...

In this episode we are talking about tips to save for college and/or other education or training.  Not all kids will go to college, nor should they.  The career path you choose is yours alone and not a one size fits all solution, but saving can be helpful for other types of training or education as well.  Saving for future plans is a good thing to make part of your savings plan.  For today’s discu...

In this episode we are talking about money and the things that go along with it.  Especially with so many young people graduating school and getting out into the work force, there’s actually a lot to consider.  I remember my first real job, no one had told me anything about how it worked and it was a bit of a learning curve.  Filling out tax forms, what benefits really mean, and how working can ac...

In this episode we are talking about credit.  This is the topic we seem to get asked about the most and the one people really want and need to understand.   We talk about how to establish credit, what makes up your credit score and ways to repair your credit.   If you would like to get a copy of your credit report, visit annualcreditreport.com.  You can get your credit score from FICO at https://w...

This episode is all about CDs, and I don’t mean the things that play music or hold data! We will talk about what a CD really is and what to consider before opening one. We will also explain the different types of CDs and how to maximize your return with a CD ladder.   You can find us at our Lafayette or New Iberia branch in Louisiana or online at firstpioneers.com.  If you prefer a blog version of...

In this episode we have our friend, Robin Godeaux visiting us with tips for home buyers.  Recently, the real estate market is difficult to navigate, with homes going under contract as soon as the hit the market.   First time home buyers are feeling especially overwhelmed. Robin and I talk about the importance of having an agent on your team, the process of buying, how to make an offer and more! If...

We are once again celebrating youth as credit unions across the country celebrate youth month in April.  Last time we talked about basic lessons in money management.  In this episode we want to discuss a few things your teen needs to know as they begin this leg of their journey to adulthood.  Today that’s money management, building credit and what it really means to have a job.   It's easy to...

As credit unions across the country celebrate youth month it is a perfect time to talk to your kids about their finances.  There was time when schools taught basic Home Economics like cooking, sewing and even basic banking.  Over the years, those classes went by the wayside and teaching children about finances became the responsibility of the parent or caregiver.   Many parents face the challenge...

Todays episode is part of a series where we are talking answers to mortgage questions.  There are several things to consider before buying your first home.   But owning a home can be a wonderful experience and we don’t want to see fear stop you from going after that dream.   In this episode we talk about examining your financial health as well as your credit score and what effects it.   The  home...

In this episode we we are back talking about good financial habits.  Today, we are talking about savings.  Savings may actually be the most neglected part of our budget BUT, it's probably the most important.   These days so many of us are living paycheck to paycheck and I get that it’s hard to make saving a priority but it's necessary.   Recent data shows that 39% of Americans would have...

Today we are talking about habits. Habits can be many things that are both good and bad.  A bad habit may be biting your nails.  A good habit may be making your bed.   We have habits in almost every aspect of our lives.  Little things like how we brush our teeth to bigger ones like our eating or driving habits. Many of us may not even realize that we have habits when comes to our money.  Some may...

Today we are introducing ourselves.  wanted to introduce ourselves. We are First Pioneers Federal Credit Union and we are located in Lafayette, Louisiana in the heart of Cajun Country.    We started this podcast as part our outreach efforts to help educate people on financial topics they need to know.  The motto of credit unions is people helping people and that’s what we do for our members and be...

Today on this first episode we thought it was important to just start with the basics…. A foundation to build on…  We will discuss the difference in banks and credit unions and begin a conversation about FinTechs and what they are.   The thing many people don’t know is there are several options when it comes to banking… some that don’t really fit the traditional idea of a bank you may have in your...