This month, we’re focusing on purposeful giving, a simple way to celebrate the season, enjoy meaningful traditions, and keep your savings goals intact.

The holiday season has a way of sneaking up on us…one minute it’s pumpkin spice and fall leaves, and the next it’s gift lists, travel plans, and full calendars. With so much happening, it’s easy for spending to spiral without us even noticing. That’s why this November, we’re focusing on purposeful giving, a simple way to celebrate the season, enjoy meaningful traditions, and keep your savings goals intact.

Why Purposeful Giving Matters

The best gifts aren’t always the most expensive; they’re the ones that show thoughtfulness, care, and intentionality. Purposeful giving helps you:

• Stay aligned with your financial goals so you don’t derail your savings plan.
• Reduce stress by avoiding the pressure to overspend.
• Strengthen relationships by focusing on meaning over material.

Tips for Purposeful Giving This Season

1. Set a Spending Plan (And Stick to It)
   Decide in advance how much you can realistically spend without dipping into your savings or relying on credit. Create a simple holiday budget that includes gifts, travel, food, and extras.
2. Make a Meaningful Gift List
   Write down who you’re buying for and brainstorm thoughtful, budget-conscious ideas. Handmade gifts, framed photos, or experiences (like cooking dinner together) often mean more than big-ticket items.
3. Focus on Shared Experiences
   Instead of exchanging large gifts, suggest pooling resources for a family activity, trip, or holiday meal. These shared experiences create lasting memories and often cost less than individual presents. Check out our list of 10 cheap or free holiday activities for ideas.

1. Attend a Holiday Parade, Tree Lighting Ceremony or Festival. Many communities host an event the weekend after Thanksgiving or the 1^st weekend of December to kick off the holiday season that is totally free. Most also have Santa there and ready to meet the kids, hear their wish list, and pose for a quick photo.
2. Host A Movie Night. Instead of a big (and costly) party, invite your friends over, show your favorite holiday film, and serve hot chocolate and smores. Have each friend bring one item, like marshmallows or candy canes to cut back on cost for everyone.
3. Volunteer. Another substitute for a holiday party – gather your friends and family and volunteer at a local shelter or soup kitchen. Clean out the pantry and donate while you’re there.
4. Go Caroling! What better way to get into the holiday spirit than to walk around singing your favorite songs and spreading cheer to your friends, family, and neighbors? And it’s totally free! (make rehearsing an event too)
5. Make DIY Gifts. Presents don’t have to come from a store or be costly to be special and appreciated.
6. Bake Holiday Treats and Host a “SWAP” party. It’s the season to break out the cookbook and bake up batches of your best holiday sweets and treats to share. Call up your friends and family to join in on the fun by coming together and exchanging tasty goodies.
7. Take a Holiday Lights Driving Tour. There are typically lots of lights adorning buildings, homes, parks, and public areas during the season. Pack up everyone and drive around checking out the displays. It’ll only cost a few gallons of gas. Maybe pack some holiday sweets and hot cocoa to enjoy on the ride.
8. Create a Holiday Scavenger Hunt around your neighborhood or town. It will take a little work beforehand but will be a big hit with your friends and family….and can be done completely free!
9. Host a Toy Exchange. Do your kids have too many toys – many that they’ve outgrown and don’t play with anymore? Gather other families for an exchange party. Each kid will walk away with something new that won’t cost a dime.
10. Cut Down Your Own Tree. Make a whole day of it. Bundle up, pack a few snacks or picnic lunch, and head out to a farm near you to chop down your own tree as a family. Doing so can save on the cost compared to buying one at a local retailer.

• Use the “One Thoughtful Gift” Approach
  Rather than purchasing multiple items, consider giving one meaningful gift. This keeps costs down while showing care and attention.

5. Take Advantage of Savings Opportunities
   Shop early to catch sales, use cash-back apps, and compare prices before buying. If you have rewards points, consider using them for gifts or travel.

Remember the Bigger Picture

The holidays are about more than what’s under the tree; they’re about connection, generosity, and gratitude. By trimming your holiday spending and embracing purposeful giving, you can keep your financial health on track while still spreading cheer.

In recent years, Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) options have exploded in popularity. At checkout (whether you’re shopping online or even in-store), you may see an offer to split your purchase into several smaller, interest-free payments. On the surface, it appears to be a convenient and budget-friendly option.

But is BNPL really that simple? Let’s explore what it is, how it works, and what you should know before using it.

What is Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL)?

BNPL is a type of short-term financing that allows you to make a purchase now and pay for it over time, typically in 4 equal installments. Companies like Affirm, Afterpay, Klarna, and others offer these services, and many retailers now include them directly in the checkout process.

Unlike traditional credit cards, BNPL often doesn’t require a hard credit check, and many plans advertise “no interest” or “no fees.” That accessibility is part of the appeal, but it can also mask risks.

 The Potential Benefits of BNPL

BNPL can be helpful in certain situations:

• No-interest plans: If payments are made on time, some BNPL loans cost nothing extra.
• Quick approval: Easier to access than traditional loans or credit cards.
• Budgeting tool: Breaking a purchase into smaller payments can make it feel more manageable.

For someone with limited credit history, BNPL may also provide access to short-term credit when other options aren’t available.

The Potential Risks to Watch Out For

BNPL can be tricky because it feels less serious than other types of debt. Here are some important things to consider:

• Multiple loans at once: It’s easy to stack BNPL plans across different purchases, which can quickly become overwhelming.
• Late fees & penalties: Missing payments may lead to late fees and could affect your credit report (depending on the provider).
• Limited protections: Unlike credit cards, BNPL may not offer the same dispute or refund protections if something goes wrong with a purchase.
• Impact on savings goals: Relying on BNPL may keep you from saving for the things that really matter, like an emergency fund or long-term goals.

BNPL & Your Credit

Some BNPL companies report to credit bureaus, while others don’t. This inconsistency can make it hard to know how using BNPL will affect your credit score. In some cases, late or missed payments can damage your score.

That’s why it’s important to treat BNPL like any other debt: track due dates, make payments on time, and avoid borrowing more than you can repay.

Tips for Using BNPL

If you decide to use BNPL, keep these tips in mind:

1. Check the terms before agreeing. Look for interest rates, late fees, and repayment schedules.
2. Use it sparingly. Avoid stacking multiple BNPL purchases at once.
3. Set reminders. Treat BNPL like a bill and mark due dates on your calendar.
4. Prioritize savings. Don’t let BNPL replace the habit of saving for future needs.
5. Know your rights. Review your protections under consumer laws and the provider’s policies.

Buy Now, Pay Later can seem like an easy solution at checkout, but remember, it’s still borrowing money. Using it responsibly means making sure it doesn’t interfere with your savings goals or lead to unmanageable debt.

We encourage you to pause before clicking “Confirm Purchase” and ask: Does this fit into my spending and savings plan?

Getting Fit… Managing Your Financial Life –It starts with a dream, the dream of a secure retirement. Yet like many people you may wonder how you can achieve the dream when so many other financial issues have priority.

Besides trying to pay for daily living expenses, you may need to buy a car, pay off debts, save for your child’s education, take a vacation, or buy a home. You may have aging parents to support. You may be going through a major event in your life such as starting a new job, getting married or divorced, raising children, or coping with a death in the family.

How do you manage all these financial challenges and at the same time try to “buy” a secure retirement? How do you turn your dreams into reality?

Start by writing down each of your goals. You may want to have family members come up with ideas. Don’t leave something out at this stage because you think you can’t afford it. This is your “wish list.”

Organize them into goals you want to accomplish within the next 5 years or less, and goals that will take longer than 5 years. It’s important to separate them because you save for short-term and long-term goals differently.

Next, organize your goals in order of priority.

Make retirement a priority! This needs to be among your goals regardless of your age. Some goals you may be able to borrow for, such as college, but you can’t borrow for retirement.

Write down what you need to accomplish each goal: When do you want to accomplish it, what will it cost, what money have you set aside already, and what you are willing to do to reach the goal.

Look again at the order of priority. How hard are you willing to work and save to achieve a particular goal? Would you work extra hours, for example? How realistic is a goal when compared with other goals? Reorganize their priority if necessary. Put those goals that are unrealistic into your wish list. Maybe you can turn them into reality too.

Beginning You Savins Fitness Plan – Now let’s look at your current financial resources. This is important because your financial resources affect not only your ability to reach your goals, but also your ability to protect those goals from potential financial crises. These are also the resources you will draw on to meet various life events.

Calculate your net worth – This isn’t as difficult as it might sound. Your net worth is simply the total value of what you own (assets) minus what you owe (liabilities). It’s a snapshot of your financial health.

• First, add up the approximate value of all your assets. This includes your home (if you own one) and your checking and savings accounts. Include the current value of investments, such as stocks, real estate, certificates of deposit, retirement accounts, IRAs, and any other retirement benefits you have.
• Now add up your liabilities: the remaining mortgage on your home, credit card debt, auto loans, student loans, income taxes due, taxes due on profits of your investments, if you cashed them in, and any other outstanding bills.
• Subtract your liabilities from your assets. Do you have more assets than liabilities? Or the other way around?
• Your aim is to create a positive net worth, and you want it to grow each year. Your net worth is part of what you will draw on to pay for financial goals and your retirement. A strong net worth also will help you through financial crises.

Review our net worth annually – Recalculate your net worth once a year. It’s a way to monitor your financial health.

Identify other financial resources – You may have other financial resources that aren’t included in your net worth but that can help you through tough times. These include the death benefits of your life insurance policies, Social Security survivor’s benefits, health care coverage, disability insurance, liability insurance, and auto and home insurance. Although you may have to pay for some of these resources, they offer financial protection in case of illness, accidents, or other catastrophes.

Envision Your Retirement – Retirement is a state of mind as well as a financial issue. You are not so much retiring from work as you are moving into another stage of your life. Some people call retirement a “new career.”

What do you want to do in that stage? Travel? Relax? Move to a retirement community or to be near grandchildren? Pursue a favorite hobby? Go fishing or join a country club? Work part time or do volunteer work. Go back to school? What is the outlook for your health? Do you expect your family to take care of you if you are unable to care for yourself? Do you want to enter this stage of your life earlier than normal retirement age or later?

The answers to these questions are crucial when determining how much money you will need for the retirement you desire – and how much you’ll need to save between now and then. Let’s say our plan to retire early, with no plan to work even part time. You’ll need to build a larger nest egg than if you retire later because you’ll have to depend on it for longer.

Are you wondering how to fix your credit? No one can legally remove negative information from your credit report if it’s accurate and current. But there are steps you can take to fix errors and improve your credit. Maybe you’ve heard about credit repair companies and are wondering if they can help. Be careful: many are scams. Here’s what you need to know about how to fix your credit.

Credit Reports

What makes my credit good or bad? Our credit report has information about:

• whether you pay your bills on time
• what loans and credit cards you have, and what you owe on them
• whether you’ve been sued or arrested or have filed for bankruptcy

The more positive information you have in your credit report, the better your credit will be.

What happens if there’s negative information in my credit report? Credit bureaus sell the information in your credit report to creditors, insurers, employers, and other businesses that use it to make decisions about you. If there’s a lot of negative information in your report, you could have trouble getting a loan or might have to pay more in interest. You also could be turned down for a job, insurance, or some services.

Can I get negative information removed from mu credit report if it’s true? Only time can make it go away. Most negative information will stay on your report for seven years, and bankruptcy information will stay on for 10 years. Unpaid judgments against you will stay in your report for seven years or until the statute of limitations runs out, whichever is longer. There are exceptions. In certain situations – like when you a job paying more than $75,000 a year, or a loan or insurance valued at more than $150,000 – a credit bureau will include older information that wouldn’t show up otherwise.

How do I know what’s in my credit report? Each of the nationwide credit bureaus – Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion – is required to provide you with a free copy of your credit report once every 12 months if you ask for it. Go to annualcreditreport.com or call 1-877-322-8228. You can order free reports from each of the three credit bureaus from annualcreditreport.com at the same time, or you can stagger your requests throughout the year. Some financial advisors say staggering your requests during a 12-month period may be a good way to keep an eye on the accuracy and completeness of the information in your reports. Because each credit bureau gets its information from different sources, the information in your report from one credit bureau may not reflect all, or the same, information in your reports from the other two credit bureaus.

What happens if a company takes negative action against me because of something in my credit report? When a company takes “adverse action” against you, you’re entitle to another free credit report if you ask for t within 60 days of getting notified about the action. The company has to send you a notice that includes the name, address, and phone number of the credit bureau that provided your report. You’re also entitled to another free report each year if:

• you’re unemployed and plan to look for a job within 60 days
• you’re on welfare
• your report is inaccurate because of fraud, including identity theft

If you think someone might be using your personal information to open accounts, file taxes, or make purchases, go to identitytheft.gov to report it and a personalized recovery plan.

What if I see a mistake on my credit report? You can dispute mistakes or outdated items on your credit report for free. Both the credit bureau and the business that provided the information about you to a credit bureau are responsible for correcting inaccurate or incomplete information in your report. Make sure the information in your report is accurate, complete, and up to date before you apply for a loan for a major purchase like a house or car, buy insurance, or apply for a job.

How do I dispute mistakes on my credit report? To take advantage of all your rights, contact the credit bureau and the business that reported the information.

• Send a letter to the credit bureau. Your letter should include: your complete name and address; each item you’re disputing, and why; copies (not originals) of documents that support your position; and a request that the mistake(s) be removed or corrected.

You might want to enclose a copy of your report and circle the items in question. Send your letter by certified mail and pay for a “return receipt” so you have a record the credit bureau got it. Keep copies of everything you sent.

• Send a letter to the business that provided the information. Say that you’re disputing an item and include the same information. Again, include copies (not originals) of documents that support your position. Many businesses specify an address for disputes. If the business reports the item to the credit bureau, it must include a notice of your dispute.

How soon will I hear back from the credit bureau? Credit bureaus have to investigate the items you question within 30 days, unless they reasonably determine that your dispute is frivolous. The credit bureau will forward all the relevant information you gave about the error to the business that reported the information. After the business is notified, it must investigate, review the relevant information, and report the results back to the credit bureau.

What happens if the investigation finds there’s a mistake? If the investigation finds there was a mistake, the business has to notify all three credit bureaus so they can correct it in your file. The credit bureaus have to give you the results in writing and a free copy of your report if the dispute results in a change. If information on your report is changed or deleted, the credit bureau can’t put the disputed information back in your file (unless the business that provided the information certifies that it’s accurate and complete). The credit bureau also has to:

• send you a notice that includes the name, address, and phone number of the business that provided the information
• send notices of the correction(s) to anyone who got your report in the past six months, if you ask
• send a corrected copy of your report to anyone who got a copy during the last two years for employment purposes, if you ask

What can I do if the investigation doesn’t find there’s a mistake? If the investigation doesn’t resolve your dispute with the credit bureau, you can ask that a statement of the dispute be included in your file and in future reports. You also can ask the credit bureau to give your statement to anyone who got a copy of your report in the recent past. You’ll probably have to pay for the credit bureau to do it.

Credit Repair

What is a credit repair company? People hire credit repair companies to help them investigate mistakes in their credit reports. Credit repair companies can’t remove negative information that’s accurate and timely from your credit report.

Is using a credit repair company a good idea? Anything a credit repair company can do legally; you can do for yourself at little or no cost. Only time and a personal debt repayment plan will improve your credit.

What does a credit repair company have to tell me? It’s illegal for credit repair companies to lie about what they can do for you or charge you before they help you. Credit repair companies also must explain:

• your legal rights in a written contract that also details the services they’ll perform
• your three day right to cancel without any charge, and provide a written cancellation form
• how long it will take to get results
• the total cost you’ll pay
• any guarantees

What if I pay a credit repair company, and it doesn’t live up to its promises? You can:

• sue the company in federal court for your actual losses or what you paid the company, whichever is more
• seek punitive damages – money to punish the company for violating the law
• join other people in a class action lawsuit against the company

How do I know if I’m dealing with a credit repair scam? You know you’re dealing with a credit repair scam if a company:

• insists you pay it before it helps you
• tells you not to contact the credit bureaus directly
• tells you to dispute information in your credit report you know is accurate
• tells you to lie on your applications for credit or a loan
• doesn’t explain your legal rights when it tells you what it can do for you

These are all bad ideas, and they’ll hurt your credit.

If a company promises to create a new credit identity or hide your bad credit history or bankruptcy, it’s also a scam. These companies often use stolen Social Security numbers or get people to apply for Employer Identification Numbers from the IRS under false pretenses to create new credit reports. If you use a number other than your own to apply for credit, you won’t get it, and you could face fines or prison.

Where do I report a credit repair scam? If you have a problem with a credit repair company report it to:

• your state Attorney General (naag.org) or local consumer affairs office. Many states have their own laws covering credit repair companies.
• the FTC at ftc.gov/complaint or 1-877-FTC-HELP. The FTC can’t resolve individual credit disputes, but it can take action against a company for breaking the law.

Is there anything else I can do to improve my credit? It takes time to improve your credit, but you can rebuild your credit by paying your bills by the due date, paying off debt – especially on your credit cards – and not tanking on new debt. If you’re in debt and need help, a reputable credit counseling organization might be able to help. Good credit counselors spend time discussing your entire financial situation with you before coming up with a personalized plan to solve your money problems. They won’t promise to fix all your problems or ask you to pay a lot of money before doing anything. You can often find non-profit credit counseling programs offered through:

• credit unions
• universities
• military bases
• U.S. Cooperative Extension Service branches (nifa.usda.gov/extension)

Where can I learn more? Learn more about debt and credit-related issues at ftc.gov/debt.

What is a fiduciary? Since you have been named to manage money or property for someone else, you are a fiduciary. The law requires you to manage a person’s money and property for his/her benefit, not yours. It does not matter if you are managing a lot of money or a little. It does not matter if you are a family member or not. The role of a fiduciary carries with it legal responsibilities. When you act as a fiduciary for a person, you have four basic duties that you must keep in mind:

• Act only in a person’s best interest.
• Manage a person’s money and property carefully.
• Keep a person’s money and property separate from yours.
• Keep good records.

As a fiduciary, you must be trustworthy, honest, and act in good faith. If you do not meet these standards, you could be removed as a fiduciary, sued, or have to repay money. It is even possible that the police could investigate you and you could go to jail. That’s why it’s always important to remember: It’s not your money!

What is a power of attorney? A power of attorney is a legal document. A person made a power of attorney to give you legal authority to make decisions about his/her money or property so that you can make decisions for him/her if he/she is sick or injured. Under a power of attorney, a person is called the principal. You are called the agent.

Can the principal still manage his/her money and property after signing a power of attorney? Yes, as long as he/she is still able to make decisions.

Can a power of attorney be changed or revoked? The principal can take away (or revoke) our authority to act as his/her agent at any time if she wants to and is still able to make decisions. If he/she does take away your authority as his/her agent, you must stop making decisions for him/her. The principal should tell any people or businesses you were dealing with about his/her decision to take away your authority.

What if you think the change was the result of fraud or abuse? If you think the principal does not understand the decision he/she made to remove your authority and is being abused or exploited by someone else, talk to a trusted family member; a lawyer; or an official from adult protective services, or the police.

When do your responsibilities end? If the principal revokes your authority, your responsibilities end. In addition, your authority ends when he/she dies. Promptly notify his/her bank or other businesses with which you interacted as his/her agent. Even if you can easily pay some of his/her outstanding bills, you will no longer have the authority to do so. If you are married to the principal, your authority to act as his/her agent may end if you get divorced or legally separated. If a court names a guardian of property or conservator to act for her, your authority as agent may end. The power of attorney document or state laws govern these situations.

What happens if you can no longer serve as agent? If you are not able to act as the principal’s agent and he/she cannot name someone else to act for him/her, tell a trusted family member or a government agency such as adult protective services. If you cannot act as his/her fiduciary, he/she will need someone else to help him/her.

Four basic duties of a fiduciary:

Duty 1 – Act only in the principal’s best interest – Because you are dealing with the principal’s money and property, your duty is to make decisions that are best for him/her. This means you must ignore your own interests and needs, or the interests and needs of other people.

• Read the power of attorney and do what it says. Your authority is strictly limited to what the document and state law allow. Follow the principal’s directions in the document, even if you have the best intentions in doing something different.
• Understand when the power of attorney becomes effective. It may be right away or only when the principal can no longer make his/her own decisions. Check to see if the document says how you will know when the principal can no longer make his/her own decisions.
• As much as possible, involve the principal in decisions. Many things can affect your decisions about the principal’s money and property. For example, you might feel pressure from others. The principal’s abilities to make decisions might change from time to time. Even after it is clear that you must make decisions for the principal, ask him/her what he/she wants if he/she can communicate. If he/she can’t say what he/she wants, try to find out what he/she would have wanted. Look at past decisions, actions, and statements. Ask people who care about the principal what they think he/she would have wanted. Make the decisions you think the principal would have wanted, unless doing so would harm him/her. Put his/her well-being above saving money for others who may inherit his/her money and property. Make sure he/she is safe and comfortable, and his/her needs are met.
• Avoid conflicts of interest. A conflict of interest happens if you make a decision about the principal’s property that may benefit someone else at the principal’s expense. As a fiduciary, you have strict duty to avoid conflicts of interest – or even the appearance of a conflict of interest.
• Don’t borrow, loan, or give the principal’s money to yourself or others.Even if the power of attorney or state law clearly allows gifts to you or others, be very careful to avoid conflicts of interest. Make sure that any gifts do not increase or complicate the principal’s taxes or change his/her plans to give away her property when she dies. Any gifts or loans should be in line with what the principal would have wanted. For example, if the principal gave money every year to a charity, the power of attorney may allow you to continue doing that.
• Avoid changing the principal’s plans for giving away his/her money or property when he/she dies. There may be rare situations in which changing the principal’s plans would be in his/her best interest. But you should get legal advice to make sure that the power of attorney or state law allows that.
• Don’t pay yourself for the time you spend acting as the principal’s agent unless the power of attorney or state law allows it. If you are allowed to pay yourself, you need to show that your fee is reasonable. Carefully document how much time you spend and what you do.

Duty 2 – Manage the principal’s money and property carefully – As the principal’s agent, you might pay bills, oversee bank accounts, and pay for things he/she needs. You might also make investments, pay taxes, collect rent or unpaid debts, get insurance if needed, and do other things written in the power of attorney. You have a duty to manage the principal’s money and property very carefully. Use good judgment and common sense. As a fiduciary, you must be even more careful with the principal’s money than you might be with your own! Follow these guidelines to help you make careful decisions:

• List the principal’s money, property, and debts. To make careful decisions, you need to know what the principal owns and owes. Your list might include: Checking and savings accounts; Cash; Pension, retirement, annuity, rental, public benefit, or other income; Real estate; Cars and other vehicles; Insurance policies; Trusts for which the principal is a beneficiary; Stocks and bonds; Jewelry, furniture, and any other items of value; and Unpaid credit card bills and other outstanding loans.
• Protect the principal’s property. Keep his/her money and property safe. You may need to put valuable items in safe deposit boxes, change locks on property, and make sure his/her home is insured. Make sure bank accounts earn interest if possible and how low or no fees. Review bank and other financial statements promptly. If the principal owns any real estate, keep it in good condition.
• Invest carefully. If you are making investment decisions for the principal, talk to a financial professional. The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) provides tips on choosing a financial professional. Discuss choices and goals for investing based on the principal’s needs and values.
• Pay bills and taxes on time.
• Cancel any insurance policies that the principal does not need.
• Collect debts. Find out if anyone owes the principal money and try to collect it.
• Take steps to have the power of attorney accepted. Sometimes banks or other businesses won’t do what you, acting as the principal’s agent, want them to do. A bank may refuse to accept the power of attorney and want the principal to sign its own form. This is a problem if the principal has lost the ability to act for herself. As soon as you need to act as the principal’s agent, contact any businesses (such as banks) or people he/she deals with and give them copies of the power of attorney. Never give away the original document. You can get certified copies of the original document. If someone will not accept your authority as agent, talk to a supervisor. If they still won’t accept it, talk to a lawyer. State law may require the business or person to accept the power of attorney.

Duty 3 – Keep the principal’s money and property separate – Never mix the principal’s money or property with your own or someone else’s. Mixing money or property makes it unclear who owns what. Confused records can get you in trouble with the principal’s family and also with government agencies such as adult protective services and the police. Follow these guidelines:

• Separate means separate. Never deposit the principal’s money or property into your own or someone else’s bank account or investment account.
• Avoid joint accounts. If the principal already has money or property in a joint account with you or someone else, get legal advice before making any change.
• Keep title to the principal’s money and property in his/her own name. This is so other people can see right away that the money and property is the principal’s and not yours.
• Know how to sign as agent. Sign all checks and other documents relating to the principal’s money or property to show that you are the principal’s agent. For example, you might sign “John Doe, as agent for Jane Doe.” Never just sign “Jane Doe.”

Duty 4 – Keep good records – You must keep true and complete records of the principal’s money and property. The power of attorney or state law may say that someone else can review your records to check up on you. Unless the power of attorney or state law says you can’t share your records, you may want to let another family member or friend of the principal see them as a precaution. Practice good recordkeeping habits:

• Keep a detailed list of everything that you receive or spend for the principal. Records should include amount of checks written or deposited, dates, reasons, names of people or companies involved, and other important information.
• Keep receipts and notes, even for small expenses. For example, write “$50, groceries, ABC Grocery Store, May 2” in your records soon after you spend the money.
• Avoid paying in cash. Try not to pay the principal’s expenses with cash. Also, try not to use his/her ATM card to withdraw cash or write checks to “Cash.” If you need to use cash, be sure to keep receipts or notes.
• Getting paid? The power of attorney or state law may say that you can be paid for acting as agent. If you will be paid, be sure you charge a reasonable fee. It is up to you to keep detailed records as you go along of what work you did, how much time it took, when you did it, and why you did it.

Before You Apply

Can I edit my application after I submit it? There is certain information that may be edited after an application is submitted, but some changes require starting a new application.

How do I find my cost of attendance? Your cost of attendance includes tuition and may also include expenses such as room & board, transportation, books, supplies, and various other school-related expenses. We recommend checking your institution’s financial aid website or getting in contact with your financial aid office directly to determine your cost of attendance and what expenses can be included.

Can this loan be used to pay for my laptop, textbooks, and other personal expenses? This loan may be used for qualified education-related expenses that are certified by your institution. This may include tuition, room & board, transportation expenses, laptop, textbooks, and related materials. To figure out what expenses are part of your institution’s cost of attendance, check out your school’s financial aid website or contact your school’s financial aid office directly.

Can the loan be sent directly to me instead of my school? Loan funds are disbursed directly to your institution. The school will then apply those funds directly to your outstanding tuition balance. If there are leftover funds after the school applies the loan to your outstanding balance, the remainder may be refunded in accordance with your school’s refund policy.

Can I borrow for one academic period or the entire school year? Applying for the whole academic year means you may receive some or all of your education funding with one application and a single credit check. You may also apply for a single academic period at a time. Interest only accrues on the funds that have been disbursed and there is no penalty to cancel any additional future disbursements. Whichever option is best for you depends on the strength of you and/or your cosigner’s credit profile at the time of application.

Can I get a loan for a previous semester? Yes, your loan can be used to cover a past-due balance if the application is received within ninety (90) days of the end of your previous academic period. You must also be registered and enrolled in the current academic period at the same institution.

What information do I need when applying? You will need to know the school you are attending, the academic period you are applying for, the loan amount you are requesting, your social security number, and cosigner contact information if you are applying with one.

When should I apply? We typically recommend applying at least one month prior to when the funds are due or earlier. Conditional approval for a loan may occur quickly after an initial review of your application and credit report, however it is not final approval since you may be asked to submit additional supporting documentation (e.g., proof of income, identification, etc.). Your school must also certify your loan, which may add more time to your application process. While it generally takes less than thirty days to process and certify a loan, in some instances it may take several weeks.

How much can I borrow? You may be able to borrow up to 100% of your school-certified cost of attendance. This may include tuition, room and board, textbooks, and other related education expenses. To figure out what expenses are part of your institution’s cost of attendance, check out your school’s financial aid website or contact your school’s financial aid office directly.

What is the difference between federal and private loans? Federal student loans are provided by the federal government, while private student loans come from private financial institutions, like banks and credit unions.

A key difference is that federal student loans are more accessible. You can receive a federal student loan without a cosigner or credit history. Furthermore, there are generally beneficial repayment options with federal loans that may not be available with certain private student loans. However, there are borrowing limits on federal student loans, and students may have to supplement them with other funding options. A private student loan serves as a way for you to fill the funding gap between the cost of attending school and the amount in federal loans, grants, and scholarships available to you. Private student loans are credit-based loans, so you may need to demonstrate an established credit history or have a cosigner with an established credit history in order to qualify.

How do I apply for federal student aid? You can complete the FAFSA online at Federal Student Aid. You’ll need to create an FSA ID, gather all relevant information, and keep track of both federal and local submission deadlines at studentaid.gov. It’s best to submit FAFSA as soon as possible because the deadline is June 30th. For more information, reach out to your school’s financial aid office.

Do I need to submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) in order to apply for a LendKey loan? No, it is not a requirement to complete the FAFSA form before applying for a LendKey loan. Although it is not a requirement, it is strongly advised to submit your FAFSA form ahead of time, so you know what federal aid you qualify for.

Cosigner Information

Can I authorize a third party on my account? Yes, on the last page of the borrower application there will be a section that will allow you to add an authorized user who we will be able to communicate with regarding your loan. If you add an authorized user, you will need to provide their name, phone number, and email address. There are limitations to what information can be disclosed to the authorized user versus the borrower or cosigner.

If I cosign for a student loan, can I be released later? Cosigner release is subject to lender approval. In order to qualify, the borrower, alone, must meet the following requirements: (1) Make the required number of consecutive, on-time full principal and interest payments as indicated in the borrower’s credit agreement during the repayment period (excluding interest-only payments) immediately prior to the request. Any period of forbearance will reset the repayment clock; (2) The account cannot be in delinquent status; (3) The borrower must provide proof of income indicating that he/she meets the income requirements and pass a credit review demonstrating that he/she has a satisfactory credit history and the ability to assume full responsibility of loan repayment; (4) No bankruptcies or foreclosures in the last sixty months; and (5) No loan defaults.

What responsibilities do I have as a cosigner? The cosigner shares the same responsibilities as the borrower for the loan. This includes ensuring on-time monthly payments. That means as the cosigner, you may experience the same positive impact on your credit score as the borrower for making on-time monthly payments but will likely face the same negative credit impact for late or missed payments.

How do I add a cosigner to my application? On the first page of the borrower application, there will be a question asking you if you would like to apply with a cosigner. After selecting “yes,” the next page of the application will allow you to enter your cosigner’s name and email address so we can email them a link to complete the cosigner part of the application.

What information do I need when applying as a cosigner? For the cosigner portion of the application, you will need to provide information such as your permanent address, social security number, and income information.

Who should be my cosigner? Typically, your cosigner may be a parent, grandparent, guardian, or other adult who is creditworthy and willing to assume legal responsibility for the loan liabilities along with you. A cosigner may increase your chances of approval or help you qualify for better terms.

Do I need a cosigner? A cosigner is not required, but it may improve your chances of getting approved. Private student loans offered on LendKey’s website are credit-based, so a credit and income review will be performed. It can be difficult as a student to have an established credit history and a steady source of income, so a cosigner may help meet the loan application guidelines. Furthermore, a cosigner with an established credit history may help you qualify for better terms that could save you money in the long-term.

Eligibility

What is the minimum and maximum amount I can borrow? The minimum loan amount is $2,000 and the maximum loan amount is the cost of attendance minus any aid you have already received.

Will lowering my loan amount help my chances of approval? The conditional approval of your loan is based on an initial credit review and is not tied to your requested loan amount, so requesting a lower loan amount will not improve your chances of being approved.

Do I need to be a full-time student to qualify for a LendKey loan? No, you do not have to be a full-time student to qualify for a student loan. However, you must be enrolled at least half-time in a degree-granting program from an eligible school.

Terms

Who will be servicing this loan? LendKey will be the servicer of your loan. To reach our loan servicing department with any questions, you may call us at 888-966-9268 or email us at servicing@lendkey.com

What if I need help making my monthly payments? Your lender may offer forbearance for students facing financial hardship during the repayment period. In forbearance, no monthly payment is required but interest still accrues and may be capitalized (i.e., added to your principal balance) when you exit the forbearance period. Certain conditions must be met in order to be approved for forbearance.

Are there penalties for paying off my loan early? No, there are no prepayment penalties, and such payments will be applied in accordance with your loan agreement.

How do I get my auto-pay interest rate reduction? You can receive a 0.25% interest rate reduction when you sign up to automate payments from your checking or savings account each month.

What is the best way to reduce the overall cost of my loan? If you apply for a student loan with a creditworthy cosigner, you may be eligible for a lower interest rate, reducing the cost over your loan term. Additionally, making monthly payments while in school may reduce the total amount of interest that accrues on your loan, saving you money in the long run. After graduation, you could refinance your student loans to shorten your loan term and/or interest rate.

Is there a grace period? The grace period is a 6-month period of time that begins once you graduate or are no longer enrolled at least half-time in a degree granting program. After the grace period, you must begin making regular principal and interest payments.

What is the repayment term? The repayment term is 10 years.

Which rate should I choose: Variable or Fixed? The fixed interest rate will never change throughout the life of the loan. This may make it easier to plan ahead because you will always know the interest you will be charged. The variable rate you are offered when your application has been conditionally approved may be lower than the fixed rate offered. This means that if the rate index decreases or remains consistent, you may save money over time over the fixed rate, but the opposite occurs if the rate index increases. When selecting a variable rate, it is important to understand that when the rate increases, so does your required payment amount.

What is the difference between a fixed interest rate and variable interest rate? A fixed interest rate is consistent and will never change, whereas a variable rate may increase or decrease monthly based on a rate index (see your Private Education Loan Application and Solicitation Disclosure for more information when you apply). This means your monthly payment may fluctuate over time.

How will my interest rate be determined? This is a credit-based loan, so the interest rate you receive will be determined based on a review of your credit profile. If you are applying with a cosigner, we will use the better of the two credit profiles when determining the interest rate.

Do you charge any application fees? No, there are no application fees or origination fees when applying for a LendKey Private Student Loan.

Do you offer hardship forbearance? Yes, many lenders on our platform offer forbearance for financial hardship. In the event you require hardship forbearance, reach out to your customer care representative for the specific forbearance available from your lender.

Are there fees associated with my loan? Yes, some lenders on our platform have late fees and insufficient fund fees. Please review your loan documentation during the application process for specific fee information.

It is the perfect time to create a bucket list filled with exciting adventures and memorable experiences.

Whether you are seeking thrilling escapades, relaxation, or a bit of both, we have curated a list of 100 summer season bucket list goals to inspire your ultimate summer journey. Get ready to make this season your most epic and unforgettable one yet!

Outdoor Adventures:

1. Go hiking in a national park.
2. Try paddle boarding or kayaking.
3. Camp under the starry sky.
4. Go cliff jumping into a crystal-clear lake.
5. Learn to surf or improve your skills.
6. Take a scenic bike ride along the coast.
7. Go on a sunrise or sunset hike.
8. Explore a hidden waterfall.
9. Take a hot air balloon ride.
10. Try your hand at rock climbing.

Beach and Water Activities:

11. Build a sandcastle masterpiece.
12. Have a beach picnic with friends.
13. Learn to snorkel and explore vibrant underwater worlds.
14. Have a beach bonfire and roast marshmallows.
15. Try stand-up paddle board yoga.
16. Take a sailing or boating excursion.
17. Have a beach volleyball tournament.
18. Go on a sunset cruise.
19. Learn to fish and enjoy a day of angling.
20. Try parasailing for an exhilarating aerial view.

Travel and Exploration:

21. Take a road trip along a scenic route.
22. Visit a new country or city.
23. Go on a food tour and try local delicacies.
24. Explore ancient ruins or historical landmarks.
25. Attend a music festival in a different city or country.
26. Visit a famous amusement park and embrace your inner child.
27. Discover hidden gems in your own city.
28. Go on a spontaneous weekend getaway.
29. Take a train ride to a picturesque destination.
30. Explore a vibrant street market and indulge in local shopping.

Health and Wellness:

31. Start a daily meditation or mindfulness practice.
32. Try a new workout or fitness class.
33. Take a yoga retreat in a tranquil setting.
34. Master a new healthy recipe.
35. Go on a rejuvenating spa retreat.
36. Practice outdoor yoga in a beautiful park or beach.
37. Start a gratitude journal to appreciate the little things.
38. Take a sunrise or sunset yoga class.
39. Try a water-based fitness activity, like aqua aerobics or water yoga.
40. Disconnect from technology and enjoy a digital detox weekend.

Food and Drink:

41. Have a picnic in the park with a gourmet spread.
42. Attend a food and wine festival.
43. Try a new exotic fruit or vegetable.
44. Learn to make your own signature cocktail.

45. Host a themed dinner party with friends.
46. Go on a wine tasting tour at a local vineyard.
47. Have a backyard BBQ with creative grilled recipes.
48. Learn to make homemade ice cream or popsicles.

49. Try a cooking class and learn to prepare a new cuisine.
50. Have a DIY pizza night with unique toppings and flavors.

Arts and Creativity:

51. Take a painting or pottery class.
52. Attend an outdoor concert or music event.
53. Write and send handwritten letters to loved ones.
54. Start a summer scrapbook to capture memories.
55. Learn to play a musical instrument.
56. Create a DIY summer-inspired home decoration.
57. Join a book club and discover new reads.
58. Attend an outdoor theater or film screening.
59. Take a photography workshop and capture summer moments.
60. Create your own summer playlist for every mood.

Community and Giving Back:

61. Volunteer for a local charity or organization.
62. Organize a neighborhood cleanup day.
63. Donate clothes and items to those in need.
64. Visit a nursing home and spend time with the residents.
65. Run or walk a charity race or marathon.
66. Plant a community garden or beautify a public space.
67. Mentor a younger person in your field of expertise.
68. Host a charity fundraising event.
69. Participate in a beach or park cleanup initiative.
70. Organize a charity bake sale or food drive.

Self-Discovery and Personal Growth:

71. Take a solo trip and embrace your independence.
72. Try a new hobby or learn a new skill.
73. Practice daily journaling for self-reflection.
74. Start a gratitude or positivity challenge.
75. Attend a motivational seminar or workshop.
76. Take a day off just for self-care and relaxation.
77. Challenge yourself to overcome a fear or phobia.
78. Start a blog or YouTube channel about a topic you are passionate about.
79. Learn a new language or improve your language skills.
80. Set goals for the upcoming year and create an action plan.

Fashion and Style:

81. Experiment with bold and colorful summer fashion trends.
82. Attend a fashion show or runway event.
83. Organize a summer fashion swap with friends.
84. Create your own DIY summer accessories.

85. Try a new hairstyle or hair color.
86. Go on a shopping spree and refresh your summer wardrobe.
87. Have a themed dress-up party with friends.
88. Attend a local flea market and find unique vintage pieces.
89. Take a fashion illustration or design class.
90. Pose for a professional photoshoot in your favorite summer outfits.

Relationships and Connection:

91. Plan a romantic date night under the stars.
92. Have a girls’ day out filled with pampering and fun activities.
93. Organize a family reunion or gathering.
94. Take a family road trip and create lifelong memories.
95. Have a picnic date in a picturesque location.
96. Write and send surprise love letters to your partner.
97. Host a game night with friends or family.
98. Plan a surprise outing for a loved one.
99. Take a dance class together and learn a new style.
100. Create a summer bucket list with friends and accomplish goals together.

The summer season is the perfect time to create unforgettable memories and embark on thrilling adventures. With this comprehensive list of 100 summer season bucket list goals, you have endless possibilities at your fingertips. Embrace the sun, the warmth, and the joy that this season brings, and make this summer your most extraordinary one yet. So, grab your sunscreen, gather your friends and loved ones, and let the summer fun begin! Source: Jubilance

Shared Branch transactions are now easier and more secure than ever! If you bank at one of our Shared Branch locations, a teller can now identify and authenticate members in the branch using a QR code and one-time passcode multi-factor authentication verification. This additional layer of authentication – called IDCheck – will be used for loan payments, cashier’s checks, deposits, withdrawals, transfers and account inquiries.

When you visit a Shared Branch location, follow these simple steps:

1. Scan the QR code located in the branch or visit verify.coop.org.

 2. Select your credit union’s name from a drop-down list.

3. Enter your member number and the last four digits of your social security number.

4. Upload a photo of your ID and take a selfie. Tip: Save your validation for an even quicker experience next time!

5. Show your one-time passcode to the teller (passcode is valid for 20 minutes).

If you have questions, please call 717-898-7673 for more information.

While scammers’ delivery methods and messaging can quickly change, a few basic security measures can help protect you from the latest and most common scams:

• Be skeptical when someone contacts you. Scammers can spoof calls and emails to make it look like they are coming from different sources, including government agencies, charities, banks and large companies. Don’t share personal information, usernames, passwords or one-time codes that others can use to access your accounts or steal your identity.
• Do not click unknown links. Whether the link arrives in your email, a text, or a direct message, never click on it unless you are certain the sender has good intentions. If the message says it is from a company or government agency, call the company using a number that you look up on your own to confirm its legitimacy.
• Be careful with your phone. Similarly, if you suspect a spam call, don’t respond or press a button. The safest option is to hang up or ignore the call entirely. You can look up the organization and initiate a call if you are worried there may be an issue.
• Update your devices. Software updates may include important security measures that can help protect your phone, tablet, or computer.
• Enable multifactor authentication. Add this feature to any account that offers it as an option and try to use a non-SMS version to protect yourself from SIM swapping.
• Research companies before taking any actions. Before you make a purchase or donation, take a few minutes to review the company. Do a web search for its name plus “scam” or “reviews” and research charities on Charity Navigator and CharityWatch.
• Do not refund or forward overpayments. Be careful whenever a company or person asks you to refund or forward part of a payment. Often, the original payment will be fraudulent and taken back later.
• Look for suspicious payment requirements. Scammers often ask for payments via cash, wire transfer, money order, cryptocurrency or gift cards. These payments can be harder to track and cancel than other forms of payment, which can leave you stuck without recourse.
• Create a family password. Create a family password that you can all use to verify that it is really one of you on the phone, and not someone who created a deep-fake video or cloned voice.

How to Identify a Scammer

Scammers are getting increasingly clever these days, but it is still possible to identify scams and take steps to avoid becoming a victim of fraud. Common scams often have similar red flags, such as a sense of urgency or a request for money and spotting these signs can help you identify fraud before it happens.

Here are three ways to identify a scammer, along with tips on what to do if you are the victim of a scam.

1. The Person Claims to Be From a Company You Know – In a common scam, a fraudster may contact you posing as an employee of a retail establishment you frequent, the IRS, your employer or other familiar entities and ask you for sensitive information. They may create a fake email address or phone number that looks familiar to you and call, email, or text you in an attempt to get you to disclose personal information such as a Social Security number, bank number or password.

These scammers may also attempt to install malware on your computer or device to harvest personal information and passwords, so make sure not to click on any links or download attachments if you have any doubts about the sender.

If you get messages that seem out of the ordinary or inappropriate, check the email header to make sure the sender is who they say they are. If you are not sure if a phone number or email address is legitimate, contact the organization or company directly rather than replying to their message.

Also, keep in mind that government agencies such as the IRS or the Social Security Administration will contact you through U.S. mail—they will never call you to ask for payments or personal information.

• There is a Sense of Urgency – Fear is a powerful motivator, so scammers often try to scare people into doing something quickly to fix a situation that in reality does not exist. Scammers may try to convince you there is a problem you must solve right away, such as by sending money to a relative who is in jail or providing a credit card number to a supposed utility company preparing to terminate your service.

If someone calls and tells you to “act fast,” tell them you will call back—and then go through the proper channels to verify the request. Do not interact with the potential scammer, including simply answering their questions, because doing so could pull you deeper into the scam.

• There is an Unusual Request for Upfront Payment – A scammer may claim that you need to provide a payment in order to access opportunities like employment or housing. For instance, some apartment leasing scams will ask you to put down a large deposit before you even complete an application or view the property. In one common employment scam, someone will offer guaranteed or easy income if you purchase their program, or they may ask you to pay for equipment before being hired. Lottery scams may claim that you have won some kind of prize, but you need to pay a fee in order to collect it.

A scammer may also ask you to send payments to them in unconventional ways, such as through gift cards, peer-to-peer payments, wire transfer or cryptocurrency. These payments can be difficult to track (and recover), so these types of payment requests are a big red flag.

If you are uneasy about exchanging money, make sure you know the person you are doing business with, or at least have an independent means of verifying their identity and their request.

What to Do if You’re the Victim of a Scam – If you have fallen for a scam, here are a few steps you can take to resolve the situation:

• Contact your bank and credit card companies. If a scam involves your credit card information, your bank and credit companies can immediately cancel your cards and send you new ones. They can also check your recent transactions and flag any fraudulent purchases. Some credit card issuers have a zero-liability guarantee, which means you won’t be held responsible for unauthorized charges made with your account. Federal law limits your liability for fraudulent purchases on a credit card to just $50.
• Reach out to the credit bureaus. If you think someone has gained access to your personally identifiable information, reach out to the three consumer credit bureaus—Experian, TransUnion and Equifax—to restrict access to your credit reports. You have the right to freeze your credit or place a fraud alert on your credit reports to restrict access and protect yourself.
• Contact law enforcement. Depending on the type of scam, law enforcement may be able to help you or at least use your experience to help others avoid similar scams. You can contact your local police, or file a report with the Federal Trade Commission’s official fraud and identity theft sites.
• Change your online passwords. If a hacker gets access to one of your passwords, they may be able to access other accounts. Make sure you use unique passwords for all of your accounts so if a hacker somehow knows one, the others remain safe.

Source: Experian