- Separating Fact from Fiction, While insurance is essential to our financial well-being, it’s often surrounded by myths and misunderstandings that can lead to confusion – or worse, financial mistakes. Let’s set the record straight and debunk some of the most common insurance myths so you can be confident that your coverage is exactly what you need. MYTH 1: You don’t need life insurance if you’re young and healthy. The…, Get the Facts, Stay Protected, Myths and misunderstandings can easily lead to under-coverage or unnecessary expenses. By debunking these common myths, you can ensure you’re making well-informed decisions about your policies. Review your insurance coverage with a fresh perspective. It’s a simple way to ensure you’re fully covered and prepared for whatever life throws your way. Easily compare policies for auto, home, life, and…
- Family Budgeting, Although raising kids is unlikely to be a low-cost lifestyle, you can use smart financial strategies to reduce expenses and make your budget more manageable. Consider these helpful ideas for your family budget. , Know your family’s finances., When you’re planning to or expecting to have a child , don’t put off reviewing your finances. Consider the potential impact on your budget and start saving early. Then, continue to review your budget regularly as your family grows and your financial situation changes. As with any budget, you’ll need to track your cash flow. Note which expenses and income sources are fixed versus variable, which…, Look for cost savings and tax relief., While child care costs add up, many of these expenses could be reduced by seeking affordable or discounted alternatives. Some may even qualify for tax-exempt benefits. Even if it means downsizing or relocating, growing families will sometimes seek more affordable housing to accommodate their finances. In a similar way, by locking in a lower monthly payment for Internet services, transportation,…, Plan your budget – together!, For a family budget to be effective, it’s best to have everyone on the same page. Make it a priority to discuss these ideas together with all contributing earners and spenders in your family unit. Although financial conversations may be challenging, they’re a valuable way to set shared goals and expectations for your family finances – and we can help! We offer free financial counseling to help…
- Out of the blue, my mother-in-law asked me about insurance., My father, brother, and I all work in the financial sector, so it’s not uncommon for my wife’s family to seek my input on any number of things (off the record). Should I put money into a certificate for Christmas? Is it worth it for me to draft a will? Which loan would you pay off first? How much do you budget for auto repairs? I appreciate that they trust my judgment. My advice is usually well-…, “You know the recent hailstorm we had…”, Over the summer, her home took a hit from heavy winds, 1-inch hail, and a tree branch landing on her roof. I remember the next day, she seemed unfazed by the damage to her house compared to how loud and intense the storm seemed. Then about ten days later, she called with her question, “Do you think it’s worth it to submit an insurance claim?” Even prior to the storm, the house wasn’t in great…, “Touch base with your agent.”, After the moment of consideration, my response to her was a total guess, “I’d get in touch with your insurance agency to ask about your deductible. Even if your deductible is $2,000, their damage assessment might make it worthwhile. Plus, you’d want to report those numbers toward your deductible in case you get hit with another storm later this year.” If I ever don’t have an answer that I can…, I was right about the insurance assessment, . Her deductible was $1,200 for damages due to wind and hail from “unnamed” storms, and the damage assessment was a whopping $6,500. , I was wrong about reporting the numbers in case there’s another storm, . Homeowner’s insurance deductibles are not like medical insurance deductibles. Whereas medical insurance claims add up to the deductible in aggregate , homeowner’s insurance claims have a deductible per claim . Fortunately, her insurance agency assessed the claim for a higher payout than her deductible – and much higher than her contractor’s quote for the repairs! After getting her exterior and…, Quality insurance agents will be there for you when you need them most, . In many cases, filing a claim is simple. It may be as easy as using an online portal or mobile app to submit your information. Beyond that, your insurance agency should offer the support you need, look out for your best interest, and point you in the right direction after events like a hailstorm., Pick an insurance policy and plan provider that give you peace of mind, . Insurance agents – such as our, insurance partners, – can discuss the details of your coverage, answer questions about covered events, and help you understand how your premiums cover your home – ultimately, helping to protect your financial well-being. -JMS
- Endwell, NY – This summer, Visions Federal Credit Union provided professional training for student interns from partnering high schools. The internships are a component of the Visions Business Academy, Visions’ program that integrates education initiatives and membership opportunities with an in-school financial wellness center at participating schools. Visions developed the Visions Business…, About Visions, Visions Federal Credit Union is a not for profit financial institution completely owned by its members. Established in 1966, Visions proudly serves over 250,000 members in communities throughout New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania. Services include banking as well as auto, home, personal, and business loans. Ref.: Visions FCU Press Release, 2025. View recent news .
