The holidays are a time of joy and giving, but for many of us managing student loan repayments, it can also be a season of financial stress. But with a bit of planning, creativity, and focus on what truly matters to you this season, it’s possible to find holiday cheer without breaking the bank.

Skimming is a persistent and evolving threat, but by being aware and taking preventative measures, we can fight against compromised cards and protect our financial well-being. Read this guide for tips and signs to watch out for.

Does this sound familiar? «Did you attempt a payment for $3,000? Reply YES or NO.»  If so, you're not alone. Financial institution impersonations are the most common text scams and usually include bogus fraud warnings and transfer alerts. Follow these tips to help you identify potential scams and keep your personal information safe and secure.

Amidst all the sunshine and fun summer brings, scammers will try to rain on our parade. Stay ahead and shield your accounts with these 5 common summer scams to look out for!

Let’s face it – no one is accepted to college and thinks, “I can’t wait to pay my tuition bill!” College is a big investment, which is why it’s important to know your options, plan ahead, and choose wisely when paying for it. Remember: filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is the first step to securing any financial aid! Follow the “free, cheap, gap” method to responsibly pay for college, and set yourself for a strong financial future down the road.

There’s a reason more than 130 million people belong to a credit union. Individuals choose credit unions over traditional banks for higher dividend rates, minimal account fees, and lower interest rates on loan products. But how can a small army of 5,000+ federally insured credit unions offer these benefits and a host of other financial benefits to everyday consumers?

Fraud and scams are becoming increasingly common, with criminals using sophisticated methods to trick individuals into giving away their personal information or money. By staying informed and proactive, you can minimize your risk of falling victim to scams and protect your identity and money.

USC Credit Union is doing our part to help you help the environment, where we make going green simple. It’s easy to enroll for eStatements, use Online Bill Pay, and sign-up for Direct Deposit.

Phishing is a fraudulent tactic used by cybercriminals to steal sensitive information, such as login credentials and financial information, from unsuspecting victims. Know what steps to take if you are a victim of “phishing” or any other form of identity theft.

With the increasing amount of sensitive information stored online, it’s essential to take proactive steps to protect your identity and prevent identity theft. If you’re concerned about the safety of your personal information or just want to take a proactive approach to security, read this guide today.

When delving into the world of private student loans, you may discover that many lenders mention a “co-borrower.” A co-borrower is someone who applies for the loan with you and is equally responsible for ensuring it is repaid. A private student loan will be held in your name as the primary borrower, but the co-borrower’s name and credit will be tied to the loan as well.

On June 30, the Supreme Court struck down Biden's one-time student loan debt forgiveness plan, which was set to forgive up to $20,000 for 26 million borrowers. So, what's next? Read this blog post to review the latest updates.

Most federal student loan payments and interest have been suspended since March 2020. After numerous extensions, student loan interest will resume on September 1, 2023, and payments will resume starting in October.

Let’s face it – no one is accepted to college and thinks, “I can’t wait to pay my tuition bill!” College is a big investment, which is why it’s important to know your options, plan ahead, and choose wisely when paying for it. Remember: filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is the first step to securing any financial aid! Follow the “free, cheap, gap” method to responsibly pay for college, and set yourself for a strong financial future down the road.

Student loans may have helped you get the education needed for your future career, but making student loan payments can also be a pain point in your monthly expenses. Refinancing one or more of your loans could save you money and simplify your repayment. Before you determine where you should refinance your student loans, you should consider if it’s a smart decision for you.

Did you know you can take advantage of special tax breaks just for college students and their parents? These benefits come in the form of tax credits and deductions when you file your income tax return. What’s the difference? A credit reduces the amount of income tax you have to pay. A deduction reduces the amount of your income that is taxed, which also typically lessens your tax bill. In other words, you could get a bigger tax refund.

Student loan consolidation and refinancing are two options available to borrowers looking to manage their student loan debt. We break down the differences between loan consolidation and refinancing, discuss the eligibility requirements, and help you determine which option is best for your financial situation. 

When it comes to managing your finances, you have several options available to you, including banks and credit unions. While both offer similar financial products and services, there are some key differences between the two that can affect your decision about which one to choose.

You’ve received your college acceptance letters – congratulations! If you’ve been accepted to multiple schools, one of the biggest determining factors for your final choice may be the out of pocket cost for each option. Along with your acceptance letters, you should receive an award letter outlining the financial aid for which you are eligible at each college. Here are some important definitions you should know.

Some college students graduate with honors. But a lot more graduate with debts. In this ebook we cover the lingo surrounding student loans, explain the importance of choosing the right lender, and how important it is to seek federal aid and scholarships first!