Finances are easily one of the most important factors we deal with in our everyday lives. I have personally learned that money can really strengthen your relationship or hinder it, especially in a marriage. There is never a bad time to get your finances in order and set yourself up for success! Not sure where to start? Follow along as I share my personal financial journey from the past three months and how Florida Credit Union helped me improve my credit score and refinance my car.
April Recap
In case you didn't know, April was Financial Literacy Month! I feel like oftentimes, we get so wrapped up with life that our finances lose priority. That’s why I was so excited to partner up with Florida Credit Union to set financial goals and achieve them.
I had a financial planning and education meeting on April 19th with one of the Florida Credit Union's Member Service Representatives and was given great guidance on how to take the next steps toward financial success. While money management is not always the most comfortable thing to discuss, the FCU team made me feel relaxed from start to finish. I'm excited to move forward and share the progress over the next few months with my short- and long-term financial goals, including:
Work on my credit score and reach 800 by the end of the year.
Refinance my car and secure a lower monthly payment
May Recap
I'm happy to report that I decided to refinance my car and apply for a credit card through Florida Credit Union. With the help of the FCU Member Service Representatives, I was able to make small financial changes to see big growth. Within just a short amount of time, I was able to increase my credit score by 20 points!
Tip: To reach my credit score goals, I lived by the 30% rule. This means, whatever your available spending amount is on your credit card, you should only spend 30% or less. Utilizing this tip will help keep yourself accountable for long-term results. The less you spend on your credit card, the easier it is to keep track of your progress. For example, I only use my credit card to buy groceries and gas.
June Recap
We finished all of the paperwork for refinancing my car, and I continue to improve my credit score by sticking to the 30% spending rule. Finances are so important and being in my mid-20s, this was the BEST next step for us to get our money in order and organized for starting our future family.
What I’ve Learned
There is never a bad time to improve your money management skills. Before this, I didn’t use a credit card for almost 5 years. Now, I don't know why I waited so long to get back into the field of improving my credit score. My husband and I have a goal this year to start a family. I can't think of a better way to get financially prepared than to have our finances in order!
To learn more about Florida Credit Union and their services, or to schedule a meeting with one of their Member Services Representatives visit your local Florida Credit Union or check out Let's Talk FCU!