Scam Alert: Beware Child Tax Credit Scams

The Child Tax Credit, a part of the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 that took effect July 15, is already drawing the attention of scammers. The newly expanded Child Tax Credit (CTC) provides monthly payments of up to $300 per child for approximately 40 million households across the country. Payments are issued via direct deposit, paper check, or debit cards, providing a plethora of opportunities for scammers to get in on the action.

Here’s what you need to know about Child Tax Credit scams and how to avoid them.

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5 Tips for Preparing a Post-College Budget

Leaving college often means the start of a new job, student loan debt to pay off, new living arrangements to pay for, and other new expenses to cover. All of this means your finances will likely need an overhaul. It’s time to create your post-college budget.

If you’ve been working with a budget throughout college, you’ll already have the concept down pat. You’ll want to rework the numbers, though, to incorporate your new expenses, as well as your new salary. If you’ve floated by on a wing and a prayer while in school, you’ll have to start at the very beginning as you build a workable budget to manage your finances.

In either case, these tips can help you create your first post-college budget.

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How Do I Read the Fine Print on My Credit Card Paperwork?

Q: Paperwork from credit card companies always seems to be filled with tiny print that’s hard to read and even harder to understand. How do I read the fine print from my credit card issuer?

A: Fine print can be challenging to read without your eyes glazing over, but it often contains important information you can’t afford to miss. Here’s what you need to know about reading and understanding the fine print on credit card applications and billing statements.

What do all those terms mean, anyway?

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Should I Invest in Cryptocurrency?

Q: All I’m reading and hearing about in financial news lately is about investing in cryptocurrencies, like Bitcoin, Ethereum and Dogecoin. Should I invest in cryptocurrency?

A: Investing in cryptocurrency is all the rage, but that doesn’t mean it’s the financially responsible choice for everyone. Let’s take a closer look at cryptocurrency, its volatile nature, and explore the question of whether it’s a good idea to invest in what has been hailed by some as the “money of the future.”

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9 Steps to Buying your First Car

Congrats—you’re ready to purchase your first real car! The process can be daunting, but Scott Credit Union will walk you through it. Follow our guidelines for a stress-free ride.

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