Financial Learning Center

Save Better, Borrow Smarter, Learn a Lot!

Welcome to the Wright-Patt Credit Union® (WPCU®) Financial Learning Center! We are here to help you learn how to save, spend, borrow and plan no matter where you are on your Financial Flexibility and Freedom® journey. Use our helpful tools, worksheets, videos and more today so you can live the life you want to live. Ready to start your journey? Get started with our Save, Spend, Borrow & Plan Checklist.

  • SAVE

    Saving better means having sufficient short- and long-terms savings or assets. In other words, having money allocated for now, soon, and later.
  • SPEND

    Wise spending is the foundation of effective money management, and it definitely has its perks.
  • BORROW

    Borrowing smarter means maintaining a prime credit score through healthy borrowing habits and understanding how debt impact your overall credit journey.
  • PLAN

    WPCU wants to help you plan for a stronger future so you can live the life you want and have confidence in your investments as you enjoy your retirement.

SAVE

Saving better means having sufficient short- and long-terms savings or assets. In other words, having money allocated for now, soon, and later.

When it comes to saving, there are three primary areas where we want to focus our efforts. 

  • Now: this is savings that help cover immediate changes to your income, such as shortfalls, or spikes in your expenses. Think of these like emergency savings, to help cover the expenses from loss of income or unexpected situations.  
  • Soon: savings for short-to-mid-term expected goals and expenses, like a new vehicle, home or vacation. 
  • Later: savings for beyond tomorrow and long-term goals, such as retiring or sending a family member to college. 

Tips to help you Save Better: 

  • Start an emergency savings fund, with a goal of at least $500.
  • Think about your current savings strategy and what may be preventing you from saving (more). Create or review your budget and see what changes you can make -  like cancelling one subscription, or purchasing one less coffee per week. 
  • Set a short-term savings goal, by considering upcoming expenses, such as car maintenance or holidays.
  • Set up small, automated transfers around your paydays, or on a weekly or monthly basis.
  • If available, contribute to your employer benefit plans, especially if your employer offers a match.

SPEND

Wise spending is the foundation of effective money management, and it definitely has its perks.

Spending wisely means spending less than your income, paying your bills on time and in full, and managing your money wisely. 

Here’s how to get started on your journey to spending wisely:

  • Track your spending so you know where your money is going.
  • Review your statements or spending history to adjust, reduce, or eliminate an expense that may be more of a want than a need.
  • Set up multiple accounts to help categorize your spending.
  • Set specific goals or targets for your spending.
  • Evaluate your relationship with money and what may be causing your spending habits.
  • Utilize our free Money Management tools with Mobile or Online Banking to help you create and maintain your budget

BORROW

Borrowing smarter means maintaining a prime credit score through healthy borrowing habits and understanding how debt impact your overall credit journey.

When it comes to borrowing, there are three primary areas where we should focus our efforts:

  • Getting Started with Credit and Managing Debt: 
  • Managing Debt Wisely:
    • Do your research to get the best loan rate and terms.
    • Learn how your debt load and payment history impact your credit score.
    • Use a rate calculator to get a picture of your monthly loan cost.
    • Consistently pay down your debt. Start with the lowest balance loan or the highest rate.
  • Getting Ahead of Debt: 
    • Complete a debt inventory with who you owe, how much and the monthly payment and interest rate for each loan.
    • Borrow only what you need to meet your goals.
    • Reduce the balance on your credit cards to no more than 30% of your total available credit, keeping your credit utilization at a healthy level.
    • Consider consolidating or refinancing your debts to decrease your monthly payments.

PLAN

WPCU wants to help you plan for a stronger future so you can live the life you want and have confidence in your investments as you enjoy your retirement.

Having a smart plan for tomorrow means investing in you and your family’s future and preparing for your retirement. 

Here’s how to get started planning for your tomorrow:

  • Set up multiple accounts for different, irregular expenses to help plan for them over time.  WPCU’s Money Market account is a great way to do so!
  • Evaluate, purchase or update your insurance. Do you have adequate Life, Medical, Home and Auto coverage in the case it is needed? Learn what to consider and how to avoid bad deals when shopping for insurance.
  • Review or start your retirement and/or investment accounts to ensure you are on track to cover your future plans.
  • Open an Individual Retirement Account (IRA) to contribute funds for retirement.
  • Create, review or update a living will and estate plan.

Here’s how to get started planning for your family’s tomorrow:

  • Set financial goals as a family and decide how each member can contribute. 
  • Create a habit of saving early for everyone in your household. Help children save by opening a savings account for them, encourage your children to save a portion of any money they receive (gifts, allowance for chores, etc.). 
  • Have teenagers? Help them create a spending plan and open a checking account once they start working so they can practice managing spending early. 
  • Sending a child to college? Consider a 529 Plan as a way to save. You and your family members can contribute to your child’s future.
  • Ensure your documents are organized and in a safe location with our End of Life Planning Checklist.
  • Encourage young adults to be credit wise early by actively saving, budgeting and researching their options before obtaining credit!


Start planning for the tomorrow you want to live today with these helpful tools:

Preparing for college?
Going to college is one of life's most significant opportunities. WPCU is excited to provide resources to help you and your student make the best decision!

Planning for retirement?
Your retirement goals are our passion. We understand planning for retirement can be stressful even under the best of circumstances. Let the financial advisors on the WPCU Retirement Solutions team help you develop a plan that will help guide you toward financial freedom.

  • Financial Learning Events

    We offer a number of workshops, seminars and financial learning events near you or online! Check out our full event calendar.

  • Budget Worksheets

    Start a budget and create a monthly spending plan with our easy-to-use financial worksheets.

  • Financial Success Center

    Learn at your own pace! You can browse our interactive learning modules with over 24 topics to help you save better, borrow smarter and learn a lot.

  • Financial Flex Snapshot

    Take 2 minutes to answer 8 questions and receive a snapshot of what's going well with your money and opportunities to improve your Financial Flexibility and Freedom® journey!

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