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Students’ Guide to Personal Finances and Credit Unions

Students’ Guide to Personal Finances and Credit Unions

The life of a student can seem hectic. Filled with end of year/ semester exams, study guides, and miscellaneous homework, there is already much on older students’ minds. Due to all of this, finances may not be at the top of the list regarding concerns of an adult life that seems to get closer at an alarming rate.
Personal finances are an incredibly important part of ensuring comfort and financial success later on in life— whether that be in 5, 10, or 15 years. Finding a financial institution that’s member friendly and suits students’ individual needs is especially important in this stage of life, and credit unions can be the answer to this dilemma.

What are credit unions?

A credit union is very similar to large scale banks such as Wells Fargo or Chase, but a key difference is that credit unions are not-for-profit organizations. This means that any profit made by this institution will be reinvested into members to offer lower interest rates on loans, free products and services, and lower fees.
Credit unions also offer a very special feature¬— relationships with members. With bigger institutions, it can be difficult to cultivate a relationship between members and workers. BrightStar Credit Union (BSCU) is one of the largest credit unions in South Florida, but members come first.

What can BSCU offer students?

Middle and high school students can participate in the 5 for $25 program offered by BSCU to jumpstart their saving accounts. BrightStar also offers checking accounts for minors, giving those from 10 to 17 years of age the opportunity to have their own financial freedom while still having features such as overdraft protections and no fees or charges.
For older students, dealing with finances can be much less stressful and time-consuming when compared to major institutions. College students looking to take out car loans, mortgage loans, personal loans, and even credit cards have the added bonus of lower interest rates when compared to large financial institutions.
Consumer credit cards, for instance, have an average APR is 21.21%. At BSCU, the maximum APR is 18%, meaning that paying back interest will not only take less time but also end up being a smaller amount than if the credit card was under a large financial institution. This trend continues across all types of loans that BSCU offers, making them perfect for students who have recently joined the workforce.
Finding and connecting with a financial institution can seem daunting to students, especially to younger ones, but with the right approach. BrightStar Credit Union offers not only a promise to serve members financial needs, but to educate and connect with members to ensure success to every person that walks through our doors.

by alex

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Navigating Economic Uncertainty in 2022 - July 13

Navigating Economic Uncertainty in 2022

Economic uncertainty is scary but there are ways to alleviate this for you and your family. We've compiled steps and tips to navigate 2022.

Join us at our Corporate Headquarters to dive into ways you can curve the daunting economy. Our knowledgeable speaker is one of BrightStar's own, and she will be giving great tips on the following:

  • How to handle rising interest rates, gas prices, and inflation on many common day goods.
  • Advice for your family to follow that can help save hundreds a month.
  • Interesting statistics on the current economic climate and what that means to YOU.
  • And much more!

This will be an interactive event where you can ask questions and make comments. We will be providing food, beverages, and giveaways!

  • When:
    Wed, July 13, 2022
  • Where:
    BrightStar Credit Union Headquarters

    5901 Del Lago Circle

    Sunrise, FL 33313
  • The seminar starts from 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM EST

by alex

senior using a calcuator

Take advantage of tax-savvy investing techniques - Mar 29

Take advantage of tax-savvy investing techniques

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Seminar Details

Divisional Vice President Nilsa Roberts of AIG will discuss tax-savvy investing and how it can help you understand ways to defer or even eliminate taxes on the money you would look to have available in your retirement.

During the presentation, you'll learn about the following:

  • Understanding the power of tax deferral
  • Consider increasing contributions to retirement plans and accounts
  • Generate tax-free income
  • Avoid potential tax-time surprises

 

  • When:
    Tue, March 27, 2022

  • Where:
    Online via Zoom

  • The seminar starts from 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM EST

by alex

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Prioritizing Health to Boost your Career - Mar 31

Prioritizing Health to Boost your Career

A healthy lifestyle will skyrocket your professional success and help you reach your goals.
Learn More

Are you covered for the future? Take the steps necessary NOW to ensure you're protected.

Certified Personal Trainer, Nutritionist, and Transformation Coach Jess Palmisano discusses how putting your health first can excel you forward in your career.

Join us to discover 3 ways to improve your health immediately and start reaping all of the benefits…effortlessly.

  • Learn how optimizing your health can lead to advancements in your career.
  • Tips and tricks that you can implement into your daily routine to live a healthier life while still reaching your goals.
  • Discussion on a variety of nutrition, health, wellness and fitness topics.
  • Complete control over your assets
  • Liquidity for when you need it the most

We are giving away ONE FREE MONTH of coaching with Jess, valued at $500. A random winner will be chosen from the seminar attendees and will be contacted the next day.

  • When:
    Thu, March 31, 2022

  • Where:
    Online via Zoom

  • The seminar starts from 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM EST

by alex

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Make memories today and still leave a legacy for those you love - Jan 27

Make memories today and still leave a legacy for those you love

You’ve worked hard over your lifetime to achieve financial stability. Learn how you can protect your money and those you love.
Learn More

Are you covered for the future? Take the steps necessary NOW to ensure you're protected.

Join us during our virtual seminar and learn how to protect your hard-earned money in case you need it and prepare for what to do if you don't. BrightStar's financial advisor Robert Crabtree will present and answer any questions that arise.

During the presentation, you'll learn about the following:

  • Features and benefits
  • 100% principal Guaranteed account
  • Stepped up Benefit passes income tax-free to your loved ones
  • Complete control over your assets
  • Liquidity for when you need it the most

 

  • When:
    Thu, January 27, 2022

  • Where:
    Online via Zoom

  • The seminar starts from 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM EST

by alex

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Long Term Care - Nov 10

Long Term Care:

Perceptions, realities and steps you can take to prepare
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Are you covered for the future? Take the steps necessary NOW to ensure you're protected.

We've put together an informative seminar with Regional Vice President of Global Atlantic Financial Group, Anthony L. Guzzetta. Anthony has extensive knowledge about annuities and other solutions to ensure your future is protected.

During the presentation, you'll learn about the following:

  • Long-term care perceptions
  • Long-term care realities
  • Hypothetical examples
  • Trending long-term care
  • Strategies you can take to paying for long-term care

  • When:
    Wed, November 10, 2021

  • Where:
    Online via Zoom

  • The seminar starts from 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM EST

by alex

car buying

Car Buying 101 - Oct 14

Car Buying 101

Tricks of the Trade
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YOUR ONE-STOP SOLUTION TO THE CAR BUYING PUZZLE.

We want our members to feel cool and confident throughout the car buying process. That’s why we’re providing online tools and resources that can empower you to make the right decisions when buying a car.

Our special guest speaker is Mr. Bill Goldberg, Founder and CEO of Auto Advisors. Learn insider information about the car buying experience:

  • How to get more for your trade-in
  • Internet car-buying pitfalls
  • Dealership profit areas
  • Extras add up
  • Dealer financing vs. your Credit Union
  • Plus more industry info you didn't know

Let us guide you through this process!

  • When:
    Thu, October 14, 2021

  • Where:
    Online via Zoom

  • The seminar starts from 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM EST

by alex

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Fraud Identity Alert

Fraud Identity Alert

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by alex

Car Buying 101 - Aug 18

Car Buying 101

Tricks of the Trade
Learn More

YOUR ONE-STOP SOLUTION TO THE CAR BUYING PUZZLE.

We want our members to feel cool and confident throughout the car buying process. That’s why we’re providing online tools and resources that can empower you to make the right decisions when buying a car.

Our special guest speaker is Mr. Bill Goldberg, Founder and CEO of Auto Advisors. Learn insider information about the car buying experience:

  • How to get more for your trade-in
  • Internet car-buying pitfalls
  • Dealership profit areas
  • Extras add up
  • Dealer financing vs. your Credit Union
  • Plus more industry info you didn't know

Let us guide you through this process!

  • When:
    Wed, August 18, 2021

  • Where:
    Online via Zoom

  • The seminar starts from 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM EST

by alex

email scam background

Business Email Compromise during COVID-19

Business Email Compromise during COVID-19

The U.S. Attorney’s Office is warning small businesses that received loans through the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) of a dramatic increase in reports of business email-compromise schemes related to the program. Scammers are using information about PPP recipients posted by the Small Business Administration (SBA) to impersonate PPP lenders requesting additional information about PPP loan applications or loan forgiveness.

What You Can Do:

  • Layered security approach.
  • There is no such thing as 100% prevention and authentication. Always assume a phish or scam.
  • Continuously detect, investigate and prioritize risk.
  • Use analytics, automation, and orchestration to detect and respond faster.

Related Fraud Alerts

by alex