Yes! Financial Planning Is For You
4 Rules To Live By
Manage Your Money, Simply

Yes! Financial Planning Is For You
You don't need to be wealthy. A plan maximizes the assets you do own. You can size up insurance needs, restructure debt to save interest, meet retirement goals, cut taxes, send your children to college — and more.

You don't need lots of money to invest. Everyone can benefit from a financial plan. It deals with all your finances, not just investments. A plan also frees up funds to invest.

You don't need to take risks. A financial plan matches investments to risk tolerance. It's also flexible enough to change when you and/or your needs change.

You don't need to give up your fun. Financial planning addresses both short- and long-term desires. Example: It can help you manage daily cash needs while planning for other goals like retirement.
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4 Rules To Live By
These rules will help you manage your finances — regardless of your income:

1. Pay yourself first. If you follow no other rule, follow this one. Then you'll always afford your dreams. Don't think about saving. Just do it — with credit union payroll deduction.
2. Take advantage of compounding. You'll accumulate more than you contribute. For every dollar you save for 50 years at 5.5 percent interest, you'll earn another four!
3. Define and fund your goals. They give you focus, purpose and motivation. So set your sights on the future — and work toward it.
4. Understand the consequences of credit. Always know the cost of borrowing before you borrow. Also, restrict installment debt to about 15 percent of take-home pay. The less debt you have, the more flexible your finances.

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Manage Your Money, Simply
Here's how to spend the minimum time managing your money — with maximum benefit.

• Budget. It isn't magic, and it doesn't need to be hard. Once a year, set a budget for everyday costs like food and other household expenses. Also, determine or reevaluate longer-term goals. Not sure how much to save for them? Ask us. Finally, save at least three months' worth of take-home pay. You'll need it for unexpected expenses.
• Allocate. Put money for household expenses into checking. For longer-term goals, like a vacation, make monthly deposits to savings. For the longest term goals, like college for the kids, use a combination of savings and CDs.
• Automate. Fully use our automated services. With payroll deduction and direct deposit, you can easily specify what goes where — every month. Automatic transfers let you move money anytime. Access savings or fine-tune your deposits with our automated phone system or PC banking. When you need cash, use check card for ATM withdrawals or cash back from point-of-sale purchases. For paying bills, sign up for bill payer. Also save shopping time with our check card.
• Review. In between monthly statements, use our PC banking or automated telephone system to check on accounts. Be sure to review monthly statements. You'll protect your rights and gain peace of mind.
• Relax. You've done it! You've increased financial control while saving time. Now relax and enjoy life. You've earned it.

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