Financial Fundamentals Blog

Congratulations! Your hard work has paid off. Diploma in hand, you’re ready to tackle the next phrase of your life.

But the joy of graduating from college can quickly fade once graduates begin to grasp their new-found responsibilities, especially when it comes to their financial future. Navigating rent, a car payment, insurance, cable and groceries can be overwhelming. Throw student loan payments and other financial burdens into the mix, and it can be downright frightening.

The worst thing recent grads can do is to start using credit cards to help them maintain their lifestyle. The average college grad owes $4,100 on credit cards at the time of graduation. Not including student loans. Roughly 69% of graduates took out student loans and owe an average of $29,800 in federal and private debt.
 

We are pleased to continue our commitment to our members in the Warren area and communities in Trumbull County.

7 17 Credit Union’s new Warren (Larchmont) branch, located at 3185 Larchmont Ave. NE, officially opened Monday, June 3.

 The newly-constructed, free-standing office includes new features to provide enhanced service and more convenience with significantly expanded drive-thru hours for members to receive personal service using the latest technologies, including Personal Teller Machines (PTMs).
 

Knowing the signs of elder financial abuse can help protect yourself or your loved ones. Seniors are increasingly becoming targets for financial abuse. People over the age of 50 control over 70 percent of the nation’s wealth, and fraudsters are using new tactics to take advantage of the growing number of older Americans. Senior abuse is estimated to have cost victims at least $2.9 billion in the last year alone.
 

No one wants to overpay for a home. But even with a great deal, purchasing a home is most likely one of the biggest purchases you’ll make. Utilizing tips to help you save is always a good idea, but there’s more to consider. Here are some helpful hints for trying to secure an advantage when purchasing your dream home.
 

New Technology, Enhanced Service
Over the last fifty years, Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) have offered a convenient, self-service way to conduct your banking. As technology has developed, new machines called Personal Teller Machines (PTMs) have emerged that present a higher level of personal service.

In an effort to provide longer drive-thru hours, improve accuracy and provide members with a better, more convenient banking experience, 7 17 Credit Union has made the decision to move to these machines.
 

We’re pleased to be a part of your neighborhood, Canfield!
 
7 17 Credit Union’s new Canfield branch, located at 4280 Boardman-Canfield Road, officially opened today, Monday, May 6.
 
The newly-constructed, free-standing office is the credit union’s 13^th branch, its fourth in Mahoning County. The branch includes new features to provide enhanced service and more convenience with significantly expanded drive-thru hours for members to receive personal service using the latest technologies, including Personal Teller Machines.
 

Winter is full of spending habits that can deter you from your financial goals, so spring is the perfect time to clean up your monthly budget. Start small by tidying up your financial paperwork or reviewing your monthly spending habits. Don’t have a budget? Well then spring is the perfect time to give yourself a fresh financial start. Unsure where to begin? Let 7 17 Retirement & Investment Group help you reach your financial goals with tips to create a monthly budget.
 

Tidying up your Credit and Financial Information can lead to a Smooth Summer

Spring is here! Nothing feels more satisfying after a long winter than a little spring cleaning. But your home isn’t the only thing that needs freshened up. Be sure to add your credit and financial information to your tidying list. Here are few tips from Experian, a consumer credit reporting company, to make sure you’re making a clean sweep of your financial information.
 

If you’re like most people, your financial education came from experiences – both good and bad. How your parents talked, acted and felt about money most likely rubbed off on you. If you want to help your children avoid the same problems you’ve experienced, and grow up with good money habits, check out these tips that will assist you in teaching them valuable money skills.
 
 

In 2018, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) reported that tax-related identity theft is on the decline. Even though its numbers are dropping, you should still be aware of it. With tax time rapidly approaching, let’s look at its signs and what you can do to protect yourself.

The holiday season is one of the most popular times of the year to get engaged. In fact, 40 percent of proposals happen between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day. If you’re one of those lucky couples, you’re probably asking yourself, “how do we pay for all of this?” Don’t worry. We’ve got you covered with a few tips on how to create a wedding budget that won’t break the bank.
 

The New Year is a great time to review and revamp your finances for a successful financial future.  Here are a few ways that you can get started on achieving your financial goals.