Épisodes

  • Wasteful Habits That Can Drain Your Wallet - Money Tip Tuesday

    Wasteful Habits That Can Drain Your Wallet - Money Tip Tuesday
    Jan 27 2026
    How often have you looked at your bank accounts and thought to yourself, “where did all my money go?”, or how many times have you felt buyers’ remorse after purchasing something? The truth is that it's way too easy to spend without noticing how much money is actually slipping away. In this episode, we’ll talk about 7 common habits that cause people to waste money and share some tips on how to correct them. Links: Check out Triangle's competitive Personal Loan and Auto Loan refinance rates to start saving moneyCheck out TCU University for financial education tips and resources!Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter!Learn more about Triangle Credit Union Transcript: Welcome to Money Tip Tuesday from the Making Money Personal podcast. Many people believe they don’t have enough money because they don’t earn enough, but often the real issue is spending too much. Most of us don’t spot wasteful spending right away. It can build up for different reasons and turn into a habit. If your habits aren’t helping, they could be hurting. To make the most of your money, it helps to know where you might be wasting it. Here’s a list of a few wasteful habits that tend to drain our money. The first one is throwing away food. Have you ever filled your fridge, only to toss out a lot of it a week later? This is a major way people waste money. If you want to cut waste, start here. Fix this habit by making a food plan. Choose recipes for each meal, list the ingredients you need, and buy only those. Planning ahead keeps you organized and helps you use everything you buy rather than waste it. Habit number two is spending too much on dining out. After a long day, it’s tempting to order takeout or eat out if you haven’t planned a meal. But eating out often adds up fast. With food, drinks, tip, and tax, you might spend more on one meal than it would cost to make several at home. What can you do? Plan your at-home meals in advance and set a budget for dining out. This way, you'll have money set aside to spend on dining and can enjoy eating out without guilt. Habit number three is impulse buying. Impulse buying often happens for emotional reasons. If you buy more than you planned, that’s an impulse purchase. This can waste a lot of money, especially if you didn’t budget for it. To change this, try shopping in person with cash and bring a list—only buy what’s on it. If you shop online, use a debit card instead of a credit card. You’ll have to pay close attention to your spending because you’re limited by that account balance. Habit number four is buying brand-name items when generic products work just as well. People often spend more on brand names without noticing. Brand-name products can cost 20% to 30% more, even when generics work fine. Look at the items you usually buy and see if the price difference is worth it. Many generic products, especially food products, contain the same ingredients. Do your research and choose what makes sense. Habit number five is stocking up on too many things you don’t need. The Internet is full of people showing off their hauls—candles, body scrubs, food, sneakers, clothes, and more. Many of us like to collect things, but there’s a fine line between collecting and overbuying. Content creators, ads, and online messages often tempt us to buy things we think we’ll use but don’t really need. This can be wasteful, especially since some items, like cosmetics and beauty products, expire. If you stock too much, they may go bad before you get to use them. Avoid this habit by sticking to a budget to help avoid overspending on things you don’t need. If you’re considering items that have a shelf life, be intentional to use up what you have before buying more. Habit number six is paying unnoticed fees or subscriptions you don’t need. How many subscriptions do you have? Can you keep track of them all? Have any gone up in price in the last six months or year? If you don’t keep track, you might end up paying more than you planned. Avoid wasting money on fees and subscriptions by checking them regularly. Cancel the ones you don’t use or downgrade the plan if necessary. When it comes to late fees, check your account history for any missed payments. Companies will charge a fee when a payment isn’t made on time, so the best way to avoid these fees is to stay organized. Mark up a calendar or set alerts on your phone to stay on top of all payments and use auto pay tools to ensure the payment is made on time. Wasteful habit number seven is paying high interest on loans. If you think you’re paying too much interest each month, you might be right. Interest rates change over time, and your rate could be higher than necessary. To avoid this, consider refinancing your loans to get a lower...
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    5 min
  • Episode 89: Real Stories, Real Scams and Tips to Outsmart Identity Thieves

    Episode 89: Real Stories, Real Scams and Tips to Outsmart Identity Thieves
    Jan 22 2026

    With FTC and FBI reports showing billions lost to cybercrime in 2024, we stress the importance of vigilance, real‑time alerts, and identity protection tools. In this episode, we break down the rising threat of identity theft, from phone and email scams to crypto fraud and even AI-driven voice cloning. We also share personal experiences and practical advice to help listeners stay proactive and prevent fraud.

    Links:

    • Learn more about the identity theft protection benefits with Better Checking
    • Check out TCU University for financial education tips and resources!
    • Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter!
    • Learn more about Triangle Credit Union

    *Better Checking is not an insurance product
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    37 min
  • Kick off the New Year Safe from Tax Identity Theft - Money Tips Tuesday

    Kick off the New Year Safe from Tax Identity Theft - Money Tips Tuesday
    Jan 20 2026
    As we step into a new year, now is the perfect time to start fresh-and that includes safeguarding yourself against tax identity theft. Everyone is at risk of falling victim to tax identity theft, and thousands of Americans are impacted by this crime each year. Fraudsters often target taxpayers early in the year, hoping to take advantage of the busy tax season preparations. Links: Get started on this year's taxes, consider filing through IRS Free File Guided Tax SoftwareIRS tips for finding a trustworthy tax professionalCheck out TCU University for financial education tips and resources!Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter!Learn more about Triangle Credit Union Welcome to Money Tip Tuesday from the Making Money Personal podcast. According to the IRS, tax-related identity theft occurs when someone uses your stolen personal information, including your Social Security number (SSN), to file a tax return claiming a fraudulent refund. A successful scammer can create an online return using your SSN, even if they don’t spell your name right. Once the fraudulent account is established, they can not only use it to file taxes on your behalf and receive your refund but also to receive future payments from the federal government. The criminals are adept at using accounts that funnel money into prepaid debit cards so that it is untraceable and unrecoverable. Here are five tips to help you avoid becoming the next victim and help protect yourself against tax-related identity theft. Secure Your Personal Information. Keep your Social Security number (SSN) or individual tax identification number (ITIN) in a secure location. When asked for these numbers, be skeptical and verify that it is a legitimate need. Additionally, keep your home computer security software up to date, and run regular software updates on your connected devices, including the seemingly less risky ones like smartwatches. File Your Taxes Early and Securely. The sooner you submit your tax return, the harder it is for fraudsters to submit a fake one in your name. As soon as you have the necessary documentation, go ahead and take care of this right away. Always file taxes through a reputable service and use a secure internet connection if filing online; avoid transmitting such sensitive information through public Wi-Fi. You may consider filing through IRS Free File Guided Tax Software. If you feel more comfortable relying on a professional to prepare your tax return, choose your tax preparer with care. Monitor Your Financial Statements, Mail, and Email. Regularly check account statements for any unusual activity. Your first sign of tax identity theft this season will usually be a letter from the IRS after filing your return, informing you that one has already been filed using your SSN. Year-round, expected payments that are not received are another sign to watch for. Also be mindful of any tax reporting documents from employers you have never worked with. Rather than ignoring them, follow up to ensure someone else hasn’t stolen your identity and taken a job using your information. Communicate with Caution. Beware of unsolicited emails, phone calls, or text messages asking for personal information, and verify the source before you respond. Remember, the IRS will never initiate contact with taxpayers by email, text, or social media to request personal or financial information, including your taxpayer Identity Protection PIN, nor will they ever threaten lawsuits or arrest. Create an Online Account at the IRS Website. Visit the IRS online account website (www.irs.gov) to create your account now and monitor it regularly. While a lot of personal information is required to create the account, once you have done so, you can monitor your tax activity throughout the year, including if a return has been filed in your name. Through your online IRS account, you can then request an Identity Protection PIN (IP PIN). Once established, the PIN must be included on your federal tax return in order for it to be processed as valid. Remember, even with all these precautions, tax-related identity theft can still happen. That’s why Triangle Credit Union offers Fully Managed Identity Theft Recovery services for Better Checking account holders. If you suspect your identity has been compromised or you suspect identity theft for any reason, Identity Theft Recovery Advocates will help you recover and mitigate any damage. Learn more about Better Checking at trianglecu.org or click the link in the show notes. If there are any other tips or topics you would like us to cover, let us know at tcupodcast@trianglecu.org. Like and follow our Making Money Personal FB and IG page and look for our sponsor, Triangle Credit Union on social media to share your thoughts. Thanks for listening to today’s Money Tip Tuesday and check out our other tips and episodes on the Making Money ...
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    5 min
  • 4 Reasons to Refinance Your Car this Winter - Money Tip Tuesday

    4 Reasons to Refinance Your Car this Winter - Money Tip Tuesday
    Jan 13 2026

    So many of us look over our finances in the new year, not only to look back on how much we spent during the holidays, but also to optimize our finances going forward. It's time to look at ways to free up some money this year and one of those ways might involve examining your existing auto loan.

    Links:

    • Get a great auto refinance offer with our limited time special refi rate
    • Check out TCU University for financial education tips and resources!
    • Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter!
    • Learn more about Triangle Credit Union

    Welcome to Money Tip Tuesday from the Making Money Personal podcast.

    The holidays might be over, but the spending continues. If you’re recovering from holiday spending, you’re probably tallying up the money you’ve spent, planned, and unplanned. The good news is that now’s a great time to make adjustments that could save you some money and help you recover a little faster in the new year. One great adjustment you can consider is to refinance your current auto loan.

    4 Reasons to Refinance Your Car This Winter

    1. Lower Your Monthly Payment

    One of the benefits of refinancing your auto loan, when you qualify for a lower rate, is that your monthly payment can decrease, which means you will be saving more each month. A little extra money each month is great, because it gives you more money that you can put towards debt, new year’s goals, or even just add to your savings. With a lower monthly payment, you can start this New Year on a better financial path than before.

    1. 30-60 Day Deferred Payment option

    Some lenders offer deferred loan payments for 30, 60, or up to 90 days after loan closing. If this is something offered to you, refinancing your auto loan at this time could be the best choice. Why? Well, delaying your loan payment for 1-3 months (depending on what is offered to you) can offset any large purchases you plan on making (or have made) and give your wallet some breathing room.

    1. Lower Interest Rate

    Depending on when you financed your current car loan, it’s probable that either auto loan rates have fallen, or your credit score has improved, or both. If that’s the case, you may qualify for an auto loan with a lower APR, which, over time, can reduce the amount you’d pay in interest on the loan.

    1. Shorter Term

    Not everyone wants to refinance their auto loan for a lower monthly payment. If your current auto loan is longer than you’d like, consider refinancing for a shorter term. Although this will raise your monthly payment, refinancing for a shorter term can benefit you in the long run by helping you pay off your debt sooner, and in the not so distant future, you could enjoy living without a car payment.

    Auto refinancing is not a standard process for everyone, as each person has a unique situation. If you find yourself wanting to refinance your car loan, Triangle Credit Union is offering a limited-time 4.99% APR* special. Visit our website for full terms and conditions and check the link in the show notes to apply online!

    If there are any other tips or topics you would like us to cover, let us know at tcupodcast@trianglecu.org. Like and follow our Making Money Personal FB and IG page and look for our sponsor, Triangle Credit Union on social media to share your thoughts.

    Thanks for listening to today’s Money Tip Tuesday and check out our other tips and episodes on the Making Money Personal podcast.

    Have a great day!

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    3 min
  • Identity Protection Tips for the New Year - Money Tip Tuesday

    Identity Protection Tips for the New Year - Money Tip Tuesday
    Jan 6 2026
    Though the Holiday season has just wound down and we’ve celebrated the arrival of a new year, this time of year is still peak season for cybercriminals and identity thieves. Links: Explore sites Charity Navigator and Give.org to find trusted charity organizationsLearn more about the benefits of a Better Checking accountCheck out TCU University for financial education tips and resources!Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter!Learn more about Triangle Credit Union Transcript: Welcome to Money Tip Tuesday from the Making Money Personal podcast. With online shopping, traveling, and increased sharing of personal information, the risk of identity theft can rise dramatically this time of year. Follow these tips to help keep your identity safe and, in turn, keep this season, and your new year, stress-free. Safeguard Your Personal information Whether you’re still shopping in-store or online or traveling to visit friends and family, limit the information that you share. Avoid oversharing and only provide the details necessary for a purchase or transaction. Shred any sensitive documents, since discarded holiday offers, receipts, and financial statements can be goldmines for thieves. Finally, stay vigilant of potential phishing scams. Ignore unsolicited emails or messages asking for personal details for payment information. Strengthen Your Digital Security Cybercriminals ramp up their activities before and after the holidays. Keep your accounts secure and help protect your personal information by enhancing the security of your accounts and your devices. You can stay secure by keeping software up to date. Regular updates help patch vulnerabilities in your devices and the applications that you use. Additionally, when you enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) you can significantly reduce the risk of unauthorized access to your account by validating your identity through more than one authentication method. And remember to use strong, unique passwords for each of your accounts. Watch Out for Charity Scams While the season inspires generosity, it’s also exploited by scammers. Before you donate, take time to verify the charity’s legitimacy. Trusted sites like Charity Navigator and Give.org can help you identify and evaluate charity ratings and donor resources. Avoid donating through email or social media links and go directly to the charity’s official website. Secure Your Mail and Travel Plans During this time of year, your mail and travel habits can expose you to risks. Hold your mail if you are traveling or ask a trusted neighbor to collect it. Beware of package theft, too. If you are unavailable to bring deliveries inside right away, consider using secure delivery options or pick-up lockers to keep your parcels safe. Additionally, if you’re traveling in the near future, be mindful about what you share. Advertising your absence or accidentally revealing sensitive data in photos, such as full name and date of birth, could increase your risk of identity theft and fraud. At Triangle Credit Union, your security is our top priority. By following these tips now and throughout the year, you can significantly reduce the risk of becoming a victim of identity theft. Stay vigilant and proactive in looking after your personal and financial information. If you suspect identity theft for any reason, contact us - even if it’s not related to your account at Triangle. If you have a Triangle Better Checking account, you have access to a professional, certified Identity Theft Recovery Advocate who can work with you one-on-one to identify and resolve identity theft or fraud and return your identity and your accounts to pre-event status. If there are any other tips or topics you would like us to cover, let us know at tcupodcast@trianglecu.org. Like and follow our Making Money Personal FB and IG page and look for our sponsor, Triangle Credit Union on social media to share your thoughts. Thanks for listening to today’s Money Tip Tuesday and check out our other tips and episodes on the Making Money Personal podcast. Have a great day!
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    4 min
  • Shop Safer with your Mobile Wallet - Money Tip Tuesday

    Shop Safer with your Mobile Wallet - Money Tip Tuesday
    Dec 30 2025

    During the holiday time, we’re all shopping a lot in-person or online, and most of us are using credit or debit cards for convenience. If you're one of the many who prefer to use cards to pay, there are a host of reasons why storing your cards digitally in your phone’s mobile wallet increases efficiency and security, especially during the busy holiday season.

    Links:

    • Learn more about the benefits of Mobile Wallets
    • Check out TCU University for financial education tips and resources!
    • Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter!
    • Learn more about Triangle Credit Union

    Transcript:

    Welcome to Money Tip Tuesday from the Making Money Personal podcast.

    If you have a smartphone, you can use its mobile wallet feature to shop smarter and safer this year.

    Here are a few reasons to load payment cards to your phone’s mobile wallet to use at your next check out.

    Reason 1: Your transactions are secure.

    When you set up your mobile wallet, your card details are protected by a PIN, fingerprint, or password, so only you can access them in the app.

    When you pay, your phone uses near-field communication to connect with the terminal. This process encrypts your data and keeps your information safe.

    Your credit card number is replaced with a random digital ID, called a token, so your actual card number isn’t shared when you pay.

    If you’ve been unsure about paying with your phone because of security, rest assured that extra steps are in place to keep your transactions safe.

    Reason 2: It’s more sanitary than using cash or cards.

    Cash can carry a lot of germs since it passes through many hands. With everyone more aware of germs and viruses these days, especially during cold and flu season, using your mobile wallet means you don’t have to handle cash that’s been everywhere.

    Reason 3: It’s much easier.

    It can be frustrating to dig through your wallet or purse for a card. With a mobile wallet, you just open the app, pick your card, and hold your phone near the terminal. Since you’re often already holding your phone, you’re ready to pay right away.

    Reason 4: It’s helpful if you forget your wallet.

    Have you ever left your wallet at home or in the car? It doesn’t happen often, but it can. If your cards are in your mobile wallet, you have a backup if you forget your wallet or purse. Even if you don’t use it often, it’s worth setting up just in case you ever need it.

    Mobile wallets are a great alternative to traditional wallets and can make shopping easier and more convenient.

    Now might be a good time to give it a try if you haven’t already.

    If you have other tips or topics you want us to talk about, email us at tcupodcast@trianglecu.org. Don’t forget to like and follow our Making Money Personal Facebook page, and check out our sponsor, Triangle Credit Union, on Instagram and LinkedIn to share your thoughts.

    Thanks for listening to today's Money Tip Tuesday. Check out our other tips and episodes on the Making Money Personal podcast.

    Have a great day!
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    3 min
  • 5 Ideas to Best Use Your Holiday Bonus - Money Tip Tuesday

    5 Ideas to Best Use Your Holiday Bonus - Money Tip Tuesday
    Dec 23 2025
    The holiday season can bring with it many surprises, some of which might come in the form of a holiday bonus. If you got a bonus or are expecting a bonus this time of year, hold off on spending it all right away, because there are a few ways to maximize that cash for some great financial benefits. Links: Check out TCU University for financial education tips and resources!Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter!Learn more about Triangle Credit Union Transcript: Welcome to Money Tip Tuesday from the Making Money Personal podcast. A holiday bonus can feel like a windfall—a chance to splurge on gifts, vacations, or luxury items. But before you spend it all, consider this: that extra cash could be the key to building financial security and achieving your long-term goals. Here are five smart strategies to make your holiday bonus work for you. 1. Pay Down High-Interest Debt Credit card balances, personal loans, and even student loans all carry interest rates that can drain finances over time. If you’re looking to improve your financial health and free up future income, consider using your bonus, or a portion of it, to pay down some of that debt. Reducing debt not only lowers your monthly obligations but also improves your credit score and financial flexibility. Unsure which debt to pay first? Start with the highest-interest debt first for maximum savings. If you have student loans, consider applying extra payments toward those not eligible for forgiveness programs. Even a small lump-sum payment can significantly reduce the total interest you’ll pay over the life of the loan. 2. Build or Boost Your Emergency Fund Life is unpredictable—medical bills, car repairs, or sudden job changes can happen anytime, and without a safety net, these surprises can lead to financial stress or debt. An emergency fund acts as a financial cushion, giving you peace of mind and stability when life throws curveballs. Experts recommend saving at least three to six months of living expenses in a separate, easily accessible savings account. This ensures you can cover essentials like housing, utilities, groceries, and transportation without relying on credit cards or loans. This is another great way to use some or all of that bonus money. 3. Invest in Retirement Accounts Your bonus can be a powerful tool to accelerate your retirement savings. Contributing to accounts like a 401(k), IRA, or Roth IRA not only helps secure your financial future but can also offers valuable tax advantages. The earlier you invest, the more you benefit from compound growth—your money earns interest, and that interest earns interest over time. Look at your retirement contributions and if you haven’t maxed them out yet, consider putting a portion or all of your bonus money into your retirement account. Even small, consistent investments can grow significantly over decades, thanks to compounding. And remember—prioritizing retirement savings now means more flexibility and security later. 4. Fund Short-Term Goals Dreaming of a vacation, a home upgrade, or another big-ticket item? Your bonus can help you achieve these goals without relying on credit cards or loans. Using cash instead of borrowing keeps you out of debt and saves you from paying interest later. Start by identifying your top personal goal—whether it’s a family trip, a kitchen remodel, or a new tech gadget—and estimate the total cost. Then, earmark a portion of your bonus specifically for that purpose. This approach allows you to enjoy life’s luxuries guilt-free while staying financially responsible. 5. Treat Yourself or Others Being thoughtful about how to spend your bonus doesn’t mean cutting out all enjoyment for yourself. If you’re already a budgeting pro and have all the prior items I mentioned covered, then by all means, celebrate this time of year and feel free to use that bonus to get yourself or your family something special. After all, using it to celebrate yourself, your family, or those close to you can bring forth returns in other ways. Treating yourself can provide returns of self-satisfaction, care and personal healing while treating others can build bonds and create memories that’ll last for years to come. If you have other tips or topics you want us to talk about, email us at tcupodcast@trianglecu.org. Don’t forget to like and follow our Making Money Personal Facebook page, and check out our sponsor, Triangle Credit Union, on Instagram and LinkedIn to share your thoughts. Thanks for listening to today's Money Tip Tuesday. Check out our other tips and episodes on the Making Money Personal podcast. Have a great day!
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    5 min
  • Episode 88: Five Spending Habits for Holiday Saving

    Episode 88: Five Spending Habits for Holiday Saving
    Dec 18 2025

    Saving money this time of year is almost impossible, but all is not lost! In this episode we discuss tips on some practical and helpful saving habits for the holidays.

    Links:

    • Save money ahead of time with Triangle's Goal Builder tool! https://triangleuniversity.org/goal-builder/
    • Learn more about how a lower rate personal loan can help you with gift giving: https://www.trianglecu.org/borrow/personal/
    • Ad: Learn more about Triangle's special auto refinance rate: https://www.trianglecu.org/borrow/auto/
    • Check out TCU University for financial education tips and resources!
    • Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter!
    • Learn more about Triangle Credit Union
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    29 min