When you go to run your CES Credit Union VISA® debit card at the checkout, you will often have the choice to run that transaction as “debit” or as “credit” leading you to ask the question, “What’s the difference?”

Let’s begin by getting one thing straight, not all upgrades are equal. Some improvements will not raise the value/ resale price of your home as much as you would hope. Another way to put it is just because you make an improvement, it does not mean you will get your money back. Resale is about making your home attractive to a wide variety of people therefore you should focus on the improvements that are most desirable by the majority of home buyers. Here is a list of some cost effective improvements that will help you reach your home value goals!

U.S. consumers are once again increasing their collective credit card debt, which now exceeds $1 trillion.

The Credit Card Accountability, Responsibility and Disclosure (CARD) Act protections, which went into effect in February 2009, require card issuers to disclose rates and other information more clearly. This should make it easier for consumers to monitor what they owe. But, regulations can't prevent people from making poor debt management habits.

Here's some advice for controlling credit card use:

The new year is right around the corner, which means this is the perfect time to be shopping for that “new year, new car” upgrade you have been waiting for. Whether you're looking for a brand new car or a reliable used ride, you want to get the most for your money. The process can be made easier by following the RAIN method: Research, Ask, Investigate, and Negotiate.

Many people wonder how they can build an emergency fund when they’re trying to pay off their debts. It isn't as hard as you might think. The strategy is to start small, change a few habits, and change your mind set.

Debt your partner has can be a cause for concern. When it comes to love and money, of course you and your significant other love each other. It’s also critically important to know where the other person stands financially. Debts brought into the relationship could affect your financial well-being and ability to reach milestone goals in your life together. Here are some tips on getting out of debt as a couple:

Anticipating the birth of your first baby is at once exciting and intimidating. Along with the countless joys this new little person brings comes the insistence that you plan your family’s financial future wisely. Still, rather than be daunted by the facts – according to recent estimates, raising a child from birth to age 18 costs on average about $230,000 – it’s best to start at the beginning with a reasonable budget, thoughtful planning and a long-term dedication to savings.

This month’s blog comes from the Ohio Attorney General’s Office who discuss vital back-to-school shopping mistakes that could cost you big time.

With the new school year just around the corner, we’re providing tips for the fall shopping season, including knowing when rain checks may apply, when “free” offers may cost you, and ways to avoid scams.

According to AAA, an estimated 35% of Americans plan to take a vacation this year of more than 50 miles away from home. Traveling to new cities and countries is fun and exciting. Whether your up-coming trip is a family vacation, a honeymoon, or a solo adventure, you need to make sure you are doing everything you can to protect yourself and your loved ones. Even we understand that sometimes you have to spend a little more money to remain safe, and that is okay!

How financially literate are you? Do you have the skills and knowledge to spend money wisely, save for emergencies, use credit cards sensibly, and protect your identity from being stolen?

This short quiz will help you test your financial literacy to see where you need to focus to improve your financial future.