Friends of the Foundation Newsletter
Featured Post
Avoiding Lifestyle Creep as the Weather Warms Up
Spring brings a breath of fresh air—not just in nature but in our routines. With warmer weather, longer days, and a packed social calendar, it’s easy to feel the urge to say “yes” more often.
Emergency Funds Revisited: How Much Is Enough Now?
For years, the advice around emergency savings was simple: aim for three to six months of expenses. While that guidance is still helpful, today’s economic realities have made that target feel out of reach for many households.
Fraud Isn’t Always Digital: Protect Yourself From Scams
When people think about fraud, they often picture suspicious emails or fake websites. While digital scams remain common, some of today’s most effective fraud schemes happen by phone using pressure, authority, and urgency rather than technology.
Understanding Credit Union Differences During Financial Hardship
Financial hardship doesn’t discriminate. It can affect individuals and families regardless of income, planning, or experience. What often makes the biggest difference during these moments isn’t the hardship itself—but where you turn for support.
Why Budgeting Is Hard (and Three Tips to Make It Easier)
Budgeting is often framed as a math problem, but in reality, it’s deeply tied to human behavior. Emotions, habits, stress, and convenience all influence spending decisions—often more than logic or intention.
A Message From the Executive Director
As we close out the third quarter, I want to thank you for the steady, tangible ways you’ve supported the Cornerstone Foundation and the credit unions we serve. Because of your generosity and partnership, more people in our...
Holiday Scam Shield: Protect Your Wallet and Your Heart
The fall-to-winter stretch is peak season for good deeds—and for fraud. Shopping ramps up, charitable appeals increase, and travel plans multiply.
Open Enrollment Made Simple
Open enrollment often arrives just as schedules fill up. That timing makes it easy to click “repeat” on last year’s health benefits—even if your needs have changed.
Warm Homes, Lower Bills
As temperatures drop, many households face a spike in energy use that lands on December and January statements. The fix is not all-or-nothing. Small, low-cost improvements layered together can keep rooms comfortable and bills manageable.
Buy Now, Pay Later and Holiday Returns: Read the Fine Print
“Pay in four” options at online checkout make holiday shopping feel lighter. The convenience is real, but so are the trade-offs—especially when returns and multiple installment plans overlap.
Side Gigs and Seasonal Work: Keep More of What You Earn
Seasonal shifts bring opportunities to earn extra income—delivering packages, staffing events, tutoring, or picking up retail shifts. The extra dollars help with gifts and travel, but small fees and taxes can erode the benefit if you do not plan ahead.
Membership Information
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