--- title: Blog- USC Credit Union description: USC Credit Union Blog --- [ATM/Locations](https://www.usccreditunion.org/atm-locator/) [![USC Credit Union](https://blog.usccreditunion.org/hs-fs/file-1104064193-png/images/logo.png "USC Credit Union")](http://www.usccreditunion.org) - [Services](https://www.usccreditunion.org/) - [Bank](https://www.usccreditunion.org/) - [Checking](https://www.usccreditunion.org/product-landing/checking) - [Cardinal Checking](https://www.usccreditunion.org/products/cardinal-checking) - [Gold Checking](https://www.usccreditunion.org/products/gold-checking) - [Trojan Checking](https://www.usccreditunion.org/products/trojan-checking) - [Compare Accounts](https://www.usccreditunion.org/product-comparison/checking-accounts) - [Cards](https://www.usccreditunion.org/product-landing/cards) - [Platinum MasterCard](https://www.usccreditunion.org/products/platinum-mastercard) - [Platinum Rewards MasterCard](https://www.usccreditunion.org/products/platinum-rewards-mastercard) - 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[Refinance Options](https://www.usccreditunion.org/products/refinance-options) - [Home Equity](https://www.usccreditunion.org/products/use-equity) - [Credit Cards](https://www.usccreditunion.org/product-landing/credit-cards) - [Platinum MasterCard](https://www.usccreditunion.org/products/platinum-mastercard) - [Platinum Rewards MasterCard](https://www.usccreditunion.org/products/platinum-rewards-mastercard) - [Compare Credit Cards](https://www.usccreditunion.org/product-comparison/compare-credit-cards/) - [Personal Loans](https://www.usccreditunion.org/product-landing/personal-loans) - [Line of Credit](https://www.usccreditunion.org/product-landing/personal-loans/#Line%20of%20Credit) - [Term Loans](https://www.usccreditunion.org/product-landing/personal-loans/#Term%20Loans) - [Deposit-Secured Loans](https://www.usccreditunion.org/product-landing/personal-loans/#Deposit-Secured%20Loans) - [Student Loans](https://www.usccreditunion.org/product-landing/student-loans) - [In-School](https://www.usccreditunion.org/products/in-school-student-loans) - [Consolidation Loans](https://www.usccreditunion.org/products/consolidation-loan) - [Invest & Retire](https://www.usccreditunion.org/product-landing/invest-retire) - [Invest & Retire](https://www.usccreditunion.org/product-landing/invest-retire) - [Traditional IRA](https://www.usccreditunion.org/products/traditional-ira) - [Roth IRA](https://www.usccreditunion.org/products/roth-ira) - [Coverdell Education Savings](https://www.usccreditunion.org/products/coverdell-education-savings) - [Compare IRA Accounts](https://www.usccreditunion.org/product-comparison/compare-ira-accounts) - [Investment Services](https://www.usccreditunion.org/products/investment-services) - [Resources](https://www.usccreditunion.org/resources/personal-resources/) - [Resources](https://www.usccreditunion.org/resources/personal-resources) - [Personal Resources](https://www.usccreditunion.org/resources/personal-resources) - [Student Resources](https://www.usccreditunion.org/resources/student-resources) - [Calculators](https://www.usccreditunion.org/resources/calculators) - 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[ACH](https://www.usccreditunion.org/products/ach) - [Membership](https://www.usccreditunion.org/apply-now/) - [Contact Us](https://www.usccreditunion.org/contact-us/) [![USC Credit Union](https://blog.usccreditunion.org/hs-fs/file-1104064193-png/images/logo.png "USC Credit Union")](https://www-dev.usccreditunion.org/) [![location1](https://blog.usccreditunion.org/hs-fs/file-1131853048-png/images/location1.png)](https://www-dev.usccreditunion.org/atm-locator) - [Services](https://www.usccreditunion.org/) - [Bank](https://www.usccreditunion.org/) - [Checking](https://www.usccreditunion.org/product-landing/checking) - [Cardinal Checking](https://www.usccreditunion.org/products/cardinal-checking) - [Gold Checking](https://www.usccreditunion.org/products/gold-checking) - [Trojan Checking](https://www.usccreditunion.org/products/trojan-checking) - [Compare Accounts](https://www.usccreditunion.org/product-comparison/checking-accounts) - [Cards](https://www.usccreditunion.org/product-landing/cards) - [Platinum MasterCard](https://www.usccreditunion.org/products/platinum-mastercard) - [Platinum Rewards MasterCard](https://www.usccreditunion.org/products/platinum-rewards-mastercard) - [Debit/ATM Cards](https://www.usccreditunion.org/products/debit-atm-cards) - [Savings](https://www.usccreditunion.org/product-landing/savings) - [Regular Share](https://www.usccreditunion.org/products/regular-share-savings-account) - [Money Market](https://www.usccreditunion.org/products/money-market) - [Value+ Money Market](https://www.usccreditunion.org/products/value-money-market) - [Share Certificates](https://www.usccreditunion.org/products/share-certificates) - [Compare Accounts](https://www.usccreditunion.org/product-comparison/compare-savings-accounts) - [Borrow](https://www.usccreditunion.org/product-landing/borrow/) - [Vehicles](https://www.usccreditunion.org/product-landing/vehicles) - [Vehicle Loans](https://www.usccreditunion.org/products/vehicle-loans) - [Vehicle Refinancing](https://www.usccreditunion.org/vehicle-refinancing) - [Home Loans](https://www.usccreditunion.org/product-landing/home-loans) - [Purchase Options](https://www.usccreditunion.org/products/purchase-options) - [Refinance Options](https://www.usccreditunion.org/products/refinance-options) - [Home Equity](https://www.usccreditunion.org/products/use-equity) - [Credit Cards](https://www.usccreditunion.org/product-landing/credit-cards) - [Platinum MasterCard](https://www.usccreditunion.org/products/platinum-mastercard) - [Platinum Rewards MasterCard](https://www.usccreditunion.org/products/platinum-rewards-mastercard) - [Compare Credit Cards](https://www.usccreditunion.org/product-comparison/compare-credit-cards/) - [Personal Loans](https://www.usccreditunion.org/product-landing/personal-loans) - [Line of Credit](https://www.usccreditunion.org/product-landing/personal-loans/#Line%20of%20Credit) - [Term Loans](https://www.usccreditunion.org/product-landing/personal-loans/#Term%20Loans) - [Deposit-Secured Loans](https://www.usccreditunion.org/product-landing/personal-loans/#Deposit-Secured%20Loans) - [Student Loans](https://www.usccreditunion.org/product-landing/student-loans) - [In-School](https://www.usccreditunion.org/products/in-school-student-loans) - [Consolidation Loans](https://www.usccreditunion.org/products/consolidation-loan) - [Invest & Retire](https://www.usccreditunion.org/product-landing/invest-retire) - [Invest & Retire](https://www.usccreditunion.org/product-landing/invest-retire) - [Traditional IRA](https://www.usccreditunion.org/products/traditional-ira) - [Roth IRA](https://www.usccreditunion.org/products/roth-ira) - [Coverdell Education Savings](https://www.usccreditunion.org/products/coverdell-education-savings) - [Compare IRA Accounts](https://www.usccreditunion.org/product-comparison/compare-ira-accounts) - [Investment Services](https://www.usccreditunion.org/products/investment-services) - [Resources](https://www.usccreditunion.org/resources/personal-resources/) - [Resources](https://www.usccreditunion.org/resources/personal-resources) - [Personal Resources](https://www.usccreditunion.org/resources/personal-resources) - [Student Resources](https://www.usccreditunion.org/resources/student-resources) - [Calculators](https://www.usccreditunion.org/resources/calculators) - [News & Events](https://www.usccreditunion.org/resources/news-events) - [FAQs](https://www.usccreditunion.org/resources/faqs) - [eBooks](https://www.usccreditunion.org/resources/ebooks) - [Newsletters](https://www.usccreditunion.org/resources/newsletters) - [Requests, Forms & Applications](https://www.usccreditunion.org/resources/requests-forms-applications) - [Access](https://www.usccreditunion.org/product-landing/access) - [Access](https://www.usccreditunion.org/product-landing/access) - [ATMs & Branches Worldwide](https://www.usccreditunion.org/products/atms-and-branches-worldwide) - [Home Banking](https://www.usccreditunion.org/products/home-banking) - [Mobile Banking](https://www.usccreditunion.org/products/mobile-branch-access) - [Online Fund Transfer](https://www.usccreditunion.org/products/online-fund-transfer) - [Bill Pay](https://www.usccreditunion.org/products/bill-pay) - [Direct Deposit](https://www.usccreditunion.org/products/direct-deposit) - [Wire Services](https://www.usccreditunion.org/products/wire-services) - [ACH](https://www.usccreditunion.org/products/ach) - [Membership](https://www.usccreditunion.org/apply-now/) - [Contact Us](https://www.usccreditunion.org/contact-us/) # USC Credit Union Blog # USC Credit Union Blog ## [Prevent Scams & Fraud: 5 Pinch-Proof Tips](https://blog.usccreditunion.org/blog/5-pinch-proof-tips?hsLang=en-us) Posted by [Joyce](https://blog.usccreditunion.org/blog/author/joyce) on Mar 17, 2023 9:06:07 AM [![](https://blog.usccreditunion.org/hubfs/Fraud%20Email%20(1).png)](https://blog.usccreditunion.org/blog/5-pinch-proof-tips?hsLang=en-us) Don't let scams and fraud catch you off guard. Protect your identity and money with these 5 pinch-proof tips! [Read More](https://blog.usccreditunion.org/blog/5-pinch-proof-tips?hsLang=en-us) - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) ## [Your Checklist for a Financially Happy New Year](https://blog.usccreditunion.org/blog/financial-checklist-2023?hsLang=en-us) Posted by [Joyce](https://blog.usccreditunion.org/blog/author/joyce) on Jan 17, 2023 4:36:16 PM ![New Year Financial Checklist (1)](https://blog.usccreditunion.org/hs-fs/hubfs/New%20Year%20Financial%20Checklist%20(1).png?width=648&height=270&name=New%20Year%20Financial%20Checklist%20(1).png) **It's the start of a new year and a great time to reflect, evaluate, and prepare to reach your financial goals!** Manage your finances by setting simple financial goals to help you stay on budget and add financial security. Here are a few simple steps to get started: **1. Know Your Banking Fees** Check your bank statement and year-end summary of charges for unexpected or excessive fees. Compare your checking account with a low-cost [USC Credit Union Checking Account and make the switch!](https://www.usccreditunion.org/product-comparison/checking-accounts/) [Read More](https://blog.usccreditunion.org/blog/financial-checklist-2023?hsLang=en-us) - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) ## [3 Questions to Ask Yourself Before Refinancing Your Auto Loan](https://blog.usccreditunion.org/blog/questions-to-ask-yourself-before-refinancing-auto-loan?hsLang=en-us) Posted by [Jade Bolton](https://blog.usccreditunion.org/blog/author/jade-bolton) on Feb 5, 2021 2:29:28 PM [![](https://blog.usccreditunion.org/hubfs/car-ED6JA35.jpg)](https://blog.usccreditunion.org/blog/questions-to-ask-yourself-before-refinancing-auto-loan?hsLang=en-us) [Read More](https://blog.usccreditunion.org/blog/questions-to-ask-yourself-before-refinancing-auto-loan?hsLang=en-us) - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) ## [7 Tips Every Credit Card User Should Know](https://blog.usccreditunion.org/blog/7-tips-credit-card-user?hsLang=en-us) Posted by [Jade Bolton](https://blog.usccreditunion.org/blog/author/jade-bolton) on Nov 11, 2020 2:49:04 PM [![a man wearing business casual clothing hands a waitress his credit card](https://blog.usccreditunion.org/hubfs/paying-by-credit-card-AEMKGRF.jpg)](https://blog.usccreditunion.org/blog/7-tips-credit-card-user?hsLang=en-us) [Read More](https://blog.usccreditunion.org/blog/7-tips-credit-card-user?hsLang=en-us) - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) ## [Three Smart Tips for Home Buyers](https://blog.usccreditunion.org/blog/three-tips-for-homebuyers?hsLang=en-us) Posted by [Sydney](https://blog.usccreditunion.org/blog/author/sydney) on Sep 10, 2020 2:14:27 PM [![family sitting outside of their home ](https://blog.usccreditunion.org/hubfs/AdobeStock_188223479.jpeg)](https://blog.usccreditunion.org/blog/three-tips-for-homebuyers?hsLang=en-us)   [Read More](https://blog.usccreditunion.org/blog/three-tips-for-homebuyers?hsLang=en-us) - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) ## [Create a Successful Budget for Times of Uncertainty](https://blog.usccreditunion.org/blog/create-a-successful-budget-for-times-of-uncertainty?hsLang=en-us) Posted by [Sydney](https://blog.usccreditunion.org/blog/author/sydney) on Aug 10, 2020 4:52:31 PM [![couple looking at budget](https://blog.usccreditunion.org/hubfs/AdobeStock_144530280.jpeg)](https://blog.usccreditunion.org/blog/create-a-successful-budget-for-times-of-uncertainty?hsLang=en-us)   [Read More](https://blog.usccreditunion.org/blog/create-a-successful-budget-for-times-of-uncertainty?hsLang=en-us) - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) ## [Avoid Debt & Recession-Proof Your Finances](https://blog.usccreditunion.org/blog/avoid-debt-recession-proof-your-finances?hsLang=en-us) Posted by [Sydney](https://blog.usccreditunion.org/blog/author/sydney) on Aug 10, 2020 4:47:26 PM [![couple discussing finances](https://blog.usccreditunion.org/hubfs/AdobeStock_256966386.jpeg)](https://blog.usccreditunion.org/blog/avoid-debt-recession-proof-your-finances?hsLang=en-us)   [Read More](https://blog.usccreditunion.org/blog/avoid-debt-recession-proof-your-finances?hsLang=en-us) - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) ## [Tips to Stay on Top of Your Finances from Anywhere with Remote Banking Options](https://blog.usccreditunion.org/blog/tips-to-stay-on-top-of-your-finances-from-anywhere?hsLang=en-us) Posted by [Sydney](https://blog.usccreditunion.org/blog/author/sydney) on Mar 11, 2020 1:56:46 PM [![](https://blog.usccreditunion.org/hubfs/AdobeStock_328954377.jpeg)](https://blog.usccreditunion.org/blog/tips-to-stay-on-top-of-your-finances-from-anywhere?hsLang=en-us) With the Coronavirus continuing to impact the health and safety or our communities, we’re here to offer you safe and easy-to-use remote services to help you bank with USCCU 24/7. Our services are designed to save you valuable time, with convenient tools that help you manage your finances from the comfort of your home. Here are our tips to make sure you’re prepared to bank, wherever you are. [Read More](https://blog.usccreditunion.org/blog/tips-to-stay-on-top-of-your-finances-from-anywhere?hsLang=en-us) - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) ## [Enjoy the Journey with a USCCU Auto Loan](https://blog.usccreditunion.org/blog/enjoy-the-journey-with-a-usccu-auto-loan?hsLang=en-us) Posted by [Sydney](https://blog.usccreditunion.org/blog/author/sydney) on Mar 5, 2020 9:43:11 AM [![couple in trunk of car looking at nature ](https://blog.usccreditunion.org/hubfs/AdobeStock_290213748.jpeg)](https://blog.usccreditunion.org/blog/enjoy-the-journey-with-a-usccu-auto-loan?hsLang=en-us) Remote start, leather interior, all-wheel drive – just like picking out the perfect vehicle, it’s important to find an auto loan that helps you enjoy the journey starting from the first day you drive your new vehicle off the lot. [Read More](https://blog.usccreditunion.org/blog/enjoy-the-journey-with-a-usccu-auto-loan?hsLang=en-us) - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) ## [Scholarship Do's and Don'ts](https://blog.usccreditunion.org/blog/scholarship-dos-and-donts?hsLang=en-us) Posted by [Sydney](https://blog.usccreditunion.org/blog/author/sydney) on Mar 4, 2020 3:14:31 PM [![](https://blog.usccreditunion.org/hubfs/pretty-college-student-in-casualwear-reading-TWYRDGN.jpg)](https://blog.usccreditunion.org/blog/scholarship-dos-and-donts?hsLang=en-us) Crush your applications with our quick, easy tips. [Read More](https://blog.usccreditunion.org/blog/scholarship-dos-and-donts?hsLang=en-us) - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [All posts](https://blog.usccreditunion.org/blog/all) [Next](https://blog.usccreditunion.org/blog/page/2) ## Welcome to our Blog! ### We provide the tools to build a smart financial future. At USC Credit Union we put financial success in your hands. It's your future. Own it. ### Subscribe ### Recent Posts ### Topics - [Students (10)](https://blog.usccreditunion.org/blog/topic/students) - [Home Buying (8)](https://blog.usccreditunion.org/blog/topic/home-buying) - [Budgeting & Saving (6)](https://blog.usccreditunion.org/blog/topic/budgeting-saving) - [Taxes (4)](https://blog.usccreditunion.org/blog/topic/taxes) - [auto loans (4)](https://blog.usccreditunion.org/blog/topic/auto-loans) - [Credit Unions (3)](https://blog.usccreditunion.org/blog/topic/credit-unions) - [Financial Fitness (3)](https://blog.usccreditunion.org/blog/topic/financial-fitness) - [Fraud Awareness (3)](https://blog.usccreditunion.org/blog/topic/fraud-awareness) - [credit cards (3)](https://blog.usccreditunion.org/blog/topic/credit-cards) - [Identity Theft (2)](https://blog.usccreditunion.org/blog/topic/identity-theft) - [Invest (2)](https://blog.usccreditunion.org/blog/topic/invest) - [financial education (2)](https://blog.usccreditunion.org/blog/topic/financial-education) - [Digital Services (1)](https://blog.usccreditunion.org/blog/topic/digital-services) - [IRA (1)](https://blog.usccreditunion.org/blog/topic/ira) - [Managing Debt (1)](https://blog.usccreditunion.org/blog/topic/managing-debt) - [Scholarships (1)](https://blog.usccreditunion.org/blog/topic/scholarships) - [Share Certificates (1)](https://blog.usccreditunion.org/blog/topic/share-certificates) - [account (1)](https://blog.usccreditunion.org/blog/topic/account) - [credit (1)](https://blog.usccreditunion.org/blog/topic/credit) - [credit score (1)](https://blog.usccreditunion.org/blog/topic/credit-score) - [home (1)](https://blog.usccreditunion.org/blog/topic/home) - [usc (1)](https://blog.usccreditunion.org/blog/topic/usc) see all ### Follow Us - [About Us](https://www.usccreditunion.org/apply-now/about-us) - [Contact Us](https://www.usccreditunion.org/contact-us) - [ATM & Branches](https://www.usccreditunion.org/atm-locator) - [Careers](https://www.usccreditunion.org/careers) - [FAQs](https://www.usccreditunion.org/resources/faqs) - [Rates](https://www.usccreditunion.org/rate-summary) - [Forms](https://www.usccreditunion.org/resources/forms/) - [News & Events](https://www.usccreditunion.org/resources/news-events) - [Disclosures](https://www.usccreditunion.org/wp-content/uploads/disclosures.pdf) - [Fees](https://www.usccreditunion.org/wp-content/uploads/fees.pdf) - [Privacy Policy](https://www.usccreditunion.org/wp-content/uploads/privacy-policy.pdf) - [Terms of Use](https://www.usccreditunion.org/terms-of-use) - [Sitemap](https://www.usccreditunion.org/sitemap) - - - - [Federally Insured by NCUA](http://www.ncua.gov/) **If you are using a screen reader or other auxiliary aid and are having problems using this website, please call (877) 670-5860 for assistance.** © 2025 USC Credit Union. 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