It’s back to classes, Trojans, and we’re all still wishing it was summer. But chances are, you’re getting ready to start the first day of class and making grand plans to make this semester a winner: taking good notes, studying before the morning of your test, and actually making it to that 8AM class regularly. But despite our best efforts, it can be hard to stick to these plans, no matter how great they look on paper. Here are 5 ways to crush this semester (that will actually stick!)

The stars have aligned and finally, instead of just watching those house hunting shows, it’s your turn to being the search for your first home.

There’s a lot more to homeownership than paying the mortgage loan.

For a millenial, saving can seem like a scary word. We often look at saving as something meant for adults looking to buy a house or save for retirement, simply not applicable to us. However, starting to save in your 20's can have incredibly positive effects on your financial wellbeing as you continue into adulthood. Here are some reasons saving is important and some ways to start saving (even if you think you have no money). 

College is the start of your adult life, and you'll start to see some changes in your day to day routine. From paying rent, to grocery shopping, to managing your free time and homework schedule, college comes with a lot of responsibilities you've never had to consider. One of these considerations is your personal finances. You might be wondering, "Where do I even start?". We hear you. Here's 5 helpful tips from our friends at Money Under 30 to follow as a college student getting started in your financial journey. 

If you’ve been following this blog, you may have suddenly realized that you want everyone in your family to become member-owners of the USC Credit Union. However, they might also be hesitant to make the switch. The process of closing one account and opening another appears daunting, but it is actually very easy! If you want to share the joy of lower fees, greater accessibility, and better resources with a loved one, just send this blog their way to clarify the process.

We know tax preparation isn’t fun, but, unfortunately, it’s necessary. Though it may seem like an inconvenience, filing your taxes correctly can sometimes give you a nice return. You may be reluctant to begin because of the confusion on where to start or what information is necessary. We are here, however, to simplify taxes for you so the task can seem less daunting.

What are income tax returns?

Income tax returns are documents that are used to evaluate whether you owe any taxes this year or if you are eligible for a tax refund. Taxes are calculated based on your total income minus any deductions you are eligible for.