Niagara Regional Federal Credit Union

Tax season is wrapping up, but there’s still time to file accurately and maximize your refund. If you’re tackling your taxes at the last minute, these key steps can help you stay on track: ✅ Check for Missed Deductions & Credits - The IRS reports that nearly 20% of eligible taxpayers overlook the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), which could mean missing out on up to $7,430 for 2023. Review deductions like student loan interest, medical expenses, and home office costs to reduce your taxable income. 📅 File Electronically & Choose Direct Deposit - E-filing with direct deposit is the fastest way to receive your refund—typically within 21 days. Paper returns, on the other hand, can take six months or more to process. Ensure your bank account details are correct to avoid delays. 📝 Request an Extension If Needed - Can’t meet the April 15 deadline? File Form 4868 to get an automatic six-month extension—but remember, you must still estimate and pay any owed taxes to avoid penalties. Interest starts accruing immediately on unpaid balances. The final stretch of tax season doesn’t have to be stressful. By taking a few smart steps now, you can avoid costly mistakes and keep more money in your pocket. Need some extra guidance? Niagara Regional FCU is here to help! #NorthTonawandaNY #ErieCounty #NiagaraCounty #AmherstNY #BuffaloNY #GrandIslandNY

Debt management is more than just making payments—it’s about having a strategy that works for your financial goals. With rising interest rates and evolving economic conditions, smart debt management is crucial. Here are three actionable strategies for North Tonawanda residents in 2025: ✅ Prioritize High-Interest Debt First - The average credit card interest rate in 2024 exceeded 20% APR*, making it one of the most expensive types of debt. If you’re carrying balances, focus on paying off high-interest debt first while making minimum payments on others. Consider a 0% balance transfer card or debt consolidation loan to reduce interest costs. 💰 Use the 50/30/20 Budgeting Rule - A 2024 Bankrate survey found that 63% of Americans live paycheck to paycheck. To break the cycle, use the 50/30/20 rule—50% of income for needs, 30% for wants, and 20% for debt repayment & savings. Automate extra payments toward loans and credit cards to stay ahead. 📉 Build an Emergency Fund to Avoid More Debt - Unexpected expenses are the biggest reason people turn to credit cards. A 2023 study showed that 56% of Americans can’t cover a $1,000 emergency. Start small—saving just $25 a week builds a $1,300 cushion in a year, helping you avoid new debt when life happens. Managing debt requires discipline, but with the right approach, you can take control of your financial future. Start today by making one small change—your future self will thank you! **APR=Annual Percentage Rate. #NorthTonawandaNY #ErieCounty #NiagaraCounty #AmherstNY #BuffaloNY #GrandIslandNY

Now Hiring Full Time Teller North Tonawanda, 1285 Erie Ave Send Resume to: [email protected] Company Description Niagara Regional Federal Credit Union is a financial institution in North Tonawanda serving individuals, families, and businesses in Niagara and Erie County. NRFCU prioritizes the financial needs of its members by offering competitive rates, cutting-edge technology, and personalized service. As a not-for-profit organization, NRFCU reinvests in its members by providing lower interest rates on loans and higher dividends. Role Description This is a full-time on-site role for a Teller at Niagara Regional Federal Credit Union in North Tonawanda, NY. The Teller will be responsible for accurately processing transactions, providing exceptional customer service, assisting members with account inquiries, and promoting credit union products and services. Qualifications Strong cash handling and math skills Customer service experience Attention to detail and accuracy Ability to work in a fast-paced environment Excellent communication and interpersonal skills Previous experience in a financial institution is a plus High school diploma or equivalent

Tax season doesn’t have to be stressful—being proactive can help you save money and even maximize your refund. At Niagara Regional FCU, we’re committed to empowering our members with smart financial strategies. Here are six actionable tips to help you prepare for the best tax season yet: 🖊️ Organize Your Tax Documents Early - Store all tax-related documents together: W-2s, 1099s, mortgage interest statements, and receipts for charitable contributions. Early filing minimizes errors and accelerates refunds—most taxpayers who e-file with direct deposit get their refunds in under 21 days. 🖊️ Contribute to Your IRA Before the Deadline - You can contribute up to $6,500 to your IRA ($7,500 if you’re 50 or older) for the 2023 tax year until April 15, 2024. Contributions may be tax-deductible and could reduce your taxable income, depending on your income and filing status. 🖊️ Take Advantage of the Child Tax Credit - If you have qualifying dependents under 17, you may be eligible for a Child Tax Credit of up to $2,000 per child. Make sure to review eligibility guidelines to claim the maximum credit available to you. 🖊️ Deduct Medical Expenses Strategically - Medical expenses exceeding 7.5% of your adjusted gross income (AGI) are deductible. Keep detailed records of out-of-pocket costs, including prescriptions, doctor visits, and medical equipment, to ensure you don’t miss out on savings. 🖊️ Use Tax Software or a Professional - Tax preparation software can uncover deductions and credits you might miss manually, often saving the average user hundreds of dollars. If your situation is complex, a CPA can provide tailored advice—especially for self-employed individuals or homeowners. 🖊️ Review Your Withholdings for Next Year - Avoid surprises by ensuring the right amount of taxes is withheld from your paycheck. The IRS offers a free withholding calculator to help you adjust your W-4 form, ensuring you maximize your take-home pay while minimizing future liabilities. A little preparation goes a long way when it comes to taxes. Let’s make this tax season your most successful yet! #NorthTonawandaNY #ErieCounty #NiagaraCounty #AmherstNY #BuffaloNY #GrandIslandNY

Valentine's Day is all about showing love, but you don’t need to spend a fortune to make it special. With a little planning and creativity, you can have a romantic day without stretching your budget. Here are three easy, money-smart tips to help you celebrate: 💘 Cook a Special Meal at Home - Instead of splurging on a fancy dinner out, why not cook something special together at home? You’ll save money, and the effort will make the evening feel even more personal. Tip: Aim for a meal that costs less than $40—think homemade pasta or a cozy homemade pizza. 💘 Give the Gift of Experience - Skip material gifts and opt for an experience you can enjoy together, like a walk in the park or a fun local event. Tip: Plan an afternoon outing for $20 or less—whether it’s a museum visit or a scenic hike, it’s the quality time that counts! 💘 Shop for Post-Valentine’s Day Deals - If you’re buying flowers or chocolates, consider waiting a few days for discounts. Retailers often mark down Valentine’s goodies right after the holiday. Tip: Take advantage of these sales and grab items at 50% off—save the extra cash for your next date night. Valentine's Day is about love, not spending big. These easy, budget-friendly ideas let you celebrate the day without stress, focusing on what really matters—time together and thoughtful gestures. #NorthTonawandaNY #ErieCounty #NiagaraCounty #AmherstNY #BuffaloNY #GrandIslandNY

For families in North Tonawanda, building a solid emergency fund is one of the most important steps toward securing financial peace of mind. Life is unpredictable, and having a financial cushion to fall back on during unexpected events can help avoid the stress of debt and financial uncertainty. Here are three practical tips to help you build an emergency fund this year: 💰 Set a Realistic Savings Goal: Start by determining how much you need in your emergency fund. Aim to save 3 to 6 months' worth of living expenses, depending on your family’s needs and lifestyle. For example, if your monthly expenses are $3,000, an emergency fund of $9,000 to $18,000 would provide a solid buffer. By breaking this amount down into manageable monthly goals, you can gradually reach your target without feeling overwhelmed. 💰 Automate Your Savings: One of the easiest ways to build your emergency fund is to automate your savings. Set up automatic transfers from your checking account to a dedicated savings account every payday. According to a 2022 survey by Bankrate, 56% of Americans don’t have enough saved for emergencies, and automating your savings ensures you won’t miss a month. This “pay yourself first” approach makes saving consistent and effortless, even when life gets busy. 💰 Cut Unnecessary Expenses to Boost Savings: To speed up your savings, review your monthly expenses and identify areas where you can cut back. For example, consider reducing discretionary spending like dining out, subscription services, or impulse purchases. According to a 2023 study by U.S. Bank, 41% of Americans don’t track their spending, making it harder to spot areas for improvement. By actively managing your spending, you can free up extra money to add to your emergency fund, allowing you to reach your goal more quickly. Building an emergency fund is essential for protecting your family against financial hardships. By setting a realistic goal, automating your savings, and cutting unnecessary expenses, you can steadily grow your emergency fund and be better prepared for whatever life throws your way. Start today, and you’ll have a financial cushion that can provide peace of mind for your North Tonawanda family for years to come. #NorthTonawandaNY #ErieCounty #NiagaraCounty #AmherstNY #BuffaloNY #GrandIslandNY

Now is the perfect time to reset your financial goals and start the year with a strong budget that sets you up for success. A well-structured budget isn’t just about cutting back — it’s about intentionally allocating your resources to build wealth, reduce financial stress, and secure your future. Here are five actionable steps to help you build a better budget for this year and beyond: 📈 Track Your Spending to Identify Patterns: Start the year by tracking every expense for a month using a budgeting app or spreadsheet. A 2023 survey by U.S. Bank found that 41% of Americans don’t track their spending, which can lead to missed savings opportunities. By tracking your expenses, you can spot patterns, uncover areas to cut back, and reallocate funds toward your goals. 📈 Prioritize Debt Repayment: To make meaningful progress in 2025, focus on paying off high-interest debt first. The average U.S. credit card interest rate is around 20.68%, which means prioritizing these debts can save you hundreds or even thousands of dollars in interest over the year. Allocating a fixed percentage of your monthly income to debt repayment will help you reduce your financial burden and gain greater control over your money. 📈 Build an Emergency Fund: Set a goal to save 3-6 months' worth of living expenses in an easily accessible savings account. According to a 2022 Bankrate survey, 56% of Americans have less than $1,000 saved for emergencies, which can lead to financial stress in times of need. Having an emergency fund will give you peace of mind and protect you from going into debt during unexpected situations. 📈 Set SMART Financial Goals for 2025: Define your financial goals for the year using the SMART framework — Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. A 2021 study by the National Endowment for Financial Education found that people with written financial goals are 70% more likely to achieve them. Whether you’re saving for a vacation, paying off debt, or contributing to retirement, clear and actionable goals will keep you focused and motivated throughout the year. 📈 Automate Savings and Investments: Automating your savings or investment contributions will ensure consistency and help you stay on track with your financial goals. A study by Fidelity found that 56% of people who automate their savings are more likely to reach their retirement targets. By setting up automatic transfers from your paycheck, you can build your savings without having to think about it each month. Taking the time to reset your finances will pay dividends throughout the year. By tracking your spending, prioritizing debt repayment, building an emergency fund, setting clear financial goals, and automating your savings, you’ll be well on your way to achieving a financially successful year. #NorthTonawandaNY #ErieCounty #NiagaraCounty #AmherstNY #BuffaloNY #GrandIslandNY

2025 is almost here! Now is the time to set financial resolutions to improve your financial future. Creating achievable financial goals is essential for building wealth and ensuring long-term stability. Here are four actionable tips to help you successfully set and achieve your financial goals this year: 🔸 Define Specific, Measurable Goals: Instead of vague resolutions like "save more money," set specific goals such as "save $5,000 for a vacation by December." Research shows that people who set specific goals are 10 times more likely to achieve them. Utilize tools like SMART criteria (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) to refine your objectives. 🔸 Automate Your Savings: Consider setting up automatic transfers from your checking account to your savings or investment accounts. According to a survey by Bankrate, 20% of Americans do not have any savings. By automating your savings, you can ensure that you consistently put away a portion of your income, even if it’s just $50 a month, leading to a potential $600 in savings by year-end. 🔸 Review and Adjust Your Budget Regularly: Establish a budget that reflects your financial goals and review it monthly. A study by the National Endowment for Financial Education found that individuals who regularly monitor their budgets are 33% more likely to reach their financial goals. Use budgeting tools or apps to help you track expenses and adjust as needed to stay on target. 🔸 Stay Informed and Educated: Invest time in financial literacy to better understand your options and strategies. The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) reports that only 34% of Americans can answer basic financial questions correctly. By taking online courses or attending workshops through organizations like Niagara Regional FCU, you can enhance your financial knowledge and make informed decisions that support your goals. By implementing these strategies, you can set yourself up for financial success in 2025. At Niagara Regional FCU, we are here to support you on your journey toward achieving your financial aspirations and securing a brighter future. #NorthTonawandaNY #ErieCounty #NiagaraCounty #AmherstNY #BuffaloNY #GrandIslandNY

As the New Year approaches, it's the perfect time to evaluate your financial health. At Niagara Regional FCU, we believe that understanding your financial status is essential for making informed decisions that lead to greater stability and success. Here are three actionable tips to help you evaluate and improve your financial health effectively: ⭐ Create a Comprehensive Budget: Begin by tracking your income and expenses for at least a month. Utilize budgeting apps like Mint or You Need A Budget to categorize your spending. Research shows that 40% of Americans don’t track their expenses, often leading to overspending. By setting a budget, you can identify areas to cut back, aiming to save at least 20% of your income for future goals. ⭐ Review and Improve Your Credit Score: Obtain your credit report from AnnualCreditReport.com and check for errors that may affect your score. On average, correcting inaccuracies can boost your score by 20 points or more. Additionally, strive to maintain a credit utilization ratio below 30%. This proactive approach can enhance your chances of securing favorable loan terms through Niagara Regional FCU and other lenders. ⭐ Establish an Emergency Fund: Evaluate your current savings and aim to build an emergency fund that covers 3 to 6 months of living expenses. According to the U.S. Federal Reserve, 39% of Americans would struggle to cover a $400 unexpected expense. Automate your savings by setting up direct deposits from your paycheck into a dedicated account. Saving just $50 a week can accumulate to a $2,600 emergency fund by year’s end, providing vital support during unforeseen challenges. By implementing these strategies, you can set yourself up for a successful year ahead and achieve your financial goals with confidence and clarity! #NorthTonawandaNY #ErieCounty #NiagaraCounty #AmherstNY #BuffaloNY #GrandIslandNY

As winter approaches, residents of North Tonawanda can expect higher energy bills due to increased heating demands. At Niagara Regional FCU, we’re committed to helping our members manage their finances effectively. Here are five practical tips, supported by specific data, to help lower your utility bills this winter: ❄️ Seal Drafts and Improve Insulation: According to the U.S. Department of Energy, sealing air leaks can reduce heating costs by 10-20%. Use weatherstripping or caulking around windows and doors to prevent heat loss and keep your home cozy this winter. ❄️ Adjust Your Thermostat: For each degree you lower your thermostat during the winter, you can save about 1% on your heating bill, according to Energy Star. Consider setting it to 68°F during the day and lowering it at night or when you're away. Niagara Regional FCU encourages smart energy habits! ❄️ Utilize Ceiling Fans Wisely: Running ceiling fans in reverse (clockwise) can distribute warm air more evenly throughout your home. This can reduce heating costs by up to 10%, as noted by the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE). ❄️ Perform Regular Maintenance on Heating Systems: Regular maintenance, such as changing filters monthly and scheduling annual tune-ups, can improve system efficiency by 5-15%. A well-maintained furnace operates more efficiently, ultimately lowering your utility bills. Let Niagara Regional FCU help you plan your budget around these savings. ❄️ Consider Energy-Efficient Appliances: Upgrading to ENERGY STAR-rated appliances can save you up to 30% on energy costs. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency reports that these appliances use less energy and water, leading to significant savings over time. By implementing these strategies, residents can better manage their winter energy costs and keep their budgets intact throughout the colder months. At Niagara Regional FCU, we’re here to support you in achieving financial wellness. #NorthTonawandaNY #ErieCounty #NiagaraCounty #AmherstNY #BuffaloNY #GrandIslandNY