Author: Elizabeth Gray

News, Events, Resources, Tools & Advice

a pile of $20 bills

12 steps to financial wellness – Step 1: How to Track Your Spending

We’re launching our 12 Steps to Financial Wellness with some tips on tracking your spending. It will require discipline and attention, but it’s really important! Use whatever works for you to track your spending and find where you might be wasting money! Continue reading
Elizabeth and her mom

Mother’s Day on a Budget

Mother’s Day is upon us! You want to treat mom to a great day, but you know she’ll cluck at you if you ignore all the training she gave you on being frugal and plan a budget-busting celebration. The key to making your mom feel special and loved is to think about her and what would mean the most to her. Make it personal! Continue reading
man and woman looking at laptop

Last Minute Shopping Hacks

So, in spite of all the cautions, you still waited until the last minute for your holiday shopping. Well, lucky for you, we’ve got some hacks to help. Shop early in the mornings, when the shelves are stocked, or browse online and order for store pickup. Shop your local small businesses to find great stuff and keep your money local. Remember that Dec. 14 is Free Shipping Day for those gifts you’re mailing! For fun stuff, hit the dollar store for stocking stuffers. And if all else fails, there’s always gift cards! Continue reading
men sitting on couch yelling

How to Save on Super Bowl Sunday

It’s Super Bowl time! If you, like me, agreed to host the big party this year, it might be looking like it’ll tackle your budget for a loss. Set up a strong defense by getting cheap décor in team colors. Dodge the pre-made Super Bowl trays and build your own to save big bucks. You can even go potluck! You’ll guarantee the celebration will be (pardon the football reference) a touchdown! Continue reading
boy putting wrist corsage on girl with overlay pic of learn with Liz pic

Prom on a Budget

Prom season is upon us. You could be spending a ton unless you do some careful planning and shopping! Work with your teen to set a budget, even splitting it out into categories. Look on Pinterest for some creative, low-cost “promposal” ideas and cut costs on flowers by shopping at the grocery store instead of the florist. Prom can be just as magical even on a budget! Continue reading
lady carrying blankets

Spring Cleaning

The sun is shining, the birds are chirping, the flowers are blooming — and your cluttered closets are calling. Time to roll up your sleeves and whip your home into shape...especially since it is National Cleaning Week and time for Spring Cleaning! We’ve got hacks to make it simpler, cheaper and better for the environment! Your home will be clean in no time! Continue reading
little girl peeking out from inside a Christmas gift

Ready or not, the holidays are here

Ready or not, here it comes.....It’s time for your holiday shopping! This is going to be a very challenging year in the stores and online, but we can help! Read our holiday shopping guide for great tips and advice! Continue reading
lady screaming

Frightening Financials

If your finances remind you of a horror movie, Abilene Teachers FCU can help you with reducing scary credit card balances and saving for the future. But you’re on your own when it comes to the ax-wielding pizza guy wanting to collect for more than a large pepperoni. Continue reading
man on cell phone

You Might Be Talking to a Tax Scammer

Every year, tax scams come out of the woodwork. If a caller or email says that you have to buy any kind of prepaid card to settle a tax debt or resolve identity theft, you’re getting scammed. If you think you’ve been a target of a tax scam, fight back by contacting the IRS, FTC or Social Security Administration. Stay safe this tax season. Continue reading