Economic Stimulus Payments Starting To Arrive!

The much anticipated government Economic Stimulus refunds have started to arrive in recipients accounts.  The refunds amounting to $300 or more for individuals and $600 or more for married couples, are intended to help the economy by pumping money into consumers who will then spend it on items they need or want. 

For more information on the Economic Stimulus Payments, go the Internal Revenue’s website:  http://www.irs.gov/newsroom/article/0,,id=179181,00.html#How

Below is the schedule on when consumers can expect the refunds.  The refunds are determined by whether the 2007 refund was received electronically or by check, and the last two digits of the social security number:

People who use direct deposit will be among the first to receive the payments starting April 28.  Direct deposits will be made daily and completed by the date listed below:

DIRECT DEPOSIT

 

Last two SSN digits:	Payments will be transmitted no later than:
00 through 20	May 2
21 through 75	May 9
76 through 99	May 16

 

 

 

 Paper checks will also go out based on Social Security number.  For Social Security numbers ending in 00 through 09, the paper checks will be mailed starting May 9 and will continue through May 16.  A similar process will be repeated in the following weeks.

PAPER CHECK

 

Last two SSN digits:	Payments will be mailed no later than:
00 through 09	May 16
10 through 18	May 23
19 through 25	May 30
26 through 38	June 6
39 through 51	June 13
52 through 63	June 20
64 through 75	June 27
76 through 87	July 4
88 through 99	July 11

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 People who file a return after April 15 will receive their economic stimulus payment, but probably about two weeks later than the schedule shows.  A return must be filed by October 15 in order to receive a stimulus payment this year.

10 Smart Money Moves If You Are In Your 20s

If you’re in your 20s, you have a financial asset money can’t buy–time.  And time makes your money grow.  Here’s 10 smart money moves for twenty-somethings:

1. Set financial goals, say, to take a vacation, go back to school, get married, buy a house, or start saving for an early retirement.  Put your goals in writing, then calculate how much you’ll need to save each month to reach them.

2. Make a spending plan, limit your debt, and concentrate on paying off existing bills.  Limit debt to your ability to repay.  Monthly credit payments, excluding a mortgage, shouldn’t exceed 20% of your monthly take-home (after-tax) pay.

3. Build an emergency fund equal to three to six months’ living expenses, even if it takes years to build.  Use this fund only for true emergencies, such as unexpected car repairs, illness, or unemployment.

4. Save at least 10% of gross income for your emergency fund, future goals, and retirement.  If you can’t manage 10%, start with 5% and increase it over time.

5. Take advantage of the services offered by your credit union.  You’ll earn more when you save and pay less when you borrow.

6. Make it a priority to get adequate health, disability, auto, personal liability, and tenants’ or homeowners’ insurance.  If someone else depends on your income, you also need life insurance.

7. Once you’ve implemented your spending plan, built your emergency fund, and obtained appropriate insurance, make the most of your money by starting to invest.  The key to making the most of your money is investing small amounts gradually and sensibly over time.

8. Use tax-advantaged savings plans your employer or the government offers to save money for your retirement, such as company 401(k) retirement savings plans and individual retirement accounts.

9. Keep job options open by keeping your job skills fresh.  Get necessary training and education so your knowledge and skills stay up to date.

10. Maintain orderly financial files to keep track of your money and put your hands on important records when you need them.

Try these tips, they’ll help!

Cell Phone Scam

In the past we have heard about all kinds of scams:  phone scam, lottery scam, inheritance scams and many more.  Well, we just heard about a new one…a cell phone scam.

According to the NCUA (National Credit Union Administration), a new scam involving cell phones is starting to make the rounds.  Here’s how it works:

Targets have reported receiving unsolicited text messages sent to their cell phones. The message urges recipients to call a specified number for information regarding account discrepancies and to provide personal account information and pin numbers.

Of course, NEVER give out any personal account information or PIN numbers to ANYONE asking for it.  When in doubt, don’t do it!

Home Equity Podcast

Do you need a new roof?  New window?  How about an addition to your house?  Or, maybe something fun like a new pool or new boat!

Sounds good, but how do you pay for these?  One of the best ways is through a Home Equity Loan or Line of Credit.  This podcast will give you information about Home Equities and talk about the differences and how you can decide which is best for you.

To listen to the podcast, click the play button in the blog podcast player, or right click the link and save the MP3 version to play later.

Home Equity Podcast

For other podcasts from First New York FCU, check out the podcasts section of this blog.

First Car: Plan for the Costs of Ownership

Getting a car of your own–and it’s about time.  All you can think about is how great it’s going to be to cruise around town with your friends.  But don’t get ahead of yourself and overlook the expenses associated with car ownership.  There are a number of costly fees looking to hitch a ride with you every chance they get.

Common auto expenses shouldn’t discourage you;  they simply come with the territory of auto ownership.  When you buy your car, there will be tax, title, and license plate fees.  Then there are insurance costs and inspection fees.  And don’t forget about routine expenses like gasoline, oil changes, and tune-ups.

Research the average costs of auto insurance and other expenses ahead of time,  and save money so that you can stay ahead of the auto-expenses game.  Your preparation and resourcefulness will leave you ready for anything that tries to come between you and your new set of wheels.  Now, get out there and take a little drive–and leave auto expenses on the side of the road, looking for an unprepared driver to latch onto.

Our blog in the news!

A big thank you goes out to the Times Union of Albany NY.  Recently they featured our blog, along with our other podcasts, in-school branches and youth initiatives, in the Capitaland Quarterly.

Here is a link to the article:

http://www.timesunion.com/AspStories/story.asp?storyID=675726

Going Greener With Your Next Car

This post isn’t talking about what color car you want – it’s about cars and the environment!

If you’re as worried about climate change on the planet as you are about climate control inside your car, it’s now easier to pick out the greenest vehicle that meets your needs and budget.  The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)—which regulates tailpipe pollutants as well as measures gas mileage—has combined data from both roles into a new Green Vehicle Guide.  Consulting this and other Internet green car ratings will help you make a more informed decision.

If you look at EPA ratings, you can see which of the cars, vans, pickups, or SUVs you’re considering add least to your hometown air pollution as well as have the least impact on global warming.  And there’s a bonus: Cars with lower carbon dioxide emissions generally have higher gas mileage and so will cost you less to drive.

In trying to think green for your next car, here are some issues to consider:

• Look hard at how you use your vehicle.  Consider your actual automotive needs rather than just your wants.

• Choose the greenest in your category.  Even if the vehicles you’re interested in don’t show up in the EPA or other top ratings, remember that better gas mileage translates to lower emission of the greenhouse gas carbon dioxide.

• Don’t assume a hybrid is the only answer.  Though gas-electric hybrids top the mileage and green rating lists in most categories, you can find other green choices as well.

• Be alert for quirks in the EPA Rating.  Some vehicles flagged by the EPA as green standouts run most efficiently on E85 ethanol. Check here for E85 availability where you live; you’ll have to put in your zip code.

Greener choices–from small vehicles to large–are becoming available.  For the latest on hybrids and other green cars, visit Edmunds.com and click on Tips and Advice.