Helpful Articles

This is for informational purposes only. You may want to consult, investment, legal or other advisors.

Accounts & Services

• Same Day ACH: Your Automated Payments Could Clear Earlier Than You’re Used To
• Pay for Purchases and Get Cash Back
• Remember Your HELOC
• New BillPay Online Upgrades
• Make Your Loan Payment at TFCU with Ease
• With CO-OP Shared Branches, Time Is On Your Side
• EMV Chip Card Technology in TFCU Credit Cards
• Visa Gift Cards Make Great Gifts
• The Tool on Home Branch that Helps you Budget
• Protect Yourself From Identity Theft with ProtectMyID
• Funds Now Insured to At Least $250,000
• Your Money is Safe and Secure with Federal NCUA Insurance
• 10 Tips for Healthy Finances
• Bank Admits It: CUs Have Better Checking Accounts
• Change In Terms: Receipts for Small Dollar Transactions
• Check Out TFCU’s Checking Options
• Command Center Gives You Quick Access to Account Info
• Using Home Equity for Cash
• Free Online e-Statements and Check Images
• Free BillPay Online Pays Your Bills While You’re on Vacation
• Reasons Why You Should Pay Bills Online

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Auto Center

Get more great vehicle resources at the TFCU Auto Resource Center

• Three ways to save money on your commute without giving up your car
• Buying Versus Leasing a Car
• Routine Car Maintenance Can Save You Money
• Save Cash on Your Ride
• When To Drop Full Coverage
• Make Your Car Last Longer
• How To Reduce Frequent Fill-ups and Save Money
• Know Key Terms When Researching a Vehicle Purchase
• Are You Upside Down on Your Auto Loan?
• The Right Way to Sell a Used Car
• What Can I Afford?
• Low-Cost GAP Coverage

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Building Wealth

• You, by the numbers
• Weathering Market Volatility
• Choosing a Financial Advisor
• Don’t Follow National Trend; Save for Your Own Retirement
• Don’t Let Debt Derail Your Retirement Plans
• Saving for Investment When There’s Little to Spare
• Research Now for a Great Vacation this Summer
• When Disability Strikes, Know What Protections You Have

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Credit / Debit Cards and ATMs

• Pay for Purchases and Get Cash Back
• Frequently Asked EMV Card Questions
• EMV Chip Technology Now in TFCU MoneyPlus Cards
• Things to Consider When Shopping for a Credit Card
• What You Should Know About Digital Wallets
• Five Ways to Establish Credit
• New Fraud Scam Targeting Cardholders
• “How To” Steps to Properly Canceling a Credit Card
• Avoid a Surcharge When Using an ATM
• Changing Your Credit Card or Debit Card?
• The Truth About “No Interest… No Payment” Financing Offers
• Read the Fine Print to Choose the Best Credit Card for You
• Save a Trip to the ATM and Possibly a Surcharge

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Getting Married

• Merging Money Tips Before Marriage
• ‘Til Debt Do Us Part: Discuss Your Credit Before The Big Day
• Getting Married, Merging Lives, Merging Money
• Have a Memorable Wedding Without Spending a Fortune

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Goals

• Choosing a Financial Advisor
• Five wise ways to spend your extra hour
• 5 Things to Do with Your Money in the First Five Years After Graduation
• Volunteering Can Save You Money and Improve Your Life
• 5 Things You Should Do With Your Money Before 2015 Ends
• Plan Your Summer Getaway Without Going Broke
• More Suggestions for Financial Goals at Various Life Stages
• Suggestions for Financial Goals at Various Life Stages
• Suggestions for Financial Goals at Various Life Stages
• Goals: Dreams with a Deadline

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Homes

• Spruce Up for Spring!
• Tips for a Profitable Garage Sale
• What Does Mortgage Bailout Mean for Consumers?
• Can’t Pay Your Mortgage? To Receive Help, Take Steps Quickly
• Add Home Improvement and Maintenance Costs to Budget
• Choices to Maximize Your Landscape Dollars
• Watch Out for Loan Schemes that Jeopardize Your Home
• Get the Most from Your Homeowner’s Insurance
• No Renter’s Insurance a Common Mistake
• Smart Remodeling Pays Off
• Smart Home Improvements Maximize Your Dollars
• Spring Is a Great Time for Home Improvement
• Spring Maintenance Saves on Costly Home Repairs

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Identity Theft

• Watch out for these five sneaky back-to-school scams when shopping
• Google Docs Email Phishing Scam
• Facebook Fraud Warning
• Text Message Phishing Alert
• Protect your wallet and your identity from fake websites
• Avoid Being a Victim of Unsolicited Technical Support Scams
• Be Aware of Tax Scams
• Stop identity theft in its tracks with ProtectMyID
• How to Protect Yourself from SMiShing Scams
• EMV Chip Technology Now in TFCU MoneyPlus Cards
• Don’t Let a New Online Sweetheart Swindle You Out of Cash
• Stop Identity Theft in its Tracks with ProtectMyID
• EMV Chip Card Technology in TFCU Credit Cards
• Fraud Alert: Phishing Scams
• Identity Theft Still Exists: Protect Your Passwords
• Protect Your Child From Identity Theft
• Protect Yourself from Identity Theft with ProtectMyID
• IRS Watchdog Warns of Phone Tax Scam
• ID Theft and Fraud: Five Ways to Protect Your Account
• Missed Call From An Unknown Number? Better Business Bureau Warns Of “One Ring” Scam
• Major U.S. Retailer Data Breach Update
• Telephone Alert — Don’t Get Scammed By Text Phishing
• Watch Out For Medical Alert System Scam
• Tips To Prevent Contractor Fraud
• Be Careful Where You Job Hunt: New Scam On The Rise
• New Fraud Scam Targeting Cardholders
• Avoid New Online Job Scam that Requires Personal Account Information
• ATM Fraud: Keep Your Accounts Safe
• Fraud Alert: Common Scams
• Protect Your Financial Health: Avoid Medical Identity Theft
• Debt Elimination Scams You Should Avoid
• Protecting Your Online Accounts
• Are Identity Thieves Targeting Your Children?
• When You Need It, It Isn’t Junk Mail
• Giving Your Social Security Number Isn’t Always Secure
• The Latest Trend in Gift Card Scams
• Invest In A Home Shredder And Protect Yourself
• Common Scams Target Elderly
• Credit Card Scammers Targeting Accounts
• Telephone Alert — Don’t Get Scammed By Text Phishing
• Beware of Online Résumé Scams
• Avoid These Seasonal Scams
• Tax Season Brings Tax Scams; Beware of Phishing Attacks
• Clever Scammers Pose as Fraud Departments
• Don’t Be Taken In By Common Phishing Scam
• Don’t Be Taken In By Leaky Furnace Scam
• Don’t Be Taken In By Website Spoofs
• Don’t Fall for “Cost-of-Living” Scam
• Don’t Fall for Jury Duty Scam
• Don’t Get Ripped Off! Learn About Common Scams
• New Site Fights Cyber Crime
• Foil Identity Theft; Get Your Free Annual Credit Reports
• Guard Your Social Security Number Against Theft
• How Not to Get Hooked by a “Phishing” Scam
• How to Protect Yourself Against Identity Theft
• Identity Theft Tops Oklahoma Consumer Complaints
• Invest in a Shredder for Home
• IRS Warns of ‘Tax Refund’ E-mail Scam
• Lost Purse or Wallet? Take Steps to Protect Yourself
• Lotteries You Can Never Win
• TinkerFCU.org is the Official Web Site of Tinker Federal Credit Union
• Don’t Become a Victim of Online Fraud
• Online Selling Requires Caution to Avoid Being Scammed
• E-mail Phishing Scams Target Accounts
• “Phishing” for Account Information Leads to Fake Web Site
• Scammers “Phishing” for Credit Card Information
• Shopping for Scholarships? Don’t Be Taken In By Scams
• Teenagers at Higher Risk of Identity Theft than Older Adults
• Travel Tips: Protect Your Wallet and Identity
• Verifying IDs, Signatures Helps Us Foil Fraud Attempts

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Kids

• Video game scams to look out for when you or your kids play online
• Win a $1,000 Scholarship
• It’s never too soon (or too late) to save for college
• Raising Financially Confident Kids
• Educate Your Children To Be Smart With Money
• Congratulations to our Scholarship Winners
• Does Your Birth Order Affect Your Spending Habits?
• How to Say No To Your Kids
• Picking on Pennies

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Life’s Surprises

• Remember Your HELOC
• September is Life Insurance Awareness Month
• 5 Ways to Avoid Contractor Scams
• Credit Reports Reveal Errors
• Protect Your Child From Identity Theft
• Are you ready for storm season?
• Emergency Fund Essential for Life’s Unpleasant Surprises
• How To Prepare Financially for Any Disaster
• When Disability Strikes, Know What Protections You Have

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On Your Own

• Smart money tips for living on your own
• 5 Things to Do with Your Money in the First Five Years After Graduation
• Five Ways to Establish Credit
• Homeownership Not Just for Married Couples
• Organize for the New Year
• Research Now for a Great Vacation this Summer

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Raising A Family

• Video game scams to look out for when you or your kids play online
• It’s never too soon (or too late) to save for college
• Raising Financially Confident Kids
• Raising Money-Smart Kids
• Encourage Children to Save
• Preparing your teenagers for their first job
• Does Your Birth Order Affect Your Spending Habits?
• How to Say No To Your Kids
• Getting Financially Prepared for a Baby
• Keep Your Pet Healthy And Save Money
• Protect Your Child From Identity Theft
• Simple Ideas for Inexpensive Fun
• Reduce, Reuse, Recycle: Being Green Can Be A Family Affair
• Tips for Teaching Your Children about Money
• Vacation Time: Don’t Go Broke When You Go Away
• Talking Finances With Your Significant Other is Important
• Get Children Back to School Safe and Sound
• Could Your Family Be Ready For A Dog?
• Brides on a Budget
• Restore and Maintain Financial Harmony
• Financial Literacy Survey Results
• How to Prepare for a Recession
• Help Prepare Your College-Bound Students
• Suggestions for Financial Goals at Various Life Stages
• Help Your Children Become Financially Independent
• Helping Adult Children Find Their Independence
• How to Teach Your Preschooler About Money
• Kids in High School? Tips to Manage the High Cost
• Children, Baby Boomers Setting New Trends in Vacation Choices
• Oklahoma Summer Camps Keep Children Busy
• Protect Your Family by Building an Emergency Fund
• Budget for Senior Year Expenses
• Teaching Your Children To Be Smart Consumers
• Tips for Taking a Fall Vacation with School Age Children

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Reducing Debt and Credit Scores

• Five Ways to Establish Credit
• BalanceTrack Helps You Manage Your Money
• Credit Reports Reveal Errors
• Recover From the Holidays
• Free Annual Credit Report
• ‘Til Debt Do Us Part: Discuss Your Credit Before The Big Day
• Free Annual Credit Report, Protect Yourself By Being Aware
• Americans Number Two for Being Strapped for Cash
• A New Benefit: BALANCE Financial Fitness Program
• Credit Reports and Credit Scores: What’s the Difference?
• Debt Consolidation — a Solution for the Disciplined
• Get BALANCE in Your Life
• Get a Free Credit Report Review from BALANCE
• Get Help to Reduce Excessive Debt Load
• How to Boost Your Credit Score and Save Thousands in Interest
• Improve Your Credit Score
• Individual Needs … Individual Solutions
• Money-Saving Tricks that Work
• Payday Loans a Costly Option for Quick Cash
• Resolve to Lose Debt this Year; Trim the Fat in Your Spending
• Six Steps to Better Credit Scores
• Think It’s a Great Credit Card Offer? Read the Fine Print
• Transfer High-Interest Balances to a TFCU Credit Card and Save
• Use Credit Wisely to Improve Your Credit Score and Save

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Retire In Style

• You, by the numbers
• Weathering Market Volatility
• Retirement Reinvented
• Choosing a Financial Advisor
• Heritage Club Tours in 2017
• Know Your Long-Term Care Insurance Options
• Beware of These Retirement Myths
• Declutter Your Life
• Early Withdrawals From 401(k) Is A Risky Move
• What Can I Afford?
• Common Scams Target Elderly
• Tips for Tapping Your Retirement Nest Egg
• More Suggestions for Financial Goals at Various Life Stages
• IRAs Now Insured for More
• What Retirees Wish They’d Done Differently

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Shopping and Saving Money

• How to Say No To Your Kids
• Tips to Save On Your Electric Bill
• Recover From the Holidays
• Five Things You Can Negotiate To Save Money
• Cut Your Electric Bill In Summer Months
• Plan Your Summer Getaway Without Going Broke
• The Hidden Costs of Christmas: Save Now with a Christmas Club Account
• The Benefits of Starting Your Holiday Shopping Early
• Basic Guidelines On Tipping: How Much to Give
• Save Money and Stay Safe with Holiday Lights
• Ways to Save Money on Your Grocery Bill
• Simple Steps To Reduce Summer Utility Bills
• Celebrate Valentine’s Day without breaking your budget
• Great Ideas for Cutting Your Heating Bill
• Deadline for Flex Spending Account May Be Approaching
• Free Trial Offers Not Free If You Don’t Cancel
• Avoid Common Money Wasters
• How You Can Pinch Pennies on Holiday Meals
• Meal Planning Can Help Cut Costs
• Got Extra Cash? Make It Count by Spending Smart
• Choices to Maximize Your Landscape Dollars
• Avid Bargain Hunting — Money Saver or Cash Drain?
• Beware of Discount Offer on Retail Credit Cards
• Getting the Most for Your Money on Big Ticket Purchases
• Blueprint for Spending Habits
• Tips for Buying Your First Boat
• Buying a Dog? Figure the Cost BEFORE You Shop
• Choosing the Right Cell Phone
• Cooling Off Period Offers Protection to Consumers
• How to Cut Costs on Gasoline and Home Heating
• Department Store Credit Card Enticements Can Cost You More
• Buying the Right Digital Camera
• Don’t Count on Lottery to Increase Your Wealth
• Energy-Efficient Appliances Worth the Extra Cost
• For Better Fare and Room Rates, Don’t Follow the Crowd
• Go Online for Best Deals on Airfare
• Outdoor Water-Saving Tips
• Prepare for Winter to Reduce Heating Bills
• Put the Freeze on Rising Winter Heating Costs
• Change Should Prompt Review of Your Homeowner’s Insurance
• Scooter Popularity Soars Along With Gasoline Prices
• Take a “Shopping Holiday” this Holiday Season

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Students

• Smart money tips for living on your own
• Watch out for these five sneaky back-to-school scams when shopping
• Win a $1,000 Scholarship
• It’s never too soon (or too late) to save for college
• Congratulations to our Scholarship Winners
• Enjoy the Prom on a Budget
• Teenagers at Higher Risk of Identity Theft than Older Adults

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Tax Time

• It’s never too soon (or too late) to save for college
• TFCU Members Get Discount on TurboTax
• Smart Ways To Use Your Tax Refund
• Getting a Refund? Smart Ways To Use Your Tax Refund
• Our Top Ten Things To Do With Your Tax Refund
• The New Year Could Bring Tax Changes Affecting You
• Big Refund This Year? Plan Ahead to Earn More Next Year
• Deductions and Credits Allow You To Keep More
• Tax Time Made Easier and Less Stressful
• Get the Most Benefit Out of Your Tax Refund
• Tax Records You Can Trash
• Tips to Avoid an IRS Audit

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