Member Testimonial

Testimonial

My younger daughter lives in Portland OR and still banks at Metrum through the shared ‘branch’ services.  In part that’s because it makes it easier for us to lend her money when needed, but it’s also because she knows that Metrum will always help her with her financial needs — even when she’s halfway across the country.

testimonial

I have been with Metrum for a long time and have always been able to work with the same people. It’s just a luxury to know the people that handle something as important as your money.

testimonial

Metrum employees have always helped above and beyond and I have had several interesting occasions to need it!

Latest News & Events

Step 5: Manage Your System

The fifth and final step in developing an effective spending plan is to commit to manage your system for the long term. The key to any successful spending plan is to get into the habit of managing a system that works for you.

  • Track expenses regularly
  • Pay bills regularly
  • Balance your checking (spending) account monthly
  • Review goals annually or after major life change
  • Does your spending plan fit with your goals?

As you can see, you need to start with the end in mind—always keep your goals in mind as you develop your road map for spending.

Remember-

  • Set SMART goals by making them specific, measurable, adjustable, realistic, and time-oriented.
  • Try several tracking methods and then use the one that works for you.
  • Use spending plan work sheets and the cash-flow statement to help you reach your goals.
  • Give yourself an annual checkup and make adjustments as necessary.

 

More money-saving tips

  • Send in rebates and use coupons
  • Drive sensibly to save on gasoline
  • Brown-bag it
  • Don’t go grocery shopping when…
  • Install a programmable thermostat/use ceiling fans
  • Make saving a habit:
    • Payroll direct deposit
    • Save one year’s raise
    • Holiday Club account
    • Automatic Withdrawal

Any other tips? Share on our Facebook Page!

Practical money-saving tips…

  • Pay down debt
  • Refinance loans for better rates/lower payments
  • Bundle insurance with one company
  • Shop around for insurance and credit (annually)
  • Use credit cards wisely
    • Only charge what you can pay in full
    • Eliminate late payment fees; pay on time
    • Understand terms and conditions of each card

Pay Down Debt:

There are a couple of methods to help get debt paid down quickly. Which way you chose may depend on how much you owe. You may even end up combining the methods.

Power Paydown: This pays off debt in order of interest rate. The higher rate debt gets paid off quicker while you make minimum payments on all others.

Snowball Paydown: This pays off debt in order of balances. The lower balance debt gets paid offer quicker while you make minimum payments on all others.

  • Once you payoff a debt, take that payment and add it to the minimum payment on the next lowest balance.
  • Seeing debts get paid off is motivating- Keep up the progress!

Contact a Loan Officer at MCCU to ‘run the numbers’ to determine whether a debt consolidation loan, refinancing a mortgage or even an auto loan makes sense for you.