Start Here Blog
The goal of the NorthWinds Federal Credit Union blog is to provide financial tips and education to make our members more money-smart and financially secure. Start where finances thrive.
Please check out the articles below — we hope you find them helpful!
Financial Literacy Month- Business Development
During Financial Literacy Month, we often talk about budgets, credit scores, and saving strategies. But financial literacy isn’t just about numbers—it’s about people, conversations, and everyday moments that shape someone’s financial future. At NorthWinds Federal...
Financial Literacy Month – MoneyEdu
For our first post of April’s Financial Literacy month, we invite you to take control of your finances with MoneyEdu. It’s a free tool from NorthWinds FCU to help you explore budgeting tools, credit tips, and personalized financial education.
Financial Literacy Month- What is Financial Literacy, Really?
This is the final blog post of the 2025 Financial Literacy Month series, written by one of our Branch Managers, Amanda! As a Certified Financial Counselor and Branch Manager at NorthWinds Federal Credit Union, I have the privilege of helping members not just manage...
Financial Literacy Month- The Four C’s of Credit
This week's blog was written by Jamie, a Senior Lending Specialist at NorthWinds FCU! Did you know that credit score isn’t the only thing that underwriters look at when reviewing a loan application? Having a high credit score can help get you a better rate, but much...
Financial Literacy Month – NorthWinds Wealth Management
Financial Literacy Month: A Personal Message from Kristin Chim April is Financial Literacy Month, and it’s a perfect time to share some tips and insights that I hope will help you feel more confident about your financial journey. As an Osaic Institutions financial...
Financial Literacy Month Series- Running a Business
This weeks blog is written by Joe Julius! Joe has been working in banking for 27 years with the last 17 being in commercial banking/lending. He has spent most of his career with small, community banks and started at NorthWinds last November. Joe is our Vice President...
The Five Pillars of Financial Literacy
While we recognize financial literacy every month we are happy here is a dedicated month to celebrate its importance! To truly understand Financial Literacy you must understand each of the Five Pillars of Financial Literacy. Earn, Spend. Save. Borrow. Protect. EARN To...
5 Savings Challenges You Can Start Now
Making something a challenge can be pretty motivating. Here are 5 savings challenges that you can start now. Savings Challenge #1: Limit spending on frivolous items. In this challenge, you save money instead of buying something that might be considered frivolous. This...
Achieve your New Year Resolutions
Its that time of the year again! Time to start thinking about your new year resolutions. According to a 2022 poll by YouGov, 37% of respondents stated that they had a goal or resolution they wanted to achieve in 2023. If numbers remain similar for this year, there...
Don’t Let Cyber Safety Scare You!
Don't let cyber safety scare you! The idea of cyber safety can seem a little daunting but being proactive is the first step. As long as you are willing to learn and be diligent you will protect yourself and your money from scams and fraud. Six Common Scams Scammers...
Member Tool Feature: CreditSense
This month we would like to do a feature our CreditSense member tool. With school starting soon it is the perfect time to remind our members that you don't have to go to school to learn about credit. Our free CreditSense member tool is available to help you understand...
Financial Literacy Month Series: Smart Saving & Investing
There are many hurdles to reaching your financial goals, but smart saving and investing don't have to be one of them. Keep reading to learn the basics of investing and how to get started. Start Early and Be Consistent The key to smart saving and investing is to ensure...
Financial Literacy Month Series: Credit Building & Repair
To start out our Financial Literacy Month two-part blog series we have for you: Credit Building & Repair. In this article, we'll give you the basics for starting your credit-building and repair journey. We will cover dos and don'ts and provide resources to help...
The “Do Me a Favor” Scam
Do me a favor? We all know, especially as Minnesotans, that it can be pretty easy to pull at our heart strings. It can seem like such a simple request sometimes but we need to be diligent. There are a lot of scammers out there ready to pull those strings to get what...
Create Financial Habits, Not Resolutions
This year, create financial habits NOT resolutions In the new year, it is common to see people creating their "New Year's Resolutions" list. For many, this includes some sort of financial resolution and it typically doesn't last. If you are someone that typically...
5 College Money Management Tips + MNCUF Scholarship
With all of the pressure that surrounds college (moving, rigorous classes, picking a major, social engagements, etc.) many of us forget that college is a time for an important life lesson in money management. Yes, now more than ever in a young person's life it is time...
Is Starting a Business Right for You?
Starting a business...I am sure that most of us have thought about it once or twice in our lives. The thought of following your passion and being your own boss is something many dream of while grinding away at their nine to five. While it is risky, having the...
Teaching Kids about Money
The importance of teaching your kids about money at a young age cannot be overlooked. Its crazy to think about but habits and ideas about money start to solidify as young as age seven. Teaching your kids about finances at a young age can set them up to have a healthy...
The Spring Housing Market and How to Prepare
The last few years in the housing market have been…intense. With spring coming, many people are kicking their house hunting into high gear. That being said, there are ways you can start preparing yourself for the spring housing market. This spring will continue to be...
Smart Ways to Spend Your Tax Refund
Its tax refund time! While it is tempting to immediately go out and get a whole new wardrobe, consider taking a step back for a moment. Now is a great time to practice a little self-control and think about how you can get the most from your refund. Adulting is hard...
How to Build Your Credit
If you’ve ever wanted a car, home or to go to college you know that a good credit score can be the key to reaching these goals. In this article, we will discuss some tips on how to build your credit to achieve these goals. Bad credit can lead to spending more money or...
Benefits of a Credit Union
There are many benefits to being a member of NorthWinds Federal Credit Union – do you know what they are? In this article we’ll discuss six great perks you might not know and all the services that credit unions – especially NorthWinds – have to offer.
8 Ways to Optimize Your Financial Health in the New Year
The new year is a great time to evaluate your financial health and to revive your financial plans and goals. Although anytime is a great time to start, everyone should take this time to review the previous year and look for ways to improve. Below we have eight ways to...
Holiday Shopping Scams
While many of us are spending time with family, decorating, and shopping for gifts there are is an equal number spending time trying to take advantage of the season and scam online and in-store shoppers. A new AARP study shows the impact that scammers can have on...