Saving Money on a Tight Budget
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Many Americans struggle financially, living paycheck to paycheck, hoping they have enough to cover all their bills at the end of the month. In fact, according to a report from the Federal Reserve, 49% of American households have about three months of expenses in liquid savings, and only 39% have saved six months’ worth.
First, you need to find out where your money is going. Start by tracking all your spending for 30 days and create a budget. Everything, even a pack of gum, should be noted using any tracking method you prefer—a notebook, your smartphone, an online spreadsheet, whatever works best for you.
Then categorize each expense. Start with basic essentials: rent/mortgage, utilities, food, transportation to get to your job, and healthcare—prescriptions and co-pays.
These five are priorities that must be paid each month. Everything else, like clothing, entertainment, gym membership, etc., are areas where you can cut back and save a little.
Writing it down and keeping track of your budget can help you take a holistic view of your spending habits and cut back where you can. Read more for other cost-saving suggestions.
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Member Products and Promotions |
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If you’re looking to build your savings, bring your money home to Mid Oregon. Whether you're hoping to maximize your returns or want flexibility for unexpected expenses, we have a variety of options for you:
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Share Certificates with terms for any need. Ask about our current special offers.
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High Yield Accounts. Earn better returns without tying up your funds. The more you save, the more you earn!
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Saver’s Club Certificates. Make a monthly deposit toward your goal, and watch your savings grow.
It’s easy to get started. Visit midoregon.com to open an account, or stop by your neighborhood branch.
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Because we love that you're a Mid Oregon member, we’re offering you special savings this tax season. Get a head start on your taxes and take advantage of member discounts that make filing your taxes easier.
Save up to $15 on TurboTax federal products. New H&R Block clients save $25 on in-office tax prep services and returning clients get the Tax Identity Shield® add-on for FREE ($35 value).
Whether you file on your own or get help from a tax pro, you’re in good hands. Visit midoregon.com for more information.
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MARCH 2023
04 66th Annual Members Meeting
09 Workshop—Take the Wheel, Get the Best Car Deal. Hosted by Wayne Hanson, Mid Oregon Community Development Officer, 6:30-7:30 p.m., Mid Oregon's East Bend Conference Room. Are you planning to buy a car? In today's environment, it is important more than ever to make a good purchase decision when you find that perfect car. Learn how to determine how much car you can afford, deal with dealers, negotiate the best car price, benefit from buying used and figure out finance options.
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APRIL 2023
03-21 Adopt-A-Bear fundraiser. Annual fundraiser supports Healthy Beginnings, which provides free health and development screenings to preschoolers throughout Central Oregon. Nearly 40% of children enter kindergarten with a barrier to their success. Donations will help ensure that every preschooler in Central Oregon is healthy and prepared to enter kindergarten ready to learn. Stay tuned for more details.
22 Mid Oregon's Annual Free Shred Day
9 a.m.-11 a.m. Bend Olney, Madras Branches,
Noon-2 p.m. Redmond, Prineville Branches.
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The Bend Chamber named Mid Oregon Credit Union recipient of the 2023 Business Excellence Award for Community Stewardship among large organizations.
"We are so honored to receive this recognition for community stewardship," said Kevin Cole, Mid Oregon President/CEO. "Supporting and improving the communities we serve is deeply embedded in the culture of Mid Oregon. It is not just something we do, it is who we are."
A huge part of what makes this honor so rewarding is that almost every team member has contributed in some way to Mid Oregon's community involvement efforts.
From in-branch fundraisings, building bikes for kiddos, volunteer efforts, financial workshops, event sponsorships for concerts, county fairs, and free days at the High Desert Museum—almost every team member can say they had a hand in winning this award.
We are proud of the way our team embraces Mid Oregon's commitment to community involvement!
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After a two-year hiatus, Mid Oregon was excited to once again sponsor its Free Family Saturdays at the High Desert Museum.
On February 11 and 25, almost 6,000 visitors of various ages enjoyed the opportunity to explore art, wildlife, and living history—for free!
There was an amazing amount of energy both days, and visitors were delighted to see even the wildlife (particularly otters Brooks, Pitch, and baby Wesley) in such playful moods. Many kiddos (and adults) left with big smiles, good memories and fun souvenirs from the gift store.
We value our long-standing partnership with the High Desert Museum and look forward to next year of providing fun, educational experiences for our Central Oregon communities.
Thank you to all who attended—see you next time!
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Date: Saturday, March 4, 2023
Location: Riverhouse Convention Center, Bend
Time: 9 a.m.-11 a.m.
Please join us for Mid Oregon's 66th Annual Meeting, on Saturday, March 4, at the Riverhouse Convention Center in Bend. Doors open at 9 a.m. for breakfast, and the business meeting will be called to order at 9:45 a.m.
Our Board of Directors and Mid Oregon leadership will share results from 2022, and highlight some of Mid Oregon's key accomplishments, and learn what we have planned for the future of our credit union. You'll also have the opportunity to hear from our invited guest speaker, U.S. Rep. Lori Chavez-DeRemer.
The event is free to all members of Mid Oregon Credit Union, so if you haven't already, register now to save your spot. Registration will close at 5 p.m., Wednesday, March 1.
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With email phishing, deciphering what’s real from what’s fake can be a challenge. Our inboxes are stuffed with emails fighting to get our attention and get us to take some action. But how to ferret-out what’s legitimate takes some cyber-smarts.
Research shows email is the primary method of spreading 92% of all malware, and the U.S. is the target of 86% of all email phishing attacks. Whether at home or at work, email phishing is relentless, but being aware of characteristics they have in common can be a powerful tool. The ability to spot those common signs of phishing before it’s too late can be the difference between a good day and a bad nightmare.
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About Mid Oregon Credit Union |
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Mid Oregon Credit Union is a full-service, member-owned financial cooperative headquartered in and serving Central Oregonians since 1957. With over 44,000 members in Deschutes, Jefferson, Crook, Wheeler, Lake, and North Klamath Counties and over $660 million in assets, Mid Oregon partners with members to meet their financial needs and to help them achieve their dreams. Mid Oregon was recently named a Top Workplace in Oregon and Southwest Washington for 2022. For more information about our services and branch locations in Bend, La Pine, Madras, Prineville, Redmond, and Sisters, please visit midoregon.com.
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541-382-1795 | 800-452-3313
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