By building financial knowledge and using our essential tools you are able to better understand the basics of saving and investing. Let ITCU’s helpful tools and links usher in your arrival.

Gain work experience or higher education?

Lately, I’ve been dealing with the dilemma that I am about to share with you. After you get your undergraduate degree, is it better to attend a graduate school or just go ahead and get out in the “real world” and start making money now? As always, there are pros and cons to each decision. Continuing school is a big decision in your life due to the amount of added time it takes to get a graduate degree, as well as a very large financial commitment. There are a series of key points to consider before making the decision.

Stress Stinks

It’s true. And it’s inevitable for some of us. A lot of people pay for school, but let’s face it, for some reason just haven’t saved up enough money on their own to write a check to the university that covers the cost of their education. Shocking, right? Anyway, the point is, a lot of people have jobs in college and still have to deal with that whole school thing, too. Then there are those people who, again, for whatever reason, didn’t get that $250,000 salary straight out of school and have to work more than one job. Then there are those who aren’t in school and earning a salary that is adequate, but they are married and supporting a family. Whatever your situation may be, at some point, you could get blindsided by stress.

Some of the best ways to deal with stress are very simple.

Choosing an Apartment

One of the inevitable problems you face when starting out on your own is finding a place to live. Whether you’re in the work force, or in school, looking for an apartment or a house to rent, may be harder to figure out than you initially expected. Don’t worry though; I’m here to help. You’re welcome.

There are definitely a lot more things to think about when you’re finding a place to stay than just getting the nicest place for the price. Something you should take into account is the utility bills. Some super-complexes, if that’s a word (Microsoft Word tells me it’s not), will include electricity, water, cable, internet, or a combination of those expenses into the monthly rent.

Name Brand vs. Generic

How to decide between the two.

Free Time Activities

Balancing work, school and fun

Back to School Finances

The end of summer and the beginning of a new budget

What Does it Mean to Arrive?

"Arriving" is all relative.

Welcome. Meet Crosby.

Thanks for tuning into my blog. My name is Crosby Butler, senior at Ole Miss, and I will be your blog author for the year.

Balancing work and your social life

The importance of a social life

Sensor Yourself on Social Media

Anyone can see what you put out there.

Which Car is Best?

Tips for your first car buying experience.

Looking for a Job

Tips for getting a job after you've graduated.

Preparing for a Real Job

What to do before you graduate to help you start a great career.

Job Interview Killers

Four big mistakes that can kill a job interview

Choosing the right college

for YOU

Break up with your Bank

Banks aren’t treating anyone right these days, don’t put up with it! Break up with your bank and join our credit union! JOIN NOW

Be Aware of Everyday Items that are Rip-offs

The biggest rip-offs on everyday items

Avoid tax mistakes

Avoid these mistakes & save some money

Tax breaks that cover most people

Find out how you can get a tax break

Cut your Grocery Bill

You can save 75% of your money by following these tips

21 Things we can live without

The recession has taught us there are some things we can live without

Pay off student loans or save for retirement?

Sometimes it is not always the best thing just to concentrate on paying off your loans

Save Money

Learn about the latest tax deductions and credits so that you can save money!

Learn how to invest at any age

Confused about investing in this financial climate? Learn how to at any age.

Don’t let budgeting be a drag – learn how to do it right!

7 reasons why you should not invest in the stock market

Don’t invest for the wrong reasons.

5 Easy Ways to Get Out of Debt

Learn how to get out of debt

Black Friday Sales: Not all that they seem!

When going out this Black Friday for sales, make sure that you read all the fine print, otherwise you might get duped.

Get Ivy League Smarts – FREE!

Invest in your career by taking ivy league classes for FREE.

Buying a home

Watch this video to learn how to put down the lowest down payment and still come out ahead

Renting: The New American Dream?

These days with the housing market being the way it is, more and more people are thinking about renting as opposed to buying. Rent or Buy?

Financial Tips for College Grads

Helpful Financial tips for grads

20 Ways to Save on a Shoestring

If you are looking to find ways to add more to your savings

Pre-Marital Financial Help

Listen to a podcast about the six money talks to have with your fiance before you walk down the aisle. Wedding Money Talks

House-Hunting?

If you’re interested in buying a house, read this article first to learn how to buy homes in 5 minutes

The New 7 Rules of Financial Security

In a world turned upside down, you must re-examine some basic assumptions. A good place to start: understanding the true nature of risk with your personal finances

Are you Financially Healthy?

Check out how healthy your finances are through this cool interactive quiz on yourFinances

9 Financial Rules to live by

Check out this article to live a financially healthy life: Rules to live by

Find out why Credit Unions are better

Ditch your current financial institution for better rates at a credit union

Need help on how to buy a car?

Go to this blog to learn how to buy a new car

Learn how to save money easily

Save Money

5 ways to beat overdraft fees!

Sick of dealing with overdraft fees? Read this article to beat overdraft fees

How to avoid financial mistakes that will haunt you

Make sure to avoid these financial mistakes