---
title: Blog | budgeting (2)
description: budgeting | Read our latest blogs and stay up to date on your financial know how.  (2)
---

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## Our Blog

Welcome to the Members Plus Credit Union blog! We will be providing you with tips, helpful information, financial advice as well as letting you in on our opinion! We hope you find the articles below not only helpful but interesting!

---

[![Financial Success for Kids: More Than Just Dollars and Cents](https://blog.memberspluscu.org/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/mother-daughter-putting-coins-into-piggy-bank.jpg "Financial Success for Kids: More Than Just Dollars and Cents")](https://blog.memberspluscu.org/financial-success-for-kids-more-than-just-dollars-and-cents)

### [Financial Success for Kids: More Than Just Dollars and Cents](https://blog.memberspluscu.org/financial-success-for-kids-more-than-just-dollars-and-cents)

#### Jun 17th, 2025

 Introducing your kids to finances, money, and budgets while they are young is the best way to prepare them for a bright financial future as adults. In fact, financial success for kids gives them a strong foundation where they are able to make informed decisions about money to avoid financial... [Read More](https://blog.memberspluscu.org/financial-success-for-kids-more-than-just-dollars-and-cents)

---

[![5 Easy Ways to Rebuild Your Emergency Fund](https://blog.memberspluscu.org/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/closeup-cash-savings-with-black-woman-jar-finance-future-vacation-budget-money-hands-african-american-female-with-expenses-financial-profit-investing.jpg "5 Easy Ways to Rebuild Your Emergency Fund")](https://blog.memberspluscu.org/easy-ways-to-rebuild-your-emergency-fund)

### [5 Easy Ways to Rebuild Your Emergency Fund](https://blog.memberspluscu.org/easy-ways-to-rebuild-your-emergency-fund)

#### Jun 2nd, 2025

 If you have had a situation recently where your emergency fund was there to help you get through a temporary financial crisis, you are now probably looking for some smart money moves to help you replenish the important fund. [Read More](https://blog.memberspluscu.org/easy-ways-to-rebuild-your-emergency-fund)

---

[![Bank Like a Boss: Tips on Picking the Best Checking Account](https://blog.memberspluscu.org/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/young-female-with-pinkish-hair-posing.jpg "Bank Like a Boss: Tips on Picking the Best Checking Account")](https://blog.memberspluscu.org/bank-like-a-boss-tips-on-picking-the-best-checking-account)

### [Bank Like a Boss: Tips on Picking the Best Checking Account](https://blog.memberspluscu.org/bank-like-a-boss-tips-on-picking-the-best-checking-account)

#### May 13th, 2025

 By now, most thirty-somethings understand the importance of a good checking account with a financial institution you trust. Savvy consumers also know that not all checking accounts are created equally, so doing your homework is crucial for finding the perfect fit for your financial needs. If you... [Read More](https://blog.memberspluscu.org/bank-like-a-boss-tips-on-picking-the-best-checking-account)

---

[![Debt Management: Good, Bad, and Smart Financial Moves](https://blog.memberspluscu.org/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/pensive-male-customer-looking-away.jpg "Debt Management: Good, Bad, and Smart Financial Moves")](https://blog.memberspluscu.org/debt-management-good-bad-and-smart-financial-moves)

### [Debt Management: Good, Bad, and Smart Financial Moves](https://blog.memberspluscu.org/debt-management-good-bad-and-smart-financial-moves)

#### Jan 31st, 2025

 From mortgages and car payments to credit cards and student loans; having some debt is normal. The important thing is that you exercise excellent debt management skills to ensure your financial moves are smart ones. [Read More](https://blog.memberspluscu.org/debt-management-good-bad-and-smart-financial-moves)

---

[![You Need a Budget – Here’s 11 Ways Our Experts Will Help](https://blog.memberspluscu.org/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/close-up-hands-counting-money.jpg "You Need a Budget – Here’s 11 Ways Our Experts Will Help")](https://blog.memberspluscu.org/you-need-a-budget-heres-11-ways-our-experts-will-help)

### [You Need a Budget – Here’s 11 Ways Our Experts Will Help](https://blog.memberspluscu.org/you-need-a-budget-heres-11-ways-our-experts-will-help)

#### Mar 13th, 2024

 Making a budget isn’t difficult; in fact, 80% of Americans say they have one. The problem comes when people try to stay on a budget. Approximately 80% of those who made a budget did not follow it, resulting in an average of $7,400 in overspending per year. So, how do people who need a budget stay... [Read More](https://blog.memberspluscu.org/you-need-a-budget-heres-11-ways-our-experts-will-help)

---

[❮](https://blog.memberspluscu.org/tag/budgeting/page/1) [1](https://blog.memberspluscu.org/tag/budgeting/page/1) [2](https://blog.memberspluscu.org/tag/budgeting/page/2)

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