Val - River Valley Credit Union

Val's posts tagged: budget

5 Easy Steps to Cut Cable

Posted On: February 19th, 2020

Have you ever thought about cutting cable? It can be a great way to save money and a low-cost way to tailor your TV channels to your tastes. Streaming services are on the rise, last year saw the addition of Apple TV + as well as Disney +, who saw 10 million people sign up in one day! ...read more

Credit Unions Vs Banks: What is the Difference?

Posted On: February 13th, 2020

What is the difference between a credit union and a bank? We in the credit union movement get that question all the time. The truth is, not much, at least on the surface. We appear to be very similar. Both offer savings products, loan products, checking accounts, etc. We both deliver those services through various channels such as a branch network, mobile network, auto dealership networks, ATM’s and such. Banks typically are larger with more branches and more customers. ...read more

10 Activities Happening This Month

Posted On: July 25th, 2019

Hey moms and dads! Looking for something fun to do in the Dayton area? I have you covered! There is always a lot going on in our area; you just have to know where to look. Facebook is a great resource! You can search the events page and find all kinds of unique things going on in your area. Below are some of the fun activities, both indoor and outdoor, that I thought were worth sharing. ...read more

How to Build Your Child's Credit

Posted On: July 25th, 2019

As adults, we all know how important credit is. A high credit score usually means lower interest rates on loans. A solid credit rating also makes it easier to get those loans because banks and credit unions are more willing to lend to those who have demonstrated timeliness in paying off the loan. Getting your kids to understand the importance of credit can be a challenge, but it’s a worthwhile endeavor as helping them build their credit from a young age will give them real-world experience while still living at home. ...read more

Plan a Party on a Budget

Posted On: July 24th, 2019

Planning a party can be a lot of work. You have to take care of food prep, decorations, activities and most importantly, getting guests to show up! If you are like me, everything has to be perfect, which makes it that much more stressful—and then there is the cost of throwing a party! ...read more

10 Ice Cream Recipes to Celebrate National Ice Cream Month

Posted On: July 16th, 2019

Ice cream is one of my favorite things in the world. I’ll eat it any time of day, any time of year! Typically, people eat ice cream a lot more in the summer, which is why July is National Ice Cream Month. In 1984, President Ronald Reagan declared July National Ice Cream Month and the third Sunday in the month as National Ice Cream Day. ...read more

8 Fun Things to do in Ohio

Posted On: June 25th, 2019

Typically, when you think about taking a vacation, you don’t think about vacationing in your home state. I was that way too … until a friend took me to Hocking Hills! It was so beautiful and unique I felt like I actually had left Ohio even though I was only 2 hours from home. ...read more

A Beginners Guide to Hiking

Posted On: June 20th, 2019

Hiking is one of my favorite activities. It allows you to escape from the stresses of everyday life and gets you outside. You get a unique experience when hiking. Plus the views are incredible! Something about smelling the fresh air and hearing the animals instantly puts me in a better mood. Another added bonus is it is a great form of exercise, anyone can do it no matter your age or fitness level. ...read more

Free Summer Fitness

Posted On: June 18th, 2019

Ah summer! The days are longer, and the weather is more cooperative, which makes it nice to be outdoors. The best part about summer for me is all the free events going on! From festivals and concerts to workout classes and more, there are all kinds of free events and activities you can attend. ...read more

Helpful Tips for Your First Cruise

Posted On: June 11th, 2019

Well, I am back on dry land! I just returned from my first ever cruise and it was a lot of fun! I had no idea what to expect beforehand, so I was a little nervous to get on the ship. I tried to do some research ahead of time to answer a few questions I had, but there wasn’t much information out there. That said, I figured it would be a good idea to share my first cruise experience to hopefully help others in their decision to book a cruise for the first time. ...read more

Upcoming 5ks

Posted On: May 17th, 2019

I did my first 5k of the year a few weeks ago. While it was still a little chilly, it was nice to get outdoors. 5ks are a lot of fun – especially if the run has a crazy theme. The one we did was Martian themed, and some of the costumes were crazy cool! As the weather gets warmer, it is pretty easy to find and sign up for a 5k each weekend if you want to really get into it. ...read more

5 Budgeting Apps to Try

Posted On: May 17th, 2019

When it comes to financial apps, there are so many great ones out there that it’s no surprise this is my third blog post about them! If you want to read about the other apps I have previously highlighted, you can check them out here and here. Each one of the apps I write about I download and test out. ...read more

6 Chocolate Chip Recipes for National Chocolate Chip Day

Posted On: May 14th, 2019

Tomorrow is National Chocolate Chip Day. Naturally, I immediately thought about chocolate chip cookies! They have to be one of the most popular cookies in the world – it seems that everyone loves them! ...read more

5 Things to do With Mom This Weekend

Posted On: May 8th, 2019

Each year for Mother’s Day, I end up getting my mom flowers or cupcakes from her favorite place. This year, I wanted to do something a little different. As I was searching for new ideas, I was surprised to learn there are a lot of events this weekend in celebration of Mother’s Day that aren’t brunch. ...read more

8 Fun Things to do This Spring

Posted On: April 30th, 2019

It is that time of year again. As the weather becomes more and more agreeable, there is more and more to do! We already have things planned for the next six weeks! The best part is, a lot of these things are free. Festivals, workout classes and city-wide events are starting to show up on event pages. Below are some of the fun things happening in the next month or so. ...read more

10 Healthy and Delicious Recipes to Try

Posted On: April 23rd, 2019

Many people think eating healthy means a diet of bland, boring foods. It certainly can be, but it doesn’t have to be. When I first started my healthy lifestyle journey, I thought eating healthy meant eating salads for every meal; however, the more I searched for healthy recipes, the more surprised I was at just how many amazing options are available. ...read more

6 DIY Projects to Do with the Kids

Posted On: March 22nd, 2019

Without the great outdoors always available, finding ways to entertain the little ones can be difficult during this time of year. The weather can be so unpredictable so getting outside isn’t always an option. Faced with this dilemma, I have started looking for fun DIY things to do with my three-year-old. ...read more

Learn How to Protect Your Child From Identity Theft

Posted On: March 15th, 2019

While we all know how important it is to protect our identities from theft, it often doesn’t occur to parents to take measures to protect their child’s identity. Fraudsters can easily steal your child’s identity without you realizing it until years later. The thieves use the information the same way they would yours: to open fake accounts, credit cards and loans. ...read more

7 Pancake Recipes to Try This Weekend

Posted On: March 12th, 2019

I recently went to the Maple Syrup Festival and have been thinking a lot about pancakes ever since—go figure! We learned about tapping the trees and how the syrup is made. Did you know it takes 5 gallons of sap to make one pint of maple syrup? My brother-in-law is tapping their trees and shared this fun fact with me when he brought over some homemade syrup. ...read more

7 Fun Things Happening in Dayton

Posted On: February 21st, 2019

Looking for something fun to do in the Dayton area? I have you covered! There is always a lot going on in our area, you just have to know where to look. Facebook is a great resource for this. You can search the events page and learn about all the unique things going on in your specific area. Below are some of the fun activities, both indoor and outdoor, that I thought were worth sharing. ...read more

4 Last Minute Valentine's Gift Ideas

Posted On: February 12th, 2019

Roses are red, violets are blue, I feel like 2019 is flying by, don’t you? It is already time for Valentine’s Day! I always struggle to come up with the perfect Valentine’s Day gift. My indecisiveness usually causes me to wait until the very last minute to pick something up and more often than not it is just a box of chocolates, which end up sitting on the counter for weeks. ...read more

Keep Your Online Data Safe

Posted On: January 28th, 2019

You hear a lot about data privacy in the news these days. But have you heard of Data Privacy Day? It was created in 2007 with the purpose of raising awareness and promoting good practices when it comes to securing your personal data. The world today is more connected than ever, and thereby more vulnerable, especially with the wide variety of popular social media sites. ...read more

Happy Pie Day! 7 Yummy Pie Recipes to Try.

Posted On: January 23rd, 2019

Happy National Pie Day! Not to be confused with National Pi Day, however. One celebrates food and the other numbers. Pie Day came about in the 1970s when Charlie Papazian declared his birthday, January 23, to be National Pie Day. Since 1986, National Pie Day has been sponsored by the American Pie Council, an organization dedicated to preserving America’s pie heritage and promoting America’s love affair with pies. ...read more

8 Fun Ways to Celebrate Valentine's Day in Dayton

Posted On: January 18th, 2019

Can you believe it has been almost a year since I started my blog? My first post covered Valentine’s Day! (Read it here). That said, it is truly a full-circle moment for me as I write this post on Valentine’s Day activities in the Dayton area. Typically people go to a fancy restaurant to celebrate the holiday, but there are plenty of other options—including tickets to Hamilton that I will be giving away! ...read more

5 Winter Themed DIY Decor Projects

Posted On: January 10th, 2019

Winter is coming! Just kidding, it is already here. I don’t know about your home, but mine looks bare without all the Christmas decorations. Beyond those specifically for Christmas, I have very few winter decorations—though I hope to remedy that situation over the course of the season. ...read more

Ways to Start Saving for Next Year's Holiday Season

Posted On: December 27th, 2018

The holiday season is almost over, which means your finances can take a break. Don’t get me wrong, I love Christmas! I enjoy shopping and wrapping gifts, but my favorite part would have to be the expressions on people’s faces when you find the perfect gift for them. ...read more

6 Cookie Recipes to Try

Posted On: December 21st, 2018

My Baum Opera House friends are hosting their annual cookie exchange today, so naturally I have cookies on the brain right now. They are one of my favorite desserts to make. I have old favorites, but I also love trying new varieties of cookies. Needless to say, we always have cookies in our house! And, one of the sweetest things about cookies is that you can make a large amount of cookies in a short amount of time. For the holidays, cookies are my dessert of choice. Here are a few of my favorite recipes perfect for any time of year. ...read more

The Best Places to See Holiday Lights

Posted On: December 11th, 2018

Christmas light displays are my favorite part of Christmas. When I was a kid, my parents used to drive my brother and I around the local neighborhoods to see all the light displays. Now I get to do the same thing with my little one, and she loves it! We usually visit three or four different places each year. If you want to spend an evening seeing the light sights, check out some of the following displays in the Dayton area. ...read more

8 Homemade Gifts to Try This Holiday Season

Posted On: December 7th, 2018

Sometimes I think shopping for gifts is the most stressful part of the holidays. Fighting the crowds, worrying about prices, trying to determine the perfect gift for someone—it can all be overwhelming. Granted, online shopping has helped with the crowds, but if you really want to avoid some of the usual pain points of holiday shopping, why not make someone a gift instead of just clicking “buy now”? I love handmade gifts. Not only can you can save some money by making gifts, you can tailor the gifts I have in mind to individual preferences. ...read more

7 Easy Christmas DIY Projects

Posted On: December 4th, 2018

Christmas is already the most wonderful time of the year, and having a little one around to share it with makes the holiday season even better. I get to see everything through her eyes. She sees all the decorations and gets so excited for the upcoming festivities. Each night when we get home, she gets to turn on her tree and exclaims, “Mommy! My Christmas!” ...read more

How to Make a Faux Fireplace

Posted On: November 30th, 2018

All through the month of December, River Valley is having pictures with Santa. That means there will be a lot of festivities and fun at all of our branches. The Beavercreek office got really creative and made a whole background for the pictures, and it is so cute! The crown jewel of their background is an amazing fireplace they made. It looks so real! I love it so much I want to make one for my house. ...read more

5 Yummy Recipes to Try This Thanksgiving

Posted On: November 16th, 2018

When you think of Thanksgiving what comes to mind? For me its food, family and football! Like most, it turkey is the traditional main dish of our Thanksgiving meal. But, we don’t always have the same sides or even the same desserts each year. Every year, I like to include a few new things to mix it up. While searching for new recipes for my family (can you believe Thanksgiving is next week?) ...read more

5 Simple Thanksgiving Projects

Posted On: November 14th, 2018

The holiday season is almost here! That means we spent the weekend taking down our Halloween decorations and putting up our Thanksgiving stuff. While getting our decorations out I realized I don’t have much for Thanksgiving. In recent years it seems to me that Thanksgiving has just been skipped over a bit, with most retailers going right from Halloween to Christmas. ...read more

10 Fun Things Happening This Month

Posted On: November 9th, 2018

It is starting to get a little chilly outside, but that doesn’t put a damper on fun! In fact, November is when all the Christmas festivities begin in various cities around Dayton. Personally, I know our calendar is filling up quickly! ...read more

Exciting News About Shoes 4 the Shoeless

Posted On: November 2nd, 2018

I love the holidays! All the family get-togethers. The feasts. The spirit of giving. It is around this time of year especially that I think it’s important to remember all I have and support where I can those who are less fortunate. That is why I am excited to tell you about a special giving opportunity going on now at River Valley Credit Union – especially for our current credit card holders! ...read more

8 Spooky Recipes for You Halloween Party

Posted On: October 26th, 2018

Halloween parties are a whole lot of spooktacular fun, and it seems everyone I know is hosting one. They are a great way to get adults involved in the holiday. One aspect that I really like is the decorations and themed food that go into throwing a great party. ...read more

5 Easy DIY Ideas for Halloween

Posted On: October 23rd, 2018

Halloween is almost here which means I have been feeling extra crafty lately! Each season and holiday I try to include a few new décor items so our set-up is always changing. I can never find exactly what I want in the stores, so I find it easier (and most of the time cheaper) to make it myself ...read more

How to Start Increasing Your Credit Score

Posted On: October 12th, 2018

A few weeks ago we talked about credit scores and how they are important. You can read the blog post here. Today I want to talk about how to increase your credit score. This is probably the question our loan representatives are most often asked. As I mentioned in the previous post, having a good credit score is very important. It increases lenders’ willingness to lend you money with lower interest rates. ...read more

7 Delicious Soups to Try This Fall

Posted On: October 9th, 2018

Soup season is here! Who I am kidding. If you love soup as much as I do, it’s soup season all year long. It’s hard to beat the comfort of a warm bowl of soup on a cold night, though. Soup is also great when you aren’t feeling well. And if those aren’t enough reasons to love soup, remember that it is also usually easy to make and pretty affordable. Sometimes we have enough soup leftovers to last us a whole week. ...read more

6 DIY Projects Perfect for Fall

Posted On: October 3rd, 2018

Fall is officially here! It is my favorite time of year—for a lot of reason. I love watching the colors change on the trees and feeling the crisp, cool air, all the outdoor Octoberfests and other fall events …. ...read more

Understanding Credit Scores

Posted On: September 25th, 2018

Everyone knows credit scores play an important role in our financial lives, but not many people understand why or how it all works. Further, it is really important to have a good credit score. Your credit score is based on how well you manage (or don’t) your credit usage and debt. Having a good credit score increases lenders’ willingness, like banks and credit unions, to lend you money with lower interest rates. Most of us will need a loan at one time or another in our life, which is why understanding and having a decent score is so important. ...read more

How to Pull the Plug on Cable

Posted On: September 21st, 2018

Have you ever thought about cutting cable? Not only can it be a great way to save money each month, but you might also be surprised to find you won’t miss it! We live in a world of ever-improving technology, which means there are plenty of options for viewing TV shows besides cable and satellite. In 2016, the average American household spent $1,236 a year on cable. That is a lot of money! ...read more

How to Start Working From Home

Posted On: September 14th, 2018

Working from home sounds amazing doesn’t it? You don’t have to worry about being late or what to wear. You have more flexibility than in a traditional office setting and it is a great way to supplement your income. It seems most people would love to work from home, but don’t know how to start. ...read more

8 Honey Recipes for National Honey Month

Posted On: September 12th, 2018

Get ready for some really sweet news. September is National Honey Month! The National Honey Board originated the idea in 1989 to promote beekeeping and using honey as a natural sweetener. Honey can be used in many more ways than just as a topping on toast or oatmeal (my favorite way to eat honey!). It is thought there are some health benefits to honey; some people claim it has helped with burns and infections. The World Health Organization as ...read more

Fall Gardening Tips

Posted On: September 7th, 2018

Most people don’t think of the fall season as a time for gardening, but it is! Before you get started planting, though, you need to know the hardiness zone for your area. In 2012, the USDA created the plant hardiness zone (see the map here ) to help gardeners determine which plants are most likely to thrive in a specific location. Ohio has three different hardiness zones. ...read more

Pros and Cons of Subscription Boxes

Posted On: August 31st, 2018

Subscription boxes are fun! They’re like getting a gift in the mail each month, although unfortunately you have to pay for this gift. Here is how they work: Each month you receive in the mail a box of items curated for you personally based on the preferences you indicated on a questionnaire. Typically you are charged a monthly fee for the box and receive anywhere from three to five items of different value each month. ...read more

5 Easy DIY Summer Decorations

Posted On: August 14th, 2018

I love having décor for every season; it really brightens up my home. The stores are starting to fill up with fall and Halloween decorations but I am not ready to leave the summer yet! I like to do my seasonal crafts a little late in the season to get more of a discount on items. It makes it feel like I get to stay in the season just a little bit longer. ...read more

8 Dorm Room Friendly Recipes

Posted On: August 10th, 2018

Going off to college is an exciting but nerve-wrecking time, especially if you are living in a dorm. This means you have to take care of everything yourself—even your meals. Now, most colleges offer meal plans to help make sure students get three squares a day, but that can get expensive quickly and kind of boring. ...read more

8 Peach Recipes for National Peach Month

Posted On: August 7th, 2018

Did you know August is National Peach Month? It makes sense, because I’ve always associated peaches with summer. I love a good and juicy peach on a warm summer day. Did you know that peaches are actually a member of the rose family and originated in China (which happens to be the largest producer of peaches in the world!)? Italy is the second largest. We call Georgia the Peach state, but 50% of all our peaches are grown in California! ...read more

4 Tips to Make Applying for Scholarships Easier

Posted On: July 27th, 2018

Applying for scholarships and grants is a daunting task, but it doesn’t have to be. Most students are overwhelmed and don’t know where to begin. I know I didn’t. While it’s great that there are so many resources available now to potential students, at the same time, having so many resources can be a bit overwhelming. Adding to the challenge of “too many choices” is the fact that you will be giving out your personally identifying information to many different places. ...read more

10 Tip to Make Your First Year in College a Little Easier

Posted On: July 19th, 2018

It’s hard to believe, but school will be back in session soon. Move-in day for your college freshman will be here even sooner! Starting college can be a daunting task, especially if your child is going to an out-of-town or out-of-state institution. He or she may start out not knowing anyone or even what to expect, but eventually everything usually falls into place. I know my first few months in college were a big eye opener for me. ...read more

8 Fun Summertime Kids Activities

Posted On: July 17th, 2018

I love summer! The days are warmer and longer, so there is more time for outside fun. Summer is also the time of year when the kiddos are out of school and home full time. When I was young, I used to spend my summers at the local pool and library, but pool passes can get expensive, and not every kid enjoys reading. That said, there are many free and low-cost summer activities ...read more

Credit vs. Debit: When to Choose the Right Card

Posted On: July 13th, 2018

Most of us have debit and/or credit cards and use them frequently. They are easy to use and extremely convenient. They give you instant access to the money in your account without having to set foot in a credit union. Because debit cards are linked directly to your checking account, each time you swipe the card, money comes directly out of your account. Actually, a credit card is essentially a loan: ...read more

5 Ways to Start Saving

Posted On: July 10th, 2018

Ideas on how to save money have been the most requested topic from readers. Having a savings account is so important, but many people simply can’t or don’t know how to build up their nest egg. The general rule of thumb is that you should have six months’ worth of expenses saved up for unexpected situations. ...read more

5 Finance Apps You Should Add to Your Phone

Posted On: July 6th, 2018

When it comes to personal finance apps, there is a wealth of them to choose from. So many, in fact, that even though I talked about them before (you can read my prior post here). I wanted to do a follow-up on the subject and cover a few more. With these apps, your smartphone becomes a great tool in improving your financial health and knowledge, helping build your savings account, and even paying off debt. ...read more

7 Easy Independence Day DIY Projects

Posted On: June 29th, 2018

Can you believe June is almost over? The year is sure flying by. That means that Independence Day, one of my favorite holidays, is just around the corner! I love the history of the holiday as well as the festivities that come with it. Each year, we have a big cookout for all of our family and friends and then walk to the neighborhood park to see fireworks. As I am sure you know by now I enjoy DIYing a lot of things and Independence Day decorations are no exception! ...read more

5 Delicious Camping Recipes to Try

Posted On: June 22nd, 2018

One of the best things about camping is the food! While writing the previous post on camping, I got to thinking about camping recipes. When I was looking for recipes from the family’s last camp outing I was surprised at the wide variety of items we could make over the fire. We only used our stove once. The nice thing about all of these recipes is you can choose to make them while you are at camp, or you can prep them beforehand. This way you can have more than just hotdogs and s’mores all weekend. Let’s dig in! ...read more

A Beginners Guide to Camping

Posted On: June 19th, 2018

We love camping; it is a great escape from the stresses of everyday life and a fun and inexpensive way to enjoy the great outdoors with your family. I must confess, though, I am still fairly new to camping. My husband is a pro; he grew up camping and spent most of his youth in the Boy Scouts for America. Last fall, after 10 years of coaxing, he finally wore me down to go camping – with our toddler no less. ...read more

4 Ways to Make Your Staycation Awesome

Posted On: June 15th, 2018

Going on vacation is a wonderful experience for the entire family. It is a great way to explore new places and spend quality time with those important to you. Vacation can be expensive, though, and if you are looking for a lower-cost alternative to vacationing away, consider a staycation! ...read more

4 Ways to Save on Vacation

Posted On: May 22nd, 2018

Like most people, I have an extensive list of places I want to visit. Apart from time, the biggest obstacle to all my travel plans is ... you guessed it … money. But actually, traveling doesn’t have to be expensive. When it comes to booking a vacation, at home or abroad, there are many different ways to save money. For example, I have a friend who recently flew out from Dayton to Las Vegas for the weekend for $120 round trip! ...read more

4 Tips to Help You Save Money on Home Renovations

Posted On: May 15th, 2018

Owning a home is a lot of work! You have regular up-keep, repairs and renovations to worry about. If you are like me, the renovations never stop, and they can get expensive. There are, however, ways to save money without sacrificing quality or style. I promise it can be done! ...read more

Money Saving Apps

Posted On: May 1st, 2018

Have you ever thought about using your smartphone to save you money? If you are like me, you use your phone for just about everything anyway. Why not use it to save money as well? There are tons of legitimate apps out there that will do just that! A while ago my friend introduced me to an app that would save me money by me simply going grocery shopping. ...read more

Teach Your Kids How to Save

Posted On: April 20th, 2018

While saving money is an important life skills topic, it is seldom taught in school. It is up to the parents to teach their kids about not just the importance of saving money and building a nest egg, but also how to go about it. As adults, most of us know how to save and what the benefits of saving money are. It is important we pass this knowledge along to our children. ...read more

Delicious & Inexpensive Slow Cooker Meal Ideas

Posted On: April 10th, 2018

Being a mom means you are busy all the time! If you are like me, that means you are always looking for ways to minimize time spent on chores so you can maximize snuggle time with the kids. One way I save time is by using my slow cooker or pressure cooker. I usually use my slower cooker and pressure cooker ...read more

Are You Ready For a Pet?

Posted On: March 27th, 2018

For those of you who have been asking yourself this question, I have some good tips and some things to keep in mind before making this BIG decision. The question really does require your careful consideration. Before committing to a new puppy or kitten ...read more

What to do Before Buying a Car

Posted On: March 23rd, 2018

Last week I decided to buy a new car. The one I picked out gets great gas mileage and has a lot of cool features, but the most important thing is I got an amazing deal on it. For some, buying a new car is a stressful, drawn-out process, but it doesn’t have to be. One of the biggest challenges is sim ...read more

How to Spend Less at the Grocery

Posted On: March 6th, 2018

think it is safe to say we have all seen those crazy couponing shows, the ones where someone gets $800 worth of groceries for $20 by using manufacturer coupons. This got me thinking about ways to save money at the grocery store ...read more

Budgeting Tips and Tricks

Posted On: February 1st, 2018

The word “budget” has a negative connotation associated, similar to the word “diet.” Just thinking about starting a budget is enough to make some people anxious. ...read more

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