Some of the most important #learning you can do at college won’t take place in the classroom. You’ll learn how to manage your money! You’ll need to create a budget, being sure that essential bills are covered before you get to your “fun” money, and minimize expenses by doing things like eating in as much as you can. Keep your student loan debt down as much as possible, and work on building your credit by doing things like becoming an authorized user on a family member’s credit card. Also, take advantage of campus resources like financial literacy workshops. You’ll be a financial wizard before you finish your first accounting class!

Here at Ideal CU, we are proud to offer small business loans to our entrepreneurial members at affordable interest rates and easy eligibility requirements. Here are six popular ways to use a small business loan. 

If you’re a first-time #homebuyer, the amount of work that goes into the purchase can be daunting, but stick with it! Get your finances ready by boosting your credit score, saving for a down payment and setting your budget. Choose a lender and get preapproved for your mortgage. Now, find an agent and look for your dream home! Once you find it, make an offer, get your mortgage finalized and schedule a home inspection and appraisal. Get homeowner’s insurance to cover your new purchase. Then all you have to do is close the deal and move in!

This year, take a real #vacation from work! Finish up as much work as you can before you leave, and make a plan for real emergencies. Set an out-of-office message on your email, and don’t use it for any travel-related messages. Leave your laptop at home, and use the Do Not Disturb function on your phone to silence calls and texts as much as you can, and don’t talk about work. Trust your team back at the office, and block out the first day after your vacation for clearing the pile of work that will no doubt be waiting for you. RELAX!