Life is full of major milestones—events that shape our futures and create lasting memories. Whether it’s pursuing higher education, buying your first home, planning a dream vacation, or preparing for retirement, each milestone comes with financial considerations.

With Thanksgiving being so late this year, it may feel like the holiday shopping season has flown by. You gobbled down the turkey, rushed out for Black Friday shopping, and suddenly, it’s December! If you’re like many, you still have plenty of shopping to do, with just a short time to do it. But don’t let the holiday rush stress you out. We’ve got a few tips that may help you take control of your last-minute Christmas shopping.

As a member of Heartland Credit Union, we care about your financial well-being and want to help you plan for the future. One important aspect of being financially prepared is having an emergency fund. Let's look at what that means and how you can start building one. 

Life is full of surprises, and while many of them are joyful—a last-minute getaway or a family celebration—others, like an unexpected car repair or medical bill, can be stressful and expensive. That’s when an emergency fund becomes your financial safety net, giving you peace of mind to enjoy life now while ensuring you’re prepared for the unexpected.  

Most of us rely on our smartphones every day, whether for work, staying connected with loved ones, or managing finances. But when the unexpected happens—a cracked screen, water damage, or even theft—replacing or repairing your phone can be expensive.

Automatic savings is a simple yet powerful tool that ensures you’re consistently working toward your financial goals, whether paying down debt, preparing for emergencies, or saving for long-term dreams.

Have you ever dropped your cell phone and hoped the screen wasn’t cracked? Or found yourself stranded with a flat tire? Or maybe you’re just trying to save money on things you buy every day.  Heartland is here to help with our new Beyond Spending accounts.