News and tips from Rio Grande Credit Union
June 2025
- What to Buy and What to Skip in June
June kicks off summer—and some of the best deals of the year! In this month’s shopping guide, we break down what’s worth your money and what’s better to hold off on. From Father's Day sales to early back-to-school promotions, find out where to save big—and where to wait. Whether you're eyeing new tech, outdoor gear, or seasonal produce, this guide will help you shop smarter all month long.
- Popular Money Tips That Aren’t All That Great
Do you sometimes feel buried by all the free money advice out there? Just remember, free advice is often worth what you pay for it. Let us help do a little myth busting!
- Dine on a Dime: Skillet Steak & Veggies
Celebrate Dad without breaking the bank! In this edition of Dine on a Dime, we’re serving up a delicious and budget-friendly Skillet Steak & Veggies recipe perfect for Father’s Day. It’s hearty, simple to make, and full of flavor—no fancy grill required. Whether you're cooking for Dad or with him, this meal brings the love without the splurge.
- Beware of Credit Card Skimming Scams
If you use a credit card reader or ATM, and just about all of us do, you’re at risk of credit card skimming. Find out how to avoid skimmers and keep your money and info safe!
- Mistakes First-Time Homeowners Make
Houses cost a lot of money, and figuring out what you can afford and how to find it can be tough. We can help!
- Ways to Reduce Your Plastic Water Bottle Waste
The world is slowly choking on water bottle waste, and it’s ridiculously easy to cut down or even eliminate. Read our tips for how to reduce your water bottle footprint!
- The 50/30/20 Rule: A Simple Way to Manage Your Money
It’s never too early to start budgeting your own money, and the 50/30/20 rule is a fantastic, easy way to do it. Read our article and start doing it today!
- Transform Your Home Without Spending a Dime
Celebrate the arrival of spring by giving your home a new look inside and out. We’ve got tips and tricks to get it done while keeping your wallet happy, too!
- Beware of Parking Lot Scams
Parking lot scams are a summer hazard you don’t want to deal with! From fake parking lots to bogus mechanics, we’ve got the info you need to stay safe!
- Should I Use an Unsecured Loan or a Credit Card for Large Purchases
When you’ve got a large purchase ahead of you, it can be tough to decide whether to use a credit card or an unsecured loan. Fortunately, we’ve got all the info you’ll need to decide!
- Ways to Detach From Work During Vacation
Explore practical tips to help you fully disconnect from work and recharge during your vacation.
- What is a Share Certificate?
Want great interest income without the risk of stocks? Ask us about how much you can earn with a Share Certificate. It’s a great way to build your wealth!
May 2025
- Free Ways to Spend Time with Your Kids
Think spending time with your kids involves spending money? We’ve got plenty of ideas that will build family togetherness and keep your wallet intact!
- Don’t Share Your Grad Photo Online
After years of work, you’ve made it to graduation! You can celebrate, but be safe about it. Don’t share your grad photos and other info online to steer clear of scammers. We’ve got the info!
- How Should I Handle a Pay Raise?
Starting off with a raise? Congratulations! It feels good to get rewarded for hard work. Now, be sure you use that new money right to amplify your success!
- Can I Buy A House When I’m Paying Off A Student Loan
Want buy a house while you’re fresh out of college and still paying down your student loans? We’ve got all the things you need to consider before you get that mortgage!
- Ways To Save On Your Summer Vacation
Traveling on a budget this summer? We’ve got all the tips you need to make a great vacation and save big bucks!
- How Can I Save on Energy Costs This Summer
Are you having the usual summer battle between having a cool house and keeping your energy costs down? We’ve got some hacks that will save you big bucks!
- Your Complete Guide To Identity Theft Protection
If you’re not worried about identity theft, you should be! We’ve got a list of simple steps you can take to keep yourself out of the thieves’ crosshairs!
- 6 ways to Plan for a Budget- Friendly Summer
It’s time for summer vacation, but you don’t want to lose sight of your budget completely. What do you do? Fortunately, we’ve got plenty of tips to help!
- Financial Advice For Graduates
New graduate? Here’s food for thought about your financial future!
- Grilling On A Budget
Hosting a cookout but worried about paying for it? From homemade drinks to cheap eats, we’ve got you covered!
- Best Times to Buy: Costco Hacks
Already famous for low prices (and cheap hot dogs), there are hacks for shopping at Costco that will make your savings even more awesome. We’ve got a great list!
- Summertime In Scam City
Summer scams are everywhere, and we’ve got what you need to know to steer clear and bask in the summer sun!
- College Road Trip: Mapping Out Your Dreams
College tours can seem like a summer-long slog. Get tips to save time and money and get the most out of the experience!
- Personal Loans: Your All-in-One Financial Solution
Need financial flexibility? A personal loan can help with debt consolidation, home improvements, or unexpected expenses.
- Mental Health in the Workplace
Mental health at work matters. Learn why it’s essential for productivity, morale, and overall well-being—and how we can all help create a healthier workplace.
- The 5 Golden Rules of Smart Money Habits Every Teen Should Know
We get it: It’s really tough to save money when there are so many things to spend it on. We’ve got handy tips that will help you develop habits you’ll use for your whole life!
- Don’t Get Scammed on Amazon
If you get a message asking you to verify a purchase or confirm a delivery address for an Amazon purchase, don’t respond. Instead, log into your Amazon account and confirm any necessary info there.
- 6 Ways to Boost Company Morale
If you want to build a successful company, there are a few steps you can take to get things headed in the right direction. We’ve got the tools you’ll need!
- Create a Vacation Budget: Your Guide to Stress-Free Travel
Budgets never go on vacation! Work out exactly how much money you can spend while on your getaway before you leave. This will help you avoid breaking your budget and returning home with a pile of debt.
- Can a Budget Wedding Be Beautiful?
Are you getting married? First off, congratulations! Second, no matter what you’ve heard, you don’t have to spend a zillion dollars planning your big day. We can help!
- Budget-Friendly Carnitas Recipe
Enjoy delicious carnitas without breaking the bank! This easy, budget-friendly recipe brings bold flavor to your table using simple ingredients you probably already have at home. Perfect for meal prep, family dinners, or taco night on a budget.
- What to Buy and What to Skip in May
May is full of shopping opportunities—but not all deals are created equal. Discover what to buy (and what to skip) this month to make the most of seasonal sales and smart timing
April 2025
- Credit Card Smarts
When you get that first credit card, it’s easy to see it as free money. It’s easy to swipe for anything! We’ll show you why that’s a bad idea, and how to use your cards wisely.
- Your Emergency Credit To The Rescue
Your Emergency Credit to the Rescue" offers quick financial relief for unexpected expenses, giving you peace of mind when life takes an unexpected turn.
- When is It Worthwhile to Pay More
You’re famous for your ability to hunt a bargain but sometimes that’s not the best idea. Find out when to go cheap and when to pay full price for the best stuff with our guide!
- Reasons Not to Skip a Home Inspection
Found your dream home? Don’t sign anything until you have an inspection! It’ll save you money, heartache and even avoid safety hazards. See our tips!
- Beware the Pending Package Scam
There are package delivery scams out there looking to take advantage of our online shopping-obsessed culture. We’ve got all you need to know to stay safe!
- Financing a Home Renovation with a Home Equity Loan
Is home renovation on your spring to-do list? You might want to look into borrowing against your home’s equity to save. Call or stop by for details!
- How to Save on Entertainment Costs While on Vacation
Entertainment costs can take a big bite out of your budget, but with a little planning ahead you can have fun while keeping your wallet closed. Let us help!
- When Should I Put My House on The Market
If you’re selling your house, spring is the best time to get it done. You’ll spend less time on the housing market and get more out of the deal!
- Don’t Get Scammed this Spring Break!
Looking for a spring break getaway? Scammers are waiting, too, with offers of fake properties and calls to relatives trying to extort money. Get the details!
- Smart Money Tips for Easter
Tips for managing your finances during Easter, from setting a budget and creating DIY baskets to hosting a potluck meal and taking advantage of holiday sales. It helps you celebrate while keeping your spending in check.
- Tips for Running the Perfect Meeting
The unproductive meeting is a meme in the business world, but use these tips and you won’t see your whiteboard as a point of social media ridicule!
- Crafting on a Budget
Are you a crafty person on a tight budget? We’ve got tons of ways to get materials free or on the cheap that will make you the Picasso of your local craft groups!
- What To Look for When Buying New Appliances
Don’t let a new appliance drive your powerbill up! We’ve got tips to help you pick the right one for your needs!
- Don’t Hire a Scammer as a Contractor
Tips to avoid contractor scams, such as checking credentials, avoiding upfront payments, and seeking multiple bids. It helps consumers ensure they hire trustworthy professionals and protect themselves from financial loss.
- Is Your Tax Refund Too Big?
Are you happy because you’re getting a big tax refund this year? Sorry to rain on your parade, but that refund is an interest-free loan you gave Uncle Sam this year. Find out how to make your refund smaller!
- Dine on a Dime:Slow Cooker Chicken Tikka Masala
Enjoy a budget-friendly, flavorful meal with this Slow Cooker Chicken Tikka Masala. Tender chicken in a creamy, spiced tomato sauce, this dish is easy to make and perfect for busy weeknights. Delicious, affordable, and full of rich flavor!
- Reduce Your Energy Usage
Discover simple tips to reduce your energy consumption, save on bills, and help the environment. From small habit changes to energy-efficient upgrades, these easy steps make a big difference.
- How to Dance it Out at Home
Think you need to pay a ton to a dance studio and buy pricey lessons? Not at all! You can set up your own dance studio at home with your child and you’ll both have fun!
- Tax Security Tips
It’s tax time, and of course that means it’s also tax scam time. The scammers are everywhere, and you need to be careful. We’ve got tips to help you stay safe!
- What to Buy and What to Skip in April
The shopping holiday calendar may be empty in April, but there are still deals to be had for the smart shoppre! We’ve got the lowdown on what to buy and what to avoid this month!