Government Shutdown Assistance: With the federal government currently shut down, existing eligible Wheelhouse Members who are federal employees currently furloughed by the government shutdown can now apply for a Relief Line of Credit. Complete this form and a Wheelhouse Representative will contact you.
Cybersecurity Awareness Month 2025 | Simple steps to keep your digital life secure
Every October, Cybersecurity Awareness Month teaches people simple ways to protect themselves online. This year’s theme, Stay Safe Online, is all about the simple ways to protect yourself, your family and your business from online threats.
Small actions can make a big difference. That’s why we’re focusing on the Core 4. Four easy steps anyone can take to boost their online safety:
1. Use strong passwords and a password manager
Choose passwords that are long, unique, and hard to guess. A password manager can generate and securely store them for you.
2. Turn on multifactor authentication (MFA)
Enable MFA wherever it’s offered. This extra step, like using a passkey or authenticator app, adds another layer of protection to your accounts.
3. Recognize and report scams
Think before you click. Verify the sender before opening attachments or links and call 619-297-4835 if something seems suspicious.
4. Update your software
Install updates promptly on all your devices. Updates fix vulnerabilities that hackers try to exploit. Whenever possible, turn on automatic updates.
Summer’s finally here! While those sun-soaked days feel amazing, your energy bill might not. Air conditioning accounts for about 19% of a U.S. household’s electricity usage – that’s nearly one-fifth of your bill going to cooling alone. Thankfully, there are plenty of ways to trim those costs without sacrificing comfort.
1. Get Smart with Shade & Ventilation
Keep blinds or curtains closed during peak sun hours to block heat at the source. A set of blackout curtains can shave off a few dollars from your bill. If the nights dip cooler, open windows to invite a natural breeze. And once the morning warmth rolls in, shut those windows quickly to trap the freshness inside.
2. Try Fans Before Cranking AC
Fans are AC’s less expensive sidekicks. A ceiling fan rotating counterclockwise pushes cool air down, letting you raise the thermostat by a couple of degrees with little loss of comfort. If you don’t have ceiling fans, desktop or box fans can still help. Just be sure to turn them off before leaving; fans cool people, not rooms!
3. Seal the Deal on Leaks
Wasted energy is money flying out cracks and poorly sealed windows or doors. Maybe you can fix it yourself with weatherstripping or caulk. Even just sealing window perimeters and door frames can cut your cooling bills by 10%-20%.
4. Wildly Efficient Maintenance
Clean or change your AC filters every one to three months. Clogged filters force your system to work harder, which drives up usage and shortens its lifespan. Also, consider a professional AC tune-up up every spring. Systems that aren’t serviced can lose efficiency over time, costing you more energy.
5. Upgrade Smart with ENERGY STAR
If your system is more than 10 years old, you might think about an upgrade. New ENERGY STAR certified AC units are about 20-30% more efficient than standard models ENERGY STAR window units alone typically use 23% less energy and cost about $70 per year to operate.
6. Install a Smart Thermostat
Set programmable thermostats to gently raise the temperature when you’re away or asleep and cool down right before you return. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, “You can save as much as 10% a year on heating and cooling by simply turning your thermostat back 7°-10°F for 8 hours a day from its normal setting.”
7. Seal and Clean Your Ducts
If you have central air, leaky or dusty ducts could be wasting the conditioned air you’re paying for. A professional duct-sealing and cleaning service is well worth it – and could pay for itself in energy savings in just a year or two.
8. Consider Long-Term Investments
Installing a heat pump could slash your energy use in winter and summer – it’s a longer-term project with upfront costs, however the savings over time can be significant. Likewise, adding insulation or upgrading to a high-efficiency HVAC system could reduce your overall energy usage by 20%-50%.
No single trick is a silver bullet – however when combined, these tips can significantly dial down your energy usage. And for those times when higher energy costs affect your budget or sense of security, remember: GreenPath, our trusted partner, offers free financial counseling to help you navigate your options.
Planning a move soon? You’re in good company. According to Zillow, June is the most popular month to move, with many families and individuals packing up during the summer to take advantage of better weather and school breaks.
Moving comes with more than just boxes and change-of-address forms – it can also be a major budget-breaker. The average cost of a local move is about $1,250, while a long-distance move can run upwards of $5,000, according to Forbes.
Ahead of summer’s biggest moving month, here are some common pitfalls to avoid.
1. Underestimating the Total Moving Costs
It’s easy to focus only on the cost of the moving truck or professional movers, however, there is a lot more to factor in. Think: packing supplies, utility deposits, cleaning fees, gas, meals on the go, and potential hotel stays. It adds up quickly.
Tip: Build a moving budget before you do anything else. Include a buffer for unexpected costs – it will save you stress down the road.
2. Not Gathering Multiple Quotes
Hiring movers? Don’t go with the first quote you receive. Prices can vary widely depending on timing, services, and distance.
Tip: Round up at least three estimates and ask about discounts – some companies offer deals for students, military members, or off-peak days.
3. Forgetting to Cancel or Transfer Services
Overlapping services (like cable, internet, or utilities) can cost you double if you’re not careful. Forgetting to cancel gym memberships or local subscriptions can leave you paying for things you no longer use.
Tip: Make a checklist of every service tied to your current address, and schedule transfers or cancellations at least two weeks in advance.
4. Skipping the Decluttering Process
The more stuff you move, the more it costs. Plus, hauling boxes of things you don’t use just makes unpacking that much harder.
Tip: If you have not used it in the last year, donate it, sell it, or toss it. You will save on moving supplies and labor – and your future self will thank you.
5. Not Accounting for Post-Move Expenses
It is easy to think the spending stops once the moving truck pulls away. Setting up your new home often comes with additional costs, like new furniture, cleaning supplies, and restocking your pantry or refrigerator.
Tip: Set aside a portion of your budget specifically for post-move purchases. Even just a few hundred dollars can help you settle in comfortably without resorting to credit cards.
Need Help Creating a Budget?
We partner with GreenPath Financial Wellness, a trusted national nonprofit, to offer free financial counseling and tools to help you manage life’s big transitions – including moving. Whether you need help building a budget, managing debt, or planning for your next step, GreenPath is here for you.
You are leaving Wheelhouse® Credit Union’s website. Links that may be accessed via this site are for the convenience of informational purposes only. Any products and services accessed through this link are not provided or guaranteed by Wheelhouse® Credit Union. The site you are about to visit may have a privacy policy that is different than Wheelhouse® Credit Union’s. Please review their privacy policy. Wheelhouse® Credit Union does not endorse the content contained in these sites, nor the organizations publishing those sites, and hereby disclaims any responsibility for such content.
