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Community Content Team

BECU's community content team writes about personal finance topics like budgeting, saving and building credit to help you reach your financial health goals. We also cover social justice topics and share stories from our employees, members and the communities we serve.

White text on blue background: "April: National Financial Literacy Month." Illustration of a person sitting, looking at a smart phone; a thught bubble shows a credit score gauge with the needle pointed at green to represent a good score.

Things To Know About Credit Scores

Learn how to raise your score and improve your financial health.

Two smiling college students walk away from a building on campus together. White text in the lower right of the image reads "April: National Financial Literacy Month."

Personal Finance Tips for New College Grads

Learn how to navigate your financial life after college.

Illustration of woman walking with groceries with dollar-sign callouts over the grocery bag and on the phone poking out of her pocket. Car in background. White text on red background: "April — National Financial Literacy Month"

Achieve Your Budgeting Goals During the Pandemic

Learn budgeting tips that can help even during tough times.

How to Manage Finances Like a CFO

BECU CFO says to plan ahead, lead with compassion.

Image of the word security on a computer screen

Watch out for COVID-19 Scams

Fraudsters see opportunities in a crisis. Take steps to protect yourself.

Four people gather on screen for virtual holiday party.

Stay Safe with This Virtual Holiday Guide

Make the most of this holiday season with these festive and safe celebration ideas.

How to Protect Yourself from Online Scams this Holiday Season

Don’t fall victim to fraud. Read advice from Sean Murphy, chief information security officer.

Man sitting on a couch, hand in hair, paying paper bills next to laptop

No Job? Take 5 Steps to Shore up Your Finances

Tackle holiday stress by making sure your financial basics are covered.

2020 People Helping People Award Recipients

BECU Honors Nonprofits with Annual Awards

Local nonprofits honored for helping communities, driving social change.

4 Shopping Tips for Black Friday 2020

Tips for Black Friday shopping while keeping yourself and others safe by staying home and avoiding the crowds.

Support Small Businesses on Saturday, November 28

Learn how to support your favorite local shop on Small Business Saturday.

Ideas for a Virtual Thanksgiving or Friendsgiving Celebration

With the latest guidance from the CDC and Governor Inslee, many of us need to rethink our holiday plans. Get ideas for a virtual Thanksgiving (or Friendsgiving) celebration.

Turkey Shopping Tips for Thanksgiving 2020

Get the best bang for your bird buck with these turkey shopping tips.

7 Easy Alternatives to Trick or Treating

Spook-tacular ideas for a fun and safe Halloween.

4 Tips to Manage Debt and Loan Payments During COVID-19

Get advice on how to approach debt and loan payments during the pandemic.

BECU’s Annual Day of Service with Tom Berquist, Chief Marketing Officer

Read how BECU plans to give back to our communities this year.

BECU Tellers on the Front Line

Read how tellers work to put members first, and how they’ve adapted during COVID-19.

BECU and KEXP Partnership

Get the inside story about the BECU and KEXP partnership from KEXP’s Kevin Cole and BECU’s Toby Travis.

BECU Expanding to Whatcom County with Scott Strand, Chief Operating Officer

Learn about BECU’s expansion into Whatcom County this year.

Meet Oliver: Recent Grad and Soon-to-Be Med Student

He aspires to become a doctor.

Neighborhood Financial Center Managers

We meet two branch managers who embody the BECU value of Members First.

10 Free Ways to Keep Kids Entertained This Summer

Ideas for free summer fun from the comfort of home.

Save Money by Starting a Victory Garden

Even if you don’t have much space or a yard, you can grow your own food.

How You Can Celebrate Pride From Your Living Room

Proud together: here's how you can celebrate Pride without leaving home.

A Celebration of Freedom

We stand with the Black community in recognizing the importance of Juneteenth.

Taxes in July - What You Need to Know

What the extension on the income tax filing date means and why it matters.

Unemployment Benefits Fraud - What You Need to Know

Even if you don't file for unemployment, you can fall victim to this fraud.

A glass and pitcher of refreshments on grass

Affordable Social Distancing Ideas for Long Weekends

Socially distant ideas for spending your holiday weekend with others.

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Four Ideas for Celebrating Moms, Grads and Dads From a Distance

Four ideas for celebrating Moms, Dads and Grads during the COVID-19 crisis.

Can't Travel? Try a Staycation

Had to cancel travel plans? Here are some ideas for a staycation at home.

4 Tips for Using Your Stimulus Check

Our Lead Financial Educator offers suggestions for prioritizing your stimulus check.

COVID-19 Stimulus Checks – What You Need to Know

Get your stimulus check questions answered.

Member Spotlight - Meet Kayleigh and Colton

Meet Kayleigh and Colton - They Are Saving For A Wedding

They both have been members their entire lives.

4 Tips for Buying a Budget-Savvy Engagement Ring

Don't feel like you need to break the bank.

Benson Porter, CEO

See what's on the horizon for 2020 and more!

Emergency Funds: Your Financial Bestie

Emergency Funds aren't a one-size-fits-all kind of thing.

Are Meal Delivery Services Worth It?

We look into meal delivery services and see if they save you money.

Meet Leo - He Is an Early Saver

He gets financial advice from his grandma.

Is Online Shopping Safe?

We review computer viruses, sweetheart and online scams and reporting them.

Brian Knollenberg, VP Digital Marketing and Analytics

Read more about doing the right thing for our members.

Best Summer Camp Tips for Parents

The best time to book a summer camp? Now.

Let's Talk About the Cost of Turkey

Get the best bang for your bird buck. Check out our turkey-shopping tips.

Meet Dianissa - She Is All About Saving

Not having a debit card helps her save money.

Sean Murphy, Chief Information Security Officer

Learn how to keep yourself safe online.

Are Password Manager Services Worth It?

We look at the pros and cons of password management services.

Look out for Sugar Daddies, Public Wi-Fi, and LinkedIn Scams

Check out three of the latest scams and how to avoid them.

Meet Bruce - He Has His Eye on Retirement

He wants to retire and help raptors.

Shannon Finch, Director of Environmental Branding

Read how her and her team create engaging branch atmospheres.

Top 6 Tips for Perfect Kid Presents

Hopefully this will make shopping easier.

Meet Terri - She Wants You to Check Your Credit

She shares her favorite financial advice.

Four Tips for Finding Some Extra Money for Summer

It's more than checking the couch cushions.

Blueprint, small model home, and pencil marking compass

5 Budget-Friendly Home-Improvement Hacks

You don't have to break the bank to up your curb appeal.

Meet Sarah - She's Not Just a Number

She feels like a member at BECU and not just another account holder.

Stacey Black, Lead Financial Educator

She's never met anyone that regrets saving too much.

Four Fun Ideas for a Budget-Friendly Summer Vacation

Tips for enjoying some much-needed time away without breaking the bank.

Best of Back to School Sales

Did you know some of the best back to school sales happen in July?

Meet Kristine - a Member for Over 25 Years

She loves being able to access her accounts anywhere in the world.

Free (Or Almost Free) Things to Do in Seattle

You don't have to break the bank this summer in Seattle.

Three Can't-Miss Summertime Side Hustles

The summer is the perfect time for professional moonlighting.

Meet Charmaine - It Feels Like Family

When she talks to a BECU rep she feels like she’s known them forever.

Meet the Affinity Team

Learn about the team behind all of our cool partnerships and sponsorships.

Your Summer Financial Podcast Playlist

Here are some finance suggestions for your podcast playlist.

Get Financial Advice on Pinterest

Did you know that BECU is on Pinterest?

Meet Josh - He Tries to Spend Wisely

He likes to invest in experiences rather than things.

Saving Through Streaming

"Cutting the cord" with cable providers can benefit your bank account.

Debbie Wege, Cooperative Community Advocate

Learn how she brings our co-op principles to life.

Calculator paper clip and pen on a table

Four Common Tax Filing Mistakes to Avoid

Be sure to avoid these mistakes this tax season.

Meet Patricia - She Likes to Keep Her Money Local

She shares the best piece of financial advice she's received.

Take a Fresh Look at Your Debt This Spring

Check out the debt consolidation tools available to BECU members.

Meet Melissa - She's Seeing the Country

She downsized to an RV and travels.

Alvin Lee, Digital Channel Manager

Additional self-service features arrived in 2019 and more!

A Wake-Up Call From the Shutdown

We look at options for possibly missing a paycheck.

Meet Dave - He Believes in Saving Early

He started savings accounts at BECU for his grandkids.

Liz Wagner, Senior Digital Strategy Manager

Learn what we accomplished in 2019.

Meet Nickii - She Believes in Rainy Day Funds

See how much she sets aside for her emergency fund.

Keep Imposter Scammers Off Your Gift-Giving List

We review the Gift Card Imposter Scam and how to report it.

Watch out for These Common Scams – Part 2

We review advance fee scams, impersonation scams and reporting them.

Watch out for These Common Scams – Part 1

We review computer viruses, sweetheart and online scams and reporting them.

Are You Missing Out On a Virtual Gold Rush?

The Virtual Gold Rush

Taking look at digital currency.