5 Expert Tips for Financial Success this Women’s History Month

Happy Women's History Month! This month, we celebrate the incredible contributions and achievements of women all around the world — and here at Kitsap Credit Union, we’re especially excited to shine a spotlight on the voices of the women within our team.

As part of our Women's History Month celebrations, we invited our amazing female team members to share their best financial advice. We are proud to showcase the insightful tips and wisdom they've shared, which not only highlight the financial savvy of our team but also aim to empower our members and beyond to take control of their financial futures.

Check out the valuable financial advice shared by our team below, and be sure to follow us on social media throughout the month as we continue to highlight these empowering tips:

“Always save for life's surprises! Set aside a bit each pay period for unexpected expenses like car repairs, appliance breakdowns, or emergencies. An In Case of Emergency (I.C.E) fund is essential and can be built up slowly and steadily.”
— Bradleigh, Business Services

“I categorize my grocery list into two sections: items I need and items I want. I prioritize the essential items by adding them to my cart first. Depending on my remaining budget, I can then include some of the discretionary items without exceeding my total budget. I monitor my expenses for each grocery trip to assess whether I am saving, breaking even, or exceeding my budget in this category.”
— Laurel, Support Services

“I like to send a little money directly to savings from my paycheck via direct deposit! It’s the easiest way I have found to save for my son, myself, and any special plans we have in the future! If you don’t see it going out of your spending money, it’s easier to not touch it.”
— Sarah, Branch Manager

“There are a few things I’ve found super helpful for keeping my finances safe. I make sure to regularly check my accounts for any unusual activity and use strong, unique passwords. It’s really important to be cautious about phishing scams—always double-check the source before sharing personal info. Enabling two-factor authentication adds an extra layer of security, and keeping personal details private is a must. Staying informed about the latest fraud tactics has made me feel much more secure and confident in managing my money.”
— Chrystal, Loss Prevention

“It's important for women to become financially educated because it is empowering to be financially independent. Make a budget by paying bills first, then adding what you can to an emergency fund — things happen when you least expect it. Add a vacation fund or other saving goal that fits your goals.

How are you using credit cards? You don’t want to have too many, they shouldn’t ever be maxed as that affects your credit score, and you don’t want to pay unnecessary interest if you don’t have to.

Ask your employer about their 401(k) plan, so you can start to save for the future.

Lastly, make it a daily habit to check your banking app to make sure there isn’t anything strange that showed up.”
— Michelle, Consumer Underwriting

These financial tips are essential for anyone looking to take charge of their finances. By building an emergency fund, prioritizing budgeting, setting up automatic savings, safeguarding your financial security, and becoming financially educated, you are taking the necessary steps to create a solid foundation for yourself and your family.

As a community-focused credit union, we understand the importance of sharing these insights and empowering our members. The wisdom shared by our team can help you navigate unexpected expenses, safeguard your hard earned money, and set meaningful goals for your future.

At Kitsap Credit Union, we're committed to supporting you in every step of your financial journey. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to enhance your financial strategy, we’re here to help you thrive. Let’s continue to celebrate each other’s achievements and work together toward financial success, today and every day. Together it's possible!

Happy Women's History Month!