This is custom heading element Even as some prices are finally coming down, day-to-day household planning can still be unpredictable. Auto insurance, rent and housing are the top three costs that have gone up for families in the last year or so, according to government data, even while the price of items like electronics are…
This is custom heading element Parents are savvier than ever when it comes to finding smarter back-to-school shopping strategies. This year, families are taking many different steps to make sure their educational purchases align with their household budgets. These may include: Scouting out the best sales on school supplies Avoiding unnecessary purchases Doing your school…
This is custom heading element Ever wonder about the value of those foreign coins sitting in a jar, leftover from your last vacation? Exchange rates change every day and can even fluctuate by the hour, making it hard to pin down just how much your money is worth. First, keep in mind it could fall…
This is custom heading element Just over half of people in the U.S. plan to take a trip this summer. And a surprising number of those folks – 36%, according to BankRate – admit they will accrue some debt in the process. If you are among the half of families that plan to stay put,…
This is custom heading element A growing number of workers are gravitating to the gig economy, where they can set their own schedules and, if they want, make money doing more than one kind of job. Over a third of U.S. workers – 36%, according to The Tech Report – support themselves this way, and…
This is custom heading element If you ever feel like it’s gotten harder to stay on top of your or your family’s financial situation, you’re not wrong. Just ask a parent or grandparent. Older generations have a lot to teach us – and one of those things is how people used to manage their money…
This is custom heading element Reports of check fraud are up, despite the fact that fewer people are writing checks compared with a decade ago. As with any type of financial fraud, it is crucial to take steps to protect yourself from falling victim to it – even if you use them less frequently than…
There are multiple reasons check cashing continues to be one of the most popular financial services around. When it comes to using a check cashing place that works for you, the question isn’t why, but why not?
There are various opportunities available in banking nowadays. If you want to explore better banking options in the new year, consider these few things happening in banking at the moment.
The new year is approaching quickly. As this year comes to an end, take a look at five tax credits that are helping millions of tax filers in the U.S. keep more cash in their pockets.
Many people spend a lot of their earnings as the holidays approach. Budgeting could help when it comes to holiday spending. Here is some advice that could help cash-strapped revelers stay on track.
Cash concerns are so commonplace that you may not even realize just how much financial anxiety is affecting your everyday life. Here is some advice for people who want to manage their anxiety.
For families considering either a magnet or charter school for their child, it helps to have an understanding of some basic differences between them. Parents should find out what expenses they could incur if they send their child to any alternative school.
Folks these days put a lot of information online and into the hands of strangers – perhaps more than they should. While there is no single, fool-proof solution to ensure you never fall victim to identity theft, there are many steps you can take to protect yourself.
It may be time to ask for a raise. Many workers have never done so in their lives, in part due to their discomfort with the conversation. This summer, set yourself free from your underpaid situation – and confront your fear of asking for more money for a job well done.
Looking for ways to save – or at least avoid overspending – this summer? You’re not alone. Here are some ideas for keeping your spending under control while still enjoying everything the summer has to offer.
A credit freeze is a process of putting a lock on your credit report so that no one can open or access new lines of credit under your name, including you. Here are five reasons one might consider freezing their credit reports.
This is custom heading element A debit card is one of the most convenient and versatile payment methods available today. They are also a great alternative for the millions of people in the U.S. who don’t have bank accounts and may not benefit from using credit cards. But when it comes to choosing the right…
Generally, sales are conducted to promote consumer spending. So while they might help some people, they may also cause people to spend more than they otherwise would have.
Nowadays, there is more than one way to borrow money. CFSC’s blog discusses the “Buy Now Pay Later” trend that can affect various people in a negative way.
Despite the government’s recent decision to help eliminate some college debt, the cost of college is still prohibitively expensive for many high school graduates.
When we budget for the school year, we set aside dollars for those annual back-to-school expenses. During this upfront planning, keep in mind that you want to make your money for education-related items last throughout the year.
What are the best ways to keep your spending under control while out of town? We have a few ideas.
While your kids will benefit from a little R&R and the freedom to discover the outdoors, don’t pass up the opportunity to create some learning opportunities, right in your own neighborhood!
The use of prepaid debit cards has been on the rise in recent years, which may make you wonder what these cards can do that credit cards can’t. The fact is, prepaid cards have a different purpose.
There’s been a lot of news about inflation lately. Earlier this year, inflation was up nearly 8 percent over last year – the highest rate the U.S. has seen in 40 years.
The average person in the U.S. uses debit cards for more transactions than either cash or credit cards. The opposite has happened with debit cards.
Considering how often money woes weigh on marriages, smart financial management can also translate to marital health.
Nearly two years into the pandemic, more employees are returning to offices, classrooms, factories and other places where they worked in the “before times.” But getting back to business is just the first step.
As things get closer to normal, it’s the perfect time to start an annual budget for 2022. Unlike a monthly budget, an annual one gives folks a bigger picture of what their money situation looks like.
Don’t let all those password requests and online purchases lull you into a false sense of safety. The same rules apply that always have – as well as a few additional tips and tricks to add an extra layer of much-needed safety to your routine.
There’s a relatively new digital asset in town, and its name is cryptocurrency. Or Bitcoin. Despite the growing popularity of cryptocurrency, you might still be wondering: what is it?
Take a look at some of the changes in spending habits that occurred from the pandemic and what they might mean for your bottom line.
A year after the pandemic, traffic is still not what it used to be. With things still in flux, how lasting is it, and what’s to come next?
It’s safe to say everyone deserves a fun, stress-free getaway this summer. After a year at home, it’s exciting to anticipate any trek farther than the grocery store. Just don’t let the euphoria of your vacation plans cloud your financial vision.
Many Americans opt out of the credit card cycle, choosing not to delay payments or accrue interest to make everyday purchases.
Millions of Americans either have or are about to receive $1,400 as part of the American Rescue Plan. Everyone with an income below a certain threshold is eligible to receive the final of three stimulus payments.
Students who are financially literate are more likely to complete higher education. But with so many temptations around them, instilling in them financial discipline is a lot harder than it used to be. So how do you make sure they spend their limited cash with all the discipline of a wizened parent?
There are so many ways that you can cut costs that you may not realize. You just have to be creative and have some dedication, because it’s not always easy to choose to save rather than spend.
The process of getting your taxes done might not be the most enjoyable, but the reward of getting a great tax refund certainly is. Luckily, there are ways you can ensure that tax refund is just as sweet as you could hope for it to be. Try these tips for getting the best tax credits to work for you (and your refund).
Wouldn’t it be great if you could get the cash to spend where you really need to? Don’t let that gift card gather dust or disappear on your desk. At CFSC, we can turn that gift card into the gift that keeps on giving.
Accommodating your child’s educational needs due to the shift from in-person learning to remote learning can feel overwhelming, especially on your wallet. Luckily, there are plenty of strategies you can use to stay on a budget while enriching your child’s home learning experience.
Did you know that the key to saving money and stretching your budget is all about proper organization?
A money order is a guaranteed payment method for sending funds, most often, safely. But despite all of their safety measures, there are still some tips you should keep in mind when sending and receiving a money order to make your transactions as safe and secure as possible.
With money being so unstable in the average household right now, this makes for the perfect time to teach your teen to budget this summer.
As a controlled expense, you can apply strategic tips to make your groceries stretch when you’re experiencing tough times financially.
As many states are still fully enforcing or very slowly pulling back on stay-at-home orders, social distancing is still strongly encouraged and likely will be for a while. And prepaid debit cards from CFSC are a great way to safely spend and receive money while meeting your social distancing needs!
Since being signed into law on March 27, 2020, the federal relief package as part of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act has millions of Americans anxiously awaiting their economic impact payments (stimulus checks). The IRS has already started sending out payments, and if you’re eligible for one, you may have already received yours. But have you thought about how you’re going to use it?
CFSC might just be the perfect solution for small businesses that are looking for a place to cash their business checks. Small businesses rely on certain things to keep their business afloat. Things like constant access to cash and cutting down on business expenses wherever possible are priorities when you’re a small business and below, we’re sharing some of the ways CFSC supports these needs.
You’ve worked hard all year, and now it’s time to spend your tax refund. But how? We’ve all seen the lists of smart ways to spend your tax refund, but what about getting some enjoyment out of that refund check, too? This tax season, cut your tax refund in half…
It’s incredibly exciting when you get to cash a bonus check! But that excitement can also distract you from conscious spending, and before you know it, you’ll have spent all your bonus money and have nothing left to show for it. Cashing your bonus check smartly doesn’t have to mean…
Want to feel good about your finances in 2020? You need to make a budget. And not just any budget – one that actually works. Follow these 3 simple steps to take control of your money and enjoy the financial freedom you’ve been craving in the new year.
Traveling has gotten a whole lot easier in the city thanks to Transit and MetroCards. But people are still finding themselves experiencing unnecessary hassle and frustration waiting in long lines or being charged extra for buying their tickets on the train. Make your commute even easier with these helpful travel…
Now more than ever, as a small business owner, you need access to services that can help leverage cash flow, and you need them when it is convenient. Lucky for you, CFSC is here to help. Our business check cashing services offer you convenience along with a fast and hassle-free…
When you’re running a small business, reliable cash flow is a necessity, but it’s not always easy to come by. Fortunately for you, your nearest CFSC has business services exclusively created to help improve your cash flow. Put your focus where you want it – on your business. Let us…
It’s back to school time! As students are getting back into the routine and saying goodbye to a fun-filled summer, now’s the perfect time to ensure they’re set up with all the things that will help them succeed this coming school year – including a prepaid debit card.
During the months of June, July and August 2019, customers who visit any New York or New Jersey CFSC store location and purchase a new Netspend prepaid debit card will get their initial card purchase fee waived*. Enjoy summer savings with a Netspend prepaid debit card from CFSC, and take…
Summer is the most popular time for family vacations, but with the rising cost of gas prices, hotel stays, and food, it can feel cumbersome or even impossible to plan a trip out of town. That’s why we put together a list of the 5 best family (and budget) friendly…
Summer is just around the corner! And with it comes so many opportunities for fun in the sun: outdoor festivals and concerts, trips to the beach, exploring local markets and artisans fairs, and so much more. Get your summer started off on the right foot by participating in our Summer…
Are you preparing to go out of the country for a trip abroad? If so, you’ll need to exchange your currency for the country’s in which you’re traveling to. At CFSC, we offer several advantages for foreign currency exchange that will save you time, money, and get you enjoying that…
As a car owner, you know just how many things there are to take care of each year when it comes to your vehicle. That’s why having all your automobile payment services under one roof is so important! Not only will you enjoy having everything taken care of in one…
There’s no better time than now to start implementing ways that can save you money in the new year. Not only will it leave you feeling much more financially free in the coming months, but it will give you a head start on even more financial freedom when January rolls…
Tax refund season is HERE! If you’re like the majority of the population, you’re beyond ready to see that hard-earned money come back to you this tax season in the form of a refund. No matter whether you file your returns electronically or by mail, your neighborhood CFSC has what…
With the new year approaching, now is a great time to set goals and get your finances in order. One of the biggest ways people fall off track with their finances and get into trouble by overspending their monthly budget is through the use of credit cards. Even if you…
The last thing anyone wants is to feel stressed out and financially overwhelmed during the holidays. It’s a time of joy and cheer, and when you have a plan in place for your holiday spending, it brings the season to a whole new level of enjoyment. We’ve put together a…
A hero is someone who has given his or her life to something bigger than oneself. During the month of November, participating CFSC stores are giving back to our communities and honoring our veteran heroes by celebrating and supporting them through a nationwide donation campaign with Hope For The Warriors…
The likelihood is, we all know someone that has been affected by cancer in one way or another. October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month and for very good reason. With 1 in 8 women set to be diagnosed in her lifetime, it’s more important than ever to be proactive…
It’s that time of year again. School is starting back up, and parents all over are hustling to get everything in order for the new school year. With the to-do lists piling up, it can quickly become overwhelming trying to make sure you’ve done everything you need to do to…
This is custom heading element Times are certainly changing, and it’s no longer a necessity to pay ridiculous amounts of money to maintain cellular phone service. CFSC puts their focus into what’s best for their customers’ pockets, and by offering prepaid cell phone services exclusively through Boost Mobile, we help make sure you aren’t losing…
This is custom heading element The business world has become increasingly competitive, and now more than ever, small business owners need access to services that can help leverage them as leaders, and they need them when it’s convenient. Lucky for you, CFSC is here to help. Business check cashing at CFSC offers you convenience along…
This is custom heading element We’ve all been there. Someone that means well gives us a gift card to a place we never go or have no interest in going to. Or, we come across the occasional gift card that we’re able to find something we want to purchase with it, but we never find…
This is custom heading element From searching for the best deals on flights to finding the perfect Airbnb rental, travelers often spend hours planning the perfect vacation. Unfortunately, many vacation goers neglect to take the same care with their financial planning. From searching for the best deals on flights to finding the perfect Airbnb rental,…
This is custom heading element Your daily commute, whether you get behind the wheel and drive, or hop on a bus or train and wait, certainly has its challenges. You may get frustrated and feel like you’re wasting time when you could be using it more productively. But let’s be honest … There’s no getting…
This is custom heading element When it comes to check cashing, the less hassles and time it takes to get your cash, the better. After all, it’s your money. Get access to it your way, right away at CFSC. Check Cashing Made Easy At CFSC, we make it easy for you to cash checks without…
This is custom heading element Tax refund season is in full swing, and with it comes a lot of hard-earned cash going back into the hands of taxpayers. With 2017’s average refund of $2,895 for nearly 80% of the nation, that offers a good chunk of change and opportunity for ways to spend your tax…
This is custom heading element Applications available now! Deadline is March 9, 2018 Applications can be submitted via email to info@fscny.org. Download the 2018 Scholarship Application The Financial Service Centers of New York (FSCNY), the trade association representing New York’s check cashers, today launched its 2018 Young Leaders Scholarship Awards Program. Applications are now available and…
You don’t have to be overwhelmed about budgeting anymore! Create a budget that works for you with our five-step guide.
It’s so easy to become overwhelmed with excitement and get distracted when you cash your bonus check. Before you know it, you’ve spent all the money, and you’re still no better off than you were before it arrived.
At CFSC, we understand that when you want to send money to someone, you want to do it now. That’s why we offer wire transfers that allow your money to arrive quickly, safely, and securely.
CFSC offers much more than just a check cashing service. We’re always looking for a way to give back. That’s why the CFSC Scholarship Program has joined with The Western Union Foundation Global Scholarship Program (WU Scholars) to support diverse students from around the globe that embody perseverance, aspiration, and being community-minded with the goal of helping to build a better world.
The likelihood is, we all know someone that has been affected by cancer in one way or another. October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month and for very good reason. With 1 in 8 women set to be diagnosed in her lifetime, it’s more important than ever to be proactive and learn how to help safeguard yourself and your loved ones to give you, and them, the best chance at beating breast cancer in the event of a diagnosis.
Drowning in bills and their upcoming deadlines? Take a deep breath. CFSC Bill Pay can help. Thanks to our relationships with hundreds of billers, we can often get your account credited instantly. You can even pay in cash if you’d rather not pay online. If you’re having trouble keeping track of mounting bills, you can even pay multiple bills at once. Here are some other reasons why CFSC’s bill payment system works for most people.
This is custom heading element At the heart of it all, CFSC is about family - yours, ours, and the family created within every customer and employee interaction. It’s that family unit derived from home-grown customer service that sets us apart from other financial institutions, and no one understands that quite like Gina, Director of…
This is custom heading element Foreign Currency Exchange Services When it comes to converting your dollars into foreign currency, you want to get the best bang for your buck. There are plenty of services out there to switch your dollars to foreign currency, but your money will go farther if you find a foreign currency…
This is custom heading element What is Check Cashing? One size doesn’t fit all. This is especially true when it comes to personal finances. What works for one person might not work for the next. CFSC aims to provide effective solutions for each unique situation. In fact, check cashing establishments can sometimes meet a customer's…
This is custom heading element As summer finally approaches, we are more likely to spend our time outdoors, heading into the city, taking day trips, or leaving the country to go on vacation. Whatever your summer plans may be it is time to be financially prepared. Our services provide you with every financial need that…
This is custom heading element As Spring comes to an end, graduation and vacation plans are what moms, dads, and grads seem to think about non-stop. CFSC has over 12 services to help you in every financial aspect to take a load off of your financial needs. Graduation Graduation is right around the corner, which…
This is custom heading element It’s that time of year again where taxpayers receive tax refunds from the government after diligently preparing their taxes. A tax refund depends on your filing status, income, deductions, and credits; therefore, leaving you with a varied spectrum amount you can earn back. You can easily estimate your tax return…
This is custom heading element Similar to a New Year’s resolution a successful budget can be either extremely easy or difficult to maintain. Some of you may believe setting aside a portion of your paycheck will suffice. However, there is more to this process. It takes a well thought out plan and self control to…
This is custom heading element Do you receive a ton of mail from credit card companies? With all the options out there it can get very overwhelming to choose the best credit card options that fit you. So when you are choosing a credit card, here are 5 important tips to consider: Interest Rates: A…
This is custom heading element There is no better time to start saving for the unexpected than today! Whether you encounter a job loss, medical bills, or other major expense, having an emergency fund can help keep you afloat during your time of need. An emergency fund is the money saved for such events to…
This is custom heading element Confronting our issues head on is a challenge that most of us face. Although we know that it is important and may be time sensitive we usually put it aside hoping it will go away or wait until the very last minute to face a problem. However, most of us…
This is custom heading element We all know the summer season can have a strain on how we save and budget weekly. We tend to spend our year-long savings for a vacation getaway, going out to festivals, enjoying the night life, and other events. With out paying close attention to our savings account it can…
This is custom heading element It’s the time of year again when college students are headed back to school. After a break that may have seemed so short, it’s time to finally hit the books. While August may have been busy with shopping, packing, and configuring new dorm ideas- September should be focused on discussing…
This is custom heading element In today’s world technology has really advanced over the past decade. We have dramatically changed the way we use technology in our daily lives, from working in the office or remotely from home to the way we entertain ourselves through the media. We have vulnerably put personal information online to…
This is custom heading element We all have encountered the struggle of staying on track with our budget. It may feel as if we are on a strict diet with no leeway room. However, planning with your budget in mind will create savings for retirement, dream vacations, a car, or unexpected life events, which will…
This is custom heading element In today’s day of modern technology and mass marketing, it is challenging to contain your child’s wants. Maybe it’s a fancy toy or a cool pair of sunglasses that they want, but they do not understand the value behind it. As a parent, how many toys must you go through…
This is custom heading element We’re in your neighborhood. We’ve got your service. We’ll earn your trust. CFSC prides itself on being where you need us. We are a third-generation, family-owned check cashing service company with over 175 locations nationwide in over 10 states. We started our business by keeping you, our customer, at the…
This is custom heading element Who doesn’t like a little side pocket money? With spring, not only do you get great weather, but you also get an opportunity to save some money by following these tips: Take advantage of spring sales: If you’re hoping to get new winter gear for the coming years, spring is…
This is custom heading element Community Financial Service Centers are an underutilized resource for many who need an alternative to traditional banking, have limited time to run errands, or desire more convenience when it comes to managing monthly expenses. Living paycheck to paycheck is all too familiar for some, where every month there is just…
This is custom heading element With the number of companies now offering both monthly and pre-paid cellphone plans, consumers now have the ability to choose and customize a plan with the options that best suit their needs. These companies work with the major carriers to provide network coverage, but are able to offer you services…
This is custom heading element Growing up my grandfather gave me one of the most useful pieces of advice to use as a rule of thumb when dealing with personal day-to-day finance – Never buy something on credit if you wouldn’t be able to pay for it in cash. For a person like myself, who…
This is custom heading element Have you ever had a pay check that the bank wouldn’t cash or give you immediate access to the funds? If this is an all to familiar scenario for you then patronizing a check cashing service, like CFSC, could save you a lot of hassle and headache. Nowadays there are…
This is custom heading element For your next international vacation or business trip, chances are, you will need to exchange U.S. dollars into the local currency of your destination. If you leave this to the last minute, or until the last minute, you’ll probably end up paying a higher transaction rate. If you wait to…