The Bottom Line
Small business is important to Central Oregon, and to Mid Oregon. Find tips and resources for business, and information about Mid Oregon’s commercial services and business members.
Six ways you can leverage your tax refund
April 15th is almost here!
April 15th is a day most adult Americans will never forget. It’s our tax due date. This year, with the 15th on a Saturday, we have until April 18th to file our taxes.
Have you filed? If so, did you get a refund, or do you expect one? If so, here are some suggestions on how you can make that refund work the best for you.*
Start or Increase Your Emergency Fund
Without an emergency fund, one surprise, major expense can put you in crippling debt, so it’s important to have some money put away. You can check out the Financial Resource Center (FRC) for tips and best practices to effectively start a fund. Mid Oregon has great savings options to help you build your fund as well.
Pay Off High-Interest Debt
Reduce or eliminate any high-interest debt that you’re carrying. You can check out these financial calculators to see what it takes to pay off your credit card debt, or read about ways to help pay off your debt and solve credit problems—all in the Financial Resource Center! Mid Oregon might have an lower cost financing option to take care of whatever remains.
Spend It on Something You Need
Are you having car trouble? Do you need a sofa? Have you put off important dental work? When you’re ready to spend, swing into the FRC for shopping ideas or tips on how to make big purchases without blowing the budget.
Refinance Your Mortgage or Make Home Improvements
When you refinance your mortgage, you must still pay closing costs and fees. This year, use your tax refund to pay for the closing costs, and your refinanced mortgage could save you thousands of dollars per year. Plus, making improvements and additions can really add value to your home in the long run. Check the Financial Resource Center to find out how much you can save by refinancing! Home loans are also offered by Mid Oregon, along with our strategic partner Arbor Mortgage Group.
Invest in a Tax-Sheltered Account
Depending on your income level, goals, age and whether you have already fully funded your tax-sheltered accounts, using your tax refund to get a head start on Roth IRA contributions or 529 college savings plan contributions can be a great move. The FRC has the essential information to help you take the right steps with your investment decisions and savings planning! Our Mid Oregon Financial Services Advisor can give you local and personal service, and Mid Oregon offers IRA accounts as well.
Get a New Business Up and Running
Have you been looking to finally start that venture you’ve always dreamed of? We’re here to help! Use the FRC small business services center as a resource to start, grow and manage your business. It’s a great opportunity to turn your refund into income for years to come and score a few more tax deductions next year. Mid Oregon Commercial Services has great business account and financing resources to help you with your business, too.
*Thanks to Love My Credit Union Rewards and CU Solutions Group for their April Newsletter article used above.
Make Money Your Own Way
Are you looking for ways to make money and maybe even help your family? Maybe you can make money your own way.
Even though the legal working age in the U.S. is 14, there are ways for you to make money before you first become employed.
Is babysitting the right fit?
Here are some questions to ask yourself before you decide to start babysitting:
* Do you like little kids?
* How did it work out when you took care of younger siblings?
* How do your parents feel about you babysitting?
If you want to babysit, the Red Cross offers a one-day babysitter training course that might be available in your area.
Sell, sell, sell!
If babysitting isn’t your gig, another fun way to make money is by selling your stuff. You can either sell old stuff you don’t want anymore, or make items for people to buy.
Ask your parents if they will help you host a garage sale. You can advertise your garage sale by putting up signs around your neighborhood and asking your parents to post about it on social media.
If you have a talent or hobby such as taking photos, painting, or making jewelry, you could also make money by starting your own business.
Big brain to big bucks
Are you a math whiz or a science pro? You can offer to tutor other kids in the subjects that you are best at.
Create flyers to hang up in different areas of your school district. Make sure to list the topics that you are an expert in.
And much more…
There are many more ways that you can earn money. Here are just a few ideas:
* Start a pet-sitting service.
* Ask your neighbors if they need someone to rake or mow their lawn.
* Get a group of friends together to have a car wash.
Always ask your parents for permission before you start any sort of moneymaking job.
When you make your own money, you help out your family and can always count on being able to afford a movie ticket or a new pair of shoes. No matter how you make money, don’t spend it all in one place!
Shred Your Documents for Free-2017!
Mid Oregon Credit Union has teamed up with Secure Shred, a division of Bend Garbage & Recycling, to help Central Oregonians stay protected from fraud and identity theft. We are offering a safe disposal of sensitive documents on Free Shred Day, April 15, 2017, at four Mid Oregon Credit Union locations:
9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
Bend Olney Branch – 202 NE Olney Avenue (near Black Bear Diner)
Madras Branch – 395 SE Fifth Street (at Fifth and “F” Streets)
12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Redmond Branch – 2625 SW 17th Place (next to Bi-Mart)
Prineville Branch – 305 NE Hickey Farms Road (in front of Bi-Mart)
Free Shred is intended for private residential document shredding only, no commercial or business shredding provided. Personal documents with staples and paper clips are okay.
Shred Your Documents for Free!
“It’s a great opportunity to go through important paperwork such as old bills, tax documents or anything containing your account numbers, signatures or Social Security numbers, and bring the materials down for secure disposal,” said Kyle Frick, Mid Oregon VP Marketing. “It’s a great way to protect against identity theft, it’s open to the public and it’s free.”
Mid Oregon is asking event participants to consider bringing a donation to benefit Healthy Beginnings . A representative will be onsite at event locations to answer questions about their no cost health and developmental screenings for local preschool children.