Banking Basics


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Knowledge is power.

That's true with any topic, but it's especially the case when it comes to finances. At KEMBA, we make it our mission to bring you up to speed on all sorts of money matters.

Explore our articles to learn more about Banking Basics.

How to Avoid Overdraft Fees

A woman sitting at a laptop and smiling with a pen in her hand.

It’s no secret that overdraft fees are a pain to deal with because they cost you your hard-earned money and often show up on your bank statement at the worst times. If you’ve ever been charged an overdraft fee, don’t worry, you’re not alone. Over 39 million adults have reported…

How Finance Apps Help You Manage Money

Two women sitting at a table looking at one of their cellphones.

Managing your money has never been easier and more convenient. With smart phones in almost everyone's pocket, you have the ability to bank from anywhere. Learn how digital apps can help you improve your finances.

Traditional Banking vs. P2P Networks

young woman using cell phone

P2P Apps have become a popular tool to send and receive money, but they lack the features that you can experience with traditional banking. Explore how traditional banking can support and protect your personal finances.


Comparing Credit Unions to Traditional Banks

Choosing the right financial institution is important because, at the end of the day, everyone wants a good banking partner to hold their hard-earned money. When it comes to choosing where you save your money, deposit your paycheck, borrow for loans, etc., most people will decide between a bank…

4 Financial Resolutions You
Can Accomplish Now

If you want a few financial resolutions that you can achieve early into the new year (because who doesn’t love an easy to-do list??) here are some suggestions.

Why Identity Protection Is Important

What is Identity Theft? Identity theft is a crime where someone steals your personal information to commit fraud. This can be anything from stealing your credit card information to opening loans or lines-of-credit in your name without you knowing. Unfortunately, the connected age that we live in makes it easier…

Healthy Financial Habits

Unfortunately, many consumers in the United States are not well-educated about money and how to effectively manage it. This has led to high-interest credit card and personal loan debt that’s sweeping the nation. To help our members establish a solid financial foundation, we’ve put together a list of some…

The Convenience of Online Banking

The digitization of banking, also known as mobile or online banking, has been an ongoing process over the last ten years – and with changes in technology, the best of mobile banking is yet to come. Online and mobile banking puts access to your bank account(s) a few clicks away…

Managing Debt as Interest Rates Rise

Here are five general questions to ask in order to minimize the hit to your wallet in the face of rising interest rates.

Home Mortgages 101

A home is the largest purchase that most people will make in their lifetime. It’s important to understand how mortgages work to find the right type of mortgage to purchase or refinance a home. Here are some important facts to know about mortgages as you prepare to purchase or refinance a home….

Understanding Your Credit Score

What is a Credit Score? A credit score evaluates how likely you are to pay back your debts on time. Your credit score is incredibly important, yet few consumers know how it works, or what it’s used for. Your credit score will affect your ability to secure credit and determine the interest rates that you…

Money Management Tips

Many people think that to be financially successful, one needs to be born into money or get lucky. However, those assumptions are far from the truth! Financially successful people come in all shapes and sizes and from all walks of life. The one thing that they have in common is…

Teaching Your Kids Banking Basics

Teaching kids to be responsible with money is a foundation that will last them the rest of their lives. Starting when they are young, you can instill sound financial management skills that will teach the value of money, the benefits of saving, and the importance of being wise with how they spend their money.

Improving Your Home's Value

Your home is one of the biggest investments you’ll make in your lifetime. Learn how to improve the value of your home without burning through your cash reserves.

Community Impact of Credit Unions

In addition to supporting local organizations through volunteering, Credit Unions have a mission to provide competitive banking services that have a positive impact on the community. 

Strategies to Avoid Social Media Overspending

Social media can be a double-edged sword, providing both entertainment and potential financial pitfalls. According to a recent NerdWallet survey, 65% of Americans believe that social media has led to increased overspending. To protect your real-life finances while enjoying your online experience, follow these five tips...

Putting People over Profits

Have you ever heard the phrase “people over profits?” This phrase embodies the mission of credit unions as they strive to serve the needs of their members unlike for-profit banks that may answer to stockholders. While this always rings true with credit unions, it’s never so clear as it is during times of crisis, like…

Managing Personal Finances During COVID-19

The COVID-19 virus has monopolized most aspects of our lives, from the daily news to our new roles as homeschool teachers, but the impact that many Central Ohioans are feeling right now is in our bank accounts. The shelter in place and self-quarantine orders from state and local officials has impacted the ability to work…

Protect Your Investments with 3 Sound Options

By most measures, the United States economy is perking along just fine. Nevertheless, many experts are seeing signs that indicate an economic downturn could begin as soon as 2019. The signs include new cash from tax cuts which are traditionally incompatible with a strong economy; trade wars—the stock market hates tariffs which can eat into…

Consolidating High Interest Debt

Learn the basics of transferring credit card balances and saving money Not all credit cards are created equal. Terms can vary widely from card to card including annual percentage rates (APRs), annual fees, repayment conditions, and borrowing limits. Once in a while, it’s important to review the terms of your current credit cards, along with…

KEMBA Home Equity Loans

The essentials of home equity loans – what you need to know For many homeowners, an equity loan is an attractive option for making home improvements, paying for large ticket items (i.e. college, wedding), or consolidating high-interest debt. For other homeowners, an equity loan might not even be an option because they do not have…

Teaching Financial Literacy to Teens

The four fundamentals of financial literacy for teens The new school year is around the corner and as your teens prepare for another year of learning, financial literacy is a topic that becomes more important every year. Making smart financial choices on a small scale in high school can have a big impact on their…

Credit Unions and Millennials Are a Great Match

When it comes to learning about money, Millennials choice in a banking partner plays a key role. Representing nearly a quarter of the total United States population, millennials now make up the largest living demographic in the country. And representing almost two-fifths of the working population, they hold the largest spending power of any demographic…

The Best Way to Use Private Loans for College

Your student has completed their high school education and ready to take the next step to transitioning to adulthood. As they explore their options for higher education, you are weighing the options for financing their education. Many Americans are ill-prepared for the cost of higher education because they have not saved for college or have…

30 Year Vs. 15 Year Mortgage Loans

Buying or refinancing a home is a big financial decision, one that KEMBA has helped countless central Ohioans navigate. There are many home financing options to consider, but two of our most common are the 30-year and 15-year, fixed-rate mortgage loans. To understand which is right for you,…

Protecting Your Personal Finances This Summer

With summer right around the corner, it is time for vacations, adventures and making memories. As you travel, you may be at a higher risk for common financial scams and identity theft. Don't let these threats put a damper on your summer plans! By familiarizing yourself, you can take proactive steps to protect your identity, assets and hard-earned vacation funds.



















Tips for Teaching Kids Financial Responsibility 

Teaching children basic financial management principles while they are young is key to helping them learn how to handle money. Find out ways to teach your kids financial responsibility.

How to Read Your Credit Report

Have you ever tried to read your credit report? It can be confusing. Your credit report is compiled by three major reporting agencies and while they can differ in the final score, the data collected by each agency is the same. Learn how to read your credit score, verify the accuracy of the data, and…

Dealing with Debt

If you find yourself buried in a stack of bills, trying to figure out how to make ends meet, you are not alone. 80% of Americans are carrying some sort of debt which, depending on the amount, can make things look bleak. You have options for managing your debt. Learn about the 5 ways you…
















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