Top Tips for Members

1. Earn the Best Return on your Money

It’s very common to leave significant balances lying idle in current or low interest bearing accounts. It’s important to know what the best rates in the market are. Details of the rates available in all institutions are on www.itsyourmoney.ie . St Anthonys & Claddagh Credit Union offer a competitive Fixed Term Deposit account twice a year.

2. Getting the Cheapest Rate for Borrowing Money

Many credit card holders are carrying large balances on credit cards at exorbitant interest rates, heavy penalties and late payment fees. Visit the cost comparison section on www.itsyourmoney.ie  for the best borrowing rates in the market. St Anthony’s & Claddagh Credit are offering car loans at 6.5%, this is one of the best rates in the country for car finance.

3. Take Care to Claim your Tax Credits

You may be eligible to claim tax relief for items such as rent, health expenses and third level tuition fees. Confused by what you are entitled to? The personal tax section on www.revenue.ie  offers information on how to make a tax relief claim.  Sign up for a Special Share Account, and St. Anthony’s & Claddagh Credit Union will automatically deduct DIRT at 25% from any dividend you receive on shares.

4. Ensure that you have the Best Insurance Deal.

Don’t assume you have the best rate. By combining motor and home or by simply shopping around you could end up saving yourself hundreds of euro.  Make yourself aware of any discounts you may be entitled to. Being a member of St. Anthony’s & Claddagh Credit Union, you are entitled to 10% discount on Le Cheile Motor and Home Insurance a group rate with VHI.

5. Make sure you and your family are protected?

Death illness or unemployment can ruin whatever future you planned and it is important that your affairs are in order to ensure that your family is adequately looked after. Talk to a financial advisor to ensure that you are protected, you know your entitlements, you have an adequate pension in place, and you have sufficient life cover in place. For tips in choosing an advisor check out the “Choosing a Financial Advisor” section on www.itsyourmoney.ie.  Or talk to our Financial Advisor at no cost or obligation who can explain your various options for Pension, Life Assurance, Serious Illness Cover and Mortgage Protection.

7. Getting to Grips with Debt

You may never have had a serious debt problem before, but it’s easy for debts to get out of control in the current climate. Failing to deal with debt problems early on will make it much more difficult to deal with them at a later stage.Use a budget planner to work out everything you are spending and what debts are owed on a week to week basis. By comparing this with your income, you can work out a plan that suits you and will help you keep control of your debt effectively. An easy to use budget planner is available in the useful tools sections of www.itsyourmoney.ie  or talk to MABS which is a free, confidential and independent service for people in debt on 1890 283 438.

8. Student Finance

It can be hard to get your finances sorted when you’re in college, especially if you don’t have a regular income and you are on a tight budget. Be careful with credit, shop around and avail of the best student borrowing rates. Students can claim tax paid for summer work back through their local revenue office see www.revenue.ie. St Anthony’s & Claddagh Credit Union offer student loans at a competitive rate of 6.5% for student purposes.

9. Coping with Redundancy

The first thing most people think about when they are made redundant is how they will cope financially. Check if you are entitled to any redundancy payments, social welfare payments or if you can claim on any loan payment protection insurance policy. This will help to boost your income temporarily. Deal with your debts and never ignore missed repayments, if you have a loan with St. Anthony’s & Claddagh contact us immediately, to explain your situation and explore your options.

10. Benefits of Applying for a Loan with St. Anthony’s & Claddagh Credit Union

St Anthony’s & Claddagh Credit Union are here to serve members by providing loans at favorable rates. If you are looking for a dream holiday, car, and home improvements or for whatever the reason, the credit union has a loan rate to suit your needs. One of the main benefits of taking a loan with the credit union is that the interest is calculated on a reducing balance, this means the faster you pay off your loan the less interest you pay.  Talk to a member of staff, to see how you can benefit from competitive rates and flexible repayments that suit you.