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"The new year is the perfect time to get your finances in order," said Patty Briotta, NAFCU's director of public relations. "Joining a credit union — a not-for-profit, member-owned financial cooperative — is one of the best ways to make sure you're getting lower fees, more competitive rates and outstanding service."

2.Make savings a priority and weigh financial decisions carefully – At most credit unions, you can open a savings account for as little as $5. You can visit CULookup.com to find a credit union to join. Credit unions offer a wide range of products, including savings/checking accounts, debit cards, credit cards and auto and mortgage loans, as well as online banking.

3.Avoid unnecessary fees – For example, use automatic bill payment options to prevent late fees. Most credit unions still offer no-fee checking and many credit union members also enjoy access to tens of thousands of free ATMs nationwide. A lot of credit unions also participate in a shared branching network that gives members access to locations in all 50 states.

5.Review your financial statements/credit report regularly – Scrutinize financial/credit card statements to manage your expenses and to monitor your accounts for any unauthorized charges in your name. You can also request a free copy of your credit report once a year at AnnualCreditReport.com.

pbriotta@nafcu.org