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Top Tools to Help You Avoid Overdrafts

If you struggle with budgeting and occasionally overspend your checking account funds, keep in mind UW Credit Union offers many tools to help you stay positive.

Tool #1: Online Account Management

If you are aware of the amount of money you have in your checking account, chances increase that you won't overspend. UW Credit Union offers many free online tools so you can stay on top of your accounts and be aware of your account balances:

• Visit Web Branch at any time to check your balances and see when your bills are due.
• Use Mobile Banking to access Web Branch. Just visit m.uwcu.org on your web-enabled mobile device.
• Sign up for Web Alerts. You can choose to receive a text message or email alert every time your account balance gets to a certain level. You can also set up an alert for when your Overdraft Protection kicks in and for when your bills are due.

Tool #2: Budgeting Resources

We also offer many ways to help you set up a working budget. A budget can help you keep track of your expenses and help decide how much you should spend each month.

• Visit a UW Credit Union Branch. A Financial Specialist can help talk you through tips and advice to help you maintain a budget.
• Call BALANCE at 888-456-2227. BALANCE is our free, confidential financial advice service that can help you develop a spending plan and budget.
• Attend one of our Financial Seminars. We host seminars to address a wide range of financial issues that you may encounter.

Another defense is Overdraft Protection, also known as a Reserve Line of Credit.* This resource is best used as a last line of defense. If you inadvertently overdraft your checking account, your Overdraft Protection automatically transfers money to your account in $100 increments. Each time you overdraft, more funds are transferred. Remember that if you overdraft or transfer funds from your Reserve Line of Credit, you are responsible for paying that amount back, plus interest that accrues.

If you have any questions about how a Reserve Line works, or if you need any help with a budget, please don't hesitate to contact us. We are here to help.

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*Must be age 18 for Reserve Line of Credit.