On tournament weekends, teammates fly in from around the country to face off against Veteran hockey players representing other branches of service. Instead of staying in hotels, they rent homes together. Instead of eating out, they cook for each other, often with kids and wives in tow.

“We’re a family,” Bluder says. “Once a Marine, always a Marine.”

The team is heading into this year’s hockey season after a year of growth and opportunity. In February, it was one of four selected from among 200 applicants to play in Navy Federal Credit Union’s fifth annual Veterans Showcase — a one-of-a-kind military hockey tournament that honors Veterans across the country. The official military appreciation partner of the National Hockey League, the credit union hosted it in Ohio alongside the 2025 Navy Federal Credit Union NHL Stadium Series.

The Marines team won the tournament 2-0 after scoring a game-winning shootout goal. In addition to the games, the team attended a welcome reception and dinner and the 2025 Navy Federal Credit Union NHL Stadium Series game at Ohio Stadium.

All expenses were paid by Navy Federal, Bluder’s credit union. It was a “once-in-a-lifetime thing,” Bluder said. “Everyone on the team is a blue-collar guy making ends meet, so this opportunity was amazing. We couldn’t ask for more.”

Honoring the military spirit

Navy Federal is the official Military Appreciation Partner of the NHL—supporting programs and initiatives that honor the spirit of military appreciation and hockey. Next year, it will once again bring four all-Veteran hockey teams (nearly 60 Veterans) to the 2026 Navy Federal Credit Union Stadium Series in Tampa, Fla., to compete in the sixth annual Veterans Showcase. The credit union will also celebrate its NHL partnership with military-themed ceremonies at games and its sponsorship of NHL Stick Tap for Service, which recognizes community service.

The opportunity to attend the Vets Showcase tournament meant a lot to the Marines team, which was founded in 1984 at Camp Pendleton in California. The team later disbanded, but Bluder, an aviation ordnance officer who grew up playing hockey, revived it in 2016.

Today, the team’s roster includes Veterans from around the country, including the East and West Coasts, Alaska and Hawaii and even Japan. A few active-duty Marines are also on the team, as are a couple retired Navy Corpsmen.

A common bond

With members so far apart, whole-team practice is rare. But they gel at tournament time. “We all have this common bond of being Marines together,” Bluder says, “so we don’t need to see each other and play with each other every single week.”

That bond stretches off the ice too. Some chip in to help teammates cover the sport’s sky-high expense. Many coach youth hockey teams, help Veterans learn the sport later in life and contribute to the Marine Raider Foundation, which supports members of the elite special operations unit.

And if a teammate is having a problem, someone will “put a 911 out” and, often within hours, a member of the community responds, whether by making a call or searching the barracks. “The help and support out there is fantastic,” Bluder said.

The best part about participating in this year’s Vets Showcase tournament was the space it opened up for even deeper connection, including around challenges like depression, unemployment, and health problems.

“It was eye opening,” Bluder said. Most tournament schedules, he said, leave no time “to really sit down with each other in a safe space, so to speak, and find out what people are going through. That weekend we had tons of time, on the bus, at the hotel, during meals, where we could sit down and have more candid conversations.”

Those conversations prompted team founders to initiate more regular team communication, offer more supports, and apply for nonprofit status, which allows it to accept grants and sponsorships to cover tournament fees and travel costs. This year, the team plans to participate in at least three tournaments and revamp website and communications materials—and hopes to help more players cover cost of attendance.

Supporting these bonds are key to why Navy Federal partners with the NHL, says Retired Navy Captain Keith Hoskins, who leads Navy Federal’s new Military Affairs and Strategic Partnerships unit. It’s a “natural, authentic fit,” he said. “We’re like-minded organizations both in terms of our shared passion for the sport and our shared values of service, integrity and community.”

To learn more about Navy Federal’s commitment to supporting Veterans and their families, visit navyfederal.org/Veterans.

This article was developed by Navy Federal Credit Union. The team—which is always seeking players—can be reached on Instagram at @marine_ice_hockey and on Facebook at Marine Ice Hockey.

“Just like any relocation, when moving to a new duty station, it’s a good idea to do your homework,” said Thomas Racca, manager of personal finance management at Navy Federal Credit Union. “Talk to others who’ve lived at that base. Check out online reviews and visit the area if you can.”

From budgeting for upfront costs to connecting with military-friendly real estate agents, here are key steps to help make your PCS move easier:

1. Get your checklist in order.

One of the best ways to ensure a smooth move during a PCS is a comprehensive checklist. This can serve as a guide to help keep your important documents, tasks and schedules organized. For example, Navy Federal has a PCS checklist that covers everything from timelines to to-do’s and helps you avoid last-minute surprises.

2. Review your budget.

“It’s so important to do this periodically—to know where your money is going, opportunities to reduce spending or increase savings, and avoid negative spending habits that could take a long time to repair,” said Racca.

Even with military allowances and reimbursements, there may be some costs that you have to cover on your own before being paid back. Use a monthly spending calculator to plan for expenses and start saving money as soon as you can. Knowing your numbers upfront helps prevent financial strain down the road.

“Online tools such as Navy Federal’s My MakingCents can help you to track spending and create a budget, all just a few clicks away,” said Racca. “Don’t forget about quality of life! Being closer to good schools, restaurants, parks, movie theaters or grocery stores may be drivers for your choice. It all goes back to having long term goals and balancing them against your day-to-day comfort,” said Racca.

3. Navigate housing options with confidence.

The military offers housing options on-base for Servicemembers, but many choose to live off-base in the local community too. It all depends on various factors such as branch of service policies, rank, marital status, housing availability at your new installation and more. “It’s also all about balancing convenience with the potential to save or upgrade your lifestyle,” said Racca.

Typically, with on-base housing, you won’t have to pay rent, utilities or deal with landlords; it’s all covered. On the flip side, you also don’t get to keep your full Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) (or OHA if you’re stationed overseas). Off-base housing lets you use your BAH/OHA to cover rent and other costs.

“It’s smart to meet with a trusted financial advisor when big financial changes are underway,” added Racca. “Think about what matters most to you – cost, location, community, or convenience – and base your choice on that. No matter what, planning ahead and staying flexible will help you make the best decision for you and your family.”

4. Lean on resources, tools and 24/7 support.

Moving can be unpredictable, but getting support for your finances doesn’t have to be. For example, Navy Federal’s mobile app, travel notifications and 24/7 access to stateside member service representatives can help keep you connected and in control—wherever you are.

“We’re all creatures of habit, and setting ourselves up with a positive environment and being around others that we want to emulate goes a long way towards helping us reach our long term financial goals,” said Racca.

With the right planning and the right support, your next move can be your smoothest one yet. To explore Navy Federal’s PCS offerings, visit navyfederal.org/pcs.

This content is intended to provide general information and shouldn’t be considered legal, tax or financial advice. It’s always a good idea to consult a tax or financial advisor for specific information on how certain laws apply to your situation and about your individual financial situation.

Almost everyone sets new resolutions on January 1, but that’s the easy part. Your resolutions might be job related, like scoring higher on your PT test. Or maybe it’s financial, like staying within budget and paying down debt. When it comes to debt, have no fear – there are great financial offers and tools available to help pay off credit card debt and get you back on track.

We all know the best way to get out of credit card debt is to pay it off as quickly as possible. Start small by paying more than your minimum monthly credit card payment. But there’s also a top-secret tip you might not know about – you can also lower your monthly payment by using a balance transfer.

How can I use a balance transfer to pay off debt?

Many financial institutions offer attractive balance transfer offers, especially around this time of year as they know consumers have holiday debt to pay off.

“A balance transfer gives you the opportunity to shift your current credit card balance to a new card, usually with a lower rate,” said Justin Zeidman, manager of credit card products at Navy Federal Credit Union. “A lower rate means lower interest charges, which can help you to pay down your debt faster.”

If your credit card has an interest rate between 15 to 25 percent, you may be paying more in interest each month than you have to. The goal is to find a new card that works with your spending habits, offers a lower interest rate than your current card and has low to no fees.

A typical balance transfer offers a low APR anywhere from 12 to 15 months. Make sure that allows you enough time to pay off your balance before the variable Annual Percentage Rate (APR) kicks in.

“If possible, set up automatic payments along with text alerts on your mobile device to ensure payments are made on time,” said Zeidman. “Not only do missed payments negatively affect your credit score, but you could risk losing the low introductory rate as well.”

What are things I should consider when looking at offers?

Know the pros and cons before taking action, just as you would a successful military operation plan. Consider interest rates and fees first when looking at available offers. Once you pay off your debt or the introductory period expires, you’re still responsible for that new card and its new interest rate. Make sure when that time comes it’s still valuable for you. Also consider secondary benefits when opening a new credit card using a balance transfer, such as rewards programs or credit limit. And remember to read the fine print before opening a new card.

Will my credit score fluctuate after making a balance transfer?

In general, when you apply for credit, you’ll see a small decrease in your credit score. It’s not a major factor in determining your overall score, so the decrease from a balance transfer should be temporary. However, if you plan on making a large purchase in the very near future, such as a car or home, weigh the pros and cons before opening a new credit card. It might not be the best option for you at this time.

What’s the deal with fees?

The good news is it’s possible to find balance transfer offers with no fees. For example, some financial institutions, like Navy Federal Credit Union, never charge a balance transfer fee.

Along with watching out for fees, beware of the zero-interest rate offers. At first they appear attractive, but they could cost you more money in the long run. You may be paying zero interest on your balance month to month, but the upfront charge of 3 or 5 percent on your total balance is more costly than a 2.99% introductory APR offer with no fee. You do the math.

What if I can’t pay my balance before the intro rate period is over?

The goal of a balance transfer is to pay off your debt in full before the introductory rate ends. This isn’t always possible, especially if you have a considerable amount of debt. Your APR will increase when the intro rate expires. That’s why it’s important to know the card’s standard APR before making that balance transfer.

If your New Year’s resolution is to pay off holiday debt or that looming credit card balance, a balance transfer offer might be a good option. Be sure to read the offer’s fine print before you transfer your balance and speak to your financial institution to ensure you’re making the right decision for you.

Don’t rush because there’s a promotion.

There’s no urgency to sign a deal. Automakers and dealerships typically build these sales around the entire holiday season, so make sure you do some pre-shopping research before you hit the car lot. Some dealerships also offer added discounts for military members and their families.

“Securing the best deal is oftentimes all about being a well-equipped buyer,” says Joe Pendergast, vice president of consumer lending at Navy Federal Credit Union. “Research exactly what kind of car fits your family’s needs and the models within your budget.”

If a newer model vehicle is outside of your price range, consider a late-model or certified pre-owned car. These are attractive alternatives as they come with many of the bells and whistles of a newer model, but at a significantly lower price. Also, explore auto buying services, such as Navy Federal’s Auto Buying Program, where you’ll find up-front, guaranteed pricing on a wide selection of new and used vehicles from purchasing dealers.

Square away your financing beforehand.

According to a recent Navy Federal survey, at least three-quarters of potential auto buyers will get an auto loan and most will seek out pre-approval (66 percent). Being pre-approved or pre-qualified from your trusted financial institution can greatly reduce any pressure from a car salesman and not get distracted by dealer financing. You don’t risk the excitement of buying a new car with payments you can’t manage. Thus, rest assured you’ve got a reasonable interest rate and favorable loan terms.

“The best thing consumers can do to avoid potential financing pitfalls when car shopping around the holidays and year-round is to find a reliable lender,” added Pendergast. “Your bank or credit union can provide auto financing that’s designed to set you up for success in the long run.”

Ask lots of questions and never be afraid to hold off.

Whether you secure financing with the dealer or a lender, carefully read the fine print on the paperwork. Make sure you fully understand all of the terms and conditions, as well as know exactly how much you’ll owe each month. If you have any hesitations, don’t be afraid to wait. New factory incentives will most certainly pop up again in the future.

Your budget and lifestyle should be your guide to figuring out whether or not these holiday auto incentives are a great deal and ultimately worth your while.

Navy Federal Credit Union is federally insured by NCUA.

To help them land on their feet and enjoy long-term career success, Navy Federal partnered with Hire Heroes USA®* to survey over 1,000 veterans nationwide on what they value most in a civilian career—like location, compensation or working at a purpose-driven organization.

“As we started researching Best Careers After Service, we discovered that factors like the overall mission of the organization and a support structure for veterans are often just as important as compensation and benefits,” said Jaspreet Chawla, vice president of membership with Navy Federal Credit Union. “With nearly half of U.S. veterans leaving their first civilian job within a year, it’s important for transitioning service members to reflect on what motivates them and to know which industries offer opportunities that align with their personal career drivers.”

Health care topped the list as the #1 match for veterans’ goals and that’s no surprise given the competitive salaries and how well jobs match military experience. Two other benefits that stood out were the strong sense of community and teamwork within the health care industry and its opportunities to help people. Some of the most popular career paths include hospital operations/logistics, registered nurse, medical research and administration (hospital functionality, data, records).

One in four veterans do some kind of government work. And with the combination of a competitive salary, a match for military experience/skills, and consistent work schedule, government and public administration jobs, the second top career on the list, also check a lot of boxes for veterans.

Among veterans under 45 years old, defense contracting is the most popular area of work. Top reasons? Competitive salaries, working for a mission-driven organization, having work suited to military experience and skills, and special programs for veterans. Common career paths include analyst, intelligence specialist, contract management specialist, and quality assurance manager.

Elsewhere, financial services careers are particularly attractive for younger veterans, with more than 1 in 10 in related jobs. A clear advancement path, training, development, and creative/strategic opportunities are just a few of the matching benefits. Likewise, the education industry also matches veterans’ desires for a mission-driven/team-oriented environment, mentorship opportunities and a consistent work location.

“We are grateful to have Navy Federal as a partner in our commitment to providing exceptional career support programs that serve the whole military and veteran community. Together, our services enable financial security and professional success, leading to increased satisfaction and participation in their local communities,” said Christopher Plamp, chief executive officer of Hire Heroes USA.

Planning for a career after service also means having a financial plan to match. There are differences in insurance and retirement savings when you leave the military, and your expenses and income may change, too. It can seem overwhelming, but that’s where a budget and financial plan can help. Reach out to your bank or credit union to see what resources are available. You can check in a branch or even use online calculators to help plot out your course of action.

In addition to Best Careers After Service, Navy Federal’s “Best Of” series includes Best Cities After Service, which helps identify top cities in the U.S. for military members who recently completed Active Duty service.

Most people don’t learn about identity theft and fraud until after it happens. Make it your mission to be vigilant about your personal and financial information security. The steps you take to be proactive could go a long way, and save you the heartache of dealing with fraud and theft.

Is there a difference between identity theft and identity fraud?

Identity theft and identity fraud are often used interchangeably, but what is the difference? To understand how to best guard yourself and your family, learn the subtle differences.

Namely, theft and fraud can be distinguished by how your stolen information is used.

When criminals commit identity theft, they use your personal information, such as Social Security numbers, birth dates, names and addresses, to assume your identity. Once someone has this information, they can open new credit cards in your name, apply for jobs, and even take your tax refund.

On the other hand, identity fraud occurs when someone steals then uses personal information to commit a crime, like using existing cards to make fraudulent purchases. A criminal can’t use your identity or personal information to commit crimes without obtaining the information first. Thus, the two crimes go hand in hand.

Here are some ways to protect yourself:

1. Don’t click on suspicious emails.

Most people are familiar with phishing, a tactic that includes using emails or fake websites designed to extract your personal information. Potential identity thieves may pose as credit card companies or financial institutions to contact you directly. When you’re being phished, you’ll receive an email that asks you to verify transactions or personal information. Poor spelling and unofficial URLs are the clearest indicators of phishing emails. If something looks suspicious, don’t click on it and contact the institution directly to verify information.

2. Avoid sharing highly sensitive personal information.

Don’t overshare online – this includes social media profiles. Sharing addresses, phone numbers and social security numbers online make you an easy target for identity theft.

3. Watch your mail and shred financial documents before throwing them out.

Pick up your mail regularly, especially if you’re receiving paper bills. You can drop off your outgoing mail at the post office instead of leaving it exposed to reduce your risk.

4. Mix it up and change your passwords.

Creating the same password and username for every website login makes stealing your information easier. Once thieves have that information, they have access to everything you do online. Change things up and reset your passwords every few months to keep thieves at bay. There are also a number of reputable password managers to help you manage and secure them.

5. Stay ahead of the curve by watching for abnormal texts.

A relatively new form of identity theft is SMiShing, similar to phishing, but it occurs via SMS text messages. Typically you’ll receive a fake text message from your financial institution or credit card company saying your accounts have been compromised. The message will include a link for you to see the transaction or will request a callback number to discuss the issue. Protect yourself by staying alert and not opening or responding to suspicious messages.

6. Place an Active Duty Alert on your credit report.

The Active Duty Alert is a special fraud alert that is designed to protect service members. While the alert is active, companies will be required to take additional security precautions before granting credit in your name. If you’re deploying soon, request an Active Duty Alert on your credit report to help minimize identity theft risk.

What to do if your identity has been stolen

So you’ve made it your mission to stay alert to the warning signs of identity theft. You’ve seen something suspicious online or via email. You may have noticed errors on your credit report or started getting bills for new credit cards you didn’t sign up for. What do you do now?

If you think you’re a victim of fraud or identity theft, contact your financial institution and credit card companies to close any accounts that have been compromised. Always report theft to the FTC and the Social Security Administration if your Social Security number has been compromised.

Then, get a copy of your credit report to the credit bureaus so you can dispute any errors or fraudulent activities before they impact your credit card score. If there’s a possibility that your checkbook has been lost or stolen, don’t forget to contact a check verification company.

Even if you take all the necessary precautions to protect your information, sometimes the unexpected happens and your information is compromised. It’s a known risk in today’s digital world. Your best offense is a great defense against these security risks.

If you find yourself lacking in willpower when it comes to meeting long-term financial goals, you’re not alone. The good news is there’s an easy solution.

Use a commitment device

Commitment devices help us lock into good habits we might otherwise struggle to stick with. For example, if you find yourself spending extra cash too often, signup to have money automatically deducted from your paycheck or checking account before you can spend it. With time, you’ll be closer to your financial goals.

The main reason commitment devices work is our brains are wired in two different ways: one set of wiring for our short-term selves, and another for our long-term selves.

The long-term wiring helps us do what’s good for ourselves in the future, while the short-term wiring often wants us to enjoy ourselves in the moment. Signing up for future deductions takes short-term, impulse spending out of the equation and locks us into a good habit.

A question of willpower

Some of us have more than others, and some days we have more willpower than other days. With commitment devices we take our level of willpower out of the equation, so “every month we don’t have to force ourselves through an act of will to make the right decision,” says Navy Federal Corporate Economist Robert Frick.

You likely can link accounts to make these automatic transfers through your employer, or through your bank or credit union. All it takes is a little paperwork today to put yourself on the road to higher savings or lower debt tomorrow. Frick adds that debt can be particularly hard to pay down, because sometimes it’s a source of shame. But, he says, if you can imagine your long term self out of debt, how great that’s going to feel.

Automatic deductions are a classic example of a commitment device, but there are others. For example, you can write a check to a cause you really dislike, and hand it to a friend with the instructions to mail that check if you haven’t reached your goal. The psychology behind this is distaste is so powerful an emotion you’ll do just about anything not to experience it.

Get by with a little help from your friends

Another way to lock in a goal is to announce it publicly to a group of people you know, and regularly update your progress to them. That will give you not only a dose of peer pressure, but also some peer support

And to make that check commitment device work even better, make it a contest. Have your friend that’s holding your check send you a check for a cause they don’t like that you’ll mail if they don’t reach their goal. A little competition can be very motivating.

There are a number of websites that can help you with both the peer and punishment types of commitment devices. Some have coaches that monitor your progress, and others make you pay only if you don’t meet your goals. Just do a search for “online commitment devices.”

If you’re looking for more ways to meet your financial goals, don’t hesitate to partner with your bank or credit union. There’s a good chance they have resources online and would be happy to work with you to meet your financial goals. Working with a financial institution you trust can give you confidence along your savings journey.

If you or a family member is interested in higher education, or even if you already have student loans, you’ll need financing options. There are several ways you can approach the situation.

Make the Most of “Free” Funding

Look for funding options you don’t need to pay back. Programs like the Post 9/11 GI Bill cover servicemembers for college tuition and expenses. In some cases, you may be eligible to receive 100 percent tuition coverage, a monthly housing allowance and a stipend for books and supplies. The length of your service is an important factor when determining how much you can receive. If you don’t use any or all of your GI Bill benefits, you can transfer them to your family members, such as your spouse or dependents.

Take advantage of grants and scholarships if you can too. These are generally offered through the federal and state government, as well as schools and nonprofit organizations. Grants tend to be based on financial need, whereas scholarships are awarded for accomplishments or merit.

Apply for Funding Through the Federal Government

Your next stop for funding should be federal loans. You can apply for federal loans by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). From fixed interest rates to different repayment options, federal loans provide various protections that can be helpful after you graduate from school.

“There is a limit, however, to how much you can borrow from the federal government,” said Carrie Foran Sepulveda, manager of education lending at Navy Federal Credit Union. “If you reach that point, then it’s time to look into private student loans from your trusted financial institution.”

When Federal Loans Don’t Pay For All Your Costs

Private student loans are usually available through financial institutions and cover the same types of expenses, such as tuition, room and board, books and travel to-and-from school. Students are able to apply for private student loans by themselves, but oftentimes can secure a better interest rate with a credit-worthy cosigner. Just make sure all applicants understand the loan terms and obligations entirely before signing on the dotted line.

Consolidate Your Loans to Balance Your Budget

Let’s say you’ve already got your degree, and you’re making payments on your student loans. There are ways to make managing those monthly payments easier.

Consolidating means adding all of your student loan balances together, and then refinancing the total into one loan with one monthly payment. This may also change how long and how much interest you pay on the loan.

“The idea is to make consolidation work for you and ultimately secure a more manageable monthly payment,” said Foran Sepulveda.

If you’re a servicemember who took out a student loan before enlisting in the military and are currently carrying that debt, review your SCRA benefits before refinancing your student loans.

Bottom Line

When it comes to funding education, start with the financing options that don’t need to be paid back, like the GI Bill, grants or scholarships. Next, check your options through the federal loan program, and then look to private student loans.

If you’re already making payments on your student loans, remember refinancing is an option, but make sure it’s right for you and your budget.

A college education is an investment in your future for both you and your family. Don’t hesitate to speak with your trusted financial institution to see what advice and products they have for you.

Whether it’s repairing a leaky roof or making your Pinterest kitchen become a reality, you can make your dreams come true by making your home equity work for you as a powerful financial tool.

Here’s a few tips to keep in mind.

Build equity faster

It’s as easy as it sounds! During the first few years that you make payments towards your home loan, most goes towards interest rather than the principal. The more you owe on the mortgage, the more interest you’ll pay.

“You can build up your equity faster by paying a little extra per month on your mortgage,” said Sean Murphy, Navy Federal Credit Union’s head of equity products. “Even paying just one extra mortgage payment per year, you’ll knock off interest to be charged, increase your equity and pay off the loan sooner.”

Know your options

Once you’ve gained equity in your home, you can use it. Your home’s equity is an asset that can be used to boost your borrowing power. Because it is collateralized, it usually has a better interest rate than an unsecured loan.

The most common options that allow you to use your equity is through a Home Equity Lines of Credit (HELOC) or Fixed Home Equity Loans. Both options use your home as collateral to provide credit for your needs.

HELOCs work a lot like credit cards. You’ll be approved for a specific amount of credit that represents the maximum amount you can borrow. This amount is determined by calculating how much your home is worth, the amount you owe on your home loan, and your credit history. You pay a variable interest rate and have a minimum payment due each month based on the amount of the credit line you’ve used. The loan terms of repayment can often be 10 years or more.

“Many of our members prefer the flexibility of a HELOC,” added Murphy. “Nearly half of the HELOC applications we receive are for home improvement.”

Another option for upgrading your house to the home of your dreams is through a fixed-rate home equity loan. This operates more like a traditional home loan where you get a specific amount of money based on the equity available in your home. There’s a set schedule to repay the loan, generally ranging from 5 years up to 20 years, and it offers a fixed interest rate.

Get all of the facts

Whatever your financial needs may be, making the best decision starts with understanding your options.

“The best advice I can give to a homeowner is to talk to your trusted financial institution,” said Murphy. “They’re the experts and they’ll be able to get you the detailed, most accurate information about the products offered. We encourage our members to ask us the tough questions so that we can help them make the best decision for them.”

Here’s a few helpful questions you’ll want to ask:

• How much equity can I borrow?
• Do I know exactly how much I want to borrow? Or do I need the flexibility of a HELOC?
• How long are the loan terms?
• How much will my monthly payment be?
• What happens to the loan if I decide to sell my home?

Make sure you also look at how long you’ll want or need to repay the loan. The most important thing is for each person to look at their own circumstances. Take time to understand your needs and the overall impact on your budget.

“We meet our members where they want to be served,” said Murphy. “Some members prefer to read all of the information online, some prefer to talk to someone in the branch, and some prefer to call our 24/7 call center. Whatever questions they have about equity, we answer them in the channel the members prefer.”

1. Tally up your rewards points.

It’s easy to forget about the points you’ve built up on your rewards cards. Monitor your rewards balance and redeem them before they expire. Points can often be used for airline miles, hotels, merchandise or cash back. And, most airlines and hotels have loyalty programs that give you points for every flight or hotel stay. Some credit cards may even allow you to transfer your travel rewards to airline and hotel partners.

It’s also important to stay on top of any changes to your credit card terms, so you always know what you’re getting back. You should always be notified by your credit card company whenever a change occurs in your card terms.

“Too often, consumers forget about the credit card points they’ve racked up and they go unused,” noted Justin Zeidman, Navy Federal Credit Union’s head of credit card products. “Keeping track of the points you’ve earned and making a plan to redeem them is key to getting the most value out of your card. Whether you redeem your points in small increments as you spend or save up your points for big travel purchases like airfare and hotel stays, rewards can be a great way to help offset the cost of summer expenses.”

2. Make the most of your purchases.

Once you understand its rewards structure, your credit card can often be the best payment method to use when you’re planning or actually on a trip. Navy Federal’s Visa Signature® Flagship Rewards Card, for example, offers a slew of travel perks, such as 3X the points for every $1 you spend on travel, travel and emergency assistance, a statement credit (up to $100) for Global Entry or TSA Pre✓®and more. Likewise, Navy Federal’s More Rewards American Express® Card gives you 2X the points at restaurants and up to 25% off car rentals, plus car rental loss and damage insurance.

As with any credit card, be disciplined with how you use it. Don’t overspend just for extra rewards. Be sure you’re able to pay off your card’s balance every month to avoid interest charges and penalties.

3. Avoid foreign transaction fees.

Trips overseas can be an exciting adventure, but you shouldn’t have to worry about paying fees every time you pay with your credit card. Good news is, there are plenty of cards that don’t charge fees when you swipe internationally. So whether you’re being deployed or getting away, it could be worth having a card that will save you from simple charges you make outside the United States. If you have a card in your wallet, check the terms and conditions to see what fees may be applied.

4. Monitor your account activity.

It’s a good idea to keep an eye on your account transactions in general and especially while you’re traveling. Many banks and credit unions give you the ability to freeze and unfreeze your card if you’ve misplaced it, giving you time to locate the card before completing cancelling it. You can easily unfreeze your card with the touch of a button once it’s found!

With several credit cards on the market, it’s important to choose the right one for your lifestyle. Do your research and talk to your financial institution about which credit card is best for you. Using the right card could be just what you need to plan that next little getaway.