Issue link: https://viewer.e-digitaledition.com/i/1196019
AACREDITUNION.ORG | 7 1. Create a budget (and follow it). If you're trying to implement a savings plan, then a budget is a must. Start with a 50/30/20 budget plan: 50% for necessities, 30% for wants and 20% for savings. 2. Fill up your piggy bank. Collect loose change and drop in any extra cash that's left over at the end of the week. Take the full jar to your credit union or bank and deposit into your savings account. 3. Cut the cable cords. The average cost of cable is $85 a month, while a streaming service like Hulu starts at $5.99. Avid TV watcher? Switch from expensive premium packages to basic cable. 4. Cancel unused subscriptions. Log into your accounts and disable the auto- renew option on any subscriptions that you may have signed up for but are no longer using. 5. Have a no- spend day every week. Designate one day a week to cook from home, watch a free movie or resist online shopping for an entire day. — B.M. Savings strategies Use these simple budgeting tips to start saving more in 2020: Financial fraudsters 'spoof' familiar phone numbers Financial institutions across the country have experienced a rise in fraud attempts. One of the latest ploys from fraudsters is to mimic, or "spoof," the 800 number of your fi nancial institution. The fraudsters then ask you for additional information in order to gain access to your accounts. If you receive a call — even if the caller ID lists a familiar 800 number or a number you recognize — and are asked to provide any personal account information, hang up and call your fi nancial institution directly. American Airlines Federal Credit Union may contact you if fraud is suspected on your account, but the Credit Union will never ask you for the following information during a call it initiated: 1. Your online banking username and password 2. PIN number, or the three-digit security code on the back of your card 3. Your full social security number 4. Any data on your credit report, like previous addresses 5. A verifi cation code sent to you to be repeated back on the phone If you are suspicious of any call or text message you receive from the Credit Union, please hang up and call (800) 533-0035 and ask to be transferred to the employee who initiated the call or the relevant department. — Todd Camp