Do Debt Differently with Changed
Do Debt Differently with Changed
Changed is a debt repayment app that uses your spare change from everyday purchases to pay down your debt faster. Available in your BrightStar Credit Union mobile banking app and online banking.
The Changed App set out with a simple mission: Make debt repayment easy. Debt repayment can feel overwhelming a lot of the time, no matter what stage you’re at in life.
42% of U.S adults report that money concerns and dealing with debt negatively impact their mental health, leading to a host of problems such as anxiety, stress, and depression. But with the right tools at your fingertips, you can take control of your debt once and for all.
Changed was built by founders who fated seeing their debt hold them back from their goals. Nick Sky and Dan Stelmach, two Chicago based brothers, sought to change the narrative around debt and took their idea to Shark Tank and got Mark Cuban on board. Since then, the Changed app has had incredible success with helping thousands of people become debt free.
How does Changed do it?
After gathering basic information about your debt and spending habits, a custom debt repayment plan is created for you. No more of the same old budgeting hacks that usually boil down to giving up the things you love. Changed makes space for the things you enjoy while paying off your debts and saving, one purchase at a time.
Every penny you have is put to work, Changed allows you to send micropayments toward your debt every time you go buy groceries, a cup of coffee or fill up your car by rounding up all your transactions. It also offers a Boost feature for members that want a more aggressive paydown plan but also fits a budget. You can set one-time Boosts when you have some extra cash or schedule small amounts every day. Changed makes your money work for you, by letting every penny count.
Take Advantage of Rounding Up:
Save On Interest:
Since your interest is calculated on your remaining loan balance, making additional principal payments or a payment that is larger than the required monthly payment will significantly reduce your interest payments over the life of the loan. Even small additional principal payments can help you reduce the amount of interest you’ll pay.
Shorten the Loan Term
Making additional principal payments will shorten the length of your loan term and allow you to become debt free faster. Because your balance is being paid down faster, you’ll have fewer total payments to make, in turn leading to more savings.
Improve Credit
In most cases saying more than the minimum payment improves your credit by lowering your DTI (Debt to Income) ratio and by showing your ability to lenders that you can afford to pay more. They call it your minimum monthly payment for a reason, it’s the minimum obligation.
Who Changed Benefits
Whether you are a recent college graduate paying off student loans, a new homeowner, or you have other debts Changed benefits you. BrightStar Credit Union partnered with Changed to benefit all members, working to pay off debts or loans.
BrightStar Credit Union strives for members to have financial freedom, financial independence, and financial stability.
Learn more about Changed by visiting our Marketplace.
Don't Fall for the Fake
Don't Fall for the Fake
At BrightStar Credit Union, your financial security is our top priority, and we want to ensure you stay protected from scams and other fraud attempts.
Don’t fall for the fraudulent calls and messages claiming to be BrightStar Credit Union Your financial safety remains our priority.
- BSCU will NEVER call, text, or email asking you for your Secure Access Code, Debit or Credit Card number, expiration date, CVV, username, or password. Imposters claiming to be from BrightStar Credit Union’s Fraud Department are contacting members via calls and text messages, requesting banking information to “secure” an account. They use a spoofed caller ID that shows BrightStar’s name. Once they obtain necessary information, they access member accounts and move funds fraudulently.
- If you receive a request for any of this information, it is FRAUD, do not provide the information! If you receive a call you believe to be suspicious, hang up and contact the Credit Union directly. If you receive a link which then requests a response to an “alert”, this is also FRAUD.
Remember, BrightStar Credit Union is here to help safeguard your financial well-being. You can set alerts in our online banking by navigating to the Alerts Settings to better protect your account.
Protect Yourself from Holiday Scams
Protect Yourself from Holiday Scams
‘Tis the season for giving, but unfortunately, scammers are also in the spirit of taking. At BrightStar Credit Union, your financial security is our top priority. As you embark on your holiday shopping adventures, we want to ensure you stay protected from Scams and other fraudulent activities.
Here are some essential tips to keep in mind:
- Stay Skeptical of Unsolicited Links: If you receive unsolicited messages or emails with questionable links, resist the temptation to click. When in doubt, contact the party directly, even if it’s your Credit Union.
- Protect Your Credentials: BrightStar Credit Union will NEVER ask you for your username, password, debit/credit card PIN, or Secure Access Code. If you ever receive a suspicious message, report it promptly here.
- Gift Cards are NOT Payment: Be cautious if someone requests payment in the form of gift cards. Legitimate entities, including BrightStar Credit Union, Amazon, Apple, PayPal, or government agencies, will NEVER ask for gift cards as payment.
- Be Wary of Unexpected Wins: If you didn’t enter a sweepstakes and suddenly win, it’s likely a SCAM. Legitimate sweepstakes will not ask for money or personal information to claim your prize.
- Question Urgent Requests: If you receive urgent requests with specific instructions on sending funds, pause and verify the legitimacy of the communication.
- Additional Resources: Whether you’re in the giving spirit, pursuing a new job, or searching for love during the holidays, stay informed about potential scams. Explore additional resources on scams at FTC Consumer Information.
Home Warranty Letters Scam
Home Warranty Letters Scam
BrightStar Credit Union members have received letters from “Lender Services Home Warranty Division” in the mail urging them to renew their home warranty, stating their current coverage is nearing expiration. It is important to note that BrightStar Credit Union is not associated with these companies. The Credit Union keeps all member information confidential. We strongly advise exercising caution if you receive such communications.
Mail Theft on The Rise
Mail Theft on The Rise
Mail theft is a criminal offense that involves the unauthorized act of stealing mail. Mail is wrongfully accessed, intercepted or removed from their intended recipients.
To combat mail theft, you can take several precautions:
1. Use a Locking Mailbox: Install a mailbox with a lock to prevent easy access to your mail by unauthorized individuals.
2. Collect Mail Promptly: Retrieve your mail as soon as possible after it’s delivered to minimize the time it spends unattended.
3. Opt-in for Informed Delivery: Sign up for USPS Informed Delivery to receive notifications and images of your incoming mail, helping you track what should arrive. Click here to learn how.
4. Hold Mail: If you’re away, request your mail to be held at the post office until your return.
5. Redirect Mail: If you move, make sure to update your address with the postal service to guarantee your mail is forwarded to your new address.
6. Shred Sensitive Mail: Shred documents with personal or financial information before disposing them.
7. Use Secure Drop Boxes: When sending important mail, use secure drop boxes at the post office rather than leaving it in your home mailbox.
8. Consider a P.O. Box: If possible, rent a P.O. Box for your mail to ensure its security.
9. Track Deliveries: Utilize tracking services to monitor the progress of packages and ensure their safe arrival.
10. Report Suspicious Activity: If you suspect mail theft, report it to your local post office and law enforcement.
Taking these steps can help minimize the risk of mail theft and protect your sensitive information. For more information, click here for tips and prevention from the United States Postal Inspection Service.
Notice Of Jury Duty Scam
Notice Of Jury Duty Scam
Sheriff Scott Israel, Chief Judge Jack Tuter and Clerk of Courts Brenda Forman renew their warnings of an ongoing jury duty scam that has been reported in South Florida. The scam involves threats of fines and even jail time.
The U.S. Marshals also warned of a nationwide scam, saying that citizens in South Florida are among those who are being targeted.
Victims reportedly receive phone calls or emails threatening that they have missed jury service, Federal or State, and if they don’t comply with the caller’s requests, they could be fined or face jail time. In the calls or emails, the bogus caller may demand that you provide your personal or confidential information which could lead to identity theft or fraud.
The Miami U.S. Marshals Office said that they are “already aware of numerous individuals in the South Florida area who have been targeted by these jury scammers.””In one case,” the U.S. Marshals said, “the fraudster posed as a U.S. Marshal and stated a federal judge had issued an order to arrest the recipient of the phone call stating they had missed their date for jury duty. Luckily, the victim realized it was a scam and did not provide any personal information to the bogus caller.
“Anyone contacting you to demand a fine or threaten jail time is not connected to the Federal or State Court System nor a member of law enforcement. Federal and State courts normally conduct prospective juror business through the U.S. Postal Service, and any contact by real court officials will not include requests for Social Security numbers, credit card numbers, or any other personally identifiable information.
Members of the public are never contacted initially by email or phone for jury service. Prospective jurors first receive an official court mailing which may direct them to an official website or direct them to call an official juror call in phone number.
If you have received a phone call or email from someone claiming to be from any law enforcement agency and this person demands that you pay a fine, threatens you with jail time or requests your personal information or credit card number, try to get the caller’s number off the caller ID on your phone and write down any details the bogus caller might provide.
Report any calls you receive about this scam as follows:
For State jury duty contact the Broward Sheriff’s Office at (954) 831-8901.
For Federal jury duty, contact the U.S. Marshall’s office call (954) 356-7256