October is Energy Awareness Month! Whatever the time of year, it never hurts to get a head start on practicing an energy-efficient lifestyle; not only will the environment benefit, but your finances can, too.
Small changes can make a real difference. Read on to learn more about simple ways to reduce your carbon footprint and put extra money in the bank!
Consider eco-friendly home and auto upgrades
Do your part to reduce harmful emissions in the air by making changes such as investing in a more fuel-efficient car. Nusenda offers a 0.25% rate reduction on auto loans for vehicles that have a published combined rate of 40 CMPG/CMPGe or greater. Learn more
For your home, consider adopting energy solutions such as solar panels, upgrading your air conditioning units and heat pumps, or making your furnace more efficient.
It’s easy to apply for a solar loan that can help you meet your energy efficiency goals. Explore Nusenda's solar and energy-efficient loans.
Make Sustainable Purchases
We live in a culture of immediate gratification and trends that come and go. Go against the grain by following a philosophy of longevity and ethical choices over convenience and fads. Here are some tips for making sustainable purchases:
- Shop at thrift stores to find gently used clothing and household goods.
- Don’t prioritize shipping. Overnight shipping often comes with higher emissions.
- When you can, choose items made with recycled materials.
- Make purchases from companies that have a track record of low emissions.
- Or skip the purchase altogether and consider borrowing the products you need! Local libraries often have a lending program, and friends or neighbors might have what you need.
Invest in ‘do-good’ stocks and green solutions
Investing in eco-friendly stocks can be a good way to align your environmentally friendly ideals with your investing habits. Research ethical companies and look beyond their “greenwashing” marketing tactics. You can check a company’s Environmental, Social, and Governance performance by looking at ratings from independent research providers. If you are new to investing, it might be prudent to consider green mutual funds. These are bundles of stocks, and they are an easy way to be introduced to multiple green companies at once.
Switch to digital and paperless banking
This easy move is good for your pocketbook as well as the environment. Many financial institutions (including Nusenda) offer rewards for digital banking.
Earn tax credits
Get some credit for all your sustainable upgrades! Going green, especially when it comes to auto or home updates, can lower your tax bill. Depending on your situation, you might qualify for the Residential Clean Energy Credit, the Energy Efficient Home Improvement, or clean vehicle credits. Explore tax credits at energy.gov.
Bank at an institution that prioritizes the local land
Join a financial institution that advocates for nature! Credit unions often give back to nonprofits and conservancies at a local level. Last year, The Nusenda Foundation donated a portion of our $700,000 in Community Rewards grants to organizations focused on the environment and wildlife.
Together, we can practice sustainable solutions that support the environment while helping you along your financial journey!
At Nusenda Credit Union, we’re dedicated to improving our members’ financial well-being and supporting them through affordable products, friendly service, community involvement, and financial education. We'd love to find other ways to help you save money. You can reach us at 505-889-7755 (800-347-2838 outside the Albuquerque area) or make an appointment to meet with us at any of our branch locations.