Adulting is hard. Financial adulting? Even harder. Whether you’re managing a mortgage, juggling daycare costs, or just trying to figure out if that new espresso machine is a “need” or a “want,” your money mindset matters.
Take this quick quiz to uncover your financial personality - and get tips tailored to your vibe. No lectures, just real talk (and maybe a little Penn State pride).
1. Your paycheck hits. What’s your move?
A. Transfer to savings, pay bills, and check your retirement account.
B. Cover the essentials, then treat yourself to a nice dinner.
C. Pay down debt, then scroll Zillow just for fun.
D. Wonder how it disappeared so fast (again).
2. Your biggest financial goal right now is:
A. Building long-term wealth.
B. Paying off debt while still enjoying life.
C. Saving for a big milestone - home, baby, dream vacay.
D. Just keeping up with rising costs.
3. Your budgeting style is:
A. Spreadsheet wizardry.
B. App-based and mostly consistent.
C. Mental math and vibes.
D. “I’ll start next month.”
4. You get a surprise $300 (say, from our New Member Promo*!). You:
A. Invest it.
B. Put it toward debt or savings.
C. Book a weekend away.
D. Buy that thing you’ve been eyeing for months.
Results Time
Mostly A’s: The Strategist
You’re the type who reads the fine print, tracks your net worth, and probably has a color-coded spreadsheet for monthly expenses. You’re doing a lot right, but now it’s time to optimize.
Consider moving excess savings into a high-yield account or exploring low-cost investment options. If you haven’t already, check in on your retirement contributions and make sure you’re taking full advantage of any employer match. You’ve got the mindset, now let your money do more of the work.
Mostly B’s: The Realist
You’re walking the tightrope between enjoying life and staying financially responsible – and honestly, you’re doing a great job.
To keep that balance, try automating your savings so it happens before you even notice. Look into cashback or rewards programs (like our Penn State Alumni Rewards Card!) that align with your spending habits, especially if you’re a frequent traveler or foodie. And if debt is part of your picture, consider a strategy like the avalanche method to pay it down faster without sacrificing your lifestyle.
Mostly C’s: The Dreamer
You’ve got goals – big ones – and you’re inching toward them, even if the path isn’t totally clear yet. Whether it’s buying a home, starting a business, or taking a dream vacation, now’s the time to turn those goals into plans.
Use budgeting tools or calculators to map out what it’ll take and explore financial products that support your goals (like first-time homebuyer programs or higher yield savings options like a money market). You don’t have to do it all at once, just start with one step.
Mostly D’s: The Survivor
You’re doing your best in a tough financial climate, and that deserves credit.
If budgeting feels overwhelming, start small: track your spending for one week to spot patterns and quick wins. Look for ways to reduce fees or switch to lower-cost services - credit unions like PSECU are built to help members keep more of their money. And if you’re feeling stuck, consider talking to a financial counselor or using free online tools to get a clearer picture. You’ve got this – and we’ve got your back.
Bonus Tip for Penn Staters
If you’re not a PSECU member yet, now’s the time! Join, meet a few simple promo requirements, and earn a $300* bonus. It’s real money, for real life. Join today!
*$300 New Member Bonus Terms and Conditions From 1.1.26 to12.31.26, PSECU is running a new member incentive bonus. To be eligible to receive $300, new members must apply for membership using the promotional code and satisfy each of the requirements listed below. Your membership application must be started between 1.1.26 and 12.31.26 to be eligible to participate in this bonus offer. Applications started before 1.1.26 or after 12.31.26 will be disqualified from participation in the promotion. After the first 100 days from the date membership is established, PSECU will assess whether all promotional requirements have been met. If eligible, bonus processing may take up to an additional 45 days. Therefore, if all conditions are satisfied, the $300 bonus can be deposited into your Regular savings share within 145 days of the membership establishment date. PSECU reserves the right to extend processing time if requirements are not met or if additional verification is needed. This promotion is limited to individuals who are either a U.S. Citizen or permanent resident alien residing in the U.S. who are 18 years of age or older at the time membership is established. Eligibility is determined based on the applicant’s status as of the date of membership establishment, and no exceptions will be made. Limit one (1) new member $300 New Member Bonus per tax identification number used to open a new PSECU account. Joint owners listed on accounts are not eligible to be rewarded for this bonus unless they open their own account. You will not be eligible for the $300 New Member Bonus if you are a current PSECU member or have closed an account within the past 12 months. You are not eligible to receive this bonus if you ever received any new member incentive bonus from PSECU for opening a new account, regardless of when the prior bonus was awarded. This restriction applies to all prior new member promotional offers and is not subject to exception. Members who open accounts and/or loans by fraudulent, suspicious, or illegal means, including but not limited to providing PSECU with fraudulent or fabricated information, are not eligible to participate in this bonus offer. PSECU may adjust the deposited bonus or remove the deposited bonus at any time if PSECU suspects accounts and/or loans were opened by fraudulent, suspicious, or illegal means, including but not limited to providing PSECU with fraudulent or fabricated information. A minimum share deposit of $5 is required to open and maintain a Regular savings share account. The $5 share deposit is also a mandatory condition for eligibility to receive the $300 New Member Bonus, and the member must be in good standing as defined by PSECU's Bylaws Article II, Section 1. A $5 minimum share purchase will be made on behalf of the new member by PSECU. The Annual Percentage Yield on PSECU's Regular savings share account is 0.25%. This variable rate is current as of 12.1.2025 and may change. Withdrawals and fees may reduce earnings on the account. The recipient of the bonus ($300) is solely responsible for payment of applicable taxes on that amount. If you have any questions, please seek the advice of a qualified tax professional. The decision to award a portion or total bonus is solely within PSECU’s discretion, and all decisions made by PSECU shall be final. PSECU may terminate or change the terms and conditions of this promotion without notice. Subject to all applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations. See psecu.com/promo/pennstatealum to learn more.
$300 New Member Bonus (must be completed within 100 calendar days of establishing membership) To qualify for the $300 New Member Bonus, all required actions must be completed within 100 calendar days of the date membership is established. This includes: using promotional code 2026PROMO at the time of application, being approved for and opening at least one savings and one checking account, and setting up and receiving two (2) Qualifying Payroll Direct Deposits of $500 or more each into either the new savings or checking account. Failure to complete all requirements within the 100-daywindow will result in disqualification from the promotion. PSECU is not responsible for delays caused by force majeure, act of God, or third parties in the processing of direct deposits.
Qualifying Payroll Direct Deposits are defined as recurring electronic deposits from an employer, Social Security payments, and pension payments. Examples include paychecks, Social Security payments, and pension payments. The following do not qualify and will not be counted toward bonus eligibility: person-to-person transfers(P2P), transfers between demand deposit accounts (for example, from a checking account to another checking account), and deposits or ACH transfers not originating directly from an employer or the government (for example, online transfers or bank transfers). PSECU reserves the right to verify the source of all deposits and disqualify any that do not meet the defined criteria.