What Is the Prime Rate & How Does It Affect Me? 

Have you ever noticed your credit card rate inching upward? Or certain loan payments increasing from a rise in interest rates? Chances are that those shifts are the result of changes to the prime rate.  The “prime rate” may sound like financial jargon, but it plays a significant role for borrowers and savers alike. This figure sets the bar when lenders price loans, and it changes more often than you might think.   In this article, we’ll shed light on what the prime rate is, how it’s determined, and the impact it can have on your everyday finances.     What Is…

September 24, 2025Borrowing Basics No Comments
What Is the Prime Rate & How Does It Affect Me? 

Have you ever noticed your credit card rate inching upward? Or certain loan payments increasing from a rise in interest rates? Chances are that those shifts are the result of changes to the prime rate.  The “prime rate” may sound like financial jargon, but it plays a significant role for borrowers and savers alike. This figure sets the bar when lenders price loans, and it changes more often than you might think.   In this article, we’ll shed light on what the prime rate is, how it’s determined, and the impact it can have on your everyday finances.     What Is…

One-Minute Reads: What Does Collateral Mean? 

When you hear the term collateral in the world of lending, it’s simply something valuable you pledge to a lender to secure a loan. Think of it as the lender’s safety net—if you can’t repay the loan, they can use the collateral to recover the money they lent you.  Collateral can be many things, depending on the type of loan:  Auto loan: the car you’re buying is the collateral.  Mortgage: the home itself serves as the collateral.  Secured personal loan: items like a savings account, share certificate, or other valuable assets can be used.  Using collateral can work in your…

September 19, 2025Borrowing Basics, One Minute Reads No Comments
One-Minute Reads: What Does Collateral Mean? 

When you hear the term collateral in the world of lending, it’s simply something valuable you pledge to a lender to secure a loan. Think of it as the lender’s safety net—if you can’t repay the loan, they can use the collateral to recover the money they lent you.  Collateral can be many things, depending on the type of loan:  Auto loan: the car you’re buying is the collateral.  Mortgage: the home itself serves as the collateral.  Secured personal loan: items like a savings account, share certificate, or other valuable assets can be used.  Using collateral can work in your…

Avoid the Holiday Scramble by Planning Now

For most of us, the holiday season plays out the same way every year. By the time November rolls around, the calendar is packed, prices are high, and that overwhelming feeling starts creeping in. Gifts are bought in a rush, travel gets booked at sky-high rates, and we promise ourselves we’ll plan earlier next year.  Then, January arrives. Right when we’re setting New Year’s resolutions to better our finances – save more, eliminate costly debt, improve our credit scores – the holiday credit card bills arrive in the mail.   The whole scenario can feel defeating. However, it doesn’t have to…

September 18, 2025Wallet Wins No Comments
Avoid the Holiday Scramble by Planning Now

For most of us, the holiday season plays out the same way every year. By the time November rolls around, the calendar is packed, prices are high, and that overwhelming feeling starts creeping in. Gifts are bought in a rush, travel gets booked at sky-high rates, and we promise ourselves we’ll plan earlier next year.  Then, January arrives. Right when we’re setting New Year’s resolutions to better our finances – save more, eliminate costly debt, improve our credit scores – the holiday credit card bills arrive in the mail.   The whole scenario can feel defeating. However, it doesn’t have to…

Tips to Stay Safe in a Digital World

Keeping your financial accounts safe in today’s digital world is a growing challenge. Hackers are constantly coming up with new ways to gain access to your accounts through your computer and even your mobile devices. It’s important to remain proactive when it comes to protecting your finances. Here are some ways you can make sure you’re protected.  Add Antivirus Software  While you probably have antivirus software on your computer, did you know it can also add this layer of protection to your mobile devices? And since you likely use your mobile devices as often, if not more, than your computer,…

August 22, 2025Security Center No Comments
Tips to Stay Safe in a Digital World

Keeping your financial accounts safe in today’s digital world is a growing challenge. Hackers are constantly coming up with new ways to gain access to your accounts through your computer and even your mobile devices. It’s important to remain proactive when it comes to protecting your finances. Here are some ways you can make sure you’re protected.  Add Antivirus Software  While you probably have antivirus software on your computer, did you know it can also add this layer of protection to your mobile devices? And since you likely use your mobile devices as often, if not more, than your computer,…

Making the Switch from Physical to Digital Wallet

In our increasingly digital world, the way we manage money is constantly evolving. The traditional physical wallet, once a staple for carrying cash and cards, is now being replaced by a much more modern and efficient solution: the digital wallet.   Digital wallets, also known as mobile wallets, allow users to securely store their debit and credit card details directly in their smart devices, making transactions effortless. Rather than rummaging through a bulky wallet or bag, you can simply tap your smartphone or smartwatch to complete purchases in seconds.   In this article, we’ll explain how digital wallets work and provide steps…

August 18, 2025Wallet Wins No Comments
Making the Switch from Physical to Digital Wallet

In our increasingly digital world, the way we manage money is constantly evolving. The traditional physical wallet, once a staple for carrying cash and cards, is now being replaced by a much more modern and efficient solution: the digital wallet.   Digital wallets, also known as mobile wallets, allow users to securely store their debit and credit card details directly in their smart devices, making transactions effortless. Rather than rummaging through a bulky wallet or bag, you can simply tap your smartphone or smartwatch to complete purchases in seconds.   In this article, we’ll explain how digital wallets work and provide steps…

How to Spot Government Impersonation Scams 

Scammers are always working on the next creative ploy to steal your personal information and hard-earned money. However, some scams have stood the test of time and continue to wreak havoc on the finances of unsuspecting victims. You may wonder how people continue to fall for these scams – the answer is a combination of fear and trust.   Fraudsters impersonating government agencies have higher credibility than traditional phishers or extended warranty schemes. Then, they add a touch of fear to the equation, and victims panic and start to comply with the scammers’ requests.   The best defense against any scam is…

August 8, 2025Security Center No Comments
How to Spot Government Impersonation Scams 

Scammers are always working on the next creative ploy to steal your personal information and hard-earned money. However, some scams have stood the test of time and continue to wreak havoc on the finances of unsuspecting victims. You may wonder how people continue to fall for these scams – the answer is a combination of fear and trust.   Fraudsters impersonating government agencies have higher credibility than traditional phishers or extended warranty schemes. Then, they add a touch of fear to the equation, and victims panic and start to comply with the scammers’ requests.   The best defense against any scam is…

One Minute Reads: Are Auto Loan Rates Going Down?

It’s a question a lot of people are asking right now, and the honest answer is: no one can say for sure.  Auto loan rates change with the market and economic conditions, which means they can go up, down, or stay the same depending on a wide range of factors. But here’s something you can control: where you get your auto loan.  At PEFCU, we offer competitive rates on new auto loans and refinancing options—so whether you’re buying a vehicle or looking to lower your current monthly payment, we’ve got you covered.  Refinancing your current auto loan from another lender…

August 5, 2025One Minute Reads, Wallet Wins No Comments
One Minute Reads: Are Auto Loan Rates Going Down?

It’s a question a lot of people are asking right now, and the honest answer is: no one can say for sure.  Auto loan rates change with the market and economic conditions, which means they can go up, down, or stay the same depending on a wide range of factors. But here’s something you can control: where you get your auto loan.  At PEFCU, we offer competitive rates on new auto loans and refinancing options—so whether you’re buying a vehicle or looking to lower your current monthly payment, we’ve got you covered.  Refinancing your current auto loan from another lender…

One-Minute Reads: Don’t Let Moving Costs Drain Your Wallet 

Moving this summer? Don’t let hidden expenses catch you off guard. Beyond rent or mortgage, moving comes with costs like packing supplies, truck rentals, fuel, pet boarding, and more.  Plan Ahead: Create a detailed budget that includes everything from movers to cleaning supplies. Compare quotes from at least three moving companies and ask about discounts.  Cut Costs: Declutter as you pack to save time, space, and money. Cancel or transfer utilities and subscriptions, and avoid paying for services you no longer need.  Think Post-Move: Budget for utility deposits, cleaning supplies, groceries, and any new furniture.  Helpful Tools: A dedicated savings…

July 22, 2025Future Planning, One Minute Reads No Comments
One-Minute Reads: Don’t Let Moving Costs Drain Your Wallet 

Moving this summer? Don’t let hidden expenses catch you off guard. Beyond rent or mortgage, moving comes with costs like packing supplies, truck rentals, fuel, pet boarding, and more.  Plan Ahead: Create a detailed budget that includes everything from movers to cleaning supplies. Compare quotes from at least three moving companies and ask about discounts.  Cut Costs: Declutter as you pack to save time, space, and money. Cancel or transfer utilities and subscriptions, and avoid paying for services you no longer need.  Think Post-Move: Budget for utility deposits, cleaning supplies, groceries, and any new furniture.  Helpful Tools: A dedicated savings…

6 Myths About Refinancing Car Loans

 Refinancing your car loan might sound like a mystical and complicated process, but that’s rarely the case. In truth, refinancing is one of the quickest and easiest ways to put more of your hard-earned dollars back into your wallet each month.   Believing common misconceptions about refinancing might be preventing you from pursuing one of the best financial decisions you can make for your budget. We’re here to debunk these common myths and help you gain a clearer understanding of how this process can instantly improve your finances.     Understanding Auto Loan Refinancing  Refinancing your car loan is essentially the process…

July 15, 2025Borrowing Basics No Comments
6 Myths About Refinancing Car Loans

 Refinancing your car loan might sound like a mystical and complicated process, but that’s rarely the case. In truth, refinancing is one of the quickest and easiest ways to put more of your hard-earned dollars back into your wallet each month.   Believing common misconceptions about refinancing might be preventing you from pursuing one of the best financial decisions you can make for your budget. We’re here to debunk these common myths and help you gain a clearer understanding of how this process can instantly improve your finances.     Understanding Auto Loan Refinancing  Refinancing your car loan is essentially the process…

Account Safety Starts with Strong Passwords 

With so much of our personal and professional lives conducted online, ensuring that our sensitive data remains secure is crucial. From shopping online to accessing medical records and completing job applications, we’re putting more of our lives online than we likely realize.  Your password is your first line of defense in stopping attacks and suspicious activities. A strong password ensures your sensitive information remains secure from vulnerabilities like cyber threats and data breaches. Whether you’re an online aficionado or a casual browser, understanding the importance of password protection is critical in safely navigating the digital landscape.     Why Do I…

July 3, 2025Security Center No Comments
Account Safety Starts with Strong Passwords 

With so much of our personal and professional lives conducted online, ensuring that our sensitive data remains secure is crucial. From shopping online to accessing medical records and completing job applications, we’re putting more of our lives online than we likely realize.  Your password is your first line of defense in stopping attacks and suspicious activities. A strong password ensures your sensitive information remains secure from vulnerabilities like cyber threats and data breaches. Whether you’re an online aficionado or a casual browser, understanding the importance of password protection is critical in safely navigating the digital landscape.     Why Do I…