Kiss Credit Card Debt Good-Bye

Credit cards are one of the most convenient forms of payment, and when used responsibly, they help you manage your cash flow and budget effectively. However, this convenience can lead to overspending and land you in a financial pickle. And with prices continuing to rise, more and more people rely on credit cards just to make ends meet.   When you find yourself staring at a steep credit card bill, it can feel like a giant weight on your shoulders. Reducing your balance can seem impossible at times. Don’t fret! We’re here to pull back the curtain on an easy way…

February 13, 2025Wallet Wins No Comments
Kiss Credit Card Debt Good-Bye

Credit cards are one of the most convenient forms of payment, and when used responsibly, they help you manage your cash flow and budget effectively. However, this convenience can lead to overspending and land you in a financial pickle. And with prices continuing to rise, more and more people rely on credit cards just to make ends meet.   When you find yourself staring at a steep credit card bill, it can feel like a giant weight on your shoulders. Reducing your balance can seem impossible at times. Don’t fret! We’re here to pull back the curtain on an easy way…

Unlock Your Home’s Equity: 9 Savvy Uses 

Life is full of dreams – whether it’s renovating your forever home, funding your child’s education, starting a business, or finally booking that once-in-a-lifetime vacation. But let’s be honest, turning those dreams into a reality can often feel impossible when you consider the time and effort required to save up the necessary money.   Here’s the good news: if you’re a homeowner, you have a powerful tool at your fingertips – a Home Equity Loan. This unique financing option allows you to unlock the value in your home to fund your goals affordably. So, why put your dreams on hold when…

February 5, 2025Future Planning No Comments
Unlock Your Home’s Equity: 9 Savvy Uses 

Life is full of dreams – whether it’s renovating your forever home, funding your child’s education, starting a business, or finally booking that once-in-a-lifetime vacation. But let’s be honest, turning those dreams into a reality can often feel impossible when you consider the time and effort required to save up the necessary money.   Here’s the good news: if you’re a homeowner, you have a powerful tool at your fingertips – a Home Equity Loan. This unique financing option allows you to unlock the value in your home to fund your goals affordably. So, why put your dreams on hold when…

Ways to Improve Your Credit in the New Year  

As we prepare for the new year, now is the perfect time to reflect on our financial habits and set goals for improvement. One crucial aspect of your overall fiscal health is your credit. Your credit score is a critical factor in determining your financial well-being, impacting your ability to be approved for loans, buy a home, or even land a job in some cases. If improving your credit is one of your financial resolutions for the upcoming year, we are here to help with some tips to guide you on your journey to better credit.   Make sure you’re opted-in…

January 24, 2025Borrowing Basics No Comments
Ways to Improve Your Credit in the New Year  

As we prepare for the new year, now is the perfect time to reflect on our financial habits and set goals for improvement. One crucial aspect of your overall fiscal health is your credit. Your credit score is a critical factor in determining your financial well-being, impacting your ability to be approved for loans, buy a home, or even land a job in some cases. If improving your credit is one of your financial resolutions for the upcoming year, we are here to help with some tips to guide you on your journey to better credit.   Make sure you’re opted-in…

What to Look for When Buying Used Vehicles

When it comes time to purchase a vehicle, you have several decisions to make. You not only have to select the vehicle’s make and model, but you also have to decide if you’re going to buy a new or used car. This alone is a crucial decision and could make a significant difference over the next few years in your finances.  Let’s review the pros and cons of buying a used vehicle, and what to look for when you’re in the market for one.     Pros of Buying a Used Vehicle  Some advantages of purchasing a used vehicle include:  You’ll…

January 21, 2025Future Planning No Comments
What to Look for When Buying Used Vehicles

When it comes time to purchase a vehicle, you have several decisions to make. You not only have to select the vehicle’s make and model, but you also have to decide if you’re going to buy a new or used car. This alone is a crucial decision and could make a significant difference over the next few years in your finances.  Let’s review the pros and cons of buying a used vehicle, and what to look for when you’re in the market for one.     Pros of Buying a Used Vehicle  Some advantages of purchasing a used vehicle include:  You’ll…

Start the New Year Off Right: Debt Consolidation  

Ever feel like your debt is difficult to manage? You’re definitely not alone.  It’s easy to turn to credit cards to make ends meet (or even to get a bit carried away buying holiday gifts). But debt grows quickly, and dealing with all those payments, high-interest rates, and monthly statements can feel overwhelming. Fortunately, debt consolidation may offer a solution.  The New Year is the ideal time to take a look at debt consolidation — especially if you’ve gone on a holiday spending spree! When you’re ready to take control of your finances, here’s what you need to know about…

January 10, 2025Wallet Wins No Comments
Start the New Year Off Right: Debt Consolidation  

Ever feel like your debt is difficult to manage? You’re definitely not alone.  It’s easy to turn to credit cards to make ends meet (or even to get a bit carried away buying holiday gifts). But debt grows quickly, and dealing with all those payments, high-interest rates, and monthly statements can feel overwhelming. Fortunately, debt consolidation may offer a solution.  The New Year is the ideal time to take a look at debt consolidation — especially if you’ve gone on a holiday spending spree! When you’re ready to take control of your finances, here’s what you need to know about…

One Minute Reads: Can a Car Loan Be Transferred to Another Person?

When you’re looking to transfer a car loan to someone else, it’s natural to wonder if it’s even possible. The quick answer is: sometimes, but it depends on the lender.  Many lenders do not allow direct loan transfers, as the original borrower’s credit score and financial history were assessed when the loan was granted. However, there are a few options that can work similarly:  Refinancing: The person interested in taking over the loan can apply for a new loan in their name to pay off your remaining balance. They’ll need to meet the lender’s requirements, and if approved, they’ll be…

December 17, 2024One Minute Reads No Comments
One Minute Reads: Can a Car Loan Be Transferred to Another Person?

When you’re looking to transfer a car loan to someone else, it’s natural to wonder if it’s even possible. The quick answer is: sometimes, but it depends on the lender.  Many lenders do not allow direct loan transfers, as the original borrower’s credit score and financial history were assessed when the loan was granted. However, there are a few options that can work similarly:  Refinancing: The person interested in taking over the loan can apply for a new loan in their name to pay off your remaining balance. They’ll need to meet the lender’s requirements, and if approved, they’ll be…

Should You Leave Money in Peer-to-Peer Payment Apps?

Peer-to-peer payment apps like Cash App, PayPal, Venmo, and Zelle have made sending money between parties quicker and easier than ever before. With just a few taps, you can conveniently split dinner with a friend, pay a babysitter or landscaper, or send your portion of rent and utilities to a roommate.   But when someone sends you money, is it wise to leave those funds sitting idle in your app account? Or should you move them elsewhere? Keep reading to find out how to protect your money better and earn more at the same time.    Understanding Peer-to-Peer Payment Apps   Peer-to-peer…

December 17, 2024Wallet Wins No Comments
Should You Leave Money in Peer-to-Peer Payment Apps?

Peer-to-peer payment apps like Cash App, PayPal, Venmo, and Zelle have made sending money between parties quicker and easier than ever before. With just a few taps, you can conveniently split dinner with a friend, pay a babysitter or landscaper, or send your portion of rent and utilities to a roommate.   But when someone sends you money, is it wise to leave those funds sitting idle in your app account? Or should you move them elsewhere? Keep reading to find out how to protect your money better and earn more at the same time.    Understanding Peer-to-Peer Payment Apps   Peer-to-peer…

Staying Ahead of AI-Driven Fraud: How PEFCU Members Can Stay Protected

AI has introduced exciting innovations, but it also fuels a new wave of sophisticated scams. Generative AI enables fraudsters to create highly realistic fake content, like audio and video imitations, making phishing and other scams harder to detect. This technology can replicate voices convincingly with minimal audio, even from short social media clips, posing risks for everyone.  To counter these threats, PEFCU emphasizes proactive education. Regular training helps our staff stay sharp against new tactics, and we urge members to stay alert. Here are a few essential tips:  Verify Every Request: Always confirm the identity of callers or message senders.…

December 10, 2024Security Center No Comments
Staying Ahead of AI-Driven Fraud: How PEFCU Members Can Stay Protected

AI has introduced exciting innovations, but it also fuels a new wave of sophisticated scams. Generative AI enables fraudsters to create highly realistic fake content, like audio and video imitations, making phishing and other scams harder to detect. This technology can replicate voices convincingly with minimal audio, even from short social media clips, posing risks for everyone.  To counter these threats, PEFCU emphasizes proactive education. Regular training helps our staff stay sharp against new tactics, and we urge members to stay alert. Here are a few essential tips:  Verify Every Request: Always confirm the identity of callers or message senders.…

Be a Savvy Shopper This Holiday Season  

The holiday season is upon us, and the cheerful and festive atmosphere can be infectious! Between the lights, music, food, gifts, and spending time with loved ones, it can be the most joyful time of the year. It can also be the most expensive time of the year.   That’s why it’s more important than ever to check your list – and budget – twice! Even as prices continue to rise, there are still many ways to keep your spending in check and put huge smiles on the faces of friends and family.   In this article, we’ll help you become a…

November 27, 2024Wallet Wins No Comments
Be a Savvy Shopper This Holiday Season  

The holiday season is upon us, and the cheerful and festive atmosphere can be infectious! Between the lights, music, food, gifts, and spending time with loved ones, it can be the most joyful time of the year. It can also be the most expensive time of the year.   That’s why it’s more important than ever to check your list – and budget – twice! Even as prices continue to rise, there are still many ways to keep your spending in check and put huge smiles on the faces of friends and family.   In this article, we’ll help you become a…

Mortgage Closing Costs: A Guide for Homebuyers

Buying a home is one of the greatest investments you’ll make in your lifetime. Aside from the sale price of the home, there are other expenses that many first-time homebuyers tend to overlook, such as moving costs and furnishing your new place. However, one of the most significant and misunderstood figures is mortgage closing costs.   In this article, we’ll break down mortgage closing costs, detail how much you can expect to pay, and provide ways you can save on this expense.      What Are Closing Costs?   Purchasing a home is a semi-complex process that involves a multitude of parties. Aside…

November 20, 2024Future Planning No Comments
Mortgage Closing Costs: A Guide for Homebuyers

Buying a home is one of the greatest investments you’ll make in your lifetime. Aside from the sale price of the home, there are other expenses that many first-time homebuyers tend to overlook, such as moving costs and furnishing your new place. However, one of the most significant and misunderstood figures is mortgage closing costs.   In this article, we’ll break down mortgage closing costs, detail how much you can expect to pay, and provide ways you can save on this expense.      What Are Closing Costs?   Purchasing a home is a semi-complex process that involves a multitude of parties. Aside…