The Power of Auto Preapproval

The Power of Auto Preapproval  Ready for a new ride? Whether you want a change or your current car is showing signs of wear and tear, it can be overwhelming to know where to start. You’re not alone. With so many options out there, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. But here’s a game-changer you might not have considered: an auto loan preapproval. At PEFCU, we call this an Express Pay Draft. It’s like having a golden ticket to a car shopping paradise, giving you the freedom to explore without stressing about your budget. So, if you’re even slightly tempted by…

April 16, 2024Borrowing Basics No Comments

The Power of Auto Preapproval  Ready for a new ride? Whether you want a change or your current car is showing signs of wear and tear, it can be overwhelming to know where to start. You’re not alone. With so many options out there, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. But here’s a game-changer you might not have considered: an auto loan preapproval. At PEFCU, we call this an Express Pay Draft. It’s like having a golden ticket to a car shopping paradise, giving you the freedom to explore without stressing about your budget. So, if you’re even slightly tempted by…

Your Balance Transfer Checklist: Before & After

Credit card debt has a way of sneaking up on you. Before you know it, the balances can become a financial burden and a challenge to pay off. This is especially true if you’re managing multiple cards with different balances, payment amounts, and due dates.  Finding the right tools to alleviate debt is an essential step on your path to financial freedom. One solution that can help you in your journey is called a balance transfer. Balance transfers enable you to streamline your financial obligations into one solution – providing immediate financial savings and stress relief.   If you’re committed to…

March 28, 2024Borrowing Basics, Wallet Wins No Comments

Credit card debt has a way of sneaking up on you. Before you know it, the balances can become a financial burden and a challenge to pay off. This is especially true if you’re managing multiple cards with different balances, payment amounts, and due dates.  Finding the right tools to alleviate debt is an essential step on your path to financial freedom. One solution that can help you in your journey is called a balance transfer. Balance transfers enable you to streamline your financial obligations into one solution – providing immediate financial savings and stress relief.   If you’re committed to…

Debt Consolidation: How It Works

If you’re like most, you probably have multiple reoccurring debts that must be paid off. These debts can consist of student loans, personal loans, credit cards, medical bills, and car payments. It can be hard to pay off the debts separately because each debt has a different balance, payment period, and interest rate.  Keeping track of how much you have to pay for each debt and when you have to pay it can be extremely difficult. If you find yourself in a whirlwind of loan and credit card payments, debt consolidation may be the perfect solution for you.   What is…

February 29, 2024Borrowing Basics No Comments

If you’re like most, you probably have multiple reoccurring debts that must be paid off. These debts can consist of student loans, personal loans, credit cards, medical bills, and car payments. It can be hard to pay off the debts separately because each debt has a different balance, payment period, and interest rate.  Keeping track of how much you have to pay for each debt and when you have to pay it can be extremely difficult. If you find yourself in a whirlwind of loan and credit card payments, debt consolidation may be the perfect solution for you.   What is…

Answering Your First-Time Homebuyer Questions

Buying a home is likely the most significant financial transaction you will make in your lifetime. While preparing to purchase a house is exciting, it’s understandable to feel a bit overwhelmed (especially as a first-time buyer).   Take a deep breath and relax. We’re here to help ease your mind as we address some of the most commonly asked questions for first-time homebuyers.   How Much of a Down Payment Do I Need?   The down payment for a home is a lump sum paid upfront to the lender and is a percentage of the home’s total purchase price. The amount required for…

January 26, 2024Borrowing Basics, Future Planning No Comments

Buying a home is likely the most significant financial transaction you will make in your lifetime. While preparing to purchase a house is exciting, it’s understandable to feel a bit overwhelmed (especially as a first-time buyer).   Take a deep breath and relax. We’re here to help ease your mind as we address some of the most commonly asked questions for first-time homebuyers.   How Much of a Down Payment Do I Need?   The down payment for a home is a lump sum paid upfront to the lender and is a percentage of the home’s total purchase price. The amount required for…

Why Now Is the Perfect Time to Save with Share Certificates

Rising loan rates and inflation have taken a financial toll on households nationwide. Fortunately, it’s not all bad news. You may have noticed that savings rates have also been climbing steadily in recent months. This scenario creates the perfect opportunity to earn greater returns through share certificates.  Share certificate accounts, commonly called certificates of deposit, are found in portfolios among investors of all ages because of their earning potential and limited risk. As yields continue their upward trend, now might be the perfect time to put share certificate accounts to work for you.  Benefits of Share Certificates   Share certificates have…

January 26, 2024Borrowing Basics No Comments

Rising loan rates and inflation have taken a financial toll on households nationwide. Fortunately, it’s not all bad news. You may have noticed that savings rates have also been climbing steadily in recent months. This scenario creates the perfect opportunity to earn greater returns through share certificates.  Share certificate accounts, commonly called certificates of deposit, are found in portfolios among investors of all ages because of their earning potential and limited risk. As yields continue their upward trend, now might be the perfect time to put share certificate accounts to work for you.  Benefits of Share Certificates   Share certificates have…

Unlocking Your Home’s Equity: A Responsible Approach

One of the most significant financial benefits of being a homeowner is the ability to tap into your home’s equity. With a home equity loan, you can finance almost any project, and the borrowing costs are much lower than other loan options.  As savings balances continue to shrink due to inflation, more people are exploring home equity loans to fill the financial gaps. However, is this a smart use of your home’s equity?   In this article, we’ll look at what makes home equity loans so attractive and identify potential pitfalls to avoid.  What is Home Equity?   Home equity can best…

December 1, 2023Borrowing Basics, Future Planning, Wallet Wins No Comments

One of the most significant financial benefits of being a homeowner is the ability to tap into your home’s equity. With a home equity loan, you can finance almost any project, and the borrowing costs are much lower than other loan options.  As savings balances continue to shrink due to inflation, more people are exploring home equity loans to fill the financial gaps. However, is this a smart use of your home’s equity?   In this article, we’ll look at what makes home equity loans so attractive and identify potential pitfalls to avoid.  What is Home Equity?   Home equity can best…

Deck the Halls with a Holiday Loan

The holiday season is upon us, and one thing is for sure: We always forget how pricey these celebrations can be until they’re here. Between the gifts, decorations, parties, and travel, your budget will be put to the test. And with prices continuing to stay high, preparation is crucial.  By now, you’re likely starting to see offers for holiday loans. But what exactly are these financial tools? And how do they compare to other options, such as credit cards? You might be surprised to learn that next to paying in cash, holiday loans are one of the best ways to…

December 1, 2023Borrowing Basics, Wallet Wins No Comments

The holiday season is upon us, and one thing is for sure: We always forget how pricey these celebrations can be until they’re here. Between the gifts, decorations, parties, and travel, your budget will be put to the test. And with prices continuing to stay high, preparation is crucial.  By now, you’re likely starting to see offers for holiday loans. But what exactly are these financial tools? And how do they compare to other options, such as credit cards? You might be surprised to learn that next to paying in cash, holiday loans are one of the best ways to…

5 Reasons to Use a Holiday Loan During High Inflation

Between the twinkling lights, cheerful music, delicious food, and endless laughs with family and friends, the holiday season is the merriest time of the year. But those ear-to-ear smiles don’t always come cheap. From travel and entertaining to gifts and decorations, the holidays can get pricey. Add in rising inflation and higher prices, and many are beginning to stress about the upcoming celebrations.   Before you pull out your credit card and start swiping, there’s another option to help pad your holiday budget. Often overlooked, a holiday loan is one of the best ways to cover higher costs. It comes packed…

November 8, 2023Borrowing Basics No Comments

Between the twinkling lights, cheerful music, delicious food, and endless laughs with family and friends, the holiday season is the merriest time of the year. But those ear-to-ear smiles don’t always come cheap. From travel and entertaining to gifts and decorations, the holidays can get pricey. Add in rising inflation and higher prices, and many are beginning to stress about the upcoming celebrations.   Before you pull out your credit card and start swiping, there’s another option to help pad your holiday budget. Often overlooked, a holiday loan is one of the best ways to cover higher costs. It comes packed…

Witchy Ways to Avoid Debt Spells

Greetings, all you savvy sorcerers of savings! This Halloween, we’re delving into the mystical realm of financial wisdom. Just like a skilled witch wards off curses, you can shield yourself from debt spells with our magical tips. 🧙‍♀️✨  🌟 1. Potion of Responsible Credit Card Usage 🌟   Brew up a potion of knowledge and use your credit cards wisely. Keep balances low and pay them off on time to avoid falling into the grasp of high-interest debt goblins. Remember, credit cards are tools, not magic wands! 💳🔮  🌟 2. Enchanting Emergency Fund 🌟   Craft an enchanting emergency fund to protect…

September 18, 2023Borrowing Basics No Comments

Greetings, all you savvy sorcerers of savings! This Halloween, we’re delving into the mystical realm of financial wisdom. Just like a skilled witch wards off curses, you can shield yourself from debt spells with our magical tips. 🧙‍♀️✨  🌟 1. Potion of Responsible Credit Card Usage 🌟   Brew up a potion of knowledge and use your credit cards wisely. Keep balances low and pay them off on time to avoid falling into the grasp of high-interest debt goblins. Remember, credit cards are tools, not magic wands! 💳🔮  🌟 2. Enchanting Emergency Fund 🌟   Craft an enchanting emergency fund to protect…

When Does a Home Equity Loan Make Financial Sense?

As a homeowner, you possess a unique financial advantage – the ability to build and utilize the equity in your property. Home equity loans offer an affordable means to finance a wide range of expenses, including home renovations, weddings, and higher education.   Nevertheless, some homeowners are hesitant to access their home’s equity. Often, people are unsure how these loans work and their potential benefits. Others aren’t positive whether a home equity loan is the best solution for their financial needs.   Before highlighting the best ways to use home equity loans, it’s helpful to begin with the basics.  What is a…

September 1, 2023Borrowing Basics No Comments

As a homeowner, you possess a unique financial advantage – the ability to build and utilize the equity in your property. Home equity loans offer an affordable means to finance a wide range of expenses, including home renovations, weddings, and higher education.   Nevertheless, some homeowners are hesitant to access their home’s equity. Often, people are unsure how these loans work and their potential benefits. Others aren’t positive whether a home equity loan is the best solution for their financial needs.   Before highlighting the best ways to use home equity loans, it’s helpful to begin with the basics.  What is a…