5 Tips on Saving for a Mortgage Down Payment

Mortgage. Down. Payment. The three scariest words in the home buying process. If saving up money for the down payment stumps you at every turn, keep reading. You may realize that you are closer to buying a home than you think. Find Unconventional Loan Options. A conventional mortgage typically requires a down payment of 20%. But there are several loan products with little or no down payments required. These include FHA-backed loans for first-time home buyers, VA loans for former and current military personnel and spouses, and USDA loans for buyers who want homes in “agricultural zones.”It is best that you thoroughly review these loan options with our PEFCU Loan Representative; as they may require a specific…

June 23, 2020Borrowing Basics 1 Comment
5 Tips on Saving for a Mortgage Down Payment

Mortgage. Down. Payment. The three scariest words in the home buying process. If saving up money for the down payment stumps you at every turn, keep reading. You may realize that you are closer to buying a home than you think. Find Unconventional Loan Options. A conventional mortgage typically requires a down payment of 20%. But there are several loan products with little or no down payments required. These include FHA-backed loans for first-time home buyers, VA loans for former and current military personnel and spouses, and USDA loans for buyers who want homes in “agricultural zones.”It is best that you thoroughly review these loan options with our PEFCU Loan Representative; as they may require a specific…

2020 PEFCU Branch Closures

All offices of PEFCU will be closed the following dates. You can always access our services online at https://www.pefcu.com or our PEFCU Mobile Banking app.     Martin Luther King Jr. Day January 20 Monday   Presidents Day February 17 Monday   Memorial Day May 25 Monday   Independence Day July 3 Friday   Labor Day September 7 Monday   Columbus Day October 12 Monday   Veterans Day November 11 Wednesday   Thanksgiving November 26 Thursday   Christmas December 25 Friday   New Year’s Day 2021 December 31 Friday     If the holiday falls on a Saturday, the Credit Union will be closed on the preceding Friday. If the holiday falls on a Sunday, the Credit Union will be closed on the following Monday 

June 23, 2020PEFCU Perks, We Are PEFCU No Comments
2020 PEFCU Branch Closures

All offices of PEFCU will be closed the following dates. You can always access our services online at https://www.pefcu.com or our PEFCU Mobile Banking app.     Martin Luther King Jr. Day January 20 Monday   Presidents Day February 17 Monday   Memorial Day May 25 Monday   Independence Day July 3 Friday   Labor Day September 7 Monday   Columbus Day October 12 Monday   Veterans Day November 11 Wednesday   Thanksgiving November 26 Thursday   Christmas December 25 Friday   New Year’s Day 2021 December 31 Friday     If the holiday falls on a Saturday, the Credit Union will be closed on the preceding Friday. If the holiday falls on a Sunday, the Credit Union will be closed on the following Monday 

4 Investment Options You Should Know About   

The investment world can be as complex or simple as you would like to make it.  There are many options available from which to choose when you have your investment plan ready to implement.  Let’s look at some of the different investment tools available in more detail so you will have a better understanding of each.    1. Stocks Stock is purchased as an investment in a company with the understanding that the company will be profitable, and the stock price will go up.  The value of stock is dependent upon the market conditions at the time of purchase and the time of sale.  Most people hope…

June 22, 2020Future Planning 1 Comment
4 Investment Options You Should Know About   

The investment world can be as complex or simple as you would like to make it.  There are many options available from which to choose when you have your investment plan ready to implement.  Let’s look at some of the different investment tools available in more detail so you will have a better understanding of each.    1. Stocks Stock is purchased as an investment in a company with the understanding that the company will be profitable, and the stock price will go up.  The value of stock is dependent upon the market conditions at the time of purchase and the time of sale.  Most people hope…

Saving for Your Child’s College Education

The minute you bring your little bundle of joy home, thoughts of their college education begin looming in the back of your head. You only want the best for them – good school, great education, a rewarding career. But between skyrocketing college prices and your need to prepare for retirement, how can you save enough for your child’s education? After all, you still have everyday expenses, too.  Keep reading to learn four baby steps to save for your child’s college education.   Start small, start early. For example, when your child is born, if you put aside $150 each month until they are ready for college, the balance would be over $32,000 by the time they reach 18. And that doesn’t even include all the compound interest you’ll be earning over 18 years.…

June 5, 2020Wallet Wins No Comments
Saving for Your Child’s College Education

The minute you bring your little bundle of joy home, thoughts of their college education begin looming in the back of your head. You only want the best for them – good school, great education, a rewarding career. But between skyrocketing college prices and your need to prepare for retirement, how can you save enough for your child’s education? After all, you still have everyday expenses, too.  Keep reading to learn four baby steps to save for your child’s college education.   Start small, start early. For example, when your child is born, if you put aside $150 each month until they are ready for college, the balance would be over $32,000 by the time they reach 18. And that doesn’t even include all the compound interest you’ll be earning over 18 years.…

Smart Tips for Investing in Your 401(k)

How can you make the most out of your 401(k)? Take a look at some ways to maximize this important investment:  Meet regularly with your financial advisor. The best strategy you can take to maximize any investment is to get professional assistance. A financial advisor will discuss growth strategies with you and encourage you to make smart choices with your 401(k). Furthermore, they can help you with any other current or potential investments you may have. Most advisors suggest meeting with them semi-annually or annually to review your entire investment portfolio. Be sure you understand the rules and contribute to the limits if you…

May 27, 2020Future Planning No Comments
Smart Tips for Investing in Your 401(k)

How can you make the most out of your 401(k)? Take a look at some ways to maximize this important investment:  Meet regularly with your financial advisor. The best strategy you can take to maximize any investment is to get professional assistance. A financial advisor will discuss growth strategies with you and encourage you to make smart choices with your 401(k). Furthermore, they can help you with any other current or potential investments you may have. Most advisors suggest meeting with them semi-annually or annually to review your entire investment portfolio. Be sure you understand the rules and contribute to the limits if you…

Grow Your Savings or Eliminate Debt? 

Which would you rather do in the next few months? Pay off your credit cards, or build interest on the money in your savings? Most people would choose the latter option. Making more money on your savings appears to be the most stable financial option.   The problem with this scenario is that you may end up paying more interest on your credit cards than what you will make in interest on your savings. This can result in you losing more money overall by postponing paying off your credit card bill.  Understand Your Credit & Savings Interest  Most financial planners will tell you upfront to get rid of…

May 14, 2020Wallet Wins 1 Comment
Grow Your Savings or Eliminate Debt? 

Which would you rather do in the next few months? Pay off your credit cards, or build interest on the money in your savings? Most people would choose the latter option. Making more money on your savings appears to be the most stable financial option.   The problem with this scenario is that you may end up paying more interest on your credit cards than what you will make in interest on your savings. This can result in you losing more money overall by postponing paying off your credit card bill.  Understand Your Credit & Savings Interest  Most financial planners will tell you upfront to get rid of…

How to Create Financial Goals You’ll Actually Follow

Studies have shown that people who clearly define their goals, whether it’s losing weight or gaining a new position at their workplace, have a better success rate than those who just wing it.  There’s an easy acronym you can use as a formula for success in setting objectives for a big goal:  Specific Measurable Achievable Realistic Time-Bound  It’s no different for financial goals. Do you want to own a new home, take a European vacation or put your kids through college? Whatever your personal financial goals are, preparing a plan is the first step toward achieving success. Here are some tips…

May 13, 2020Wallet Wins 2 Comments
How to Create Financial Goals You’ll Actually Follow

Studies have shown that people who clearly define their goals, whether it’s losing weight or gaining a new position at their workplace, have a better success rate than those who just wing it.  There’s an easy acronym you can use as a formula for success in setting objectives for a big goal:  Specific Measurable Achievable Realistic Time-Bound  It’s no different for financial goals. Do you want to own a new home, take a European vacation or put your kids through college? Whatever your personal financial goals are, preparing a plan is the first step toward achieving success. Here are some tips…

Remodeling vs. Selling Your Home: 5 Factors to Help You Decide

Big decisions like whether to remodel or sell your home can become clouded with unrealistic expectations. If you’re a homeowner and are considering whether to remodel your existing home or  buy a new home, here are some factors that you and your realtor should discuss:  Remodel Cost:  To perform the type and size of renovations seen on some cable shows, most people will use a Home Equity Loan. This means that there will be interest rates, closing costs, and other expenses associated with the remodel. It’s also important to get multiple estimates from reputable, licensed companies or contractors in your area for the best strategy. New Home Cost: There are several expenses the homeowners will incur if they a.) sell their existing home and b.) purchase a…

May 11, 2020Borrowing Basics No Comments
Remodeling vs. Selling Your Home: 5 Factors to Help You Decide

Big decisions like whether to remodel or sell your home can become clouded with unrealistic expectations. If you’re a homeowner and are considering whether to remodel your existing home or  buy a new home, here are some factors that you and your realtor should discuss:  Remodel Cost:  To perform the type and size of renovations seen on some cable shows, most people will use a Home Equity Loan. This means that there will be interest rates, closing costs, and other expenses associated with the remodel. It’s also important to get multiple estimates from reputable, licensed companies or contractors in your area for the best strategy. New Home Cost: There are several expenses the homeowners will incur if they a.) sell their existing home and b.) purchase a…

4 Ways to Make Your Credit Cards Work for You

What’s one of the most persuasive pieces of advice that you’ve heard about credit cards? Most likely, your parents told you to pay them all off, cut most of them up, and save only one for emergencies.   But you don’t have to destroy your credit cards or refuse to use them to take control of your spending habits. In fact, refusing to use credit can weaken your credit score. Here are four ways to manage your credit card balances while continuing to use your credit cards.   1. Reschedule Payment Dates for More Convenient Times. Just move your payment date. This is especially helpful if your payday doesn’t match your payment due date. You will lower your chances of missing a payment. FYI: Credit card payment history accounts for about 35% of your credit score.   2. Pay in Full…

May 11, 2020Borrowing Basics 1 Comment
4 Ways to Make Your Credit Cards Work for You

What’s one of the most persuasive pieces of advice that you’ve heard about credit cards? Most likely, your parents told you to pay them all off, cut most of them up, and save only one for emergencies.   But you don’t have to destroy your credit cards or refuse to use them to take control of your spending habits. In fact, refusing to use credit can weaken your credit score. Here are four ways to manage your credit card balances while continuing to use your credit cards.   1. Reschedule Payment Dates for More Convenient Times. Just move your payment date. This is especially helpful if your payday doesn’t match your payment due date. You will lower your chances of missing a payment. FYI: Credit card payment history accounts for about 35% of your credit score.   2. Pay in Full…

6 Ways Auto Advisors Can Help You Find the Right Car

When was the last time you absolutely knew that you got a great deal when you purchased a vehicle? Probably never! That’s why we’re giving you access to the professional car buying services of Auto Advisors, a no-cost member benefit from PEFCU.   What is “Auto Advisors?”  Auto Advisors is a no-cost auto-buying service that pairs PEFCU members with professionally trained car-buying gurus. Traditional dealership games and tactics don’t work against Auto Advisors; many of which are former dealership employees themselves—so they know first-hand what to avoid.  Hassle-Free Car Buying: 6 Ways Auto Advisors Can Help You  Your Auto Advisor will work with you one-on-one and help to:  Locate Your Ideal Vehicle Get…

May 11, 2020Borrowing Basics No Comments
6 Ways Auto Advisors Can Help You Find the Right Car

When was the last time you absolutely knew that you got a great deal when you purchased a vehicle? Probably never! That’s why we’re giving you access to the professional car buying services of Auto Advisors, a no-cost member benefit from PEFCU.   What is “Auto Advisors?”  Auto Advisors is a no-cost auto-buying service that pairs PEFCU members with professionally trained car-buying gurus. Traditional dealership games and tactics don’t work against Auto Advisors; many of which are former dealership employees themselves—so they know first-hand what to avoid.  Hassle-Free Car Buying: 6 Ways Auto Advisors Can Help You  Your Auto Advisor will work with you one-on-one and help to:  Locate Your Ideal Vehicle Get…