Land Loans: Everything you need to know.

What is a land loan?  Land loans are used to buy property without a home on it. Sometimes these are confused with construction loans, which are for people who want to build a house. The difference is that land loans are typically used by people who want to build a home in the future but may not want to jump into building and financing a home immediately.  Types of Land Loans   Unimproved Land Loan: a loan for large plots of land with no structure on them, and without a current source of water, or septic/sewer.  Improved Land Loan: a loan…

February 24, 2023Borrowing Basics, Future Planning 3 Comments
Land Loans: Everything you need to know.

What is a land loan?  Land loans are used to buy property without a home on it. Sometimes these are confused with construction loans, which are for people who want to build a house. The difference is that land loans are typically used by people who want to build a home in the future but may not want to jump into building and financing a home immediately.  Types of Land Loans   Unimproved Land Loan: a loan for large plots of land with no structure on them, and without a current source of water, or septic/sewer.  Improved Land Loan: a loan…

7 Reasons to File Your Taxes Early 

Filing your taxes can be a bit of a headache each year. While many people may have good intentions of filing as soon as they get their W-2s, the reality is people often procrastinate. Then, before they know it, the deadline sneaks up and forces them to reorganize their schedule to make time to file, causing a great deal of unnecessary stress.   If that scenario sounds familiar to you, it’s time to consider filing your taxes early. Doing so will not only relieve your stress and anxiety levels but there are many other benefits you’ll experience.  The Benefits of Filing…

February 15, 2023Future Planning, Wallet Wins No Comments
7 Reasons to File Your Taxes Early 

Filing your taxes can be a bit of a headache each year. While many people may have good intentions of filing as soon as they get their W-2s, the reality is people often procrastinate. Then, before they know it, the deadline sneaks up and forces them to reorganize their schedule to make time to file, causing a great deal of unnecessary stress.   If that scenario sounds familiar to you, it’s time to consider filing your taxes early. Doing so will not only relieve your stress and anxiety levels but there are many other benefits you’ll experience.  The Benefits of Filing…

2023 Financial Check-Up: Tips to Fight Inflation 

Creating and maintaining a budget is one of the best ways to achieve your financial goals. However, even the most dedicated can find it challenging at times. That’s why it’s essential to revisit your budget and financial plan every six months. This financial check-up is your opportunity to get back on track before you stray too far from your goals.  A regular financial check-up is even more crucial today as inflation continues to decrease the value of your money. With less money to spend, it’s important to find ways to maximize your hard-earned dollars.   Consider the following inflation-fighting strategies when…

February 2, 2023Future Planning, Wallet Wins No Comments
2023 Financial Check-Up: Tips to Fight Inflation 

Creating and maintaining a budget is one of the best ways to achieve your financial goals. However, even the most dedicated can find it challenging at times. That’s why it’s essential to revisit your budget and financial plan every six months. This financial check-up is your opportunity to get back on track before you stray too far from your goals.  A regular financial check-up is even more crucial today as inflation continues to decrease the value of your money. With less money to spend, it’s important to find ways to maximize your hard-earned dollars.   Consider the following inflation-fighting strategies when…

Family Fun in Lakeland

Looking for something fun to do with your friends and family in Lakeland? Say no more, PEFCU fam!  PEFCU is really “having a ball” this year, as our Lakeland branch is now a proud sponsor of not one, not two, but THREE sports teams: The Lakeland Magic basketball team, the Florida Tropics soccer team, and the Detroit Tigers/Lakeland Flying Tigers baseball teams!   What does this mean, you ask? It means we have several more opportunities to meet with potential members and spread brand awareness about our credit union and its values. Our “goal” is to reach associates from Publix and…

February 1, 2023We Are PEFCU No Comments
Family Fun in Lakeland

Looking for something fun to do with your friends and family in Lakeland? Say no more, PEFCU fam!  PEFCU is really “having a ball” this year, as our Lakeland branch is now a proud sponsor of not one, not two, but THREE sports teams: The Lakeland Magic basketball team, the Florida Tropics soccer team, and the Detroit Tigers/Lakeland Flying Tigers baseball teams!   What does this mean, you ask? It means we have several more opportunities to meet with potential members and spread brand awareness about our credit union and its values. Our “goal” is to reach associates from Publix and…

Why are Share Certificates (CDs) Becoming So Popular?

Share certificates (like CDs at banks) are investment accounts that yield higher returns than traditional savings accounts. They offer a spectrum of financial perks with very little downside. Keep reading to find out if adding a share certificate to your savings plan is right for you.  What Is a Share Certificate?  Most credit unions offer three primary savings and investment accounts:   Traditional share (savings) accounts   Money market accounts   Share certificates   Among the three, share certificates generally offer the greatest yields. However, there is a tradeoff in exchange for earning higher dividends. With a share certificate, your money is locked in,…

February 1, 2023Wallet Wins No Comments
Why are Share Certificates (CDs) Becoming So Popular?

Share certificates (like CDs at banks) are investment accounts that yield higher returns than traditional savings accounts. They offer a spectrum of financial perks with very little downside. Keep reading to find out if adding a share certificate to your savings plan is right for you.  What Is a Share Certificate?  Most credit unions offer three primary savings and investment accounts:   Traditional share (savings) accounts   Money market accounts   Share certificates   Among the three, share certificates generally offer the greatest yields. However, there is a tradeoff in exchange for earning higher dividends. With a share certificate, your money is locked in,…

Uncommon Uses for a Personal Loan

Whether online, in-store, or via phone, credit cards remain one of the top payment choices among consumers. However, though credit cards are convenient, they are not always the best financing option – especially for larger ticket items. Commonly overlooked, personal loans are typically a much smarter choice that offer a slew of financial perks credit cards don’t. Discover why they are so beneficial and some of their lesser-known uses.  What is a Personal Loan?   A personal loan can be used for just about anything. These short-term loans offer flexible repayment periods, typically ranging between six months and four years. As…

February 1, 2023Borrowing Basics 2 Comments
Uncommon Uses for a Personal Loan

Whether online, in-store, or via phone, credit cards remain one of the top payment choices among consumers. However, though credit cards are convenient, they are not always the best financing option – especially for larger ticket items. Commonly overlooked, personal loans are typically a much smarter choice that offer a slew of financial perks credit cards don’t. Discover why they are so beneficial and some of their lesser-known uses.  What is a Personal Loan?   A personal loan can be used for just about anything. These short-term loans offer flexible repayment periods, typically ranging between six months and four years. As…

Looking Back On 2022: A Year of Giving

Happy New Year, PEFCU fam! I hope you enjoyed your holidays by winding down and relaxing with your loved ones. The last few weeks of 2022 felt like a whirlwind, but alas, here we are in 2023 with promises of new beginnings and a brighter tomorrow! 😊   As you may recall, PEFCU launched its NEW community outreach program in April of 2022, and it took off like wildfire! After looking at the stats, I was personally blown away at all that PEFCU has accomplished in so little time, and so it brings me great joy to be able to share…

January 5, 2023We Are PEFCU No Comments
Looking Back On 2022: A Year of Giving

Happy New Year, PEFCU fam! I hope you enjoyed your holidays by winding down and relaxing with your loved ones. The last few weeks of 2022 felt like a whirlwind, but alas, here we are in 2023 with promises of new beginnings and a brighter tomorrow! 😊   As you may recall, PEFCU launched its NEW community outreach program in April of 2022, and it took off like wildfire! After looking at the stats, I was personally blown away at all that PEFCU has accomplished in so little time, and so it brings me great joy to be able to share…

Is a 0% APR Balance Transfer All It’s Cracked Up to Be? 

You’ve probably already heard the sweet siren song of the promotional 0% balance transfer rate. The trick is to decide whether offer an offer like this can work out for you without getting confused.  Follow these tips—and watch your step! This path might not be as enticing as it seems.  Crunch the Numbers  When you look at offers like this from big banks and credit card companies, it comes off as pretty tempting. After all, what could be better than paying no interest for several months on your debt? However, most credit card companies are not in it for your…

December 29, 2022Borrowing Basics, Wallet Wins No Comments
Is a 0% APR Balance Transfer All It’s Cracked Up to Be? 

You’ve probably already heard the sweet siren song of the promotional 0% balance transfer rate. The trick is to decide whether offer an offer like this can work out for you without getting confused.  Follow these tips—and watch your step! This path might not be as enticing as it seems.  Crunch the Numbers  When you look at offers like this from big banks and credit card companies, it comes off as pretty tempting. After all, what could be better than paying no interest for several months on your debt? However, most credit card companies are not in it for your…

Why You Should Consolidate Debt in the New Year

The holiday season has come and gone. While you can’t put a price tag on the memories, you might feel the burden of the debt accrued from making those memories. If you’re a bit anxious about paying back your holiday debt, there’s a relatively easy solution – debt consolidation.   Consolidating debt may sound complicated and more intimidating than slowly paying down your current balance. However, the process is easier than you might think, and it could save you a significant amount of money long term. It’s a win-win!   What is Debt Consolidation?  Debt consolidation is transferring one or multiple loans…

December 29, 2022Borrowing Basics, Wallet Wins No Comments
Why You Should Consolidate Debt in the New Year

The holiday season has come and gone. While you can’t put a price tag on the memories, you might feel the burden of the debt accrued from making those memories. If you’re a bit anxious about paying back your holiday debt, there’s a relatively easy solution – debt consolidation.   Consolidating debt may sound complicated and more intimidating than slowly paying down your current balance. However, the process is easier than you might think, and it could save you a significant amount of money long term. It’s a win-win!   What is Debt Consolidation?  Debt consolidation is transferring one or multiple loans…

Setting New Year’s [Financial] Resolutions as a Couple 

As the new year begins, people take the opportunity to start fresh. It’s a time to change habits and resolve to be better in the coming year. Living healthier, spending more time with family and friends, and bettering one’s financial position are consistently the top resolutions each year.   Even though you may have the best intentions, it can be challenging to stick with your resolutions throughout the year – especially regarding financial goals.   Accomplishing your goals becomes much easier when you do it with your partner. You get to work as a team to hit your target. That includes…

December 29, 2022Future Planning, Wallet Wins No Comments
Setting New Year’s [Financial] Resolutions as a Couple 

As the new year begins, people take the opportunity to start fresh. It’s a time to change habits and resolve to be better in the coming year. Living healthier, spending more time with family and friends, and bettering one’s financial position are consistently the top resolutions each year.   Even though you may have the best intentions, it can be challenging to stick with your resolutions throughout the year – especially regarding financial goals.   Accomplishing your goals becomes much easier when you do it with your partner. You get to work as a team to hit your target. That includes…