Your Best Investment: Yourself 

Improving your financial position often starts with cutting costs. After all, the less you spend, the more you can save. While this is sound advice, there’s a bigger factor at play when it comes to long-term wealth: your earning potential. In an ever-changing economy, the value you deliver can determine whether you thrive or struggle.   The past two decades have been a testament to this reality. The Great Recession brought widespread layoffs and financial uncertainty. Just as the economy began to recover, the COVID-19 pandemic brought a new wave of layoffs as entire industries were reshaped. Then, inflation surged, driving…

February 20, 2025Future Planning No Comments

Improving your financial position often starts with cutting costs. After all, the less you spend, the more you can save. While this is sound advice, there’s a bigger factor at play when it comes to long-term wealth: your earning potential. In an ever-changing economy, the value you deliver can determine whether you thrive or struggle.   The past two decades have been a testament to this reality. The Great Recession brought widespread layoffs and financial uncertainty. Just as the economy began to recover, the COVID-19 pandemic brought a new wave of layoffs as entire industries were reshaped. Then, inflation surged, driving…

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

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

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…

Galentine’s Day Ideas That Don’t Break the Bank

February 13 is officially Galentine’s Day! This year marks the 15th anniversary since Leslie Knope coined the holiday on the TV show Parks & Recreation. Leslie liked to celebrate by taking her friends out for brunch and buying them all gifts, but we’ve got some fun ideas to help you celebrate with your friends while staying on budget.  Charcuterie Night  Host a BYOB (Bring Your Own Board) Charcuterie Night. Ask each of your friends to bring a themed charcuterie board of their choice for a fun tasting night. Examples could include fruit board with different fruits and dips, French fry board…

January 28, 2025Wallet Wins No Comments

February 13 is officially Galentine’s Day! This year marks the 15th anniversary since Leslie Knope coined the holiday on the TV show Parks & Recreation. Leslie liked to celebrate by taking her friends out for brunch and buying them all gifts, but we’ve got some fun ideas to help you celebrate with your friends while staying on budget.  Charcuterie Night  Host a BYOB (Bring Your Own Board) Charcuterie Night. Ask each of your friends to bring a themed charcuterie board of their choice for a fun tasting night. Examples could include fruit board with different fruits and dips, French fry board…

A Celebration of Black History

In celebration of Black History Month, PEFCU would like to explore the rich history of the Black community’s relationship to banking and the cooperative spirit that many credit union members share. Mutual Aid Societies & Cooperatives Before modern credit unions began, community-oriented institutions were set up to serve freedmen in the North. Like credit unions, they were co-owned by all their members, provided the community with affordable alternatives for financial services, and fostered self-sufficiency. By the late 18th century, northern Black populations had established mutual aid societies and cooperatives, creating networks that helped advance the community by supplying clothes, healthcare,…

January 28, 2025We Are PEFCU 2 Comments

In celebration of Black History Month, PEFCU would like to explore the rich history of the Black community’s relationship to banking and the cooperative spirit that many credit union members share. Mutual Aid Societies & Cooperatives Before modern credit unions began, community-oriented institutions were set up to serve freedmen in the North. Like credit unions, they were co-owned by all their members, provided the community with affordable alternatives for financial services, and fostered self-sufficiency. By the late 18th century, northern Black populations had established mutual aid societies and cooperatives, creating networks that helped advance the community by supplying clothes, healthcare,…

Car Buying 101: What You Need To Know

Where to start? Who said that buying your first car would be easy? Chances are that you’ve received lots of unhelpful and conflicting advice on your way to the dealership. So, before you take that test drive, here are six car buying basics that you should know:  Loan pre–approval is your most powerful negotiation tool. Get this first! If you know your approval limit and interest rate, you’ll be able to effectively strategize. PEFCU usually offers better rates and terms than banks. Just reach out for more info.  The total price is more important than the monthly payment. This is very basic. Many people think if they can handle the monthly payment, it doesn’t matter how long it takes to pay off the car…

January 28, 2025Borrowing Basics 3 Comments

Where to start? Who said that buying your first car would be easy? Chances are that you’ve received lots of unhelpful and conflicting advice on your way to the dealership. So, before you take that test drive, here are six car buying basics that you should know:  Loan pre–approval is your most powerful negotiation tool. Get this first! If you know your approval limit and interest rate, you’ll be able to effectively strategize. PEFCU usually offers better rates and terms than banks. Just reach out for more info.  The total price is more important than the monthly payment. This is very basic. Many people think if they can handle the monthly payment, it doesn’t matter how long it takes to pay off the car…

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

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

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…

Benefits of Refinancing Your Auto Loan

Are your car payments wrecking your budget without putting a dent in your loan? Are you throwing away money in interest payments each month? If so, refinancing your auto loan may be an easy solution. It’s a painless process that could keep your money in your pocket.   Let’s review what auto refinancing is and how to decide if it’s right for you.   What is Auto Loan Refinancing?   Refinancing your auto loan sounds hard, but it’s simple. When you originally bought your vehicle, you likely financed it with the dealership or some other lender. By refinancing your loan, you are just switching it from your current lender to a new lender to save money.   Why Should You Refinance?   Better Rates: You would want to refinance your auto loan to take advantage of better loan rates. If auto loan rates are…

January 14, 2025Borrowing Basics 1 Comment

Are your car payments wrecking your budget without putting a dent in your loan? Are you throwing away money in interest payments each month? If so, refinancing your auto loan may be an easy solution. It’s a painless process that could keep your money in your pocket.   Let’s review what auto refinancing is and how to decide if it’s right for you.   What is Auto Loan Refinancing?   Refinancing your auto loan sounds hard, but it’s simple. When you originally bought your vehicle, you likely financed it with the dealership or some other lender. By refinancing your loan, you are just switching it from your current lender to a new lender to save money.   Why Should You Refinance?   Better Rates: You would want to refinance your auto loan to take advantage of better loan rates. If auto loan rates are…

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

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…