20% Down Isn’t Always Needed

We’re going to say it! YOU DON’T NEED TO SAVE 20% FOR A DOWN PAYMENT ON A HOME.   Let’s be honest. Saving 20%, especially in today’s economy, isn’t realistic. But purchasing a home can be a great financial decision that can reward you for years to come.   Buying a home is an investment in your future. Let’s say your rent is $1,500 monthly. If you keep that same rent for the next 30 years, you will have paid $540,000. And that’s being optimistic, considering rent tends to increase exponentially by the year! You wouldn’t get any of that money back…

March 30, 2023Borrowing Basics No Comments
20% Down Isn’t Always Needed

We’re going to say it! YOU DON’T NEED TO SAVE 20% FOR A DOWN PAYMENT ON A HOME.   Let’s be honest. Saving 20%, especially in today’s economy, isn’t realistic. But purchasing a home can be a great financial decision that can reward you for years to come.   Buying a home is an investment in your future. Let’s say your rent is $1,500 monthly. If you keep that same rent for the next 30 years, you will have paid $540,000. And that’s being optimistic, considering rent tends to increase exponentially by the year! You wouldn’t get any of that money back…

Autism Acceptance Month 2023

April is #AutismAcceptanceMonth. PEFCU’s Core Values include Care and Inclusivity. We strive to live these values every day by celebrating each person’s uniqueness, like fingerprints. This month, we will be sharing stories from PEFCU associates and their families about their experience with Autism.   Amanda & Sawyer Amanda Notheis, a Loan Operations Specialist at PEFCU, wanted to share her son Sawyer’s story. Sawyer is seven years old and was diagnosed with Autism about 2 years ago. Amanda describes Sawyer as high-functioning, which means he can still carry on a regular lifestyle and attend a mainstream school, but he is extremely sensitive…

March 20, 2023We Are PEFCU No Comments
Autism Acceptance Month 2023

April is #AutismAcceptanceMonth. PEFCU’s Core Values include Care and Inclusivity. We strive to live these values every day by celebrating each person’s uniqueness, like fingerprints. This month, we will be sharing stories from PEFCU associates and their families about their experience with Autism.   Amanda & Sawyer Amanda Notheis, a Loan Operations Specialist at PEFCU, wanted to share her son Sawyer’s story. Sawyer is seven years old and was diagnosed with Autism about 2 years ago. Amanda describes Sawyer as high-functioning, which means he can still carry on a regular lifestyle and attend a mainstream school, but he is extremely sensitive…

Don’t Forget These Details When Home Buying 

As you prepare to buy your first home, it’s likely that you have already spent significant time researching the home-buying process. Fiscally you’re ready. You’re preapproved for your mortgage. Your monthly budget is ready to go, and a stellar real estate agent is in your corner. Now you just need to find that dream home!  Tips Before Making an Offer  Buying a house can quickly turn into an emotional decision. You find a home that would be perfect for raising your young family – schools are close by, and your commute to work is only ten minutes away. However, before…

March 2, 2023Borrowing Basics, Wallet Wins No Comments
Don’t Forget These Details When Home Buying 

As you prepare to buy your first home, it’s likely that you have already spent significant time researching the home-buying process. Fiscally you’re ready. You’re preapproved for your mortgage. Your monthly budget is ready to go, and a stellar real estate agent is in your corner. Now you just need to find that dream home!  Tips Before Making an Offer  Buying a house can quickly turn into an emotional decision. You find a home that would be perfect for raising your young family – schools are close by, and your commute to work is only ten minutes away. However, before…

4 Reasons to Refinance Your Auto Loan 

When people hear the term “refinance,” they often associate it with a long, tedious process. That can be true of mortgage refis due to the complexity of those loans. However, refinancing your car loan is quite simple and usually only takes a day or two.   The most common reason members refinance their vehicle loans is to save money. It’s a great way to reduce the total interest paid on your loan and free up extra cash each month. But there are other reasons why refinancing an auto loan could be in your best interest.  So, if you love your car…

March 2, 2023Wallet Wins No Comments
4 Reasons to Refinance Your Auto Loan 

When people hear the term “refinance,” they often associate it with a long, tedious process. That can be true of mortgage refis due to the complexity of those loans. However, refinancing your car loan is quite simple and usually only takes a day or two.   The most common reason members refinance their vehicle loans is to save money. It’s a great way to reduce the total interest paid on your loan and free up extra cash each month. But there are other reasons why refinancing an auto loan could be in your best interest.  So, if you love your car…

10 Ways You Can Use a Home Equity Loan 

Homeowners often talk about tapping into their home’s equity to solve various financial challenges. But what exactly is home equity? And if you tap into your home’s equity, how can you use those funds?   What is Home Equity?   Home equity is the difference between the appraised value of a home and what you currently owe on the house. For example, if your home’s value is $450,000 and you owe $200,000 on a mortgage, your home’s equity will be $250,000.   However, you may not be able to borrow this entire amount. Other credit factors and lender limits will determine the…

March 2, 2023Borrowing Basics, Future Planning, Wallet Wins 2 Comments
10 Ways You Can Use a Home Equity Loan 

Homeowners often talk about tapping into their home’s equity to solve various financial challenges. But what exactly is home equity? And if you tap into your home’s equity, how can you use those funds?   What is Home Equity?   Home equity is the difference between the appraised value of a home and what you currently owe on the house. For example, if your home’s value is $450,000 and you owe $200,000 on a mortgage, your home’s equity will be $250,000.   However, you may not be able to borrow this entire amount. Other credit factors and lender limits will determine the…

How to Make Your Dream Vacation a Reality 

Whether it’s trekking across Europe, embarking on a coast-to-coast road trip of the U.S., or cruising through the Canadian Rockies by train, most people dream about that one bucket-list vacation. To many, this adventure remains a dream. But with dedication and planning, it’s often more attainable than people realize.  As with any grand vacation, the key is preparation. From mapping out the entire trip to plotting the logistics and setting your budget, planning your perfect adventure will take time. Use the following guide to help you put your plans in motion for that once-in-a-lifetime excursion.   1. Determine Your Destination &…

March 2, 2023Wallet Wins No Comments
How to Make Your Dream Vacation a Reality 

Whether it’s trekking across Europe, embarking on a coast-to-coast road trip of the U.S., or cruising through the Canadian Rockies by train, most people dream about that one bucket-list vacation. To many, this adventure remains a dream. But with dedication and planning, it’s often more attainable than people realize.  As with any grand vacation, the key is preparation. From mapping out the entire trip to plotting the logistics and setting your budget, planning your perfect adventure will take time. Use the following guide to help you put your plans in motion for that once-in-a-lifetime excursion.   1. Determine Your Destination &…

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 2 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…