Save MORE on Back 2 School Purchases 

Save on back-to-school shopping by taking advantage of these tax-free shopping days in your state!   Alabama: 7/19/2024 – 7/21/2024 Florida: 7/29/2024 – 8/11/2024 South Carolina:8/2/2024 – 8/4/2024 Tennessee: 7/26/2024 – 7/28/2024  Virginia: 8/2/2024 – 8/4/2024 You can also take advantage of PEFCU’s great rates on credit cards and credit card rewards you actually want! Apply for our PEFCU Visa® Credit Card today! If you have additional questions about our products or services, give us a call at (800) 226-6673. Approval is based on creditworthiness. 

June 27, 2024Borrowing Basics, Wallet Wins No Comments
Save MORE on Back 2 School Purchases 

Save on back-to-school shopping by taking advantage of these tax-free shopping days in your state!   Alabama: 7/19/2024 – 7/21/2024 Florida: 7/29/2024 – 8/11/2024 South Carolina:8/2/2024 – 8/4/2024 Tennessee: 7/26/2024 – 7/28/2024  Virginia: 8/2/2024 – 8/4/2024 You can also take advantage of PEFCU’s great rates on credit cards and credit card rewards you actually want! Apply for our PEFCU Visa® Credit Card today! If you have additional questions about our products or services, give us a call at (800) 226-6673. Approval is based on creditworthiness. 

6 Essential Credit FAQs Answered

Building and maintaining an excellent credit score should be a top financial priority for every adult. Your credit score plays a significant role in how much interest you pay on loans, whether you’ll be approved for financing, and it can even impact whether you can rent an apartment or land specific jobs.  However, the world of credit reports and scores can be a bit confusing – and overwhelming. Not to worry. We’re here to help answer some of the more common questions about credit to ensure you’re on the right path to locking in an exceptional score.  #1: What Is…

May 22, 2024Borrowing Basics No Comments
6 Essential Credit FAQs Answered

Building and maintaining an excellent credit score should be a top financial priority for every adult. Your credit score plays a significant role in how much interest you pay on loans, whether you’ll be approved for financing, and it can even impact whether you can rent an apartment or land specific jobs.  However, the world of credit reports and scores can be a bit confusing – and overwhelming. Not to worry. We’re here to help answer some of the more common questions about credit to ensure you’re on the right path to locking in an exceptional score.  #1: What Is…

Is an Auto Loan Preapproval Necessary?

There is no doubt it can be exciting when it is time to purchase a new car. Your car reflects you and your personality, so exploring different models and features is fun. With all the excitement in the air, it’s easy to be drawn to the dealership to see the vehicles up close and schedule a test drive. However, that’s one of the first and biggest mistakes when it comes to car-buying.   Dealerships will use every sales trick and tactic they know to close the deal right then – whether you are ready to buy or not. This scenario can…

May 21, 2024Borrowing Basics No Comments
Is an Auto Loan Preapproval Necessary?

There is no doubt it can be exciting when it is time to purchase a new car. Your car reflects you and your personality, so exploring different models and features is fun. With all the excitement in the air, it’s easy to be drawn to the dealership to see the vehicles up close and schedule a test drive. However, that’s one of the first and biggest mistakes when it comes to car-buying.   Dealerships will use every sales trick and tactic they know to close the deal right then – whether you are ready to buy or not. This scenario can…

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

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
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…

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
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…

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
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…

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
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…

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
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…

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
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…