Finance Articles
Budget with the 50/30/20 Rule
Budget with the 50/30/20 Rule. The 50/30/20 represents the percentages that a budget should be broken down by. It's well-known that breaking down a plan into smaller, more easily achieved goals will get you to the finish line faster. So let's break it down! A budget...
How To Identify Scammers?
Spam phone calls and emails are on the rise in the United States. Last year alone, scam calls cost Americans over $19 billion, and this figure has been increasing year after year. Scammers keep finding new and inventive ways to trick people out of their money or...
First-Time Home Buyer’s Guide
Are you ready to say goodbye to the days of renting and hello to your first home? This first-time home buyer's guide includes all of the steps, tips, and advice you'll need to jumpstart your home buying journey with confidence. Continue reading to learn things...
Understanding Mortgage Interest Rates
When it comes time to purchase a home, you’ll hear a lot about mortgage interest rates. What exactly are mortgage interest rates and how will they impact your home-buying process? Simply, a mortgage interest rate is the rate of interest charged on a mortgage. Your...
How to Protect Your Account and Personal Information
In the past, all you had to do to keep your money and identity safe was hold on to your wallet. If you lost your purse, you canceled your checkbook and cards then ordered replacements -- and that was the end of it. Nowadays, it's a whole different ball game....
When Should You Refinance Your Home?
When you first purchased a home, you borrowed money from a lender to pay the home seller. Now you’re making monthly loan payments to that lender to pay back the money that you borrowed. When you refinance your mortgage, you take out a new loan. This new loan pays off...
Financial Wellness Wednesday: How to Read Your Account Statement
How to Read Your Account Statement KEY TAKEAWAYS: Account statements are sent out to members monthly. They can be sent either via USPS mail or via email. It’s recommended to use eStatements, or statements sent via email. Monthly account statements are private...
What Is the Average Down Payment on a House?
Even though common thinking is that you need to put down 20% of your house price in order to secure a mortgage, many people put down much less. In fact, down payments can start at 0% and certain loans ask for around 3%. According to NerdWallet, the median down payment...
Comparing Fixed vs. Adjustable Rate Mortgages
You know you want to buy a home and you know how much money you have available for your down payment. But how can you figure out what you'll have to pay each month for your dream house? First, there's the principal, which is what you owe on the main part of your loan....
What You Need to Get Approved for a Home Loan [Checklist]
Whether you’re buying a home for the first time or the fifth, the home-buying process can seem daunting. Thinking about all the documents and information you will need to gather during the home-buying journey can overwhelm even the most seasoned home purchaser. So,...
