Certificate accounts offer a safe and dependable way to save money while earning interest over a fixed period. These investment accounts are an excellent refuge for funds that need a temporary home with the promise of a guaranteed return. Read on to learn more about certificate account advantages and disadvantages and whether opening one is right for your portfolio. What Is a Certificate Account? A certificate account is an investment product whereby you deposit money in an account for a fixed period and earn interest. The rate is usually higher than what you’d make in a regular savings account. When the term ends, you get your initial deposit back along… read more »

Traditional savings accounts are the bedrock of personal finance, providing a safe haven for our hard-earned money. However, in the quest for higher interest earnings and greater flexibility, many people opt to open a money market account (MMA) instead. MMAs combine the best of both worlds and can be an attractive alternative for those seeking stability and potentially higher-yielding interest rates. Read on to learn more about how money market accounts work and if opening one might be right for you. What Is a Money Market Account? A money market account is a type of deposit account that often offers higher interest rates than a traditional savings account. However, MMAs… read more »

Money markets and certificate accounts both offer safe places to stash your excess cash while earning interest, but which is the right choice for you? We take a look at how money market vs. certificate accounts work and which is best for different kinds of savers. Smart Saving Choices: Money Market vs. Certificate If you’re looking to start putting money aside from your monthly budget, then both money market accounts and certificate accounts offer safe places to start building a nest egg for retirement, college, a wedding, or a down payment on a car. While both offer great launchpads for your savings, there are important differences in how they work…. read more »

Certificate accounts are popular investments that many use to grow their savings. Setting up an account is very easy to do. It can be done in just a few minutes in six simple steps. What Is a Certificate Account? A certificate account is a type of investment that is offered by credit unions. Certificate accounts can be used for both short-term and long-term savings goals. A short-term certificate could be used to help you save for new appliances or furniture, for example. You could also open a 60-month certificate to help you save for a down payment on a house. An important benefit of certificate accounts is that the money… read more »

You and debt are so over. You’ve just about had it with those endless piles of credit card bills and those hideous numbers that never seem to get any lower. It’s time to kiss that debt goodbye! Getting rid of high debt will take hard work, willpower and the determination to see it through until the end, but it is doable. Here, we’ve outlined six steps to help you start crushing debt today. Step 1: Choose your debt-crushing method There are two approaches toward getting rid of debt: The snowball method, popularized by financial guru Dave Ramsey, involves paying off your debt with the smallest balance first and then moving to the… read more »

By GreenPath Financial Wellness It’s human nature. We’re all wired to meet our immediate wants, whether it’s indulging in a tempting bowl of ice cream, spending more time than we planned to scroll through social media, or treating ourselves to an impulse purchase. Unplanned expenses or emergencies are other common life events.  A car or house repair, or even a weather-related emergency, can make a dent in our budget. Whether it’s the struggle of delaying immediate rewards for greater benefit in the future, or an unexpected expense, people looking to build a successful savings habit often run up against these very human challenges. To help manage these realities, here are five tips… read more »

For many people, the hardest part of the home-buying process isn’t finding the perfect home. It’s the process of knowing how to shop for a mortgage. If you’re unsure where to start or have no idea how to get one, we’re here to help!  Our homebuyer’s guide will take you through every step so you’ll know exactly what to expect from the moment you start house-hunting through closing day. Prepare First During the application process, our Mortgage Lending Team will review your financial history. Get a head start by eliminating as much debt as you can before you apply. Plan to pay off any loans of high amounts such as… read more »

Locals know there’s nothing minor league about our state capital, Harrisburg. Known as a “small city with a big city feel,” Harrisburg remains a magnet for singles, young families, and retired couples—keeping the local property market hot even as prices cool elsewhere. That long-term value is great news for local homeowners. Continuously strong real estate prices mean you can swing big on home improvements, knowing every dollar you spend on upgrades will be well worth it. Let’s look at how to build equity in your home by making smart choices about home improvements. Choosing Home Improvements That Build Equity Even if you’re not considering selling anytime soon, home improvements and… read more »

HARRISBURG, PA (November 9, 2022) – Belco Community Credit Union, President & CEO, Amey Sgrignoli has been selected by American Banker as one of its 2022 Most Powerful Women in Credit Unions. “The inaugural Most Powerful Women in Credit Unions honoree list recognizes the women who are driving innovation and inclusion in this very unique segment of the financial services industry,” says Daniel Wolfe, Content Director at American Banker. “These are proven mission driven leaders who value their members, employees and positive workplace experiences as much as their business goals.” Nominations for the program were open to any women leaders who are primarily employed at a credit union. Applications were… read more »

Are you considering getting a home equity line of credit, HELOC? If so, keep reading because we’re sharing some tips on how you can unlock the equity in your home at a low rate.  Whether you’re making home improvements, financing a life event, or consolidating debt, you want to secure the lowest interest rate possible to help you save on the amount you borrow. Here’s how to get the best HELOC rate.  Keep Up Your Credit Score As with any time you borrow money, your credit score will significantly impact your ability to qualify and the rate that lenders offer. You can use your HELOC funds for just about anything,… read more »