Juggling a busy schedule and finding time to visit your local credit union can be a real headache. You might find yourself rushing to deposit checks during your lunch break or frantically squeezing in a bank visit before closing time. It’s a common challenge that many people face in today’s fast-paced world. Mobile banking offers a convenient solution to this time-consuming problem. With just a regular smartphone and a few finger taps, you can manage your finances from the comfort of your home or while on the go. Read on to learn how to mobile deposit a check and enjoy a hassle-free banking experience. What is Mobile Deposit? Mobile Deposit… read more »

The start of the new year presents the perfect opportunity to improve your financial future. It’s the ideal time to set new goals and strategies for how you manage your money. Belco Community Credit Union is here to assist you in doing just that. As your trusted financial advisor, we’ll help you save more, spend wisely, reduce debt, and secure your future.  Read on to discover ten tips for improving your finances in the new year. 1. Setting Financial Goals for the New Year Set clear and attainable financial goals that enable ongoing success. Consistently refer back to them so they steer every spending and savings choice toward your overarching… read more »

Zelle® is a fast, safe and easy way to send and receive money with people you trust, like your babysitter, coworkers, fellow PTA mom, or your son’s soccer coach. Whether you just enrolled with Zelle® or have been an active user for a while, there are a few tips you should always keep in mind to ensure you are being safe when sending money. Only send money to those you know and trust Money moves fast with Zelle®, directly from bank account to bank account within minutes*, so it’s important you know and trust the people you’re sending money to. Why? Because you can’t cancel a payment once it’s been… read more »

Opening a money market account (MMA) might seem a bit daunting, especially when headlines warn of market instability. But even in the face of economic unpredictability, these specialized accounts offer a secure option to park your cash while earning interest. Read on to learn how money market accounts work and why they make sense for Pennsylvania residents looking to grow their savings. What Is a Money Market Account?  An MMA is a type of deposit account that often requires a higher minimum balance to maintain compared to regular savings accounts. It offers the dual benefit of better interest rates while providing easy access to your funds. You’ll enjoy the ideal… read more »

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 »