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 »

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 »

Being a homeowner has its perks. Perhaps the biggest one is being able to tap into your home’s value with a home equity loan. But just owning a home doesn’t automatically mean you qualify. You’ll still need enough equity, along with the income and credit to back it up. Let’s walk through what a home equity loan is, the pros and cons to getting one, and what you’ll usually need to qualify. What Is a Home Equity Loan? A home equity loan lets you borrow against the value you’ve built up in your home. Simply put, your home acts as the collateral, and you receive the money as a lump… read more »

Central Pennsylvania’s property market continues to run red hot, which means it’s a great time to be a homeowner here in Lancaster. Even if you aren’t ready to sell just yet, strong housing prices mean every dollar spent on your home goes a little bit further. Here’s how to build equity in your home by making some smart choices about home improvements. How to Build Home Equity With Home Improvements Home improvements are a great way to get more out of your biggest investment — your house. With property prices still on the rise throughout Lancaster County, money spent on improvements that your family can enjoy today will be worth… read more »

Home prices are rising across the U.S. along with interest rates and the cost of living. But it’s not all bad news. When the market value of your home increases, the amount of home equity you have goes up with it.  You can then use your home equity to fund improvements (or anything else!), which will increase the value of your home even more. Read on to find out everything you need to know about the current housing market and how it impacts your home equity. What Is Home Equity? Home equity is the difference between what your home is currently worth and what you owe on your mortgage. Here’s… read more »

Qualifying for a mortgage is a big step on the way to becoming a homeowner. Here’s what you need to know about credit checks, pre-qualification, income verification, and down payments. How to Qualify for a Mortgage Qualifying for a mortgage means you are firmly on the road to becoming a homeowner, but getting there can be a nerve-wracking process! Let’s take a look at what goes into a typical mortgage approval process and answer some of the questions you may have. What Do You Need to Qualify for a Mortgage? To qualify for a mortgage you’ll need to demonstrate to your bank or credit union that you’re willing and able… read more »

Can I refinance my home equity loan? Many homeowners wonder if refinancing an existing home equity loan or line of credit is a good idea. Let’s look at why you might want to refinance your existing loan and how to go about doing it. Double Dip: Can I Refinance My Home Equity Loan? Your home is your most valuable investment and many property owners leverage that value with a home loan or line of credit. Changes in the property market and your personal financial situation might have you wondering if it is possible—and smart—to refinance your existing loan. Why Refinance? While there’s theoretically no limit to the number of times… read more »