Since credit card fraud can be a costly and inconvenient mishap, the best thing consumers can do is take steps to prevent it from happening in the first place. When you know the right strategies for fraud prevention, your financial data will remain safe and secure. Thankfully, there are several steps you can take to prevent credit card fraud.  What Is Credit Card Fraud? Credit card fraud involves the fraudulent use of a credit card to obtain cash or complete transactions. This usually occurs in one of two ways – through the physical use of a lost or stolen credit card or the compromise of your digital financial data through… read more »

If you’re shopping around for a new card, you may be wondering how to choose the best credit card. With so many options out there, how can you start to work through all the considerations? We’ll help you make sense of how to compare and select a credit card, from the beginning of the process to your first swipe. Check Your Credit First things first. You want to know what kind of deals and rates you’re eligible for. Financial institutions look at your credit history and credit report to determine whether you get a higher or lower interest rate on your card. That means you need to check your credit… read more »

It’s important, whether buying or selling a home, to understand the ins and the outs of mortgages. Since the majority of people who buy a home need a mortgage, having an understanding of the most frequently asked questions can reduce confusion when taking one out.  Bookmark these mortgage FAQs, divided by section, to help you in the process! Types of Mortgages What Type of Mortgage Is Best for Me? Here at Belco Community Credit Union, we offer three types of mortgage loans: Conventional, FHA, and VA loans. These loans each have qualities that make them better suited for certain individuals. Conventional loans are your match if you have a strong… read more »

Selecting a lender for your home mortgage is something you should carefully consider. Not all lenders offer the same level of service and some charge higher interest rates and fees than others. Your mortgage lender is a long-term partner. Your home loan could be for up to 30 years, and it’s something you want to make sure you get right. If you are a first-time buyer, you may be wondering how to choose a mortgage lender when there are so many options. The following overview will help you understand the different types of lenders and loans, and how to find a lender that will give you the best rates and… read more »

If you have several credit cards and other forms of debt, you may be struggling to stay on top of all your monthly payments. Consolidating your debt into one convenient place is a great way to save money and reduce stress.  Another benefit of debt consolidation is that it can help you get your finances in shape so your credit score gets a boost. Read on for more details about how debt consolidation can work in your favor. Lower Monthly Payments If you use a financial tool like a personal loan to consolidate your debts, the monthly payment might be less than all your other payments combined.  Here’s what to… read more »

It can be stressful juggling multiple credit cards and trying to stay on top of your payments, especially when each card has a different interest rate. Luckily, a credit card balance transfer can simplify your finances and save you money. All you have to do is apply for a low-interest credit card and then follow a few simple steps. Read on for more helpful tips about balance transfers. What Is a Credit Card Balance Transfer? A balance transfer is when you take the balance of one or more of your credit cards and move the money you owe to a different card. It’s a form of debt consolidation that lets… read more »

You may be just graduating high school heading into college, purchasing your first home, retiring or looking to buy your dream car. No matter where you are in your life, odds are you will need your credit checked at some point. But you may have heard the simple saying “how can I build credit, if my credit score is low and I do not have the chance to?” This old paradox has left many individuals confused, frustrated and downright angry. Credit scores have always been difficult waters to navigate, but with proper guidance, you can set sail on a financially healthy life. What is a credit score? In order to… read more »

With 2020 in the books, I’d love to look at my finances to get on track for 2021. How do i start? This question is asked more then you may think. Having a financial review at the end of a year is important in helping prepare you for financial success in the year to come. This simple step-by-step process can get you ready to grow financially for the coming year. End-of-Year Review Process Giving yourself an end-of-year financial review is a wonderful way to check on the progress you’ve made toward your goals, highlight areas needing improvement and update your accounts, funds and investments. Here’s all you need to know… read more »

Congratulations! You are about to apply for your first credit card! Having heard about how great a credit card can be, and the importance of building credit, you decided to do some research. You saw fancy things like “0% interest for the first year” and “2% cashback on purchases” that sound like a great deal, but what does it all mean? Whether you are going into college and getting your first credit card, or deciding now is the time to build your credit, you have come to the right place. This guide will help you understand basic credit card terms, and how you can start building your credit score today!… read more »

As the clock ticks down on 2020, the most wonderful time of the year is here. However, as it feels great to have some holiday cheer, not everything is merry and bright, specifically your wallet. No matter how much you budget, this time of year seems to always put a damper on your bank account. Food, presents, parties, gas, and cards are some of the many things you need to budget for during the holiday season. But what can you do to keep spending to a minimum? Check out these helpful tips on how to save money during the holidays! Store Apps Store apps are a great way to save… read more »