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 »

One of the most important decisions a person makes is which financial institution they want to utilize. Many individuals choose large banks because they are well known and it’s “just easier”, but is this the right decision? A recent Gallup poll found that as many as 74% of Americans had “some or very little confidence” in banks, while only 10% said they had a “great deal” of confidence. As a credit union member, you can expect to have a much more rewarding and meaningful experience. Because credit unions are member-owned and not-for-profit, they are more attuned to the needs of their members and communities, and are not driven by investors… 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 »

The world has changed from COVID-19. People are relying on technology now more than ever to accomplish their daily tasks. From groceries delivered right to your door from an app, to Zoom meetings with team members from the comfort of your home, the dependency on technology has grown to new heights since 2020. Banks and credit unions are no exception to the mobile and online technology movement. One of the most beneficial and easy tools at Belco is our Mobile Deposit feature. While this tool has been around a long time, many people do not take advantage of Mobile Deposit because they may not be aware of how it can… read more »

Are you ready to stretch those financial fitness muscles? We hope so, because it’s time to get financially fit! Being financially fit means living a life of complete financial responsibility. The Center for Financial Services Innovation (CFSI), also known as the Financial Health Network, defines four basic components of financial health: Spend, Save, Borrow and Plan. These components reference everyday financial activities. Therefore, Every choice you make in terms of these four activities either builds or detracts from your financial fitness. Like physical fitness, you can beef up those fitness muscles a little bit more each day. Being financially fit is crucial for a well-balanced, stress-free life. Here’s why (and how):… read more »

With interest rates trending downward over the last several months, refinancing is all the rage. For many, refinancing an existing mortgage to a home loan with an interest rate that’s lower than their current rate, could hack hundreds of dollars off their monthly payment. This can easily add up to thousands of dollars in saved interest paid over the life of the loan. However, refinancing is not always a good idea. Here are six bad reasons to refinance a home loan. 1. To extend the term of the loan Refinancing a mortgage with a lower interest rate can save you money each month, but be sure to look at the… read more »

Buying a car for the first-time is a journey, and it can be a bit daunting. To make the process as easy to navigate as possible, consider following the pointers listed below. Before Car Shopping Before you begin shopping for a car, it’s worth taking the time to do some preparation. In particular, you’ll want to make sure you’re in a good financial situation to handle the cost. Determine your budget Your budget is the first item you should look at, particularly concerning how your monthly income compares with your existing financial obligations. Typically, it’s best to see that your car loan payments are no higher than 10% of your… read more »