Belco Community Credit Union

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 »

The Fed’s aggressive rate hike at the beginning of May has reshaped the real estate landscape. Let’s take a look at what higher mortgage rates mean for homebuyers. Silver Linings: Higher Mortgage Rates Might Not Be All Bad Everyone knew it was coming and now it’s here: the Federal Reserve’s rate hike in May was the sharpest in 22 years. At first glance, the move is bad news for would-be homebuyers, signaling an end to rock-bottom mortgage rates, but there are some glimmers of hope for those struggling to get into the nation’s overheated housing market. More Expensive Money Mortgage rates have been rising since the start of the year… 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 »

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 »

2020 was a difficult year for everyone, especially the small business owner. A survey from the Federal Reserve Bank suggests that 30% of small businesses in the United States will not survive 2021. As a result, this has been the most trying time for small business owners since the Great Depression. Knowing this, small businesses cannot afford to make simple mistakes. Owners must truly look at their business from a holistic perspective. Evaluating your business resources and goals will help to eliminate the mistakes that are most common by business owners. Here are 5 mistakes that many business owners are making in 2021. Not having a plan Every business needs… read more »

If you’re a homeowner in need of cash, a home equity line of credit might be for you. There are many ways to get the money you need these days. Depending on your circumstances, it can serve as a great alternative to a loan, credit card, or borrowing from a loved one. What is a HELOC? Reasons to use a HELOC Reasons to avoid HELOCs HELOC risks HELOC alternatives Is a HELOC right for you? What exactly is a HELOC? A home equity line of credit (HELOC) is like a second mortgage on your house in exchange for cash. The amount of money you can get is based on the… read more »