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 »

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 »