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Perspectives, Financial and Otherwise,
from SCU Credit Union

11/18/2024 | Finances

Maximizing Your Spending with Credit Card Rewards: A Practical Approach

In today's world, where every dollar counts, finding ways to maximize your spending can significantly benefit your financial health. One of the most effective strategies is leveraging credit card rewards.

11/14/2024 | Education

Coin Counter Services at SCU Credit Union

Turn Your Loose Change Into Savings

At SCU Credit Union, we offer you convenient and hassle-free coin counting services. Whether it’s spare change from the couch cushions or a jar full of coins, our self-service coin counters are here to save you time and effort.

10/28/2024 | Finances

Save Money & Be Safe with CardValet & the SCU Mobile App

Today, managing finances has become increasingly convenient thanks to the SCU Mobile App and CardValet. These tools offer a range of features designed to make banking easier, enhance security, and save you money.

10/25/2024 | Education

The Power of Emergency Savings

Life is unpredictable. Whether it's a sudden medical emergency, an unexpected natural disaster like a flood, or the surprise of car repairs or home improvement needs, these unforeseen events can disrupt our financial stability. That's why having an emergency savings account is crucial.

10/24/2024 | Education

Is It Time to Renew or Turn in Your Auto Lease?

If your auto lease is coming to an end, you might be wondering what your next steps should be. This can be both an exciting and a daunting time, as you decide whether to renew your lease, turn in your vehicle, or perhaps even purchase the car outright.

10/23/2024 | Finances

Maximizing Your Spending with Credit Card Rewards

Credit cards can be more than just a tool for making purchases—they can be a way to earn rewards. If you're like most consumers, you may not be fully utilizing the benefits that come with credit card rewards.

9/5/2024 | Finances

Mass Save Home Energy Assessments

Home energy assessments, also known as home energy audits, are a great way to learn how to save money on your energy bills and reduce your environmental impact. Mass Save offers home energy assessments to residents of Massachusetts at no cost.

8/27/2024 | Education

Building a Budget to Reach Your Long-Term Financial Goals

When it comes to personal finance, there is no one-size-fits-all approach. However, one thing that is essential for everyone is having a budget.

8/12/2024 | Finances

Is Now a Good Time to Refinance? You May be Able To Remove Mortgage Insurance

If you bought a home in the last two years, you might be wondering if now is a good time to refinance your mortgage. One significant factor to consider is the possibility you could get rid of PMI (private mortgage insurance). 

8/8/2024 | Education

Your Dream Vacation Awaits - Start Saving Today

Planning a vacation is one of life’s most exciting endeavors. Whether you’re picturing yourself lounging on a pristine beach, exploring ancient ruins, or dining in a quaint European café, the anticipation of a getaway can bring immense joy. But to make that dream a reality, smart saving is essential. That's when an automated savings account comes into play.

6/11/2024 | Finances

Affordable EVs are Here

Considering an electric vehicle (EV)? Explore affordable new & used EV options, federal & Massachusetts EV incentives, and cost-saving tips get you in a greener ride!

6/6/2024 | Education

Worried about Check Fraud – Shred Your Checkbook

Is it time to start talking about shredding our checkbooks?

6/2/2024 | Finances

Understanding Adjustable Rate Mortgages

Choosing the right mortgage can be as crucial to your financial health as selecting the right home is to your personal happiness.

5/15/2024 | Finances

Get to know your Commercial Lender – Before you apply for a Loan

 Building a relationship with a commercial lender before you get started on getting a loan can be invaluable.

3/15/2024 | Finances

HELOCs Explained – What is a HELOC?

A HELOC is a powerful financial tool, but it's vital to understand the terms and use it responsibly.

3/14/2024 | Finances

LTV Why is it Important - HELOCs Explained

Loan-to-value (LTV) is the percentage of a home's value that is financed by a mortgage, including a home equity line of credit (HELOC).

3/14/2024 | Education

What is a Draw Period - HELOCs Explained

Understanding the Draw Period of a Home Equity Line of Credit, or HELOC, will help you know if a HELOC is right for you.

3/13/2024 | Finances

Mass Save Rebates Being Phased Out - April 30th Deadline

Massachusetts is getting serious about sustainability! Seize the opportunity to upgrade to energy-efficient solutions, maximize your savings, and contribute to the collective effort in combating climate change.

3/13/2024 | Finances

How to Negotiate When You Buy a Car

Negotiating with a car dealer can feel intimidating, but with some preparation and the right tactics, you can save money on your car purchase.

3/12/2024 | Finances

Understanding Savings Accounts

Rising interest rates have given savers a real opportunity to see their savings grow.

3/11/2024 | Education

Interest Only Payments - HELOCs Explained

With a Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC), it's important to understand the difference between interest-only payments and principal and interest payments.

3/8/2024 | Finances

5 Questions Your Auto Dealer Hopes You Can't Answer

Let’s go through some of the more challenging parts of automotive financing.

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2/23/2024 | Finances

Lower Heating and Cooling Bills with a Mass Save® Heat Loan

The Mass Save® Heat Loan program presents residents with 0% interest loans, making it substantially easier to manage the upfront costs of energy-efficient upgrades. Imagine being able to enhance your home's comfort and value, all while keeping your savings intact.

2/20/2024 | Finances

Understanding money market accounts: How you can earn more on your savings

A money market account can be a great way to earn more interest on your savings without being tied down to a long-term investment.

2/20/2024 | Finances

Lower Payments or a Shorter Term - Why You May Want to Refinance Your Car

Refinancing your car loan can often be a smart financial move, potentially saving you money. Here's why you should consider it.

2/15/2024 | Finances

Your Debit Card Earns Rewards on Every Purchase with uChoose Rewards®!

Earning points using your SCU Credit Union Debit Mastercard® is easy... and redeeming the points you earn is fun. With uChoose Rewards®, whether you're filling up the tank, making the weekly grocery run, or shopping online, every time you use your Debit Mastercard® adds valuable points.

2/14/2024 | Education

Make the right mortgage moves with SCU Credit Union

When you get your mortgage from us, you’ll always know where to go with questions. That’s because we service every home loan we make. Whether you’re making a payment or asking a question, you’ll work with the same friendly team throughout your loan.

2/14/2024 | Finances

First-Time Homebuyers: Don't Be Overwhelmed, Be Prepared

When is the best time to buy a home? Whenever you are ready. Whether home prices are rising or dropping, supplies are tight or plentiful, you can be a successful house hunter.

1/24/2024 | Finances

A Guide to Budgeting with SCU's Money Management Tools

By integrating technology with financial expertise, SCU Credit Union is helping individuals plan for a brighter and more secure financial future with robust budgeting tools.

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1/23/2024 | Finances

CDs versus Share Certificates, is there a difference?

Are you confused about the differences of share certificates and Certificates of Deposit? Our latest blog entry highlights the differences between the two, and how SCU will help keep your money safe and insured.

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1/19/2024 | Finances

Your Complete Guide to "Santa Shock" Budget Recovery

As the credit card bills from the holiday season begin to arrive, many of us experience a phenomenon known as "Santa shock." Its primary symptoms include the aftermath of a disorganized household and disrupted daily schedules, coupled with the looming presence of credit card statements revealing the ghosts of past purchases. Learn how to bounce back by reading our guide to Santa Shock Recovery on our latest blog post.

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1/19/2024 | Finances

Debt Consolidation: Build a Plan, Choose Your Strategy

Struggling with debt? You're not alone. Building a plan and choosing a strategy are the first steps to ditching debt and building a brighter financial future.

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9/7/2023 | Education

What Do I Need to Know About the Recent Student Loan Changes?

With student loan payments set to resume in October, you're probably wondering what you need to know. Our latest blog post addresses your questions and provides essential information on dates, helpful links, and crucial next steps to take.

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8/15/2023 | Finances

The Benefits of Creating a Monthly Budget

From reducing stress and debt to enhancing savings and fostering smarter spending habits, embracing a monthly budget empowers you to take control of your finances and pave the way to lasting financial freedom. Our latest blog posts highlights eight benefits to creating a monthly budget to help shape your financial future.

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7/31/2023 | Education

Should I Make A Credit Card Balance Transfer?

When used responsibly, credit cards offer convenience, security, and numerous financial benefits. However, if not managed carefully, they can lead to a cycle of high-interest debt. For individuals facing mounting credit card debt and struggling with high interest rates, a credit card balance transfer can be a game-changer. In this blog post, we'll explore the benefits of credit card balance transfers and how they can help you regain control of your finances.

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5/23/2023 | Finances

How To Recognize and Protect Yourself From Scams

If it sometimes seems like #scams are everywhere, it’s because they are! 

Read on to learn all of our tips on how to recognize and protect yourself from scams.

5/10/2023 | Finances

Money and Mental Health

A recent study found that finances were one of the most frequently cited causes for stress and anxiety. Take a look at how improving financial stability can help improve mental health and lead to peace of mind and improved relationships on our latest blog post.

4/6/2023 | Finances

Is Your Tax Refund Too Large?

While it may seem exciting to get a refund check from the government, getting a tax refund essentially means you've been providing the government an interest-free loan throughout the year, and now they're paying it back to you. Our latest blog explains why getting a big refund isn't "free money" and how you can lower your refund next year.

1/24/2023 | Finances

How to Budget in Times of Inflation

Inflation levels are steadily increasing, which makes budgeting and saving even more difficult. Our latest blog post highlights some simples ways you can help minimize the effects of inflation on your personal budget.

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12/2/2022 | Finances

How Can I Save on Holiday Shopping?

Does inflation have you feeling like a Scrooge this year? You don’t have to let your holidays be ruined by price spikes. We can help you get the best deals!

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11/9/2022 | Finances

How to Build and Maintain an Excellent Credit Score

Maintaining a good credit score is a crucial part of your financial health. Our latest blog post covers the steps to raising your credit score by keeping credit cards open and active, paying bills on time, and keeping credit utilization low.

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10/19/2022 | Finances

Knowing When and How to Indulge

Being on a path toward financial wellness doesn't mean that you have to live a life free of any indulgences. Knowing when and how to indulge yourself is vital to living a life that is both fulfilling and financially rewarding. 

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10/14/2022 | Finances

My House Skyrocketed in Value. Now What?

You have likely seen the value of your home increase in value recently, but what does this mean for you? Whether you plan on moving or using your home's equity, our latest blog post will help you prepare.

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9/8/2022 | Finances

Financial Lessons You Can Learn from Fantasy Football

Football season is almost here! If you're like many Americans, you may have a fantasy football team that you manage throughout the season. But did you know that there are many strategies that cross over from managing a fantasy football team to managing your finances? Our latest blog post features helpful tips that will keep your money growing and keep your fantasy team at the top of the standings!

7/26/2022 | Finances

How to Pay Yourself First

One of the most important steps to financial wellness is "paying yourself first", making sure to set aside money for the future before covering any other expenses. This simple concept allows you to set money side for emergency funds, while also planning for short-term and long-term savings goals. Our latest blog post covers budgeting your spending, planning for an emergency, automating your savings, and more.

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3/30/2022 | Finances

Beware of Debt Relief Scams

It’s tempting to think there’s a company out there that can get you instant debt relief or rapidly fix your credit score, but it’s just not possible. There are many scams that will try to take advantage of people by offering claims such as these to people who are in dire financial situations.

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3/22/2022 | Finances

Five Steps to Eliminating Debt

Paying off your debt can seem like an uphill battle, but by changing your mindset, the process can seem a lot less intimidating. We’ve outlined five steps you can take to eliminate your debt once and for all.

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3/16/2022 | Finances

6 Ways to Boost Your Credit Score

Having a good credit score is one of the most important pieces to buying a car, getting an affordable loan, or even getting a new credit card. But how do you improve or maintain your score? Our latest blog will provide you with important tips.

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2/23/2022 | Education

Steps to Financial Wellness: Creating a Budget

A well-designed budget can provide you with a sense of financial security and freedom. But sticking to a budget can be easier said than done. Check out these helpful tips and tricks to setting a monthly budget.

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1/27/2022 | Finances

Leaving Your Job? Make Sure Your Wallet is Ready

It may seem like everyone around you is taking part in the "Great Job Resignation" and you’re thinking about doing the same. But be sure you’re ready for the move!

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1/21/2022 | Finances

The Beginner’s Guide to Credit Cards

Sometimes it seems like the world revolves around credit cards, so knowing how to use them right and protect your credit score is really important. We can help you learn how! 

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1/19/2022 | Finances

Beware Tax Filing Scams

You know that tax preparer offering you double the refund for half the fee? It’s quite likely a scam. We’ll teach you how to spot tax preparer scams, and what to do if you fall for one!

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1/11/2022 | Finances

10 Tips for ATM Safety

Winter’s darkness provides extra opportunity for theft and fraud at ATMs. Use our list of tips to protect yourself and your money while you’re doing business at our machines!

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11/30/2021 | Finances

All You Need to Know About Multifactor Authentication

A hacker may be able to steal your password, but nowhere outside spy films do they get your retina scan, fingerprint or face. Learn why we use Multifactor Authentication for online and mobile banking.

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9/16/2021 | Finances

Why You Need to Be Financially Fit

Did you get some exercise today? How about working out with your money habits? You need to get yourself financially fit just as much as physically, and we can help!

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8/26/2021 | Finances

How to Save on Wedding Costs

When it comes to your wedding, of course you want the best of everything...but are you willing to pay for it? With some careful planning, prioritizing what’s important to you and your spouse-to-be, and by following some of the cost-cutting tips outlined here, you can have the wedding you desire and your budget, too.

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8/16/2021 | Finances

Six Reasons to Switch to eStatements

Ever open your mailbox and feel like it’s exploding all over you? If you get buried by the deluge of bills, correspondence, bulk mail and ads every month and worry about losing something really important, like your bank statement, it’s time to try eStatements!

7/13/2021 | Finances

Don’t Get Caught in an Auto Warranty Scam

It’s another call about your car’s warranty expiring offering to extend it or sell you some other warranty-type service. How can you tell if it’s a scam? We’ve got all the info you need! 

Read more!

4/22/2021 | Finances

5 Discounts for Older Adults You May Not Know About

You might have grown up seeing your parents and grandparents getting a senior discount, and now it’s your turn. Before you open your wallet for anything, check for a senior discount!

Read on to learn more

4/19/2021 | Finances

4 Reasons To Get Pre-Approved for a Loan

Are you in the market for a large loan-dependent purchase like a new home or a new set of wheels? Don’t forget to get your pre-approval first!

Read on to learn why

3/4/2021 | Finances

Your Complete Guide to Using Your Credit Cards

Don’t let your credit cards become a hassle! You can build a great credit score and enjoy rewards cards without diving deeply into debt.

Read on to learn more!

2/23/2021 | Finances

What are the Advantages of a HELOC?

You might be living in your best source of funding for anything from home improvement to debt consolidation or anything else! A home equity line of credit, or HELOC, lets you borrow against the equity you have in your home.

Read on to see why a HELOC from SCU Credit Union just might be your best choice.

1/4/2021 | Finances

The Importance of Being Financially Fit

It’s time to check your financial fitness! There’s a lot that goes into this money workout, but you’ll appreciate the new you in the end! We’ve got all you need to do laid out!

Read on to work those money muscles!

1/20/2020 | Finances

How To Dispute An Error On Your Credit Card Report

Sometimes you may find an error in your credit card report. It might be a sharp decline in your score when you know you haven’t changed your spending or bill-paying habits, a large transaction you’re sure you’ve never made or an unfamiliar line of credit. While it can be disconcerting to find a mistake in your credit report, the good news is you can contest errors like these and fix your score.

Read on to learn all of our tips on how to dispute an error on your credit card report:

9/2/2019 | Education

5 Must-Have Gadgets For Students

You’ve already got your laptop, tablet and, of course, your smartphone. What more can you need for school? Check out our list of 5 super-convenient gadgets that every student should know about.

Read on for our full list!

7/22/2019 | Education

7 Steps To A Mid-Year Financial Checkup

It's time for a mid-year financial checkup! Take a look at your monthly budget and see if it needs any adjustments, and try to factor in any large expenditures coming up. Give yourself a financial checkup before the summer gets away from you.

Read on to learn all 7 of our steps to a mid-year financial checkup!

7/1/2019 | Education

6 Ways to Finance a Home Renovation

Home renovations are a great way to make your old house feel new again. Whether it be a renovation just for the sake of change, or a necessary change due to an unexpected emergency, SCUCredit Union may be able to help. We are suggesting 6 Ways that SCU Credit Union could finance your home renovations and providing options that are attractive and sutiable to different member needs or financial situations.

Read on to find out how SCU Credit Union could help finance your home renovations.

5/23/2019 | Finances

Features You Should Look for in a New Car

Picking out the features you want in a new car can be like picking items off a menu … you want a bit of everything! Fortunately, we’ve gone through the most popular ones to help you pick the most important ones, the fun ones and the ones to skip.

To learn which must have safety features you should seriously consider in your next vehicle and which fun options might be right for you, read on.

4/28/2019 | Finances

7 Signs You're Living Beyond Your Means and How to Fix Them

If you can’t seem to dig out of a financial hole, you might be living beyond your means. But how to tell? Are you saving or are you living without rainy day and emergency funds? Carrying a credit card balance month to month? Do monthly bills create tremendous stress? Do your house and car payments bust your budget? If some or all of these apply to you, read how you can make fixes.

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9/12/2018 | Education

All You Need to Know About Buying a Used Car

If you’re in the market for a deal on used wheels, follow the steps below for a smoother ride!

Step 1: Crunch the numbers

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6/14/2018 | Education

Daily Worth

If you’re a young parent trying to make sense of the stock market in between grocery shopping and PTA meetings, you likely don’t have the time or headspace for the in-depth articles on sites like Investopedia and Bankrate. And yet, mommy-brain notwithstanding, you don’t feel comfortable plunking down your money without first reading up on your investment of choice. 

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12/27/2017 | Education

Ready, Set, Go...to College

It may seem like yesterday when you were sending your child off to preschool. And now you’re preparing him for college!

The process of a child leaving home is a major milestone that is made extra complex because of the emotions it generates.

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10/23/2017 | Finances

Beware Debt Relief

More than 42 million Americans have student loan debt, with their collective debt topping $1.4 trillion. Unfortunately, these big numbers make student loan debtors excellent targets for scams.

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10/3/2017 | Education

The Dos and Don'ts of Credit Repair

Looking for ways to improve an unfavorable credit score? Look no further! Our handy guide will help you get on the road to improving your score.

Do: Determine your actual credit score

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9/6/2017 | Finances

Dealing With A Financial Setback

If you’re hit with hard times, here are some tips to keep in mind.  

Financial setbacks come in all shapes and sizes. It can be an expensive household repair, a medical emergency, getting laid off or the birth of a baby. Whatever the situation, it’s impossible to plan for every financial hit you will take in your lifetime.

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7/6/2017 | Finances

Deciding Which Bills to Pay First

The following is a guest blog post from our partner, Greenpath Financial Wellness.

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6/26/2017 | Finances

Plan For The Payoff When You Plan Your Student Loans

When your student understands the long-term consequences of accumulating..

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4/12/2017 | Finances

Your Down Payment On A House

When you think about your down payment, balance is key.

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1/18/2017 | Finances

3 Tips For Managing Your Debt

Here’s what you can do.

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10/17/2016 | Finances

Personal Loans: The Swiss Army Of National Finance

Sometimes life throws expensive surprises.

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