The importance of maintaining a good credit score is old news. As you likely know, the higher your score, the more attractive you will be to potential lenders, making larger loans and the best interest rates more accessible. Hopefully, you’re working hard at keeping that score high by using your cards and paying your bills…
Should I Refinance Before I Retire?
Q: I’m in my mid-50s and I’m preparing to retire sometime down the line. I’m wondering if I should refinance my mortgage as part of my retirement planning. Is that a good idea? A: Refinancing your existing mortgage can have a large impact on your financial health, for better or for worse. Be sure to consider all…
FAQs About Share Secured Loans
As a member of Oregonians Credit Union, you already know we’re here to help you manage your money and let it grow in the best ways possible. That typically involves wisely using only the products and services best suited to your needs and goals. One of our most convenient products is share secured loans. If…
Financial Tips for Single Parents
Smart money management is always important, but it can take on more urgency for those who are without a partner. Whether you’re divorced, widowed, or single by choice, single parenting brings unique budgeting challenges. Marilyn Timbers, a Connecticut-based financial advisor, says of having to raise a child on one income: “Children are a joy, but…
Mistakes First-Time Homeowners Make
Q: My husband and I have been renting an apartment since we got married. We recently decided to buy our first home. Some friends of ours had lots of trouble with the process, and wound up buying a house they can’t really afford. We don’t want to go through what they did. What can we do…
Risking It When Investing
Q: My wife is a risk taker and wants to invest in things that aren’t really in my comfort zone. I know it’s generally considered better to invest where returns are higher, but that also means a higher risk! Is there some sort of middle ground? A: It’s great that you’re thinking this through. Many…
Surviving the Holidays With Your Sanity Intact
The holiday season is a special time. With Charlie Brown on TV and carols on the radio, and an ever-growing list of people to shop for, it’s easy to get carried away. The pressure to over-shop and overspend when you’re rushing to buy everything on your list can be overwhelming. No worries, though; we’ve got…
The 20% Down Myth
If you’re desperate to own a home of your own, you are likely saving up until you have 20% of your dream home’s total value. All that’s great, but the fact is you don’t need to put down 20%. The 20% myth is leftover from the era after the housing crisis, when many lenders tightened…
How Can I Shop Safely on Black Friday?
Q: I’m an incurable bargain hunter and I thrive on finding incredible deals. I’m really looking forward to Black Friday, but I worry about the risks. From the possibility of being trampled or getting into a fistfight with a fellow shopper, to the chance that my shopping bags will be stolen or that my credit…
7 Ways to Save on Thanksgiving Costs this Month
Thanksgiving means giving thanks for all the good in our lives. It also means stuffed turkey and gravy, cranberry pie and mashed potatoes. It’s a time-honored tradition of spending time enjoying a delectable holiday meal while in the company of those we love. It can also mean spending an awful lot of money. According to…
