Anyone who’s trying to control or reduce spending can tell you–one of the hardest things about being on a budget is sticking to it.
That first month, we’re brilliant: we squeeze out our money like toothpaste from the tube, and we don’t really mind at all. It feels good to spend less! Saving is fun! We [...]
Yes, you’re just getting over the frenzy of making Halloween costumes and preparing to dole out candy to neighbor kids, but it won’t be long before the next set of holidays is upon us. Travel, gifts, food and parties—these can make the holidays festive…and costly. If you’re concerned about holding down expenses at this difficult [...]
What do you get for the family member or friend who has everything? How about a savings of 0.25% on an auto or personal loan interest rate or a 0.25% increase in the interest rate on a certificate? With the GHCU PurplePoints program, you can gift some of your acquired PurplePoints to friends or relatives [...]
A high credit score is always a good goal, but in this difficult economy, credit is increasingly difficult—and expensive—to come by. However, those with the highest credit scores get the best rates on loans and credit cards. Here are some tips for improving any credit score:
Get current on your bills and stay there. Late payments [...]
Despite the modern conveniences of online banking and digital statements, keeping track of finances can still be overwhelming. To help you get a clear idea of your current financial situation, GHCU is now offering a fantastic new money-management tool, Debt in Focus.
Debt in Focus is a free program that gives you a snapshot of where [...]
Holiday expenses. Last-minute must-haves for your college kid. That final home renovation project before the days get short and the rains (or snows!) return. No matter what expense may be in your future, it’s always best to be prepared.
Applying for a HELOC with GHCU makes sense because…
The interest on a HELOC may be tax-deductible.1
Interest [...]
A home equity line of credit (HELOC) is a great resource to have at hand. When you need money for emergencies, special events or occasions, the low interest rate and flexibility of a HELOC can’t be beat. Here are four ways to utilize a HELOC to reduce monthly bills, improve your quality of life and [...]
It’s all over the news: Americans are spending less, stashing away more. The “New Frugality” is this year’s black. If you are among the many who are dedicating more of their income to savings, are you putting that cash in the most appropriate place(s)?
Before you choose a savings product or mix, know your needs—that’ll help [...]
A couple of my colleagues and I have decided to train for a marathon. We’re planning to do the half-marathon here in Seattle over Thanksgiving weekend, then a full in Eugene, Oregon in the spring of 2010.
What does this have to do with money? Well, it seems to me that physical and fiscal fitness [...]
Just the other day, I heard someone make the statement, “As soon as I know I can’t have it, I want it. Suddenly it’s all I can think about.” I assumed she was talking about dieting and wanting one of the doughnuts that were sitting piled on a plate in the breakroom. Nope.
As I eavesdropped [...]
