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The Ultimate Guide to Credit Reports and Credit Scores
The Ultimate Guide to Credit Reports and Credit Scores The Benefits of Secured Credit Cards Length of time negative information stays on your credit report Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) What are Credit Report Inquiries? How to Stop Prescreened Credit Offers How to Place a Credit Freeze on Your Credit Report Adding a Fraud Alert on Your Credit Reports How…
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How to Apply for a Mortgage for Your First Home
An important step to becoming a homeowner is completing your mortgage loan application. This is a lengthy application that documents your personal information (Social Security Number, date of birth, etc.), employment information, assets and liabilities, mortgage terms, and much more. You’ll want to work with your lender to complete all fields, especially as they relate to the type of mortgage…
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Banking
Are Your Credit Union Deposits Safe? Everything You Need to Know About the National Credit Union Share Insurance Fund
In times like these, with bank failures in the news, it’s time to revisit how your deposits are insured at credit unions. Before we dive in, it’s important to revisit the 2008 financial crisis. During that time, many people became understandably concerned about the safety of their deposits in financial institutions. The 2008 financial crisis was a stark reminder of…
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Banking
The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC): Everything You Need to Know
With the news of banking failures and heightened stress, I thought it was vital to give you everything you needed to know about FDIC Insurance. The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) is an independent agency of the United States government that provides deposit insurance to protect depositors in case their bank fails. FDIC insurance guarantees that in case of a…
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Banking
5 Value-Based Reasons You Should Join a Credit Union
A study of 10,000 millennials showed the four most hated brands were banks. This is probably why many of us have turned to alternative nonbanks and startups. However, credit unions are the original banking alternative that shares many of your values. Do you think you could join a credit union? Millennials who have accounts with credit unions are happier customers. An…
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Banking
101 Reasons Why You Must Join a Credit Union
I’m a member of a few credit unions and support the financial cooperative movement. And as a disclosure, many credit unions have supported my mission through sponsorship during my Road to Financial Wellness events and other partnerships. I’ve compiled a list of 101 reasons to be a credit union member. You can learn more about financial cooperatives. There are two…
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Banking
How Credit Unions Differ from Banks
I am a fan of any financial institution with a mission greater than profit. Credit unions fit the mission-focused criteria. There are over 130 million credit union members in the United States that belong to nearly 5,000 credit unions scattered across the country. Altogether, there are 50,000 credit unions around the globe. It’s an old but consistent movement celebrating its…
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Banking
What You Should Know About Credit Unions
I’m sure you’ve heard about credit unions but still don’t understand what makes them unique. Credit unions are an integral part of the financial services industry, offering products and services to over 130 million people. In fact, credit unions are often the only avenue some people have to access banking and credit products. Credit unions can play a role in…
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Banking
Join a Credit Union and Become a Member-Owner
Credit unions are excellent. And I suggest that everyone have a credit union as part of their financial portfolio. Why? Well, credit unions offer the traditional banking products you’d expect from big banks but come with the perk of membership with a financial cooperative. With credit unions, you’re not a customer; you’re a member-owner. Credit unions share a common goal…
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Manage Money Articles
13 Bad Money Habits to Break on Friday the 13th
It’s Friday the 13th. Are you feeling a bit more cautious or scared? The fear of Friday the 13th is called “friggatriskaidekaphobia.” Trying to say friggatriskaidekaphobia 13 times, I’d be scared too. I’m not a superstitious person. I don’t have any negative associations with Friday the 13th or the number 13 in general. However, the number 13 is known to some as an unlucky…
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