Category Archives: FFCCU Services

Credit Card or Debit Card?

In 2025, consumers used cash for only about 14% of all payment transactions. With more and more Americans utilizing credit and debit cards for payments – both in plastic form and through payment apps – it’s important to understand the difference between the two and which payment method is right for you. This defining article… (read more)

You Have the Power! What is a HELOC

Understanding a HELOC For Ohio homeowners, a Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC) can provide a flexible way to borrow funds for major expenses without taking out a traditional loan. While commonly used for home improvement projects, HELOCs can be used for a variety of expenses, including education expenses, unexpected medical bills, or to launch… (read more)

Ohio Unclaimed Funds

Unclaimed Funds have been in the news in northeast Ohio quite a bit over the last few months, but what are they? Financial institutions, including credit unions, and other businesses are required to send the funds from accounts that have not had any account holder activity or from uncashed cashier’s checks to the state of… (read more)

Credit Union Guide to Applying for an Auto Loan

While there’s nothing quite like that new car smell, the car-buying process can often stink if you don’t have the tools and resources you need to get the best option when applying for an auto loan. If it’s your first time getting a car loan, you might be confused about where to even start. Add… (read more)

Is Now the Time to Get a Home Equity Loan?

Updated for Summer 2026 What Exactly is a Home Equity Loan? Every single home is worth some amount of money. We might call that its market value. That market value is reflective of a number of different factors, but the single biggest is generally the comparable sales in the area. An appraiser, when assessing the… (read more)

Co Op Credit Unions: What’s the Deal with Shared Branching?

You CAN Take Us With You If you travel for work you may need access to your FFCCU accounts. And if you can’t find a surcharge-free ATM, you may end up paying fees (and no one likes to do pay fees to get to their own money!) Shared Branching between co op credit unions gives… (read more)

Credit Score Range – Higher Score Benefits

High Score Benefits Where do you fall on the credit score range? Closely managing your credit score is important, especially since consumers are reporting access to credit is harder to achieve right now. Your credit score is one of the key factors that lenders, like credit unions, use to approve a mortgage, auto loan, and… (read more)

Credit Score Changes: Your 2026 Playbook

If you have been hearing that about credit score changes, you are not imagining it. 2026 is shaping up to be a transition year for how lenders evaluate borrowers, especially for mortgages. Fortunately, most of the habits that help your credit stay healthy are not changing. The following guidebook from our financial wellness partners at… (read more)

Why You Should Consider Refinancing Your Car Loan

Car payments can be a real nightmare – refinancing your auto loan can help. If you need to save money, free up cash for an emergency expense, or have sudden drop in income – lowering your monthly auto loan payment can help you tap into the extra funds you need. If your credit score has… (read more)

Spring Clean Your Finances with FFCCU

Spring is in the air here in Northeast Ohio! And while that mostly means mud, potholes, and 40 degree grey days, it also means time for a bit of spring cleaning! Decluttering closets and scrubbing stovetops is all well and good, but don’t forget about an area that could use just as much attention—your credit… (read more)