The realities of paying off student loans
College graduates in Ohio are entering the workforce with high hopes, bright futures, and plenty of student loan debt. The average annual cost of tuition in Ohio was $14,804 for the 2016-2017 academic year, according to CollegeCalc. That’s $1,218 higher than the U.S. average and ranks Ohio as the 20th most-expensive state or district in… (read more)
Posted In: Uncategorized
Refinance To Save
How much could I save by refinancing? It could be a lot! Of course, this varies based on your current mortgage conditions. For example, let’s say you purchased a home for $195,000 and have 10 years left on your mortgage terms. Your remaining balance is currently $95,333.54. If your current rate is 4.50%… (read more)
Posted In: Lending
To Refi or Not to Refi? That is the question.
There are a lot of determining factors when it comes to whether or not you should refinance your home. Before moving forward, you should ask yourself some questions to better understand if refinancing is right for you. Here are some things to consider: Why are you interested in refinancing? Lower rates, smaller monthly payments and… (read more)
Posted In: Lending
Finding Your Home: What’s Important to You?
A place to call home. Shopping for a home is not just about the house itself. It’s also about the lifestyle of the community that surrounds it. When purchasing a home, it’s important to consider these features when shopping: School Districts & Education Whether you’re looking at education for your children or yourself, you… (read more)
Posted In: Lending
Car Ownership vs. Ridesharing
Transportation accounts for 17% of an average American’s spending. This is inconsistent with what financial counselors typically recommend, which is to limit transportation costs to 15% of one’s income, max. And it’s only getting worse! In 2016, the average monthly payment on a new car surpassed $500 per month for the first time in history…. (read more)
Posted In: Tips For Managing Finances
Do you and your money care about the same things?
As the old adage goes “Actions speak louder than words.” On the topic in question, it is fair to say spending is an action that implies values. Which explains why the nature of finances can be so personal, and challenge us to ask the question, what do we value? Is it: Family? Friends? Health? Happiness?… (read more)
Posted In: Uncategorized
Is It Always Best to Pay Off Credit Cards Before Saving for Retirement?
Which is better: paying off credit cards or saving for retirement? Benefits of Paying Off Credit Cards First Credit cards usually mean high-interest debt, and the longer you take to clear it, the more you’ll pay in interest. Here are some key reasons why you should pay off credit cards first: High-interest credit card debt… (read more)
Posted In: Saving
Another FREE benefit for members!
Membership at FFCCU has tons of perks and benefits, including this one! For years, we’ve offered the services of Accel, a financial assistance partner., to our membership. Today, we’re happy to announce that Accel is now part of GreenPath Financial Wellness. Now we’re able to offer members even more support to ensure they accomplish their financial… (read more)
Posted In: Member Perks, Tips For Managing Finances
Relationship Goals: 5 Ways To Keep Your Marriage Out Of The Red
It’s no secret that weddings are expensive; you plan for months, and when you return home from your honeymoon, the excitement of living your lives together begins with paying off wedding debt. For 62 percent of Ohioans, this means discussing finances as a couple for the first time, according to the Ohio Credit Union League’s… (read more)
Posted In: Dare2Compare, FFCCU News and Info
How much do you spend on gifts?
As soon as Thanksgiving dinner is over and we’re all nursing a food hangover, we’re encouraged to get out and get shopping. A lot of us end up shopping for ourselves of course. After all, who can resist some of these deals? They’re technically good investments, right? And, of course, some of us take the… (read more)
Posted In: Uncategorized