HRCCU Blog on Finance, Banking, Saving & More – Page 10

Guide for Financial Success in Your 30s & Beyond

Being able to manage finances properly can do more than improve the state of a bank account. Individuals in their 30s who are just starting to exercise their financial potential, however, may find money management overwhelming. But contrary to popular belief, the most essential financial planning tips for 30-year-olds aren’t about knowing how to invest… Read more »

hand holding up a white thought bubble with the symbolizing student loan debt against a teal background

How to Pay Off Student Loans & Get Rid of Them Fast

Currently, the average graduate in the United States accrues over $37,650 in student loan debt to pursue a bachelor’s degree. And it’s not uncommon for it to take 20 years to pay off that student debt. The numbers speak volumes. Of the 45 million student borrowers in the U.S., 95% are indebted up to $36,500… Read more »

man and woman sitting at tan desk calculating their DTI ratio using white notepad, silver laptop, a black iPhone, and calculator

A Complete Guide to Debt-to-Income Ratio

Prospective borrowers who are looking into mortgages or other financing options have likely heard the phrase “debt-to-income (DTI) ratio” — which may cause them to ask, “what is DTI and why does it matter?” Despite the name, debt-to-income (DTI) ratio is often expressed as a percentage and is one of the multiple factors that can… Read more »

white-colored power outlet with a bright green plug mounted on green wall

How to Lower Your Energy Bill & Save Money

In the United States, nearly 3% of a home’s annual income goes towards electricity bills. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), American households spent nearly $118 per month on electricity in 2020, which averages to an annual cost of over $1,400. And with the EIA projecting a 6% increase in electricity costs by… Read more »

woman in black jacket sitting at brown, wooden desk accessing a mobile banking app on iPad in a sky-blue case with a white iPhone next to it

Is it Safe to Do Online Banking on Your Tablet Device?

Online and mobile banking apps allow for budgeting, sending, transferring, and paying bills to be done from virtually anywhere. As a result, more people are using mobile devices such as iPads to manage their finances. But as this becomes the norm, many are starting to wonder if it is safe to do online banking on… Read more »

How to Make a Monthly Budget

Abiding by a monthly budget plan is often seen as restrictive when it can be financially liberating and make personal financial goals more achievable. Those with a well-planned budget can track where their money is going and eliminate unnecessary expenses at very little personal sacrifice — good budgets make room for both needs and wants…. Read more »

closeup of black calculator next to silver pen with black gripper on a white budget sheet with black text

How Much Should You Save in Your 30s to Retire?

Planning for retirement may not seem important now because it’s so far into the future. But the reality is, the earlier one starts to save, the better. This is because money in a retirement account compounds — or accumulates, more interest over time. The key to being able to retire in comfort is allotting enough… Read more »

Complete Guide to the First-Time Homebuying Process

The process of buying a house can be overwhelming, especially for first-time homebuyers. To streamline the homebuying process, this guide compiles the tips first-time homebuyers need to know, from prequalification to closing and every step in between. Step 1. Analyze Finances to Set a Budget It is important for first-time homebuyers to assess their finances…. Read more »

female student in blue and white plaid shirt looking at smartphone in her hands with a silver laptop on her lap

Best Investment Opportunities for College Students

Investing, particularly in the stock market, can seem too costly and risky — especially for young investors. But if done strategically, it can be a great way to grow one’s personal finances. And some of the best investment opportunities don’t require a lot of capital to get started. However, accumulating wealth through investing does take… Read more »