HRCCU Blog on Finance, Banking, Saving & More – Page 4

Christmas and New Year’s holiday décor next to money saved for the new year

New Year, New Tips for Saving

One of the best parts of any new year is using it as a “fresh start,” an opportunity to break bad habits and start anew. When it comes to good financial habits, committing to save in the new year is a popular choice, but it’s not always a choice that is easy to follow through… Read more »

shoppers sticking to a budget while holiday shopping in a mall with a Christmas tree

‘Tis the Season: Tips for Keeping You on Budget and Saving Money

The holiday season is officially upon us. From window displays to party space rentals, retailers across the country are gearing up for another robust holiday season, with total consumer spending anticipated to reach $1.45 trillion. However, for many people, especially those who continue to feel the sting of global inflation, learning how to budget while… Read more »

woman with her hair pulled back wearing a black coat standing behind the driver’s side door of a black car

When is the Best Time to Buy a Car?

Buying a car is a big decision. From saving for a down payment to calculating the real cost of an auto loan, smart buyers know that it is important to consider every financial aspect of such a major purpose. For that reason, taking time to consider when the best time is to buy a car… Read more »

two women sitting at a gray conference table reviewing financial paperwork

What Mortgage Lenders Look for in Bank Statements

When you are trying to buy a home or get a home equity line of credit, a lot of paperwork is involved, from credit reports to legal contracts. In particular, mortgage lenders require a lot of documentation to put together a full financial picture of potential borrowers. This financial assessment involves reviewing bank statements from… Read more »

adult hand holding a silver pen writing finances in a small notepad next to a black calculator and money

How Does Inflation Affect the Cost of Living?

For most of recent history, the concept of inflation has been fairly abstract. As recently as 2018, the worldwide inflation rate was as low as 1.8%. However, much of that changed in 2021 when inflation started to skyrocket, partially in response to the global COVID-19 pandemic. For the average consumer, however, the abstract concept of… Read more »

woman with red nail polish on her fingers wearing a black shirt with a white pattern shaking the hands of a man wearing a black coat, holding house keys

Understanding Bank Appraisal vs. Market Value When Buying a Home

When consumers are in the market to buy a home, financial factors are often top-of-mind. This includes everything from monthly payments and interest rates to the difference between the appraisal and market value of homes they are considering buying. In a dynamic real estate market, understanding bank appraisal versus market value is critical when it… Read more »

man wearing a black shirt holding a glass mason jar filled with coins that has been labeled “savings”

How Beginners Can Get an Auto Loan

Buying your first car, whether it’s brand new or previously owned, is a huge and exciting milestone in life. However, navigating the world of auto loans is also incredibly complex. For those who are unsure about how to get a car loan, it’s important to get educated — and pre-approved, before going to a dealership…. Read more »