Blog

Money talks.

 

Our blog is written by experts — who also happen to be real people who have experienced the same financial concerns you have. Read on for real talk about real finances.

Credit Union vs Bank: The major differences

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5 minutes
If you’re thinking about switching from a bank to a credit union, you may be worried that the transition will be difficult or confusing. That’s normal! But the good news is most people find the change largely positive as they get acquainted with all the personal services offered by a credit union vs a bank. The first difference you should be aware of (and happy about) is that credit unions... Continue Reading »

Worth Celebrating: International Credit Union Day

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5 minutes
Celebrated on the third Thursday of October since 1948, International Credit Union (ICU) Day® was designed to boost awareness of the member benefits of credit unions and highlight their impact on local communities. There are more than 57,000 credit unions in the world, serving nearly 208 million people in 103 countries, and all are working to improve the lives of members through financial ed... Continue Reading »

Debt Management: Breaking Bad Financial Habits

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5 minutes
Being in debt can be a heavy burden to bear. Not only does it affect your wallet, but it can also have consequences for your emotional and physical health and more. But there is a light at the end of the tunnel: The biggest secret to getting and staying out of debt is changing your mindset about money. Here we explore the psychology of bad financial habits and offer tips for breaking them, to h... Continue Reading »

Diapers to dorm rooms: Teaching kids about money

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5 minutes
In many families, money was once a taboo subject. Kids grew up with a vague idea that their parents made enough to support the household, but it wasn’t until they had their own jobs that they began to understand how finances work. These days, kids have the opportunity to learn about money much earlier, thanks to youth savings accounts, college savings funds, and open conversations about budg... Continue Reading »

Funding your future: how student loans work

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5 minutes
A college degree can come with a hefty price tag. Whether you’re paying for a child’s education or your own, it’s likely you’ll need to take out a loan or two. Read on to learn how student loans work before you start applying. Financial aid office Your first step, whether you need a loan or not, is to reach out to the financial aid office at your preferred school. “I recommend cont... Continue Reading »

How to buy your first car: Tips for beginners

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5 minutes
Buying your first car is a thrilling experience! On one hand, it’s a milestone that declares maturity and status. On the other, car ownership is a big responsibility, and the process can seem daunting. If you’re in the market, here are some foolproof tips on how to buy your first car. Set a realistic budget You don’t have to spend a fortune to own a good car. Knowing what you can affor... Continue Reading »

Personal loans 101: Learn the basics

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5 minutes
When you hear the term “personal loan,” you might imagine loaning your friend $20 or your teenager asking to “borrow” money for something frivolous. In financial terms, what it actually refers to is a loan that isn’t secured by any collateral (like a car or house). Learn more about this type of lending in this personal loans overview. A flexible option A personal loan allows you to... Continue Reading »

Kids and money: A 5-step plan to teach kids about budgeting, earning, and saving

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5 minutes
Kids might learn some Economics 101 lessons in school — things like supply and demand or what comprises the national debt. For most students, however, personal finance isn’t part of the curriculum. That means education about credit cards, interest rates, and saving money falls to Mom and Dad. Don’t worry – teaching kids about saving doesn’t have to involve an elaborate lesson plan. Th... Continue Reading »

Credit scores: A digital finger on your financial pulse

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5 minutes
Like blood pressure readings can provide a basic indication of your heart health, your credit score can deliver a reflection of your overall financial health. Your score shows your creditworthiness and can have a big impact on your finances.   Why do credit scores matter? When it’s time to get that new car (and a new loan), a credit card, etc., lenders use your score to determine the r... Continue Reading »

Buying a house for the first time: 4 helpful tips

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5 minutes
Spring is here, and so is the beginning of the busy real estate season. “For Sale” signs are popping up right along with the sprouting daffodils. If you are a first-time home-buyer, you may feel a little overwhelmed by the process awaiting you. You may wonder what exactly you need to do when buying a house for the first time. These tips from Cobalt CU will help you confidently navigate the ... Continue Reading »