Financial Fundamentals Blog

5 Key Factors for Choosing a Life Insurance Policy

  • 7 17 Staff
Few people would list life insurance policy shopping as one of their favorite activities. But while this process may be boring and even a bit morbid, it could be a financial game-changer if you or someone in your family passes away.

Beware of holiday credit pitfalls

  • Francesca Sacco
It’s easy to over spend during the holidays. The tantalizing sales and elaborate window sales make it easy to get caught up in holiday shopping. And while it may not seem important in the moment, over spending can have many implications on your finances. Instead of spending the new year trying to correct the damage, learn to...

How to get the most out of Black Friday

  • Francesca Sacco
Black Friday is one of the biggest shopping days of the year, and an ideal time to score deals on items on your shopping list. But this year, product shortages and longer delivery times are likely to create some hurdles. Shoppers may experience problems getting all the items on their list, especially if you wait to make your...

Should I Get My Car Loan Through a Credit Union or a Bank?

  • Francesca Sacco
If you’re planning on buying a vehicle soon, you’re likely going to be seeking financing for that purchase. Eighty-five percent of all new car purchases in the United States, and 53% of all used car purchases, rely on some amount of financing to close the deal. Financing can affect how much you end up paying for your vehicle...

Mortgage Options: What to Consider Before Applying

  • Francesca Sacco
Ready to hit the housing market and find your new home? The formal process starts with applying for a mortgage, getting prequalified, locking in a rate and hitting the market in search of a home that fits within your budget. Before you fill out that application, though, you’ll want to take care of some important housekeeping to...

7 17 Credit Union Scholarship Applications Now Available!

  • Francesca Sacco
As a community-minded financial institution, 7 17 Credit Union provides services and products that make a difference for our members and the communities we serve. Our products and services cover a broad range of needs, including checking, loans and for a lucky few, scholarships to offset the cost of higher education or trade...

Important information about the Advance Child Tax Credit Payments

  • Francesca Sacco
As a part of the American Rescue Plan Act, enacted in March, eligible families began to receive Advance Child Tax Credit payments on July 15.

How Debt Consolidation Affects Your Credit

  • Francesca Sacco
When you find yourself swamped with debt and facing large monthly payments across multiple accounts, debt consolidation can become an attractive option to create short-term financial relief while also making a long-term plan for debt repayment. Depending on how you approach debt consolidation, though, this financial relief can...

How To Fund Your Home Improvement Projects

  • 7 17 Staff
You moved into a house that was perfect, but as your family has grown and your tastes have changed, so has your idea of the perfect home. You want to accomplish those projects you’ve had in mind for a while, but how can you achieve your home improvement goals?

8 Financial Mistakes That Will Ruin Your Credit Score

  • Francesca Sacco
Your credit score is a precious asset to your financial outlook. A great credit score will open doors to low interest rates and pain-free credit approvals that strengthen your financial stability and your purchasing power. A bad credit score is a roadblock to all of those conveniences and can end up costing you money or even...

Quick Tips To Improve Your Credit Score

  • 7 17 Staff
Your credit score determines a lot. It’s one of the most important factors of your financial health. The better your score is, the easier it will be to open new lines of credit at favorable rates.

How Credit Scores Are Determined and Why They Matter

  • Francesca Sacco
You might not think about credit scores much in your day-to-day life — and if you’re just getting started managing your own money, you might have no idea what your credit score even is. But while this number might reside beyond your line of sight, it can have huge implications for your short-term finances, and it could affect...