18 Important Mortgage Terms to Make Homebuying Easier

If you’re in the market for your first home and have never experienced the process before, familiarizing yourself with all the terminology used in the homebuying process can help make you more comfortable making the big decision to buy.

Pay Down Debt Faster with Changed from The Lab at MSUFCU

Debt repayment can feel overwhelming, no matter what stage you’re at in life. According to Bankrate.com, Forty-two percent of U.S. adults report that money concerns and dealing with debt negatively impacts their mental health. Changed, a debt repayment app, can help ease some of that financial anxiety.

The 5 Best Ways to Manage your Student Loans

Do you have student loans to manage this year? At OU Credit Union, we understand that student loan debt can be overwhelming. We’re sharing 5 of the best ways to manage your student loans and become more confident in your finances.

Save Money By Refinancing Your Auto Or Home Loan

If you’re looking for ways to reduce your expenses, refinancing your auto or home loan could help drive down your monthly payments and save you money in the long run. Here are the benefits of refinancing.

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Is It Better To Buy A Home Or Continue To Rent?

When it comes to housing, is it a better financial decision to keep renting or to buy a home? How do you know if buying is the right move for you? Here are some questions to ask yourself to help you make the best decision for your situation.

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Credit Cards 101

There are many reasons to have a credit card, but the main benefits include convenience, protection, and the ability to build credit. Having an understanding of how credit cards work will help you choose the right cards and manage them well. Read on to learn about what credit cards are, and how they can help you when used responsibly.

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Three Ways to Improve Your Credit Score

Did you know that making simple changes can improve your credit score? With a higher score you may receive more favorable loan rates, so it pays off to improve it. Here are three ways to get started.

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Bogged Down By College Loans? Here’s How to Pay Them Off Faster

If you borrowed money to attend college, you are not alone. According to The Federal Reserve’s report, Economic Well-Being of U.S. Households in 2020, nearly one-third of all American students have student loan debt. Here are some strategies to pay off your student loan debt faster.

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Fraud Prevention Series: How to Prevent Credit Card-Not-Present Fraud

With more consumers making online purchases, credit card-not-present fraud has become more prevalent. According to the Federal Trade Commission’s (FTC) Annual Data Book of 2020, credit card fraud was the most common form of identity theft in four of the last five years in the United States. Here are ways you can prevent credit card fraud from happening to you.

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Should You Buy a House Now, Or Wait?

While housing inventory is still trending low and demand is still high, you may wonder if it is better to wait until the market is more favorable for buyers. The best time to buy a home is personal; it is when it makes sense for you and your financial situation. Here are some ways to determine when it is a good time to buy a new home.

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With Construction Costs at an All-time High, Should You Build a Home Now?

Building a house might seem like the best option if you have found a lack of affordable homes for sale. However, with the skyrocketing prices of building materials, is this a good time to build a home? Here are some factors to consider before deciding to build.

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The Lease is Up; Should You Buy the Car?

If your vehicle lease is coming to an end, you will soon have the option to end the lease, trade it in, or buy it out. There are situations when buying out your lease makes financial sense. Here are a few items to consider when determining if you want to buy your leased vehicle.

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It Might Be Time to Change Financial Institutions; Here’s How

There are many reasons for wanting a new financial institution, such as paying less fees, having digital account management options, or accessing more in-network ATMs. When selecting a new financial institution, these steps can help make the transition a smooth one. Here’s where to start.

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Watching a Financial TikTok Video? Why Doing Your Own Research Matters

You can learn a lot from TikTok, such as popular dance moves, the latest cocktail creations, and how to make hot cocoa bombs. You may also see unsubstantiated financial information and advice from unreliable sources. Just because Financial TikTok (also known as “FinTok”) videos happen to go viral, doesn’t mean that they are the best (or the only) source of financial information you should rely on to make financial decisions. Here are some guidelines to viewing FinTok videos.

Become a Car Buying Expert: 5 Tips to Getting the Most Car for Your Money

Ready to hit the road this summer? If you are in need of a car, you can prepare yourself for the purchasing process with these five tips.

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5 Things To Do Before the Home-Buying Process

If you are in the market for a house, being prepared is key. This includes knowing your credit score, obtaining a preapproval letter from your lender, and finding a good realtor. Despite being organized, there are several things to do before you even begin your house search. Here are five of them.

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Got Credit? Here’s How to Get Started Building It Today

If you are wondering ‘why do I need credit?’ here’s why: If someday you’d like to purchase a car, a home, or even rent an apartment, you’ll need credit. If you are new to credit, here are some ways to build it.

Buying a car? Here’s how to be more prepared to hit the road.

If you are thinking about buying a car, there are many things to take into consideration, such as what type of car you can afford, where to shop for your car, and what financing you will qualify for. There are also pitfalls you should avoid in the process to make sure you get the best deal you can. Here are a few to consider.

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Become a Home Owner Faster With a Mortgage Preapproval. Here’s How.

With mortgage rates at an historic low, you may be thinking about buying a home. One way to put yourself in a good buying position is to obtain a mortgage preapproval. Here is why it makes a difference to sellers and how to qualify for one before you start your house hunt.

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Need Some Extra Cash? Refinancing Your Auto Loan Could Be a Place to Start

If you’re looking for ways to reduce your expenses after the holidays, refinancing your auto loan could be a way to drive down your monthly payment and save money. Read on to learn more about the advantages of refinancing your auto loan.

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Why Use Credit?

While using cash and debit cards may seem like an easy way to keep yourself out of debt, credit cards can be useful when used responsibly. How can credit cards help? Read on.

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Preparing for Homeownership: How to Save for a Down Payment Faster

The first steps to take toward homeownership are paying down debt, determining how much money you need, and saving for a down payment. Working toward these goals will help you prepare for purchasing your first home.

Ready for a New Home? Here Are Some Factors to Consider First

With spring right around the corner, it’s a good time to begin your house search if you’re in the market. But, there are many factors to consider when looking for a home. Here are some tips to help get you started on your search.

Taking an Entrepreneurial Leap? Here's What to Look for in a Business Loan

Have a new idea you would like to put into action? You may need some help to get your idea off the ground. Once you create a functional plan, applying for a business loan could be your next step.

Strategy for Buying a House in the Spring: Start Prepping Now

Spring tends to be the optimal time for people to not only sell, but buy houses. This is due to improving weather, inspecting homes after winter, and transitioning kids to new schools. Before spring comes though, it is critical that you begin getting ready before you start your new home search. Here is how you can prepare now to buy a home in the spring.