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Blog - 1st Community Credit Union

Welcome to the 1st Community Credit Union Blog! Here you’ll find the inside scoop on 1stCCU’s services, personal finance, people, nonprofits in the region, community members and events! There are so many good stories that come out of our work here – the 1stCCU Blog is where these stories will live. Check back often to stay up-to-date with our latest news and articles. Visit the Blog Archive to view more!

happy little girl and her mother unpacking

Why Home Mortgage Pre-approval is Best

March 2023

If you're thinking about buying a new home, you might be wondering whether to get pre-approved for a mortgage. Getting pre-approval is actually the best way to go, for several reasons. First, it gives you an idea of how much money you'll be able to borrow from the lender. This will help you narrow down your search to homes within your budget. Second, having pre-approval gives you more negotiating power when it comes time to make an offer on a home. The seller will know that you're serious about buying and that you have the financing in place. So if you're thinking about buying a new home, be sure to get pre-approved for a mortgage first!

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Managing Debt and Borrowing Responsibly

February 2023

For many people, managing debt and borrowing responsibly is a part of making a household budget balance out. When used properly, credit and loans can be excellent tools to help you get the major purchases you need or acquire an investment in assets such as education or real estate. There are various types of debt and they won’t always result in the same outcome. The kind of debt that does not invest in anything can be both a short- and long-term burden.

No matter how much or what type of debt you take on, you need a plan to pay it back. The quicker you pay it off, the less you’ll end up paying on compounding interest. A bit later on, we’ll take a look at proven payment strategies.

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Resolve to Save More Money in 2023

January 2022

The new year is a time for resolutions. Many people resolve to get in shape, spend more time with family, or save more money. If you're looking to save money in 2023, we have some tips that can help! Follow these simple steps and you'll be on your way to saving more money without making any big changes to your lifestyle.

Make a Budget

One way to save money is to make a budget and stick to it. This means knowing how much money you have coming in and what your regular expenses are.

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Job Interview Tips That Can Land You a Job This January

December 2022

January often signifies a fresh start for all. If you’re thinking of changing jobs or careers, there’s no better time to move than the New Year. For those who are taking their chances in the job market, don’t wait until the festivities are over. Start preparing your path toward a greener pasture now.

But where do you even start? The first and probably most important thing you need to do is to practice for your job interview.

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hand holding pen and filling out credit report info

Understanding Your Free Credit Report

October 2022

Regularly checking on your credit history is essential to understanding your current financial health. It provides insights into how well you manage your debt and is a great way to know if you’re in a good position to borrow money. In addition, it also alerts you to fraud and helps you detect inaccurate information on your account.

Lenders may accept or deny your loan applications based on the information provided in your credit report and their own criteria.

Make the Most of Your Tax Refund

Winter 2023

After you've filed your taxes, do you wait impatiently for your refund and make plans for all the ways you want to spend the money?

This year, consider doing something different...something that your future self will thank you for.

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Budgeting Tips: Start a Small Business by turning your hobby into a Career

Summer 2022

While most people have a passion, hobby, or talent, few are able to turn a hobby into a profitable business venture. Use these questions to guide you as you transform your hobby into the next small business in your area.

How can you make it unique? Having a talent for something doesn't always

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