How To Set Yourself Up For Auto Loan Success

An individual signing an auto loan application.

by Elaine Lacy on April 9, 2024April 10, 2024 Autos , Credit Auto , auto loan , finances

If you’re in the market for a new set of wheels, you’ll likely need to get an auto loan. This loan will significantly impact your monthly budget for at least a few years, so it’s important to make an informed decision when it comes to [...] View more

Why the Holidays are a Good Time to Consolidate Your Debts

Man holiday shopping on phone after consolidating debts.

by Elaine Lacy on December 8, 2023December 8, 2023 Credit , Debt Reduction , Education , Financial Planning , Holidays , Money Management , Personal Loans budget , budgeting , Debt Consolidation , finances , financial planning , Holidays , money management , personal loans

During the holiday season, you’re likely making a list and checking it twice. But between gifts, travel, and festive celebrations, it’s easy to lose sight of holiday spending and your financial goals. This year, why not add “consolidate my debts” to your wish list? The […]

5 C’s of Credit: Capacity

by Elaine Lacy on September 29, 2022November 16, 2022 Credit

There comes a time when everyone needs to start prioritizing their credit score. Whether you’re applying for a credit card or a loan, your credit score impacts your ability to access these products. There are five major factors to consider, often referred to as the […]

What Is a Debt-to-Income Ratio?

A credit union representative discusses debt-to-income ratio with a happy couple.

by Elaine Lacy on May 11, 2022July 5, 2022 Credit

If you are thinking about applying for a loan, you may have encountered the term debt-to-income (DTI) ratio while researching your options. When considering applicants for a loan, lenders evaluate this ratio to make sure borrowers don’t have too much debt. Understanding the DTI ratio […]

Personal Loans vs. Credit Cards

by Elaine Lacy on March 1, 2021November 25, 2022 Credit , Money Management , Personal Loans

If you need to borrow money to make a major purchase, should you apply for a credit card? Or is a personal loan the better option? If you ask a credit union rep, they’ll say the answer depends on several factors, including interest rates, the […]

How Much You Can Borrow With A Personal Loan: Guide + Calculator

by Elaine Lacy on February 2, 2021July 14, 2022 Credit , Debt Reduction , Education , Money Management , Personal Loans Debt Consolidation , personal loans

Personal loans are an extremely versatile financial tool. However, many borrowers aren’t sure how much personal loan they can get. Every financial situation is unique. Plus, many factors go into how much you can borrow. Understanding some quick and easy basics will give you an […]

Financial Checklist

by Elaine Lacy on December 28, 2020December 29, 2020 Credit , Education , Financial Planning end of year checklist , financial checklist , New Year , tegfcu

As you prepare to pack up holiday decorations and say goodbye to an unprecedented year, don’t close the book on this year just yet. Set yourself up for success by reviewing your finances before January 1. Grab your favorite mug, fill it with hot chocolate, […]

Your Guide to Using Credit Cards

by Elaine Lacy on July 31, 2020July 5, 2022 Credit , Education , Financial Planning Credit Card , Credit Score , rewards card , tegfcu

Q: I’d love to improve my credit score, but I can’t get ahead of my monthly payments. I also find that my spending gets out of control when I’m paying with plastic. How do I use my credit cards responsibly? A: Using your credit cards […]

7 Ways You Can Use a Personal Loan This Summer

7 Ways to enjoy a personal loan this summer

by Elaine Lacy on June 29, 2020February 22, 2022 Credit , Just For Fun atv loan , auto loan , boat loan , Debt Consolidation , getting married , medical expenses , moving , personal loans , recreational loan , renovations , rv loan , summer , tegfcu

Summer is a time for fun and excitement, but it can also be super expensive. Before you start swiping the plastic for everything under the sun, we recommend considering a personal loan to stay within your budget. At TEG, the application process is smooth and quick. […]

Why Does my Credit Score Matter?

by Elaine Lacy on June 16, 2020June 23, 2020 Credit , Debt Reduction , Education , Money Management budgeting , credit , Credit Score , finances , money management , tegfcu

Your credit score is made up of three numbers, serving as an indicator of your financial history, wellness and responsibility. These three little numbers can spell the difference between approval and rejection for a mortgage, a job, a rental unit and so much more. We […]

How to Protect Your Credit Score During the Coronavirus Pandemic

by Elaine Lacy on April 16, 2020July 14, 2022 Community , COVID-19 , Credit COVID-19

As many Americans now face the possibility of becoming delinquent on their debts and other bills, their credit scores could be adversely affected. Here are the steps people can take to ensure that they maintain as good a credit score as possible throughout the coronavirus […]

IRS warns of potential surge in fake CEO phishing scam

by Elaine Lacy on January 25, 2018May 16, 2018 Community , Credit , Education , Money Management , Security/Scams

* This article and image was written by Don’t Mess With Taxes and published online on January 19, 2018. With the official start of the 2018 tax filing season just more than a week away, folks have been collecting important tax statements they’ll need to file their returns. […]

Everything You Need To Know About The Equifax Breach

by Elaine Lacy on September 11, 2017June 15, 2018 Community , Credit , Education , Money Management , Security/Scams

In a recently revealed breach, 143 million Americans may have had their personal information exposed.

Financial Tips for Single Parents

by Elaine Lacy on June 14, 2017June 15, 2018 Community , Credit , Debt Reduction , Education , Financial Planning , Money Management

Single parenting brings unique budgeting challenges. The U.S. Department of Agriculture reports that it costs an estimated $241,080 for a middle-income couple to raise a child to age 18 – and many single parents shoulder that responsibility alone. Even with adequate child support, it’s smart […]

Don’t Panic: Filing Taxes As A College Student

by Elaine Lacy on February 24, 2017July 13, 2022 Credit , Education , Financial Planning , Money Management , Taxes

Imagine skipping a day of class, then coming into the next session and seeing a test. You open the packet and see what appears to be gibberish staring back at you. Everyone else around you seems to have a perfect grasp of what’s going on, […]

Category: Credit