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Access Credit Union Blog

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Access Credit Union

How to Include Renovation Costs When Buying a New Home

A purchase plus improvements mortgage allows you to add renovation costs to your mortgage.

When you’re looking for a new house, it can be hard to find a place that has exactly what you want. Sometimes a house may need some renovations, like a bathroom or kitchen update, adding a fence or fixing a deck, to make it the home you want. The good news is, the cost of renovating your new home can be rolled into your mortgage. We call this a purchase plus improvement mortgage.

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Building a New Home

Learn about mortgage options for a new build.

One of the first decisions you’ll face if you are building a new home is whether to buy land to build on right away or buy land to build on in the future.

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Is Now a Good Time to Refinance Your Mortgage?

Learn about the benefits of refinancing your mortgage with Access.

Refinancing your mortgage is essentially updating the terms of your mortgage loan agreement. This can happen in the middle of your mortgage term or when your mortgage is up for renewal, by simply blending your existing fixed rate and term with current rate offerings.

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Tips for First Time Homebuyers

Buying a house for the first time may seem like a difficult and daunting task, but with the right knowledge, the process can be a breeze. Here are some tips to consider when starting the home buying process.

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Why You Should Get Pre-Approved For A Mortgage

A mortgage pre-approval is the first step you should take before shopping for your new home.

Whether you’re buying your first home or your fifth, an important first step is getting a mortgage pre-approval. A pre-approval is a commitment from your financial institution to lend you a certain amount for your mortgage at a particular interest rate.

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What You Need to Know About Vehicle Loan Rates

Whether you are buying a new or used vehicle, a loan offers flexible payment options and your choice of a variable or fixed interest rate.

If you’re looking to purchase a new or used vehicle, a personal loan from Access Credit Union is a fast and flexible borrowing option. Personal loans are one of the most commonly used borrowing options for members who have a specific amount in mind for a specific need, as they’re a one-time use solution with set payments. A personal loan can help finance any type of vehicle, whether it is a car, boat or ATV. If you can drive it, we can finance it.

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Gift wrapping supplies surrounding stressed woman in Santa hat

Save Money During the Holidays

When shopping during the holidays seems more like ho ho, oh no and less like rockin’ around the Christmas tree, it’s hard to stay cheery and bright during the ‘most wonderful time of the year’.

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Borrowing Money Wisely

The best way to avoid getting into trouble with debt is borrowing money wisely from the get-go.

It is important to understand the formula to borrowing money. Did you know there is a formula to comfortable debt? It's important to understand that formula before you borrow money.

Financial institutions will often approve borrowing at 42% total debt servicing. Total debt servicing is calculated as a percentage of your pre-tax income versus your monthly debt obligations.

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Facts about Phishing

What is phishing?  

The true definition of phishing is the fraudulent practice of sending emails claiming to be from reputable companies (such as credit unions) in order to persuade individuals to reveal personal information, such as online banking passwords and credit card numbers.

Although phishing can be a frightening topic, if you’re well-informed, it’s something you don’t have to worry about. So, without any further delay, here are our facts (and tips) regarding phishing:

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Getting Your Teen Started with Budgeting

It’s never too soon to build financial literacy skills.

Teaching teens how to budget effectively can help them build positive financial habits and skills that last a lifetime. Teens can earn money in many ways; whether doing chores around the house or getting a part-time job. Some of today's teens are even earning income from online businesses! Once the money starts rolling in, learning how to budget is crucial.

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Cybersecurity: Here’s What You Need to Know

What is Cybersecurity?

Cybersecurity is the protection against internet-connected cyber threats. These cyber attackers can interfere with systems like software, hardware, and data Both individuals and companies should practice cybersecurity to ensure protection from external and unauthorized parties retrieving insider data.

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Invest with Access

7 Things to Consider When Investing With Access Credit Union

Grow your savings potential by considering these important factors.

You’ve seen the commercials, you’ve clicked on the Facebook ads, you’ve done a Google search here and there. You’ve even talked to your second cousin, Jim, who claims to be an ‘expert’, and yet, still, you don’t know how to start investing. And that’s okay.  

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