Financial Guidance Articles
A collection of articles to guide your financial journey
Budgeting
5 Ways to Save This Season
Five money-saving ways to give gifts and have fun on a budget this season.
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How to Budget on a Fixed Income
Living on a fixed income? Check out our real-life practical advice to make a budget that works.
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How to Fund Your Vacation
Find strategies to budget for a vacation that won't break the bank.
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Experiencing the Financial Health Check Firsthand
Read this very honest retelling from a BECU member just like you.
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How Millennials are Making it on Their Own
With more college debt, a lower employment rate upon graduation and an economy that’s slowly recovering from the Great Recession, millennials (born after 1980) face a different set of financial realities than previous generations.
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Babies and Budgeting 1-2-3
Congratulations on your new little one, and welcome to parenthood! With a thousand new things to think about – and a lot less sleep than usual — planning for your financial future may seem daunting. But it doesn’t take much to get started down the right road.
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Debt Consolidation Options
Looking for ways to reduce or consolidate your mounting debt? We detail two options that charge a lower APR and can eliminate fees when using them.
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Reducing Debt
Experts say that financial management is 20% knowledge and skills and 80% behavior. If reducing debt is your goal, putting some healthy habits into practice can take you a long way toward success.
Read moreHome Ownership
Win a Bid in a Seller's Market
Review six buying strategies to use when buying a house in a hot seller’s market.
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7 Expenses On Top of Your Mortgage Payment
There are more costs to owning a home than just the mortgage. We added them up and include them here, along with tips for planning around them.
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Can You Afford a Yard?
Considering the cost vs. enjoyment of owning property with a lawn, and deciding which outcome is the best fit for your situation.
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How to decide if a HELOC is right for you
Learn how a HELOC can help you consolidate debt, renovate your home or make a big purchase.
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3 Things to Know Before Buying a Home
Don’t make an offer before you complete these three crucial steps
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Buying Your First Home
Buying a house is a huge milestone, and if you’re a first-time home buyer, it can be pretty intimidating. Getting clear on costs, credit and what you can afford at the outset can make things a lot simpler.
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11 Tips to Build Credit and Reduce Debt Before You Buy a Home
If you’re looking to buy a home, it’s important to get your credit and your debt under control first.
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Smart Budgeting for Prospective Home Buyers
A breakdown of factors that go into your ability to buy a home, as well as explanations of said factors.
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What to Expect when Buying an Older Home
Older homes are a great option for buyers on a budget — but can come with trade-offs. Here’s what to look out for when buying an old house.
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Things to Consider Before Buying Your First Home
Buying a house is a big step, but it’s also a lot of fun. Before you start house hunting you need to consider these important questions.
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Rent vs. Own: Is it the Right Time to Buy a Home?
If you're new to the home buying and lending process, check out BECU’s library of resources and information for first-time buyers.
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Mortgage Glossary
No need for a separate dictionary when buying a home. Our glossary reviews the terms you need to know.
Learn moreSavings
CD Laddering – What Is It and How Does It Help?
CD laddering is a clever way to boost your savings and still have frequent access to your cash.
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What is a CD?
Learn more about certificates of deposit (CD) benefits, features and how they work.
Learn moreCar and RV Buying
See How Much Car You Can Afford
Use our car-buying calculator to determine the right car for your budget.
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Doing This Before Car Shopping Could Save Hundreds
Getting pre-approved at your financial institution could save you hundreds – if not thousands – on your next car purchase.
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We Help You Choose: Auto-Dealer vs. Private Party
Be prepared: Whether it’s a dealer or a private party, research both options so that you know which is right for you.
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5 RV Negotiating Tips
Don't settle for anything less. Use these top tips to negotiate the best price on an RV.
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Your Top RV Questions, Answered
Everything you need to consider when shopping for an RV or trailer.
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Car Buying Basics
Nothing smells better than a new car, but the process of sorting through options, figuring out what you can afford, arranging financing, and then negotiating can be complicated and nerve-racking. To make the process easier it helps to have a plan for selecting and financing your new set of wheels.
Read moreBuilding Credit and Credit Reports
What is a Secured Credit Card?
A secured credit card can help you establish or reestablish your credit, or as a stepping stone to getting a regular credit card.
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What is a FICO® Score?
Learn more about what a FICO Score is and why it's a three-digit number you should always keep an eye on.
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Choosing the Right Credit Card to Achieve Your Goals
When you’re choosing which credit card is right for you, consider your financial goals: Do you want to travel? Build credit? Pay down debt? Here’s how to pick the card that will help you achieve your goals.
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Building Credit
Good credit is something that pays off every day. With a high credit score and good credit history you can qualify for all kinds of perks, including better terms on loans and increased borrowing power. But it all starts with building credit. Let’s look at the fundamentals.
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Understanding Your Credit Report
Your credit report is your financial report card. Since it can affect so many areas of your life, including whether you can qualify for a home or car loan, or get a job, it makes sense to understand how credit reports work.
Read moreTrust Services and Estate Planning
How To Choose a Trustee
Choosing the right trustee to manage your assets is one of the most important steps in estate planning. We can help.
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How To Financially Prepare for Children With Disabilities
If you have a child with disabilities, you’re in a good position to plan ahead for your financial future.
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Why You Need a Corporate Trustee
Do yourself and your loved ones a favor. Consider who will implement your estate plan.
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What’s the Difference Between a Will and a Trust?
We break down the distinguishing factors of a will and a trust to identify what makes a comprehensive estate plan.
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Gifts and Taxes: A Tutorial
Find out how much money you can give as a gift before paying taxes on it.
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What is Estate Planning?
How do you want your affairs to be handled if the unexpected (or unthinkable) occurs? Getting started on drafting your estate plan can provide peace of mind for you and your loved ones.
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Preparing for Incapacity
Plan ahead for incapacity. Here’s why you should do it, and what you’ll need during the process.
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Planning for Death
What happens to your assets when you die? Planning for this can answer a lot of those questions, help minimize estate taxes at the time of your death, and help reduce anxiety for your loved ones.
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What is Probate?
Probate is a legal process of settling your estate when you pass away. Read about its pros and cons in this article.
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What is a Will?
A will is one of the most important documents you’ll ever possess. Read about the who, what, when, and how regarding a will in this article.
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What is a Revocable Living Trust?
A trust can take many forms, but they’re always divided into two categories: Revocable and Irrevocable. Read about revocable living trusts here.
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What's an Irrevocable Trust?
A trust can take many forms, but they’re always divided into two categories: Revocable and Irrevocable. Read about Irrevocable Trusts here.
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Revocable Living Trust vs. Will
A revocable living trust is similar to a will, but there are some key differences between the two.
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What is an Executor?
An executor is also known as a personal representative or administrator. You appoint this person to settle your estate after your death.
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What is a Trustee?
A trustee is responsible for managing assets in the name of your trust. Whom should you consider for this role?
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What is a Power of Attorney?
A power of attorney (POA) is a legal document giving a person the power to act on another person’s behalf.
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Choosing BECU Trust Services as your Fiduciary
A fiduciary should be carefully considered. BECU Trust Services can take the load off a close friend or family member and act on your behalf in the event of the unexpected.
Learn moreBuilding Wealth
What is Compound Interest?
Compound interest is a powerful financial tool that lets you passively earn money by doing nothing other than saving it. This is what it means to “make your money work for you” or, more accurately, “make your money do the work for you!”
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Reach Your Financial Goals Faster with an Add-to CD
Grow your savings and reach your financial goals faster by opening an add-to CD and setting up automatic contributions.
Learn moreKids and Money
How to Open a Teen Checking Account
Learn what to expect when opening a youth checking for your teen.
Learn how to open an account
Top Money Questions Asked by Teens
We’ve heard from teens and have answers to the most common money questions.
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How to Build Good Financial Habits for Your Teen
Is giving your teen more financial independence a scary thought? Here are a few indicators that may help identify if your teen is ready.
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The Next Big Talk
Talking with teens about money is as important as speaking to them about any other life challenges. BECU wants to make it easier for parents to have the next big talk about money management.
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The Next Big Talk: Saving Money
We like to say good habits start early. If your teen is ready to move past the piggy bank, take this opportunity to teach them the importance of saving money, starting with these simple tips.
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The Next Big Talk: Spending Money
Spending your own money for the first time can be exciting, but it's important to teach your teen to spend responsibly.
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The Next Big Talk: Planning Your Financial Future
A little planning can go a long way - especially when it comes to finances. Help your teen be an effective financial planner and set them up for lifelong success.
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The Next Big Talk: Borrowing Money
Help your teen understand how to borrow responsibly and pay debts on time.
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Money Smart Teens
Your child’s teenage years are a great time to help them build strong money management skills. At BECU we’re here to help – with ideas about activities you can do together, tools to help them start building a banking and credit history and tips on helping direct them to make sound financial decisions.
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3 Financial Concepts to Teach your Teen
Be sure your teen is ready for the unexpected by helping him or her to prepare for it.
Learn about these concepts today
Security Tips for Teens
Security tips your teen should know while starting their journey to financial independence
Learn about how to keep your teen safeCollege Planning
Paying for College
It’s no secret that paying for college is expensive. But with some smart planning, you can make it happen.
Read moreOwning a Business
How BECU Can Meet Your Business Banking Needs
BECU can help you get the financial stability and flexibility you need to run your business.
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Business Loans: When Is It the Right Time to Borrow?
A business loan can make a big difference in your operations, and knowing the right time to apply for a loan can help you achieve your financial business goals.
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How a Business Loan Can Grow Your Company
A business loan can act as a catalyst for business growth. Check out specific strategies you can apply to ensure the success of your company.
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Business Equipment: Lease or Buy?
Consider these five questions as you’re making your decision to determine whether to lease or buy business equipment.
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Why You Should Make the Switch
Thinking of switching your business banking to a credit union? Here's why it might be a great time to switch.
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What Your Business Can Save with a Credit Union
We break down the difference and compare commercial banking versus banking at a credit union.
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How the Credit Union Model Can Boost Your Business
Through digital banking, top-notch customer support, and less overhead, the credit union model can help your small business succeed.
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How BECU Helps Grow Your Business
With fewer fees and a growing number of resources dedicated to helping you meet your goals, BECU is an ideal place to take your business banking.
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Credit Union Growth Is on the Rise
The growth of credit unions is picking up steam on the west coast, and showing no signs of slowing down.
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5 Reasons to Take Your Business Banking to a Credit Union
Why your business could benefit from switching to a credit union
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Stay Cash Positive with a Business Credit Card
Cash flow problems are one of the primary reasons businesses fail. Small but mighty, credit cards provide a much-needed lifeline for cash-strapped entrepreneurs.
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Why Your Business Needs A Credit Card
Often overlooked in favor of loans or lines of credit, business credit cards are becoming increasingly popular with Millennial entrepreneurs.
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The Cost of Unused Credit Card Rewards
Expired credit rewards could be costing your business thousands of dollars in savings a year. Switch to cash-back rewards and skip the hassle of redeeming miles.
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Choosing The Right Business Credit Card
Credit card rewards are a valuable source of purchasing power for your business. But which rewards program will earn your company the most value?
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3 Myths About Online Lenders Debunked
When deciding on a credit card provider, keep in mind these common myths about online lenders that should be laid to rest.
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Business 101
Starting your own business can be incredibly rewarding. But there are risks—like losing money, long hours and a lack of security. So what’s an idealistic entrepreneur to do?
Read moreBanking 101
Banking Alerts
Setting up text or email alerts is an easy way to help you know where your accounts stand.
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Payday Loan Realities
Opting for a payday loan to get through a one-time emergency or unexpected income gap could harm your overall financial health.
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FDIC and NCUA Protect Your Deposits
You’ve probably heard the terms “NCUA insured” and “FDIC insured” in banking commercials. But what does each organization do, and how do they benefit account holders?
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Banking 101
Establishing a relationship with a financial institution is a smart step toward financial security. Let’s review some basic information about the types of financial institutions out there – and what they can offer you.
Read moreID Theft
How to Safely Shred Your Old Documents
Hanging on to old documents that contain personal information? Here’s a look at the ones you should shred, and when.
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Secrets to a Great Password
We spoke with a security analyst for six guidelines to creating an uncrack-able password.
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Top Financial Scams
An updated description of today’s top financial scams and how to spot them before you become a victim.
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How Not to Get Hacked
BECU’s Chief Information Security Officer, Kyle Welsh, offers advice on how to stay safe online and avoid getting hacked.
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5 Immediate Steps to Take if Your Identity is Stolen
Do you suspect fraudulent activity on one of your accounts? Take action immediately by following these five steps.
Read moreSelf-Paced Financial Education Courses
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