Articles
Knowledge Is Power
We’re here to advise.
Preparing for life’s changes and challenges is no easy task. We’re here to help you make smart financial decisions that push you to the next level of prosperity, and education is your best path to success.
Rely on us for honest, practical advice that can help you manage your money, invest and save, build good credit, buy a car or a home, and more. Whatever you’re striving toward, we’re here to help you get there.
Understand Your Credit
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What’s the Ideal Credit Score for Home Loans?
What can you do if you want to qualify or pre-qualify for a mortgage but are concerned your credit score is too low? The good news is that a low credit score is not permanent, and it’s one area you can start working on right away. Find out what credit score you need to buy a home and get five actionable steps to boost your credit score with the aim of homeownership. -
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Secured vs. Unsecured Credit—Know the Differences
There are many types of credit available, each with advantages. Find out what is meant by the industry’s name for each—then choose what works for you. -
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Building Credit from Scratch
If your credit history is sparse, start now to build it up. Having little or no credit is easy to fix with time, patience, and a strategy. -
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Credit Card Rewards—What’s in It for You?
Rewards credit cards give extra value just for making your normal purchases. Learn how these cards work and get tips for choosing one. -
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Everything You Need to Know About Credit Scores
Your credit score is important, and it can have a big impact on your future. Understand what your credit score is made up of, how to build good credit, and what steps you can take to stay in control. -
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Five Behaviors for Finding Your Credit Zen
Our financial health is complex and composed of many important parts. Understanding how to spend intentionally is one of them, particularly when it comes to credit. If you’d like to reap the rewards that come with credit cards, consider these five behaviors we’ve identified as milestones on the journey to Credit Card Zen. -
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Rebuild Your Credit in Six Easy Steps
If you’re like most people, your credit score is only fair. If you have not yet achieved a rating of good or better, read on for five practical, doable steps you can take to get there. -
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A Closer Look at Credit
Used wisely, credit can be an excellent tool for helping you achieve your financial goals. To help put you on that path, we’ve collected some of the questions our representatives are asked most often, along with the answers. -
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Credit 101: Ways to Borrow Money
Have you ever wondered about the differences between credit cards, lines of credit, and personal loans? Discover the pros and cons of each of these ways to gain cash. -
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How to Raise Your Credit Score in Three Easy Steps
If you take the time to monitor your accounts, pay off your debt, and be timely about paying your bills, you can prove that you are credit-worthy over time. -
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Improve Your Finances with a Personal Loan
Learn how a personal loan could be a great tool to help you improve your finances, whether you’re raising your credit rating, paying off debt, or trying to reach the next phase in your financial journey. -
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Five Tips for Improving Your Credit Score
Almost everyone has a credit card, but if you’re not using them wisely, you might be doing more harm than good. Are you using your credit cards wisely? These five tips are essential if you’re looking to improve your credit score or maintain good credit. -
Do You Check Your “Specialty” Consumer Reports Annually?
When guarding your credit score, you need to consider more than just the standard credit report. -
How UFCU Looks at Your Credit
University Federal Credit Union uses information from your loan application and your credit report to determine whether to grant credit under the terms you request. Learn what factors we consider. -
Understanding Your Credit Report
Learn the ABCs of your credit report, from how it’s compiled and what exactly it contains to how it’s used by creditors, what effects to expect from a negative report and more. -
All About Credit Scores
When you borrow from any lender or use any company that bills you for services, paying your obligations as you originally agreed has a big impact on your future access to credit and the rates you will pay. -
Ordering Your Credit Report
There are three major credit reporting agencies–Equifax, Experian and Trans Union. Learn how to check all three scores with one easy report through UFCU and myfico.com.
