Borrower Advice

Your loan and credit questions, answered.

Borrowing is a key building block to financial health. With every auto loan or HELOC or credit card, you build your borrowing power. As your credit union, we’re committed to your financial wellbeing – and to helping you make your best borrowing decisions. We created this resource center to share the latest tips, tools and lending trends. First-time home buyer? Super saver? Check your math with our handy mortgage loan and savings account interest calculators.

 

Repaying Student Loans: Budget Your Way to Freedom

Managing student loan debt can sometimes feel like an uphill battle. But the truth is, a smart budget, personalized to your income and other expenses, can be your greatest asset in paying off your student loans while maintaining your quality of life. In this guide, we walk you through the steps to create your own budget that works for you and your goals.

Recognizing Text Scams

Does this sound familiar? "Did you attempt a payment for $3,000? Reply YES or NO."  If so, you're not alone. Financial institution impersonations are the most common text scams and usually include bogus fraud warnings and transfer alerts. Follow these tips to help you identify potential scams and keep your personal information safe and secure.

How to Pick a Good Student Loan Co-Borrower

When delving into the world of private student loans, you may discover that many lenders mention a “co-borrower.” A co-borrower is someone who applies for the loan with you and is equally responsible for ensuring it is repaid. A private student loan will be held in your name as the primary borrower, but the co-borrower’s name and credit will be tied to the loan as well.

Student Loan Forgiveness Was Blocked by the Supreme Court. What’s Next?

On June 30, the Supreme Court struck down Biden's one-time student loan debt forgiveness plan, which was set to forgive up to $20,000 for 26 million borrowers. So, what's next? Read this blog post to review the latest updates.

Federal Student Loan Payments Resume Soon – What You Need to Know

Most federal student loan payments and interest have been suspended since March 2020. After numerous extensions, student loan interest will resume on September 1, 2023, and payments will resume starting in October.

The Top 4 Best Ways to Pay for College

Let’s face it – no one is accepted to college and thinks, “I can’t wait to pay my tuition bill!” College is a big investment, which is why it’s important to know your options, plan ahead, and choose wisely when paying for it. Remember: filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is the first step to securing any financial aid! Follow the “free, cheap, gap” method to responsibly pay for college, and set yourself for a strong financial future down the road.

How much down payment is normally required to buy a home?

For many people, buying a home is one of the most significant financial decisions they will make in their lifetime. One of the key considerations in this process is the down payment, which is the amount of cash that a buyer pays upfront toward the purchase price. While the amount of the down payment required can vary depending on several factors, it is an essential component of the home-buying process.

Home Mortgage Loans

Shop and borrow smart.

Starter home or “forever home” – whatever you call it, chances are you’ll need a mortgage before you can call it home. Learn what you need to know to close the deal with success.

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Learn More about Home Loans

Home Equity Lines of Credit

Leverage your home equity.

Home equity can be a powerful borrowing tool. How can you use it? How do HELOCs work? Find answers to these questions and more right under your thumbs.

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Learn More  about Home Equity

Personal Loans

Boost your borrowing knowledge.

Financial peace of mind costs less than you think. USC Credit Union offers affordable personal loans and lines of credit you can use for any purpose. Learn what you need to know to boost your borrowing power.

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Learn More  about Personal Loans

Managing Loan Debt

Your best financial future starts today.

The financial decisions you make today can put you on the right path for years to come. As your financial partner, we’re here for you every step of the way. Use our borrow resources to boost your financial literacy.

Learn More  about Managing Loan Debt

USC Credit Union has been a reliable source of financial support for me for 36 years! I’ve never had a better experience.

-Carol

  • Personal Loans

    Pay for the unexpected, consolidate debt, pay for home improvements, or make a major purchase with one of our affordable Personal Loan options.

  • Home Loans

    Starter home, second home or your “forever home” – whatever you call it, we can help you call it home with affordable fixed-rate and adjustable-rate mortgages.

  • Auto Loans

    Why finance with us? Simple: We’re a credit union with no shareholder interests to cater to. The upshot: Bank-beating auto loan rates on cars, trucks, motorcycles, RVs, and more.

Let’s chat.

Need help deciding on a product or service? Talk to a member associate. We’re always here to lend an ear and all the guidance you need.