Borrower Advice

There’s a reason more than 130 million people belong to a credit union. Individuals choose credit unions over traditional banks for higher dividend rates, minimal account fees, and lower interest rates on loan products. But how can a small army of 5,000+ federally insured credit unions offer these benefits and a host of other financial benefits to everyday consumers?

You’ve received your college acceptance letters – congratulations! If you’ve been accepted to multiple schools, one of the biggest determining factors for your final choice may be the out of pocket cost for each option. Along with your acceptance letters, you should receive an award letter outlining the financial aid for which you are eligible at each college. Here are some important definitions you should know.

Don't let scams and fraud catch you off guard this St. Patrick's Day. Protect your identity and money with these 5 pinch-proof tips!

As a home buyer, knowing the difference between being pre-qualified and pre-approved is an important step in the mortgage process. Making your decision on which one to choose starts with understanding the definition of each of those terms.

If the unexpected happens, you don’t want to be compounded by financial worry. With Debt Protection, you may cancel your loan balance or payments in the event of involuntary unemployment, disability, or death.

Credit cards are convenient, powerful tools to help build your credit, make big purchases, and practice financial responsibility. With that said, credit cards can seem complicated. Between interest rates, balance transfers, late fees, and due dates, there’s a lot of information to keep up with.

Remote start, leather interior, all-wheel drive – just like picking out the perfect vehicle, it’s important to find an auto loan that helps you enjoy the journey starting from the first day you drive your new vehicle off the lot. Depending on the term you pick, your auto loan can be with you for as long as 5 years. Avoid buyer’s remorse by following our tips to lock in the best auto loan and lowest interest rates.>

In the last few years, gas pumps have been a favorite target for fraudsters to place skimming devices. Here are risk mitigation and best practices for you to follow.

Identity theft occurs when someone uses your bank account number, Social Security number, credit card, or other personal information for his or her own ends. Here's what you need to know about identity theft and how to protect yourself.

A HELOC and a home equity loan are two popular options for homeowners looking to tap into the equity they've built in their property. Dive deeper into the features, benefits, and drawbacks of each option to help you make the right choice.

In buying or selling your home, timing is everything. While there is no one-size-fits-all answer to the best time to sell or buy a home, there are several factors to consider when making your decision.

Buying a home is one of the biggest financial decisions you'll make in your lifetime. A mortgage is a loan that helps you finance the purchase of a home, and it's important to understand how it works.

Fraud and scams are becoming increasingly common, with criminals using sophisticated methods to trick individuals into giving away their personal information or money. By staying informed and proactive, you can minimize your risk of falling victim to scams and protect your identity and money.

Many people think they can spot and outwit a scam, but the truth is that scams become more savvy and sophisticated every year. Knowing some basics and being vigilant can keep you and your money safe from scammers.

It’s important to remain vigilant and protect yourself against fraud and identity theft. Member security is a top priority at USC Credit Union, so we’ve compiled a list of common scenarios to look out for.

A mobile wallet is a way to carry a digital version of your credit cards or debit cards on your mobile device. Instead of fumbling through your wallet (or purse) to find your card, you can pay with your smartphone, tablet, or smartwatch.

Your credit report is a comprehensive summary of your credit history and is used by lenders, landlords, and other financial institutions to determine your creditworthiness. It's a crucial document that has a significant impact on your financial life, and it's important to understand what it contains and how it's used.

Credit can seem complicated. Many people think those 3 magic numbers are a mystery, but controlling your credit score is easier than you think! Here are some tips for establishing credit or building your credit score back to health.

You may have the car of your dreams already, but your current loan situation may be less than ideal. Refinancing your auto loan is a great way to lessen financial stress and make the remainder of your loan payoff process easy, all while saving money! Here are some things to keep in mind before making the switch.

Student loans may have helped you get the education needed for your future career, but making student loan payments can also be a pain point in your monthly expenses. Refinancing one or more of your loans could save you money and simplify your repayment. Before you determine where you should refinance your student loans, you should consider if it’s a smart decision for you.

Did you know you can take advantage of special tax breaks just for college students and their parents? These benefits come in the form of tax credits and deductions when you file your income tax return. What’s the difference? A credit reduces the amount of income tax you have to pay. A deduction reduces the amount of your income that is taxed, which also typically lessens your tax bill. In other words, you could get a bigger tax refund.

There’s a lot more to homeownership than paying the mortgage loan. Here are eight extra homeownership costs to consider as you plan for your dream home.