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Whether you’re looking to buy your first car or upgrade your current vehicle, it’s important to consider every aspect of what buying and running a car looks like before you make a purchase. Budgeting for car expenses can feel overwhelming, so we’re here to walk you through the most common costs you can expect when you’re in the market for a new vehicle.
From exploring options to effectively managing a checking account, you may be wondering if your teen is ready for the responsibility. Palisades provides a brief overview of teen banking benefits, how to compare accounts, and how to apply. Keep reading to learn more!
Planning a wedding is an exciting time in life and a big milestone in a couple’s relationship. However, one of the most difficult parts of wedding planning is determining a reasonable budget and figuring out how to pay for it. In this article, we’ll look at a variety of ways to pay for your big day, from savings accounts to personal loans for weddings.
You’ve just signed the closing documents, got the keys, and moved in your boxes. Now what?
Having the responsibility of maintaining an entire home may feel like a daunting undertaking—especially if you are leveling up from a much smaller or maintenance-free home. But following a regular maintenance routine can make this chore feel less imposing, can reduce the need for major and minor repairs, and can help keep your home clean, comfortable, and functional year-round.
In this post, we’ll list some key monthly, seasonal, and annual maintenance items to help you navigate your first year caring for your new home.
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Generation Z has some of the highest rates of savings—especially for retirement—more than any other recent generation. And with record-high interest rates on savings accounts, this is a great time to be saving. However, not everyone is taking advantage of these rates. In fact, 40% of 18-24 year olds have less than $500 in savings—nowhere near enough to cover a large, unexpected cost or day-to-day living expenses in the case of a lost job.
If you don’t currently have a savings account or are looking to increase your savings to meet a short- or long-term savings goal, this post is for you. From saving for small purchases and emergencies to retirement plans and buying your first home, we’ll discuss reasons for creating a savings plan, as well as the benefits of using savings over credit, and how to choose and open the right account for your specific goals. Keep reading to learn more!
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Possessing financial literacy means you understand and use certain skills to manage your money. No one is born knowing how to create a budget or understand different options for saving and investing. Just as you need to learn how to read and do math, becoming financially literate is an important education for your future success.
While some schools offer financial literacy classes, this type of education isn’t available to every student. In this article, we’ll show you how to improve your financial literacy in six steps with a DIY education. (To see how much you already know, take our Financial Literacy Quiz)
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If you’ve owned your home for a while, you probably have some equity in it now. Equity is the difference between what you owe on your mortgage and your home’s current market value. You can build equity by paying down your mortgage principal, as well as by improving your home (aka sweat equity). When your home’s value rises with the rest of the real estate market, you also gain equity.
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Next to buying a home, paying for college can be one of the biggest expenses for a family. It’s best to start preparing before the big day comes. Of course, saving in advance will help you cover some of the cost without taking out loans. Check out NY’s 529 College Savings Program or New Jersey’s 529 College Savings Plan. Still, many students will need to finance at least some of their college education. In this guide, we’ll explain the different types of student loans, how they work, and what you need to apply.
While the holidays might be over, the bills from your purchases might be an unpleasant reminder of overspending during the past season. If you find you are one of the nearly 40% of Americans with significant holiday debt to tackle in the new year, take heart that there are ways to not only overcome it in the coming months, but also prevent the same spending pitfalls next season.
In this post we’ll provide you with a number of strategies to eliminate or reduce your debt, getting it under control before those balances get out of hand—whether your debts are small or large. Keep reading to learn our best tips for paying off your holiday debts!
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While the holidays might be over, the bills from your purchases might be an unpleasant reminder of overspending during the past season. If you find you are one of the nearly 40% of Americans with significant holiday debt to tackle in the new year, take heart that there are ways to not only overcome it in the coming months, but also prevent the same spending pitfalls next season.
In this post we’ll provide you with a number of strategies to eliminate or reduce your debt, getting it under control before those balances get out of hand—whether your debts are small or large. Keep reading to learn our best tips for paying off your holiday debts!
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No matter how you plan to celebrate this holiday season, budgeting for the additional expenses that arise at the end of the year is an important step towards financial health. It is not just Christmas gifts that will blow your budget, most Americans also increase their spending on food and travel during the months of November and December.
At Palisades Credit Union, the financial health of our community is a top priority. We have put together the top tips for holiday budgeting during inflation so you can create a healthy start to the new year.
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October is Cybersecurity Awareness month, and a great time to revisit a topic we’ve touched on in many of our previous blogs. In this post, we’ll offer some time-tested as well as updated advice for individual customers, businesses, and organizations to follow to raise their own awareness, and protect themselves from future attacks and scams. Keep reading to learn more!
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Whether you’re hitting the shops for a “treat yourself” day or stocking up on gifts for your loved ones, you’re more than likely going to reach for one of your credit cards rather than paying in cash when you get to the checkout. But with the rise of Buy Now Pay Later services, handing over your plastic doesn’t have to be your only choice.
To help you make the smartest decision for your financial situation, we’re comparing Buy Now Pay Later services with standard credit card options. Let’s dive in!
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As a parent of young children, you may not be thinking too hard about their financial future when your days are filled with running around a playground, changing diapers, or doing the school run.
But putting money aside for your children, into their own accounts, is one of the best ways that you can set them up for financial success as adults. Whether it’s an opportunity to take advantage of compound interest, or simply a place to stash birthday or holiday checks, it’s best to be prepared and make plans as soon as possible.
Not sure where to start? Here’s a run-through of financial accounts that you can set up for your child, along with some guidance on when and how to fund them.
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Today’s customers are looking for more than just an institution to help them manage their money. They want to find a place that not only takes care of its members, providing good rates and competitive services, but also contributes to the well-being of their communities, rather than that of their stockholders. Banks and credit unions offer many of the same types of financial services from the outside but are quite different when it comes to how those services are extended and how they ultimately benefit their customers. Keep reading to learn more about the benefits of joining a credit union!
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Life is unpredictable and unexpected or large expenses often come along with that. If you need to borrow money for whatever reason, a personal loan can be a good option.
In this post, we’ll share some of the most common ways that a personal loan can help you and answer questions like “how do personal loans work?” and “what is an unsecured personal loan?” before you start your loan application.
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Owning a home is a big milestone for many people but taking on a mortgage can be overwhelming at times. It can sometimes feel like you’ll be paying off your house forever.
But there are plenty of ways that you can make a significant dent in the amount you owe, without having to spend too much extra money. Read on to find out how to pay off your mortgage faster and become a debt-free homeowner.
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From puppy scams to fake giveaways, payment app scams have increased in both creativity and number over the past few years. In a recent interview, Better Business Bureau CEO Steve McFarland explained the magnitude of the situation: “At the BBB we get over 1,000 complaints per day…there are scammers galore now on the internet and we’ve seen an exponential increase in scams.”
In this post we’ll share details of the most common payment app scams, so you know exactly what to avoid, as well as what to do if you ever find yourself a victim of one of the fastest growing areas of fraud in the world.
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Getting a new or new-to-you car can be an exciting time. However, unless you’re prepared to pay cash for your next ride, you’ll need to decide whether to lease or finance your vehicle. With car prices rising in recent years, leasing a new car may be more attractive or affordable than buying one. However, there are pros and cons associated with both buying and leasing. What’s right for you will depend on a variety of factors. Keep reading to learn everything you need to know to choose between financing or leasing your next vehicle.
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Before you can start transforming your dream home, you need to determine how to pay for home renovations. Unless you have a large amount of cash sitting around, start looking at the best options for home renovation loans. You can pay for home renovations with a home equity loan, mortgage refinance, personal loan, or even credit cards.
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Time To Refresh Your Savings Strategy!
The start of a new year is a great time to review your annual savings goals and create a savings strategy for the new year. Whether you’re just starting to build your emergency fund or you have your eye on retirement savings, this article will show you how to assess your current situation, identify savings goals, and act on the best savings strategies to reach your goals.
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Whether you’re shopping for your first checking account or looking to upgrade to a rewards checking account, you probably want convenience and no (or low) fees. In this article, we’ll help you compare checking accounts by breaking down the three primary account types. There may be a lot of options out there, but we’ll help you find the best checking account for your specific needs. Keep reading to learn about the advantages and benefits of high-interest checking, cash backchecking, and basic checking accounts.
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Does holiday shopping stress you out? From dealing with crowds at the mall to worrying over whether you got the best deal, shopping for all the people on your gift list can feel like a lot of work. However, it doesn’t have to be stressful. When used responsibly, a credit card offers many benefits for your holiday shopping. Keep reading to learn how shopping with a credit card can make your life easier this holiday season!
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As a first-time homeowner, there can be much excitement about decorating and settling into your new home. There may also be some unwelcome surprises such as repairs and minor issues you didn’t notice during the walk-through. Luckily, you can head off some of the biggest potential problems, such as a broken furnace, by winterizing your home in advance. Follow this checklist to prepare for your first winter as a new homeowner!
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From Zoom happy hours to grocery delivery, living more and more of your life online also means protecting your finances from digital threats. As of 2021, almost 65% of Americans use online banking. That trend shows no sign of slowing down, so it’s important to learn how to stay safe while using online and mobile banking. Keep reading to discover our best tips for protecting your financial information online!
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Buying a new or new-to-you car can feel overwhelming, especially if it’s your first time. Should you go to the dealership or buy from a private seller? And what about financing? In this article, we’ll explain how to get a car loan and the pros and cons of getting pre-approved from a credit union vs. getting financing from the dealership.
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In this article, we’ll explain everything you need to know about federal and private student loans including how to apply, how they work, and what to expect in repayment.
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Despite the growing popularity of mobile services, many Americans still have not tried online banking. If you’re one of the few that has been holding off on digital banking tools, now is a great time to sign up for online banking.
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With many Americans forced to stay at home last year, plans for travel and vacation were canceled or put on hold. Now, as the country reopens, many Americans will jump at the chance to take a vacation this year. Here are some tips to help you plan your vacation and travel safely during the pandemic.
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If you need to borrow money and own equity in your home, either a home equity loan or a home equity line of credit may be a good option. What is the difference between a home equity loan and a home equity line of credit, and which one is right for you? Read more to find out.
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Even if you’re not stressed about the amount of debt you have, making multiple monthly payments to different accounts can be difficult to keep track of. Debt consolidation can help you organize your debt and make it easier to pay off your various balances. Keep reading to learn more about debt consolidation and how it can help you!
When is the best time to apply for a mortgage? Although winter isn’t traditionally the most popular time to move, there are some significant benefits to early-year homebuying. In addition to low mortgage rates, the overall market is slower, which means there’s less competition from other buyers, leading to lower sales prices. Here are some tips to help you decide when is the right time to apply for a mortgage.
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Back to school season can feel like a fresh start for everyone. We’ve settled into the new school year. Now is the time to help your kids, teens, and young adults get their finances in order and set goals and habits for the coming year. Whether you’re homeschooling or sending your kids to in-person school this year, we’ll help you break down the ABCs of saving and spending.
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First-time homebuyers make up about half of the home purchase mortgage market. But how do you get from Point A (renting or living with family) to Point B (proud new homeowner)?
The answer largely has to do with saving. Because buying a home requires some upfront cash for a down payment and closing costs, you need to figure out what you can afford to spend on a house and then save up enough for closing.
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It's become essential to be able to conduct some tasks remotely, such as banking, instead of visiting a physical location. What are the benefits of mobile banking?
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As the nation’s COVID-19 response continues to limit face-to-face financial services, many of our customers are exploring online banking for the first time. What started as a convenience has now become a necessity for our community.
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Take stock of your financial situation and figure out what (and what not) to do with your money. Keep reading for a variety of tips to meet different situations and needs!
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Looking for a home loan in one of our service areas? Before you Here's everything you need to know about home loans before you begin the mortgage application process.
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Scammers are always trying to con victims out of their information and money. They are, unfortunately, often successful. Here at Palisades Credit Union, our biggest priority is your financial wellness, and that includes keeping you and your money safe. To help you achieve it, we’ve put together this guide about recognizing the signs of fraud and protecting yourself from scams.
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When was the last time you updated the designated beneficiaries on your insurance policies and retirement accounts?
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At Palisades Credit Union, we care deeply about the security and privacy of our customers and their families.
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Looking back on your own childhood, what did you learn about money and how did you learn it? Perhaps you held part-time jobs from an early age to cover your personal expenses, save for college, or buy a car. Did you have an allowance?
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If so then you may have to decide whether a used or new car will be right for you and your needs.
Share on Facebook: Is a New or Used Car Right for Me? Share on Twitter: Is a New or Used Car Right for Me? In 2017, 28% of Americans made their New Year’s Resolution to pay down debt.
If this was your resolution too read on for our five tips to make 2019 the year you ditch debt for good!
Was one of your resolutions for this year to save more money?
Here are some of our best tips and tricks to help you save more and achieve your financial goals this year.
Are you looking to cut costs this holiday season?
Or did you just have sticker shock the last time you opened your heating bill? No matter what your reason, you can save money on your monthly heating bill with these tips.
Share on Facebook: Save on Your Heating Bill With These Tips! Share on Twitter: Save on Your Heating Bill With These Tips! Are you using your smart phone or a mobile wallet to pay for purchases over the holiday season?
The ease and convenience of these options have made them increasingly popular in the past years. Some experts say that paying with a smart phone can even be more secure than paying with credit or debit cards. But that doesn’t mean they are immune to fraud. Here’s what to look out for and ways to protect your identity when paying with a smart phone.
Share on Facebook: Be Smart When Paying with your Smart Phone Share on Twitter: Be Smart When Paying with your Smart Phone It happens to the best of us, it’s just three days before Christmas and you’re still not done shopping for gifts.
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If you’re scrambling to get gifts and stick to your budget here are some tips. And don’t worry, there are no DIY presents on this list!
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You’re not alone. Nearly ¾ of all Americans have debt, including mortgages, student loans, credit card, auto and medical debt. If you’re struggling with debt there may be options available to you. Read on to learn more about debt forgiveness and debt consolidation and see which one is right for you.
Share on Facebook: Is Debt Consolidation or Forgiveness Right For you? Share on Twitter: Is Debt Consolidation or Forgiveness Right For you? Thanksgiving may not be known as the most expensive holiday in the winter season, but costs can add up quickly.
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Between travel, décor, and dinner it’s easy to go ham and overspend. Use these tips from PCU to host a great Thanksgiving on a budget!
From worrying about your waistline to your wallet, there are many reasons the holidays can be stressful.
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Thankfully, we’ve put together a Holiday Survival Guide that gives you weekly action items. So, you can spend more time celebrating with friends and family this holiday season.
Change is always welcomed at Palisades Credit Union as well as new memberships.
Read More »Share on Facebook: Welcome RTCFCU members to Palisades! Share on Twitter: Welcome RTCFCU members to Palisades! October 18, 2018 will mark the 70th anniversary of International Credit Union Day.
This year’s theme is “Find Your Platinum Lining.” It combines the traditional gift of platinum for 70th anniversaries with a play on the saying “every cloud has a silver lining.”
Share on Facebook: International Credit Union Day: Celebrate Credit Unions with PCU! Share on Twitter: International Credit Union Day: Celebrate Credit Unions with PCU! Buying a used car can be a confusing or daunting process, especially if you’ve never bought a car before.
And with nearly 40 million used cars sold a year, how do you know you’re making the best choice for you? Keep reading to see our tips for buying a used car you’ll love at a price you’ll love!
Credit Unions have been around for over 100 years, but there is still a lot of misinformation surrounding them.
Below are seven common credit union myths including PCU and how we prove them wrong!
Share on Facebook: Fact or Fiction: Common Credit Union Myths Share on Twitter: Fact or Fiction: Common Credit Union Myths Do you have credit card debt?
You’re not alone — 50% of consumers in the U.S. have credit card debt. If you have credit card debt, it can be a monthly burden on you and your family, so here are three tips to help you pay off your credit card debt faster.
Share on Facebook: How Can I Pay Off my Credit Card Debt Faster? Share on Twitter: How Can I Pay Off my Credit Card Debt Faster? Only one-third of Americans can pass a basic financial literacy quiz.
Do you think you can do better? Take our financial literacy quiz below and get three or more questions right to pass. Ready to begin…
Share on Facebook: Can You Pass Our Financial Literacy Quiz? Share on Twitter: Can You Pass Our Financial Literacy Quiz? College is an exciting time where you will be trying and learning many new things.
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Make sure you learn how to take care of your finances while you’re away from home for the first time! Read on to see what PCU recommends for every college freshman.
Share on Facebook: Freshmen Finances: Financial Essentials for First-Time College Students Share on Twitter: Freshmen Finances: Financial Essentials for First-Time College Students Last month Timehop announced it had been the target of a security breach that affected millions of people.
It seems that there are more and more security breaches that can compromise your identity and lead to identity theft. Here are some tips to help protect you and your identity online!
Share on Facebook: Stay Safe Online: Cyber Security Tips from PCU Share on Twitter: Stay Safe Online: Cyber Security Tips from PCU Everyone knows going to college is a great way to make money.
A recent study found college graduates earn $1 million more in their lifetime than high school graduates. But some majors earn more money than others. Here are some of the highest paying college majors!
You’ve probably been asked when checking out if you would like to save 10, 15, and even 20% off your total, by getting a store credit card.
While this discount can be very tempting, are store credit cards worth it in the long run? Read on to find out!
Share on Facebook: Should I Get a Store Credit Card? Share on Twitter: Should I Get a Store Credit Card? Becoming a home owner for the first time is a momentous occasion, but it can also be a little intimidating.
If you want to become a homeowner but don’t know where to start, here are some tips for making the most of your home search.
Share on Facebook: Tips for First Time Home Buyers Share on Twitter: Tips for First Time Home Buyers Summer vacations are super fun, but they can be expensive!
The best way to save money is to plan and save up for it accordingly, but even if you haven’t, you can still save money while on your trip. Use these tips to save while you’re gone and remember to let PCU know where you’re going so there’s no interruption in your service!
Share on Facebook: Going on Vacation? Use These Tips to Save Share on Twitter: Going on Vacation? Use These Tips to Save Buying a home and getting a mortgage will be one of the biggest financial decisions of your life!
Whether this is your first home or you’re a seasoned pro who just needs a refresher, here are the terms you need to know to help you make the most of your mortgage!
Share on Facebook: 10 Mortgage Terms You Need to Know Share on Twitter: 10 Mortgage Terms You Need to Know Credit cards can be a great tool to help you and your finances – if you know how to use them properly.
Whether you’ve never had a credit card before or just want to take better care of your credit card, here are our six credit card dos and don’ts to help you!
Summer is quickly approaching.
Whether you’re planning a family vacation or just want to escape abroad here are some tips to help prepare to spend money internationally.
If you just graduated college, congratulations!
Like thousands of other recent college alumni, you may be starting your first full-time, salaried job and earning your first paycheck. Here are a couple things you can do now, to make sure you set yourself up for financial success for now and later!
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Making and sticking to a budget is one of the most important steps to taking control of your finances and achieving your goals, but many Americans can’t stick with it. Help yourself succeed by choosing a budget that fits your lifestyle!
Read More »How Much Does College Cost?
The cost of college has been steadily rising for years, and a four-year degree is no small expense. For the 2017-18 school year the average cost of a bachelor’s degree ranged from $9,970 for an in-state public school to $34,740 for a private school degree. This estimate only covers the cost of tuition, but there are many other expenses to consider when paying for college, like fees, supplies, room and board, and everyday living expenses. For example, for a private college in New York City, they estimate you will have to spend an extra $10,00 - $20,000 a year to cover room and board and all other associated college costs. As you can see, the cost of college can vary greatly, but no matter where you go, college is not cheap. So, how can you pay for college?
Read More »Share on Facebook: How Much Does College Cost and How Can I Pay For it? Share on Twitter: How Much Does College Cost and How Can I Pay For it? Everyone deserves a great vacation occasionally, but it’s no secret that traveling is not cheap.
Do you know how much it costs to travel to popular vacation destinations? Keep reading to see what it costs to have a dream vacation, and how you can afford it.
Read More »Share on Facebook: Can You Afford Your Dream Vacation? Share on Twitter: Can You Afford Your Dream Vacation? For many Americans, money can be of the biggest causes of stress.
Since April is Stress Awareness Month, we’re sharing five tips for ways you can take the stress out of your financial planning.
Read More »Share on Facebook: Stress Less: Five Tips to Take the Stress out of Finances Share on Twitter: Stress Less: Five Tips to Take the Stress out of Finances One of the biggest investments you will ever make is the purchase of a home.
You want to make the most of your investment, so consider one of these home projects to add value to your home!
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An emergency fund is a savings account that is there for a rainy day. It can help you cover major unexpected expenses like car repairs, medical bills, and even unemployment. You need an emergency fund because it provides a buffer in situations that may otherwise have you take out high interest loans or increase your credit card debt. If you already have those kinds of obligations or don’t have any savings at all, an emergency fund is essential to your financial health!
Read More »Share on Facebook: Are You Prepared for a Rainy Day: How to Build an Emergency Fund Share on Twitter: Are You Prepared for a Rainy Day: How to Build an Emergency Fund Did you know that one in three Americans has nothing saved for retirement?
While it is better to start saving for retirement sooner rather than later, it is never too late to start saving. The best way to begin saving for your retirement is through an Individual Retirement Account or IRA.
Read More »Share on Facebook: Put All Your Eggs in One Basket Share on Twitter: Put All Your Eggs in One Basket You may not look forward to doing your taxes, but you probably look forward to getting your tax refund.
But before you start spending your refund on impulse buys, consider putting your refund to good use and ensuring your financial stability for the future. Here are seven smart things to do with your tax refund this year.
Read More »Share on Facebook: 7 Smart Things to do With Your Tax Refund in 2018 Share on Twitter: 7 Smart Things to do With Your Tax Refund in 2018 Spring brings new life, beautiful blooms — and the start of wedding season!
Warmer months are the most popular time of the year to get married, and the average wedding has increased in the past 5 years. You don’t need to spend thousands of dollars to have your dream wedding, but you should be prepared no matter what your budget is. Before you start picking out colors and venues, here are our tips to help you create and stay on budget for your big day!
Share on Facebook: Create and Stick to a Wedding Budget Share on Twitter: Create and Stick to a Wedding Budget You may have heard that last month, one of the big banks announced they will no longer offer free checking for customers with low balances.
This decision prompted many people to look for alternative ways to bank. Credit Unions, like Palisades CU, are a great option for people who are worried about being charged to bank at big banks or want to bank with people that know and care about them. So, what is a credit union and what advantages do they offer?
Read More »Flowers. Chocolate. Dinner and a movie?!
Expectations may be high on Valentine’s day but that doesn’t mean the bill has to be too! Here are some ideas for any budget to make this a Valentine’s Day to remember.
Read More »This year Palisades CU can help you get — and stay — organized!
Our online and mobile banking system was designed for people that are always on the go, like you! If you enroll in online banking you will you have less errands to run, less paper cluttering your house, and fewer due dates to remember every month. If you’re ready to have peace of mind when it comes to your finances read more about how online banking and all the services it comes with was made for you!
Read More »Share on Facebook: Get Organized with Palisades CU Share on Twitter: Get Organized with Palisades CU Did you know only 8% of Americans achieve their New Years resolutions?
While 40% of Americans make resolutions on January 1st, very few actually stick to them. There are many reasons why resolutions may fail, like they’re too lofty or not being specific. Sometimes 12 months is just too daunting! If you want to be one of the 8% who achieve their goals, here are 10 tips to make your resolution stick this year.
Read More »Share on Facebook: 10 Ways to Make Your Resolutions Stick Share on Twitter: 10 Ways to Make Your Resolutions Stick Many people think of the New Year as a time to get in shape, but have you ever considered getting your wallet into shape?
With the fresh start of a new year, now could be a great time for you to tackle some new resolutions that can help your finances and secure your future! Here are four attainable financial resolutions for you to try in 2018.
Read More »Share on Facebook: Four Financial Resolutions to Try This Year Share on Twitter: Four Financial Resolutions to Try This Year Our last blog focused on savings in your 20’s and 30’s.
This week were giving you some tips on how to save in your 40’s, 50’s and 60’s. Your life can change a lot in these decades, but saving is just as important now as it was earlier in life, and it’s time to get serious about saving for retirement. Read on to see our simple tips to help you save and plan for your future.
Read More »Share on Facebook: Savings Tips for 40s, 50s and 60s Share on Twitter: Savings Tips for 40s, 50s and 60s Saving money is an important step to take to plan for your future and to be financially secure in life.
But did you know, the way you save in your 20’s and our 60’s could look completely different? The one thing that will remain the same through out the years is the importance of saving! So no matter where you are in life, it’s never too soon to start your savings journey. Here is the first of two blogs on saving for any age, with some tips to help you start saving.
Read More »Share on Facebook: Savings Tips for People in their 20s and 30s Share on Twitter: Savings Tips for People in their 20s and 30s Many people purchase cars for the holidays for a variety of reasons.
Some people give cars as gifts to loved ones and others just take advantage of all the sales and end of year pricing happening on car lots at this time of year. If you are purchasing car this holiday season you’ll want to make sure you walk in prepared to get the best deal, so we’ve put together a list of tips to help you buy a car this holiday season.
Read More »The holidays are a great time to reconnect with friends and family, enjoy time together and are generally considered a time of cheer and good tidings.
But for some the holidays can be stressful, due to the amount of money spent around the holidays. The National Retail Federation predicts Americans will spend over 670 million around the holidays in 2017, and in 2016 the average American spent $929 on gifts. Don’t let the spirit of giving get the best of you and your finances. Here are six ways to help you save money on gifts and other expenses this holiday season.
Read More »Share on Facebook: Money Saving Tips for the Holidays Share on Twitter: Money Saving Tips for the Holidays Saving money is an important step to building wealth and having financial security in your future, and it’s never too soon to start teaching your kids good saving habits.
Building good habits when they’re young can help ensure your child’s future and will enable them to make sound decisions with their money when they go to college or leave the home. You have a huge part in helping shape these habits, and it’s never too soon to start! Use these six tips to help your kids start building good saving habits now.
Read More »Winter is not a popular time to move.
In fact, most Americans move between May and September. While the idea of moving in the cold months and possibly having to deal with adverse weather conditions may not be appealing, moving during the winter can save you lots of money. Read on to see the three ways starting your new home search now can save you!
Read More »Share on Facebook: Now is the Time to Buy a New Home Share on Twitter: Now is the Time to Buy a New Home Palisades Credit Union Assumes Loans, Assets, and Shares
(Pearl River, NY) – The National Credit Union Administration (NCUA) liquidated New York State Employees Federal Credit Union (NYSEFCU) on October 27, 2017. Palisades Credit Union immediately assumed most of New York State Employees Federal Credit Union’s assets and all member shares and loans.
Read More »Share on Facebook: Palisades CU Assumes Loans, Assets, and Shares Share on Twitter: Palisades CU Assumes Loans, Assets, and Shares For many millennials — over 80% in a recent survey — student debt has become a barrier to home ownership.
Despite being in their prime years to buy their first home they expect to delay buying a home by seven years. Earlier this year however home lenders Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac changed some of the requirements to debt-to-income (DTI) ratios. Fannie Mae raised the DTI ceiling from 45% to 50%, which may open the door to home-ownership for many new buyers.
Read More »Share on Facebook: New Terms for Home Loans if You Have Student Debt Share on Twitter: New Terms for Home Loans if You Have Student Debt If you are like a majority of Americans banking and finances can be a confusing and even stressful topic.
However, being financially literate is key to having a successful future and knowing you will be able to take care of you and your family’s needs.
Read More »Sticking to a budget is hard, but it is essential to plan for you and your family’s financial health and future.
Thankfully there are dozens of mobile apps that can help you learn more about your spending habits and how to better take care of your finances available. Here’s a list of some of our favorite money apps available to smartphone users, so you can bank smart no matter where you are!
Read More »Share on Facebook: Three Apps to Help Your Finances Share on Twitter: Three Apps to Help Your Finances 
With data breaches becoming more frequent, it is important to understand how to protect yourself.
Identity theft occurs when someone uses your personal information, without your permission, and pretends to be you to commit fraud. It can be hard to notice that you were a victim of identity theft until you review your reports or statements and see charges you didn't make, or are contacted by a debt collector about a debt you don't recognize.
Read More »Share on Facebook: Identity Theft and How To Protect Yourself Share on Twitter: Identity Theft and How To Protect Yourself College is quite the expense and tuition is only one part of that.
You also need to consider room and board, books, food, and more but don’t let that discourage you! There are plenty of ways to cut costs and save. Keep more money in your wallet by trying these five ways to save in college.
Read More »Beat! Beep! Watch us beat your rate!
Beep! Beep! Is there a new car in your future? Finding the perfect vehicle can be a daunting task. Lots of questions come up about what style car are you looking for. What make of the car? What model? But the most common thought is: “how much money is this going to cost?”
Read More »Beginning September 15, 2017, the National Automated Clearing House Association (NACHA) is implementing a Same Day ACH debit program, enabling the same-day processing of virtually any ACH payment.
Only international transactions (IATs) and high-value transactions above $25,000 will be excluded from same-day processing.
Read More »Wrap Up Summer With Rewards
If you’re looking for a credit card with great benefits, check out our Platinum Rewards MasterCard!
Read More »Beware: Charging Your Phone In Public May Not Be Safe!
If you’re like most people, you use your smartphone for everything, everyday! Even if it’s just there in case of emergencies having a charged cellphone can provide a serious sense of security. That’s why when the battery meter starts to tick down, a cold sense of panic rises in your stomach.
Read More »Share on Facebook: Beware: Charging Your Phone In Public May Not Be Safe! Share on Twitter: Beware: Charging Your Phone In Public May Not Be Safe! Feeling Stuck In Your Auto Loan? Refinance With Palisades CU!
With all the attention paid to refinancing home mortgages, refinancing your auto loan to a better rate may not have even crossed your mind!
Read More »Share on Facebook: Feeling Stuck In Your Auto Loan? Share on Twitter: Feeling Stuck In Your Auto Loan? 
How To Pay For College
While many types of federal student loans exist, freshman college students and their families often find that even the maximum loan amounts are not enough to pay for their education. This blog will explore how to pay for college when financial aid isn't enough.
Read More »How Do Home Appraisals Affect Your Mortgage Loan?
Financing your new home is a process with numerous steps and the home appraisal process is one that can be particularly confusing to first-time home buyers. Learn how an appraisal can affect your mortgage loan.
Read More »Share on Facebook: How Do Home Appraisals Affect Your Mortgage Loan? Share on Twitter: How Do Home Appraisals Affect Your Mortgage Loan? Ditch Your Bank, Join a Credit Union!
Tired of paying bank fees on everything from ATM withdrawals to monthly account maintenance? Want to be earning a better interest rate on your savings account? It might be time to consider switching to a credit union.
Read More »Share on Facebook: Ditch Your Bank, Join a Credit Union! Share on Twitter: Ditch Your Bank, Join a Credit Union! Missed the FASFA Deadline? You Still Have Options!
Paying for college can be overwhelming and if you are looking for financial aid to help pay for school, staying on top of all those deadlines can be even more so. Besides keeping track of college application deadlines, scholarship deadlines, and financial aid deadlines, you also need to keep track of the special requirements for each one. It can be difficult to keep it all straight when you have so much going on.
Read More »Student Loan Myths Busted!
A recent LendEDU survey of more than 500 college students showed some troubling misconceptions about how student loans work — from the length of repayment plans to what happens if you cannot pay. With so much information and advice about student loans it's easy to be misinformed. Watch out for these five student loan myths.
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Buying a home is a long process – sometimes taking months. When you decide you’re ready to buy a home, you’ll (hopefully) examine your own finances closer than you ever have before – because your mortgage underwriter will be looking at your finances even more closely.
Read More »Share on Facebook: 10 Things to Avoid When Applying for A Mortgage Share on Twitter: 10 Things to Avoid When Applying for A Mortgage If you’re buying your first vehicle, the process may seem overwhelming.
Maybe you know what you want, but you’re not sure it will fit in your budget. And how do you know you’re getting the best deal? This guide is designed to help you successfully maneuver down the road to your new vehicle and avoid any potholes that could derail the process.
Read More »Palisades Credit Union announced today it has received approval of its community charter expansion by the National Credit Union Association (NCUA).
With this approval, Palisades Credit Union will expand its membership to serve “persons who live, work, study, volunteer, or worship Rockland County, New York and Bergen County, New Jersey”. This field of membership expansion was approved effective June 1, 2017.
Read More »Palisades Credit Union Awards Scholarships to Members
PEARL RIVER, NY – Palisades Credit Union has awarded three thousand dollars ($3,000.00) in college scholarships to five (5) high school seniors to help finance their college education.
Read More »Thinking about buying a second home?
Even in today’s housing market, a second home can be a great long term investment, or a way to earn extra income on the side by renting! However, there are some things to consider when buying a second home.
Share on Facebook: Buying A Second Home? Here Are Some Things To Consider Share on Twitter: Buying A Second Home? Here Are Some Things To Consider Have you ever been hit with a “minimum balance” fee by your bank only to wonder why you have to pay to access your own money?
Read on to find out why banks charge fees and what your options are!
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Millennials may say they don’t want credit or that they have no worries about credit, but in reality, everyone needs to be actively concerned with their credit and credit score.
Read More »Share on Facebook: Millennials: Use These 5 Tips To Build Credit Share on Twitter: Millennials: Use These 5 Tips To Build Credit 
Personal loans are most often used to consolidate debt or pay off credit card bills but they can also be used for a world of travel opportunities. Read more to see if a personal loan from Palisades Credit Union is right for you!
Read More »Share on Facebook: Fund Your Dream Vacation With A Personal Loan From PCU Share on Twitter: Fund Your Dream Vacation With A Personal Loan From PCU Learn more about student loan consolidation to determine if consolidating or refinancing your student loans is right for you.
Read More »Share on Facebook: Student Loan Consolidation vs Refinancing Share on Twitter: Student Loan Consolidation vs Refinancing Drive Away With A Low Rate And More Benefits!
Once you've found the vehicle that fits your needs, make sure your auto loan is also a perfect fit. Learn if the Flex Auto Saver Loan from Palisades Credit Union is right for you!
Read More »Palisades CU is pleased to announce that we are upgrading our credit cards!
In addition to upgrading cards, all credit card information will be accessible through Online Banking.
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Whether you are a first-time homebuyer or a seasoned veteran, you likely already know that there are many options available when choosing a mortgage lender to buy a new home.
Many people choose large banks or corporations for their mortgages because they feel that they can get a better mortgage rate – but is that really true? Read on to find out and learn about some of the unexpected benefits of working with a credit union.
Read More »Spring Into Action With A Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC)
Put your home’s equity to work and get the flexibility you need with a Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC) from Palisades Credit Union! Whether you want to spruce up your home for spring, plan a vacation or consolidate your debt you can do it on your terms with help from Palisades Credit Union.
Read More »Are you ready to buy your first home?
Taking the steps to buy a home is exciting but it can also be scary if you don’t know what to expect. Take a look at these tips to avoid making common mistakes that could end up putting your new home loan on hold!
Palisades Credit Union Partners with Rockland Boulders for Charity
Palisades Credit Union is proud to partner with the Rockland Boulders in their new and exciting fundraiser program that is guaranteed to help area groups and 501(c)3 organizations raise an unprecedented amount of money while enjoying all the fun of a Boulders home game.
Read More »Palisades Credit Union Saves Rockland County over $2 Million in Interest
Palisades Credit Union set a goal in 2016 to save Rockland County residents $1 Million in interest on loans with competitive rates. As a community chartered credit union, Palisades wanted to reinvest in its members and the community. The credit union found a way to save its community money by helping members find lower rates for their loans.
Read More »Share on Facebook: Saving Rockland Over $2 Million in Interest Share on Twitter: Saving Rockland Over $2 Million in Interest Direct Deposit is a free service that automatically deposits recurring income into your checking or savings account.
Types of deposits that qualify include: salary from your employer, Social Security, pension, retirement plans, the Armed Forces, VA benefits, and annuity or dividend payments.
Read More »Beat the Rush! Black Wednesday Loan Sale
In honor of the biggest shopping season, Palisades CU will host a Black Wednesday Loan Sale to get shoppers ready for Black Friday. You can apply online or in person starting Wednesday, November 23 8AM-5PM EST. Get ready to submit those applications early as rates will increase throughout the day.
Read More »Palisades Credit Union Offers Relief Loan Special for Hurricane Matthew
(Pearl River, NY) - Palisades Credit Union announced today that they will be offering low rate relief loans to provide assistance to all Rockland county residents who have families that have been affected by Hurricane Matthew.
The Credit Union is offering personal loans at 50% off their standard rates for terms up to 24 months. The loans can be used for anything to help with relief in the affected areas. Through this offer, Palisades CU hopes to help the families of our members who have been affected by Hurricane Matthew.
Relief Loan applications can be taken online and over the phone, please visit www.palisadesfcu.org/apply to get started. For more information about the loan program visit www.palisadesfcu.org/reliefloan
About Palisades Credit Union
Palisades Credit Union is a not-for-profit organization founded in 1941 with a vision of building valued relationships through a lifetime of financial solutions. As the largest Rockland County based Credit Union, it operates three branches and provides a suite of full service banking products and services. Membership to Palisades Credit Union is open to anyone who lives, works, studies, volunteers, or worships in Rockland County, New York.
Have you checked mortgage interest rates lately? If rates happen to be lower than when you bought your home, it may make sense to refinance to a lower rate. Read on to learn more about refinancing to decide whether to refinance or not.
Read More »Share on Facebook: To Refinance or Not To Refinance Share on Twitter: To Refinance or Not To Refinance Palisades Federal Credit Union is aware that there is a Mystery Shopper Scam that utilizes fraudulent credit union checks with our logo and credit union information.
Letters are being sent welcoming people to the Mystery Shopper program. Recipients are asked to deposit the fraudulent check into their bank accounts. After completing a few assignments, they are told to keep a set amount as their payment for completing the mystery shop assignments and to send the rest back to the sender.
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Palisades Credit Union is now offering discounts at Palisades Credit Union Park, home of the Rockland Boulders. By using a Palisades CU debit or rewards credit card you can receive 20% off tickets at the box office, items in the team store, and food& non-alcoholic beverages in the main concession stands.
If you do not already have a checking account with Palisades Credit Union or a debit card, visit one of one of our branches or www.palisadesfcu.org/apply.
Share on Facebook: A Home Run For Palisades CU Members Share on Twitter: A Home Run For Palisades CU Members Palisades Credit Union Acquires Naming Rights to the Rockland Boulders Ballpark
Fans of the 2015 Can-Am Regular Season Champion Rockland Boulders will find a new community partner on the ballpark this year with the announcement today that Palisades Credit Union has acquired naming rights to the park now to be called Palisades Credit Union Park.
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