Are you planning on buying your first home? Not sure what to expect? We put together a comprehensive guide that walks you through the entire process. You’ll learn: Things you need to do to prepare for your mortgage application Tips for searching for the home of your dreams The process of making an offer How inspection works What to expect when applying for your mortgage What happens at settlement Download your free guide >>

This is a guest post from Roberta Pescow, NerdWallet The equity in your home is a powerful thing, but it’s up to you to unleash that potential. A home equity line of credit can put your equity to work for you. Here’s what you should know about this form of revolving charge account and some of the ways to use it. Understanding HELOCs A HELOC (pronounced “hee-lock”) is a form of secured financing that uses the borrower’s home as collateral. It relies on using your home equity, or the difference between the appraised value and what you owe on the…

You have plenty of options when it comes to managing your money, but it can be difficult figuring out what’s the best option. Bank or credit union? Are big brands important? Is digital banking easier? With so many myths floating around, it can make your decision-making process even more difficult. Our goal today is to help you make informed decisions by debunking these myths. Myth #1: Money is only safe if it’s in a big bank Financial institutions, no matter the size, are regulated under the same government bodies. While banks are under the FDIC, credit unions fall under the National…

We decided to celebrate the end of the tax season with an auto refinance special offering our biggest rebate ever. Apply online to refinance your existing auto loan from another lender and we’ll give you 1.5%* cash back (up to $500). Besides the cash bonus, you can expect great rates with Aspire FCU. Our used auto loan rates start at just 2.99% APR.** Why Refinancing Might be Best for You Chances are you don’t have the best rate you could have. If you financed with a dealership, they are notorious for selling loans with high rates, even if you have…

The spring season is a busy time for real estate. If you plan to put your home on the market, you want it to look its best. Here’s how to make your home more appealing to buyers. De-Clutter You want to create as much space as possible to make your home look bigger. To do this, get rid of anything you don’t use regularly. You can sell or donate things you don’t use, or rent a storage unit for things you want in your new home. Going through the de-clutter process will also help you get organized for your own…