If you’re purchasing a new car, be prepared for aggressive, expensive tactics used by auto dealerships.  Equip yourself with some useful tips and keep your money in your pocket. Caution with Interactions You need to keep your guard up at all times.  Every person you deal with is looking to profit off of you, even if they say they do not receive a commission off of your purchase.  Be especially cautious of the finance office, which may even be designed to make you relax and feel more comfortable. Know Your Credit Score Knowing your credit score is a good general rule of thumb,…

If you’re mortgage shopping, you may be overwhelmed by the number of options. Dozens of lenders, each with their own rates, terms, conditions and costs, can make the decision feel that way. But it doesn’t have to be that difficult! The choice of which mortgage to go with starts with a simple question: fixed-rate or adjustable? There are many different terms, points and rates associated with each, but narrowing your search to a category can really simplify the process. Fixed-Rate vs ARM As an overview, fixed-rate mortgages are the more traditional choice. You and a lender agree to a length…

Original article posted on NerdWallet. Americans spend a bundle on their vehicles each year. To cut costs, some people drive less when gas prices are high and buy used when it’s time for a new ride, but there are more ways to save — even when your vehicle is parked. The average annual cost of vehicle ownership is nearly $8,700, according to AAA, including the cost of gas, insurance, financing, depreciation, licensing, taxes and maintenance. With an estimated 88% of American households owning at least one automobile, according to data from the Pew Research Center, vehicles are the second-largest expense for…

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…

It’s finally spring! We got another round of snow here in the Northeast last week, but everyone has high hopes that will be the last of it. The warmer weather inspires many people to begin spring cleaning. While giving your home a through cleaning is an excellent idea, don’t forget to add your finances to the list. 1. Make a Commitment to Get Rid of Holiday Bills Are you still paying off holiday gifts? If so, it’s time to tighten up your spending or find ways to earn extra money. Make an effort to save money in small ways, like…