Posts Tagged ‘blog’
Homebuying Process (What You Actually Need to Know in 2026)
Buying your first home is a big step. And if you’ve started researching, you’ve probably realized how much conflicting advice is out there. Save 20%. Get preapproved. Find the lowest rate. Move quickly. Don’t rush. The truth is, the homebuying process isn’t one-size-fits-all. In 2026, first-time buyers are navigating a quickly changing market, evolving loan…
Read MoreDo You Really Need 20% Down? (Why Most Buyers Wait Too Long)
The idea that you need a 20% down payment to buy a home has been around for decades—but it’s one of the most common misconceptions in homebuying. In reality, most buyers today are putting down far less. And in many cases, waiting to reach that 20% threshold can actually delay homeownership longer than necessary, especially…
Read MoreWhat is an ADU? A Simple Guide to Accessory Dwelling Units and Financing
As housing needs continue to evolve, more homeowners are looking for flexible ways to use their property. One option gaining attention, especially with recent changes in Maine, is the Accessory Dwelling Unit, or ADU. Whether you’re thinking about creating additional living space or exploring long-term investment possibilities for your property, including creating rental income, understanding…
Read MoreThrive On a Dime; Mastering Your Budget and Creating a Value Based Spending Plan That Works For You!
January 2026 The start of the new year is a great time to reflect on what worked (or didn’t work) over the past year with the goals you may have set in 2025. Did you achieve what you set out to do? What do you wish was different? What are the hopes and dreams you…
Read MoreHow To: Changing Signers on a UCU Student Organization Account
January 2026 Student organizations undergo frequent personnel changes, and to keep the organization’s account secure there are important steps and documents that are required. We’ve put together this short blog to help make it easier for you to manage your organization’s account when signers need to be added, removed, or updated. What’s Required to Change…
Read MoreHow to Access Your Year-End Documents
December 2025 As the holiday season wraps up, we look ahead to the next year and put a bow on 2025. In financial sense, that means gathering your documents from the previous year as you prepare for tax filing season. Instead of waiting for documents and forms to arrive in the mail, we make it…
Read MoreBeware the Threat of A.I. Scams in Cybersecurity
October 2025 Martha Ward, ISSMP, CISSPVP of Technology & Digital Experience Cybersecurity Awareness Month is here again and serves as an important reminder that cyber-attacks don’t just target computer systems, they target people. This month we’re highlighting how artificial intelligence (AI) continues to evolve and how fraud could impact you. AI has significantly changed the…
Read MoreBuilding Your Dream: A Step-by-Step Guide to Securing a Construction Loan
June 2025 Building your dream home is an exciting endeavor, but securing financing can seem overwhelming. Construction loans offer a path to realizing your vision, and with careful planning, the process can be smooth and successful. How Construction Loans Work Construction loans are short-term loans designed to finance the building of a new home. Unlike…
Read MoreYou’re More Than a Number: Why Your Credit Score Isn’t the Whole Story
By Abbey Ramsay, VP of Lending June 2025 We’ve all encountered websites with catchy slogans like: “Your Credit Score: From Blah to Fab!” or “Breathe Life into Your Credit Score.” What does this mean, and why does this number, which varies across different sources, hold so much importance? We’re here to explain and provide some…
Read MoreHow Credit Unions Offer Auto Loans for a Range of Credit Scores
Understanding the Credit Union Difference at UCU May 2025 Shopping for a car should be exciting—not stressful. But for many people, especially those with less-than-perfect credit, the idea of applying for an auto loan can bring a lot of anxiety. At UCU, we want to change that narrative. U Are More Than a Credit Score…
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