My Home Skyrocketed in Value. Now What?

For the Home

Have you seen the value of your home skyrocket lately? In some areas of the country, properties have doubled in value over the last two years. Because of this, many homeowners like you may be wondering what, if anything, they can do with this burst of equity. Here, we’ve outlined several financial moves you may want to consider at this …

How to Prepare Your Home for Winter

For the Home

Keep your home warm and safe this winter by following our comprehensive to-do list before the real cold sets in. 1. Seal your home Give your home a quick run-through, checking for drafts. You can do this by holding a lit candle near the following areas: Windows Doors Vents and fans Plumbing areas Air conditioners Mail chutes Electrical and gas …

Discussing Risk Management With Your Spouse

Directions Financial Solutions

One of the most challenging issues for couples to resolve is how much risk they’re willing to take with their investments. Here are some tips to guide you on the road toward joint venture: 1.) Communication is key Let your partner know you’re willing to research options together and come up with a plan. Erica Coogan, a partner at Moss …

Tips for Smart Food Shopping

Uncategorized

Tips-for-Smart-Food-Shopping

Food. It’s one of the necessities of life. Yet, keeping you and your family fed can take a large portion of your budget. The following tips from our partners at FoolProof can help you get more for your money no matter what’s happening with food prices. Shopping for Groceries Grocery stores can make it tempting to blow your budget. But …

Directions CU Can Help Fill College Funding Gaps

Student Money Tips

Directions-CU-Can-Help-Fill-College-Funding-Gaps

College is a big investment, which is why it’s important to know your options, plan ahead, and choose wisely to pay for it. Most families do not have enough college savings to pay for four years of tuition, room, board, books, and other expenses, so financial aid will come into play. Directions can help you plan, and help you bridge …

All You Need to Know About HELOCs

For the Home

If you’re a homeowner in need of a bundle of cash, look no further than your own home. By tapping into your home’s equity, you’re eligible for a loan with a, generally, lower interest rate and easier eligibility requirements. One way to do this is by opening up a home equity line of credit, or a HELOC. Let’s take a …

Gas Prices Hurting Your Wallet? Check Out These Tips!

For the Road

Gas-Prices-Hurting-Your-Wallet-Check-Out-These-Tips

When gas prices increase, your wallet can feel the pinch. Fluctuating prices make it hard to budget. The following tips can help you save money whether prices are high or low. Drive wisely • Observe the speed limit. Aerodynamic drag increases as your speed increases and reduces fuel efficiency. • Avoid rapid acceleration and braking. Slow steady acceleration and braking …

What’s The Best Way To Finance A Home Renovation?

For the Home

As a Directions Credit Union member, you have several choices when it comes to financing a home renovation. And we want to help you find the right one for your specific needs! First, let’s take a look at some common choices and why they’re not the best idea: 1. Home Equity Loan A home equity loan is a loan that’s …

Building vs. Buying. Construction Loan Basics

For the Home

Looking for a new home and not finding what you want? Building a home can be very enticing. And if your budget allows it, you can get the exact floor plan and finishes you prefer.  Plus, everything is brand new. Just make sure you know what to expect before you finance a new construction home. A lot of patience is …

6 Step Guide To The Mortgage Loan Process – Made Easy.

For the Home

You found a home! A rush of excitement and uneasiness at the same time.  What’s the timeline and steps to make this a done deal?  Your realtor will guide you through the negotiation process on price and basic timing for possession of the home. Once your offer is accepted, and you select a lender, the process typically wraps up start …