ADJUSTABLE RATE MORTGAGES VS. FIXED RATE MORTGAGES: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
In the world of mortgages, there are two primary options that borrowers often consider: adjustable-rate mortgages (ARMs) and fixed-rate mortgages (FRMs). If you're in the…
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HOW TO TALK TO CREDITORS AND DEBT COLLECTORS
It's happened to all of us: the due date on a bill creeps up and the balance in our checking account doesn't quite cover the…
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GIFT CARD SCAMS
Gift card fraud is a rising issue for people everywhere. Scammers use tricks like phishing and draining to take advantage of weaknesses in gift card…
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IS A CREDIT UNION MEMBERSHIP FOR ME?
Managing your money and finding reliable options for financial institutions can often feel overwhelming, especially if you’ve never been to a bank or credit union.…
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ESTATE PLANNING
It's easy to put off estate planning and consider it a task for later in life. You might be intimidated by the thought of getting…
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PROTECTION FROM CARD SKIMMING
People use their debit cards for everything from buying groceries to getting gas. The convenience of having debit/credit cards eliminates most needs for cash. But…
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THE FINDING HOME PROGRAM EMPOWERS FAMILIES
Finding HOME is a comprehensive 12-18 month program that offers free financial education, behavior counseling, and housing support to empower families on their journey towards…
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WELCOME TO THE FUTURE OF BANKING: FEATURES AND BENEFITS OF SMART ATMS
Maybe you can picture yourself in this scenario: you wake up with a long list of errands, one being a trip to your credit union…
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10 STEPS FOR FIRST-TIME HOMEBUYERS: THE HOME BUYING PROCESS
Buying a home is a big milestone in many people’s lives. But especially for first-time homebuyers, understanding how to buy a house can be overwhelming…
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13 HOLIDAY TIPS FOR TOTAL WELL-BEING
The holiday season, often seen as the most wonderful time of the year, can also bring a significant amount of stress and anxiety for many…
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CHOOSING A CHECKING ACCOUNT THAT GETS IT
Imagine a checking account that’s easy, and convenient. It has features that help you better manage your money, it helps you out when you’re in…
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OVERCOMING HOMELESSNESS: YOUR PATH TO A BRIGHTER FINANCIAL FUTURE
Individuals and families who have found themselves homeless face a challenging journey back to stability. It's not easy to figure out how to get out…
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STUDENT LOAN REPAYMENT SIMPLIFIED
After a historical hiatus throughout the pandemic, borrowers now face federal student loan repayment. Evaluating your full financial picture and making a repayment plan goes…
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MCU FOUNDATION ANNUAL GOLF OUTING
Marine Credit Union works hard to help members with their financial needs, but some needs can’t be met with loans or savings accounts. We started…
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FACING HOMELESSNESS: WHAT TO EXPECT AND HOW TO PREPARE
Many individuals and families who have experienced homelessness have gone on to lead fulfilling lives. Preparing for homelessness and regaining housing stability and financial security…
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HOW TO REPORT IDENTITY THEFT
Our digital lives make things easier, but they also provide opportunities for identity thieves. Thieves can commit fraud using our names, Social Security numbers, credit…
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MEDICAL DEBT
Medical debt is a concerning financial situation faced by many individuals and families. Unexpected medical expenses can lead to substantial financial strain, impacting credit scores…
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FINANCIAL STRESS AND YOUR MENTAL HEALTH
In today's fast-paced world, managing our finances effectively is a daunting task. Maintaining our finances is actually crucial for our overall well-being. Financial wellness and…
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WHAT IS A DIGITAL WALLET?
In today's fast-paced digital world, carrying around a physical wallet filled with multiple cards seems outdated. Although most people still use physical cards and wallets,…
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HOW DOES REFINANCING WORK?
Refinancing is the process of replacing an existing loan with a new loan that has different terms, often with the goal of obtaining a lower…
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HOW TO USE A HELOC LOAN THE RIGHT WAY
If you're a homeowner, you can be proud of the equity you've built in your home. You've worked hard to manage your mortgage and make…
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CAR BUYING MADE SIMPLE
Buying a car can be a daunting task, especially if you are a first-time buyer. With so many options available in the market, it can…
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TAXPAYERS BEWARE: FIVE COMMON SCAMS TO AVOID
At this time of year, criminals love to impersonate IRS agents. Scammers use the anxiety many of us feel surrounding our taxes to trick us…
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UNDERSTANDING OVERDRAFT PROTECTION: MINIMIZE FEES, MAXIMIZE SAVINGS
Sometimes, despite your best efforts (or intentions!) to stick to a budget, you might find your checking account a little short. Maybe you ran into…
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IS IT CHEAPER TO BUILD OR BUY A HOUSE?
Whether you're a first-time homebuyer or a current homeowner dreaming of a new abode, you may have visions of owning wide open space full of…
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TIPS FOR SAFE HOLIDAY SHOPPING
The holiday season is upon us, and that means it's time to get your shopping on. While we all love getting great deals on Black…
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CHECKING ACCOUNTS THAT WORK FOR YOU
When it comes to managing your money, there are a lot of different products, services, and support you can use. And while everyone's goals are…
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THE BASICS OF BUYING LAND: 6 STEPS TO OWNERSHIP
A lot of people dream of staking claim to their own piece of land. The open space comes with all sorts of possibility, giving you…
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COMPASSIONATE LENDING & COLLECTING
Getting a loan. For many, the thought conjures up conflicting feelings. On the one hand, it elicits hope and excitement at the prospect of fulfilling…
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SPOTTING FRAUDSTERS, SCAMMERS, AND IDENTITY THEVES ONLINE
Aside from the monetary losses caused by online scams, falling victim also has the potential to damage your credit score, hurt your chances of getting…
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FINANCIAL FITNESS AND INSURANCE
Spring always brings a new wave of motivation! The great hibernation is almost over as people become more active. Maybe winter derailed your New Year’s…
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HOW TO UNDERSTAND YOUR CREDIT SCORE
Credit is one of the most important topics related to finances that will consistently affect a person’s financial situation. It is crucial to know what…
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BOOST YOUR PROPERTY VALUE WITH THESE REMODELING PROJECTS
The housing market is hot right now, and many people realize now is the time to get as much for your home as possible. Buyers…
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REACH FOR THE STARS: HOW TO ACHIEVE FINANCIAL WELLNESS POST-PANDEMIC
The pandemic has affected many businesses’ and individuals’ finances, leading to significant losses as opportunities became scarce. In fact, 44% of people whose financial situations got…
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DISTRUST IN FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS
hen it comes to putting trust in banks/credit unions with your money or financial plans, there may be a lot of hesitation-- Who do I…
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QUICK DAILY TIPS TO PREVENT IDENTITY THEFT FROM HAPPENING TO YOU
In an earlier blog article, we looked at the different kinds of identity theft or fraud and provided some tips for protecting your identity directly…
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TAKE CONTROL OF MANAGING YOUR BUDGET
Saving money can often be a challenge. We’re wired to take care of our needs now, and worry about later… well, later. However, saving money…
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TIPS AND STRATEGIES TO PAY OFF YOUR DEBT
redit cards, car loans, recreational vehicle loans, mortgage loans, school loans… the list can go on and on, right? Carrying debt is a burden that…
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WHY CHOOSE A CREDIT UNION
Selecting a financial institution can be confusing. Credit union or bank? Better interest rates or more flexibility? These questions can create even more questions. That’s…
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3 IMPORTANT QUESTIONS TO ANSWER BEFORE YOU BUY A HOUSE
These are just a few points to consider when you are thinking of purchasing a home. Before making your final decision, please consult a home…
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MAKE YOUR CHECKING ACCOUNT WORK FOR YOU
A checking account is a checking account, right? WRONG! Checking accounts have become a “staple” of banking, but you have more options than ever before.…
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FINANCIAL LITERACY COUNSELING: A CALLING FOR MAJEL HEIN
Majel Hein was the first Financial Literacy Counselor to come on board at the Marine Credit Union Foundation to create and manage our Finding HOME…
Read More JON’S JOURNEY TO FINANCIAL STABILITY
Working with Majel, Jon established a working budget for his household. “If we ever have questions, she always gets back to me in a timely…
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BUYING A HOME IS EASY AS 1,2,3,4,5,6!
Buying your first home can be an overwhelming process if you don’t know where to start or what to expect. Following these steps will help…
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CONSIDER THE LENGTH OF YOUR AUTO LOAN
When it comes to auto loans, the shorter the term, the better. That may be an obvious statement, but there could be a few things…
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MAKE YOUR TAX RETURN WORK FOR YOU
In just a few weeks (or less), many Americans will be receiving a tax refund. The average tax refund received in 2020 was just shy…
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TAKE SOME STRESS OUT OF MANAGING YOUR MONEY
Does the thought of budgeting make you cringe? You are not alone! Put yours on autopilot this spring with these 5 steps.
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CREDIT 101 – HOW DOES CREDIT WORK?
Confused by your credit report? Review the five areas below that affect your credit report/score and the tips to bring your score up.
Read More PROTECT YOURSELF AGAINST IDENTITY THEFT OR FRAUD
Now more than ever it is important to be on the look out for scams and to protect yourself from identity theft. Scammers are out…
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USE YOUR HOME EQUITY TO YOUR ADVANTAGE
While some of us have put a spending freeze on our personal budgets, others are interested in making some home improvements or going back to…
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THE FAQS OF CERTIFICATES
What is a Certificate? A Certificates (banks call them Certificates of Deposit, or CDs) is a savings vehicle used to earn a higher rate of…
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A MISSION STATEMENT THAT SPARKED A MOVEMENT
The mission was already there – it needed to be carved away like a sculptor removing the excess material that distracted what was underneath all…
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BLESSED BY THE GIFT OF ADOPTION
Years ago, after Bill and Cathy were married, they felt passionate about growing their family, not only biologically but also to provide a forever family…
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DIGNITY, RESPECT FOR ALL – A FAMILY LEGACY
Meet Mo. Mo works on the Marine team as a bilingual mortgage representative. He is an ITIN Certified Lender, which means he is uniquely qualified…
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