Refinancing a car loan can be a smart financial move, creating opportunities to save money and improve your financial situation. The trick is knowing when to refinance to maximize the benefits. In this blog, we’ll explore the advantages of refinancing your car loan and offer guidance on determining the optimal time to make your move.

What is Auto Refinancing?

Auto refinancing involves replacing your current car or truck loan with a new one, typically with a different lender at a different rate and monthly payment. Your new loan pays off the existing one, and you then make payments on that replacement loan.

Reasons to Refinance Your Vehicle

• Lower Interest Rates: Refinancing can help secure a lower interest rate, which reduces your monthly payments and the total interest paid over the life (also known as length or term) of the loan.
• Improved Loan Terms: Depending on your financial goals, it may be beneficial to alter your loan’s term. Extending the term can lower your monthly payments, while shortening it can help you pay off the loan faster.
• Change in Financial Situation: If your financial situation has improved since you took out the original loan, refinancing could allow you to obtain both a better term and better interest rate based on your current creditworthiness.

When’s the Right Time?

Determining when to refinance involves evaluating several factors to ensure you benefit the most. You should at least consider refinancing your auto loan if any of the following circumstances:

• Interest Rates Dropped – If market interest rates have decreased since you took out your original loan, and your credit has remained solid or even improved, refinancing can likely secure you a lower rate. Even a small reduction in your interest rate can lead to saving thousands over the life of the loan as well as lowering your monthly payment more immediately. Use an online refinancing calculator to estimate how much you could save with a lower interest rate. Compare this amount to any fees associated with refinancing to ensure it’s worth the effort.
• Your Credit Score Improved – Another way to qualify for a lower rate is if your credit score has improved since you initially financed your car and market rates have remained steady, or even fallen. Borrowers with higher credit scores get better rates and sometimes more favorable terms too. Be sure to monitor your score using a free service, and if it’s been improving, shop quotes to see what you can secure. Just make sure the new loan terms still align with your financial goals.
• Want to Adjust the Loan Term – Refinancing provides an opportunity to adjust your loan’s term. If you want to lower your monthly payments, extending the term might be beneficial. On the other hand, if you aim to pay off your car loan faster to free up more funds long term, refinancing to a shorter term could be worthwhile. Be mindful of how changing the loan term affects your overall loan costs and impacts your credit. Extending the term may reduce your monthly payments but could increase the total interest paid, shortening the term could increase monthly payments but save you money in interest, and constantly refinancing or applying for new loans can hurt your credit.
• Current Terms Are Unfavorable – If your current loan has high interest rates and/or unfavorable terms, refinancing might provide much needed relief. Look for opportunities to refinance to a loan with no prepayment penalties or other restrictions. Be aware of any fees or penalties associated with your current loan for early repayment. Factor these into your decision to ensure that refinancing remains the smart financial move. Much like breaking a lease, consider if it’s better to get out now or just ride it out.
• Need to Release Equity for Cash – If your car’s value has increased or there’s increased demand for your vehicle, refinancing could allow you to access some of that equity in the form of cash. Much like refinancing or taking out an equity loan on your home, this can come in handy as a financial lifeline. Be forewarned: Refinancing your vehicle for equity will almost certainly mean increased monthly payments and/or a longer repayment period. Some lenders do not offer this option or charge fees since there’s more liability with a depreciating asset. Triple check that all the benefits outweigh the potential costs or risks with releasing equity.

Steps to Refinance

1. Review Your Current Loan: Check the remaining balance, interest rate, and loan term. Identify any prepayment penalties or fees associated with early repayment.
2. Research Lenders: Compare refinance and loan offers for competitive interest rates, favorable terms, and minimal fees.
3. Check Your Credit Score: Obtain a free copy of your credit report and check your score. A higher credit score improves your chances of better loan terms.
4. Calculate the Savings: Use refinancing calculators to estimate potential savings based on different interest rates and loan terms.
5. Apply for the New Loan: Once you’re ready, the only thing left is to submit your application!
6. Loan Closing: Once you sign your new loan agreement, your existing loan will be paid off, and your new loan takes its place.

To Wrap Up 

Refinancing your car loan can be the strategic move to save money and improve your financial situation, but it really depends on a number of factors. Take the time to do your research and weigh your options. If you’re unsure whether refinancing is right for you, reach out to an Upward Credit Union team member, and let’s talk through it!

Navigating financial planning as a couple is both exciting and challenging. As you build a life together, aligning your financial goals, managing your money, and planning for the future are crucial steps. In this guide, we’ll explore key strategies and considerations for couples to effectively manage their finances together and set the stage for success!

1. Start with Open Communication

Effective financial management begins with open and honest communication. Before diving into budgeting or investment strategies, it’s essential to discuss your financial values, goals, and concerns.

To foster productive financial conversations, try to:

• Schedule Regular Discussions: Set aside time for regular financial check-ins. This helps keep both partners on the same page and allows you to address any emerging issues promptly.
• Share Your Financial Histories: Be transparent about your financial backgrounds. Be sure you include any debts, savings, and spending habits. Understanding each other’s financial history will build trust and prevent surprises down the road.
• Define Common Goals: Discuss and agree on short-term and long-term financial goals: saving for a home, retirement, starting a family, or a big vacation. Aligning your goals is crucial to creating a cohesive plan.

2. Establish a Joint Budget

Joint budgets are fundamental to managing your finances jointly. A well-crafted budget helps to ensure both partners contribute fairly to expenses AND savings.

Need help figuring out your joint budget? Use the following to quick start yours today!

• Combine Income and Expenses: Pool your incomes and list all household expenses, including fixed costs (rent, mortgage, utilities) and variable costs (groceries, entertainment, unplanned expenses). This provides a clear picture of your situation.
• Determine Contributions: Decide how you will contribute to shared expenses. You can split costs equally, proportionally based on income, or determine another method. What’s important is that it feels fair to both of you.
• Allocate Savings: Set aside funds for savings goals, such as an emergency fund, travel expenses, or a down payment on a home. It’s important that both partners agree on the amount and frequency of contributions and upfront with their expectations.

3. Build an Emergency Fund

A financial safety net to help manage unexpected expenses, like medical emergencies or job loss, is unpleasant but absolutely necessary. Building and maintaining this fund is crucial to any financial strategy and should be considered non negotiable.

• Set a Target Amount: Aim to save three to six months’ worth of living expenses. This amount provides a cushion to cover essential costs during times of financial uncertainty.
• Choose a Savings Vehicle: Keep your emergency fund in a separate, easily accessible account, such as a high-yield savings account, specialty savings/club account, or a money market account. This ensures that the funds are available when needed.

4. Manage Debt Together

Debt management is a critical aspect of financial planning. Addressing debt as a couple involves understanding each other’s obligations and developing a strategy to manage and reduce debt:

• Compile a Debt List: Create a comprehensive list of all debts, including credit cards, student loans, and personal loans. Include the outstanding balance, interest rates, and minimum payments.
• Develop a Repayment Plan: Prioritize debt repayment based on interest rates or balances. Consider strategies such as the debt snowball method (paying off smaller debts first) or the debt avalanche method (paying off high-interest debts first).
• Avoid New Debt: Minimize taking on new debt by sticking to your budget and using credit responsibly.

5. Protect Your Financial Future with Estate Planning

Estate planning ensures that your assets are managed and distributed according to your wishes. It’s an important step for couples to consider as they build their financial future:

• Create Wills and Trusts: Draft wills and consider setting up trusts to outline how your assets will be distributed in the event of death. This can help avoid potential conflicts and ensure that your wishes are honored.
• Designate Beneficiaries: Review and update beneficiary designations on accounts such as life insurance, retirement accounts, and bank accounts.
• Discuss Power of Attorney: Establish power of attorney and healthcare proxy designations to ensure that decisions can be made on your behalf if needed.

6. Seek Professional Advice

Navigating financial planning as a couple can be complex and professional advice provides valuable insights and guidance. Consult with an Upward Credit Union financial advisor, accountant, or estate planning attorney to help you create a comprehensive financial plan tailored to your needs and goals.

A lot of work goes into crafting a successful financial future as a couple. But working together to establish a budget, manage debt, and build up your savings, you can create a strong foundation together. Remember, with a proactive approach and mutual support, you can both build a prosperous future and enjoy the journey of achieving your financial dreams together!

When it comes to managing assets and planning your financial future, understanding different ownership structures is crucial. Whether you’re buying a home, investing in property, or managing financial accounts, the choice between primary and joint ownership has significant implications. Today, we’ll decode these two primary ownership options, exploring their differences and helping you make informed decisions about your finances.

What is Primary Ownership?

Primary ownership refers to when one individual holds legal title or possession of an asset or obligation – accounts, debts, or real property to name a few examples. This person is the sole owner and has complete control over and responsibility for the asset. Primary ownership is straightforward and often the default ownership for single individuals or entities and organizations.

Key Characteristics of Primary Ownership:

1. Single Authority: The primary owner has the exclusive right to make decisions regarding the asset, including its use, sale, or transfer.
2. Tax Implications: The primary owner is responsible for any taxes associated with the asset, such as property taxes or capital gains taxes.
3. Estate Planning: In the event of the owner’s death, the asset is typically transferred according to the terms of the owner’s will or estate plan. Without a will, the asset may be subject to probate and distributed according to intestacy laws.
4. Liability: The primary owner is personally liable for any debts or legal issues associated with an asset.

What is Joint Ownership?

Joint ownership involves two or more individuals sharing legal title to an asset. While joint ownership can be structured a couple of different ways, each type of ownership has very distinct features, benefits, and implications.

Types of Joint Ownership:

For simplicity’s sake, let’s examine the three most common forms joint ownership takes as well as the key aspects of each.

1. Joint Tenancy –
   • Right of Survivorship: When one joint tenant dies, their share automatically transfers to the surviving joint tenants. Most forms of personal banking – deposit accounts and loans – are Joint with Right of Survivorship.
   • Equal Shares: All joint tenants have an equal share in the asset, meaning (regardless of who contributes what) each person on the account or loan is just as responsible and has just as much access.
   • Tax Implications: Surviving joint owners may inherit the deceased’s share with potential tax benefits and without penalty. As always, it’s best to consult a tax or estate attorney or Certified Financial Planner.
2. Tenancy in Common –
   • NO Right of Survivorship: Each tenant’s share of the asset can be transferred to heirs or others upon their death.
   • Unequal Shares Possible: Tenants can own different percentages of the asset.
   • Estate Planning: Each tenant’s share is part of their estate and can be passed on according to their will.
3. Tenancy by the Entirety –
   • For Married Couples: This form of joint ownership is available in some jurisdictions and provides protection from creditors of one spouse.
   • Right of Survivorship: Similar to joint tenancy, the surviving spouse automatically inherits the deceased’s share.

Key Characteristics of Joint Ownership:

1. Shared Authority: All joint owners typically have equal rights to use and manage the asset, although specific rights can vary by institution and ownership type.
2. Tax Implications: Joint ownership can have complex tax consequences, especially regarding the transfer of shares and estate taxes.
3. Estate Planning: Joint ownership can simplify estate planning and reduce the need for probate; however, the specifics depend on the type of joint ownership and local laws.
4. Liability: Each joint owner may be liable for debts or legal issues related to the asset, depending on the type of joint ownership and jurisdiction. This is especially true of joint debts and obligations – mortgages, auto loans, credit cards and personal loans under multiple borrowers.

Making Informed Decisions

Choosing between primary and joint ownership depends on various factors, including your personal circumstances, goals, and preferences. When deciding between joint or primary ownership, always consider the following:

• Control vs. Collaboration: If you prefer full control over your assets, primary ownership is the best option. If you value shared management or wish to simplify estate transfer, joint ownership is certainly advantageous.
• Estate Planning Goals: Joint ownership can facilitate smoother transfer of assets upon death, but it’s essential to understand how it aligns with your overall estate plan, especially if you wish to name additional beneficiaries.
• Liability Concerns: Consider the potential liabilities associated with joint ownership. Shared ownership means shared responsibility for any issues or debts tied to the asset.
• Legal and Tax Implications: As previously mentioned, it is always in your best interest to consult with a tax or estate attorney or a Certified Financial Planner to understand the specific implications depending on your location and financial situation.

Final Thoughts

Understanding the nuances of primary and joint ownership should empower you to make well-informed decisions about your assets and financial arrangements. Whether you opt for the simplicity of primary ownership or the collaborative nature of joint ownership, each choice offers distinct advantages and considerations. It’s critical to carefully evaluate your needs and consult professionals to choose the ownership structure that fits you.

At Upward Credit Union, we are always happy to review the ownership titling of your accounts and discuss what might suit your financial situation. Your financial future is too important to navigate alone—contact us today to get the guidance you need to make the best decisions for you and your loved ones!

With summer’s end comes a whirlwind of back–to–school prep. Unfortunately, with that preparation comes a variety of expenses. New clothes, classroom supplies, extracurricular fees and gear—the costs add up quickly. But, with the right budgeting strategies, you can effectively manage expenses and keep your finances in check. Here are Upward Credit Union’s six essential tips to help you budget back–to–school better!

1. Assess Your Financial Situation
Before diving into back–to–school shopping, take a look at your finances. Determine your total available budget for school–related expenses by reviewing your monthly income and expenses. This will give you a realistic idea of how much you can immediately spend on different needs like clothing, supplies, and extracurricular incidentals. Creating a detailed budget helps ensure you don’t overspend and provides a framework for informed decision making.

2. Identify and Prioritize Essential Needs
Once you have a budget, make a list of essential needs versus wants.

Essentials typically include:

• School Supplies: Notebooks, pens, pencils, backpacks, etc..
• Clothing: New shoes, uniforms, or other required school outfits.
• Technology: Laptops, tablets, calculators, or any other necessary tech.

Prioritizing these essentials can help you allocate your budget effectively and prevent impulse buys.

3. Take Advantage of Back–to–School Sales
The back–to–school season is known for its sales and discounts, making it a prime time to save money.

Look for:

• Retailer Promotions: Many stores have significant discounts on school supplies and clothing August through September.
• Coupons: Keep an eye out for coupons and promos online, in the mail, or in in–store circulars to maximize your savings. 
• Online Deals: Check out ecommerce platforms for special offers and bulk purchase discounts.

By taking advantage of these deals, you can stretch your budget further and make the most of seasonal savings. And, don’t forget to shop on tax–free weekend deals!

4. Shop Bulk
Speaking of buying in bulk, items like notebooks, pencils, and other classroom essentials needed  throughout the year are great for bulk shopping. Buying large amounts often comes with lower per–unit costs and can reduce the frequency of shopping trips. Ensure you’re only buying what you’ll realistically use to avoid waste, but this approach can significantly reduce expense overall.

5. Set Up a Savings Plan
If you haven’t started saving for back–to–school expenses, there’s no time like the present! Create a dedicated savings plan to build up a fund specifically for these costs. Start saving small, manageable amounts each month leading up to the school year.

Even modest contributions can add up over time and provide a cushion for covering school–related expenses without disrupting your regular budget. Upward reps can help you work out a savings plan and figure out which account will help you the most in saving up for the back–to–school season.

6. Get Creative with School Supplies
Sometimes, getting creative can help you save money while still meeting your family’s needs.

For example:

• Repurpose & Revitalize: Use and give new life to the supplies you already have. Clean out old notebooks, repair last year’s backpack with new patches, or check for hand–me–downs from relatives and neighbors.
• School Supply Drives: Organize or participate in school supply drives within your community to exchange unused items and pool resources.

These creative strategies can help you manage expenses while also adding a personal touch to your back–to–school preparations.

Back–to–school season doesn’t have to be a financial burden if you approach it with the right strategy and resources. By assessing your financial situation, prioritizing essentials, taking advantage of sales, planning bulk purchases, saving in advance, and getting creative, you can effectively manage your expenses and start the school year on a solid financial footing. With these tips, you’ll be well–equipped to handle back–to–school costs and help your child excel!

Purchasing a home is one of the most significant financial decisions you’ll ever make. It’s an exciting journey but can be fraught with pitfalls to derail your plans or lead to costly mistakes. By avoiding these 10 common errors, you can ensure a smoother, more successful home buying experience!

1. Not Getting Pre–Approved for a Mortgage
One of the biggest mistakes homebuyers make is failing to secure mortgage pre–approval before starting their home search. Without pre–approval, you may not have a clear understanding of your budget, and sellers might view you as less serious than other buyers.

The solution to avoiding this mistake is easy.

• Get Pre–Approved Early: Contact our mortgage specialists to request pre–approval for a mortgage. This gives you a realistic idea of what you can afford and shows sellers you’re a serious buyer.

2. Overlooking Additional Costs
Many buyers focus solely on the listing price and completely overlook additional costs associated with buying a home, like:

• Closing Costs: Fees for loan origination, title insurance, commissions, etc.
• Escrow & Property Taxes: Ongoing costs that can affect your monthly payment.
• Homeowners Insurance: Coverage to protect your property.
• Maintenance & Repairs: Regular maintenance and unexpected repairs.

To avoid unpleasant surprises, do your best to factor these additional expenses into your overall purchase and mortgage experience.

3. Ignoring the Home Inspection
Skipping the home inspection is almost always a terrible idea. Inspections provide a detailed assessment of the property’s condition and can reveal hidden issues that might require expensive repairs.

• Hire a Qualified Inspector: Choose a licensed and reputable home inspector to assess the property. When securing a mortgage with us, we can easily recommend qualified home inspectors.
• Review the Report: Carefully review your inspection report and thoroughly discuss them with your real estate agent.

4. Making Emotional Decisions
Buying a home comes with a lot of emotions, but making decisions based on those emotions, rather than logic and solid information, easily leads to regret.

The most common fallout from making emotional decisions include:

• Overpaying: Getting pushed into offering more than the home’s market value or than your budget allows.
• Forgetting Your Priorities: Getting sidetracked by features or aspects that don’t meet or distract from your needs.

5. Failing to Research the Neighborhood
The neighborhood is as important as the home itself. Failing to research the area can lead to dissatisfaction with your new home and buyer’s remorse.

Always consider following when looking at your potential home’s neighborhood:

• Local Amenities: nearby schools, shopping centers, parks, etc.
• Crime Rates: Research crime statistics and speak with current residents about safety concerns.
• Future Developments: Look into any planned developments or zoning changes that could impact the area.

6. Ignoring Your Long–Term Needs
Buying a home is a long–term commitment, so it’s important to consider your future needs.

Be aware that someday, there’s a chance of:

• Outgrowing the Space: Your home should be able to accommodate your family planning and intended lifestyle.
• Increasing Resale Value: Factor in your home’s resale potential in case you need to move in the future.

7. Skipping the Real Estate Agent
Some buyers try to navigate the home buying process without a real estate agent, thinking it will save money. While this might be true on occasion, this is very rarely the case.

A qualified agent brings valuable experience and services to the table, like:

• Market Expertise: A deep understanding of the local market and helping you find the right home for the right price.
• Negotiation Skills: Negotiate on your behalf to secure the best deal and favorable terms.
• Paperwork Assistance: Professional agents are equipped to handle the complex paperwork involved in buying a home to ensure everything is completed accurately.

8. Underestimating the Importance of Financing
Understanding your financing options is crucial. When speaking with a qualified mortgage specialist, don’t forget to discuss:

• Choosing the Right Mortgage: Research different mortgage types and terms to choose one that aligns with your finances. 
• Budgeting Your Monthly Payment: Ensure your mortgage payments fit comfortably within your budget, including potential changes in interest rates, insurance, and property taxes.

9. Rushing the Process
Buying a home is a significant decision that shouldn’t be rushed, so take as much time as you possibly can.

• Explore Your Options: Look at multiple properties to find one that meets your needs and preferences.
• Evaluate Carefully: Don’t rush or get rushed through inspections, negotiations, or paperwork.

10. Disregarding the Future
Finally, consider how the home will fit into your future plans.

Keep in mind you should try to steer clear of:

• Ignoring Long–Term Goals: Make sure the home aligns with your long–term financial and personal goals.
• Forgetting Investment Potential: Think about how the home fits into your long–term financial plan, including potential appreciation and investment value.

Avoiding these common mistakes can make your home buying experience smoother and more successful. By getting pre–approved for a mortgage, budgeting for additional costs, conducting thorough research, and making informed decisions, you’ll be well–equipped to find a home that fits your needs and ensures a positive investment.

Happy house hunting!

Vacations are a time for relaxation and adventure, but it’s also a prime opportunity for scammers to exploit unsuspecting travelers. With the allure of sun–soaked beaches, picturesque getaways, and exotic destinations, vacationers easily fall prey to a variety of scams that turn any dream vacation into a nightmare. To help you stay safe and protect yourself while traveling this summer, we’ve uncovered some common vacation scams and provided tips on how to avoid them.

Phony Travel Deals and Discounts
Scammers often use enticing offers to lure travelers into their traps. They may advertise unbelievable deals on flights, hotels, or vacation packages through emails, social media, or fake websites.
These deals often seem too good to be true—and they usually are. Avoid falling victim to these scams by:

• Booking Directly: Always book travel through reputable websites or directly with airlines and hotels.
• Verifying Offers: If you receive an offer via email or social media, verify its legitimacy by contacting the company directly using contact information from their official website.
• Researching: Look up reviews and ratings of the company or deal to ensure its credibility.

Timeshare and Vacation Club Scams
Timeshare and vacation club presentations often promise exclusive deals or free gifts in exchange for attending a pitch session. While some offers are legitimate, many are scams designed to pressure you into high–pressure sales tactics or to get your personal information.
To protect yourself:

• Research: Thoroughly research any timeshare or vacation club before attending a presentation. Look for reviews and check with the Better Business Bureau.
• Avoid Pressure: Be wary of high–pressure sales tactics and never commit to anything on the spot. Take your time to consider any offers and consult with trusted sources before making decisions.

Fake Rental Listings
Scammers often create fake rental listings on popular vacation rental sites, hoping to collect deposits or payments for properties that don’t actually exist.
To avoid this scam:

• Verify Listings: Always verify rental listings by researching the property and contacting the owner or property manager directly.
• Use Reputable Platforms: Book through well–known and reputable vacation rental websites that offer secure payment options and customer support.
• Visit in Person: If possible, visit the property in person before making any payments to ensure it matches the listing description.

Travel Insurance Scams
Travel insurance is essential for protecting yourself against unforeseen events, but scammers exploit travelers by offering fraudulent insurance policies. These fake policies often come with false promises and no coverage. To safeguard against travel insurance scams:

• Purchase from Reputable Providers: Buy travel insurance from established, reputable companies or through trusted travel agencies.
• Read the Fine Print: Carefully review the policy details and understand what is covered before making a purchase.
• Check for Reviews: Look up reviews and ratings of the insurance provider to ensure they have a good track record.

Airport and Hotel Scams
Scammers target travelers at airports or hotels with various schemes, such as pretending to be airport staff or hotel employees to steal personal information or valuables.
To avoid these scams:

• Be Cautious with Personal Information: Only provide personal information to official staff and be wary of anyone who asks for sensitive details.
• Secure Your Belongings: Keep your belongings close and secure, especially in crowded areas like airports or hotel lobbies.
• Verify Identities: If someone claims to be staff or service personnel, verify their identity before providing any information or accepting assistance.

Phishing Scams
Phishing scams involve fraudulent attempts to obtain sensitive information – such as credit card details or login credentials – often through emails or fake websites. These scams typically occur before or during your trip.
To avoid phishing scams:

• Be Skeptical of Unsolicited Emails: Do not click links or download attachments from unknown or unsolicited emails. 
• Check Website URLs: Ensure that any website you enter personal information on uses a secure connection (look for “https://” in the URL) and is from a reputable source.
• Use Strong Passwords: Use a strong, unique password for your travel–related accounts and consider enabling two–factor authentication for added security.

While vacations are for taking it easy, staying alert to potential scams is crucial for ensuring a safe and pleasant trip. By being aware of these common vacation scams and taking proactive steps to protect yourself, you can minimize the risk of falling victim to fraud and focus on making the most of your adventure. If you’re ever unsure if something is legitimate, do not hesitate to contact Upward Credit Union for a second opinion.
Safe travels and happy vacationing!