Getting rejected for a loan can feel like a kick in the teeth. No way around it, rejection is painful. But a loan rejection may be a gift in disguise. All too often, borrowers get the loan they want and end up wishing they hadn’t because they can’t afford the payments. Lenders have good reasons for denying loans; they need to know you will be able to repay the amount you borrow from them. With some effort, you can turn…
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Is a Consolidation Loan Right for Me? Here at Midwest Community, we offer a range of products and services to help our members make the most of their money and get financially healthy. One of those products is the consolidation loan. In the short video below, we tackle a few frequently asked questions to help you decide if a consolidation loan might be a smart choice for you.
Understanding behaviors that impact credit score is important According to a 2018 Credit Health survey by Discover, 85 percent of U.S. consumers are aware of their credit standing, a statistic that increased 12 percentage points over the previous year. Consumers across the U.S. seem to grasp the importance of the credit score – but may fall short of understanding the specific behaviors that affect it. A study from U.S. News & World Report on Americans’ understanding of credit scores suggests…
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Did you know that the easiest and most effective way to save is automatically? It’s how millions of employees save through 401(k) and other retirement programs at work. It’s also how millions of Americans save at their bank or credit union. It’s a great way to build wealth and financial security, and it’s easy to set up! How to Save Automatically Every month, have your bank or credit union transfer a fixed amount (like $25, $50 or $100) from your checking…
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Feeling financially unwell can affect more than just consumers’ wallets. In a study from the American Psychological Association, nearly 72 percent of American adults reported feeling stressed about money at least some of the time, and nearly a quarter said they experienced “extreme stress” about their financial situation in the past month. Stress at that level isn’t healthy. Chronic stress can cause headaches, weight gain, and even heart disease, according to the Mayo Clinic. The American Psychological Association also pointed…
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Does it feel like your paycheck is gone the moment you get it? Here’s how to break that vicious cycle and make your financial goals a reality. Are you stuck in the all-too-common habit of living paycheck to paycheck? You don’t need anyone to tell you that it’s a self-defeating cycle. You simply can’t get ahead this way. But escaping isn’t easy, especially if your paycheck is tight. Change involves not just the hard work of making new habits but,…
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For some Americans, going out to eat is a treat, planned and budgeted for. For others, it’s just another Tuesday. And Wednesday. And Thursday. If you’re part of that second group, you might want to reconsider… for a couple reasons. Tough on your wallet The average American family spends $225 a month eating away from home – lunches, dinners, snacks, coffees. Much of this spending occurs simply because it’s convenient. However, what you save in convenience, you lose in cold, hard cash….
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A: Follow these eight steps to help yourself become debt free! Pay attention to the details. Know when your payments are due, know your credit score, keep track of all your cards, and keep track of your balance throughout the month. Tackle the smallest debt payment first, then once that is paid off, add that money to the monthly payment of the next debt that needs to be paid off. Pretend you make less money than you actually do. Put…
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