Helpful DuGood Articles

by DuGood Federal Credit Union

When purchasing a car, you could be faced with many different scenarios. One of which is trading in your current vehicle for a newer one. Using those trade-in funds to pay for a newer car can certainly make owning your dream car more affordable. However, when moving through the trade-in process, there are a few terms you should know to ensure you’re communicating effectively and negotiating confidently for the best deal possible.

Why do so many people never obtain the financial independence that they desire? Often it's because they just don't take that first step — getting started. Besides procrastination, other excuses people make are that investing is too risky, too complicated, too time consuming, and only for the rich.

Recently, a friend posted on Facebook: "Really tired of my debit card getting hacked. What gives?" We'll call her… Sally. The names have been changed to protect the innocent. But the facts remain the same. Card skimming and data breaches are as common as ever.

So, you’ve decided to take the plunge and buy a new home. Maybe you’re looking to upgrade your home to better accommodate your growing family, or perhaps it’s your first new home. Regardless of the reasons, buying a new home is an exciting adventure. But before you start your journey, we’re sharing the ultimate home buying checklist to better prepare you for the road ahead.

It’s no secret that owning a home carries many financial benefits. The equity you accumulate over time is one of those benefits that can be tapped into for various reasons. It can be a resource to fund home improvements, major life events, or it can even be used to consolidate personal debt to pay it off faster. Let’s first review equity and how it’s accumulated.