HRCCU Blog

Successful budgeting can be difficult, even when you’re only thinking about things on a month-to-month basis. Things can get overwhelming when you start thinking about budgeting in the long-term for bigger expenses. For example, like a future home, paying for college, or retirement- in the future. But it doesn’t have to be! In fact, long term budgeting isn’t fundamentally all that different than short-term budgeting; it just requires a little bit more work and commitment. Here are a few tips for creating a long-term budgeting plan that can keep you on track for those big purchases you want to make down the line. 

There are many ways you can incorporate proper spending habits into your lifestyle! Increasing your salary and putting away money into savings aren't the only ways to do so. Learning when you should spend and how you should spend it will influence your ability to reach your financial goals. With a little discipline you can set yourself up to these five good spending habits to carry yourself into the new year. 

Cryptocurrency had a groundswell of popularity as a part of the cultural conversation about our rapidly shifting digital era a few years ago, and continues to be a topic of conversation today. Perceptions of cryptocurrency vary: the rise of the so-called “self-made billionaires” who were early investors in cryptocurrency like Bitcoin had some proclaiming that this new form of digital finance was the currency of the future, while others view it as nothing more than a fad. 

The holidays can be a great time of year. Spending time with friends, family and other loved ones and celebrating one another before the year turns over can be valuable experiences. Still, despite the best intentions it’s no secret that the holidays also come with a particularly heightened amount of stress often spurred by the financial burden linked to this time of year. 

When it comes to footing the bill on larger expenses there are usually two routes that you can go: you can pay in a lump sum (one large payment) or in installments of payments (usually on a monthly basis.) Each has certain benefits and certain drawbacks. While they are available options for each person your own personal money situation will be the biggest determinant in whether or not you are choosing to pay off an expense as a lump sum or in smaller installations. But how do you know which makes the most sense for you? 

If you’re just starting to really get into budgeting money you may be in a bit of a frustrating situation. You want to be an absolute pro but you don’t know where to start. Don’t fall into despair quite yet. Becoming a total mastermind at budgeting takes a little bit of practice and patience, but if you follow these steps you’ll be an expert budgeter in no time! Here are our 4 tips on becoming a budgeting mastermind. 

Home ownership has a lot of perks: you can make renovations and stylistic changes at your leisure. You don’t have to rely on a landlord to make house repairs, and in the long run it’s a better money investment than renting. On top of all of that, if you own a home you can also be eligible for a couple of different unique sources of cash flow. Most notably the access to home equity loans and cash-out refinancing. Both options are exceptional to have in your financial toolbox, but it’s important to understand the different types of utility that they offer, so that you can ultimately understand which is the right option for you. 

You bank with HRCCU because you want your money to be safe and sound in an account that you trust. What you might not know is that HRCCU members have access to a bunch of other resources. Here are 3 of our favorites that you might not have known about! 

One of the most fun parts of the autumn season is Halloween, and one of the best parts of Halloween is being able to dress up! There’s only one problem: if you’re on a budget a lot of those especially cool Halloween costumes also tend to come with a big price tag. Luckily that doesn’t have to be the case. With a little creativity and thought you can save yourself a couple dollars and make a killer Halloween costume while doing it! Here are 3 ways to save on a costume this Halloween.