Your Money is Safe: Understanding Deposit Insurance at Banks and Credit Unions
As Community First Bank prepares to join with HAPO Credit Union later this year, we want to explain how your money stays protected. You might have heard of FDIC insurance at banks and NCUA insurance at credit unions. Both federal insurance programs protect your money equally well, and we’ll explain exactly how they work. Your […]
Lump Sum Investing vs. Dollar-Cost Averaging
Think about the last time you had a year-end bonus. After you went out for a nice dinner and topped off your car’s gas tank, you probably sat down and thought about the best way to invest the money. People come into a lump sum of cash more often than you might think. Be […]
Disaster Relief Donations: Spotting Scams and Safeguarding Your Contributions
As we dive deeper into both the hurricane and holiday seasons, it’s important to remember that malicious cyber activity is never far behind. Hurricane Helene has just unleashed her fury on a number of Southeastern states, leaving a wake of devastation behind her. With the death toll at over 130 already and countless homes destroyed, […]
How to Choose Financial Goals
What is your most important breath of air? Answer: the next one. The future doesn’t really matter if you cannot survive long enough to see it. But once you learn how to breathe, the sky is the limit. I like to keep this in mind whenever I get overwhelmed in my day-to-day; it helps me […]
HAPO Community Credit Union Expands with Acquisition of Community First Bank
HAPO Community Credit Union, a leading credit union, and Community First Bank, a trusted provider of financial services in Tri Cities region, jointly announced today that they have entered into a definitive agreement under which HAPO Community Credit Union will acquire Community First Bank. The transaction is structured as a purchase and assumption agreement for HAPO […]
Are You Prepared for Upcoming Holiday Scams?
The holiday season is quickly approaching, and with it, a number of notable fraud trends will follow. It’s easy to fall victim to these schemes while trying to purchase the perfect gift for a loved one. So how do we defend ourselves when modern scammers have become so effective at creating fake websites, mimicking ads, […]
Navigating the Rise of AI-Driven Phone Scams Impersonating Loved Ones
In an age where new technologies allow scammers to capture and reproduce personal traits of those closest to you, being knowledgeable about the revolving door of fraud trends has never been more important. Recently, local police departments and the FBI have commented on a scam that feeds off the fear of families, both locally and […]
Understanding Government-Backed Home Loans: FHA, VA, and USDA Loans
Buying your first home is an exciting milestone, but it can also be a bit overwhelming, especially when it comes to understanding the different types of loans available. For some, a government-backed home loan may be the key to overcoming certain barriers to homeownership. Government-backed home loans are mortgages insured by a federal agency, and […]
Analyzing Funds Using the Morningstar Style Box™
Before making any investment, conducting thorough research is essential. The insights gained from your research can reveal an investment’s historical performance, associated risks, and its alignment with your overall financial plan. When considering mutual funds or exchange-traded funds (ETFs), the Morningstar Style Box™ is an invaluable research tool. Below, we will explore the Morningstar Style […]
Tapping into Home Equity: A Beginner’s Guide to Home Equity Loans and HELOCs
Building equity in your home is a gradual climb. Home equity is the difference between the value of your home and the amount you owe on your mortgage. The amount of equity you hold in your home can increase in two ways: through an increase in your home’s value or through paying down your mortgage. […]
