Buying a Car for the First Time

Choosing the right credit union mortgage loan shouldn’t feel like decoding a secret manual. Yet when people first compare a VA loan vs a conventional loan, the jargon — funding fees, PMI, conforming limits — can stall the search before it starts. This guide strips away the haze by lining up the two products feature by feature. You will see how each loan handles down payments, credit scores, interest rates, and closing costs, and you’ll finish with a checklist that points you toward the option most likely to fit your budget, service record, and future plans.

If you are mortgage shopping this year, you are feeling the rate sticker shock. The average 30-year fixed rate sits around 7 percent, more than double the record lows of 2021 (Mortgage News Daily, 2025). Why are mortgage rates so high today? In short, mortgage rates are higher because the bond market — where mortgage prices are set — adjusted the cost of money. This shift came after the Federal Reserve responded to a period of high inflation. A careful look at policy, prices, and growth helps explain the surge in rates and the impact of mortgage rates on housing in 2025 and beyond.

Ask any efficiency-minded car shopper, and the first question is usually: Can you buy a car with a credit card? In theory, the answer is yes — you absolutely can. In practice, the path is littered with card-issuer rules, dealer surcharges, and interest-rate landmines that can turn a clever rewards strategy into an expensive misstep. New-vehicle prices hit an average of $48,699 in April 2025, a 2.5% month-over-month increase (Cox Automotive, 2025). At the same time, Woolsey (2025) notes the median credit card APR climbed to 24.2% in March 2025. That combination of sticker shock and swipe costs makes it vital to understand every angle before you hand the finance manager a piece of plastic.

Buying a home is one of the most significant financial decisions you'll make in your lifetime. If you're considering purchasing a home in Colorado, one of the best options is to obtain a home loan through a credit union. Why is choosing a credit union for your home loan advantageous? Learn more below, including the types of home loans in Colorado available at credit unions, how to qualify, and the step-by-step process to get you into your dream home.

Home values continue to soar, and U.S. households have accumulated over $35 trillion in home equity (St. Louis Fed, 2024). If you are among those who have done so, you can borrow against this financial resource for various needs, such as home improvements, education expenses, or consolidating high-interest debt. Below, we outline how to qualify for a Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC) to prepare you for this opportunity.

Purchasing a home is a dream for many. In this process, understanding the types of home loans in Colorado sets you on the right track to get a mortgage that suits you. Therefore, let's explore the various types of mortgage loans in Colorado and their benefits and eligibility requirements. You will also learn how Ent Credit Union can assist you in home-buying.

One of the most consequential financial decisions you will make in your lifetime is purchasing your home. In Colorado's unique housing market, using a home loan calculator in Colorado can provide invaluable insights. Read on for effective best practices in using these calculators to get accurate results.

The journey to homeownership is exciting, especially for first-time buyers. However, the complexities of mortgages, understanding rates, and knowing what steps to take can sometimes become overwhelming. This guide demystifies the process of securing your first home mortgage.

Starting your financial journey is like setting off on an exciting road trip. You’re gearing up for major life events, like buying a car for the first time. In planning for this event, remember that you are making decisions that should benefit you in the long run. Therefore, it’s important to understand the processes and the appropriate financial products to achieve your goal. This guide shows the critical steps of purchasing your first car.

Is refinancing the right move for me? It depends. Refinancing your mortgage loan can be a strategic financial move, saving you money on interest, lowering your monthly payments or shortening your term.

Refinancing a mortgage offers a pathway to adjust your financial burdens by changing the terms of your home loan in Colorado. There are several reasons for refinancing (Freddie Mac, 2024), including lowering your interest rate, reducing your monthly payment or changing the mortgage term. Other common reasons include switching from an adjustable rate to a fixed rate or tapping into your home equity. However, the process involves gathering and submitting several refinance documents. Here’s a guide to help you understand what you'll need to provide to refinance your mortgage.