"Go Green" With Your Banking!

Being conscious of the environment is more than just a trend, and is something that everyone should make a part of their daily life.  There are so many little things that you can do in your daily routine to make a positive impact on the environment.  Honor is taking the next steps to go paperless, and here are three easy tips to help you “go green” with your banking, as well:

• E-Statements!  Not only is this a more secure and environmentally conscious method of receiving your statement, but it is a faster and more convenient way to receive your statement as well.  Almost 50% of Honor members take advantage of this free service, but that still leaves the other 50% that could take the next step to “going green!”

• Online banking!  Utilizing online banking can not only save you the gas of coming into the credit union to do transactions, but also the time.  We love to see our members, of course, but taking advantage of online banking options is an easy way for members to go paperless with their daily transactions.

• Recycle!  Whether you are still one of the members that haven’t made the switch to e-statements, or you just have other sensitive documents (i.e..tax forms) that have been accumulating, recycle them! 

• One easy way to start recycling is through one of the seven community shred days Honor planned for 2014 where anyone in the community can bring their old paper statements or sensitive documents and have it securely recycled.  The first one is actually at our Stevensville branch location on April 5!

You can listen to the full Mason Jar Monday episode on real estate below.  Join Honor’s initiative to go paperless, and start adopting a few of these tips into your banking routine!  Don't forget to follow Honor on twitter @honorcu before Friday 3/28 for a chance to win a $50 Visa gift card!  

Comment on this post, or follow us on twitter @honorcu and use #askhonorcu to get involved! You can also comment with the topic you want to see discussed next week! It's your money, and we want to talk about things you care about!

Credit Union Myth-busters!

For 21 years in a row, the American Banker newspaper did a consumer satisfaction survey of banks, thrifts, and credit unions.  Credit Unions came in first every single year.  And yet, many people hesitate to make the transition from a bank to a credit union because of simple mis-conceptions about what credit unions can offer. So here we are to set a few of those myths straight with our version of “Credit Union Myth-busters!”  

Myth #1: Credit Unions have fewer locations…how will I access my money?

• MYTH! Shared branching & ATMS and online banking allow for easy and convenient access to your money!  Unlike banks, credit unions work together to provide shared branching so that you have more access to your money.  You can find Honor’s shared branching locations on our website or mobile app.  Speaking of the mobile app, using that tool you have visibility of your accounts anytime or place you need!

Myth #2: Will I lose my rewards program if I leave my bank?

• ABSOLUTELY NOT! Many credit unions, including Honor, have a variety of very appealing rewards programs both tied to accounts and products like credit cards.  For example, Honor has a member perks program that lets you accumulate points, a pre-wards program for debit cards that get you discounts at your favorite stores, and rewards tied to our Visa credit cards!  The biggest reward of switching to a credit union, though, is lower rates on loans and higher rates on savings! This all means more money in your mason jar!

Myth #3: Banks have more advanced technology.

• FALSE! We already mentioned our mobile app, but along with that comes online banking, text banking, and a live chat feature via our website, just to name a few of the cool techy things that credit unions like Honor offer!

Myth #4: I’m not eligible to join a credit union.

• ANOTHER MYTH!  While there are still some credit unions that you have to be a part of a certain group, like a state employee or educator, quite a few, including Honor, are community chartered.  This means that anyone that lives, works, worships, or works in one of our fourteen counties (which encompasses over 100 zip codes, by the way) can join! Almost anyone can become a member of a credit union!

You can listen to Scott and Wild Bill's live "Credit Union Myth-busters" below. Now that you know the facts about credit unions, join one today!  Once you do, we promise you won't regret it.  Also tune in to Mason Jar Monday next week for a CONTEST ANNOUNCEMENT!

Comment on this post, or follow us on twitter @honorcu and use #askhonorcu to get involved! You can also comment with the topic you want to see discussed next week! It's your money, and we want to talk about things you care about!

Financial "Faux-Pas" To Avoid In Your Twenties

Whether you are graduating from college, moving out on our own for the first time, starting your first real job, or making your first big purchase, your twenties are an exciting time often full of life milestones.  With those life milestones, comes the increased responsibility of managing your own money.  As exciting and fun as this time of your life can be, here are three financial “faux-pas” that you should avoid to set up your thirties and beyond to be a success. 

• Not setting financial goals: setting a savings goal is crucial regardless of your age.  As you approach the stage of looking at your first job, your first car, or even your first home, you will thank yourself for setting a savings goal and sticking to it when it comes to making a life purchase.

• Buying more than you can afford: on the flip side of savings, is spending.  We’ve all be tempted once we start to receive those first paychecks to go out and splurge.  Splurging a little is just human nature and is ok, but within reason.  Don’t spend more than you can afford (especially at the expense of your credit card!) just because you now have an income or are trying to keep up with your friends who are all buying brand new cars.  Set your limits, make a plan, and stick to it.  Your older self will thank you, later!

• Not starting a retirement fund: You’re probably thinking that you just started working, why in the world should you think about retiring?! It’s never too early and you will REALLY thank yourself when you are in your thirties and already have a head start on reaching your retirement goal.  Even if it is the bare minimum each paycheck, setting aside something towards retirement will literally pay off as the years go by. 

The full Mason Jar Money conversation between Honor’s CEO Scott McFarland and 97.5Y-Country’s Wild Bill on Financial “Faux-Pas” To Avoid In Your Twenties is below.  We just listed a few, but what are some other financial tips that you would give to someone in their twenties just starting out on their own?


Comment on this post, or follow us on twitter @honorcu and use #askhonorcu to get involved! You can also comment with the topic you want to see discussed next week! It's your money, and we want to talk about things you care about!

Removing The Confusion From Real Estate

When you are thinking about buying your first house, or selling the one you live in now and moving, you may not know exactly where to start.  Real estate loans can be confusing and intimidating if you don’t know where to start.  Well, fear no more, because Honor Credit Union’s Assistant Real Estate Manager, Kim, was the guest speaker on Mason Jar Monday this week.  Here are a couple of her quick tips to clear the air on the world of real estate:

• Many of you may have heard about regulation changes regarding getting qualified for a mortgage.  Basically, the regulation that took effect January 10^th, 2014 simply required lenders, like Honor, to verify that members looking at a mortgage have the ability to repay the loan.  While this regulation has been updated, Honor has always been diligent with this, so not too much changed for us.

• One of the big mysteries that seem to surround mortgages for many people is the down-payment needed.  We know this is vague, but it truly depends on your situation.  Typically, you can purchase a home for as little as 5% down. One of the great things about credit unions like Honor, though, is we will look at your unique situation when underwriting your loan application.  Because Honor offers a full range of real estate products, we have multiple options for our members.  There is no black and white in our underwriting process.  We look at the whole picture of every member’s situation to find the best options for them and their financial success. 

• The best thing you can do when you have questions about real estate is ask!  Whether you are looking for a new construction loan, a refinance loan, a vacant land loan, an investment property, or a home equity loan, know that there are options for you and your situation.  Getting a real estate loan doesn't have to be scary or confusing when you are dealing with the right people!  Our team of experienced professionals will hold your hand throughout your loan process and be there to answer any questions you might have.

You can listen to the full Mason Jar Monday episode on real estate below.  The real estate market is improving, and people are looking to buy and sell again.  If you are one of those people, get pre-approved and talk to someone that can give you the information and advice you need to clear up the confusion from the process.  At Honor, you can get pre-approved on our website, over the phone, or in any branch location typically in less than 24 hours!

Comment on this post, or follow us on twitter @honorcu and use #askhonorcu to get involved! You can also comment with the topic you want to see discussed next week! It's your money, and we want to talk about things you care about!