Borrower Authorization of Third Party
To protect the privacy of our members, Harvard FCU requires written consent in order to release your education loan information to a third party, and…
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Pagos en línea
Making a payment to your Harvard FCU Loan is easy! Here are some simple payment instructions to follow depending on your source account and the…
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Protecting Yourself From Holiday Identity Theft
The holiday season is a time when people are more vulnerable to identity theft scams. Not only are people making more purchases than any other time of year, but they are often distracted when doing so. During the holiday season, stores and shopping malls are bustling with people – especially at peak shopping times during […]
A Guide to Private Mortgage Insurance
If you’re thinking about buying a home, or if you’ve already kick-started the home-buying process, it’s important to understand the ins and outs of private mortgage insurance. What is it? Who needs it? How much does it cost? We’re answering all these questions – and more! – in this quick guide to private mortgage insurance.
Should I Pay Off Debt With My Emergency Fund?
Any financial advisor will tell you that it’s important to have an emergency savings fund—but it’s equally important to pay off debt as soon as possible. This leads many people to wonder: should I pay off debt with my emergency fund?
Life Insurance: The Basics
Life insurance can offer significant benefits to your family and your finances. Read on to learn more about who needs life insurance, what it costs, and what you might not know about how to take advantage of this unique type of insurance.
Differences in Credit Score
One way to keep track of your financial well-being is to regularly check your credit score and credit report. Credit scores are used by various companies, such as stores and banks, to get a sense of how well you can manage credit. This helps companies to determine how much of a risk you are in […]
Should I Buy a Home When Interest Rates Are High?
Interested in buying a house? Many prospective homebuyers are feeling discouraged with the recent rise in mortgage rates. Since the start of the coronavirus pandemic, rates have stayed under 4%—so it’s only natural that some buyers may want to wait and see if mortgage rates go down again.
Is Rent-to-Own Right for You?
In today’s economy, most people have to think creatively if they want to make a purchase, especially a large one like a house. That’s why the rent-to-own process has become so popular. If you have less than perfect credit, can’t qualify for a traditional loan, or don’t have enough savings for a down payment, maybe […]
Realizar un pago
Make a Payment Use this tool to easily make payments to your Harvard FCU loans directly from accounts at other institutions. Make a one-time guest…
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What Do Higher Interest Rates Mean For Me?
With multiple rate hikes in the past twelve months, many people are asking important questions about interest rates. What’s the effect of higher interest rates on the economy and what does it mean for individuals? Read on for a run-down on rate hikes: why they happen, what they mean, and how they might affect you, […]
What Happens to Your Debt After Death?
Losing a loved one is never easy. In addition to grieving a loss, there are financial challenges that may arise, including debt repayment. The issue of debt can become even more complicated after death. Does debt transfer to a living spouse? When can debt be forgiven? Read on for a brief outline of what happens […]
Federal Student Debt Relief Plan Explained
Confused about everything going on with federal student loan relief? Let these notes from our experts be your guide!
Building Your Credit Score From Scratch
Credit can influence your life in a number of ways: from helping you get a better interest rate on loans, to nabbing you a credit card with lower fees and more rewards, to potentially factoring into the decision of a future landlord or employer. If you’re building your credit score from scratch, have no fear! […]
Buying an Electric Vehicle
From tax rebates to auto loan discounts to lowering your monthly fuel costs, there are plenty of reasons to buy an electric vehicle. At the same time, electric cars, trucks and SUVs come with their own financial considerations, too. If you’re thinking about purchasing a hybrid or full-electric vehicle, here are a few financial pointers […]
When to Buy a Car
Whether you’re living a car-free lifestyle or driving a vehicle that’s on its last legs, the decision of when to buy a car can be surprisingly tricky. You have to consider your daily habits, your future needs, and perhaps most importantly, how much you can afford to spend. Knowing when to buy a car is […]
A College Student’s Guide to Managing Finances
For many, their college years will mark the first steps toward financial independence, and the first time juggling finances solo! It’s a big undertaking to begin managing money on one’s own (not to mention the responsibility of student loans), and the stakes can seem pretty high. But, taking control of your finances as a student […]
Miembros internacionales
Welcome to Harvard FCU! The Harvard Federal Credit Union (Harvard FCU) is Harvard University’s not-for-profit financial institution, exclusively serving Harvard University and its teaching hospitals.…
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What is a Recession?
While the US job market continues to be strong, adding over 2 million payroll positions in 2022, there’s also growing talk of a recession. What is a recession? How will we know when it arrives? And—perhaps most importantly—what should we do to protect our finances?
Sticking to a Budget in College
College is challenging enough without having to worry about saving, spending and budgeting! To make things a little more simple for students, here are six steps to help you stick to a budget in college.
5 Tips to Improve Your Credit Score While Managing Debt
Managing debt is tough, and often, it’s a long-term journey. The problem is that before your debt is totally paid off, you may need to apply for a mortgage, buy a car, or take out another loan. In all of these cases, having a higher credit score will improve your access to quality financial products […]
Looking for Debt Advice? Start Here!
Working to pay off your debt can seem daunting. The good news is that getting debt advice early can keep you and your credit in a better place. If you are looking for debt management advice, it is readily available, and you can start the process as soon as today thanks to our partners at […]
Surprising Things That Can Affect Your Credit
Maintaining a good credit score is key to building healthy finances. The higher your credit score, the easier it will be to get approved for a loan, buy a home, or qualify for credit cards with better rates and rewards. While the basics of boosting your credit score are simple (pay bills on time and […]
6 Myths About Bankruptcy
If you’re unable to pay off your debts, remember: you have options. Bankruptcy is one of them. Filing for bankruptcy can help to discharge your debts, or give you a workable plan to repay what you owe without losing essential assets like your home or vehicle.
GreenPath’s Free Financial Services for HUECU Members
As an HUECU member, you have access to free, certified financial counseling through our partners at GreenPath Financial Wellness. But, that’s not all! GreenPath offers a wide variety of services – from credit report reviews to educational courses – to help you improve your overall financial fitness. Here’s a breakdown of some of their most […]
What are Common Types of Mortgages
What type of mortgage is the best? The answers aren’t as complicated as you may think. And a big piece of the puzzle is to understand what works for your specific situation.
Tips to Afford Summer Camps
Summer camps are an amazing opportunity for kids to develop new skills and socialize with a new groups of friends during the warmer months. And, let’s be honest: camps are also important for parents who need a caregiving break! If you’re interested in summer camp but concerned about the expenses, read on.
Introducing New Digital Features
At Harvard FCU, we’re always looking for new and innovative ways to enhance our members’ experiences, and feedback from members is often what drives these initiatives. This year, we’ve made a number of technical improvements based on input from you! New Online Mortgage Application: In April, we introduced a new mortgage application platform that makes […]
10 Money Tips For College Grad
Spring college graduates are currently basking in the glory of wrapping up their degrees. However, in many instances, their downtime will be short-lived, as they face even more responsibilities, ranging from landing that first job to preparing to start paying off their student loans – even with the current payment pause. As more hiring departments […]
The Costs of a Low Credit Score
Having a low credit score comes at a double cost. It can be more difficult to access financial products (such as credit cards, home loans and car financing) if your credit is less than stellar, and usually, the products end up costing more. It’s a tough situation, but understanding the costs of a low credit […]
Debunking Credit Myths
Managing your credit is an important aspect of financial health, but there are many myths surrounding loans, credit cards and credit scores. Unpacking the truth behind the myths is an import part of becoming a more savvy consumer—so read on to see some common credit myths, debunked!
Mortgage Gifts
Buying a house is a major investment and saving up for a down payment can take years. One way to achieve home ownership faster may be to have a family member or charitable organization cover some or all of the down payment. This is known as a mortgage gift—and it comes with its own set […]
Strategies to Pay for College
The cost of college continues to climb, but the good news is that there are multiple resources available to help students afford an education. Read on for a rundown of strategies to pay for college.
10 Money-Savings Terms to Know
Esta entrada del blog fue escrita por el miembro del Consejo Asesor de Estudiantes, Eddie Richardson.
Application Status
Check the status of your application! If you've recently opened an application with Harvard FCU, use the links below to check the status. Don't see…
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Looking for an Escape?
These last two years, members’ travel habits have changed a lot. One noticeable trend has been an increase in the purchasing of vacation homes. If you’re looking for your own special “get away” place, Harvard FCU can help! We offer financing for vacation homes anywhere in New England, with the great rates, flexible terms, exceptional […]
Preparing for Medical Costs Not Covered By Insurance
Even if you have a robust health insurance plan, not every medical procedure or service will be covered. Below are some possible out-of-pocket expenses to be prepared for, along with a few helpful tips on how to budget and save for medical costs not covered by insurance.
Tax Return Not What You Expected? Here’s What You Need to Know
Especially with many families facing tax implications after receiving the Child Tax Credit this past year, some are facing smaller tax returns than expected. Our partners at GreenPath Financial Wellness have outlined some steps to take if you find yourself in that situation.
Tax Refunds: Spend, Save, or Invest?
Doing taxes can be a bit of a headache, but receiving a tax refund makes it all worthwhile! Want some suggestions on how to manage your refund in a way that benefits your overall financial health? Read on for a few ideas on what to do with your unexpected funds.
How to Buy a Boat
Becoming a boat-owner is a goal for many outdoor enthusiasts. Having your own boat means that whenever you need a mini vacation, all you need to do is head to the water. However, buying a boat can feel complicated. Should you purchase it outright or apply for a boat loan? How much maintenance is necessary? […]