SCCU provides information on a wide variety of subjects to help you stay informed and aware. We provide this information as a courtesy to our members and it is not intended to provide legal advice for any specific situation. Let us know by email if you would like to see information on additional subjects.

Shop Safely Online
Tips to help you when you shop online and what to do if you have an issue.

Check 21 - What You Need to Know
The Check Clearing for the 21st Century Act, known as "Check 21," (effective 10-28-04) changes the way financial institutions process checks by enabling banks to exchange check information electronically. This allows funds to be transferred more quickly and securely by reducing the need to physically transport paper checks.

How Lenders Evaluate Your Loan Application
There are several factors that lenders consider when deciding to approve or decline your loan request.

"Web banking hits mark in Brevard"
SCCU mentioned in the Florida Today as a top online banking provider.

What You Should Know About Regulation D
Regulation "D" is a set of federal rules that govern electronic transactions on deposit accounts. It's important to understand these limitations so you can effectively manage your accounts.

Who Owns Your Credit Union
Saving and borrowing from the credit union means that you are a member AND an owner, not just merely a customer…

A Balancing Act
Rebalancing is an investment strategy that may help keep you on target!

Benefits of 529 Higher Education Savings Plan
Section 529 higher education savings plans…provide a flexible, tax-efficient way for parents, grandparents or legal guardians to save money for future education costs.

College Savings
A college savings plan is beneficial in that it provides a vehicle to fund the high cost of education, and may also offer significant tax benefits.

Common IRA Mistakes
IRAs can be great retirement planning tools. However, here are four common errors to avoid in handling your IRA.

Does Your Investing Personality Affect Returns?
Do you consider yourself an experienced investor or are you just learning the ropes?  Whether you feel you are an aggressive investor or a defensive investor, newbie or old-hand, there are several basic rules you need to know, understand and apply to your investment plan. 

Consolidating Retirement Plan Assets
Here are some simple steps to rolling over your retirement assets.

Consumer Sense
This article covers several short- and long-term items to consider in achieving your overall financial goals.

Estate Planning Tips
Sound estate planning may help you save thousands of dollars. Here are a few planning tips.

Five Fundamentals of Asset Allocation
Important factors to keep in mind when determining the asset allocation that is right for you.

I'm Thinking of Retiring. Now What?
Planning carefully, investing wisely and spending thoughtfully will help increase the likelihood that your retirement will be a financially secure one. Read this article to learn more.

Improve Your Credit Score
Understanding how your credit score affects your financial life is critical. Learn the basics and even start correcting a bad score.

Investing 101
As Benjamin Franklin observed in his "Poor Richard's Almanac," "It's never too early to start saving." Check out these steps to a better financial future.

Make Your Money Last in Retirement
As people now are generally living a much longer and healthier retirement, they need to ensure that their money will last as long as they do. Here are some action items that can help you navigate your retirement.

Retirement Facts for Women
This article explains why retirement planning is different for women.

Roth IRA: An Amazing Tax Savings Option
This article discusses some of the benefits of a Roth IRA and how it might contribute to your retirement goals.

Socially Responsible Investing
This article describes some common strategies for investors who want to balance social and environmental concerns with investment decisions and their impact on society.

Home Ownership as Part of Your Financial Plan:
A home is the largest investment that most of us will ever make. How effectively you manage home ownership will have a strong influence on the rest of your financial picture.

Mortgage Payment Programs: Biweekly or Bogus?
There are benefits to making extra payments on your mortgage. You can take this action yourself at no charge and without involving a third party.

The Role of the Appraiser in the Mortgage Process.
Lenders often will use an appraiser to determine the market value for a property. It is critical for a lender to confirm a property's value on which a loan is based.

Helping With an Aging Relative's Finances
Taking responsibility for the finances of someone in fragile mental or physical health can be a real challenge.

How to Manage a Student Account Share-Secured Credit Card
Using credit can provide benefits, but also can have drawbacks. Here are a few smart tips to help you manage your first credit card responsibly and build your credit history.

Life Happens
Take time to learn more about Life Insurance and how it can protect your family.

Raising Money-Wise Children
This article offers five basic concepts that parents should teach their children about handling their personal finances.

Start Youth on Road to Lifetime Prosperity
Special sections on our Web site for kids and teens provide a fun, upbeat format to learn the skills needed to build a sound financial future.

Take One Step
What financial pressures are affecting you right now?

Calculate a Vehicle's Value
FREE Vehicle Pricing and Information from NADAGuides.com

Check a Used Vehicle's History
Run a FREE CarFax Lemon Check and get the history of any used car.

Buying a Family Car
Several factors will help determine what type of vehicle is best for you.

How to Buy and Sell a Car Privately
Know what to look for and be aware of when selling or buying a used car privately. Article also includes a sample "Bill of Sale."

Rebate vs. 0% - Which is Right for You?
Considering purchasing a new car? How the dealers' 0% interest offers compare to rebates and low financing.

Headed to College?
You don't have to leave SCCU behind. You can still access your funds…

Kids and Money
Children should learn about money at an early age.

Raising Money-Savvy Kids
The Credit Union National Association offers several things parents can do now to help their children get on the right financial path.

Start Now to Teach Your Child How to Use Credit Responsibly
Want to know the best way to teach pre-college teens the fundamentals of credit and how to manage it responsibly? Get them a credit card.

Practical Money Skills for Life
Visa offers an in-depth program designed to bring basic financial facts and skills to students and adults. SCCU does not endorse any of the companies on the related links. The material and links provided on this site should be used for informational purposes only.

Kids and Teens
Learn about money management and make saving part of your future.

The information on this page is for educational purposes only. SCCU is not engaged in providing estate planning or other advice. Please consult with a competent estate planning professional regarding any specific estate planning questions.