young woman laying in the grass with spring flowers

6 ways student loans can help—or hurt—your credit score

Which of the following sums up your feelings on student loan debt? Makes me want to bawl like a baby. I pray for the zombie apocalypse. Goodbye credit score. It’s a trap! If you chose any or all of the above, you’re not alone. Last year’s grads owe
Topics:
Starting Out Financially
Jan 2024 tax season w2

5 ways your tax refund can get you ahead financially

Let your tax refund move you forward in life. Do that with your refund instead and thank yourself later.
Topics:
Basic Finances
Budgeting & Saving
A person sitting outside at a table, checking their computer and phone with a credit card in-hand.

Overdraft fees? No thanks. Here’s what you need to know

Knowing how overdraft protection works can help you stay on top of your checking account. Just because it looks like you have enough to cover your next purchase doesn’t mean you won’t overdraw. Your available balance may not always reflect all the
Topics:
Basic Finances
Starting Out Financially
Woman with short hair driving a boat on open water.

The true cost of owning a boat

The open water is calling your name. Curious about becoming a boat owner and the costs involved? Here are some of the ongoing boat expenses to expect that go beyond the sticker price.
Topics:
Managing Debt & Credit
hand with new car keys

5 tips for getting the best deal on an auto loan

Learn the tricks to negotiate a great deal on your next vehicle—and your next auto loan.
Topics:
Managing Debt & Credit
Couple hiking in the forest

Is your estate in order? Five things you should know

If something were to happen to you, how would your family take care of your pet—or your children? Pay your mortgage? Cover your funeral expenses?
Topics:
Insurance & Protection
Woman and child pretending to drink tea from plastic cups in a playhouse

Time value of money – DIY projects

We all love a good DIY project. The trick is to know which jobs are best left to professionals, such as plumbing or electrical work, and which ones fall within your skill range.
Topics:
Basic Finances
Icon of a computer browser with a lock around it

Ransomware: Could your data be kidnapped?

Learn a few basic computer security measures can help ensure you stay in control of your files.
Topics:
Privacy & Security
Volunteer Day

Getting down and dirty to make a difference here

While Presidents Day is a day off for most financial institutions, OCCU employees were out in the community, volunteering with passion.
Topics:
Community
Red hearts clipped to string on a blue wood background

Why do we love our members? Let us count the ways

Everyone has their own way of showing they love someone. Some compose symphonies or sonnets. Some bestow gifts such as flowers, jewelry or even the world’s most expensive toilet seat. Some invent gadgets to make their loved ones’ lives easier—like
Topics:
Credit Unions vs. Banks