Education Articles

Understanding VA Loans

The US Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) offers many financial benefits to military veterans. One of the more significant benefits is a VA mortgage loan. How does a VA loan work? And how is it different from a conventional mortgage? At its base level, a VA loan allows veterans and their families to purchase a home at a lower interest rate...

Debt Snowball vs. Debt Avalanche

Ever noticed how much easier it is to fall out of shape than to get into shape? The same can be said (albeit the exact opposite) about getting into (too easy) and out of (pretty hard) debt. There are many ways to dig out of debt—some extreme and unlikely, like winning the lottery or inheriting a pile of money. Chances are pretty low that either ...

Is It Time To Refinance Your Auto Loan?

Refinancing can mean valuable savings for the life of your car loan Did you know you can refinance a vehicle loan? Often, when you finance a vehicle, you simply “set it and forget it”—you make your monthly payments for four years, six years, then you own the car outright. However, with the right circumstances, refinancing an auto loan can result...

SELCO Select Checking: Your Personal Financial Hub

A checking account is no longer just a place to house and access your money. In the past, checking accounts were mostly used as a pass-through system, pooling your money and then dispersing it via checks or cash withdrawals. But like so many other banking products and services, checking accounts have evolved to fit modern times and needs. You ca...

Knowing Your Home Improvement Options

As spring turns to summer, Oregon's natural beauty is in full view. Is it time to spruce up your home to match that splendor? Depending on the scope of the project, home improvements can be both time-consuming and costly. And many use their home’s equity to acquire the funds needed to complete the project. Home equity lines of credit (HELOCs) ,...

P2P Payment Systems: What You Need to Know

Peer-to-peer (P2P) payment systems have dramatically changed the way we handle our money. It’s so easy to send money with just a few taps on your phone. But be sure to keep your money safe by following the tips outlined in this article. First popularized by PayPal, the world of P2P payment systems has exploded. In fact, for the first time in the...

Affordable Sustainability, Part 1: Going Solar

Here are the ins and outs of using solar energy to power your home. Are your winter and summer energy bills going through the roof? Maybe it’s time to upgrade to solar panels. Solar panels have become increasingly popular since a tax credit was instituted in 2019. Originally scheduled to expire in 2024, the tax credit was extended through 2034...

Tips For Successful ACH Transfers

Keep these things in mind to ensure transactions between your financial institutions are seamless. What do shopping online, sending money to friends through an app, and having your tax refund deposited directly into your bank account have in common? They’re all possible thanks to the Automated Clearing House (ACH)—a computer network that moves...

What to Know About SELCO Contactless Cards

All newly issued SELCO credit and debit cards are contactless, giving you the ability to simply tap to pay. If your SELCO Visa ®  card has the Contactless Indicator on it, here’s all you need to know to confidently tap to pay: Look Find the Contactless Symbol at checkout. Tap Simply tap your Visa contactless card on contactless-enabled terminal....

What To Know About ‘Buy Now, Pay Later’

They’re so easy to use, they almost seem too good to be true. Is there a catch? With Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) services, you can walk away with that expensive exercise bike, entertainment system, sectional sofa, or anything else that catches your eye, even if you can’t cover the costs in the moment. And in return, retailers can make more sales b...