GCTFCU Blog | What Is IRA?

What Is IRA?

If you are looking for financial services like opening a savings account, applying for a loan or paying bills without any hassle, you should consider visiting a credit union. These non-profit organizations are owned by their members/account holders. Credit Unions provide a plethora of financial services at attractive rates/fees and are federally insured by the National Credit Union Share Insurance Fund.

You can avail following services as a member of a credit union:

Savings Account: You can open a savings account to keep your cash safe while you earn interest. However, there are certain limitations on transfers from a savings account in a credit union.
Checking Account: Credit union checking accounts let members spend their money without any limits on payments. They can access cash from the credit union via debit cards, online bill payment, writing a check, etc.
Certificates of Deposit: These are a form of savings solution that pays members more than regular savings accounts. However, the pre-condition for this is that the customer has to leave his money in the account for a fixed amount of time. For customers who want some flexibility, some credit unions offer them money market accounts that allow them to access their funds throughout the month and enjoy high rate of interest.
Loans: Credit unions offer auto loans and various other secured loans to their members. Auto loans are popular amongst credit unions due to their competitive rates of interest and thriving relations of credit unions with local dealers.
Other Services: Most credit unions provide other services such as Direct Deposit, Payroll Deduction, Bill Pay, ATM, Notary Service, On-line access, Wire Transfer, etc.

Greater Central Texas Federal Credit Union offers a variety of services to help it’s members reach their financial goals. The services offered to the members include secured loans, savings accounts, checking accounts and various online banking facilities. To know more about what can you do at a credit union, visit 3305 E. Elms Rd., Killeen, TX – 76542. You can also call at (254) 690 – 2274.

Managing Your Credit Card Wisely

Responsible credit card usage is important for effective financial management. It helps in building credit score, preserving savings accounts, minimizing risks and enjoying financial rewards.

To gain maximum benefits from credit card usage, following are some tips on how to manage your credit card wisely:

Borrow Wisely: A thumb rule is to borrow what you can pay back easily. Create a budget based on your monthly income and expenditures to have a clear picture of how much you should spend with your credit card.
Check The Interest Rate: While applying for a credit card do make sure that you research the market and get a card which offers lowest rate of interest. Do pay attention to the annual fee and reward system offered by the lender. You may consider getting a credit card from a credit union for a competitive rate of interest.
Pay Off Debts On A Monthly Basis: Restrict your interest charges from growing exponentially by paying off your balance every month. Avoid skipping a payment, as this will lead to higher expenses due to late fee and will negatively impact your credit score.
Maintain A Low Credit Utilization Ratio: Use less than the credit utilization ratio i.e. borrow less than what you are authorized to borrow. Experts recommend keeping this ratio under 30 percent.
Keep Checking Your Credit Reports: Keep a tab on your credit reports by asking for a copy from a credit reporting company annually. The report will provide you an insight into your credit history and also throw light on fraudulent accounts, incorrect information, if any and more.
Beware Of Hidden Fees: Ask the lender for any hidden fees such as late payment fees, processing fees, balance transfer fees, credit limit fees etc. before applying for the credit card.
Limit The Number Of Cards: Limiting the number of credit cards you own, makes it easier to manage them. Having more cards may translate into higher debts which can affect your credit score. Once you have decided the cards that you want to keep, hold onto them. Sticking to your credit card, keeping the account active and maintaining a good payment history can build your credit score.
Use Technology: It is much easier to manage accounts now as most financial institutions offer free online tools to enable clients to keep a tab on their accounts.

Greater Central Texas Federal Credit Union is a not-for-profit financial cooperative that operates for the common benefit of its member and offers an array of services. For more information, visit 3305 E. Elms Rd., Killeen, TX -76542 or call at (254) 690 – 2274.

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