Greater Central Texas Federal Credit Union,
3305 E Elms Road
Killeen, TX 76542
Telephone: 254-690-2274
www.gctfcu.net

Ways To Get Out Of Debt

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GCTFCU Blog | All posts tagged 'Credit '
Greater Central Texas Federal Credit Union,
3305 E Elms Road
Killeen, TX 76542
Telephone: 254-690-2274
www.gctfcu.net

Why Good Credit Is Important



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GCTFCU Blog | All posts tagged 'tx'
Greater Central Texas Federal Credit Union,
3305 E Elms Road
Killeen, TX 76542
Telephone: 254-690-2274
www.gctfcu.net

Things You Need To Know Before Buying A Used Car

Buying a used car is a major financial decision. It’s a risky affair as you just never know what the car has undergone while with the previous owner. It’s more of a gamble and one has to tread cautiously while buying one. A used car doesn’t come with the warranties and frills of a new car. The buyer should be able to differentiate between a consistent, good quality car and a piece of junk. This is a Herculean task for buyers of used cars.

Factors to keep in mind when buying a used car:

  • The car’s history: Rule out any form of misuse and abuse of the car by the previous owners. You can get a history report of the car by using its VIN number and tracking its report online. This will settle any risks associated with its improper use.
  • Negotiate on the repairs: Before settling for a used car, try to get necessary repairs fixed by the seller. Check out the car properly to look for anything that might be out of order. Chances are the seller will oblige you with the repairs.
  • Go for a test drive: Don’t rush into the decision of buying a car until and unless you are satisfied with every detail of it. Consider a test drive to test the power and brakes. Try the horn, indicators, lights and anything else that can be tested on a moving car.
  • A mechanical inspection: Have a thorough mechanical inspection done on a car you are seriously interested in buying. You can take the help of a friend or relative for this. It is better that a qualified mechanic checks it. Such an inspection involves checking out the engine of the car, its mileage and the general body inspection.
  • Overall condition of the car: Ensure that the tires of the car are not sagging. Check out the paint, rust spots and scratches if any. Look out for any masking by running your fingers between the panels of the edges. Even look under the car for any under body rusting. Inspect the engine for leaks or corrosion marks. Make sure the timing belt is in good condition too as it’s very expensive to replace.
  • Mileage: The mileage of a car is a clear indicator of its age. The odometer in the car will let you know its mileage. 10000-15000 miles in a year is ideal. This is the best way to know the actual condition of a vehicle.

For more tips or to avail cheap auto loans in Central Texas, visit us at Greater Central Texas Federal Credit Union.  We are situated at 3305 E Elms Road, Killeen, TX 76542. You can also call us at 254-690-2274

Lowest Used Car Loan - Auto Loan in Killeen, Tx - Secured Auto Loan

Do’s And Don’ts About Auto Financing

Auto Financing relates to the financing of the auto vehicles, especially for those buyers who are not able to buy the vehicle of their choice due to the high prices of the vehicle. Auto financing provides them with the auto loans, thereby enabling them to own the cars of their choice instantly and pay for it later. These auto loans help in managing the monthly budget by taking off the burden of paying the huge amount of the vehicle instantly. This is done by levying a reasonable rate of interest which is paid as monthly installments for a pre-decided period of time to the auto loan provider.

Though, auto financing provides you with an easy option of getting the vehicle without worrying about its high prices, there are some do’s and don’ts about auto financing which you should always keep in mind. Some of these do’s and don’ts can be described as under:

Some Do’s about Auto Financing

  • Do introspect and try to analyze your personal financial strength and the credit history, before you could decide about taking an auto loan. It is essential to know what your pocket allows without difficulty at a later stage.
  • Do research well beforehand and decide about the vehicle you intend to buy and the respective prices that are available in the market. Also research about the rate of interests that are offered by the different financial institutions and banks for the auto loans.
  • Do negotiate and try to bargain with the interest rates with the auto loan service providers. Many banks offer low interest rates to grab the attention of the customers but levy hidden charges. Therefore, it becomes important to check and negotiate properly.
  • Do verify the documentations of the auto loans you are applying for and the respective legal formalities related to it. It is also necessary to verify the loan provider which may be a bank, financial institution or private company.

Some Don’ts about Auto Financing  

  • Don’t overdo your budget as it would prove to be a bad deal later on. It is necessary to keep aside some cash or funds for the times of emergency or financial ups and downs.
  • Don’t go for very high rates of interest as it would create problems in the long run.
  • Don’t make decisions in a hurry as it would hamper your loan process as well as your financial position, which may suffer losses.
  • Don’t settle over a deal without thinking over its pros and cons. The deal may look good for a while but it is should be workable in the long run as well.  

For more details on wide range of auto loans and auto financing in all credit situations, you can contact us at Greater Central Texas Federal Credit Union, 3305 E Elms Road, Killeen, TX 76542 or call us at 254-690-2274.

72 Month Auto Financing - Auto Loan in Killeen, Tx

GCTFCU Blog | Steps To Applying For A Home Loan
Greater Central Texas Federal Credit Union,
3305 E Elms Road
Killeen, TX 76542
Telephone: 254-690-2274
www.gctfcu.net

Steps To Applying For A Home Loan

A credit union is a non-profit cooperative that provides home loans at low interest rates to its members. The organization aims at passing on the profits to the members and therefore adds a lot to their savings. It is important to be clear about the home loan requirements so that you can easily purchase the home of your dreams.

Below are some steps that you need to follow while applying for a home loan:

  • Get pre-approval: In simple terms, pre-approval is a written application that states how much amount the lender will let you borrow. This document is necessary so that you know exactly how much you can borrow and how much money you need to put from your side. This will help you divide your budget according to the monthly expenses. Various factors such as employment history, credit score, down payment etc. are taken into account while pre-approving a home loan.
  • Make the offer: After zeroing down a particular property, you need to prepare an offer in consultation with your real estate agent. Offer contains details such as purchase price, closing date and the time period for which the offer holds good for you. This is given to the seller who can accept or reject it. If your offer is accepted, you need to get home inspection done from a qualified professional. 
  • Complete the loan application: After coming to a conclusion regarding the price, you need to complete the loan application formalities. The lender will determine the terms and conditions of your loan, ask you to complete the loan documents and may also demand additional documents. These can include: pay stubs for the past few months and tax return details etc.
  • Get the interest rate locked: Locking the interest rate with your lender ensures that it does not go up while your loan is still getting processed. This is imperative because home loan interest rates can fluctuate on a daily basis and you would want the lowest interest rates for big financial savings.
  • Go through loan processing: In this step, your home will be evaluated to judge its market value. Apart from this, the lender will review your loan application, cross-check the documents, verify the financial information and also check the title details to ensure that all the legalities are in place.
  • Closing: During the last stage, your home loan documents will be sent to a title company so that you and the seller can duly sign them. A photo identity proof along with the down payment amount is required for closing. Apart from this, many other documents such as loan note and deed etc. need to be reviewed and signed.
We, at Greater Central Texas Federal Credit Union offer affordable financing services in Killeen, TX.  To know more about our credit union, call us at (254) 690 – 2274.
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GCTFCU Blog | Understanding Secured Loan
Greater Central Texas Federal Credit Union,
3305 E Elms Road
Killeen, TX 76542
Telephone: 254-690-2274
www.gctfcu.net

Understanding Secured Loan

A secured loan is a loan that is backed by collateral in the form of financial assets as a means of ensuring that the borrower makes timely repayment. Secured loans are the best option for anyone looking for convenient and affordable loans with simple eligibility requirements and flexibility.

Here are some things to know about secured loans:

  • They Require Collateral: Collateral is usually in the form of any financial asset. Secured loans are secured against collateral which can be used by a lender to regain the loan amount in case it is not repaid.
  • Low Interest Rates: Secured loans are available at lower interest rates as they are pledged against collateral. This makes them a good choice for those on a restricted budget; one can borrow huge amounts as these loans are perceived to be safer in terms of repayment.
  • Flexibility: Secured loans are highly flexible as far as repayment options, loan approval and customization options are concerned. Repayment options can be fixed or variable depending on the requirement of a borrower. The loans can be customized to suit the personal and financial needs of a borrower.
  • Eligibility: Even though every financial institution has a unique set of requirements for a secured loan, some of them are common. For example, in order to avail a secured loan from a credit union, one must be credit union member, possess assets that match the value of the loan or exceed it, produce proof of identity, proof of residence and more.
  • Factors To Consider: When getting a secured loan from a financial institution, consider the type of collateral you are willing to provide, whether the interest rate is fixed or variable, the APR (Annual Percentage Rate) and interest rate, fees charged by the lender, minimum and maximum amount of loan, income requirements and more.
  • Preparing For The Loan: Before getting a secured loan, check your credit, get your assets evaluated to know how much you can borrow and suitable monthly repayments. Some financial institutions like credit unions offer online facilities that enable members to apply for a secured loan online.
  • Defaulting: In case one misses the payments for a secured loan, the financial institution that granted it has the right to repossess the asset that was used as collateral. Every state has different laws regarding this procedure i.e. some require a notice of repossession while other waiver it. If the repossessed asset is not sufficient to compensate for the amount of loan, the borrower will have to cover the difference.
Contact Greater Central Texas Federal Credit Union to buy secured loan in Killeen, TX. For more details on secured loans, visit 3305 E. Elms Rd., Killeen, TX - 76542. You can also call at (254) 690 – 2274.
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GCTFCU Blog | How To Apply For A Vehicle Loan Through A Credit Union
Greater Central Texas Federal Credit Union,
3305 E Elms Road
Killeen, TX 76542
Telephone: 254-690-2274
www.gctfcu.net

How To Apply For A Vehicle Loan Through A Credit Union

Getting a vehicle loan from a credit union helps customers to save money in the form of interest and fees. Credit unions are known for offering vehicle loans at lower interest rates and charging minimal fees during the process of loan documentation and loan application. They also offer customer-friendly loan approval policies.

Some important points to keep in mind when applying for a vehicle loan via a credit union are:

  • Membership: In order to be eligible for a vehicle loan from a credit union, you should be a member of the same. Credit unions cater to a specific group of individuals i.e. those who have met the membership requirements. The membership criteria are simple e.g. work in a specific agency/company, members of a specific organization/group, residents of a specific municipality or location, or members of a specific ethnic group. Research on the requirements of the credit union and check how you can fulfill the same to enjoy the benefits of membership.
  • Credit: Credit unions offer affordable interest rates on new and used vehicles to members who exhibit creditworthiness prior to applying for a loan. If as a member of a credit union you can maintain good credit, you can enjoy competitive vehicle loan packages in terms of rate of interest.
  • Other Factors: The interest rates on vehicle loans by credit unions depend on the area, kind of vehicle, down payment, credit score and other eligibility criteria as stated by the loan officers.
  • Loan Application: When applying for a vehicle loan at a credit union, you will have to fill a loan application. The application will require information pertaining to your state of residence, type of application (individual credit, joint credit with spouse or with someone else), amount of loan required, purpose of the loan, whether it is a refinance, preferred method of payment, frequency and number of payments, information about collateral, personal information, etc. After filling the required information, you will be asked to review it before submitting.
  • Loan Processing: After applying, you will have to wait for it to be processed. You may have to pay a nominal processing fees.
Contact the loan officers at Greater Central Texas Federal Credit Union to apply for a vehicle loan. The credit union offers vehicle loans on both new and pre-owned vehicles. Members of the credit union can enjoy low-interest on vehicle loans. For more details on how to apply for a vehicle loan through a credit union, visit at 3305 E. Elms Rd., Killeen, TX – 76542. You can also call at (254) 690 – 2274.

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GCTFCU Blog | Tips To Choose Suitable Secured Loan
Greater Central Texas Federal Credit Union,
3305 E Elms Road
Killeen, TX 76542
Telephone: 254-690-2274
www.gctfcu.net

Tips To Choose Suitable Secured Loan

A secured loan is a type of loan in which the borrower pledges an asset as collateral for the loan. The loan amount depends upon the value of collateral. A major benefit of secured loan is its affordability in terms of low interest rate.

The choice of a suitable secured loan depends upon a variety of factors. Here are some tips to help you choose suitable secured loan:

1. Loan Amount: The foremost considerable factor is to choose the right loan amount. It is imperative as the loan amount has major impact on rate of interest, EMI, etc. For choosing right loan amount, consider the actual need and the funds available with you. However, make it a point to choose a loan amount that you actually need. Borrowing higher loan amount can have an impact on your financial situation in the future.

2. Collateral: The choice of collateral is important for ensuring loan approval. The value of collateral should be either equal to or higher than desired loan amount. Ask the credit union about allowed collateral and required collateral value.

3.  Loan Tenure & EMI: The choice of loan tenure and EMI are inter-dependent. Longer loan tenure results in lower EMI and vice versa. So, when choosing the right loan tenure, focus on choosing the right EMI. Here are some steps that may help you in choosing right EMI:
  • Consider your monthly income including total monthly salary and income from other sources.
  • Calculate monthly expenses by adding bills, general expenditure, etc.
  • Add monthly savings to the monthly expenses to calculate total monthly expenditure.
  • Subtract total monthly expenditure from total monthly salary.
  • The resulting value can be used as maximum affordable EMI.
4. Rate Of Interest: Rate of interest is governed by type of loan, loan amount, loan tenure, etc. So, consider the variables to check suitable rate of interest.

A great option is to contact the credit union staff for professional assistance in deciding suitable secured loan. The professional team analyzes the financial situation to suggest suitable loan parameters.

Greater Central Texas Federal Credit Union offers affordable secured loan to its members. Members can apply for a secured loan online or by visiting the credit union. For more details on tips to choose suitable secured loan, visit 3305 E. Elms Rd., Killeen, TX - 76542. You can also call at (254) 690 – 2274.

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