Celebrating Financial Literacy Month
April is Financial Literacy Month, which makes it a great time to remember why financial knowledge and education are the keys to maintaining good financial health. A solid understanding of concepts such as budgeting, credit and savings can help you make better financial decisions in the future. Looking to take some steps towards better financial […]
Send Your Child Off to College Without Breaking the Bank
When your child starts applying for colleges, the household may be filled with anticipation and excitement for what lays ahead. Often, the question at the top of most parents’ minds is: How much is this going to cost, especially if the child wants to attend a college that’s away from home? Supporting your child through […]
Business Member Story: 604 Hospitality Group
Tell us about your business and how it grew to where it is today. The 604 Hospitality Group is one of Hawaii’s largest and fastest-growing independent casual dining restaurant companies, serving military families, the local community, and visiting guests. Founded by Hawaii native Donovan Maples, the group was established with a clear mission: to deliver […]
Home Equity Financing FAQs
Home equity is one of the greatest assets of homeowners, so it’s vital to understand how it works and how it can benefit you. What is Home Equity? Home equity is the amount of value in a property that is yours instead of the mortgage lenders. Home equity is calculated by subtracting the amount of […]
Preventing Tax Identity Theft
Having a tax refund on the way can be a source of relief for many people – however, becoming a victim of identity theft can result in a wait of almost a year to receive your refund. According to the Federal Trade Commission’s (FTC) Consumer Sentinel Network, more than 85,000 incidents of tax-related identity theft […]
Protect Yourself from Tax Refund Fraud
For many people, knowing a tax refund is on the way can be a big relief. However, if you were a victim of identity theft, the wait to receive your refund could drag on for almost a year. It’s important to understand how tax-related identity theft works, how to reduce chances of becoming a victim, […]
The Many Benefits of Going Solar
Traditional sources of power are becoming less popular and more expensive, while photovoltaic (PV) electricity is an increasingly valuable resource that will never run out! Despite a few cynics out there, PV panels have become an affordable and smart investment for many Hawaii homeowners. Here are some of the most valuable benefits of installing PV […]
Buying vs. Renting a Home
Deciding whether to rent or buy can be a tough choice, and there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. It ultimately comes down to what makes sense for your lifestyle and goals. Take this short quiz to help you weigh the options and determine which path is right for you. Would you rather: A) Save for a down […]
Top 5 Reasons to Join a Credit Union
Credit unions were originally formed to serve the financial needs of communities unserved and underserved by traditional banks. Although the present-day financial landscape is vastly different from those early days, there are still a lot of benefits of credit union membership. Here are five reasons why joining a credit union like Hawaii State FCU may […]
Dos and Don’ts of Home Financing
Things you should do We all know that getting a mortgage is a major decision, with lots of steps involved. Since getting a mortgage requires that you show your creditworthiness and financial stability, here are a few steps you can take to position yourself as a good candidate for a mortgage: What NOT to do […]