After Disaster Scams

posted on

October 22, 2024

Many of us living in the CSRA are still experiencing the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. It was a devastating storm that has changed the landscape of our community. A few weeks have passed, and some are still without power and or internet. Trees and branches have been pushed to roadsides where possible, but there’s some cables and wires still lay in roadways. Some businesses have opened while some have not. Thankfully, volunteers and workers from other states have come to Georgia and South Carolina to bring supplies and lend a hand. Communities have come together through the turmoil.

However, as unfortunate as it is, there are always those who try to take advantage of individuals who are in crisis situations. At SRP, we know you have had enough to deal with over the last several weeks to have to worry about fraud and scammers too. Below is information to help protect yourself through what may have already been a trying time. We’re here to help.

Tips on how to safeguard against fraud and scams post-natural disasters:

Scammers will go door-to-door targeting people affected by storms. They also text, call, or try to reach you any way possible to promise you aid quickly. Never give out your personal information without confirming the legitimacy of the person who is contacting you. If possible, work with local businesses. Check their references – it may even be someone you know.
Government workers are required to carry official identification and produce it when someone asks to see it. The worker will never charge you to fill in government forms, and if you are unsure the identification is real, just get their agency’s phone number. You can always call directly to see if this person works there.
FEMA Disaster Survivor Assistance (DSA) crews, housing inspectors and other officials will work in areas affected by storms. If an inspector comes to your home, and you didn’t apply, your information may have been used without your knowledge. Do not give FEMA representatives your personal financial information. (Report scams immediately to 866-720-5721).
You will get many requests for donations after disasters. Do your research. There are charity reviews online, charity reports, ratings with the Better Business Bureau and state regulators for charities.
Scammers spoof organization’s phone numbers, so don’t always believe your caller ID. If you wish to donate to a charity, you should verify the phone number yourself and call them directly. If someone calls you and starts pressuring you to donate, it could also be a scam. Once again, contact the charity directly to donate.
Never click on links from sources you are not familiar with. This could be an attempt to download malware onto your device.
Remember, SRP or any financial institution, will never call and ask for your passwords or financial information.

Hopefully, you find these tips to be helpful as you navigate your way through the aftermath of the storm. We hope you and your families are safe and well.

This article is for informational purposes only. SRP is federally insured by NCUA.

Avoiding Identity Theft: Secure Your Belongings in Public

posted on

September 19, 2024

Avoiding Identity Theft: Secure Your Belongings in Public

In the past, people were concerned about protecting cash and jewelry from theft.
Nowadays, with fewer people carrying around large wads of cash, the concern is more
about theft of information. Identity theft affects close to 24 million people in the United
States every year and authorities have said that currently it is “the fastest growing
crime across the country.” A thief who acquires your Social Security or account
numbers can cause a lot more harm than one who just steals a few dollars from your
wallet. On the positive side, there are several steps you can take to keep your private
information secure.

Don’t leave belongings unattended

One of the most important steps in preventing identity theft is perhaps also the
simplest: don’t leave belongings containing sensitive information, such as a laptop, a
wallet, or a smartphone, unattended. Few would leave these items alone in a crowded
public area, but many do so in familiar places they feel are safe, such as work.
However, places that seem safe often are not. Even if your co-workers are trustworthy,
most businesses have plenty of people coming in and out, like clients, delivery people,
friends of employees, cleaning people, etc. A visitor could swipe your laptop and never
be seen again.

While keeping important belongings with you at all times is best, you may not want to
lug everything around every time you go get a cup of coffee or stop by a co-worker’s
office. If you’re leaving items unattended, try keeping them out of plain sight. True,
someone could open your drawer and take your wallet, but that is less likely to occur
than if you just leave it on your desk. If you can lock your office door or utilize secured

storage – like a lockable filing cabinet – take advantage of it.

Lock your laptop

Due to its size and cost, you may not be able or want to simply leave your laptop in a
drawer every time you step away from it. Using a laptop lock, which ties your laptop to
a stationary item, like a desk, can be a good way to secure your computer. These
devices are fairly cheap, usually costing less than $50. You may even want to use a
lock at home. Of course, you’re probably not concerned about a family member
stealing your laptop, but if your home is burglarized, it can discourage thieves from
trying to grab it.

Use password protection

Typing in a password when you turn on your computer is not new – you’ve probably
done it hundreds of times. However, you may be able to get more out of password
protection than you are now. Have you password-protected everything you can? Many
people forget to password-protect their smartphones and tablets, even though the
option is usually available. Make sure your passwords are not easy to guess, and
change them periodically. At work, consider logging out or locking your computer when
you step away from your desk or adjusting your settings so that you must re-enter
your password if your computer is idle for a specified period of time. You may be able
to do the same thing with your smartphone and tablet too. Two-factor and biometric
authentication – like a facial or thumbprint scan – are also highly recommended.

Encrypt your data
Encryption programs translate regular text or photos into code. A file can be un-
encrypted by entering a password, which a thief who steals your laptop or smartphone
presumably won’t have. Encrypting all your data may not be necessary, but it makes
sense for the files containing sensitive information. While encryption programs can
sometimes be bypassed by “tech-savvy” thieves, many do not have the knowledge or
desire to do so.

Delete your hard drive

What happens if a thief is able to grab your laptop and get past your password? Is your
information compromised? Not necessarily. With remote access software, you can

usually delete your hard drive as soon as the thief accesses the internet with your
computer. The software is also often able to trace your laptop’s location. Of course, you
must install it before your computer goes missing.

The theft of your computer is not the only situation that might necessitate erasing a
hard drive. If you’re disposing of or selling an old computer and it still has personal
information on in it, you’re potentially putting yourself in a vulnerable position. Simply
pressing the delete button is usually not enough to remove files. To completely erase
data from your computer, you should use a wiping or erasing utility program, which
overwrites the entire hard drive.

Leave unnecessary items out of your wallet
Today, thieves who steal wallets often don’t find much cash in them. However, they can
still find some items of value, like credit, debit, ATM, and Social Security cards. You can
thwart identity theft by only putting in your wallet the cards you truly need. For
example, you probably don’t need to carry more than one credit card. Leave the other
ones in a safe place at home. Unless you’re applying for a passport or something
similarly stringent, your Social Security card doesn’t need to be in your wallet. Check
your wallet for anything else that may have your Social Security number on it and
leave it out if you can.

Keep a list

Despite your best efforts, there is no guarantee your belongings will never be lost or
stolen. Keeping a list of your credit card, checking, and savings account numbers,
along with the phone numbers of your financial institutions, will allow you to contact
them quickly if something happens. Remember to keep the list in a safe place to
prevent it from being stolen.

We often don’t think about theft until after we’re the victims of it. However, by then,
the damage has been done. Taking the time to protect your belongings before anything
happens is well worth the effort.

This article is for informational purposes only. Membership required. SRP is federally insured by NCUA.

Article Credits: Balance

Person entering PIN code using ATM bank machine to withdraw money. Close-up.

The Five-S Plan for ATM Safety

posted on

September 1, 2024

When it comes to the security of your financial transactions, most of the focus these days is on online scams and theft—and rightly so. But it’s important not to let down your
guard at a physical location where your money or information could be vulnerable: ATMs.

The good news is that there are techniques you can utilize to help make ATM use safe
and problem-free. You can think of them collectively as The Five-S Plan:

Secure your information

It may seem more convenient to leave your ATM card on your desk at work or in the
glove box of your car, but anytime it’s not with you, it’s that much more susceptible
to falling into the wrong hands.

Security experts recommend never writing down your ATM PIN. Instead, if you’re
having problems remembering your current number, think of one you won’t forget
(like a particular date in your life) and contact your financial institution to make the
change.

It’s easy to panic when you lose your ATM card. But try to remember this calming
fact: your financial institution doesn’t want you to lose money either. So, whenever
you can’t find your card, reach out to them as soon as possible so they can help you
secure any accounts that may have been compromised.

When it comes to keeping your details safe, an excellent question to ask yourself is,
Does this person REALLY need that information? For example, Does this person on
the phone REALLY need my ATM card details? In general, it’s also a good practice to
avoid ever giving out your ATM or credit card information over the phone unless
you’re sure you’re speaking directly to your financial institution.

Remember, at SRP’s many ITM’s (Interactive Teller Machines) in Augusta, Ga., North Augusta and Aiken, SC you have the option to speak with one of SRP’s local tellers at the machine. Rather than choosing the ATM option, you choose the speak to a teller option. They can get other information from you if you have forgotten your PIN and still be able to perform your transaction using the teller. Learn more at www.srpfcu.org.

Select the right ATM

Your best bet is to use an ATM operated by your financial institution at a location
familiar to you. If this isn’t an option, try to choose a machine in a well-lit area not
obscured by trees, bushes, or other objects that could be used by a thief to hide
behind.

Speaking of well-lit areas, nighttime might not be the right time for your ATM
transaction. If possible, try to wait until the sun is up.

It’s wise to scan the area around the ATM when you arrive. If someone lurking nearby
doesn’t seem to have a particular purpose for being there, it might be in your best
interest to find a different ATM.

Safeguard yourself at the machine

Try to make ATM transactions with a family member or friend when possible.
Criminals are less likely to target someone who’s got a partner looking out for them.

If you’re using a drive-up ATM, keep your doors locked, windows rolled up, and the
engine running.

If someone is standing closer than you’d like while you use the ATM, cancel your
transaction, and find another machine to use. They might be trying to spy on your
PIN.

It’s natural to want to count your money after making a withdrawal, but doing so can give a crook an idea of how much money you took out wile providing them extra time to approach you with ill intent.

Take your receipt with you. While that little piece of paper doesn’t have all your
personal information, it does contain bits of data fraudsters can use to steal you identity.

Stay vigilant

After you’ve withdrawn money, survey the area around you again. If someone is
following you, head to the nearest place with people in or around it. As soon as
you’re close to other people, take out your phone and call the police.

It’s a good idea to monitor your online or paper statements for fraudulent
transactions regularly. Contact your financial institution if something doesn’t look
right.

Spot skimming scams

Skimmers are devices criminals attach to ATMs and other card-reading terminals to
harvest sensitive information and fraudulently access accounts. In 2021 alone, there were over 5,500 known instances of skimmers attached to ATMs in the United States. Your best method for fighting this sinister tactic is to stay on the lookout for these crude
electronic overlays. If you see an ATM that matches these descriptions, report it to the
machine’s owner and find another ATM to use.

Loose plastic casing
Misaligned pieces
Sticky residue or tape
Stiff buttons
Wobbly keypad
Cracked or damaged housing
Oversized card slot
Oddly colored plastic around the card slot
Unusual on-screen instructions

While the above tips may make the threat of ATM crime seem scary, none of the
information is meant to alarm you. Ideally, it will help you feel less worried knowing
you’ve taken the necessary precautions to secure yourself and your information.

If you are a member at SRP Federal Credit Union you will find over fifty ATMs or ITMs at your disposal throughout the CSRA for your banking convenience.

This article is for informational purposes only. Membership required. SRP is federally insured by NCUA.

Article Credit: Balance

Do You Have an Estate Plan?

posted on

August 15, 2024

What is Estate Planning?

Estate Planning is simply the process of making it clearly known how you want your estate to be handled after you pass or if you’re incapacitated and unable to handle things on your own. The most common Estate Planning definition is — "the process of making plans for the management and transfer of your estate after your death, using a Will, Trust, insurance policies and/or other devices." Estate Planning has been around for many years, but it’s becoming increasingly more and more common.

When you become a member of SRP Federal Credit Union in Augusta, you can gain access to our estate plan program with Trust & Will. We have teamed up with Trust & Will to provide members with an easy and affordable way to create an estate plan online. Trust & Will is the leader in online estate planning and has helped over half a million families secure their legacies. Together, we're on a mission to help families protect their legacy and give their families peace of mind.

There are many parts of Estate Planning, but the first thing you must do is conduct a comprehensive review of your estate assets. Your estate is made up of all the property you own, including cars, jewelry, houses, investments, land, and more.

Who Needs an Estate Plan?

Short answer: Everyone. It’s easy to try and convince ourselves that we don’t need an Estate Plan. But the reality is, we would all be better off if we were planning a little more for our future. You don’t need to be wealthy, or elderly or even have a specific amount in your bank account to justify the need for a valid Estate Plan. If you are over the age of 18, you should start thinking about creating a plan.

Even if you don’t have a lot of assets, your Estate Plan is a guarantee that everyone will know what your wishes are. Health directives and long-term healthcare wishes are perfect examples of this – if you were ever to become incapacitated and couldn’t make your wishes known, your Estate Plan will speak for you, so your loved ones don’t have to make unthinkable decisions or wonder what you would want.

What is the Difference Between a Will and a Trust?

A Will lets you nominate guardians for kids and pets, designate where assets go, and specify final arrangements. A Trust can provide greater control over when and how your assets are distributed. Trusts are often used to minimize or avoid probate entirely. (Probate is a legal process to distribute a deceased person's estate; most people prefer to avoid it because of the cost and time required.)

While Wills and Trusts do have a lot of overlap, there are also several differences between the two. Ultimately, both are ways to say who will receive your assets. They just do it in different ways, and each has its own advantages and disadvantages.

One big difference between the two is in how and when they take effect. Wills don’t go into effect until you pass away, whereas a Trust is effective immediately upon signing and funding it.

It may be easier to think of a Will as a “simple” document. Wills allow you to:

Name guardians for kids and pets
Designate where your assets go
Specify final arrangements

To support your estate planning needs, SRP Federal Credit Union has teamed up with Trust & Will to bring you an easy, affordable, and secure way to create an estate plan. Trust & Will, the leading online estate planning platform, has helped over half a million families in securing their legacies. As a valued member, you are eligible to receive a 20% discount on any estate plan with Trust & Will.

To learn more about the Trust & Will program, visit our website today.

This article is for informational purposes only. Membership required. Digital estate planning services are offered through Trust & Will. Trust & Will is not affiliated with SRP Federal Credit Union and may pay referral fees to SRP Federal Credit Union. Estate planning products are not insured by the NCUA or any Federal Government agency; are not a deposit of or guaranteed by SRP Federal Credit Union or any affiliate; and may lose value. SRP Federal Credit Union is not responsible for the service and does not endorse and/or guarantee legal services provided by any individual or firm. Trust & Will is offering 20% off the initial purchase of an estate plan. No promo code required; the discount is automatically applied at checkout to the initial purchase of a Will or Trust-based estate plan. Subsequent upgrades aren’t eligible for discount. Offers are subject to change and may have restrictions. Contact Trust & Will directly for complete information. SRP is federally insured by NCUA.

Article Credit: Trust & Will

Goodbye Dorm: 10 Tips to Transition to Off-Campus Living

posted on

August 1, 2024

When you go to college, you’ll find freedom that you didn’t have before, such as living on your own. With that freedom comes the need to balance studying, class, extracurricular activities, work, finances, housework, and more.

Learning how to plan for college expenses can give you a leg up over others in your situation. With SRP Federal Credit Union’s Elements of Money program, we can help you answer questions about college expenses and off-campus living before you embark on that adventure.

Here’s how to make the transition to apartment living as smooth as possible:

Choose roommates carefully.
Constant parties can make for a distracting and unhealthy living environment, along with the potential for property damage or expensive tickets. If you live with roommates, be upfront in discussing schedules, chores, party habits, bills, and house rules to set an open tone for the living situation and avoid potential conflict.

Find affordable rent.
Search sites like Rent.com, Apartments.com, and ForRent.com, and check campus housing resources for recommended apartments or realty companies.

Review the lease carefully before signing.
To avoid a lease that isn’t forgiving, or getting hit with hidden fees, read it carefully and in its entirety. Pay attention to parking and pet policies, lease termination policy, trash removal, maintenance services, and monthly fees.

Follow a move-in inspection checklist.
If anything is damaged or missing upon move-in, write it down and photograph so you do not get charged for damages when you move out.

Furnish for free.
Acquire furniture from the previous tenants or take advantage of thrift store finds. The best time to scavenge is right after finals, particularly spring, or right before fall move-in. Using Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace are also great ways to find free or very cheap furniture. Use your best judgment when it comes to safety. If possible, take a parent or friend with you when visiting a seller’s home, and for the sale of smaller items, meet in a public place.

Pay rent and bills on time.
Late bills accumulate fees, ding your credit, and damage your relationship with your landlord. Set up auto-payments if possible or write due dates on the calendar. If you are collecting money from roommates to pay bills, start doing so at least a week before the due date to ensure the bill is paid on time.

Get renters insurance.
It’s a nominal cost and could save you thousands in the event of a fire, flood, theft, or other unexpected event.

Learn to grocery shop and cook.
The average college student spends more than $800 a year eating out. Keep a well-stocked pantry and freezer to stretch your grocery budget, and a solid base to incorporate fresh produce as often as possible. Meal planning and meal prep is a good way to get the most out of ingredients, money and time.

If you need help budgeting and managing your personal finances, SRP’s Financial Counselors are here to help. Our counselors have extensive training and are certified to extend financial counseling services. They can assist you by helping you understand financial principles, create financial goals and strategies to achieve them, and so much more. Through our in-person, individual assistance, they will help you chart a path to achieving financial wellness through financial counseling and education.

Maintain a cleaning schedule.
Your workload will be busy, but you should make sure you find time to maintain tidiness. You are responsible for keeping your place clean, and it can seem daunting since there is more to clean in an apartment or rental house than a dorm. You don’t need to vacuum every day. Make a list of what needs to be cleaned regularly over what could be cleaned on a weekly or monthly basis. Make sure you include things like wiping down countertops, taking out garbage, and cleaning out the fridge. Whether you live alone or have a roommate, create a cleaning routine, and stick to it!

Have fun!
Make friends, have fun, and enjoy your new place. By establishing a budget, practicing good spending habits, and avoiding debt, your transition to off-campus living can be smooth and worry free.

If you need any help with your finances while transition to your off campus living, SRP Federal Credit Union is by your side. Don’t hesitate to get in touch with us by calling or visiting one of our locations.

This article is for informational purposes only. Membership required. SRP is federally insured by NCUA.

Article Credits: CUNA

When Is Debt Consolidation Helpful?

posted on

July 15, 2024

If you’re struggling to pay off multiple debts every month, you may have considered a debt consolidation loan. But how do you know if a consolidation loan would be helpful for your situation?

What is debt consolidation?

Debt consolidation is a form of debt refinancing that allows you to combine multiple debts into one single loan, with one single monthly payment. You can use a debt consolidation loan to pay off unsecured debts such as credit cards, medical expenses, back taxes, legal and gambling debts, and even secured loans such as vehicle loans. While this may sound like a perfect solution to your financial situation, there are a few things to consider before going down the debt consolidation route. The results of a debt consolidation loan should be to decrease your total monthly payments, lower your interest rate, and/or reduce total time to pay off your debts.

Will your total monthly payment decrease?

One way to determine if debt consolidation will be helpful for you is to determine if the total monthly payment will increase or decrease. To do this, add up all the monthly payments you make to your credit cards and other debts you’d like to consolidate. Then use an online debt consolidation calculator to help you determine how much your consolidation loan payment would be. Compare the two payment amounts and see if the consolidation loan payment is less. Make sure the reduced payment amount is now affordable for you. If it’s not, talk to your credit union about other possible solutions.

Will your interest rate decrease?

Pay very close attention to the interest rate you are offered on your debt consolidation loan. It should never be higher than the average interest rate you’re currently paying on your outstanding debts. If you’re offered a higher interest rate on a debt consolidation loan, then you will end up paying more money over the course of the loan than if you had just continued paying down your debts individually. There are companies that will charge up to 35%, but you can easily find a lower interest rate at a credit union.

Will your time to pay off your debts decrease?

Compare the length of time it would take to pay off your debt consolidation loan to the time it would take you to pay off your debts individually. The length of your loan can affect your monthly payment and interest rate, so it’s important to pay attention to this. Typically, a short-term loan will have a lower interest rate but could have a higher monthly payment due to the short time frame. A longer-term loan may come with a higher interest rate but can often result in a lower monthly payment due to the extended time you have to pay it down. However, if you are struggling to pay down revolving debts like credit card balances, a longer, fixed term may be exactly what you need to finally pay off your debt.

Are you still uncertain what is best for you?

SRP Federal Credit Union offers our member-owners financial counseling from certified financial counselors. Call or you can meet in person and discuss your best options. Click here to learn more and schedule an appointment.

SRP also offers free financial guidance and services online through BALANCE. The site offers webinars, articles, and you can speak to a certified financial counselor on the phone. Learn more at srpfcu.org/balance.

This article is for informational purposes only. All loans subject to approval and rate may vary depending on individual's credit history and other factors. Refinancing restrictions apply. All Credit Union loan programs, rates, terms, and conditions are subject to change at any time without notice. Membership required. SRP is federally insured by NCUA.

Article Credits: CUNA

Watch Out For Phon(e)y Messages

posted on

July 1, 2024

Few of us can imagine going a day without using our cellphones. For many people, it’s become their preferred method of communicating and doing business. Scammers take advantage of our reliance on cellphones and use them to trick us into giving them our personal information. It’s important to be aware of the kinds of scams they use.

One common scam is phishing. Thieves “phish” by sending emails or text messages claiming to be from authentic organizations, like credit unions, to get you to reveal your private information.

These phishing scams can come in two forms: vishing or smishing attacks. Both aim to trick people into revealing their Social Security numbers, credit union account numbers, personal identification numbers (PINs), passwords, etc. Usually, the messages use scare-tactics to make you panic and act quickly. For example, they will say your account will be terminated unless you act immediately.

The term “vishing” comes from “voice” plus “phishing” This involves the fraudster claiming to be from a company or financial institution, calling you and requiring that you provide or confirm personal information. For example, they might send a recording informing you that your credit card has been used illegally. You are asked to call an 800 number and confirm account details. The consumer's answers are saved and later used to commit identity theft.

The term “smishing” comes from “SMS” plus “phishing” (SMS stands for “short message service,” or text messaging). In smishing, the thief attempts to get your information by sending a text message instead of calling.

A common smishing ploy goes like this: You receive a text message, seemingly from your credit union, stating that your account has been closed. To reactivate it, you're told to click on a link they provide. When you do, you're asked to enter your account number and PIN. The link may also install malware to your phone.

It’s important that you never click on the links or call phone numbers listed in messages from unexpected or unfamiliar sources. The best protection against either vishing or smishing comes down to a simple strategy: Don't respond.

If it's a vishing scam, refuse to answer questions and hang up. If it's a smishing attack, don't do what the text message instructs you to do. If the scammer claims to be from SRP Federal Credit Union, call us immediately to let us know. Then block the number on your phone.

Remember, SRP Federal Credit Union will never ask you for personal information over the phone or by e-mail. We already have this information. If you’re unsure if the message is legitimately from us, simply call us directly at (803) 278-4851 to ask.

This article is for informational purposes only. Membership required. SRP is federally insured by NCUA.

Article Credits: CUNA

Family Finances: The Importance of Keeping Everyone Informed

posted on

June 14, 2024

In your household, does one person handle all the finances? Who pays all the bills, files the joint taxes, deals with insurance matters, and knows where all the important papers are saved?

What happens if that person becomes ill and can’t take care of these tasks?

At SRP Federal Credit Union, our members come first. We understand the importance of keeping everyone in the family informed of finances. Here are a few steps to help get all the adults in the family up to speed and involved:

Step 1: Have a family budget meeting

Sit down with your spouse, partner, or adult children and talk about spending habits and savings. Go over your combined incomes and total expenses, including the amount spent on groceries, mortgage, insurances, entertainment, kids, etc. Review all your debts together, including credit cards, medical bills, and student loans. This will help you understand where you currently stand financially as a family. If you or your spouse have a written budget in place, make sure both of you agree with and follow it. If there isn’t a budget in place, this is an excellent opportunity to create one together.

Step 2: Review your retirement accounts

This is your financial future, too; it’s important that you know how much you both are contributing to your retirement accounts and what the current balances are. You should know where your accounts are held and how to access them. Make sure everyone knows where important financial documents are kept, physically or digitally.

You should visit your financial planning advisor at SRP so they can go over and explain your current accounts. It’s also a great time to review the beneficiaries on your accounts.

Step 3: Understand you insurance coverages

Know what is covered by all your insurance plans, including life, health, home, and auto. Make sure you know who to contact to file a claim and what your deductibles and co-pays are for each policy.

Tips for Staying Involved:

Once all the adults in your family understand your current finances, it’s important to continue staying involved. Start having monthly budget meetings with your spouse, partner, or adult child to review current spending and planned expenses for next month.

Feel free to meet with one of SRP’s financial counselors. Our counselors have extensive training and are certified to extend financial counseling services. They can assist you by helping you understand financial principles, create financial goals and strategies to achieve them, and so much more. In addition, our counselors work with people of all ages, so they can help every member of your family be financially conscious.

Become a member of SRP today!

Getting involved in managing your family finances enables you to feel more empowered and ready to handle any unexpected life events that come your family’s way.

With SRP Federal Credit Union by your side, you can be sure that we’ll help your family every step of the way. If you have an immediate need we can help you with, don't hesitate to get in touch with us. Become a member today!

This article is for informational purposes only. Membership required. SRP is federally insured by NCUA.

Article Credits: CUNA

What Newbie Home Buyers Need to Know

posted on

June 1, 2024

Buying your first house is an exciting time, but it can be a little scary as well. If you are in the market for a home or have already found your dream home, you need to know how to financially navigate to reach your goal. SRP Federal Credit Union in the Augusta area has been making loans for over 60 years, so we need to talk if you're considering buying a home. With competitive rates, flexible terms, and unparalleled service, you'll be in the home of your dreams in no time.

To minimize your anxiety, the following will help you prepare for your first meeting with a loan officer.

Know your credit report

Go to annualcreditreport.com and get your credit report from all three of the reporting agencies. You get one free report a year. Your credit score can make a huge difference in how much you qualify to borrow and the interest rate you’ll pay.

If you find errors on your report, correct them. That won't happen overnight, so the sooner you clean it up, the better you’ll be.

If the facts are accurate but your credit history could be better, expect to spend at least 6 to 12 months cleaning it up by paying down debt.

Here's how much of a difference it makes: On a $150,000 30-year fixed-rate (3.85% annual percentage rate) mortgage, with an excellent score of 760 or higher, your monthly payment would be $703, and you'd pay $103,033 in total interest. But a credit score of 620 would cost $846 a month (5.4% APR) and rack up $154,407 in total interest payments.

Know what other documents will be useful

You'll need several other records when you talk to your lender:

W-2 forms – from the past two years.
Paystubs – your two most recent ones.
Financial account statements – for the past 3 months.
Lines of credit – anything that wasn’t opened with your credit union.
Information about vehicles you own – make, model, and resale value
Auto-loan account information – account numbers and statements
Credit card account information – numbers and types of cards, balances, and minimum payments
Other loan account information – include student loans and personal loans
Gifts – If any money for your down payment was given to you, identify how much and where it came from. Have a document ready showing that it's a gift and not a loan.

Some of this information may be available online. When you call to make an appointment, ask what papers you should bring.

Know what you can afford

The elements that come into play are your income and its stability, how much you have for a down payment, and how much debt you have.

Maybe you have heard the 28 / 36 guideline. This means:

Your total monthly housing commitment—mortgage principal and interest, property taxes, and homeowners’ insurance—should be no more than 28% of your gross monthly income (income before taxes and other deductions. So, if your gross monthly income is $3,000, the monthly house payment should be $840 or less.
Your total debt—meaning house payments plus student loans, car loans, and credit cards—should be no more than 36% of your gross monthly income. That means if your gross monthly income is $3,000, all monthly debt payments should not go over $1,080.

If you would like to determine your financial stability further, don’t hesitate to speak to one of SRP’s Financial Counselors. Our Certified Financial Counselors are here to help you solve your money issues and take control of your finances.

Our counselors have extensive training and are certified to extend financial counseling services. They can assist you by helping you understand financial principles, create financial goals and strategies to achieve them, and so much more.

Down Payment and Closing Costs

You'll have to come up with a down payment from 5% to 20% on a conventional home loan—or from $7,500 to $30,000 on a $150,000 house.

In addition, be prepared for these expenses:

Closing costs for title search, appraisal fee, loan origination fee, and more
Utility hook-up charges
Prepayment of taxes, interest, and property insurance
Moving expenses

Your credit union lender can help you calculate what you need and how much you want to keep on hand for the inevitable expenses that arise after you buy a house.

Become a member of SRP today

If you are interested in purchasing your first home, SRP is the perfect place to start. SRP Federal Credit Union is here to help make the dream of homeownership a reality. Don’t hesitate to get in touch with us today.

This article is for informational purposes only. All loans subject to approval and rate may vary depending on individual’s credit history and other factors. Refinancing restrictions apply. All Credit Union loan programs, rates, terms, and conditions are subject to change at any time without notice. Membership required. SRP is federally insured by NCUA. NMLS #612441.

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After Disaster Scams

Avoiding Identity Theft: Secure Your Belongings in Public

The Five-S Plan for ATM Safety

Do You Have an Estate Plan?

Goodbye Dorm: 10 Tips to Transition to Off-Campus Living

When Is Debt Consolidation Helpful?

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What Newbie Home Buyers Need to Know

803-278-4851

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