Credit

We all have different ways to pay, but knowing when to use cash, credit, or debit can make a big difference for your budget—and even your credit score. Here’s a simple guide to help you decide which method works best in everyday situations.

1. Cash: The Classic Choice
Cash is easy to use and helps you stick to your budget because you can only spend what you have in your wallet....

For many Gen Z-ers, building credit can feel like one of those “adulting” tasks that you should be doing, but for many, no one really explains how crucial credit is for your financial future! Whether you're dreaming of renting your first apartment, or just want to be ready for whatever comes next,...

What Happens When a Lender Checks My Credit Score? (And 5 Tips to Keep It Strong)

If you’ve ever applied for a loan, credit card, or even a new phone plan, chances are the company said, “We’ll need to check your credit.” But what does that actually mean? And can it hurt your credit score?

Let’s break it down in a way that’s easy to understand — and give you 5 simple tips to keep your score healthy.

First:...

A How-to-Guide on Your First Credit Card

Getting your first credit card is an exciting step toward financial independence, but it’s also a huge responsibility. At CSE, we want to set you up for success with these essential tips:

The Do’s

DO: Pay on Time, Every Time

How-to-Guide on How a Credit Card Works

1. What Is a Credit Card?

A credit card is a plastic (or digital) card that lets you borrow money to make purchases. When you use a credit card, you're using the credit union’s money, not your own. The credit union has allowed you up to a certain dollar amount (or credit limit, see below) to borrow. This is different from a debit card, which takes money directly from your checking account.

2. How...

Credit Report = Adult Report Card.  Will You Make the Grade?

When you take a test in school, the result of a good or bad grade can affect your overall grade for the course; it plays a part in whether you pass or fail. When talking about your credit report, imagine it as your adult report card. How you repay loans and credit cards affects your overall score, which can lead to good things for you or a world of financial challenges, depending on your overall credit...

The Importance of Monitoring Your Credit Report

Your credit report is a crucial aspect of your financial health. It is a detailed summary of your credit history, including your credit accounts, payment history, credit inquiries, and public records. Monitoring your credit report is essential because it can affect your ability to obtain credit, rent an apartment, and even get a job. Here are some reasons why monitoring your credit report is important:

Want the...

Starting Your Credit Journey & Establishing Credit

Have you ever wondered how long it may take to build or improve your credit score? Here are a few tips from our experts, whether you’re just starting out or want to improve a low credit score.

Jump over to our CSE Couch chat with our Assistant Manager of the Lending Contact Center to discover more about establishing your credit.  Or, continue reading...

To start, let’s...

Oftentimes, when people see or hear ‘credit’ or ‘credit score’ they think of credit as a complicated and complex subject. In ways it is, but we’re here to help break down credit into a simple recipe to make it easier for you to build and maintain a good credit score!

If you’re new to the mortgage loan process, or if it’s been a while, you may be experiencing a variety of emotions if you’re thinking about getting a new home. Before getting too far into the process, one of the first steps in buying a home is going through the mortgage pre-approval process. Learning about the most important factors and knowing what you need so you can speed up the approval process can make a big difference in how ‘easy’ it is for...