Data Breach: What It Is and Why You Should Care

A data breach happens when unauthorized parties gain access to confidential personal information stored by an organization. What is considered personal information depends on state law but typically includes an individual’s first name (or initial) and last name plus one or more of the following: social Security number, driver’s license number or state-issued ID card number, account number, credit or debit card number, combined with any security code, access code, PIN, or password needed to access an account. 

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It's Easy To Open an Account Online at SOCU

No need to wait for a branch to open. At Service One you can easily open an account from your couch using your smartphone. No matter if it’s after hours, the weekend, or a holiday, we offer simple and fast account opening 24/7.

Need help opening an account online? No worries! Follow along with this step by step tutorial to open your new account in minutes.

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Secured vs. Unsecured Loans 

When you’re considering borrowing money, one of the first things you’ll encounter is the choice between a secured loan and an unsecured loan. While both can help you reach your financial goals, they work in very different ways. Understanding the difference can help you choose the option that best fits your needs (and your budget.) 

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How to Build an Emergency Fund from Scratch

Life is full of surprises, and some of them come with unexpected expenses. From car repairs to medical bills or job changes, having a financial safety net can make all the difference. That’s where an emergency fund comes in.

If you’re starting from zero, don’t worry. Building an emergency fund is more doable than you think. With the right plan and a little consistency, you can start building your emergency fund today.

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Tips for Building A Strong Financial Foundation

Before you can improve your finances, you need to understand them. Take time to look at what’s coming in, what’s going out, and what you owe.

Track your income, monthly expenses, and any debts. You don’t need anything fancy, just getting it all down in one place can be eye-opening. Awareness is the first step toward control.

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Auto Loan Basics: What You Should Know Before Financing Your Next Vehicle

Buying a vehicle is one of the biggest purchases many people make, and understanding how auto loans work can help you make a confident financial decision. Whether you’re buying your first car or upgrading your current ride, knowing the basics of auto financing can help you save money and avoid surprises.

Here are a few key things to know before you finance your next vehicle.

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Ways to Reduce My Monthly Expenses

When prices seem to rise overnight, it can feel like your paycheck disappears just as quickly. The good news? Reducing your monthly expenses doesn’t always mean cutting out everything you enjoy. Sometimes it’s about being strategic.

Here are practical ways to lower your monthly bills and keep more money in your pocket.

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Service One Credit Union’s VP of Lending Answers: How Could Refinancing My Mortgage Save Me Money?

There are many reasons to do this. You can reduce your monthly payment through a lower interest rate. You can access your home’s equity by taking cash out for emergencies and big needs. You can consolidate debt or fund large purchases such as home improvements. There can be costs associated with refinancing your mortgage, which include the appraisal, title work, flood determination, application fees, etc. You may be able to include these costs in your loan amount if you don’t have the cash to pay them up front.

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FICO vs. VantageScore

Have you ever checked your credit score on a free credit monitoring tool and saw one number, but when you went to apply for a loan or credit card your score was actually an entirely different number? This is because there are different credit score model variants, but let's focus on the two most common models: the FICO Credit Score and the VantageScore. These scores are used to determine how likely you are to pay back money borrowed, or your “creditworthiness.”

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