Is Debt Consolidation the Best Choice for My Finances?

For many, debt consolidation can be beneficial when it comes to refinancing loans and paying out debt. For others, debt consolidation can help very little in their goals of becoming free of the financial and emotional burdens of debt.

While it may sound tantalizing to consolidate all of your loans into one place, there’s much more to consider when choosing to consolidate your loans. It may be true that consolidating multiple credit accounts into one principle loan with a single payment can help lower your overall monthly expenses and eliminate the stress of multiple payments each month, but it could be possible that you would lose certain benefits, increase your time spent in debt, face higher interest, and more.

Remember that consolidation works best as part of a larger plan to become free of debt, not as a way to postpone repayment. Before you seriously consider consolidating your loans, ask yourself the following questions:

• Is my debt load manageable?
• Is my credit level advantageous for debt consolidation?
• Am I serious about becoming debt-free?
• Is a personal loan the best option for my finances?
• Will it help me face my student loans more efficiently?
• Once I am debt-free, will I be able to stay debt-free?

It may be to your benefit to talk to a Member Advisor at St. Cloud Federal Credit Union to answer the questions above and more to help you determine if debt consolidation is best for you.

St. Cloud Federal Credit Union offers another easy way to help determine whether debt consolidation is right for you. The St. Cloud Federal Credit Union Personal Debt Consolidation Calculator offers a simple method of self-calculating your credit cards, auto loans, and other loans and installment debt. The St. Cloud Federal Credit Union also offers a comprehensive glossary of loans terms for transparency and for those new to the process. To learn more, check out our Personal Debt Consolidation Calculator.

Debt repayment and credit counseling programs can further help you repay your loans more efficiently. Whichever method you pursue in consolidating your debts, know that the experts at St. Cloud Federal Credit Union can help you get your finances in order and can help you on your way to becoming debt-free.

Why St. Cloud Federal Credit Union is a Great Option for Your Loan Needs

So, you’re looking to apply for a loan. Where do you go? Choosing a big name bank may seem easier at first, but is it the right choice for you? Looking into St. Cloud Federal Credit Union can prove to be a better fit for your needs, and here’s why:

It’s important to trust your lender. Big Banks are for-profit organizations, and can have many hidden fees. Shareholders will ultimately do what is right for the shareholders - they care about the bottom line. At SCFCU, we are not-for-profit and our owners are our members, so our main focus is and always will be you.

At St. Cloud Federal Credit Union, you can be assured that we are on your side. Through big banks, customers are many times approved for large loans they might not necessarily need, which they may take out because they think it’s what's best- If you’re approved for it, why not, right? Most often, employees of big name banks are required to sell as part of their job. SCFCU takes the time to really assess your options. We do what is right for our customers, NOT the bottom line.The people who work at our credit union are local people, meaning they live in our community, and can better understand your needs.

Big banks have many employees that are constantly revolving in and out and it can be impossible to get to know your loan officer on a personal basis. At St. Cloud Federal Credit union, we will take the time to explain every part of a loan with you. You want a face to face, personal relationship with your loan officer, and you can get that at a St. Cloud Federal Credit Union. We guide you through the whole process and answer every question you may have on the way.

If you have any questions about taking out a loan from a credit union, we encourage you to stop into St. Cloud Federal Credit Union and meet with us. We are happy to answer any questions you may have!

Stress Less on Holiday Expenses

Headphones, clothing, spiffy shoes, video games… a Christmas list can go on and on!  While it’s true that this season is one of the most wonderful times of the year, it can also be one of the most stressful.  Many of us feel the pressure to find the perfect gift – which may come with a hefty price tag.

How do you pay for all the gadgets, gizmos, and gifts? Do you pull out the plastic and throw caution to the wayside, ignoring the guilt and financial pressure? Well, we’re here to tell you there’s a way to spend this Holiday season without the buyer’s remorse!

Did you know the national average of interest rates on credit cards is a whopping 14.95%? YIKES. This is just one of the reasons we are excited to be offering our annual Holiday Loan with a low 1.99% annual percentage rate!

A few key details about the SCFCU Holiday Loan:
- Available now until December 31st, 2013
- Minimum loan is $500
- Maximum loan is $4,000
- 12 month term
- 1.99% APR (WOW!!!)
- Offer available to qualified borrowers on approved credit
- New money only
- No collateral required

We offer this special financing so you can buy gifts for the Holidays at a lower cost than credit cards or other loans. The term (AKA the loan payback period) may seem short, but this helps us encourage and remind our Members that part of being Financially Fit means not over-extending your debt.  In other words, we don’t want you to still be paying for the Holidays during next year’s Holiday season; after all, next Christmas rolls around just 12 months later!

If you’re looking for a way to stick to your budget, stay Financially Fit, and truly enjoy the Holidays, contact one of our Lenders at (320) 258-2190 today – you’ll be glad you did!

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Happy Holidays from all of us at St. Cloud Federal Credit Union, where our Mission is to educate, support and encourage our Members to be Financially Fit.