How to save and access cash for projects, hobbies and more.
Pinching pennies is sometimes essential for making it through times when the budget is tight, but for summer? Let’s get more creative! Summer is a great time to pursue more time outdoors, participating in hobbies, traveling, completing home improvements and a whole lot more – and there are many ways to make your finances work.
Here are a few insights into how to balance your summer plans with your summer finances – and to enhance your summer financial outlook.
Make a plan.
This includes creating a list of what your summer plans include – like sports, vacations, daytrips, and more. You will also need to get an idea of how much those plans will cost. Once you know your estimated expenses, you can build a summer budget. Be as complete as possible.
Adjust your financial habits.
With your summer budget, you can identify how much money you need to cover your summer expenses – and you’ll have a good understanding of how those expenses will work into your overall monthly budget. If you need to cut corners in other parts of your expenses, such as subscriptions, now is a great time to do it.
Start saving.
Begin by opening a designated savings account for your summer goals. This will help you avoid spending funds earmarked for your summer fun. You can make saving automatic by putting a portion of your direct deposit into your savings account.
Find ways to earn more.
While you may have time this summer to take on extra work, it doesn’t take a side gig or weekend job to earn extra cash. Here, it is as simple as opening a Kasasa® checking account. With a Kasasa Cash® checking account, you can earn up to 5.00% APY1 on balances up to $25,0001, and with Kasasa Cash Back® checking, you can earn up to 3% cash back, up to $9 a month on debit card purchases. Learn more about how to earn more on your checking account.
Seek out more affordable financing.
With some summer goals – like a new pool installation or dream vacation, you need to go big. With your credit union, you can still enjoy small financing rates. Our Advantage Home Equity Line of Credit is an option that gives you access to up to $250,000 in cash up to 100% of your home’s value at a rate as low as Prime + 1% APR2. As a home equity line of credit, or HELOC, this option allows you to finance only what you need when you need it, giving you an easy, flexible, affordable financing solution for your larger summer goals.
Summer should be a time of celebrating freedom and exploring the activities and opportunities you love – and we are here to help! Let us know how we can help you pursue your summer financial goals and beyond. For personal assistance, give us a call at (800) 849-8431.
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1APY= Annual Percentage Yield. Membership restrictions and credit qualifications apply. If you’re eligible to join, you must apply for a savings (share) account. APCU/Center Parc will deposit the par share value of $1.00 to the required savings (share) account upon opening. Minimum qualifications include setting up direct deposit, making a minimum of 12 debit card purchases, and enrolling in eStatements. A minimum deposit of $1.00 is required to open the account.When qualifications are met during a Monthly Cycle, daily balances up to and including $25,000 in your account earn a dividend rate of 4.8889% resulting in an APY of 5.00%; and daily balances over $25,000 earn a dividend rate of 0.2497% on the portion of the daily balance over $25,000, resulting in a range from 5.00% APY to 0.25% APY depending on the account's daily balance. When qualifications are not met, the dividend rate earned on the account's entire daily balance will be 0.05% resulting in an annual percentage yield of 0.05% and ATM withdrawal fees are not refunded. The rate may change after the account is opened. No minimum balance required to earn the stated APY. APY is accurate as of July 1, 2024. Fees may reduce earnings. Contact a representative for additional information, details, restrictions, processing limitations, qualifications, and enrollment instructions. Kasasa and Kasasa Cash are trademarks of Kasasa, Ltd. Registered in the U.S.A.
2Membership restrictions and credit qualifications apply. If you’re eligible to join, you must apply for a savings (share) account. APCU/Center Parc will deposit the par share value of $1.00 to the required savings (share) account upon opening. Minimum qualifications include setting up direct deposit, making a minimum of 12 debit card purchases, and enrolling in eStatements. A minimum deposit of $1.00 is required to open the account. When qualifications are met during a Monthly Cycle, you will receive 3% cash back on up to $300 in debit card purchases that post and settle to the account during that cycle period. A maximum of $9.00 cash back payments may be earned per Monthly Qualification Cycle. When qualifications are not met, no cash back payments are made, and ATM withdrawal fees are not refunded. Contact a representative for additional information, details, restrictions, processing limitations, qualifications, and enrollment instructions. Kasasa and Kasasa Cash are trademarks of Kasasa, Ltd. Registered in the U.S.A.
3APR=Annual Percentage Rate. Credit Union Membership eligibility and credit qualifications apply. The prime rate is the highest prime rate published in the Money Rates Table of the Wall Street Journal on the last business day of each month. Prime is a variable rate; as the prime rate increases or decreases so will the APR, which affects your monthly payment. The payment could then change during the next billing cycle. The current prime rate is 8.50%, current as of July 1, 2024 - with a maximum APR of 18.00%. The rate may vary depending on each individual's credit history and underwriting factors. Not all applicants will qualify, nor will all applicants qualify for the lowest rate. Credit is contingent on the equity in your home. The specific terms, including the interest rate, will be disclosed in the loan agreement. Subject to applicable laws, regulations, and lending guidelines. Any modifications to these laws and regulations may impact the terms and conditions of the HELOC. We reserve the right to modify or terminate the HELOC at any time, subject to applicable laws and regulations. We will provide notice to you in accordance with legal requirements. A home equity line of credit is secured by a first or second mortgage lien on your home, which must be one-to-four family residential real estate. This type of credit is not available for investment or rental property. The minimum line of credit amount is $20,000 up to a maximum of $250,000. Maximum loan to value is 100%. 25-year term, consisting of a 10-year draw period followed by a 15-year repayment period. If the Home Equity Line of Credit is closed within 36 months, member will be required to pay all loan fees and closing costs. All loan fees and closing costs for opening the plan begin at $3,000 and go up. Flood and/or property hazard insurance will be required. Other restrictions may apply. Interest-Only Option – will require a monthly minimum payment of the interest your loan has accrued. However, your principle balance will remain the same until you make additional payments for principle. Members who choose to proceed with an Interest-Only Home Equity Line of Credit may experience significant monthly payment increases when the line of credit enters into the repayment phase, which could result in a balloon payment. Consult a tax advisor for information regarding the deductibility of interest and charges. Programs, rates, terms, and conditions are subject to change at any time without notice.