Given the average American carries more than $90,000 in personal debt, it doesn’t take much to push someone over the fiscal edge. A significant medical condition, unexpected work disruption, or other issues that reduce income can overwhelm personal finances. Once expenses exceed salaries, borrowers find themselves on a slippery slope. Interest and fees begin to mount as hard-working families grow increasingly indebted. Once people start falling behind on monthly payments, the harassing phone calls, text messages, and collection notices never let up. But the good news is that there are debt relief solutions available. By conducting some due diligence to develop a debt consolidation plan, you can breathe a sigh of relief knowing solutions are available, and America's Credit Union is ready to help.

When people start to feel overwhelmed by the total balances on their monthly bills or feel like they are barely able to afford the minimum monthly payments, they start to wonder if there is any possible relief. Debt consolidation and credit card consolidation are solutions that help pay off multiple balances by combining them into a streamlined monthly payment. Credit card consolidation typically involves paying off your existing credit card debt with a new, lower-interest loan or credit card that saves you money by offering a more manageable monthly payment or providing a shorter payoff period. General debt consolidation doesn’t differ significantly. It involves the same long-term strategy of lowering monthly expenses, shortening the length of the loans, and restoring financial well-being. But this solution can include bringing multiple forms of debt such as medical bills, car loans, personal loans, and credit card balances under one roof. Although the differences may seem subtle, you should conduct the proper due diligence and be sure you understand the general pros and cons before signing off on a debt or credit card consolidation solution.

Buying an automobile does not happen every day, and that adds a layer of unfamiliarity to the process. Researching the best cars available and securing a car loan presents a specific set of challenges. In all likelihood, friends and family members will offer their opinions and experiences about the best cars and which car loan makes the most sense. But at the end of the day, you will pay the monthly car loan. And, you also have specific reasons for gravitating to the best cars to serve the needs of you and your family. By considering the following steps of narrowing down the best cars and identifying a cost-effective car loan, you can streamline the process.

Here's What Will Really Help You Find the Best Car Loan and Car Loan Rates. If you're shopping for a car, chances are you're also shopping for a car loan. The interest rate on your car loan has one of the biggest impacts on the overall cost of your car. While the dealership may advertise amazing rates that seem impossible to beat, the truth is you can get a far better rate if you know how to shop. Here are some surprising secrets that will help you get a great rate on your car loan.

If you're in the market to purchase a car, you are likely looking for ways to save. After all, it’s not every day you spend several thousand dollars on a vehicle. And buying a car is not something to do without careful thought. Before you head into the dealership to start shopping for a car, make sure you do your homework. Research current buying conditions and possible demand and supply chain hiccups to prepare for what you can expect. Once you have an understanding of the current market conditions, it is time to look for ways to save on your actual purchase. Depending on the shopping environment, one tried and true way car buyers can save is by timing their car purchase. By buying your car and getting a car loan at the right time, you can save substantially. Here are the secrets to helping you save through proper timing on your car purchase.

When the average person makes a major purchase, like a car, they anticipate comprehensive insurance coverage provides complete financial security. Much to their surprise, this may not be the case. When the average car buyer takes possession of expensive items such as automobiles, fast-declining values and coverage result in a financial gap. If something goes wrong, a borrower could be on the hook in ways they did not imagine. That’s why an increased number of people are securing Guaranteed Asset Protection (GAP) to fill the financial void.

When you head to a car dealership and start looking at the window sticker for cars that catch your eye, you may be confused by the many different prices you see listed. One of those, the MSRP, is an important figure for your future car purchase negotiations. MSRP, or Manufacturer Suggested Retail Price, is the recommended selling price slapped on a new car from the manufacturer. While it is often displayed as the car's "price," it is not the same as a price tag on a pair of shoes at your favorite clothing retailer. You should view the MSRP as the starting point for negotiations, but understanding its full meaning is critical as you shop for a car.

The sticker price on a new and used car continues to climb, making saving money on transportation increasingly important. The average price of a used car reportedly spiked by more than 16 percent, year-over-year, and working families are paying above Kelly Blue Book value in too many cases. We all need to get to work, run family errands, and enjoy a lifestyle that includes transportation freedom. The following 8 ways to save money on your next new or used car could help you achieve those goals.

When a borrower wants to refinance car loan terms and payments, the process involves applying for a new car loan to pay off the existing one. Most automobile loans are secured with the vehicle serving as collateral and the borrower making fixed payments over several years. According to the online automotive experts at Edmunds, “The most common term currently is for 72 months, with an 84-month loan not too far behind. In fact, nearly 70 percent of new car loans in the first quarter of 2020 were longer than 60 months — an increase of about 29 percentage points in a decade.” That being said, there are a wealth of reasons why refinancing a car loan might be in your best interest. As a local lender, we can explore pathways to lower interest rates and the best possible terms.

The benefits of enrolling kids in sports have never been more important. The up-and-coming generation is inundated with touch-screen enticements that do not provide them with the character-building and physical fitness assets they need in life. While every parent wants the best for their children, the cost of youth sports continues to rise. Introducing youngsters to values such as cooperation, hard work, and self-discipline tasks parents with learning how to budget their way through the sometimes-expensive sports industry.