A step-by-step guide to making a holiday budget Ah, the holidays. It’s a time for seasonal cheer, catching up with family, and for some—financial panic! If you recently looked at the calendar and realized gift-buying season is closer than you thought, don’t worry. We are here to help you organize your finances by making an [...]
Bubbles burst, the economy falters, companies downsize, and personal disasters happen which can result in a reduced paycheck. Perpetual salary growth or even maintenance is simply not guaranteed. However, by adopting the right tools and attitude, you can make the most of a reduced paycheck and not just survive, but thrive. Determine whether your situation [...]
If you are like me, you are completely blindsided by the end of the year. Wasn’t it just the 4th of July? Why is it so cold all of a sudden!? December is here, and it’s human nature to get stressed out by the holidays, the shopping, the parties, the travel… and put thinking about [...]
Ever notice how your monthly expenses always seem to equal whatever salary you’re making, even after you get raises? The phenomenon is called “lifestyle creep” and it can keep you from reaching all kinds of financial goals, from paying down debt to saving for retirement. One way to get lifestyle creep under control is to [...]
3 Ways to Refinance to a VA Loan A VA refinance is brand new loan, not just an adjustment of a current one. A VA refinance will require a new loan application, a new title report and depending upon the type of VA refinance, more paperwork. Today, there are three different VA refinance loans. The [...]
VA Loan Eligibility Requirements To be eligible for a VA loan, you or your spouse must meet the basic service requirements set by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), have a valid Certificate of Eligibility (COE), and satisfy credit and income requirements. You may be eligible for a VA loan by meeting one or more of the [...]
When Veterans Should Use a VA Loan VA loans are federally backed loans available to eligible military service members who are looking to buy a house. In many cases, it will be your best option thanks to the perks like no down payment, competitive rates, limited closing costs, and no private mortgage insurance premium (PMI). [...]
The Application The 3508S is a one-page application, with a second page for demographic information. Instead of having to show your forgiveness amount calculation as you do on the 3508EZ, you simply certify seven things: The dollar amount for which forgiveness is requested does not exceed the principal amount of the PPP loan and: a) [...]
If you lost your source of income or had reduced income because of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, making payments on your federal student loans may be nearly impossible. With the extension of The CARES Act, those borrowers have relief from paying through December 31st. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) says if you have qualifying student [...]
National Grandparents Day was this weekend and we know that more older adults have primary responsibility for raising grandchildren or other young relatives. If this describes you or the older adults you work with, here are a few financial tools that can help. Get a clear picture of monthly income and expenses. If you’re raising [...]
shared from the Wall Street Journal Whatever shape your business is in, here are tax moves to consider now Note: All are likely to require professional help but could provide big benefits. If you’re a small-business owner, don’t overlook tax breaks that could help this year—whether your business is on the ropes or is booming. [...]
We're sharing a post from A Daily Dose of OPTIMISM! recorded with Guy Kawasaki on LinkedIn Live. We hope you find this enlightening! In today’s conversation with Guy Kawasaki, entrepreneur, author of 15 books, marketing expert, and Silicon Valley venture capitalist—we discuss some of the tactical ways that entrepreneurs and CEOs can navigate leadership during the [...]
There are so many COVID-19 scams circulating right now. Everything from stimulus money fraud to imposter contact tracers and everything in between. Stay aware and keep your personal information safe. Here are some tips from the FTC. KEEP CALM & AVOID CORONAVIRUS SCAMS Learn how to tell the difference between a real contact tracer and a scammer. [...]
Mask Mandate Lifted As of Monday, May 3, 2021, Green Country is following the lifting of city, county and state mask mandates and masks will no longer be required in our branch lobbies. We still encourage members to act responsibly and safely and follow CDC guidelines for social distancing, hand washing, and wearing masks when [...]
Green Country FCU is part of the National Credit Union Administration and thereby adheres to policies and regulations set forth by the Federal Reserve and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB). The Federal Reserve and CFPB in late June finalized amendments to Regulation CC to implement a statutory adjustment to adjust the dollar amounts under [...]
Even when rates are low, refinancing your mortgage isn't always the right choice. Here are some points to consider before you refinance. Deciding when to refinance your home loan depends on several factors besides whether you can get a better mortgage rate than you already have. And though there are many reasons people refinance their [...]
No doubt about it—buying a home is a big investment. You’re on the hook for a long-term mortgage, and responsible for repairs and any other unforeseen expenses. But don’t get discouraged just yet. If you have strong money management skills (and cash saved up), you may be ready for homeownership. Here are three signs that [...]
Buying a home is at once an exciting and challenging venture. With commitment and planning, you can become a successful homeowner. This post covers everything you need to know to start the home buying process off right, including: Preparing for Homeownership Understanding Mortgages Getting a Loan Searching for a Home and Making an Offer Closing [...]
Refinancing is the process of paying off an existing loan with the proceeds from a new loan and using the same property as collateral. Usually, the interest rate on the new mortgage will be less than the old, the loan will cost less and you will save money. However, refinancing isn’t appropriate for every homeowner. [...]
If you have been impacted by the national COVID-19 health crisis and are having trouble paying your mortgage payment, forbearance may be an option for you. Forbearance is offered by some lenders to borrowers who have experienced a financial hardship such as a loss of income or increased medical expenses. Eligible borrowers approved for forbearance [...]
Applications are no longer being accepted for this program. Oklahoma Business Relief Application & Guidelines Green Country is participating in the Oklahoma Business Relief Program (OBRP) which is a one-time grant for up to $25 million for qualified businesses. The OBRP is a state-level program administrated by the Oklahoma Department of Commerce. OBRP requires that [...]
Think back to how you formed your financial habits. Did you learn everything you needed in school? From your parents? If you could go back and talk to your younger self, what financial pitfalls would you tell yourself to avoid? If you have children of your own, you may be wondering how and when to [...]
5 tips for social media security and privacy Social media accounts are powerful tools in the wrong hands. We’ve recently seen hackers take over the Twitter accounts of media outlets and large corporations, using them for anything from basic spam to drawing attention to global issues. Your own accounts might seem too small to tempt [...]
Green Country FCU Board of Directors Annual Business Meeting Saturday, June 20, 2020 @ 10:00 a.m. Virtual Business Meeting As you know, Green Country FCU is member-owned and part of that ownership includes annual reports from the Board of Directors, along with elections/re-elections for Board positions. We will be holding our Board of Director's Annual [...]
We're pleased to offer free absentee voter services to assist Tulsa area voters with absentee ballot affidavit verification. We have notaries at both our Morrow Road and Prattville locations. Here’s some general voter information: OKLAHOMA PRIMARY ELECTIONS – JUNE 30th Mail Absentee Request Deadline: Tuesday, June 23, 2020 @ 5 p.m. Here’s what’s on the [...]
Tip #1: Use the Covered Period for Payroll Costs A first tip to maximize PPP forgiveness? Use the eight-week covered period that starts when you get the PPP loan. Not the alternative covered period which starts the day the next payroll period starts. (You get to choose which eight weeks you look at.) The reason? [...]
Effective Monday, June 1, our lobbies will reopen for member access. For the health and safety of everyone, we highly encourage the continued use of the drive-thru for all teller and simple transactions, whenever possible, as well as remote banking services. If you do choose to come into the lobbies – welcome! It’s good to see [...]
Paycheck Protection Program Update Our commercial lending team has worked tirelessly since late March helping our small business members and new relationships stay afloat by utilizing the SBA's Paycheck Protection Program. To date, we've helped 90 business owners receive an average of $35,010 in what should be forgivable loans to pay employees and utilities. We've [...]
UPDATE May 1, 2020 Green Country FCU lobbies will continue to be closed to the public until further notice. We are working on a re-opening plan to keep members and employees safe. Keep an eye on this page for updates. Appointments can be made for safe deposit box access and more, please call (918) 245-1301. [...]
We want you to know that we’re not going anywhere, because at its core, our credit union is not a building or a business, its people unified for a common goal of financial well-being. We’re always here for you. These are difficult times for everyone, and we know that some of your biggest payments are [...]
When will you see your Stimulus Check? Please note that Green Country FCU cannot see your stimulus payment until it is direct deposited or until you deposit a paper check. We do not have control over when these funds are deposited. The Internal Revenue Service started sending out stimulus payments this week and while some [...]
► APPLY for the Paycheck Protection Program What is the Paycheck Protection Program? The Paycheck Protection Program is part of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. This is a nearly $350-billion program intended to provide American small businesses with eight weeks of cash-flow assistance through 100 percent federally guaranteed loans. Program highlights All [...]
As the ongoing coronavirus pandemic continues to disrupt life and cancel plans across the world, people are finding creative ways to celebrate. From drive-by weddings to birthday car parades to virtual graduation ceremonies, there are so many ways you can celebrate while still maintaining proper social distancing. Let’s take a look at some of the [...]
The Covid-19 pandemic has forced many of us into financial situations that we could never have predicted. Country-wide shelter-in-place orders have left many without work, and businesses without customers. Now more than ever, it’s important to think about the way we spend or save every dollar we make. In some cases, the quarantine orders have [...]
