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When is the Best Time to Buy a Car?

When is the Best Time to Buy a Car?

Authored By: FiCare FCU on 7/15/2026

Ask people when the best time to buy a car is, and you’ll probably get several answers. One person recommends holiday sales, another waits for year-end events, so on. Those strategies all have one thing in common - they’re focused on finding the right date on the calendar.

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Why Preparing Beats Waiting

Why Preparing Beats Waiting

Authored By: FiCare FCU on 7/1/2026

“I’m waiting for mortgage rates to come down” is one of the most common things prospective homebuyers say today, and it’s easy to understand why. Hoping to lock in a lower rate feels like the responsible approach. But waiting doesn’t mean you have to stand still.

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The Number Behind Most Loan Approvals

The Number Behind Most Loan Approvals

Authored By: FiCare FCU on 6/17/2026

A borrower may have excellent credit, yet still encounter an unexpected obstacle during the approval process. While most would assume their credit score is the issue, another number often plays an equally important role – your debt-to-income ratio.

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Chasing the American Dream Today

Chasing the American Dream Today

Authored By: FiCare FCU on 6/3/2026

For generations, owning a home has represented stability, independence, and the opportunity to build a better future. As America celebrates its 250th Anniversary, many young adults are asking an important question: Is that dream still possible?

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How to Recover From Financial Setbacks

How to Recover From Financial Setbacks

Authored By: FiCare FCU on 4/15/2026

Life will always bring a few financial surprises, and no one can prepare for every one of them. The goal isn’t to build a perfect financial plan. It’s to build enough resources so that one unexpected expense doesn’t create another financial challenge.

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6 Money Moves After Filing Your Taxes

6 Money Moves After Filing Your Taxes

Authored By: FiCare FCU on 3/4/2026

Tax season can be stressful. So, once filing your taxes is behind you, it’s natural to feel a huge wave of relief. If you’re expecting a tax refund, that relief often comes with excitement. But your tax refund carries more potential than just a moment of fun.

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Start the Year with Lower Car Payments

Start the Year with Lower Car Payments

Authored By: FiCare FCU on 1/28/2026

As a new year continues to roll out and financial resolutions are still on your mind, it’s worth taking a moment to ask yourself: Does your current car loan fit your budget as well as it could?

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Don't Set Goals. Build Routines.

Don't Set Goals. Build Routines.

Authored By: FiCare FCU on 1/7/2026

Instead of rushing into big, rigid goals each January, focus on routines that fit naturally into daily life. Like a morning cup of coffee, these rituals don't need perfection or intensity. They just need consistency.

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Vehicle repossession: Know your Rights and Responsibilities

Vehicle repossession: Know your Rights and Responsibilities

Authored By: FiCare FCU on 8/19/2025

When you finance a vehicle, the lender holds certain rights until you make your final payment. If you default, the lender may have the right to repossess  the vehicle.

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Four Foreclosure Rescue Scams To Avoid

Four Foreclosure Rescue Scams To Avoid

Authored By: FiCare FCU on 8/1/2025

There have been a slew of con artists that have popped up in recent years who prey on homeowners facing foreclosure. Be aware of common scams.

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Study Guide to Paying Off Student Loans

Study Guide to Paying Off Student Loans

Authored By: FiCare FCU on 6/20/2025

If you borrowed a hefty chunk of change, repaying your loans may seem like a daunting task.

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Saving for Homeownership

Saving for Homeownership

Authored By: FiCare FCU on 4/16/2025

Buying a home is both an exciting and challenging venture - but saving for home purchase takes commitment, research, and sometimes sacrifice. 

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Why You Should Not Hire a Credit Repair Company

Why You Should Not Hire a Credit Repair Company

Authored By: FiCare FCU on 4/8/2025

If your credit report shows a history of debt problems or contains errors, you may consider using a repair service to “clean it up.”

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Ways to Negotiate Medical Debt

Ways to Negotiate Medical Debt

Authored By: FiCare FCU on 10/31/2024

Whether due to unexpected emergencies or ongoing treatments, negotiating medical debt is a viable option for many consumers.

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Understanding Credit Score Rating & Ranges

Understanding Credit Score Rating & Ranges

Authored By: FiCare FCU on 10/23/2024

Your credit score is a vital part of your financial history. Lenders and other organizations use it to understand how much of a risk you are regarding financial matters and repaying your debts.

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How to Build a Strong Credit Score in Lutz FL

How to Build a Strong Credit Score in Lutz FL

Authored By: FiCare FCU on 11/14/2023

Only 27% of adults check their credit score monthly. If you aren’t aware of your credit score, you might be surprised by your three-digit number when applying for loans, mortgages, credit cards, and more.

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Is It Better To Have a Fixed Rate or Adjustable Rate Mortgage in Tampa FL?

Is It Better To Have a Fixed Rate or Adjustable Rate Mortgage in Tampa FL?

Authored By: FiCare FCU on 10/20/2023

Owning a home is one of the biggest investments most people will make in their lifetime. With higher interest rates, more people are looking toward adjustable-rate mortgages versus fixed-rate mortgages. 

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How To Manage Student Loans in Clearwater FL

How To Manage Student Loans in Clearwater FL

Authored By: FiCare FCU on 9/18/2023

There is a student loan debt crisis in the United States. As of the third quarter of 2023, Americans hold more than $1.6 trillion in outstanding student loan debt. The good news is that there are programs to help with Florida student loans. Read on to learn how to deal with your student loans.

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Documents Needed for a Car Loan in Lutz FL

Documents Needed for a Car Loan in Lutz FL

Authored By: FiCare FCU on 8/14/2023

If you’re in Lutz or the surrounding area and on the hunt for a new vehicle, you would do well to explore credit unions. These financial institutions offer great credit union car loan rates, and even better — they’re plentiful. 

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How To Reduce Credit Card Debt in Tampa FL

How To Reduce Credit Card Debt in Tampa FL

Authored By: FiCare FCU on 7/12/2023

U.S. consumers now owe close to $1 trillion on their credit cards. It’s incredibly easy to build up credit card debt, but it can be difficult to manage and reduce it once it’s built up. Keep reading to find out how to manage and reduce your credit card debt.

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What Is a Fixed Rate Credit Card and What Are the Benefits in Tampa FL?

What Is a Fixed Rate Credit Card and What Are the Benefits in Tampa FL?

Authored By: FiCare FCU on 3/15/2023

Did you know that the average American has around $5,313 in credit card debt? With the increasing popularity of applying for credit cards, it’s no surprise that most of us are accustomed to carrying a balance each month.

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What Are Credit Union Car Loan Requirements in Clearwater FL?

What Are Credit Union Car Loan Requirements in Clearwater FL?

Authored By: FiCare FCU on 3/6/2023

Are you thinking of getting a car loan but are not sure where to start?  Applying for a car loan can be confusing, especially if you don’t know what the requirements are.

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