Brad Kirkeeng - Y12 FCU Mortgage Loan Officer

02/04/2019

Came across this-good info!

Your FICO Score Matters: Here's Why Whether free or for a fee, numerous web sites offer consumer credit scores. The most widely accepted scoring method is FICO

02/01/2019

Bankruptcy can happen to anyone, and putting spending habits in check is the start to keeping more of your money.

Money Mistakes Everyone Can Learn From Not Preparing for Emergencies An emergency fund is important for anyone. A signing bonus—whether you’re a pro athlete or a non-athlete receiving a one-time bonus for meeting goals at work—can help give a big boost to an emergency fund. Aim to have one yea...

01/24/2019

Want to refinance your home loan? Start by improving your credit score.

How to Get the Best Mortgage Refinance Rates If you can find a lower mortgage rate than the one you already have, then refinancing a mortgage can make sense. Here are some of the best ways to get a low rate: Raise Your Credit Score For a conventional loan, borrowers with a credit score of 740 or mor...

12/10/2018

Looking to update your home? Here's how to get the most value out of your improvements.

Expert Insights: What Kind of Return Can I Expect From Home Improvements? Some improvements offer a greater return than others do. This will vary greatly depending on the type of work you have done. Realtor magazine publishes an annual “Cost vs. Value Report’’ that can answer this question in ...

12/06/2018

Looking to save on electric, gas and water bills while saving our planet at the same time? Here are seven savvy tips to help you get started.

Slashing Utility Bills Can Help Save the Planet Utility bills seem to go up every year—and every year we hear the call to save our nation’s natural resources. Financial management site Quicken.com suggests seven savvy ways to save on electric, gas, and water bills while helping to save our plane...

12/05/2018

Many think cars won't be necessary in 20 years. What's your opinion?

The Future of the Auto Industry The automobile industry is important to the U.S. economy—so important that in 2009 the U.S. Treasury Department invested nearly $50 billion in General Motors Co. after it went bankrupt in a financial crisis that led to a recession. That importance is changing as con...

12/01/2018

What do you think?

11/29/2018

The rule requires people in the financial services industry to put consumers' best interests ahead of their own.

The Fiduciary Rule Explained Asking a financial expert if they’re working in your best interest when giving you advice on your retirement account seems like a simple enough question. That question is now getting a little more complicated. Known as the fiduciary rule and set by the Labor Department...

11/27/2018

Keep your appliances gleaming with these tips.

Kitchen Counsel: Tips to Keep That Stainless Steel Shining If you have ever owned any stainless steel products, you know how beautiful and appealing the look can be. Stainless steel appliances give a renovated kitchen that POP! it needs, while steel also makes for a very durable cookware product tha...

11/19/2018

These are growing in popularity.

Will Zero-Energy Homes Change the Future of Real Estate? While trends typically come and go, one that’s been getting a lot of attention lately is the concept surrounding the zero-energy home, a space that relies on exceptional energy conservation and on-site renewable energy to meet heating, cooli...

10/25/2018

Stuck between the two? It may be an easier decision than you think.

Is a House or a Condo a Better Choice for You? When looking for a new place to live, the first thing you need to decide is what type of home you want. Many people dream of owning a house, but others prefer to live in condominiums. Each has advantages and drawbacks. Pros and Cons of Owning a House On...

10/20/2018

Big surprise! When it comes time to sell, homeowners behind gates can expect to ask around $30,000 more for their home.

What's Behind the Gates? Higher-Priced Homes Homeowners behind gates can expect an average $30,000 more for their home come sale—a premium, however, that can be offset by costly community amenities, according to research from the American Real Estate Society (ARES). The premium is due to actual an...