Building financial capability
The banking products and tips you need, but in non-bank speak. We don't speak in financial jargon. In fact, we're on a mission to help you understand and reach your financial goals.
Your bank lender isn’t just someone who helps you borrow some money, they’re someone you can go to for guidance and someone you can trust. That’s why it’s important for us to be just that, a trusted adviser.
Relationship Manager Neil Boyd, from our Business Banking team in Lismore knows just how important it is to build trust and go the extra mile for his clients around the Northern Rivers region.
- Category: Personal
Just when you thought managing your own personal tax was hard, a third wheel comes into the picture. As a new parent, managing your baby’s finances might not be at the top of your priority list – but believe it or not, understanding the tax obligations of your infant child can be important.
- Category: Personal
They say love conquers all. But for modern-day matrimony, it’s no match for life’s escalating expenses, with many couples choosing to say ‘nup’ to the nuptials.
- Category: Personal
When it comes to banking, it pays not to put all your golden eggs in one basket.
Just as our tastes in music, clothes, friends, dates, hangouts, and cheese all change as we get older, so do our financial needs and our habits.
- Category: Personal
Assessing your financial capability is easier than you think.
- Category: Personal
It seems scammers are getting better every day at appearing legitimate. A relatively recent technique involves scammers impersonating banks by making calls to customers that appear to be genuine but are designed to steal your money.
- Category: Personal
In the face of dizzyingly high house prices and a cost-of-living crisis, young Australians are increasingly turning to their parents for financial support – but it might be time to get yourself a better back-up plan.
- Category: Personal
You can’t always get what you want. Sometimes, you have to go with your back-up plan – and sometimes, your back-up plan turns out to be your best-case scenario. Here are five situations where people were forced to go with their second option and got first-class results.
- Category: Personal
When it comes to running your own agribusiness, we know that industry know-how and strong connections are key.
That’s why we’d like to introduce you to one of BCU Bank’s agribusiness specialists, Relationship Manager Steven Anderson, from our Business Banking (Agribusiness) team in Lismore, NSW.
- Category: Personal
Guest article from Mozo experts choice judge Peter Marshall
BCU Bank has been recognised in the 2024 Mozo Experts Choice Home Loan Awards, scooping awards in both the Fixed Rate and Investor Home Loan categories.
- Category: Personal
As a business owner, you want to put your business in the hands of a team you can trust – and we get that. So, let’s get to know your BCU Bank business banking team on a deeper level.
We’d like to introduce you to Darren Underhill, Senior Manager of BCU’s Queensland Business Banking team, based in our Brisbane office.
- Category: Personal
Money is one of the most common causes of fights between couples (ranking just below the classic debate about who forgot to change the toilet paper roll). When you were single, you could spend your money however you wanted – but as a couple, you need to get on the same page, and that can lead to some heated arguments
- Category: Personal
Guest article from Finder money editor Richard Whitten
The 2024 Finder Home Loan Awards looked at more than 3,000 home loans to judge the top home loans in the market. This year, BCU Bank’s home loans won in two award categories, and was highly commended in two further categories.
- Category: Personal
Dreaming of that Euro trip for your 40th birthday, or a Bali escape with your besties? We feel you. According to a recent travel trends report by Luxury Escapes, nine out of ten Aussies will be gearing up for a travel adventure in 2024.
- Category: Personal
Your car breaks down on a quiet road. Your fridge calls it quits a year after the warranty expires. A sudden family emergency means unplanned travel. Life loves to throw curveballs our way – and let’s be honest, it happens to all of us.
- Category: Personal
It’s never been harder to save money. Everywhere you look – from your email inbox and your social accounts, to the signage at the bus stops (and the signage ON the bus) – there’s someone asking for your hard-earned money. It costs money to go out. It costs money to be out. It costs money to get home. And then you can spend money from the comfort of the couch at home, too.
- Category: Personal
As you step into the professional world, establishing healthy financial habits early could mean the difference between living paycheck-to-paycheck and achieving your financial goals.
- Category: Personal
Ever wondered how your savings compare with the crowd? Here’s what the average Australian’s bank balance looks like – and what you can do to supercharge your savings.
- Category: Personal
With the cost of rent continuing to rise across Australia, it’s never been more important for renters to develop smart money habits.
- Category: Personal
Ready to take control of your finances and start kicking goals?
- Category: Personal
Sick and tired of the same old "make food at home" advice? Join the club!
- Category: Personal
Saving money can be challenging so it’s important to find a savings account that helps you to reach your savings goals.
- Category: Personal
Our new-look Grafton BCU Bank branch is now open, and we want to celebrate with you!
- Category: Personal
There’s a lot to think about when looking to buy a new home. Before you start looking at property listings, it’s worthwhile taking the time to understand your borrowing power and how much you may need to save for a house deposit.
- Category: Personal
Have you heard? Our new-look Toormina BCU Bank branch is now open, and we want to celebrate with you!
- Category: Personal
If your fixed rate home loan expires in less than 12 months, it’s a good idea to start thinking about what could happen when your fixed rate term ends.
- Category: Personal
When it comes to a home loan application, your broker or bank will need some important information to confirm your identity and your capacity to repay the debt.
Whether you are a first-time home buyer or are refinancing, we’ve put together a list of what information you’ll need when applying for a home loan.
- Category: Personal
Understanding the different types of home loans can be confusing, especially for first home buyers.
We’ve outlined the differences to help you determine the most suitable home loan type for you.
- Category: Personal
Guest article from Finder money editor Richard Whitten
BCU Bank put in a strong showing at the 2023 Finder Home Loans Awards, receiving highly commended results for five award categories.
- Category: Personal
With rising property prices in many parts of Australia, it can sometimes feel impossible to get a foot on the property ladder. BCU Bank is proud to be part of the Home Guarantee Scheme, an Australian government initiative to help home buyers realise their home ownership dream.
- Category: Personal
With a few changes you can pay off your home loan sooner and save money.
- Category: Personal
Most people have at least one financial goal. It could be a small one, like purchasing a rad new pair of sneakers, or a big one, like a wedding or purchasing a property.
Whatever your plans, reaching a financial goal is usually easier said than done.
- Category: Personal
So, you want, or need, to improve your budget but don’t have the time to sit down with a spreadsheet and input every single purchase that you’ve made since payday (yep, even your $2 snag at Bunnings)?
Neither do we.
- Category: Personal
These days there’s an app for everything – from finding true love to managing your household chores, and everything in between.
- Category: Personal
Whether you’re out and about, at work, or just hanging around the house, our online banking solutions will make accessing and managing your accounts simple, no matter where you are.
- Category: Personal
Saving for a deposit is one of the biggest hurdles to overcome when beginning your property journey.
If you are renting and paying bills, trying to save for a deposit at the same time can seem overwhelming.
Here are five tips to help you save your deposit as quickly as possible.
- Category: Personal
After all, it’s your money. At BCU Bank, you can still walk into our branches, talk with a human, get on the phone, or bank using our digital services. Plus, much more.
- Category: Personal
At BCU Bank, our members act like they own the place – because they do.
- Category: Personal
For many homeowners, interest rates are becoming an increasing cause for concern.
- Category: Personal
BCU Bank believes every Australian should feel confident when it comes to their finances – so we’re cutting out the bank jargon and giving it to you straight.
- Category: Personal
And so do we. Belong to the bank that puts members and the community first.
- Category: Personal
Refinancing can be a great way to ensure your home loan meets your needs.
Continue the momentum by considering these steps to ensure you get the most out of your new home loan.
- Category: Personal
My oh mymo. BCU Bank’s new app makes managing your money easier than ever, with all your accounts in one place.
- Category: Personal
BCU Bank’s award-winning home loans are flexible and designed specifically for you, our members. Here’s what you can expect when you choose a BCU home loan.
- Category: Personal
With the cost of living rising, it’s more important than ever to make sure you’re making the most of your money.
Your home loan is a significant debt but there are ways that you could reduce the associated costs.
Here are five ways you could save on your home loan.
- Category: Personal
Every family has a go-to person for all their tech questions. The one who can get the TV connected to Netflix, navigate the world of passwords, sort out the dodgy Wi-Fi, or help install programs on the family PC.
If this sounds like you and is your unofficial family job, there are some good basics to be across that will hold you in good stead, and hopefully stop some of the most common issues arising in the first place.
- Category: Personal
If your tactics for shopping the online Boxing Day sales could give the Boxing Day test a run for its money, or Cyber Monday, Prime Day, and VOSN sales are already scheduled into your calendar, you may not be too concerned about your online security.
However, scams are constantly evolving so even the most seasoned online shopper should take a moment to review their online security before shopping up a storm.
- Category: Personal
Our smart phones are a central part of our lives – we take photos of family, keep up with friends, plan holidays, do all our banking and even make calls!
That’s a lot of personal information all in one place. Not to mention, the significant cost of a smartphone itself – especially if you have to repair or replace it.
- Category: Personal
As an eligible home buyer, you could receive thousands of dollars in state grants or concessions.
- Category: Personal
New year, new you? How to create (and stick to) a financial resolution.
- Category: Kids
With the holiday period coming up, it’s almost time to start thinking about the preparation required to send the kids back to school.
- Category: Kids
From the moment your child is born, all you want to do is give them the best future.
Whether it’s enrolling them into an award-winning school, signing them up to their favourite sport club, or helping them apply for their chosen university degree, supporting your child’s education is one of the best gifts you can give.
- Category: Personal
If you’re someone who uses your credit card every day and pays off the balance each month, it could be worth switching to a credit card with a rewards program.
- Category: Personal
Our Lending Manager, David Cawthorne, has always been a numbers man.
His love for mathematics and accounting kick-started his 38-year career in the finance and banking industry.
- Category: Personal
With a Bachelor of Business, MBA, psychology degree and more than 10 years’ experience in retail and business banking, Brisbane Mobile Lender Brigid Chow is your “go to” when it comes to talking about loans.
- Category: Personal
If you have a savings goal, a term deposit can offer a low-risk way to invest your money and earn a fixed rate of interest.
- Category: Personal
BCU Bank Lending Manager, Grant Douglass, is a family man who understands organising a home loan can be stressful – especially while juggling the kids.
- Category: Personal
You’ve organised flights, accommodation, and activities, but have you organised your finances?
One of the essential items to prepare before you head overseas is your money.
- Category: Personal
Make the most out of your hard-earned money when you travel.
- Category: Personal
BCU Bank’s mobile lender Christina Morris is a true Clarence Valley local.
- Category: Personal
When temperature ranges rise, sometimes the only way to beat the heat is to switch on your air-conditioner – even if you know it’s going to cost you.
With energy prices hiking across Australia, it’s important to understand your energy consumption to avoid a hefty bill at the end of the quarter.
- Category: Personal
With shopping centres flooding with extravagant Christmas decor and gift ideas, it’s natural to want to start your holiday spending early.
However, if you haven’t set a budget you could fall into the trap of overspending.
To avoid starting your new year in debt, here are some tips to track your expenses.
- Category: Personal
For many of us, our phone and computers are a key part of everyday life.
There’s not much we can’t do on our smart devices, from shopping and booking experiences, to browsing social media, transferring money and filling out forms.
With so much information shared online each day, it’s important you’re aware of how you can protect yourself and your data from scams and fraud.
- Category: Personal
If you have financial aspirations, a solid budget is usually the first plan to help achieve your goals.
Managing your money gives you more choice for the future and it pays to start as soon as possible.
- Category: Personal
There’s a lot to think about when looking to buy a new home.
Before you start scrolling online for open home listings, spend some time planning how you will save your house deposit.
- Category: Personal
For many Maclean locals, Paula Eckersley is a familiar, friendly face.
Since moving to the region with her husband 20 years ago, Paula has come to understand the importance of relationships in small towns.
- Category: Personal
Not all savings accounts are created equal.
So how do you go about selecting the best savings account to meet your needs?
- Category: Personal
If you’ve ever forgotten to update your address or contact details, you could be entitled to lost money from bank accounts, shares, investments and life insurance policies.
- Category: Personal
Most people don’t think twice about their credit rating, also known as credit score, until it comes time to apply for a home loan. However, it’s something that a lender or bank will consider when assessing an application for credit.
- Category: Personal
Banking online has never been easier. It’s a convenient way to check your balance, make payments, transfer money, and manage your finances.
- Category: Personal
As the days start to get longer and warmer, it’s a popular time to dust off the cobwebs and give the house a thorough spring clean.
- Category: Personal
Scamwatch has urged people to be wary of phone messages from a family member or friend claiming they need help, following a significant rise in text message scams.
- Category: Personal
Your tax return can often feel like free money, but it’s not – you’ve worked hard throughout the year to earn it.
Whether you’re a steadfast saver or someone who usually blows their entire tax return only to regret it later, there are several things you could do to make the most of your tax return.
- Category: Personal
“Buy Now, Pay Later” (BNPL) is often promoted as a cheaper alternative to credit cards, but new research shows it could end up costing you more.
- Category: Personal
It’s a good idea to do a health check on your home loan every 12 months to make sure it’s still helping you to meet your financial goals.
- Category: Personal
Most of us use online banking almost every day, however, are you familiar with all of the features the BCU Bank app has to offer? Here are eight great features you might not know about our app.
- Category: Personal
A little-known fact is that Apple has 'privacy labels' that help you see what kind of data is being collected by your apps.
Make sure you’re ready for tax time by getting your financial affairs in order now.
- Category: Personal
According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics’ lending indicators data for December 2020, the value of renovations and additions reached a record high of $941.6 million at the end of 2020 nationally.
With the property market in overdrive, many home owners are busy planning upgrades to their home in preparation for selling.
- Category: Personal
If this year has taught us anything, it’s that financial setbacks or stress can happen, even with the best laid plans and intentions. We can’t always predict certain life events, such as a marriage breakdown, job loss, ill health or personal injury, which can all quickly derail your financial goals or leave you struggling.
- Category: Personal
This week marks National Scam Awareness Week for 2020.
- Category: Personal
2020 has had a far-reaching impact on all Australians and has undoubtedly thrown many of us a lot of curveballs. Whether you have been directly impacted by job or income loss, a fall in the value of your superannuation or investments, or even if you’re using this time to bunker down and get ahead, budgeting has never been more important.
- Category: Personal
Meet our Macksville local Home Loan Specialist – Katrina Hicks
- Category: Personal
In recent weeks, our communities have received a large amount of information about the Coronavirus that has left many feeling anxious, confused and helpless.
- Category: Wavelength - News
How can I make purchases without using cash?
With the recent changes to the way businesses are now trading, many retailers are no longer accepting cash payments. Steering away from cash is a good way to limit the transmission of potentially harmful disease in these times, but what about shopping for essential items and paying bills?
- Category: Personal
When it comes to supermarkets, it may not surprise you to know they cleverly use behavioural economics research to design the optimal shopping experience. But is this done for you, or for them? When you walk into a supermarket, the game is between you and the sales and marketing teams that designed that supermarket.
- Category: Personal
Buying online can have its advantages - 24/7 shopping, no need to brave the crowds, delivered right to your door, and now, for many retailers, the ability to buy now and pay later.
- Category: Personal
There are so many good reasons to start saving money! It might be for that holiday you’ve been planning, your dream home that you’re finally looking at buying, or you may simply want to set money aside for unexpected bills and expenses. No matter what type of budget you have, finding ways to save money can help you learn to manage your money better and live more comfortably in the future.
- Category: Personal
Picture this - it’s Thursday evening and you’re relaxing in front of the television while scrolling through your social media account absent-mindedly.
- Category: Personal
Did you know that some of the advertisements you may see on popular social networking sites might be a scam?
- Category: Personal
We sat down with bcu's Sunshine Coast Lender David Cawthorne to discuss investment home loans.
- Category: Students
How a scholarship can make a difference to your education.
- Category: Personal
Transitioning between jobs can be an exciting time; although with change comes stress and with changing jobs, can come financial stress.
- Category: Personal
South-east Australia is known for getting chilly during winter, bringing in the peak time for bills; so here are 5 ways to save this winter.
- Category: Personal
Just how exercising and eating healthy can help you get into shape, it’s also important to take on healthy financial habits to keep your accounts in shape too.
- Category: Personal
When you choose to bank with a customer owned banking institution, there are a number of benefits you can enjoy.
- Category: Students
Now that uni is in full-swing here are some tips and insights to help you save money at uni.
More articles
Page 1 of 2