Bellco Credit Union

Bellco will be closed Monday, September 2, in observance of Labor Day. We will resume normal business hours Tuesday, September 3. You can still access your account 24/7 through online banking, the Bellco mobile app or any ATM. Insured by NCUA.

92% of Gen Z is more likely to feel intimidated by financial topics compared to older generations. Here are 4 ways to combat those feelings:

1. Have an Emergency Fund: They say the only constant is change, and while saving is a great way to gain peace of mind, it's an even better way to prepare for the changes we don't see coming.

2. Rid Yourself of High-Interest Debt: Not all debt is "bad debt," but high-interest debt like credit cards can end up costing you in the long run. Whenever possible, pay more than the minimum required payment.

3. Invest in Your Future: Investing is cited as one of the riskiest aspects of personal finances, but it may be even riskier not to invest at all. Compound interest is always working in your favor and even a small contribution to your savings can make a big difference over time.

4. Sparking Joy: While financial stress is legitimate, it shouldn't be all consuming. Budget for things or experiences that matter to you and motivate you to spend wisely.



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Data source: NerdWallet, “2024 Financial Angst Report” April 2024

We believe the arts are fundamental to a healthy community, which is why we work with all sizes and types of local cultural organizations and nonprofits across Colorado, including , , and Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Denver Together, we’re enriching lives and building a vibrant community!

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So, what's a HELOC?

🏡A HELOC, or a home equity line of credit, is a revolving line of credit that is secured by a lien on your home.

💳You can get this type of credit only if you own your home and if you have enough equity to support the amount of the credit limit.

✍️When you take money from the loan, it’s called a draw. If you draw on the line of credit, you will be required to pay back that draw, plus interest, during the term of your loan.

👩‍🎓You can use HELOC funds to consolidate higher-interest debt, pay off student loans, make repairs or improvements to your home or handle other expenses.

📉Best of all? HELOCs often come with lower interest rates than other loans, so you end up spending less over time.

If you’re ready to get a home equity line of credit with no annual fees or pre-payment penalties, check out Bellco's ChoiceLine: https://www.bellco.org/personal/consumer-lending/home-equity-choiceline/

Equal Housing Opportunity
Membership eligibility required
All loans subject to approval

Credit or debit card skimming is when thieves use a device installed on a card reader to steal your card data and use it to make fraudulent purchases. Luckily, there are several ways to protect yourself. Check out these four tips to get started and follow the link for more information. https://bit.ly/4bUaR6u

1. Pay with your card chip or use tap-to-pay instead of swiping: Using the chip on your card is safer than using the magnetic stripe because the chip uses a token rather than your card's information.

2. Use gas pumps and ATMs in well-lit area: Try to use gas pumps and ATMs in more visible areas and in sight of store employees. Card skimming thieves are more likely to tamper with devices that are harder for employees to see.

3. If possible, choose 'Credit' instead of 'Debit' for transaction type to avoid using your PIN. If you must use your debit card with your PIN, be sure to cover your hand when typing in the number to shield it from any potential cameras.

4. Set up alerts to monitor activity on your credit and debit cards Regularly review your credit and debit card statements for any suspicious transactions and sign up to receive alerts in real time to help you stay on top of any fraudulent activity.

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Thinking about buying a home? You’re in luck! Here’s why now could be the perfect time to find your dream home.

1. More options—Inventory has significantly risen in the last couple of months
2. Less competition—Buyer demand typically drops off in August, which leads to fewer offers on available homes
3. Seller concessions—Sellers may be motivated which could mean price reductions, contributions to closing costs, or buying down interest rates
4. Lower rates—Rates have fallen to the lowest levels since May 2023

If you're looking for a place to start, learn more about Bellco Home Loans: https://www.bellco.org/personal/consumer-lending/bellco-home-loans/



Bellco Home Loans is a joint venture between Bellco Credit Union and Guild Mortgage Company, LLC, an independent mortgage lender that has helped families attain home ownership since 1960. Bellco Home Loans, LLC, NMLS #2085298, is an affiliate of Guild Mortgage Company LLC, NMLS #3274; Equal Housing Opportunity Lender. All loans subject to approval.

When creating a family budget, many choose to use the 50/30/20 rule. This rule states that 50% of your monthly income goes to your needs, 30% to your wants, and 20% to savings.

For example, if you make $4,600 monthly, $2,300 goes to your needs, $1,380 to your wants, and $920 to your savings. If you do this for a full year, you’ll save over $11,000!

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Hey, did you know there are only 22 more Mondays until Christmas? Don't fret just yet! Here are some ways you can celebrate now, and get ready for the holiday season:

Get ahead on holiday shopping 🎁 Many items that are on sale now will have higher pricing during the holiday season. Take advantage of those summer sales!

Travel planning ✈️ Booking any holiday trips well in advance will not only make you thank yourself for the lower prices but also make you feel more relaxed when vacation time comes.

Midyear financial check-in ✅ Now that we’re halfway through the year, this is a good time to check the progress of your financial and savings goals. If you haven’t made any, what’s something you wish to accomplish by the end of the year?

Financial wellness challenge 💪🏼 If you save $20 each week from now until Christmas, you’ll have nearly $450 you could put towards your goals this year, use for a surprise for a friend, or have in case of an emergency.

DYK: There are 4 Colorado cities listed on the U.S. News and World Report’s "Best Places to Live In the U.S. in 2024-2025":

⛰️Colorado Springs
🧗‍♀️Boulder
🚴‍♂️ Fort Collins
🏙️Denver

With incredible weather, activities, and stunning scenery, it’s no wonder Colorado is a dream destination to live! If you’ve been considering purchasing your first home, we’ve consolidated a list of frequently asked questions and answers for first-time home-buyers: https://www.bellco.org/mortgage/first-time-homebuyer-tips/

Equal housing opportunity

First-Time Homebuyer Tips Bellco Home Loans offers some sage advice for first-time homebuyers looking to save time, money, and heartache when purchasing a home.

Financial education is more than understanding dollars and cents—it's about creating a foundation for a secure and prosperous future for all our members.

In 2023, we helped initiate the following:

👨‍🎓 11,500 students went through Finance Park(s) and learned about credit & debit cards and digital payments
🏫 2,182 students completed the SchoolSmarts program during the 2022-2023 school year in 15 schools across Colorado
🧠 Over 1,497 attendees were impacted by 31 Bellco hosted and/or sponsored financial education seminars and workshops

Together, we're creating a more empowered Colorado!

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Maybe your child is getting old enough to open their own bank account, or maybe you aren’t always sure which type of card to use...Understanding the differences between credit and debit cards can help inform which card you’ll use. Here’s a quick look at the main differences between credit and debit cards.

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Bellco Credit Union will be closed on Thursday, July 4, in observance of Independence Day. Have a safe and enjoyable holiday! 🇺🇸

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Calling all homeowners! Have you ever completed a renovation project in your home? Share your favorite before and after home remodel photos in the comments section below for a chance to win a $50 gift card to Home Depot! Contest ends June 28. Let's see those stunning transformations! 🏡🔨

NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. For Official Rules: https://www.bellco.org/personal/personal-banking/bellco-membership-disclosures/home-renovation-sweepstakes/

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Our offices will be closed on Wednesday, June 19, in observance of Juneteenth. You can still access your account through online, mobile banking, or any participating ATM.

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Hello, South Aurora! We’re opening several new branch locations across the state of Colorado this year and are excited to be in your neighborhood. Our branches are a great place to start if you’re looking for family-friendly financial services like savings accounts for your kids or retirement planning for yourself. We’re eager to meet you!

Follow the link for more details on the branch location. https://www.bellco.org/branches-and-atms/aurora-south/

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In 2023, our donation of over $10,000 translated into over 30,000 meals, directly tackling hunger where it hits hardest in our community. Every meal served is a step closer to a healthier, more secure future for all.

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In honor of Memorial Day and to remember those who have given their lives for our freedom, Bellco will be closed May 27. You can still access your accounts online, via Bellco's mobile app or any ATM.

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Summer is just around the corner, and whether you’re planning an international getaway or a local Colorado adventure, we've got essential tips to make your travels smoother and more affordable.

1. Plan Early: Because prices rise and fall with demand, booking your flights, hotels, and car rentals well in advance will help you unlock significant savings.

2. Protect Your Finances: Notify your bank or credit union if you plan to travel internationally to prevent your card from being flagged for suspicious activity. Your Bellco debit card will work internationally too.

3. Travel Locally: Summer in Colorado offers the best adventures! Explore charming mountain towns, hike scenic trails, and enjoy free outdoor concerts and events all season long. Plus, every second weekend of the month, Bellco members receive free general admission to the Denver Art Museum. Don't miss out on the fun!

If you suspect that your account password has been compromised, it is essential to take immediate action to protect your identity. Identity theft is becoming more common, and it is crucial to ensure that you are taking all the necessary steps to safeguard your personal information. Doing so can also bring you peace of mind and help you relax, knowing that your identity is safe from unauthorized access and misuse. Here are some actionable tips to help protect your identity:
1. Monitor your credit reports and scores: If you regularly check your credit report and score, you can spot any unfamiliar activity, therefore preventing further unauthorized activity. You have the right to request at least one free credit report annually from each of the three major credit bureaus (Experian, Equifax & Transunion).

2. Monitor your financial statements: Similarly, monitoring your financial statements can ensure the accuracy of your financial records. This can help prevent overcharges, incorrect feeds, billing mistakes and more. While you’re here, you can also keep an eye on your spending habits for self-awareness.

3. Practice password safety: Changing your password every few months is a good idea. Remember to use strong passwords that are difficult to guess. Enabling two-factor authentication (2FA) where possible is also advised for an added layer of security.

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Whether you’re a first time buyer or considering an upgrade, one of the first steps to buying your own home is to know your budget. Different factors, such as income, expenses or other financial obligations, can affect how much home you can afford. Check out our home affordability calculator to get an estimate. 🏡
https://www.bellco.org/calculators/home-affordability-calculator/

Equal Housing Opportunity Lender.

Home Affordability Calculator Want to know how much home you can afford? Use our home affordability calculator to get an estimate and make an informed decision.