Ready to achieve your financial dreams with confidence?

25 articles found

Explore Our Topics

Podcasts & Multimedia

Tap your equity. Keep your mortgage. With a Home Equity Line of Credit.

If you've been eyeing that kitchen remodel, bathroom refresh, or backyard project for a while now, you're not alone. Americans spent over $500 billion on home renovation in 2025.* The question isn't whether to do it. It's how to pay for it.

Podcasts & Multimedia

Wallet Wisdom Podcast | Ep 55: Real money. Real bills. Real lessons. How LMCU prepares teens for real life.

Nobody hands you a manual when you graduate high school. One day you're worried about homework. The next, you've got rent, a car payment, insurance, groceries, and a credit card offer showing up in your mailbox.

Credit & Debt

How your credit score keeps score

Are we alone in the universe? Is Bigfoot real? How is your credit score determined? These are the great mysteries of our time. And while we can’t help you with the first two, we can shed some light on your credit score. For better or worse, your score plays an important role in the mortgage process. The national average is 704, and the higher your score, the lower your interest rate. While a lower score can keep you from getting approved all together.

Podcasts & Multimedia

Wallet Wisdom Podcast: How Credit Unions Compare to Banks

Featuring Guest Patty Corkery, President & CEO of Michigan Credit Union League Most people think banks and credit unions are basically the same but they’re not. One is built to serve shareholders. The other is built to serve you.

Homeownership

The Top 3 Ways to Use a HELOC in 2025

While many people immediately think of credit cards when it comes to borrowing money on an as-needed basis, a home equity line of credit (HELOC) is another, often-overlooked tool you can use to draw funds for countless purposes — at a lower interest rate than most credit cards.

Podcasts & Multimedia

When it comes to debt consolidation, you’ve got options

Debt can pile up fast. But don’t let bills and credit card payments overwhelm you: we’ve got tips, and you’ve got options.

Podcasts & Multimedia

Credit vs. debit: Which is safer to use?

If you use your debit card for most of your purchases, you may want to consider using a credit card instead. Fraud is on the rise and becoming more sophisticated. According to the Federal Trade Commission, Americans lost $5.8 billion to fraud in 2021, up 70% from 2020. Protecting your money is more important than ever, and, in most cases, credit cards provide more fraud protection benefits compared to debit cards.

Podcasts & Multimedia

How to Budget with a Credit Card from LMCU

It may seem counterintuitive, but a credit card can actually help you be more financially responsible — the key is to make sure you use it in a responsible way.

Credit & Debt

Meet D'Mac

Meet D'Mac. Learn what's happening at LMCU.

Homeownership

More ways to make the most out of HELOC in 2022.

A home equity line of credit, or HELOC, has some unique advantages over loans. With ten years of interest-only revolving credit followed by a 15-year repayment period, it can be a great solution for some situations you may not have considered.

Podcasts & Multimedia

Pay off debt sooner with balance transfers

It’s easy to get wrapped up in the hustle and bustle of holiday spending. So much so, that sometimes you spend more than you planned. However, here at LMCU, we’re hopeful a balance transfer might help! Hear what our lending expert, Joe Batt, has to say on transferring credit card balances after the holidays.

Credit & Debt

6 Ways to Simplify Car Buying

Getting a new car is fun but nobody gets excited about an all-day haggle-fest at a car dealership. You can do most of the legwork from your computer or mobile device to save time and energy. Follow these steps to simplify the car-buying process and find the best ride faster.

Credit & Debt

New year. Fresh start.

Welcome to a new year! Now is the time for a fresh start and some new goals. A good goal must be specific, measurable, achievable, and realistic. When it comes to personal finance, it’s easy to get overly ambitious and lose steam within a few weeks. Big dreams like saving for the future, or becoming debt free, are often far too lofty and vague to be attainable. Instead, we’ve broken down four mini goals, or challenges, for the month of January to get you thinking about your finances.

Homeownership

Now that you can leave home …you won’t want to.

With a home equity line of credit, you can turn your house into the home you’ve spent the last few months (or years) imagining.

Credit & Debt

Summer goes by fast. Keep up with a boat or RV loan.

When your first name is “Lake”, you’re sort of required to offer the best boat loans. And with a middle name like “Michigan”, RVs are a must, too.

Homeownership

Right now we could all use a little support - home equity line of credit

At LMCU, not even social distancing will stop us from having your back. Our home equity line of credit, starts at just 3.00% APR.* Borrow and spend money just like a credit card. Use the extra cash for any immediate needs, or pay off high-interest debt to strengthen your financial stability for the days ahead.

Credit & Debt

The benefits of a credit card without the interest rate of a credit card

A home equity line of credit lets you borrow and spend money just like a credit card. But unlike a credit card, the interest rate is tied to the prime rate. With the prime rate at historically low levels you can access credit at a fraction of what most credit cards charge. Use the money for any immediate needs, or pay off high-interest debt.

Credit & Debt

Browse, finance, buy...all under one sun roof

Now you can shop for thousands of makes and models, compare prices from dozens of our preferred dealers, and even apply for an auto loan…all without ever leaving your driveway. Just go to LMCU.cudlautosmart.com.

Credit & Debt

Prime Platinum is the nation's best low-rate credit card

NerdWalletTM recently ranked our Prime Platinum the best low–rate card in the country.**** With an interest rate as low as prime + 3.00% (7.75% APR†), plus no annual fee, it’s the ideal card if you carry a month-to-month balance, or want to consolidate high-interest debt.

Credit & Debt

Spread cheer. Earn rewards.

Carrots, coal, and a corn cob pipe. It’s not your usual shopping list. But with our Max Rewards credit card, you can earn cash back on anything and everything you buy during the holidays — including 3% on gas,** 2% on groceries, 2% on restaurants (Signature card only) and 1% on everything else (like that old silk hat you found). It all adds up to the hap-happiest savings of all.

Homeownership

Special fall rate Home Equity loans

For a limited time, we’ve dropped our fixed home equity loan rate to 4.49% APR!* Use your home’s value to fund your home improvements to increase its value and enjoyment. Or even pay off student loan debt or high-interest credit cards.

Credit & Debt

Low auto rates turn every ride into a joyride

Mini rates for your minivan. Low interest for your low-rider. Below market rates for your SUV or RV. Whatever type of vehicle you plan on buying, pay less each month with an LMCU auto loan. Get started at LMCU.org/AutoLoans.

Homeownership

Consolidate debt, pay for your student’s college or make home improvements with our Home Equity Loans

With a LMCU Home Equity loan,* you can trade high interest rates, such as on credit cards, for something that’s easier on your budget. We offer two types of loans depending on how you want to put the equity in your home to work.

Homeownership

Consolidate Debt or Renovate Your Home

Which option is right for you—Line of Credit or Fixed Loan? Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC) Just like a credit card, you can buy the things you need now and pay off your balance over time— borrowing against the value of your home. As you repay your balance, the funds become available again.

Credit & Debt

Max Rewards—Stuff Your Stockings Without Emptying Your Wallet

From stocking stuffers to ugly sweaters, gas to groceries, LMCU’s Max Rewards Visa Credit Card pays you cash back or points on every purchase—including 3% on gas, 2% on groceries, and 1% on everything else. And if you’re a Signature Max Rewards Credit Card cardholder, you’ll also get 2% back on restaurants and dining. It happens automatically with every purchase, so Santa can be extra generous this year.

Person sitting on a couch with a small white dog, looking at a laptop in a sunlit room with wood-paneled walls.

Your money’s in good hands here

Get help with account security, learn how to avoid common scams, and know what steps to take if something feels off.

More tools of the trade

Equip yourself to bank on the go, manage payments, stay informed, and handle everyday banking with confidence. 

Using your digital tools→

Explore simple ways to stay connected to your accounts, make payments, and manage everyday banking with confidence. 

Pay your bills→

Learn how to manage payments, alerts, statements, and all our mobile banking tools. 

Get a Digital Wallet→

Use digital banking with confidence.

Explore our Podcast

Tune in to our Wallet Wisdom podcast where we help breakdown the in's & out's of financial aspects to bring answers to some of banking's more confusing and complex questions.

Podcasts & Multimedia

Wallet Wisdom Podcast | Ep 62: How to Launch Your Small Business: 5 Essential Steps for Success

Learn 5 essential steps for launching a small business successfully. From realistic projections to leveraging resources, ensure your entrepreneurial journey is well-planned.

Podcasts & Multimedia

Fraud Is Evolving: What You Need to Know to Stay Safe | Wallet Wisdom Podcast Episode 59

Learn 5 crucial strategies to protect yourself from financial fraud. Understand the evolving threats and how to stay safe in today’s digital world.

Podcasts & Multimedia

Wallet Wisdom Podcast: How Credit Unions Compare to Banks

Featuring Guest Patty Corkery, President & CEO of Michigan Credit Union League Most people think banks and credit unions are basically the same but they’re not. One is built to serve shareholders. The other is built to serve you.

Podcasts & Multimedia

How The Latest Fed Rates Impact Your Budget & Borrowing Power

In the latest episode of Wallet Wisdom, host Brett sits down with LMCU’s VP of Accounting, Tommy Minchew, and SVP of Finance, Mike Steele, to demystify one of the most talked-about financial topics with this latest decision to maintain interest rates by the Federal Reserve and how it impacts your wallet*. Whether you’re a saver, borrower, or somewhere in between, this episode is packed with practical advice to help you navigate today’s economic landscape.

Calculators

Whether you're buying a home, paying off debt, or growing your savings, our free calculators can help you understand the numbers and plan ahead.

Saving & Investing

CD Interest Calculator

Estimate your CD earnings with LMCU's free calculator. See how term length and rate affect your savings growth over time.

Credit & Debt

Auto Loan Calculator

Calculate your monthly auto loan payment with LMCU. Compare terms and rates to find a plan that fits your budget.

Homeownership

Mortgage Calculator

Estimate your monthly mortgage payment with LMCU. Factor in rate, term, and down payment to plan ahead.

Homeownership is possible.

We help thousands of people buy homes, every year. Want to be one of them? Explore all our pathways to homeownership, plus tools and support to help you take the first step. 

LMCU members standing in their living room

Homebuying HQ

Compare mortgages

Explore mortgage options designed for every stage of your homeownership journey—from first homes to forever homes and everything in between.

First-time homebuyer help

Buying your first home doesn't come with a manual—but it does come with support. Explore resources, tools, and mortgage options designed to help you feel confident from house hunting to closing day.