5 Reasons to Refinance Your Mortgage
[Besides a Lower Rate]
With home prices rising steadily, many homeowners are asking whether or not they should refinance their mortgage. Sure, it’s a great time to lock in a lower interest rate on your loan, but let’s have a look at some other reasons why refinancing your mortgage might be...
Credit Union vs. Bank Mortgage: Which is Better?
You found the perfect house, saved up your money and you’re ready to buy. Now, your next step is to get a mortgage. A commercial bank could be the obvious choice, but they aren’t the only option for your mortgage. Credit unions also originate mortgage loans and work...
Closed Monday June 20th: Juneteenth
Juneteenth National Independence Day is a federal holiday in the United States commemorating the emancipation of enslaved African-Americans. Originating in Galveston, Texas, it has been celebrated annually on June 19 in various parts of the United States since 1865....
Walmart Phishing Scam
Multiple local residents have reported receiving a text to "confirm a purchase from Walmart. It asks them to text back yes or no. One member texted back no and got an immediate phone call. The caller said "let me see if I can get rid of this charge for you" and that's...
Should You Get A Credit Card for Your High School Grad?
If your teen is graduating high school this spring, you probably have a lot on your mind. So here's one thing you might not have considered: Have you taught your grad to manage credit? Whether they are moving out, heading to college, or living at home, your teen is...
The Stages of Buying a House [Explained]
Buying a house is an exciting milestone in your life. And with it comes many questions about how to navigate the process and check all the boxes of getting from first inquiry to close. The stages of buying a house can be broken down into smaller steps where...
Gayle Taylor Retires After 36 Years; Reception May 20 1pm – 3pm
After 36 years of distinguished service to Bowater Credit Union, Mortgage Loan Manager Gayle Taylor has announced plans to retire – her last day at the credit union will be Friday, May 20th. A drop-in reception to celebrate Gayle will be held Friday, May 20th from 1pm...
The Myths and Mysteries of Buying Your First Home
Buying your first home is thrilling – but do you feel excited like it's your birthday or kind of spooked as if you're about to get on the ghost train at the amusement park? However you're feeling, we've got you covered with this fun list full of all the myths and...
Member Cheyenne Whitehurst Wins $1,000 Pay It Forward Donation for Athens-McMinn Family YMCA
CALHOUN - Bowater Credit Union Member Cheyenne Whitehurst has won a $1,000 Pay It Forward prize for one of her favorite non-profits doing good in our area, Athens-McMinn Family YMCA. Bowater Credit Union asks its members to nominate their favorite non-profit helping...
Declutter Your Banking Routine this Spring and You Could Win Big!
You could win one of 10 $1,000 prizes in our Spring Sweepstakes! Spring is the perfect time to clean up your finances and give them a fresh start. Did you know you can manage most banking tasks anywhere and anytime from your myBRANCH and or app? AND, as part of our...
Why Credit Unions Are Better
If you owned a business, you would do everything you could to create and drive income to grow that business and make it stronger, right? Well, your Credit Union is a business and you are an Owner! So, when you actively use the Credit Union’s products and services, you are investing in your own business, making it stronger for you and all of its other Member-Owners..
Credit Score Tips
Your credit score is calculated from 5 major categories: Payment history: 35%, Amounts owed: 30%, Length of credit history: 15%, New credit: 10%, Types of credit used: 10%
Here are some ways to improve your score in all categories: Payment History
Pay your bills on time. Delinquent payments and collections can have a major negative impact on your FICO score…