An energy-efficient home can benefit your wallet and the planet now and for generations to come.

What should you look for?

Does your home often feel cold in the winter or are your utility bills higher than you think they should be?  If so, the summer months are the perfect time for you to perform a home energy audit on your home. Sealing and insulating the "envelope" or "shell" of your home is often the most cost effective way to improve energy efficiency and comfort. This includes the outer walls, ceiling, windows, doors and floors.

If you are looking for someone who can perform the energy audit for you start by asking your local utility if they do audits. If the utility does not offer this service, they may be able to recommend private companies specializing in residential energy audits.

What are the benefits you could wreak from having an energy-efficient home?

• Lower utility bills
• Better health
• Less maintenance and repair
• Environmental benefits
• Increased market value
• Greater comfort

If this is something that you feel you can tackle on your own, visit http://www.energystar.gov/ for tips on conducting your own audit and making the recommended repairs.

Linking a savings account to your checking account can be an effective way to avoid an overdraft fee; however, there are some pitfalls that we all need to be aware of.

Under Federal Regulation D, we are only permitted up to 6 TOTAL monthly transfers or pre-authorized withdrawals from a savings account. If you exceed the limit you are most likely going to incur unwanted fees.

Here’s a list of transactions limited by Federal Regulation D:
•    Transfers from savings account using Online, Mobile or Telephone Banking
•    Automatic withdrawals from a savings account
•    Overdraft transfers from savings to checking

The good news is that there are transfers from your savings account that that do not count towards Regulation D.

Here’s a list of transactions with no limits:
•    ATM withdrawals and transfers from savings account
•    Transfer requests from savings account made in person
•    Transfer requests from savings account received by mail

Now that you know the types of transactions that are limited and not limited, it is also important to know ways to avoid Regulation D altogether.

Tips to help you manage your accounts and avoid paying a transaction fee:
•    Open a checking account, if you haven’t already, and use it instead of your savings to make transfers and withdrawals
•    Make recurring electronic payments from your checking account instead of your savings
•    Establish a line of credit as overdraft protection—transfers are usually unlimited
•    Perform transfers from your savings or money market at an ATM or in person—these do not count towards Regulation D

To learn more about Regulation D and other Federal Regulations, visit http://www.federalreserve.gov/bankinforeg/reglisting.htm.

Since the economy has been so uncertain over the past few years, many parents have had to make tough decisions when it comes to paying for the kids’ college expenses.  Many parents have found it very tempting to tap into their retirement accounts or reduce future retirement contributions to help pay for college. Doing so puts retirement savings at risk. And, it’s important to think about who is going to help you out in retirement?
 

Put Your Oxygen Mask on Before Helping Others
This phrase is very common in the aviation industry and is a great way to think of how you should use your retirement dollars. You will have financial needs in retirement and you most likely will not be able to work to earn more income once you are retired. So, it’s important to make sure you earn your living now. This does not mean that you shouldn’t help your kids once they are of college age if you have the financial means. Remember, they will still need your advice and guidance too.

If you still have time on your side, consider opening a 529 plan for your child.  A 529 Plan is an education savings plan operated by a state or educational institution designed to help families set aside funds for future college costs. It is named after Section 529 of the Internal Revenue Code which created these types of savings plans in 1996.
 

Get started saving as early as possible and remember to exhaust all grants scholarships and federal student loans before turning to private loans.  

Another great money-saving solution is to have your child consideration starting at a community college and then transferring to a four-year program. Community colleges often cost much less than the four-year college.

Free College Planning Tool
BECU collaborates with Collegiate Funding Solutions to provide a free college planning and funding tool. Invest a few minutes and get a free college planning and funding report at www.becu.org/collegeplan.

At some point you may turn to a financial advisor for help with your retirement plan. We’ve all heard the horror stories about criminal financial advisors empting unsuspecting client’s accounts. That’s why it’s important to make sure you find a financial advisor who will have your best interest in mind.

The U.S. Security and Exchanges Commission recommend asking the following questions before you consider hiring any financial professional:

•    What experience do you have, especially with people in my circumstances?
•    Where did you go to school? What is your recent employment history?
•    What licenses do you hold? Are you registered with the SEC, a state, or the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA)?
•    What products and services do you offer?
•    Can you only recommend a limited number of products or services to me? If so, why?
•    How are you paid for your services? What is your usual hourly rate, flat fee, or commission?
•    Have you ever been disciplined by any government regulator for unethical or improper conduct or been sued by a client who was not happy with the work you did?
•    For registered investment advisers: will you send me a copy of both parts of your Form ADV?

Do a Background Check
Even though you ask the above questions, it’s important to note that you may not always get truthful answers. Make sure to do your due diligence regarding their qualifications and experience. Remember, you can always do a background check at FINRA.org.

This is a long term relationship so take your time and pick the right person.

BECU Investment Services offers investment advice you can trust from BECU employees who believe in the credit union values of service and integrity. To learn more, visit www.becu.org/investments.

If you own a home, you know that expenses can add up—especially when it comes to making big purchases such as a new roof, furnace or kitchen appliances.

Be Frugal, But Not Cheap
A common mistake many of us make is shopping for price alone and looking for the cheapest item. When you shop frugally, you are getting more for your money. But, when you shop cheaply, you are most likely buying something that will wear out easily and need to be replaced sooner.

Plan Before the Failure
A roof that has already started to leak will not only damage your home but you will also feel preasured to go with the first contractor you speak with which may or may not be the best option. Plan ahead for your major purchases and consider replacing them when they are at the end of their useful life but before they fail. Not only will you dodge a bad experience but you will also be afforded the time to research the products and contractors to ensure you are getting the best value. 

Work in Numbers
For purchases such as a new roof, see if you have other neighbors who also may be interested. If you get together many contractors may consider offering you additional discounts. 
 

With gas prices consistently over $4.00 a gallon these days, we are all feeling the pain at the pump but what can you do about it?  Taking mass transit, carpooling, or telecommuting are going to give you the biggest savings but having a well-maintained car and how you drive are also important.

Here are a few helpful tips that the U.S. Department of Energy recommend to help you drive more efficiently and save more at the pump.

Drive Sensibly
Aggressive driving such as speeding, rapid acceleration and braking will waste gas.

Observe the Speed Limit
While each vehicle reaches its optimal fuel economy at a different speed (or range of speeds), gas mileage usually decreases rapidly at speeds above 60 mph.

Remove Excess Weight
Avoid keeping unnecessary items in your vehicle, especially heavy ones. An extra 100 pounds in your vehicle could reduce your MPG by up to 2 percent.

Avoid Excessive Idling
Idling can use a quarter to a half gallon of fuel per hour, depending on engine size and air conditioner use.

Use Cruise Control
Using cruise control on the highway helps you maintain a constant speed and, in most cases, will save gas.

Keep Tires Properly Inflated
When checking your tire pressure it is best to do it when the tires are cold to ensure you get the most accurate reading.
 

If you are like me, you’ve stopped carrying a checkbook altogether. Many of us rely heavily on our credit cards for everyday purchases and for paying bills. 

Given this uptick in credit card use, rewards credit cards are a great way to profit from your expenses. These programs offer convenience and benefits, along with the opportunity to capitalize on free flights, hotels, dining and more.

We are continuously presented with offers for debit or credit cards that promise cash back or other enticing rewards. What may seem like a great deal on the surface could actually end up costing you a lot more in the long run.

Make sure you really understand all the details.
For example, for a debit card, will you pay fees to have the checking account? Are their minimum balance requirements or hidden fees?

For a credit card, make sure the interest you pay isn’t more than cash back reward. Even if you don’t carry a balance on your credit card, be sure to compare what the award will actually get you. And, make sure to look for limitations such as the redemption rates, expiration of the points, and any annual fees.

Here’s an important rule of thumb when choosing a credit card rewards program: Rewards programs can be a great benefit if the reward is something you can truly use and it doesn’t cost you more in fees and hassle in the long run.

BECU offers several free seminars and informative articles on credit and debt. Visit www.becu.org/seminars for more information.

It’s that time of year where many of us start slacking on our New Year’s resolution—gym attendance starts going down and we start to forget why we made that resolution in the first place. Did you make a new year’s resolution to get out of debt or to reach some other financial goal? Don’t let your resolution be one of the 90% that fail every year.

4 Tips to Help You Reach Your Goals
1. Make sure the goal is realistic and specific enough for you to measure your progress. For instance, getting out of debt is not specific; however, paying an additional $100 to your credit card every month so it will be paid in full by the end of the year is specific.

2. Tell a family member or friend who will hold you accountable. It’s easier to stay on track when we have to answer to someone else. Even better—make sure it is someone with great financial fitness themselves so you’ll have someone to emulate.

3. Plan to celebrate your success.  Maybe it’s a dinner out when you achieve your goal. You need something to look forward to; just make sure it’s an affordable celebration.

4. And, most important of all WRITE IT DOWN. Keep a copy of your goal on your refrigerator or anywhere that you will be constantly reminded of what you want to accomplish.    
 

Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae have adopted changes to the Home Affordable Refinance Program (HARP) and you may be eligible to take advantage of these changes. If your mortgage is owned or guaranteed by either Freddie Mac or Fannie Mae, you may be eligible to refinance your mortgage under the enhanced and expanded provisions of HARP.

Take the First Steps
Follow the steps below to determine whether you’re eligible to refinance your mortgage under the new HARP program and enjoy the benefits of a more affordable mortgage.

Step 1
Determine whether your mortgage is on file with Freddie Mac or Fannie Mae. To check, complete the short online forms on their websites:

https://ww3.freddiemac.com/corporate/
http://www.fanniemae.com/loanlookup/

You may also call 1-800-FREDDIE or 1-800-7Fannie.

Step 2
If you can answer “true” to the following questions, you may be eligible to refinance your mortgage under the HARP program.

True or False:  I have verified that my loan is owned by Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac
True or False:  I have made all of my mortgage payments on time in the past 6 months
True or False:  My mortgage has not been previously refinanced under the HARP Program

If you have questions or problems a great resource is the Washington Homeownership Resource Center at http://www.homeownership-wa.org/.