Browse the Blog

Browse the BlogClose

Blog Home
Budgeting
Credit & Debt
Spending & Shopping
Taxes
Security, Scams & Fraud
Advancing Equity
Hear From Our CEO
BECU Spotlight
Mortgages & Home
Jobs & Income

SVP Values Diversity of Asian Experiences

Balaji Ponnuswamy with his daughters, Varsha (left), Priyanka (center right) and his wife, Gayathri (right).

Statistics hide the range of inequity and different experiences of Asian people.

Celebrating ANHPI Community and Diversity

A mom and dad swing their child between them outside during a fall day.

CEO Beverly Anderson celebrates ANHPI Heritage Month and our ANHPI communities.

How To Budget as a Couple

A couple smiling, taking a selfie. A pair of bicycles are on a car-mounted bike rack in the background.

Learn about budgeting methods, tools and common spending patterns for couples.

Road to Financial Health 'Takes a Village'

A BECU manager works to share her financial knowledge.

Building a Path to Financial Freedom

A smiling child stands in front of a BECU ATM machine, holding a BECU-branded earphones case.

CEO Beverly Anderson shares an early lesson about building financial access.

Equity and Access to a Clean Environment

Cranes and bridges along the Lower Duwamish Waterway with steam plumes from industry operations in the background. The sky is brown and hazy from wildfire smoke.

How pollution has a bigger effect on poor communities and communities of color.

New Baby Budget: Costs for the First Year

Mother and father sitting on the floor in front of a baby crib holding and looking at their newborn baby, with a black- and white-colored dog as well as a brown- and grey-colored dog laying down on the floor next to them. Friendly depictions of a raccoon, bear, and forest are painted on the walls of the room. "Miranda Jade Photography" photo credit is displayed in text in bottom left hand corner of image.

Prepare for costs in the first year of your baby's life.

Emergency Funds: Your Financial Safety Net

Learn what an emergency fund is, why you need one and how much you should save.

Things To Know About Credit Scores

Illustration of a person sitting next to a white dog, looking at a smart phone; a thought bubble shows a credit score gauge with the needle pointed at green to represent a good score.

Learn how to raise your score and improve your financial health.

9 Steps To Include Fun in Your Budget

Two people kayaking in orange boats with orange paddles on a sunny day. A woman in the foreground is smiling, looking in the direction that the man in the boat behind her is pointing. The sun is shining on the calm water.

Learn how to loosen up spending limits to avoid splurges.

How To Budget for Inflation

A woman sits at her kitchen table reading a receipt she is holding in one hand. She is holding an apple in the other hand. A paper bag of groceries is on the table next to her.

Get tips on how to adapt your budget when prices are high.

5 Banking Tips for Kids and Parents

A mother and her teen daughter stand together in their kitchen facing the camera for a photo. The mom has her arm around the teen and is resting her cheek against her daughter's head.

Get tips to help kids start banking and building good financial habits.

How To Pay off Credit Card Debt

Two smiling men sit shoulder-to-shoulder in front of a laptop and look over a paper document together.

Get tips for paying off debt and saving for the future.

30 Tips To Get Financially Fit

Illustration of a man wearing a blue headband and blue athletic shorts holding a dumbbell. On his left is a yellow bicycle and on his right is a wall calendar and a potted plant.

Get a month's worth of daily tips to build your money-managing muscles.

CDs vs. Savings Accounts: Which Is Better for You?

Three people on a kayak in a lake. A man wearing a red life vest in the back, a boy wearing a red life vest in the middle and a boy wearing a yellow life vest in the front. They are holding paddles and smiling at the camera.

Learn which type of account might be a good financial fit for you.

Path to Equity: A Woman VP's Perspective

BECU's Vice President of Servicing and ATM Operations Shawna Thompson.

How the workplace has changed for women in Shawna Thompson's 30 years with BECU.

Celebrating Women's History and a Brighter Future

BECU President and CEO Beverly Anderson, center, with women from the BECU Office of Equity and Inclusion.

BECU CEO Beverly Anderson celebrates women's history and an equitable future.

A Steeper Climb

Image of a woman's face on gray background.

How an SVP overcame challenges as a woman in the financial services industry.

Coming Together Over Black Coffee

Three women standing together in front of a green, leaf-covered wall with a neon sign that says "Coffee" on it. The woman on the left is Intentionalist CEO and founder Laura Clise, wearing a Seattle Sonics hat. The woman in the middle is Seattle Storm Center Mercedes Russell, wearing a sweatshirt that says "Seattle." The woman on the right is Black Coffee Northwest co-owner DarNesha Weary, wearing a "Black Coffee Northwest" t-shirt.

Learn how Black Coffee Northwest is leading the conversation on racial equity.

Guide to 2021 Child Tax Credit: Amounts, Eligibility

A toddler squats in the grass, looking at a clover held by her smiling mother.

Find out how advance payments might affect your tax return.

Estate Planning: Tasks and Tips To Get Started

Man and woman and sitting close together across from another woman. The man is reading a sheet of paper and the woman on the left is smiling at the woman on the right.

Get tips on wills, power of attorney, executors and more.

History and Hope: A Message From Our CEO

BECU President and CEO Beverly Anderson smiling at the camera. Her head and shoulders are visible.

BECU CEO Beverly Anderson shares what Black History Month means to her.

How Do Couples Split Bills?

Two women sit close together on couch, holding hands. Woman on the left is holding phone up to take a selfie.

Romance is great, but have you found a fair way to split shared bills?

11 Black Finance Leaders in History

Collage of photos, some very old black-and-white photos, of the faces of Black finance leaders in history.

Learn about these trailblazers in finance.

2023 Tax Extension: Deadline, Rules, How To File

A man sits in his kitchen looking at papers he's holding in his right hand and punching buttons on a calculator with his left hand. A laptop is open on the table in front of him.

Need more time for your taxes? Learn about getting an extension in 2023.

2022 Income Taxes: What You Need To Know

Learn how changes to tax laws might affect your 2022 tax return.

How To Get a Credit Card for My Kid

Mother holding a mobile phone sits next to her child who is holding a credit card. They are sitting at a table, smiling. A large green plant is in the background.

Learn how to help your kids start building credit and managing their finances.

How To Maximize Your Nonprofit Donations

A BECU employee speaking with another person, with food donations in the background.

Get tips for making the most of your donation dollars and time.

Do You Need Travel Insurance?

Get tips to help you decide if insurance makes sense for your trip.

How To Spend Less on Holiday Shopping

Learn how to get the best deals and avoid scams during the holidays.

Financial Education That Fits Native Needs

Head-and-shoulders portrait of Bethany Hawkins on a gray background. She is smiling and wearing a black suit jacket and red top.

A mortgage advisor is helping to create culturally relevant financial education.

Why Did My Credit Score Drop?

Illustration of a credit score gauge. A person is sweating from the effort of pulling on the indicator needle, like it's a lever, to move their credit score up.

Learn about these common credit-score setbacks and how to improve your score.

A Career Focused on Culture and Values

Former BECU CEO Benson Porter gestures with his hands as he talks on stage. A sign on a podium next to him says Member Summit. A large mosaic of 12 photos of people's faces with different expressions is in the background the people are a diverse mix of races and genders.

CEO Benson Porter reflects on his career as he prepares for retirement.

Barriers to Indigenous Wealth

Learn how access to financial health has been limited for Native people throughout U.S. history.

How Credit Debt Could Affect Your Mortgage

Image of a young, smiling couple standing in front of a brick home with one of the individuals holding house keys in their hand.

Find out if credit card debt affects whether you qualify for a home loan.

How Remote Work Changed Working With a Disability

Illustration of a person sitting at a computer, working from home. Across the room, a dog is on a couch across below a window with curtains.

Employees talk about how remote work has helped them take care of their needs.

Different, Not Less: Employment for All Abilities

Photo of a smiling man driving a forklift and wearing personal protective equipment.

Randy Lewis’s successful effort to employ thousands with disabilities.

Password Phishing: How To Avoid Scams

Computer screen with password typed in has a sticky note in the top right corner with a fishing hook going through it.

Protect your personal and financial information from online attacks.

Feeding People for Social Change

A Latinx man and woman, both smiling, stand outside at a table covered in neatly arranged packages of food. A giant toy pepper decorates the middle of the table.

Roxana Pardo Garcia created a Latinx food bank to support her community.

How To Wipe Your Data From Computers and Phones

Illustration of a computer monitor and cell phone that show a loading symbol. A spray bottle full of liquid, labeled with the settings gear icon, sits next to the computer monitor. Text in the lower right corner says "Consumers' Checkbook."

Remove data before getting rid of unwanted digital devices.

Time To Winterize: Fall Projects That Save Money

Improve energy efficiency and prevent the need for costly repairs.

Protect Your Child From Identity Theft

Learn the warning signs and take steps to protect your kids.

Latinx Culture Informs VP's Equity Work

Photo of Jackie Martinez-Vasquez's face. She is smiling.

Jackie Martinez-Vasquez works to achieve equity for oppressed people.

Grocery Inflation: Items That Cost More

A person pushes a grocery cart down the dairy aisle of the grocery store. The cart contains lots of fresh vegetables and other items. The person's hands and lower body are visible.

Learn which grocery prices have increased and get money-saving tips.

Buying Your Leased Car Could Save You Money Now

With inventory problems driving up auto prices, buying your vehicle as it comes off lease could result in a windfall.

LGBTQ+ Money Tips To Increase Your Financial Fitness

Get personal finance tips from BECU's LGBTQ+ employees.

5 Upgrades To Increase Home Value in 2022

Photo of a modern house with stone veneer along the bottom, vinyl-framed windows, and a four-panel garage door with windows across the top.

How to make the most of your home improvement dollars.

The Financial Significance of Juneteenth

A Black person's hand holds a Juneteenth flag with a blue sky and clouds in the background. Text: Juneteenth Freedom Day

Learn about the barriers to financial health Black people have faced throughout U.S. history.

Why You Should Spend With Pride Year-Round

Illustration of two people walking toward each other, one carrying a Pride flag and the other carrying a scarf that says "Pride." Five icons in circles arch over them: a grocery bag, a contract, a graph with a dollar sign, a beach scene and food.

Your everyday spending can support the LGBTQIA+ community year-round.

Using Our Strength To Deliver on Our Purpose

A photo collage of seven images of smiling people of various ages, races and genders. Four images are single people, one is a family with a young baby, one is a couple in mid-life, and one images is an older couple.

BECU rose to the pandemic's challenges to support evolving member needs.

BECU SVP: Value Differences To Open Doors

Bryan Lee MacDonald says real connections pave the way to equity.

Low-Cost Tips For Reducing Energy Use at Home

Get tips to benefit your wallet — and the planet.

‘Buy Now, Pay Later’ Pros and Cons for Travel

Find out if putting off payment for your upcoming trip is right for you.

Personal Finance Tips for New College Grads

Three college students laugh as they walk away from a building on campus together.

Learn how to navigate your financial life after college.

Take Control of Your Digital Clutter

Woman sitting in her kitchen rests her chin on her hand and concentrates while looking at her laptop.

Get tips to prevent your personal and financial files from getting buried.

Pandemic Pressure: A Toll on Women's Finances

Image of BECU employee Marybeth with her husband, Jose, and their three children, (from left) Ayden, Derek and Nathan smiling for a photo outside. A rocky beach is pictured in the background.

A BECU employee shares how her career took a detour because of the pandemic.

Women Leaders Share Vision for Path to Equity

Leaders discuss what it takes to increase opportunities for women.

Credit Unions Positioned to Lead on Gender Equity

Credit union leaders share their experiences and ideas for closing the gap.

BECU Educator Helps Brighten Financial Futures

A Black financial educator empowers students to achieve financial health.

Creating Opportunity for Black-Owned Business

Kesha Rodgers is on a quest to help local Black-owned businesses flourish.

2021 Income Taxes: What You Need To Know

Learn how changes to tax laws might affect your 2021 income tax return.

RV Supplies Increasing, but Prices Still High

A father, mother and their two boys pose for a family photo in front of their RV, which is hitched to their pickup truck.

What to expect — and what to consider — if you’re shopping for an RV.

Think You're Getting a Deal? 10 Tricks Sellers Use

Image shows a bustling crowd with sale signs in the background.

Learn the sales tricks that make you think you're getting a bargain.

2021 Holiday Shopping Scams: What To Watch Out For

A woman wearing a tan coat, carrying shopping bags walks through a mall.

Learn about the latest online holiday shopping scams so you can avoid them.

The Emerging Threat of AI in Cyber Scams

Illustration of a person pointing at a screen displaying a digital replica of himself.

How scammers are using AI to fool you into giving away sensitive data.

How To Get a Fair Deal on Auto Repair

A woman happily driving a car. White text says Consumers' Checkbook in the lower right corner.

Tips for shopping for an auto mechanic.

End of Rental Eviction Ban: Where To Get Help

Find help through government and nonprofit programs.

Is DIY Home Improvement Right for You?

A woman smiles as she paints a white wall gray using a roller brush.

Save time and money and increase your home value by doing your homework.

Mortgage Scams Are Real in 2021: How To Avoid Them

A woman, man and dog sit on the front stairs outside their gray house. The bright yellow front door is ajar behind them.

Protect yourself from mortgage fraud, foreclosure scams and wire fraud.

How To Save on Moving Help and Avoid Scams

Comparison shopping tips to protect your stuff and your money.

Car Shoppers Face Fewer Choices and Higher Prices

Learn how a microchip shortage is affecting sales and get shopping tips.

Low-Cost Vacation Rental? Take a Closer Look

Get tips for avoiding hidden fees and terms on your vacation rental.

Edgar Villanueva on Closing the Racial Wealth Gap

The author of “Decolonizing Wealth” works for equity and community healing.

Consider Costs Before Getting a Pet

A woman dressed in warm clothes sits on a Pacific Northwest beach with two dogs

Learn how much you’ll need to budget to care for a new furry friend.

Achieve Your Budgeting Goals During the Pandemic

Illustration of woman walking and carrying groceries with a dollar-sign callout over the grocery bag and on the phone poking out of her pocket. Car in background with a dollar-sign callout over it.

Learn budgeting tips that can help even during tough times.

No Stimulus Check Yet? Here’s What To Expect

A person holds a stimulus check with two hands, facing the camera

Find out whether a payment might be due to you and how to claim it.

10 Things To Know About 2020 Income Taxes

Bearded man sitting at a kitchen table, looking down at tax forms, a laptop open in front of him

Herb Weisbaum has answers to common questions about this unusual tax year.

Buy or Refi? Low Mortgage Rates Boost Buying Power

Standing in front of a yellow house, man cradles woman in his arms while she dangles keys from her fingers.

Read expert tips about what low rates could mean for you.

Employee Helps Others Benefit from his Experience

Black man in a suit and tie looks at the camera.

A Black BECU employee talks about overcoming adversity and helping others.

Fund Takes New Approach to Building Black Wealth

Four Black women, founders of the Black Futures Co-op Fund, stand outside together and smile for a photo.

Transforming how philanthropy builds Black wealth and health.

A Wedding During COVID-19? Learn from Two Couples

A man smiles at the camera while a woman wearing a flower wreath on her head hugs him from behind

Couples share how COVID-19 affected their big day and their budget.

Small Businesses Get Second Boost for COVID-19 Relief

Cafe worker wearing surgical mask over his nose and mouth standing in front of the counter

Learn the basics of the Paycheck Protection Program, Round 2.

How to Manage Finances Like a CFO

BECU CFO says to plan ahead, lead with compassion.

How to Stay Positive When the Job Search Drags On

Woman smiling, talking on a cell phone and looking at a laptop

Motivation for when it seems like your job search has no end in sight.

Stimulus Round 2 — What You Need to Know

A hand holding a check labeled "relief program" from the United States government

Checks are on the way. Find out how much you’ll get and when you’ll get it.

Set Sights on Smaller Resolutions for 2021

Illustration of the start of a New Year's resolution list surrounded by six pictures in circles: an apple with a milk carton, a person walking outside, a person riding a bike, a book, a small picture of a piggy bank, and a small picture of a dumbbell.

After a tough 2020, it’s ok to set smaller goals for the new year.

Watch out for COVID-19 Scams

Image of the word security on a computer screen

Fraudsters see opportunities in a crisis. Take steps to protect yourself.

BECU CEO Finds Hope in the Challenges of 2020

Former BECU CEO Benson Porter standing outside, smiling

Read reflections on the moments that defined the nation and our cooperative in 2020.

Stay Safe with This Virtual Holiday Guide

Four people gather on screen for virtual holiday party.

Make the most of this holiday season with these festive and safe celebration ideas.

How to Protect Yourself from Online Scams this Holiday Season

Don’t fall victim to fraud. Read advice from Sean Murphy, chief information security officer.

No Job? Take 5 Steps to Shore up Your Finances

Man sitting on a couch, hand in hair, paying paper bills next to laptop

Tackle holiday stress by making sure your financial basics are covered.

BECU Honors Nonprofits with Annual Awards

2020 People Helping People Award Recipients

Local nonprofits honored for helping communities, driving social change.

4 Shopping Tips for Black Friday 2020

Tips for Black Friday shopping while keeping yourself and others safe by staying home and avoiding the crowds.

Support Small Businesses on Saturday, November 28

Learn how to support your favorite local shop on Small Business Saturday.

Ideas for a Virtual Thanksgiving or Friendsgiving Celebration

With the latest guidance from the CDC and Governor Inslee, many of us need to rethink our holiday plans. Get ideas for a virtual Thanksgiving (or Friendsgiving) celebration.

Turkey Shopping Tips for Thanksgiving 2020

Get the best bang for your bird buck with these turkey shopping tips.

Update on BECU's Journey Towards a More Inclusive Cooperative

CEO Benson Porter shares the credit union’s progress in 2020 and what’s ahead.

7 Easy Alternatives to Trick or Treating

Spook-tacular ideas for a fun and safe Halloween.

4 Tips to Manage Debt and Loan Payments During COVID-19

Get advice on how to approach debt and loan payments during the pandemic.

BECU’s Annual Day of Service with Tom Berquist, Chief Marketing Officer

Read how BECU plans to give back to our communities this year.

BECU Tellers on the Front Line

Read how tellers work to put members first, and how they’ve adapted during COVID-19.

BECU and KEXP Partnership

Get the inside story about the BECU and KEXP partnership from KEXP’s Kevin Cole and BECU’s Toby Travis.

BECU Expanding to Whatcom County with Scott Strand, Chief Operating Officer

Learn about BECU’s expansion into Whatcom County this year.

Meet Oliver: Recent Grad and Soon-to-Be Med Student

He aspires to become a doctor.

We are Listening, Learning and Taking Action

Driven by our values, we are taking meaningful action.

Neighborhood Financial Center Managers

We meet two branch managers who embody the BECU value of Members First.

10 Free Ways to Keep Kids Entertained This Summer

Ideas for free summer fun from the comfort of home.

Save Money by Starting a Victory Garden

Even if you don’t have much space or a yard, you can grow your own food.

How You Can Celebrate Pride From Your Living Room

Proud together: here's how you can celebrate Pride without leaving home.

A Celebration of Freedom

We stand with the Black community in recognizing the importance of Juneteenth.

Taxes in July - What You Need to Know

What the extension on the income tax filing date means and why it matters.

Unemployment Benefits Fraud - What You Need to Know

Even if you don't file for unemployment, you can fall victim to this fraud.

Affordable Social Distancing Ideas for Long Weekends

A glass and pitcher of refreshments on grass

Socially distant ideas for spending your holiday weekend with others.

Four Ideas for Celebrating Moms, Grads and Dads From a Distance

Greeting card of a cartoon person and a heart

Four ideas for celebrating Moms, Dads and Grads during the COVID-19 crisis.

Can't Travel? Try a Staycation

Had to cancel travel plans? Here are some ideas for a staycation at home.

4 Tips for Using Your Stimulus Check

Our Lead Financial Educator offers suggestions for prioritizing your stimulus check.

In a Time of Crisis, Our Focus Remains Serving our Members

In these times of uncertainty, BECU remains focused on the financial wellbeing of our members and their communities.

COVID-19 Stimulus Checks – What You Need to Know

Get your stimulus check questions answered.

Meet Kayleigh and Colton - They Are Saving For A Wedding

Member Spotlight - Meet Kayleigh and Colton

They both have been members their entire lives.

4 Tips for Buying a Budget-Savvy Engagement Ring

Don't feel like you need to break the bank.

Benson Porter, CEO

See what's on the horizon for 2020 and more!

Are Meal Delivery Services Worth It?

We look into meal delivery services and see if they save you money.

Meet Leo - He Is an Early Saver

He gets financial advice from his grandma.

Is Online Shopping Safe?

We review computer viruses, sweetheart and online scams and reporting them.

Brian Knollenberg, VP Digital Marketing and Analytics

Read more about doing the right thing for our members.

Best Summer Camp Tips for Parents

The best time to book a summer camp? Now.

Let's Talk About the Cost of Turkey

Get the best bang for your bird buck. Check out our turkey-shopping tips.

Meet Dianissa - She Is All About Saving

Not having a debit card helps her save money.

Sean Murphy, Chief Information Security Officer

Learn how to keep yourself safe online.

Are Password Manager Services Worth It?

We look at the pros and cons of password management services.

Look out for Sugar Daddies, Public Wi-Fi, and LinkedIn Scams

Check out three of the latest scams and how to avoid them.

Meet Bruce - He Has His Eye on Retirement

He wants to retire and help raptors.

Shannon Finch, Director of Environmental Branding

Read how her and her team create engaging branch atmospheres.

Top 6 Tips for Perfect Kid Presents

Hopefully this will make shopping easier.

Meet Terri - She Wants You to Check Your Credit

She shares her favorite financial advice.

Four Tips for Finding Some Extra Money for Summer

It's more than checking the couch cushions.

5 Budget-Friendly Home-Improvement Hacks

Blueprint, small model home, and pencil marking compass

You don't have to break the bank to up your curb appeal.

Meet Sarah - She's Not Just a Number

She feels like a member at BECU and not just another account holder.

Stacey Black, Lead Financial Educator

She's never met anyone that regrets saving too much.

Four Fun Ideas for a Budget-Friendly Summer Vacation

Tips for enjoying some much-needed time away without breaking the bank.

Best of Back to School Sales

Did you know some of the best back to school sales happen in July?

Meet Kristine - a Member for Over 25 Years

She loves being able to access her accounts anywhere in the world.

Free (Or Almost Free) Things to Do in Seattle

You don't have to break the bank this summer in Seattle.

Three Can't-Miss Summertime Side Hustles

The summer is the perfect time for professional moonlighting.

Meet Charmaine - It Feels Like Family

When she talks to a BECU rep she feels like she’s known them forever.

Meet the Affinity Team

Learn about the team behind all of our cool partnerships and sponsorships.

Meet Josh - He Tries to Spend Wisely

He likes to invest in experiences rather than things.

Saving Through Streaming

"Cutting the cord" with cable providers can benefit your bank account.

Debbie Wege, Cooperative Community Advocate

Learn how she brings our co-op principles to life.

Four Common Tax Filing Mistakes to Avoid

Calculator paper clip and pen on a table

Be sure to avoid these mistakes this tax season.

Meet Patricia - She Likes to Keep Her Money Local

She shares the best piece of financial advice she's received.

Take a Fresh Look at Your Debt This Spring

Check out the debt consolidation tools available to BECU members.

Meet Melissa - She's Seeing the Country

She downsized to an RV and travels.

Alvin Lee, Digital Channel Manager

Additional self-service features arrived in 2019 and more!

A Wake-Up Call From the Shutdown

We look at options for possibly missing a paycheck.

Meet Dave - He Believes in Saving Early

He started savings accounts at BECU for his grandkids.

Liz Wagner, Senior Digital Strategy Manager

Learn what we accomplished in 2019.

Meet Nickii - She Believes in Rainy Day Funds

See how much she sets aside for her emergency fund.

Keep Imposter Scammers Off Your Gift-Giving List

We review the Gift Card Imposter Scam and how to report it.

Watch out for These Common Scams – Part 2

We review advance fee scams, impersonation scams and reporting them.

Watch out for These Common Scams – Part 1

We review computer viruses, sweetheart and online scams and reporting them.

Is Biometrics Here to Stay?

Looking into biometrics.

The Virtual Gold Rush

Are You Missing Out On a Virtual Gold Rush?

Taking look at digital currency.