South Metro Federal Credit Union logo

This Week @ South Metro Federal Credit Union

Short, timely articles based on a real-world weekly theme.

Home Renovation and Improvement
If you own your home, it's likely to be your biggest investment. So how do you determine whether or not to invest more?

Woman with tool belt and using power tools, adding tile to fireplace.

Improvements Versus Repairs

The financial distinction can be important and often overlooked.

For Sale sign in front of a house.

Renovate or Move? It's Complicated

Deciding whether to renovate your existing home or buy a new one involves more than purely financial considerations.

A thermostat with a wool cap and the word SAVE on the display.

Energy Efficiency: Is it Worth it?

The financial benefits of energy efficient upgrades can vary greatly.

A woman installing a wood floor in a home.

Which Renovations Are Worth It?

From a financial point of view, the answers can be surprising.

Model house made with $20 bills.

How to Fund Renovations

From mortgage refinancing to government loan programs, home owners have a variety of finding choices.

Scattered coins on part of a tax form.

Tax Benefits and Home Renovations

From tax deductible interest expenses to tax credits for energy efficient upgrades, a reduced tax bill can take some of the bite out of renovation expenses.

Man looking electrocuted with a wire in each hand.

The Biggest Mistakes People Make When Renovating

Five things to avoid when starting a project - and what to do instead.

New topics are posted every Sunday.

Miss last week? Scroll down to catch up.

Last Week @ South Metro Federal Credit Union

How to Negotiate

Getting the best price for a car or a fair salary increase doesn't have to be unpleasant - if you know the basics.

Two hands shaking (in agreement, or greeting)

Introduction to How to Negotiate

An introduction to the art of negotiation and all of its practical applications such as strategies to employ when you negotiate for your next car, house or compensation package.

Front of 5 new cars lined up. Same car, different colors.

How to Negotiate the Best Price on a Car

What you need to know before walking onto your next car lot or showroom.

Small model house on top of a pile of 1 dollar bills.

How to Negotiate the Price of a House

How to negotiate the best price possible before buying your next home.

Young woman in gray suit shaking hands with man in gray suit.

The Art of Salary Negotiation

How you can negotiate your way to more equitable compensation -- and an elevated standard of living. 

Desktop showing two people holding pens and reviewing papers.

When it Comes to Negotiation, Here's the Scoop

The basics of negotiation for anything.

Arrow going upward over increase amounts of stacked bills.

Challenge of the Week: Negotiate a Better Deal

A hands on challenge to get you practicing your negotiation skills.

 Popular Topics

Introduction to Budgeting

Income and Expenses

How to Improve Cash Flow

Making Sense of Your Budget

Tracking Your Spending

About South Metro Federal Credit Union

Our suite of Financial Education Services (FES) is founded on providing a thorough education and consistent guidance with a confidential personal representative. With this relationship in place, we’ll work with you to determine your broad goals and set tactics for direct outcomes that build credit and help manage debt. We’ll empower you with the mindset, tools and products it takes to make an impact on your financial health.

A photo of Alyssa Walford.

Have a question? Contact Alyssa Walford at:

952-358-9738
fes@southmet.com

 Visit Us Online

 Library