A Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC) can be a powerful financial tool for homeowners, but it’s important to know when and how to use it wisely. Here’s a look at the best ways to use a HELOC—and situations where it might not be the best option. How to Best Use Your HELOC: Additional Uses […]
Bay Federal Credit Union
The 25th Santa Cruz County Black Graduation honors the class of 2024
In a heartwarming celebration of resilience, achievement, and community, the Santa Cruz County Office of Education held its annual Black Student Graduation at the Louden Nelson Community Center on May 25, 2024. The event, initiated 25 years ago by five determined Black mothers, has blossomed into a cornerstone of the community, fostering visibility, unity, and inspiration […]
Don’t empty your wallet this winter: 21 low-cost Santa Cruz County holiday events
While the holidays bring about feelings of love, joy, and celebration, they can also bring about stress and put a strain on budgets. Use this season as an opportunity to focus on the things that matter most in life and spark the holiday spirit in your heart by spending time with the ones you love. […]
From humble beginnings to a thriving legacy: Celebrating Bay Federal Credit Union’s 66th birthday
Do you know how the largest member-owned financial institution in the Monterey Bay area came to be? Beginning as Santa Cruz County Teachers Federal Credit Union in 1957, Bay Federal Credit Union has a detailed history of making significant impacts amongst local communities. Bay Federal celebrates its birthday on November 8, marking this their 66th […]
7 essential home prep tips to save money and safeguard against natural disasters this winter
Natural disasters can be frightening. From hurricanes and tornadoes to earthquakes, from droughts to floods, no area of the country is immune to them. Whether you were personally affected by this last year’s storms and flooding or not, the experience should serve as an excellent reminder to take steps towards preparing your home for the […]
5 simple steps to budgeting your dream vacation
It’s great to get away from the daily grind, but budgets never get to take a vacation. The good news is that sticking to your spending plan and not racking up bills you can’t pay will actually make your trip more relaxing. When every dollar is accounted for and you know exactly how much money […]
‘Women Build Day’ brings new homes to Santa Cruz’s Live Oak Neighborhood
A group of women from Bay Federal Credit Union recently took to hammers and sanders, constructing new homes in one Live Oak neighborhood. Bay Federal Credit Union and their community partner, Habitat for Humanity of Monterey Bay, participated in a Women Build Day during Habitat for Humanity’s month-long women empowerment initiative. The event involves encouraging […]
How to spot a ‘sextortion’ or romance scam – and what to do about it
With flower bouquets and heart balloons crowding the entrance to your local grocery store, you can practically feel love in the air. But Valentine’s Day is not all roses and chocolate for the nearly 70,000 U.S. citizens who, according to the Federal Trade Commission, lost a combined $1.3 billion to romance scams in 2022. The […]
How to spot a ‘sextortion’ or romance scam – and what to do about it
With flower bouquets and heart balloons crowding the entrance to your local grocery store, you can practically feel love in the air. But Valentine’s Day is not all roses and chocolate for the nearly 70,000 U.S. citizens who, according to the Federal Trade Commission, lost a combined $1.3 billion to romance scams in 2022. The […]
Money talk: 4 topics you should be discussing with aging parents
Aging gracefully can be difficult for someone whose finances aren’t squared away, yet nearly half of 55 to 66-year-olds haven’t saved money for retirement, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. If you want to help your aging parents enjoy their final years as much as you enjoyed your childhood, starting an open discussion about their […]

