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Financial Education

First Time Auto Buyers

  • First-Time Auto Buyer Quick Guide

    3Rivers is here to help first-time car buyers prepare for, pay for, and maintain their new set of wheels. We make sense of the sometimes hard-to-understand financial aspects and provide you with the tools that let you do your car shopping and buying where, when, and how you want to. So, what are you waiting for? Your next adventure starts here!...


  • Costs of Buying a Car

    3Rivers is here to help you in your preparation, we have outlined six major expenses that occur in the car buying (and owning) process. Some are obvious, whereas others you may not have considered. Taking all of these into consideration will save you time, money, and stress in the long run!...


  • Understanding Your Credit Score & Report

    At 3Rivers, we believe establishing a good credit history is important to your future borrowing ability. Your first car loan is often your first credit obligation, so handling it properly is essential. On-time payments are vital to a good credit rating and future loans from the lender. Even one late payment appearing on your credit report can have a major negative impact on your credit score....

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First Time Home Buyers

  • Mortgage Key Terms

    From appraisal to VA loan, we have you covered. We have put together a list of highly used terms used during the mortgage process. 3Rivers is here to help educate you no matter the time of day. ...

  • Benefits of Homeownership

    When reaching the decision to purchase your first home, it is crucial that, before signing your name on the purchase agreement, you have the education you need to make sure you’re fully informed and comfortable with the process, and that, as a result, you get the right home at the right price for your personal and financial needs....

  • The Process of Getting a Home Loan

    Unless you've saved up the full purchase price of the home you're looking to buy and plan to pay in cash, you'll probably need to take out a home loan. Here are a few of the basics you need to know....

  • Pre-Qualification vs. Pre-Approval

    The difference between pre-approval and pre-qualification is the difference between, “Yes, you’ve passed the test and are approved” and, “Based on the information you’ve provided, it looks like you might pass the test and will likely get approved.”...


  • How Much Home Can You Afford?

    You’re borrowing a large amount of money and your lender will ask many questions and request even more proof to determine whether or not you can realistically afford to purchase a home. So, what will they take into consideration?...

  • Mortgage Process Stakeholders

    The people involved in your home purchase offer support, ensure the process is legal, and provide protection and peace of mind for everyone involved. These stakeholders may include the realtor, the real estate lawyer, and the appraiser....

  • Deciding on What Type of Home to Buy

    Once you’ve made the decision to buy your own home, visited 3Rivers to make sure you can arrange financing, and speak with a loan officer to determine how much home you can afford, what’s next? The fun part!...

  • Renting vs. Buying

    Whether you choose to buy or rent your home depends upon your life situation and personal preferences, as well as the bottom line....

  • Buying a Home as a Couple

    One of the biggest decisions that come with applying for a home loan is whether or not to make the purchase with your spouse or partner. For some couples, this is a no-brainer....

View all Mortgage Articles

College Tips

  • Tips for Applying for Grants & Scholarships

    The process of applying for grants and scholarships can feel daunting at first – applications can often be lengthy and require what seems like a great deal of information. Here are some tips to get you started!...

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Fraud

  • Tips to Prevent Identity Theft

    HOW TO PREVENT IDENTITY THEFT: Once an identity thief gets their hands on your information, they may be able to use your information to open a line of credit, land a job, file a tax return, drain your retirement savings, give the authorities your name if they're arrested, and so much more. Taking the proper steps to prevent yourself from fraud is crucial....

  • Protections for Loans

    When the unexpected happens, 3Rivers can help with a variety of products designed to protect you and your good credit in case the unthinkable happens....

  • Protecting Yourself and Others

    Education and awareness is the best way to protect yourself and each other. 3Rivers works very hard to monitor and protect your accounts. It is very important that you keep your contact information updated....


  • Data Breaches

    3Rivers cannot stop fraudulent activity before it starts, it's crucial to have plans in place to help protect members after it happens....


  • ID Theft

    Identity theft is serious. It could affect you or someone you know at any time. It happens when someone takes your personal information – like your account numbers or Social Security number – and pretends to be you so they can run up charges. Let 3Rivers help with tips to prevent these from happening to you or a loved one....

  • Common Fraud Examples

    From closed account hoaxes, internet auctions, phishing, skimmers, cyber security and a number of other scams, 3Rivers can help. Detecting it is the first step, let us help! ...

  • How 3Rivers Protects Your Accounts?

    3Rivers is a leader in using technology (EMV Cards, Fraud Monitoring System & Text Alerts) to protect members' accounts at the purchase level and monitors every member’s account for suspicious activity....

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Financial Basics


  • Understanding the Credit Union Difference

    CREDIT UNIONS VS. BANKS: While credit unions offer all of the products and services you’d expect from a financial institution, and are federally insured, they're different in that they exist on the philosophy of “people helping people.”...

  • Tips to Prevent Identity Theft

    HOW TO PREVENT IDENTITY THEFT: Once an identity thief gets their hands on your information, they may be able to use your information to open a line of credit, land a job, file a tax return, drain your retirement savings, give the authorities your name if they're arrested, and so much more. Taking the proper steps to prevent yourself from fraud is crucial....

  • 5 Tips on Using Credit Cards Wisely

    5 TIPS FOR USING CREDIT CARDS WISELY: Credit cards are a hot topic when it comes to personal finance. While some people advise not getting a credit card because of how quick and easy it is to rack up debt, there are also benefits to signing up for one – especially when it comes to help building your credit. The key, though, is using them wisely....

  • Understanding Credit Scores

    HOW CREDIT SCORES ARE CALCULATED: Your credit score plays many important roles in your finances. Working to build a good, strong score can help to support any budgets you have in place, get you approved for new lines of credit, save you money by helping you to qualify for lower interest rates on loans, and more....

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