Month: July 2025

A mid-year financial health check is one of the smartest habits you can build to stay in control of your finances and finish the year strong. Now is a great time to step back and make sure your goals (whether it’s saving for a home, paying down debt, or building better habits) are still on track.At Curis Financial Credit Union, we’re here to help you take the stress out of personal finance, and turn it into progress. Let’s walk through a few key areas to assess your financial wellness and plan for a strong second half of 2025.

Self-Assessment: What Does Financial Wellness Mean to You?

Before diving into numbers, take a moment to reflect on what financial wellness means to you. It’s more than just paying bills on time, it’s about feeling secure, empowered, and moving towards your goals. The National Credit Union Foundation’s Financial Well-being Quickstart Guide offers a helpful framework for evaluating where you are and where you want to go.

Ask yourself:

• Am I prepared for unexpected expenses?
• Do I feel confident managing my day-to-day finances?
• Am I making consistent progress toward my savings goals?

The answers will help guide the rest of your mid-year review.

Review and Refresh Your Budgeting Strategies and Savings Goals

Halfway through the year is a great time to check in on your budgeting strategies. Think back on whether or not your income or spending has changed. Have new expenses popped up? Are there any that you can now cut?

Common budgeting mistakes in Q3 and Q4 include:

• Forgetting to account for seasonal expenses (back-to-school, holidays)
• Not adjusting for changes in bills (like rising utilities or insurance premiums)
• Setting unrealistic saving targets that derail your motivation

Try our Savings Goal Calculator to revisit your targets and create a personalized plan that works with your current budget.Don’t have a budget yet? Check out this guide to a mid-year financial checkup from U.S. News to help you get started.

Credit Check: Why Low Credit Card Interest Rates Matter More Than Ever

If you carry any credit card balances, summer is the ideal time for a quick credit check. Interest rates have surged in recent years, and according to CBS News, the average rate is now over 20%.

That makes managing credit card debt, and securing low credit card interest rates, more important than ever. Start by:

• Reviewing your credit report for errors
• Paying more than the minimum balance each month
• Exploring balance transfer offers or lower-rate cards

Set Realistic Financial Goals for the Rest of 2025

Now that you’ve checked your budget and reviewed your credit, it’s time to set clear, realistic financial goals for the next six months. This could mean:

• Building an emergency fund
• Paying down a specific amount of debt
• Saving for a holiday trip or year-end expenses

Be honest with yourself about what’s achievable, and be sure to revisit your goals monthly. Keep an eye out for “budget busters” like holiday shopping or last-minute travel, and build in some buffer room to avoid last-quarter stress.

Need help creating a plan? Curis Financial is here for you with digital tools, financial coaching, and loan options designed to fit real-life budgets. Connect with us and take control of your financial wellness.

Let Curis Financial Help You Stay on Track

Think of a financial wellness check-up like hitting pause, not to stress over what’s gone wrong, but to refocus on what still matters. There’s still time to shift gears, strengthen your habits, and move closer to the goals that matter most.

Curis Financial is here to walk the path with you, whether you’re fine-tuning your budget, cutting back on high-interest debt, or saving with intention.

Buying a home in South Carolina has been a dream for many, thanks to the South’s warm climate, charming communities, and growing economy. But with fluctuating interest rates and mixed signals in the housing market, you might be wondering, “Should I buy a house now?” 

South Carolina Homes: What’s Happening in the Market Right Now?

The South Carolina housing market has cooled compared to the frenzied activity of recent years, creating new opportunities for prospective buyers. Fewer homes are selling above asking price, and more sellers are lowering prices to attract offers. While home prices are still higher than before the pandemic, they’ve started to level out. Mortgage rates remain in the 6.5% to 7% range, but experts are hopeful for some relief later in 2025. 

The market is showing resilience in high-demand areas like Columbia, Greenville, and Charleston. For buyers who are financially prepared, this could be an ideal time to make a move, especially with guidance from a trusted credit union like Curis Financial.

When Is the Best Time to Purchase a Home?

In South Carolina, spring and summer bring more listings, but also more competition. Fall offers less selection, but sellers may be more willing to negotiate, especially if their home has been on the market a while.

Historically, fall and winter tend to offer better deals for homebuyers due to reduced competition. However, this isn’t a hard rule. According to Forbes, timing your home purchase depends more on your personal finances and local market conditions than the calendar.

Pros and Cons of Buying a House Now

Wondering if now’s the right time to be buying a home in SC? Like most big decisions, it comes with trade-offs. Here’s a quick look at the pros and cons to help you weigh your options:

Pros:

• Less buyer competition than during the pandemic peak
• Sellers may offer incentives (closing costs, repairs, etc.)
• Future refinancing potential if rates drop
• Access to local home loan options through Curis Financial

Cons:

• Interest rates remain higher than historical lows
• Inventory is improving but still tight in some areas
• Property insurance and taxes may be rising in some counties
  

Still unsure? PBS NewsHour suggests this year could bring rate relief and better affordability. However, if you’re financially ready now, waiting might not necessarily lead to savings.

Home Buying Tips for First-Time South Carolina Buyers

Buying a home can be stressful, but it doesn’t have to be. With these essential buying tips, you can better prepare for the home buying process:

1. Check your credit and work on improving your score. Need help? Here’s a quick guide.
2. Get pre-approved. This shows sellers you’re serious and helps you understand your budget.
3. Work with a local lender. Through our relationship with The Servion Group, we offer mortgage options tailored for South Carolinians, especially first-time buyers.
4. Know your market. Look at neighborhood trends, not just price.
5. Budget beyond the mortgage. Factor in closing costs, maintenance, property taxes, and insurance.

Remember: don’t just panic buy. The right home for you is out there, so it’s important to be patient and stay informed.

Curis Financial and The Servion Group

Our dedicated specialists guide you through each step of the process. We’re here to help you navigate the homebuying process with confidence. Here’s what you can expect:

• Tailored mortgage options, including FHA, USDA, and VA loans
• Competitive rates with low closing costs and flexible terms
• Local expertise to help you understand the South Carolina market
• Digital tools and real, human support from application to closing
  

Buying a home is a huge milestone, so it’s important to make sure you do it right. Our team is here to help make sure you’re taken care of every step of the way.