First-responder Credit Union Newsroom

 September 2, 2025 Credit union loans outstanding increased 0.38% in June, compared to a 0.48% increase in May and a 0.17% increase in June 2024, according to America’s Credit Unions’ latest  Monthly Credit Union Estimates .  Products that led loan growth include:  Home equity lines of credit (1.45%), Credit cards, (0.87%), Second mortgages (0.73%), First mortgages (0.33%), Secured personal loans (0.32%), Unsecured personal loans (0.23%); and Auto loans (0.1%). On the decline in June were private student loans, which fell by 0.77%. The report is generated from the Equifax Analytics Dataset, an anonymized random sample of credit report data that tracks 10% of all U.S. consumers with a Social Security number. The estimates are updated monthly and available in an online dashboard with other resources. The  Data and Tools section of America’s Credit Unions website  contains a wide range of dashboard ...

      College football, 101 College football is one of the most popular sports in the United States, drawing more than 30 million fans in stadiums each season and generating billions in annual revenue through ticket sales, media rights, and merchandising.  Since the first game about 150 years ago , the elite level of the sport has grown to 136 teams in Division I FBS (that is, the Football Bowl Subdivision)—essentially college football’s top league. College football generates major revenue for universities, with total FBS operating revenues amounting to over $11.8B in 2024 . The athletes are amateurs, enrolled as students at their universities while on the football team. College football blends school spirit , deep-rooted rivalries , and regional...

MCLEAN, Va.--Mortgage rates moved slightly lower this week, with the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage averaging 6.56%, Freddie Mac reported. “Mortgage rates are at a 10-month low,” said Sam Khater, Freddie Mac’s chief economist. “Purchase demand continues to rise on the back of lower rates and solid economic growth. Though many potential homebuyers still face affordability challenges, consistently lower rates may provide them with the impetus to enter the market.” The 30-year FRM averaged 6.56% as of Aug. 28, down from last week when it averaged 6.58%. A year ago at this time, the 30-year FRM averaged 6.35%. The 15-year FRM averaged 5.69%, unchanged from last week. A year ago at this time, the 15-year FRM averaged 5.51%, Freddie Mac said. ____________________________________________ Check out NCOFCU's additional features: First Responder Credit Union Academy Podcasts YouTube Mini's Blog Job Board

In an ongoing effort to keep your FRCUA education current, modules are continually updated to reflect current NCUA and other regulatory agency requirements. As an example, BSA 26 now includes  Artificial Intelligence and BSA,  Elder Financial Exploitation,  Pig Butchering & BSA, and Executive Order –  Free and Fair Banking.

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  COLUMBUS, Wis.— The U.S. housing market is bracing for what could be its steepest correction in more than a decade, as swelling inventories, slumping demand, and rising distress signals point to years of declining prices, according to a stark new outlook from Michael Eisenga, CEO of First American Properties. “Home prices across the nation are entering a prolonged period of downward adjustment,” said Eisenga. “What we’re seeing is not just a temporary slowdown—it’s the beginning of a broader recalibration that could last for years.” Michael Eisenga Housing inventory has jumped nearly 30% year-over-year, while transaction volumes have hit record lows during what are typically peak sales seasons, indicating softening demand, Eisenga said. Distressed and motivated selling are on the rise. An increasing number of homeowners, including those previously holding out, are now listing their properties amid rising delinquency rates reminiscent of pre-2008 indicators. There are projected ho...

  Microplastics, explained Microplastics , or MPs, are tiny plastic particles less than five millimeters long and have become one of Earth's most widespread pollutants. Like synthetic plastics, MPs are mostly made of long chains of hydrogen and carbon atoms, formed by linking byproducts of refining crude oil and natural gas ( watch explainer ). Other chemical additives may be incorporated to modify the final product’s properties. Primary MPs, such as microbeads commonly found in exfoliating cosmetic products, are intentionally manufactured to be small. Secondary MPs, like those released while washing synthetic textiles, form from the breakdown of larger plastics and make up the bulk of MPs in the environment ( learn why plastic doesn't biodegrade ). As of 2024, the FDA claims there is insufficient evidence  that MPs pose any human health risk, though initial biochemical studies have linked them to inflammation and hormone disruption. ... Read our full explainer on micro...