• They are Non-Profit Organizations: Credit unions accept deposits from members and offer loans without any intention of making profits. Due to the fact that they are non-profit organizations, they offer loans at low interest rates and higher rates for deposits.
• Operating Principles: Credit unions operate with the intention of pooling financial resources for the benefit of members. Their operating principles revolve around voluntary membership, non-discrimination, serving members, building financial stability, social responsibility and democratic control.
• Services Provided: Some of the services offered by most credit unions include but are not limited to payroll deduction, online access, MasterCard Gift Cards, ACH origination, ATM, Bill Pay, Wire Transfer, Direct Deposit, Notary Service, savings and investments, lending services (secured and unsecured loans), Traditional and Roth IRAs, Club accounts (Christmas and Vacation), Overdraft protection and more.
• Reasons For Joining A Credit Union: Credit union members enjoy benefits such as low fees, higher interest rates, excellent customer service, member-centric services, community support, security of deposits (regulation by the National Credit Union Administration; every account is insured up to $250,000), financial literacy and independence, easy qualification, easily approachable in spite of a low credit score etc.

One of the most perplexing decisions that any car buyer is faced with at the beginning of his purchase, is whether to opt for a new car or a used one. While some people are very sure about which way they want to go, the following compilation of the pros of going either side should help the rest of you decide-

Pros of buying a new car-

• One of the major advantages of buying a new car is that you can get exactly what you want, custom-made to meet your needs. This saves a lot of time, along with ensuring optimal satisfaction for you as a buyer.
• Another obvious advantage is that you do not have to worry about where the car you are driving has been, or who owned it before you did. You are the first driver, and you decide how you wish to keep it.
• The warranty that you get with a new car is also an advantage, since it comes with the car and you do not have to pay extra for it.
• Chances of getting better financing rates with a new car are high, since the car has not yet depreciated, and hence inherently costs more.
• A new car is likely to be equipped with the latest gizmos, safety measures, and mechanical advances. This means better efficiency, increased safety, lower emissions, and a generally more pleasant driving experience.

Pros of buying used-

• The biggest advantage of choosing to buy a used car is the cost saving involved. Not only is the overall price of the car a lot lower than its new counterpart, but you can also easily get a cheap auto loan on a used car
• A used car also offers the advantage of undergoing minimal depreciation. While this might sound counterintuitive, it is true, since all cars undergo maximum depreciation in the first few years, losing as high as 40% of their value in the first year. 
• Chances of getting low insurance rates on used cars are high. All that you need to do is shop around and stay away from insurance sticker shock. 
• Used cars offer a wider range of financing options, and with some amount of research, you should be able to get a great deal on the lowest used car loan in your area. 
• Finally, choosing to buy a used car increases the options that fall within your budget greatly, making it possible to consider buying a dream car that you otherwise wouldn’t have been able to afford.