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Saving for Real Estate Taxes and Insurance Without an Escrow Account

Many homeowners rely on escrow accounts to manage real estate tax and homeowners insurance payments. These accounts allow mortgage servicers to collect a portion of your taxes and insurance along with your monthly mortgage payment, ensuring those big bills are handled on time. However, not all members choose this option—either because they’ve paid off their mortgage, or they’ve received an escrow waiver. If you’re in this situation, here’s how to manage these payments on your own and make the most of your money in the process.

What Is an Escrow Account?

An escrow account is typically required by mortgage lenders to ensure real estate taxes and homeowners insurance are paid on time. Each month, part of your mortgage payment goes into this account, and your lender pays those bills on your behalf when they’re due. It’s a convenient way to break large, annual bills into smaller, more manageable amounts.

Benefits and Drawbacks of Escrow Accounts

Benefits:

  • Convenience: With an escrow account, your servicer handles the payments for you. This reduces the number of bills you have to track and ensures you don’t miss a due date.
  • Budgeting Help: Breaking large bills into smaller monthly amounts can make it easier to budget and avoid hefty lump sum payments at the end of the year.

Drawbacks:

  • No Interest: Most escrow accounts don’t pay interest on the funds sitting there waiting to be used. This means you miss out on potential earnings that your money could generate in a savings account.
  • Less Control: Since the lender controls the funds and when payments are made, you have less flexibility with how and when your money is used.

How to Save Without an Escrow Account

If you’ve opted out of escrow, you’ll be responsible for paying your real estate taxes and insurance on your own. Here’s a disciplined approach to make sure you have the money when you need it:

  1. Open a Dedicated Savings Account: Set up a separate, interest-bearing savings account specifically for real estate taxes and insurance. This way, your money is working for you while it sits, waiting to be used. Click here to see our current interest rates on Hight Yield Checking, CDs, and Money Market Accounts.
  2. Calculate Your Annual Payments: Estimate your total yearly payments for real estate taxes and homeowners insurance. You can typically get this information from your local tax authority or insurance provider.
  3. Set Up Automatic Transfers: Divide your total yearly payment by 12, and set up monthly automatic transfers into your dedicated account. This makes saving easier and ensures you’re consistently putting money away.
  4. Monitor Your Balance: Regularly check your savings account with AGCU Mobile and Online Banking to make sure you’re on track. If there are any changes to your tax or insurance rates, adjust your savings plan accordingly.
  5. Maximize Interest: Choose an account with a higher interest rate so your savings can grow. While it might not generate huge returns, every little bit helps when preparing for large expenses. Click here to see rates!
  6. Lower Your Insurance Payment: If you haven’t compared rates in a while, contact AGCU Insurance to see if you can lower your homeowner’s insurance costs.

Discipline Is Key

One of the main challenges of managing these payments without an escrow account is the discipline required to save consistently. If you’re not careful, it can be easy to fall behind on saving and face a large, unexpected bill at the end of the year. A separate savings account with automatic transfers can help avoid this issue.

If you don’t have an escrow account, we highly recommend opening an interest-bearing savings account today. Not only will this help you prepare for your annual real estate tax and insurance bills, but it also allows you to earn interest in the meantime. Talk to one of our Member Services Representatives today about setting up an account that works for you.


Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. Please consult a lawyer or accountant for professional advice on managing real estate taxes and insurance.

Your Ultimate Pre-Vacation Checklist: Financial and Practical Tips

Your bags are packed, your itinerary is set, and you’re counting down the minutes until you take off for your dream summer getaway. Before you head out to the airport, though, read through this checklist of important things to remember, especially when it comes to your finances.

1. Notify Your Credit Union About Your Vacation Plans

Give us a call at 866-508-2428 before you set off on your vacay. Let us know your vacation destination so we can honor any card transactions you make while in another state. If you’re traveling overseas, ask us about foreign transaction fees and best practices for using cash and cards. We’ll help you make the best decisions for managing your money while you’re away.

2. Check Your Auto Insurance Plan

If you plan on renting a car, check with your auto insurance provider to find out if rental cars are covered in your policy. This can save you from purchasing unnecessary additional coverage. Contact AGCU Insurance to learn more about your insurance options

3. Pay Your Bills

Before heading out, make sure all of your monthly bills are paid up. You don’t want to be busy paying bills during your vacay or risk getting late fees. Log in to your AGCU account, or open one here to set up automatic payments for peace of mind.

4. Automate Your Email

Set up an automatic email response that lets people know you’re out of the office. This avoids appearing unprofessional or unresponsive and keeps your contacts informed.

5. Hold Your Mail

If you’ll be gone for a while, ask the USPS to hold your mail at the post office until your return. You can do this online and prevent your mailbox from overflowing.

6. Unplug Electronics

Pull the plug on all small appliances and electronics before you leave to prevent vampire energy leakage and potential fire hazards.

7. Clean Your Home

Before your departure, give your house a thorough cleaning. Dispose of any perishable food items from your refrigerator to avoid coming home to unpleasant odors. Consider eating or donating food that will expire while you’re away. You’ll be greeted by a spotless, clean-smelling house upon your return, and you’ll help avoid an invasion by ants or other critters.

8. Inform Your Mobile Service Provider

If you’re traveling abroad, check with your cellphone company about possible overseas service plans that allow you to use your smartphone for calls, texts, and internet access when on vacation.

9. Turn Off Your Water Supply

Avoid coming home to a flood by turning off your water supply before leaving. This simple step can prevent major water damage. This tip is especially helpful if you’re house is in a climate where pipes can freeze

10. Adjust Thermostats

If you have the AC blasting throughout the summer, remember to adjust your thermostat before leaving. Turning it off completely is unwise, as you’ll want some air to circulate to keep humidity under control and avoid mold growth. Also, set your hot water heater to vacation mode/setting.

11. Use a Timer for Lights

Keep the prowlers out by setting your lights to go on and off in different rooms and at different times of the day throughout your vacation.

12. Confirm Your Reservations

It’s a good idea to confirm your flight, hotel room, car rental, and attractions before setting out on your trip. This ensures you have everything in order and can avoid any last-minute surprises.

13. Exchange Currencies in Advance

If you’re traveling internationally, exchange some currency before you leave. This saves you from the hassle of finding a currency exchange service upon arrival and often provides better exchange rates.

14. Secure Your Home

Make sure all doors and windows are locked securely before you leave. Consider installing a home security system or using a security service to monitor your home while you’re away.

15. Inform a Neighbor or Friend

Ask a trusted neighbor or friend to keep an eye on your home. They can collect any packages, check your property, and ensure everything looks normal. Provide them with your contact information in case of emergencies.

16. Manage Your Subscriptions

If you receive any newspaper or magazine deliveries, pause these subscriptions to avoid them piling up and signaling to others that you’re not home.

17. Prepare for Emergencies

Leave a copy of your itinerary and important contact numbers with a trusted person. Make sure they know how to reach you in case of an emergency.

18. Double-Check Travel Documents

Ensure all your travel documents, such as passports, visas, and driver’s licenses, are up to date and easily accessible. Make copies of these documents and keep them in a separate location from the originals.

19. Check Weather Conditions

Check the weather forecast for your destination and pack accordingly. This can help you avoid unexpected weather-related issues and ensure you have the right clothing and accessories.

20. Pack a First Aid Kit

Include a basic first aid kit in your luggage. This should contain bandages, antiseptics, pain relievers, and any prescription medications you may need.

21. Back Up Important Data

If you’re taking electronic devices like laptops or tablets, back up important data before you leave. This ensures you don’t lose any vital information in case your device is lost or damaged.

23. Set Up Mobile Banking Alerts

Enable mobile banking alerts to monitor your accounts for any unusual activity. This allows you to quickly respond to any potential fraud or issues while you’re away.

24. Pack Smart

Make a list of all essential items you need to bring and check them off as you pack. Remember to include chargers for your devices, travel-sized toiletries, and any other necessities.

25. Review Health and Safety Guidelines

Check the health and safety guidelines for your travel destination, especially if you’re traveling internationally. Be aware of any vaccinations, health advisories, or safety concerns.

26. Plan for Pets

If you have pets, arrange for their care while you’re away. This could mean hiring a pet sitter, boarding them at a kennel, or asking a friend or family member to look after them.

By following these tips, you’ll be well-prepared for a relaxing and enjoyable trip. Safe travels!

Banking With A Purpose

Much more than a catchphrase, our tagline is our passion, our reason why we do what we do. This is the impact of your membership with AGCU.
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