John Scharff is the Digital Marketing Lead at People Driven Credit Union, where he helps create clear, practical financial content for members and the communities PDCU serves. He focuses on making financial topics easier to understand, from loans and savings accounts to digital banking, fraud prevention, and everyday money management.
Fraud Awareness Alert: Protect Yourself from Account Takeover Scams
Important: This is a general fraud prevention reminder. It does not indicate suspicious activity on your account. People Driven Credit Union may contact you regarding account activity or possible debit fraud. However, we will never text you asking for sensitive account information, and we will never ask you to move your money to another account for “safekeeping.” Fraudsters are becoming ...
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Buying vs. Renting a Home in 2026: A Smart Plan for Homeownership
June is National Homeownership Month, a good time to think about one of the biggest financial decisions many people face: buying vs. renting. Should you keep renting for now, or is it time to start planning for a home of your own? There is no one right answer for everyone. Renting can make sense if you want flexibility, plan to ...
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10 Scams to Watch for: Protect Yourself and Your Money
Scammers are constantly changing their tactics, but most scams follow the same pattern. They create urgency, build trust, and try to get your money or personal information before you have time to think. Knowing the warning signs can help you avoid becoming a victim. 10 Scams to Watch for Here are 10 of the most common scams to watch for, ...
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5 Digital Banking Tools That Can Help Protect Older Adults from Financial Exploitation
Elder financial exploitation protection is in desperate need, with the alarming and often hidden issue that affects many older adults and vulnerable individuals. It can happen through scams, pressure from someone the person knows, unauthorized access to an account, or manipulation by someone who gains trust over time. Financial exploitation can be difficult to spot because it does not always ...
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How to Help Prevent Elder Financial Exploitation
June is Elder Abuse Awareness Month. Learn the warning signs of elder financial exploitation and how to help protect a loved one
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Pontoon Boat Financing: What Michigan Buyers Should Know
Pontoon boat financing can help you spread the purchase price of a new or used pontoon over a set loan term. Before you apply, look beyond the boat’s advertised price. Your budget may also need room for a trailer, insurance, registration, storage, fuel, maintenance, winterization, and equipment. Michigan gives pontoon owners plenty of places to get on the water, from ...
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How to Finance a Boat from a Private Seller
Buying a boat from a private seller can give you more choices and room to negotiate, but the financing process requires more work from you and the seller. Unlike a dealership, an individual seller usually will not coordinate the title, loan documents, lien, insurance, and payment process. People Driven Credit Union finances eligible boats purchased from private sellers. Approval and ...
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Should You Buy a Boat at a Boat Show?
Buying a boat at a boat show can make comparison shopping easier and may give you access to special pricing or manufacturer incentives. It can also create pressure to make a major purchase before you have reviewed the complete price, contract, financing, insurance, storage, and ownership costs. A boat show is a good place to research models and negotiate. Whether ...
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Buying a Used Boat: Financial and Inspection Checklist
A used boat buying checklist helps you compare the boat’s condition, ownership records, and complete cost before you make an offer. The sale price matters, but an overlooked engine problem, damaged trailer, unresolved lien, or large repair can quickly change whether the boat fits your budget. You do not need to know everything about boats to make a careful purchase. ...
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New vs. Used Boat Financing: Which Is Right for You?
Used boat financing can make a pre-owned watercraft more affordable upfront, while financing a new boat may provide newer equipment, fewer immediate maintenance concerns, and manufacturer warranty coverage. Neither option is automatically better for every buyer. The right choice depends on the purchase price, boat condition, expected depreciation, maintenance needs, warranty coverage, and financing available for the particular watercraft. New ...
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