November 2025 News

How to Navigate Your Holiday Spending This Year

Between Thanksgiving, Black Friday, booking holiday travel, and buying gifts and decorations, for many people, November is the biggest spending month of the year. But this year with inflation, tariffs, and other economic uncertainty on the horizon, many families are hesitant to splurge like they have in the past. Here’s a few tips on still spreading holiday cheer without blowing your budget.

Temper Your Excitement for Black Friday Bargains

Since the 1980s, Black Friday has been the traditional kickoff to holiday shopping as retailers attempted to pack as much revenue into the end of the year as possible. This expanded even further during the mid-2000s with the debut of Cyber Monday focusing specifically on tech items from online retailers. For many years, this was the best time of year to get the lowest prices on a wide variety of products. But in 2025, deal-tracking journalists predict that many brands will take a more measured approach to their Black Friday deals1. That doesn’t mean that there won’t be any legitimate good deals, but they won’t be appearing across the board. That also means that if you see a product you want at a price you can afford, you can buy it right away knowing that it most likely won’t have a price drop during Black Friday this year.

Beware of Spot Inflated Pricing

The practice of raising the price of a product right before a sale to inflate how much of a deal it is to shoppers is a trick that some retailers have employed for decades. This is especially prevalent in online shopping. Luckily, you can use tools to quickly double check whether a great deal is too good to be true. By utilizing services such as CamelCamelCamel® and Google Shopping®, you can see the price history of products before you buy them. In particular, you’ll want to look at whether the price had a sudden increase prior to October of this year. That’s because to time the 90-day price trend to look as if the discount you’re getting during Black Friday is an amazing deal, retailers will raise the price around October before dropping them again not long after.

Focus on Quality Rather than Quantity

Sure, filling a stocking to the brim or having a mountain of gifts under the tree makes for great photos, but if there are less deals across the board, then that means you need to make sure the gifts you do choose are more meaningful and last longer. Don’t be afraid to shop vintage or secondhand for brands and products that have a proven track record of maintaining their quality. Or even better, gifting your companionship on experiences or even hand-making a gift means trading a bit of your time rather than money but can create memories that will last longer than any expensive physical gift.

Avoid the Stress and Cost of Peak Holiday Travel Days

Every year, the busiest days at the airport are consistently the Wednesday before Thanksgiving and the weekend before Christmas. Avoiding these days means avoiding the biggest crowds and more importantly, the most expensive tickets. In addition, make sure you pack light to avoid any baggage fees (another reason to make sure you limit the number of gifts this year). If possible, this also would be a good year to organize road trips and carpools to get all your family and friends together without worrying about rising airline ticket costs.

Get Rewarded by Choosing the Right Credit Card

For any holiday spending you plan to do, it would be a shame not to take advantage of all the rewards the right credit card can give back to you. The Bellco Colorado Rewards Visa® Card is perfect for maximizing your reward points during the holidays. You can earn up to 3X points on Purchases in certain categories2 you are sure to use during the holidays such as grocery stores, gas stations, sporting goods stores, shoe stores, and more. Plus, 15,000 Bonus Points if you spend $500 or more in Purchases in the first 90 days after account opening.

Visa is a registered trademark of Visa International Service Association.  Camelcamelcamel is a registered trademark of 3CG Camel LLC. Google Shopping is a registered trademark of Google LLC.

1https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/navigating-holiday-shopping-tariffs/#step-1-dont-expect-blowout-bargains-on-black-friday

2The number of bonus points awarded are based on the specific Merchant Category Classification (MCC) Codes chosen by Bellco. Conditions and restrictions apply. Speak to a Bellco Representative or visit Belloc.org for more information about the Colorado Rewards Visa® Credit Card. Rewards Points expire three years after issuance if not redeemed. “Purchases” are defined as any transaction paid with a card or card credentials to a merchant by a cardholder for goods or services either at the Point of Sale (POS) or online (CNP).  Some exclusions apply.  Please review your rewards program terms and conditions for a list of exclusions.

The Power of Two-Factor Authentication and Why You Should Use It Whenever You Can

You’ve probably noticed a requirement to enter a temporary passcode sent through email or text message after giving your password to log into one of your online accounts recently. That’s one example of a digital security method called two-factor authentication (2FA). In this article, we’ll define what two-factor authentication is and why you should utilize it on all your online accounts, especially ones that contain sensitive personal information.

What Is Two-Factor Authentication?

Two-factor authentication (2FA), sometimes called two-step verification, is an identity and access management security method that requires two separate forms of identification from users to access resources and data. 2FA gives businesses the ability to monitor and help safeguard their most vulnerable information and gives users the peace of mind of knowing that their data is more protected.

How Does Two-Factor Authentication Work?

To prevent unauthorized access to your accounts and to verify that you are who you say you are, sites usually require you to sign in with a username and password. This process is known as authentication. By inputting your username and password, you’re providing a single authentication factor. Accounts with two-factor authentication require you to provide an additional credential to log in.

These additional factors may include:

  • A one-time passcode via text message or email
  • Verifying a login request through a downloaded authenticator app
  • A physical security key you need to insert or hold near your device
  • A biometric scan of your fingerprint, your face, or your retina

What are the Benefits of Two-Factor Authentication?

Two-factor authentication is an important safeguard to prevent cybercriminals from stealing, destroying, or accessing your online accounts and sensitive information. 

Advantages include:

  • Passcode generators are more secure than traditional passwords
  • The process is manageable and user-friendly
  • They often use your personal mobile device, so an additional device won’t have to be purchased
  • If somehow your passwords are hacked, they still won’t be able to access your accounts without your second authentication factor

What’s the Difference Between Two-Factor and Multi-Factor Authentication?

Two-factor authentication (2FA) requires users to present two types of authentication, while multi-factor authentication (MFA) requires users to present at least two, if not more types of authentication. This means that all 2FA is an MFA, but not all MFA is a 2FA. You can add additional factors of authentication to make your account more secure, but most importantly, either 2FA or MFA is much more secure than relying on single-factor authentication like only using a password.

What’s the Problem with Just Using Passwords?

Like most people, you probably use a strong password to protect your accounts. But using only one security factor is like only having one unsecure lock on a door.

Dangers include:

  • Hackers using social engineering attacks to trick you into giving up your login credentials.
  • Scammers buying credentials stolen in data breaches then using your username and your password to log in to the account where the breach happened. That’s why it’s important to change your password right away if you find out that your information may have been exposed in a breach.
  • Hackers using the same username and password they already acquired on one account to log in to another one of your accounts. This works only if you use the same username and password in more than one place and is a reason to never reuse the same username and password.
  • If hackers only have your username, they can use software to guess your password. If the site doesn’t have safeguards to detect this type of attack, the hacker’s software may be able to try many different passwords.

Taking steps to keep your password secure is an important first line of defense against hackers. But the best way to protect your accounts is to use two-factor authentication.

How Do You Activate Two-Factor Authentication?

As time goes on, the number of sites and apps that offer two-factor authentication is growing, but it’s not usually on by default.

To turn it on, go to your account settings, look for two-factor authentication, two-step verification, or multi-factor authentication, and follow the steps to get it activated on that account. Start with your most sensitive accounts, like your bank, credit cards, email, social media, tax-filing, and payment apps.

Two-factor authentication can add an extra layer of security that protects you from fraudsters. And spending a few minutes to turn it on now can save you the hassle and countless hours that would come from dealing with a hacked account and/or identity theft.

Is Your Car Ready for a Long Cold Winter?

With snow and colder weather just around the corner, your car should already be prepared for winter driving. However, if you’ve procrastinated this year and haven’t gotten around to doing so, here are a few essential tips to get your car (and car loan) ready for a long cold winter.

Check Oil and Antifreeze

Oil thickens as it gets colder, which makes it more difficult for it to keep the engine lubricated. Choosing an oil with the right viscosity for colder temperatures will ensure the oil lubricates and protects the engine as it should. Checking antifreeze levels is critical this time of year to prevent serious engine trouble in cold weather. Check your car’s owner’s manual for the appropriate oil to use for colder climates, how much antifreeze is needed, and where to add more if needed.

Windshield and Wipers

New wiper blades are recommended to handle the various elements and to properly clear the windshield. Additionally, fill the wiper fluid reservoir with winter-grade fluid. This type of fluid is formulated to prevent freezing, and some types can help loosen ice and snow on the windshield. While you’re at it, look for cracks and divots in the windshield. Left unchecked, they can spread as water melts and freezes on the windshield.

Test the Battery

Who wants to jump start a car in cold weather? Cold temperatures can decrease a car’s battery capacity significantly. This is an ideal time of year to make sure the battery’s terminals and connections are free of corrosion. If your battery is more than three years old, have a certified repair shop test its ability to hold a charge. While these precautions help prevent the need for a jump-start, it is still wise to keep portable jump starters in the car…just in case.

Check Tire Pressure

Tire pressure decreases as temperature drops (as much as one pound per square inch for every 10-degree drop in air temperature). Tires must be properly inflated for the best possible traction, which is reduced in wet, snowy, and icy conditions. Check your owner’s manual for the correct tire pressure for colder temperatures.

Review Your Auto Loan

AUTO LOAN RATES AS LOW AS 4.99% APR*

We have just lowered our auto loan rates, which makes now a great time to refinance the auto loan you have with another lender, or even purchase a new or used car for the long cold winter. With up to 100% auto loan financing available, no application or processing fees, and a quick and easy application process, a Bellco auto loan may be right for you.

To learn more and get started, visit Bellco.org/Auto, any Bellco branch, or call 1-800-BELLCO-1.

*The Annual Percentage Rate (APR) provided above is for well-qualified borrowers. The stated APR only applies to auto loans originated in Colorado. Advertised rates are subject to change without notice. All loans are subject to approval. The final APR may vary based on several factors, including personal credit history, term of loan, loan to value and age of auto. You must qualify for membership. Other conditions and restrictions may apply.

The State of the Colorado Housing Market Heading Into 2026

Article by Bellco Home Loans

As we step into 2026, Colorado’s housing landscape is clearly in transition. After years of constrained inventory and bidding wars, we are seeing signs of a more balanced, if still competitive, market with advantages slowly shifting toward buyers in many corridors. Below is a snapshot of what we’re seeing and what buyers, sellers, and agents should be watching closely.

Inventory Has Exploded (Especially in the Denver Metro Counties)

One of the biggest storylines is how fast supply has grown. In the Denver metro region, active listings are now hovering near 13,500–14,000 homes, marking levels not seen in over a decade. For example:

  • In May 2025, DMAR reported 13,599 active listings, the highest since 2011
  • That trend continued through summer, pushing inventory into “buyer’s market” territory in many price bands

This surge in inventory has created more choice for buyers and more pressure on sellers to differentiate.

Concessions Are Now the Norm

With more inventory and greater buyer leverage, concessions are no longer rare they’re expected. Some relevant data points:

  • In the Denver metro area, more than 61% of home sales now include a seller concession, with the average amount coming in around $10,800
  • In Boulder/Broomfield, average seller concessions are 3% of list, bringing effective sales closer to 96% of original asking (after incentives)
  • In metro luxury markets, listings show concessions averaging $7,800 for many homes

All this means when you see quoted figures of $7,000 to $11,000 in concessions, they are very much in line with what’s playing out on the ground.

Homes Are Taking Longer to Sell

Gone are the days of listing and contract in a week. Buyers and agents alike are noticing that homes are sitting longer.

  • Statewide, single-family homes averaged about 56 days on market in August, while condos/townhomes averaged close to 69 days
  • In many Denver-area markets, median days on market have stretched compared to prior years, reflecting more deliberation by buyers
  • Some sellers in more fringe or less desirable locations are seeing even more drag, especially for homes needing updates or priced aggressively

So while 45 to 60 days is a reasonable benchmark for well-priced, well-positioned properties, it’s also a reminder that time matters more now than in recent years.

A High Percentage of Buyers Are Also Sellers

One interesting dynamic: 70–80% of buyers right now are also selling something (i.e., trading up, downsizing, or relocating). This dual role is shaping behavior:

  • These “seller-buyers” are more cautious, often needing alignment between their sale and purchase timing
  • They may be more selective, waiting for something truly compelling before making a move
  • Their decisions are more mortgage-rate sensitive, because the cost of carrying two properties (or bridging) is riskier in today’s rate environment

This group exerts outsize influence on how quickly inventory turns, how negotiations evolve, and how pricing pressure plays out.

Rates Are Easing and Buyer Activity is Waking Up

One key tailwind as we head into 2026: mortgage rates appear to be softening, which is helping to re-energize buyer demand.

  • After a prolonged stretch of 6%+ conventional 30-year fixed rates, many lenders are offering incentives, “float down” options, and more creative rate buydowns
  • As rates drop even modestly, more buyers who were on the sidelines are coming back in
  • Early data and anecdotal reports suggest upticks in showings, offers, and buyer inquiries in late 2025 — particularly among first-time buyers and trade-up purchasers

In short, affordability is easing just enough to tilt the balance incrementally back toward the buyer.

What Sellers Must Do to Stay Competitive

Given the shifts above, sellers can’t rely on stale playbooks. To thrive in this evolving market:

  • Price aggressively from day one. Overpricing is the fastest way to lose leverage and sit unsold
  • Be strategic with concessions. In many cases, a $7,000–$11,000 incentive (toward closing costs, rate buydowns, or repairs) beats a blunt price cut
  • Stage and polish. Homes that show “move-in ready” get more attention; those needing updates tend to linger
  • Plan timelines carefully—if you’re also buying, build buffer time between your sale and your purchase to avoid overlap risk
  • Stay nimble by monitoring interest-rate moves, local comps, and buyer behavior weekly—adjust your strategy accordingly

What Buyers Should Watch

For buyers, this environment presents opportunities…but risks too.

Opportunities:

  • Greater choice and negotiating leverage.
  • More time to inspect, shop, and compare.
  • Concessions to reduce closing costs or rate burden.
  • Potential to buy now and refinance later if rates drop further.

Risks:

  • Overpaying due to wishful thinking comps still matter.
  • Paying too much in concessions without securing value.
  • Carrying two homes or bridging gaps if sale and purchase don’t align.
  • Overextending if rate relief doesn’t materialize.

Final Thoughts

As we enter 2026, the Colorado housing market is evolving toward a more balanced, nuanced state. Inventory levels in the DMAR region pushing into the mid-teens thousands are giving buyers more options. Seller concessions in the $7,000–$11,000 range are becoming standard. Properties are taking longer 45 to 60 days (or more) to sell. And, importantly, the weight of many buyers also being sellers adds complexity to decision timing and negotiation.

But the momentum is shifting: rates are softening, buyer interest is reviving, and in many neighborhoods, well-priced homes are still getting multiple offers (especially where condition, location, or amenities stand out).

For 2026, success depends less on riding the hot wave and more on preparation, flexibility, timing, and deep local market knowledge.

Bellco Home Loans is a joint venture between Bellco Credit Union and Guild Mortgage Company, LLC, an independent mortgage lender that has helped families attain home ownership since 1960. Bellco Home Loans, LLC, NMLS #2085298, is an affiliate of Guild Mortgage Company LLC, NMLS #3274; Equal Housing Opportunity Lender. All loans subject to approval.