Penny Wise, Dollar Foolish

Many families look for ways to trim expenses and save money, especially around the holidays. Eat out less often ... Rent movies instead of going to the theater ... "Brown bag" your lunch ... Sometimes, however, it is simply not wise to cut too many corners. In the pursuit of a penny wise lifestyle, we may at times become dollar foolish. How do we avoid falling into the common traps? Knowing when it's wise to save money, and when you just...

Read More

4 Big Benefits of Personal Loans

What is on your financial plate in 2014 -- car purchase ... urgent home repair ...  vacation?  If you are considering payment options for a time-sensitive expense, a personal loan may be right for you.   Personal loans, sometimes known as “signature loans,” are fairly simple: you borrow a lump sum of money from your credit union and pay it back in pre-planned increments. In addition to being straightforward, personal loans come...

Read More

Make Your Money Grow

If your hard-earned cash is collecting dust in a savings account, it may be time to look at some options for growing your money. One option is to invest in certificate shares (also known as a share certificate or certificate of deposit). Not only do certificate shares deter you from digging into your treasured savings, they actually allow you to make money off of those savings. Here’s how they work.    WHAT IS A CERTIFICATE SHARE? A...

Read More

Your Billion-Dollar Business Idea

How many times has that light bulb flickered above your head? You have come up with a brilliant idea sure to make you wealthy. Alas, most folks do not act on their stroke of genius. Some folks actually follow through on their moment of business brilliance. Check out some of these clever examples: Liquidation.com has generated quite the return on investment simply by focusing on returns -- holiday gift returns, to be precise. The National...

Read More

Cutting Corners for the Holidays

Here it comes! Batten down the hatches ... it is picking up speed ... it will be here before you know it. Of course, we are referring to the holiday season. It is the time of year, filled with joy and the spirit of giving. It can also be a bit stressful for those finding it difficult to make ends meet. That is why we have compiled this handy list of money saving holiday ideas: Make a budget: Determine how much you can spend and who...

Read More

The Value of Credit Unions

You have no doubt heard the good folks at AltaOne sing the praises of credit unions. What are the major advantages of a credit union over a bank? You might see familiar bank brands -- names like “Chase,” "Bank of America" and “Wells Fargo” -- and their numerous television commercials. However, this certainly does not mean these giant corporations offer a better option. In fact, the lack of national branding contributes to the advantage credit...

Read More

Paying for College the Smart Way

The price tag to send a child to college has skyrocketed, and it seems there is no end in sight for the soaring cost of a college education. According to the College Board, a moderately priced, four-year state college now costs $22,261 per year. If you want to attend a private university, then double that figure. Yes, private schools cost $43,289 per year, on average. It is no wonder student loan debt (which is close to $1 trillion) has recently surpassed...

Read More

Protect Your Debit Card!

Do you want to allow thieves to drain the money from your checking account? Silly question, we know. However, you may unwillingly give criminals access to your money. It happens every day, simply by using your debit card. Debit cards are a more attractive target to thieves than credit cards because they take funds directly from your account. Credit card charges, on the other hand, run through a third party, so consumers dispute questionable...

Read More

Make the Best of a Furlough

The federal government furlough had consumers on edge about the nation's -- and their own -- finances. Fact is, over the past few years furloughs have become a common method used by employers in the private and public sectors to cut expenses without having to resort to layoffs. Furloughs also enable employers to avoid the hassle and expense associated with recruiting and training new employees after the business recovers. No employee looks...

Read More

Yes, You Can Pay Off Your Debt and Save Money!

Consumers and AltaOne members struggling with their finances may feel as if a dark cloud hovers over their heads, casting a gloomy shadow over their life. Is it tough to see the proverbial light at the end of the tunnel? Does it seem as if you will never be able to rebuild your savings account? There is hope. It is possible to pay down your debt, while you begin to rebuild your nest egg at the same time. The first step is the most...

Read More

The Credit Union Tax Exemption Battle

The 1934 Federal Credit Union Act (FCUA) stated credit unions receive a tax exemption because "credit unions are mutual or cooperative organizations operated entirely by and for their members." Credit unions are eligible for tax-exempt status if they meet the following criteria: Operate on a not for profit basis Organized without capital stock Operate for mutual purposes    So, why do banks have credit unions and their member-owners...

Read More

The Recovery and Bright Future of AltaOne

In 2008, the U.S. economy crumbled, as financial institutions throughout the nation plummeted into a chasm filled with the corporate corpses. AltaOne Federal Credit Union is not one of those unfortunate failures. Far from it. Over the past several years, AltaOne has learned some valuable lessons about how to adjust, re-tool and re-focus in order to not only survive -- but also thrive -- no matter what the circumstances.  Here are some lessons...

Read More