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:

1. Make a budget: Determine how much you can spend and who you want to include on your list. Once the budget is completed, stick to it.
2. Research before you purchase: Not certain which gifts may provide the best deal for your money? Conduct some online research. There are numerous consumer review sites that can help you to determine the right gifts for the right price.
3. Cyber Monday sales: Not a big fan of the hectic shopping pandemonium of "Black Monday"? Consider shopping on Cyber Money -- considered the best online shopping day of the year for e-commerce discounts.
4. Buy with cash: Resist the temptation to purchase items with your credit cards.
5. Do not wait! The longer you put off shopping, the more you will spend.
6. Homemade fun: If you have a creative flare, you may want to put those talents to use. Consider baking some special holiday cookies ... or create some homemade jewelry ... or needlepoint blankets for those on your list.
7. E-Cards: Consider e-cards Some folks may prefer the old-fashioned paper holiday greeting cards. There are some fun, clever e-cards produced now that may save you a bunch of money on postage.
8. Pick a name: Many families have decided to work together to save money. They all select one family member to give a gift. You may also consider a cost limit or price range to avoid possible hard feelings
9. Pot luck: The big holiday dinner is quite expensive to prepare. Create a pot luck meal and assign specific items to each guest.
10. Family fun: Some of the most enjoyable holiday times involve simply interacting with family and friends. Drive around to see the holiday lights ... attend a local holiday play ... check out your community's events calendar and choose some activities the entire family will enjoy. Do a little brainstorming and come up with additional ways to cut back on your holiday expenses.

Keep the holidays happier by planning early anticipating costs. With budget software, it's easier than ever. By the time the new year arrives, you'll be thankful the holidays didn't break your budget.

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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 unions have over banks.

First off, credit unions are local, and because they are local, they have the opportunity to personalize and focus on its members more so than banks. Credit unions can make the customer the top priority because they do not need to worry about maximizing profit for third-party shareholders, i.e. corporate bank investors. Credit unions do not have a corporate interest influencing the services they offer—they are simply better for the customer.

In addition ...

Credit union members are its shareholders.

Unlike banks, credit unions make all its account holders shareholders. With every deposit made into an account, you are buying shares of the credit union. Additionally, each member also has a say in the credit union operation because credit unions hold democratic elections for a volunteer board of directors.  Any member can vote regardless of the account balance or services they use at the credit union. 

Set your sights on the better rates.

Credit unions offer much better interest rates than banks.  Because credit unions are not for-profit, they can offer lower rates on products such as auto-loans, and much higher returns on personal checking, savings accounts and certificate shares.

Credit unions have many of the same services as banks.

Consumers are all seeking the same types of products and services from their financial institution -- whether that is a credit union or bank. Credit unions and banks offer the same primary services: checking accounts, savings accounts, loans, credit cards, safe deposit boxes and debit cards. You may be in for a surprise, though, with the additional services credit unions provide.

Credit unions also offer unique services.

With their locality comes their specific attention to local customers and businesses. Ultimately, the services offered to businesses at credit unions are often more personable and customized than those found at big banks. In addition, credit unions such as AltaOne are often far more involved in their local communities, sponsoring events, participating in local business organizations, etc.

Whether you decide to open a new savings account maybe just for holiday shopping or leave your bank completely, joining a credit union is a good idea. Where banks often fail to connect at the local level to their customers, credit unions exist for their local community. You are more than a customer there— you are a team member, a shareholder and a leader

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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 credit card debt for the first time in history. 

Before you throw your hands up in the air and tell your children their post-high school options may include the military, vocational school or -- heaven forbid -- a job (all viable options for many), there are ways to save for college. 

1. START EARLY

No matter what you earn, set up a college fund for your children as early as possible. Even if you can only afford modest deposits, the money will grow and will become substantial by the time your children graduate high school.

2. OPEN A SAVINGS ACCOUNT

The college fund does not have to be a complex investment fund. Simply open a savings account and set up an automatic funds transfer every month. Even if the monthly dollar figure is low, at least the account will grow steadily and you will not have to worry about making the deposits. You can adjust the transfer amount as your income grows.

3. SET UP A 529 PLAN

Named after IRS revenue code 529, these plans can be set up as a "pre-paid tuition plan," or a "college savings plan." Pre-paid plans estimate a specific cost for tuition, fees, books and expenses, based on current cost levels, and they lock that amount into place. College savings plans are professionally managed investment portfolios. (One warning with 529 plans ...  The IRS prohibits individuals from utilizing two tax benefits for education on the same education expenses. Using tax-protected 529 earnings to pay for their child's first semester of college disqualifies some parents for the American Opportunity Credit, worth up to $2,500. Therefore, do not tap into your 529 plan until after paying the first $4,000 in qualified education expenses, such as tuition and textbooks.)

4. BUY SAVINGS BONDS

The U.S. Treasury offers Series EE Bonds, guaranteed to double in value after 20 years. Current interest rates are low, so Series EE Bonds offer a stronger return on investment.

Experts often frown on borrowing money against a 401(k) plan to help fund a child's education. Depending on the rules of your 401(k) plan, taking out a loan against your plan may disqualify you from company matching funds. In addition, you may have to repay the loan within 60 days of a layoff or if you leave that company. 

Of course, there are several other ways to reduce the massive cost of a college education. Many students qualify for Pell Grants and student loans. There may also be scholarship opportunities available for your children.

For more information on AltaOne's student loan program, visit: http://www.altaone.org/interior.php/pid/2/sid/107

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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 charges more easily.

Debit card theft is even more infuriating because it often takes months to recover the lost money -- if the consumer actually spots the illegal activity.

One can never protect their debit card information 100 percent of the time, but there are ways to safeguard your money.

GO INSIDE

Outdoor ATMs are a frequent target of crooks who "skim" card numbers.

Skimming occurs when a special machine reads the debit card information. The thief places the machine over the real card slots at ATMs and other card terminals.

USE CASH AT THE PUMP

In addition, criminals use gas stations ATMs for debit card theft.

They will often position themselves near the gas station, with a laptop and an antenna. Their skimmer then reads the debit card information. There is typically very little supervision at a gas station, so thieves often make off with hoards of debit card numbers without detection. They will also place hidden cameras in a position to capture the ATM card PINs. If this occurs, the thieves can potentially wipe out someone's bank account before they realize it.

AVOID THE HACKERS

Experts warn consumers to avoid using debit cards for online transactions. Computer hackers compromise many systems with malware that can potentially steal all data stored on the device.

We hope these hints help to keep your hard-earned money more secure. 

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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 forward to a work furlough. However, there are some positive ways to approach your time off work:

• Spend the extra time to complete those projects you have not had the time to tackle. Clean your garage ... start a vegetable garden ... volunteer as a helper in your child's class.
• Prioritize your "to-do" list. Do not undertake massive projects you cannot complete (i.e., restoring your classic car). Otherwise, you risk returning to work and never finishing your project.
• Stay healthy and positive. A work furlough may be an excellent time to start that exercise plan. Do not get sucked into negative activities and bellyaching over your work situation. Remember to eat healthy, as well.
• A work furlough may be a good time for that doctor check-up you have been avoiding. Schedule other meetings during your down time, as well, such as teacher meetings, car maintenance, etc.

If you remain strong and positive during the furlough, you will return to work refreshed and ready to tackle your job duties.

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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 obvious: stop spending more than you need. Easier said than done, we know -- especially for those who have slipped into bad spending habits. If you seriously want to climb out of debt, you must take stock of your expenses. List all your monthly costs and eliminate every unnecessary item. Next, brainstorm on ways to cut corners. These methods may include:

1. Clip coupons Search the shoppers and online coupons for sales ... And do not leave the coupons on the kitchen counter.
2. Avoid brands Determine where you might skimp a little on quality. Do you really need the most expensive spaghetti sauce or paper towels?
3. Slice your phone bill Do you need a long-distance phone plan, when you can use your cellular phone for those calls? Look into other ways to save on your phone plans, as well.
4. Gas savers Gasoline is expensive. Reduce the number of car trips. Start a car pool. Maybe look into a more economical vehicle.
5. Do not waste food Save your leftovers. Do not let your food spoil or gather mold. 
6. Stay home Resist the temptation to eat out, go to a ballgame, see a movie or grab a drink with your friends. All these small expenses add up quickly. Instead, consider a "family fun night," where you rent a movie or play games. 
7. Become a handy man Mow your own lawn ... clean your own pool ... do your own laundry. Hiring out for these services is a major expense. 
8. Do not charge it Credit card debt is one of the biggest reasons why consumers get into financial trouble. Pay with cash (or your ATM card) exclusively.
9. "Brown bag" it Do you eat out with your co-workers on a regular basis? Cut out fast food and restaurant expenses and you will save a bundle. (You may lose a few pounds, as well.)
10. Purchase quality, pre-owned items There are many used items you can buy that are good quality. Consider used cars, thrift store clothing, Craigslist shopping, etc.
11. Go green There are many ways to enhance your home's efficiency. Replace light bulbs with energy-efficient ones. Install dual-pane windows. Insulate your attic. Consider solar energy. Keep your thermostat a little lower in the winter and a little higher in the summer. These changes may save you thousands of dollars per year. 

Once you have sliced and diced your expenses, establish a monthly budget -- and stick to it religiously. Keep a spreadsheet and track all your costs. Utilize online bill pay services such as AltaOne's BillPayer, which allows you to pre-set and track payments each month.How can you grow your savings, as you take an axe to your budget? Pay yourself. That is right -- include a small donation to your savings account every month. Make certain this stays within your budget. If you have sliced enough grizzle from your spending, you should be able to reward yourself with a little savings. As you begin to turn the corner financially, feel free to increase your monthly savings amount. Over time, you should see your savings grow -- as you watch your debt dwindle.For some consumers, digging out of a tough financial situation may seem like an impossible task. Take heart -- you can rectify even a severe financial situation with strict, conservative spending and budgeting habits. AltaOne offers tools such as the Credit Management Coach, a free financial counseling resource for our members, and the Balance Financial Fitness program, that help consumers to organize their finances.

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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:

1. Operate on a not for profit basis
2. Organized without capital stock
3. Operate for mutual purposes   

So, why do banks have credit unions and their member-owners in their crosshairs? The answer is simple: market share.

Over the past two decades, credit unions have soared in popularity. According to the American Bankers Association, there are now 208 credit unions with over $1 billion in assets. In 1991, only 11 credit unions surpassed the $1 billion mark. The bank lobby also lambastes credit unions for offering its members such standard services as checking accounts and mortgages. Still, credit unions are a blip on the radar in the financial services industry. Big banks control a whopping 93 percent of the industry. 

The widespread growth of the credit union industry is clearly a reflection of the high level of service provided to their member-owners. In addition, the surge may be partially a result of the public's general disdain for large banks, their inattentive service and their numerous fees. National credit union associations have mustered their resources to defend the credit union tax exemption. A website has been launched -- www.DontTaxMyCreditUnion.org -- to help members stay abreast of the battle.

We encourage AltaOne members to research the tax-exempt matter more thoroughly and decide how active you want to become in the fight to protect your credit union and your money.

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