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 need to walk away from the so-called "bargain". Here are some guidelines to help you along the way.

1. Traveling for deals: Driving a few miles more for cheaper gas might seem like a good idea at first, but consider the cost in gas and time driving there. Likewise, account for travel expenses for deals at stores that are a distance away. If the "savings" do not add up, the trip may cost more in the long-run.
2. Car leases: An inexpensive alternative for some ... a bad buying decision for others. Some drivers are unable to stay within the lease mileage limits and get nailed with charges that may amount to 10 cents for every mile over the max.
3. DIY oil changes: A $20 dollar oil change might not be such a bad deal when you consider the time, cleanup time, and meager savings you get from doing it on your own. Let the professionals do it, and invest your time in other endeavors.  
4. Water filters: Buying bottled water by the case isn't expensive, but think about how much money (and back pain) you can save by installing a water filter and carrying a durable water bottle.
5. Quality shoes: Sure, you may be able to find a good deal on footwear, but the lower the price, the greater the risk of blisters and daily discomfort. Invest in quality shoes that will take you through a workday for years, rather than months.
6. Baby furniture: Cribs, car seats, high chairs and other baby items must scream "safety." You probably do not want to collect your baby furniture at the local garage sale and risk an expensive accident.
7. Day care: There may be a reason why that nanny you found in Craigslist came with such a low price tag. She may be unreliable and inexperienced. If that is the case, you may pay a lot more in the long run. Always look for reputable day care that will provide your child with the necessary care and your priceless peace of mind.
8. Long-term gym memberships: Sure, you may save on the monthly fee, but most consumers do not keep up their workout routines and end up paying the monthly gym fees, even when their backside is glued to their couch. A higher priced, short-term commitment membership might be a better option until you are sure you will stick with your plan or buy a

Frugal and thrifty doesn't always mean buying what is cheapest. Always invest in quality, and research specifications for items that you will use heavily. They will last longer and pay for themselves in the long-run. 

Need help budgeting? Try AltaOne's online personal finance manager, BudgetPro. Users of financial management tools like BudgetPro report saving an average of $100 a month by tracking spending and setting financial goals. Best of all, it's free. 

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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 with a few other notable benefits over options like credit cards, home equity loans and payday loans. Here are four of the biggest advantages:

Convenience
Personal loans are often available in more flexible amounts than larger-scale loans and credit unions can make quicker approval decisions.  Although other lines of credit, such as home equity loans, can have tax advantages, the process for obtaining them tends to be slower and more complex.  In some cases, especially if you have a pre-existing relationship with the credit union in question, it’s possible for the money to be disbursed on the same day your application is received – this can make them a strong option in emergencies.  

Fewer restrictions
The phrase “no strings attached” is frequently used.  While some sources of funding, like student loans, describe one specific item, you can take out a personal loan for virtually anything -- from holiday shopping to school expenses.  People even use personal loans as a debt reduction tool to consolidate credit card bills and other debts into a single personal loan, which can simplify and/or reduce monthly payments.  

Affordable rates
The interest rates for personal loans tend to be lower than credit card interest rates.  This makes a huge difference when considering a purchase that you plan to pay off over months or years, rather than a few weeks.  Due to a system called “risk-rated pricing” (the lender charges more for loans that put them at higher risk), a poor credit history can subject you to higher interest rates.  However, you may be less likely to be flat-out denied for a personal loan, as you might be if you apply for a credit card. 

Personalized repayment
Your credit union may have a few repayment plans available. Many plans include fixed interest rates, which lock you into a consistent monthly payment for a set time period (generally 12 to 60 months).  A big advantage here is simplicity: you’ll know exactly what to expect each month. Speak to a credit union representative to find the best repayment plan for you.

Final Word
Although it is important to approach any kind of borrowing with caution, personal loans can be a responsible way to finance urgent needs.  Their simplicity, convenience and affordable rates make it possible to get funds now and repay them in a way that works for you.  

Be sure to check out AltaOne’s special holiday loan!

Sara Collins, NerdWallet

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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 certificate share is a short-term, low risk investment product – similar to a savings account – issued by a credit union such as AltaOne. Like a savings account, certificate shares are backed by the NCUA and typically have a fixed interest rate. Unlike a savings account, a certificate share is issued for a set period of time and has penalties for early withdrawal. 

Additionally, certificate shares offer a higher rate of return than the average savings account, which means you could be making roughly 0.10-1.5% more in interest from your principal amount. In order to take advantage of the returns from a certificate share, you must not withdraw the money before the date that it matures. For example, if you withdraw funds two months after opening a six-month certificate share, you will pay a penalty, which negates some of the interest you could be accumulating. 

LEAVE IT UNTIL YOU NEED IT

If you have several short-term financial goals, you’ll want to plan ahead. The key to using certificate shares effectively is to know when you will need the money you are investing. Do not invest in a 10-year certificate share if you know you will need the money in three years. For example: You have three short-term financial goals: $5,000 for a new automobile in one year, $1,000 toward a European vacation in three years, and $20,000 future down payment on a home in five years. With these three goals in mind, you could open three separate certificate share accounts: one with a maturity date of one year, another for three years, and a third for five years. This is a smart way to invest -- matching your maturity dates with your individual goals. Once you reach the maturity date, you can choose to withdraw or "ladder" your certificate shares.

LADDERING CERTIFICATE SHARES

If you have a decent amount saved, you should consider laddering your certificate shares.  This is a great way to grow your money with a bit more freedom, since you won’t have the total amount locked in for a long time. Given a balance of $20,000 for example, you could ladder five separate certificate shares with successive maturity dates at $4,000 each. This would look as follows:

• $4,000 for one-year
• $4,000 for two-years
• $4,000 for three-years
• $4,000 for four-years
• $4,000 for five-years

After the first year, you can roll (re-invest) the $4,000 -- plus interest -- into a five-year certificate share and do the same for each amount as it matures. Since credit unions offer different rates at different times, laddering allows you to take full advantage of the better interest rates given to longer-term certificate shares. 

FINAL NOTE

In general, certificate shares are a safe, effective way to earn a higher rate of return than the average savings account. Make sure you understand the terms and conditions of your certificate share and always try to choose a maturity date based on when you will actually need the funds to avoid any unnecessary fees.

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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 Retail Federation estimates holiday gift returns approach $50 billion each year. What happens to these items? Many retailers avoid the onerous task of determining which returns are defective versus unwanted. Liquidation.com became an attractive alternative for these stores. It takes returned items from major retailers and re-sells them at considerable discounts. A large percentage of Liquidation.com buyers then turn their purchase around and sell them for a profit through sites such as eBay.
• Bed Rest Concierge is devoted to pregnant women. The company provides pre- and post-delivery services, such as baby registries, birth announcements, nursery designs, diaper/laundry services and hospital prep. Bed Rest Concierge also provides expecting moms with "pampering services" such as manicures, pedicures and facials.
• Become a "mom-trepreneur." Mother blogging has become very popular. The more well read blogs often gain commercial endorsements, which can generate significant income. For example, former child star Soleil Moon Frye ("Punky Brewster") launched a website called "The Little Seed," along with a web series called "Her Say." Frye writes about products that have helped in her role as a parent. Her following has blossomed to more than 1.4 million Twitter.
• Brian Scudamore -- a self-proclaimed high school dropout -- turned himself into the "king of junk." Scudamore's stroke of genius -- 1-800-GOT-JUNK -- generates approximately $100 million a year in revenue. Founded in 1999 in Vancouver, 1-800-GOT-JUNK simply picks up unwanted items and then donates, recycles or disposes of household items, electronic/computer equipment and general garbage items. The company now operates in the U.S. and Australia and has a fleet of 1,000 trucks.
• Do you have a bunch of stuff taking up space in your garage? A couple websites may help you to make some money off all those unused gadgets -- Loanables.com and Snapgoods.com. These sites give consumers the ability to rent -- or rent out -- just about anything, including barbecues, power tools or even their parking space.
• Family game night could get a whole lot more interesting, thanks to a creative company called the Game Crafter -- a web-to-print game publishing company. Customers may create their own board or card games. Game Crafter provides templates, instructions, videos and proofing tools. Users may purchase as many copies of the game as they would like.
• Brothers Bryan and Jordan Silverman were flush with business ideas, so they created Star Toilet Paper. The firm creates toilet paper with advertisements and coupons, and distributes the rolls to various public venues, at no cost.

If you have any brilliant money making ideas spinning around your head, do not let them fizzle away. You certainly do not want to see some other creative wizard develop your idea into a multi-million-dollar goldmine.

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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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