Aim Higher Blog
Understanding Your Loan Options
Everyone faces times when they need a little financial help. Whether it’s for an unplanned for event or the purchase of a big-ticket item, it’s best to know what kind of loan fits your needs.
The Difference Between Share and Savings Accounts
Having a share account at a credit union is the same as having a savings account at a bank. The difference is you! As a credit union member you own a share of the institution.
President's Message - April 2022
The war in Ukraine has brought attention to the use of cyber warfare by nations as an additional way to battle a country. I receive warnings every week from our vendors and service providers about expecting increases in cybercrime focused on the credit union and our members’ accounts. Business cyberattacks are up 125% this year with ransomware and extortion leading the methods used.
Beware of Charity and Relief Scams
In our desire to help anybody in need after a disaster or tragedy, we want to give aid and comfort. But sometimes all we are comforting is a cyber criminals’ bank account. Scams and financial fraud can come as requests for relief donations through emails, phone calls, social media and online ads. There are steps you can take, however, to ensure your donation ends up with the right charity and in the hands that truly need it.
This is How You Skyward
Today’s credit union member is aiming higher by looking for more access in more places. Gone are the days of having to drive to your branch to deposit a check, withdraw cash or sign loan papers. With today’s interactive technology we are changing from how you had to bank to how you want to bank. Many banking tasks can take place wherever you are by using online banking, video chat, interactive teller machines, or texting.
Wedding Planning in 2022
If you are planning a wedding this year, it could be challenging. With crazy high demand coming out of a global pandemic, brides have limited options for everything from wedding dates to food to venues… it’s a true “wedding boom,” according to Brides.
How to Build Credit
Consider it the basic building block for determining your qualification and risk—your credit score. When you apply for a new loan or credit account, your score will help determine your interest rate, loan amount and terms. The lower your score the harder it will be to get the lowest rate or the most favorable terms. Monitoring your credit score is important to ensure you have the best opportunity for receiving the credit you desire.
Time to Review Your Finances
There’s nothing like airing out your home from a long winter, scrubbing it down to a sparkly shine, and decluttering the mess that’s piled up. Deep cleans are meant for more than just your house, though. Your finances most likely need some spring cleaning, too.
Credit Freezes and Fraud Alerts
Recently we celebrated Identity Theft Awareness Week, with a focus on how to keep your identifiable information protected and secure. However, no matter how hard we try, identity theft can still happen, especially through data breaches, leaving you to feel your financial information is exposed and vulnerable. Requesting a credit freeze or placing a fraud alert are two actions you can take for peace of mind and can help alleviate future fraudulent activity.
Health Savings Accounts and Flexible Spending Accounts
Many of us experience the confusing annual ritual of choosing a health insurance plan and deciding on how much to contribute to spending accounts for upcoming medical expenses. Most employers now offer two types of health savings programs, Health Savings Accounts (HSA) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA).