Aim Higher Blog
President's Message - July 2022
You never know when or where opportunity knocks. We were approached to merge with a small credit union in Independence KS, Universal Credit Union. Due to its size, they were struggling to keep up with all the regulatory requirements placed on financial institutions today. It was determined that a merger between Skyward and Universal would be beneficial to all our members.
Summer Jobs for Kids
While, the last few summers have not been ideal for kids, things seem to be moving in the right direction now. It’s time to start thinking about ways to help your children prepare for their future, and that means summer jobs.
Paying for College
Like many milestones in life, preparing to go to college requires planning and saving. Planning for college attendance begins well before any admission applications are submitted. Some say as early at ninth grade.
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.