One for All Alaska Blog

Budgets are like the New Year’s resolutions of personal finance. We all know we should have one and we all know it’s a fairly simple thing to follow—at least in theory. Like resolutions, we often map out personal budgets with the best of intentions, only to abandon them a couple of weeks later.

Has the steady employment you depend on suddenly come to an end? Many Alaskans are finding themselves in unsure waters these days as our job market changes and the economy adapts. If your own job is ending or at risk, there are steps you can take to prepare for the future! Act now before your bank account suffers – and remember that you always have a helping hand at Credit Union 1.

Hands On

The beginning of the New Year was very busy for CU1! We volunteered 551 hours which equals about five months of a development officer’s salary for most of our nonprofit partners in Alaska! Perhaps the most exciting and popular volunteer opportunity was the Alaska SeaLife Center Marine Gala on February 13^th. Nine of us were responsible for checking guests in, collecting valuable donor information and checking guests out. While this is a lot of responsibility and trust, we were so excited to do it! We even got to dress up in formal suits and nice dresses, fancy!

Recently, Alaska’s economy has faced a variety of changes. For some folks, this means a job lay-off, pay changes or other uncertainty – and no matter your age or career status, this type of change is never easy. Thankfully, when life throws you a curveball, you’re not alone! As a CU1 member, we want to make sure you have the help you need. With lots of options to protect your credit, security and overall well-being, you’ll rest a lot easier while forming a plan for the future. Check out a few ways we can help:

Alaska is one of the most rugged and beautiful places on earth – and one of the best ways to engage with this scenery is by BOAT! We have wide open waters, winding rivers and loads of lakes for recreation. Ready to dip your toes into boat ownership?

Take a look at the amazing Alaskan sights you could explore anytime, from the helm of your very own vessel:   

With the new year in full swing, we’re going to go out on a limb here. Do you have a bit of aging credit card debt you’d like to wipe off your slate? DON’T WORRY! It’s totally normal to want a fresh start. Plus, if you’ve chosen your existing credit cards wisely, you won’t pay an arm and a leg in interest as you work toward paying down your balance. The question is: how do you choose the right card? Main priorities should be your interest rate, terms and any associated perks of the card (such as One for All Rewards).

Take a look at a few different options below:

CU1’s altruistic culture really shined in 2015. We volunteered for various nonprofits from Best Beginnings to the Interior Alaska Cancer Association. Throughout the year, we volunteered 4,522 hours! This equals two full time and one part time development staff members for most Alaskan nonprofits! Volunteering on this level truly makes an impact in our Alaskan communities and we’re so proud to be able to help out in such a meaningful way! 

#GivingTuesday is a national day of “giving back” that caps off the post-Thanksgiving shopping craze of Black Friday and Cyber Monday. In honor of this philanthropic holiday, Credit Union 1 has once again hatched a huge plan. In each of our branch communities across the state, we're taking to the streets!

Check out the action in real-time on our #CU1LUV Tagboard below!

Lately, you may find yourself exhibiting a few unfamiliar behaviors, such as snuggling up in blankets, sipping on cocoa or silently cursing your car in the morning. Don’t worry, folks. Winter is here, and we can survive it together! While many people dread the snowy season, there is one undeniable bright side: ‘tis also the season of GIVING! Each of our upcoming holidays celebrates the spirit of saying “thank you” to the ones we love, the ones who help us enjoy each day, and our Alaskan community. If you’ve ever struggled with how to express thanks to these important people, you’re in luck! The CU1 team has collaborated on great gift ideas for all the “helpers” in your life. Below is a brief list of guidelines to get started. Next, move on to our Pinterest board for visualization of more great ideas!

On October 12, 2015, Credit Union 1 employees made the absolute best use of a day off work. Instead of staying home for the federal holiday, we joined together to spread commUNITY love! Over 200 CU1 employees volunteered throughout our state, in a variety of projects that benefit our common community good. Maybe you spotted us in a local park or soup kitchen, building bonds with our neighbors and improving Alaskans’ well-being. As a member-owned and community minded credit union, we live for opportunities to get out and show our LOVE for Alaska! Here’s a taste  of activities from the day: