Alaskan at Heart Blog

Do your bills and budget feel out of balance lately? Let’s explore ways to get back on track. By optimizing how you spend and save money during uncertain times, you can put extra green in your pocket and feel protected from a rainy day.

If you’ve ever enjoyed a blissful night of chilly-yet-gorgeous Alaskan tent camping (mosquitos and all), the thought of owning an RV or camper has likely crossed your mind. Wouldn’t it be nice to get out and explore more of Alaska (and everywhere else) from the comfort of your own traveling home? ♪ Let’s go cruisin’ together! ♪

Lifelong learners, we salute you! We know that pursuing higher education is no easy task, and it can be even more intimidating on a limited budget.  However, you’re already a smart cookie for valuing education (high fives, BTW). Let’s work together to figure out the funding aspect with a few universal tips to shrink those school expenses:

As Alaskans, we ask a lot of our vehicles. They get us through the snow and ice of winter, the muck of spring – and when summer arrives, they tow our most important toys and tools! Is your current vehicle up to the challenge of your Alaskan lifestyle? If not, it may be time to upgrade with an affordable, used purchase. Let’s talk about what to look for in a used vehicle, so you can be confident in the condition, cost and more.

As you begin to car shop with the advice below, don't forget to apply for an auto loan preapproval. This will give you an accurate idea of your price range, so you have buying power in hand.

What an exciting time! You’re in the market for your first car, which means new found freedom to go places.  You’ve likely set a budget and have some idea of what vehicle type you’d like – however, you may also need an auto loan to help make this dream happen. Don’t worry! Auto loans are pretty straightforward and simple. Here’s what you need to know:

Loans help finance some of our biggest goals in life. They can provide access to possibilities that we can’t afford upfront—possibilities like going to school, buying a home or starting a business (to name just a few).

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.

You know what the best part of cooler weather is? It’s TREAT season! October, November and December are each full of indulgence in their own ways, which means a particular treat may be on your mind. Dreaming of an ATV, snowmachine or Hawaiian vacation? What about a simple dinner and movie night? No matter what your idea of “splurging” entails, we can help you plan ways to afford it. Check out the following seven tricks to afford your next treat! 

There’s nothing like a few  true/false questions to really get your blood pumping! Check out today’s blog full o’ trivia to test your knowledge about credit and credit scores. You may find a few surprising ways that you can help or hinder your credit, as well as a few things you may have THOUGHT impacted your score but don’t. AH! THE SUSPENSE!