One for All Alaska Blog

Cash, check or card? Debit, credit or prepaid debit? You make this decision so many times a day that it might seem common and unimportant. After all, different forms of payment are just different ways to access funds, so what difference does it really make if you put your breakfast sandwich on credit instead of debit?

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.

Can you feel the excitement in the air? PFD season is upon us, and Alaska is brimming with joy! This year, you’re going to make that PFD stretch further. Have more fun, reach more goals, and most of all avoid PFD hiccups that can cause a serious hassle. How exactly? Check out the following five mistakes that Alaskans commonly make with their PFDs, and learn how to avoid them. With our advice in your pocket, you’ll save time, energy and funds!

The new school year is upon us, and if there are kids in your home you’ve likely been knee-deep in school shopping. New clothes, shoes, graphic calculators – the list goes on! Unfortunately, as that shopping list grows, your wallet is likely cringing with dread. Back-to-school can be pricey, but a sound strategy can make a HUGE difference. Check out a few things we’ve learned from our own school shopping exploits (as well as some wisdom our mommas shared, because that’s the best kind!). 

1. Save last year’s supplies!

Remember that wad of half used pencils and pens that still have ink in them from last school year? Use them, don’t replace them. This strategy is good for the wallet and GREAT for the household junk drawer. 

2. When you shop online, nobody notices if your child has a meltdown.

We’ve all been there. You’re stocking up on school supplies and your kid loses it in the middle of the store. #Embarrassing. Save yourself the stress of a stand-off and

Alaskans experience a unique phenomenon in the summer: we suddenly have energy to GO GO GO without sleep or sustenance! If you’ve ever caught yourself mowing the lawn or grocery shopping at 11pm on a sunny weeknight, you know what I mean. Although this energy can feel dangerously close to crazy-town at times, it’s also a great way to accomplish more than you normally would.

With summer winding down, it may be time to harness your amped up motivation and tackle those DIY projects you’ve postponed (for dipnetting, mountain climbing, summer concerts and all the other cool things you do!). Could your home use new windows or doors? Have you had a bathroom addition on your mind, or are you hoping to sell in the spring and need to make improvements beforehand? These projects have DIY written all over them (or hey, you could use a contractor too – no judgement).

Before you get started, there are a few important things to know. Not all home improvement projects are created equal – meaning that not only do some take more time or money, but some will give you more or less return on your home’s overall value. So don’t choose your project too hastily! It’s important to balance the fuzzy-good-feeling “value” that a project will give you (because a new deck would be AMAAAAZING!) versus the monetary value you’ll retain. Check out the cool info below to learn which projects pay off the best versus which can be total duds. And good luck getting your DIY on!

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Alaskans love to celebrate. Whether it’s a traditional holiday or our unique attention to the summer solstice, we don’t miss a chance to throw a party! Birthdays are a fabulous thing, especially for Alaskans who do two (among many) things very well:

Have you ever wondered why creating a budget is so easy, while sticking to that budget is so hard? One common pitfall when it comes to budgeting basics is forgetting to account for all expenses. Sure, your car payment and mortgage are easy bills to remember – but what about smaller items like the amount you pay for your gym membership or babysitter? These are monthly costs that affect your bottom line, and adding them to your budget will help you stay on track. For more tips and tricks, read on!

I have some SERIOUS spring fever, and I’m ready for it to burn off into summertime! Sunshine, blue skies and sandals are calling my name. Doesn’t a sandy tropical beach sound amazing? Or for that matter, a beach right here in Alaska if it means some rest and relaxation! Unfortunately, my bills aren’t planning a vacation anytime soon, and budgeting for fun can be difficult. Whether you’re a single person, couple or growing family, everybody has expenses that tie them down – but it’s not impossible to cut yourself free!