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12 Steps to Financial Wellness – Step 2: Creating a Budget

Creating a budget is one of the most vital parts of financial wellness, and it’s actually one of the simplest. As long as you keep paying attention as the month goes along and tracking your expenses, you’ll do great! Continue reading
frugal February challenge

Frugal February Challenge

Who doesn't love a good challenge? And if it means improving your finances, we think it's worth the work. February is the shortest month of the year so why not try a simple challenge to get your finances back on track now? You can do this! Continue reading
a pile of $20 bills

12 steps to financial wellness – Step 1: How to Track Your Spending

We’re launching our 12 Steps to Financial Wellness with some tips on tracking your spending. It will require discipline and attention, but it’s really important! Use whatever works for you to track your spending and find where you might be wasting money! Continue reading
woman sleeping on stack of books and laptop

How to beat post-holiday blues

It’s normal to have a little letdown after the holiday whirl, but you don’t have to let it take over! Get together with a friend, or even talk on the phone. Make plans for your next vacation, focus on realistic New Year’s resolutions and get outside and get active to help shake the blues. Spring will be here before you know it. Continue reading
man and woman looking at laptop

Last Minute Shopping Hacks

So, in spite of all the cautions, you still waited until the last minute for your holiday shopping. Well, lucky for you, we’ve got some hacks to help. Shop early in the mornings, when the shelves are stocked, or browse online and order for store pickup. Shop your local small businesses to find great stuff and keep your money local. Remember that Dec. 14 is Free Shipping Day for those gifts you’re mailing! For fun stuff, hit the dollar store for stocking stuffers. And if all else fails, there’s always gift cards! Continue reading
little girl peeking out from inside a Christmas gift

Ready or not, the holidays are here

Ready or not, here it comes.....It’s time for your holiday shopping! This is going to be a very challenging year in the stores and online, but we can help! Read our holiday shopping guide for great tips and advice! Continue reading
two ladies sitting on bench

What to Expect for Holiday Shopping 2021

Forget about Black Friday this year, the Smart Money is saying you need to be well into your holiday shopping before Halloween! Well it is November 1 so we better get to moving. Manufacturing delays at one end and a labor shortage at the other, combined with supply chain slowdowns in the middle, are coming together to make a shortage-filled holiday season. Rather you start shopping now or make new traditions, it's time to get started. Continue reading
lady screaming

Frightening Financials

If your finances remind you of a horror movie, Abilene Teachers FCU can help you with reducing scary credit card balances and saving for the future. But you’re on your own when it comes to the ax-wielding pizza guy wanting to collect for more than a large pepperoni. Continue reading
man and woman working on budget

6 Steps to Crushing Debt

You might look at your pile of debt and think you’ll never dig out from under it, but all it takes is some organization, budgeting and patience to get it done! Figure out what strategy you want to use, trim your budget in other areas to commit more to debt repayment and you’re well on your way. You can do this! Continue reading