Lending
News, Events, Resources, Tools & Advice
More Than a Number: How to Master Your Credit with ATFCU
Your credit score shouldn't be a mystery. Discover how to use ATFCU's free Credit Score & More tool to monitor your report, simulate financial decisions, and qualify for the best loan rates in Abilene. Continue reading
You Got the Keys! Your First-Year Homeowner Financial Checklist
You got the keys to your dream home! Now let's shift the focus to the financial responsibilities of being a new homeowner. Continue reading
The Hidden Costs of Buying a Home: A Guide to Closing Costs
You’ve saved for a down payment, found the perfect home, and your offer was accepted! But before you get the keys, there’s one final financial hurdle: closing costs. These fees catch many buyers by surprise, but a prepared buyer is a confident buyer. Continue reading
Decoding Your Down Payment
Think you need a massive 20% down payment to buy a home? Think again. The 20% rule is one of the most persistent myths in real estate. From conventional options starting at 3% to zero-down programs for rural properties, discover the flexible loan paths that can get you into your dream home much faster. Continue reading
Your Guide to a Stress-Free Home Buying Budget
Mapping out a homeownership journey involves more than just calculating a monthly mortgage payment. To enjoy a truly stress-free move, you need a plan that covers the before, the during, and the after. Discover how to safely pace your savings, protect your credit score during the house hunt, and build a perfect "first-month fund." Continue reading
Build or Rebuild Your Credit with Our Savings Secured Credit Card
Establishing credit for the first time or bouncing back from past financial challenges doesn't have to feel impossible. With an ATFCU Savings Secured Credit Card, you can build a positive payment history using a credit limit backed entirely by your own savings—all while maintaining a predictable 17.99% fixed interest rate. Continue reading
Is Debt Consolidation Right for Me?
Streamline your monthly cash flow and stop throwing money away on high interest fees. Discover the core pros and cons of debt consolidation, and explore three practical, low-cost ways to merge your bills using ATFCU's personal loans, home equity lines, or balance transfer tools. Continue reading
Saving on Home Renovations
Dreaming of a home makeover but feeling sticker-shock from contractors? From modern cosmetic refreshes to clever structural hacks like solar light tubes, you can shave thousands of dollars off your construction bills. Check out our 7 smart ways to maximize your renovation budget without sacrificing style. Continue reading
Is 0% Financing Too Good to be True?
Automakers feeling the pinch are offering 0% loans to get you into the showroom (or the website). But is that offer a good deal? Before you jump on the offer, call ATFCU and get your rate and the amount for which you can get financed, then take a look at the carmaker’s 0% offer and see which one works for you! Continue reading