ATFCU blog
News, Events, Resources, Tools & Advice
The 30-Day Frugal Reset Challenge
A temporary spending fast is the ultimate way to shock your household budget back into perfect alignment. Discover a practical guide to launching a 30-day frugal reset challenge, outsmarting modern food inflation by raiding your own pantry, and unlocking hidden cash inside your wallet using forgotten gift cards. Continue reading
DIY it or hire a pro?
Navigating a home renovation shouldn't drain your energy or your wallet. From cosmetic paint tricks and the smart "demolition compromise" to six critical questions you must ask before starting a project, learn how to decide when to DIY and how to leverage your home's equity to fund your dream updates. Continue reading
Bring Back the Brown Bag
From childhood memories of Sonic specials in Stamford, Texas, to the modern reality of $10 fast-food combos, the cost of our daily lunch breaks adds up fast. Discover how to reclaim $1,300 a year using the low-tech power of the brown bag, clever supermarket headphone hacks, and the beautiful art of car-seat solitude. Continue reading
Teach a Child to Save
Developing good saving habits at a young age creates a foundation for a lifetime. Involving our children with a savings plan and good money management skills prepare them for a solid future. Here's how ATFCU helps teach those foundational skills to the children in our service area. Continue reading
“You’re the Boss” with Card Management
Take complete control of your debit and credit cards with a single tap. Discover the step-by-step how-to guide to navigate the Card Management dashboard inside your ATFCU app or desktop portal, learn how to instantly freeze or unfreeze lost cards, and see how to set up real-time text alerts and official travel notices. Continue reading
Bills, Bills, Bills
Shuttling between ten different websites and endless passwords just to pay your bills is a recipe for organizational chaos. Discover our platform-specific how-to guide to activate free Bill Pay, navigate adding payees on both desktop online banking and the mobile app, and master our delivery timelines. Continue reading
Born to be Wild
Are you dreaming of finally buying a motorcycle and hitting the open road? Bikes are a lot more expensive these days than they were in “Easy Rider” years, but that’s no reason not to chase your dream! Be sure you get the right kind of bike, whether you’re looking for long road trips, off-roading or chrome-shined cruising. Continue reading
Vehicle Valuation
When it comes to buying a car, knowledge is your ultimate bargaining chip. From utilizing modern valuation tools to mastering the art of out-the-door price negotiations, here is your ultimate checklist for navigating the modern new and used auto market with confidence. Continue reading
What Else You Should Know About Overdraft Protection
A simple mathematical error or a timing gap with a paycheck shouldn't result in an embarrassing declined transaction or a steep merchant fee. Discover the difference between zero-cost savings overdraft transfers and discretionary courtesy programs, and learn how to use automated app alerts to protect your checking account balance. Continue reading