ATFCU blog

News, Events, Resources, Tools & Advice

husband, wife, and child looking in frustration at bills

12 Steps to Financial Wellness – Step 3: Pay Down Debt

If you're buried under a pile of debt, it can seem like paying it all down will take forever. It won't, especially if you strategize! We've got tips to help you pay down your debt and live financially free. Continue reading
magnifying glass with word myth in it

You Need to Stop Believing These 7 Money Myths

You might think you’ve got a handle on your finances, but it’s likely you’re falling for at least one of these money myths! See if any of these apply to you, if so you’ve fallen victim to a money myth! Continue reading
man and woman looking at laptop with overlay of learn from liz

Simple Steps to Start Saving

You know you need to build up your savings, but it always seems to get bumped down on your to-do list. Well, let’s get started! Continue reading
notebook, calculator, piggy bank and pen sitting on table

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
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
Elizabeth and her mom

Mother’s Day on a Budget

Mother’s Day is upon us! You want to treat mom to a great day, but you know she’ll cluck at you if you ignore all the training she gave you on being frugal and plan a budget-busting celebration. The key to making your mom feel special and loved is to think about her and what would mean the most to her. Make it personal! 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
men sitting on couch yelling

How to Save on Super Bowl Sunday

It’s Super Bowl time! If you, like me, agreed to host the big party this year, it might be looking like it’ll tackle your budget for a loss. Set up a strong defense by getting cheap décor in team colors. Dodge the pre-made Super Bowl trays and build your own to save big bucks. You can even go potluck! You’ll guarantee the celebration will be (pardon the football reference) a touchdown! Continue reading
boy putting wrist corsage on girl with overlay pic of learn with Liz pic

Prom on a Budget

Prom season is upon us. You could be spending a ton unless you do some careful planning and shopping! Work with your teen to set a budget, even splitting it out into categories. Look on Pinterest for some creative, low-cost “promposal” ideas and cut costs on flowers by shopping at the grocery store instead of the florist. Prom can be just as magical even on a budget! Continue reading