ATFCU blog
News, Events, Resources, Tools & Advice
12 Steps to Financial Wellness – Step 10: Plan for Retirement
Planning for retirement is a non-negotiable step for every age group. Discover Step 10 of our Financial Wellness series, decode the updated 2026 IRS contribution limits for 401(k)s and IRAs, and learn how target-date funds completely automate your investment risk. Continue reading
12 Steps to Financial Wellness – Step 12: Review and Tweak
Graduation day is here! Discover the twelfth and final step of our Financial Wellness series as we conduct a comprehensive grand audit of your budget, analyze the reality of modern inflation, and learn how to overcome the vulnerability of having the "money talk" with your partner. Continue reading
12 Steps to Financial Wellness – Step 11: Investing
Stepping into the stock market doesn't have to feel like a high-stakes gamble. Discover Step 11 of our Financial Wellness series, decode the basic definitions of stocks, bonds, mutual funds, and ETFs, and learn how to use diversification to grow your wealth safely. Continue reading
12 Steps to Financial Wellness – Step 9: Build and Maintain an Excellent Credit Score
Your credit score can make or break your long-term financial security. Discover Step 9 of our Financial Wellness series, and learn how to use automated micro-payments, manage your credit utilization ratio, and unlock ATFCU's free "Credit Score & More" coaching dashboard. Continue reading
12 Steps to Financial Wellness – Step 8: Know When and How to Indulge
Financial wellness isn't a life sentence of deprivation and endless restrictions. Discover Step 8 of our series, and learn how to use a personal "fun allowance," audit your impulse purchases with four critical questions, and permanently break free from spending guilt. Continue reading
12 Steps to Financial Wellness – Step 7: How to Pay Yourself First
Paying yourself first isn't about restricting your lifestyle—it's the ultimate form of long-term self-care. Discover Step 7 of our Financial Wellness series, and learn how to run the math on your short-term emergency goals and automate your paycheck transfers using ATFCU's digital banking app. Continue reading
12 Steps to Financial Wellness – Step 6: Pay it Forward
True financial wellness means looking far beyond our own account balances. Discover Step 6 of our series, and learn how automated giving envelopes, handwritten thank-you notes, and hands-on volunteering with local organizations allow us to use our blessings to enrich our community. Continue reading
12 Steps to Financial Wellness – Step 5: Practice Mindful Spending
Mindless impulse shopping can derail the most beautifully organized household budget. Discover Step 5 of our Financial Wellness series, and learn how the 48-hour cooling-off rule and a quick digital boundaries audit can protect your wallet and your peace of mind. Continue reading
How to Create a Budget in 6 Easy Steps
Want more financial freedom to do the things you love? Skip the paper receipts and discover six simple, digital-first steps to mapping your income, prioritizing your needs, and using our built-in Money Management app tools to take total control of your budget. Continue reading