Learning Center
ATFCU recognizes that financial education is an ongoing process for all of us. The choices you make now shape your future. Members have access to a wealth of financial wisdom, all located here in our Learning Center. Browse the topics below to find the area of interest that matches your financial curiosity.
The Credit Union Difference
We remain steadfast in our commitment to anticipating and meeting the financial needs of our members, as well as making a positive difference in their lives and the community, both today and tomorrow.
- Member service
- Member owned
- Volunteer Board of Directors
- Not for profit
- Safe and strong
Identity Theft
Identity theft occurs when a criminal steals personal information so they can impersonate you for their own monetary gain. Identity theft allows someone to pretend they are you by using your name and other personal information to make purchases on your tab, withdraw money from your accounts, or open accounts in your name. Learn how to avoid becoming a victim! This article includes helpful tips to help you avoid identity theft.
- What is identity theft
- How a thief steals your identity
- What to do if it happens to you
- Helpful hints to avoid identity theft
- Important numbers and websites
Buying a Home
So you have decided you want to become a homeowner. Congratulations! Many people aspire to owning their own home. This article includes financial planning tips that will help you with the process.
- Where to begin
- Find an agent
- Financing
- Choosing your loan
- Get pre-approved for your loan
- The home search begins
- Making an offer
- Prepare for closing
- Closing
Planning for College
Your child's college education is one of the most important investments you will make. There are many important things to consider when selecting the right college. Planning for college requires diligence, double-checking, and follow-up. This article will provide the tools you need to get started.
- Saving for college
- Costs associated with college
- Choosing a college
- Financial aid
Budgeting Essentials
One of the greatest satisfactions in life is having a sense of control over your finances. Through careful planning and use of money management techniques that anyone can learn, you and your family can feel more confident about your ability to live within your means, handle emergencies, reduce debt and save for the future. The guidelines in this article are designed to help you understand and improve your financial situation.
- Assess your financial situation
- Set financial goals
- Create a budget
- Use credit wisely
- Commit to a savings plan
Planning for Retirement
Whether your retirement is decades away or right around the corner, the more time you spend thinking through the issues you will face, and preparing for them, the better off you will be in the long run. Set realistic goals. Project your retirement expenses based on your needs, not rules of thumb. Be honest about how you want to live in retirement and how much it costs.
- Goals
- Location
- Lifestyle
- Money
- Wills, trusts and estate plans
Understanding Your Credit Score
Your credit report is an important aspect of your life. In addition to affecting you financially, your credit report can impact your education, career, and the interest rates lenders offer you when making major purchase decisions such as buying a home or a car. Your credit score is determined by factors including payment history, amounts owed, length of credit history, and frequency of new credit.
- Credit score range
- Credit reporting bureaus
- What your credit report contains
- How to improve your credit score
