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Financial Education
Why You Should Avoid Payday Loans At All Costs
Here’s the thing about payday loans: they are actually really expensive. They’re short-term, high-interest loans that are meant to help cover a small financial shortfall until your next paycheck. But
National Citizenship Day: Important Information About Naturalization
September 17th is National Citizenship Day! In celebration of this holiday, we’re sharing information and resources about naturalization and receiving U.S. citizenship. To become a naturalized U.S. citizen, there are
5 Types of Retirement Plans to Help Your Savings Grow
In past articles, we’ve looked at how much you should save for retirement and how to budget those savings. For this post, we’ll show you the best ways to reach
Establishing Credit: Tips to Help You Manage Your First Credit Card
In the last post, we discussed strategies to establishing credit when you’re starting to adult. For this post, we’ll focus on how to begin establishing credit by managing that first
Establishing Credit: 3 Ways to Help You Build Credit History
Like it or not, if you want do this adulting thing right then you’ll need two things: a professional wardrobe and credit. But when you get to the magical world
Tax Terms 101: The Words You Need to Know
Benjamin Franklin once wrote that “nothing can be said to be certain, except death and taxes.” He could have also said that nothing is more feared and misunderstood than death
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One Big Beautiful Bill Act: Car Loan Tax Benefit
Under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) of 2025, interest paid on loans for American-made vehicles may be eligible for a federal tax deduction. Members can view 2025 interest
Why Your Bank Should Know Your Name
What does banking local mean? When your bank knows your name, it means they know your story—not just your balance. It means they understand what you’re working toward, and they
Q&A Financial Wellness: With Luis Soto, Vice President of Marketing and Financial Inclusion
We often hear about the term “wellness” when discussing physical health, mental health, and nutrition. But what does wellness mean regarding our personal finances? Luis Soto, Vice President of Marketing
Are You A Vantage West Pro? 6 Member Benefits You May Not Know About
If you are a Vantage West Credit Union Member, you probably already know about some of our benefits, as you chose to bank with us! Keeping your money in the
Q&A with Andrew Downin: The Credit Union Advantage
If you were to ask people what they think the difference is between a bank and a credit union, you would likely hear answers like, “It’s like a bank, only
Who Can Join a Credit Union (And Why They Should)
When we ask people what they think the difference is between a bank and a credit union, we often hear answers like, “It’s like a bank, only smaller,” or, “Credit unions only accept
Financial Coaches
Information, resources, and tools to help you succeed.
Our Financial Coaches React to the Internet’s Financial Advice and Questions
We know there’s a lot of financial advice out there—some of it helpful, some of it… not so much. So, where do you turn for trusted guidance? In our Financial
Goals & Life Events
Information, resources, and tools to help you succeed.
One Big Beautiful Bill Act: Car Loan Tax Benefit
Under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) of 2025, interest paid on loans for American-made vehicles may be eligible for a federal tax deduction. Members can view 2025 interest
What Happens if I Die Without a Will?
Most people put off estate planning because it feels complicated, far-off, or uncomfortable. But if something unexpected happens and you die without a will, your loved ones may be left
10 Tips for Buying a Car That Will Sharpen Your Negotiation Skills and Get You the Best Price
Driving off the lot in a new car can be an exhilarating adventure. Unfortunately, for many, the process can be a dreaded experience. But it doesn’t have to be. Because
Investing During a Bear Market
When you hear the term “bear market,” what do you think of? For many investors, bear markets can be a source of fear and anxiety. But unlike a real bear,
Inflation and Your Finances
Inflation seems to be the topic on everyone’s minds right now. But what is it exactly, and how does it impact your finances? By staying informed on what causes inflation
Financial Wellness Month: Tools for a Prosperous Financial Future
Did you know that 77% of Americans feel anxious about their financial situation1? So, if you often find yourself stressing about money, you are not alone. January is Financial Wellness