Worrying about money is natural. Almost everyone’s done it at some point. But worrying also could be a sign that there are serious problems you’re avoiding — a persistent little reminder that these problems are not going away. So if you’re finding yourself stressed about money this holiday season, there are a few ways… Read More
The holiday season is approaching and with that comes the biggest shopping days of the year, Black Friday and Cyber Monday. These high holy days for shoppers follow Thanksgiving each year. To make the most of these days, we offer you the following advice: 1. Make a budget and follow it. Know how much you can… Read More
Over 80% of consumers use the Internet to shop for cars. It’s a fast and convenient way to compare prices, models, reviews, and dealerships. If you’re in the market for a new car, we have a few tips for you: * Explore your choices. If you have an idea of what you want–a small SUV… Read More
How hard do you work to take home a thousand dollars? That’s how much you might throw away if you trade in your old car rather than sell it yourself. Follow these tips and, if you’re lucky, you’ll keep that thousand rather than hand it to the dealership. 1. Clean your car top to… Read More
Every holiday season, Toys for Tots donation boxes fill each of Ascentra Credit Union’s branches from Muscatine, Iowa to the Quad Cities and up to Clinton, Iowa. It is a tradition at the credit union that has led their staff to support the organization by raising additional funds through organizing a bake sale and donating… Read More
Wow! Thank you for everyone’s support in voting Ascentra Credit Union “Best Credit Union” and “Best Home Mortgages” for the 2018 Quad City Times Readers’ Choice Awards. We are humbled by the recognition and focused on living up to these awards by providing the best technology, products and services for our membership. It’s very gratifying… Read More
The First-Time Homebuyer Savings Account (FTHSA) program is now available in the state of Iowa and offered at Ascentra Credit Union. Accounts may be established by qualifying first-time homebuyers or by others on their behalf. Taxpayers may deduct a portion of money saved from their Iowa adjusted gross income deposits made into their FTHSA. Other… Read More
The price of long-term care insurance has really gone up. If you are a baby boomer and you have kept your eye on it for a few years, chances are you have noticed this. Last year, the American Association for Long-Term Care Insurance (AALTCI) noted that a 60-year-old couple would pay an average of $3,490… Read More
Having your identity stolen can cost you, but did you know that even children can be victims? Check out this short, educational video as we talk about identity theft on this edition of Ascentra Making Cents. To see more videos of our monthly financial education segments like this one, head to our YouTube channel. … Read More
The autumn season brings fall colors and cooler temperatures, and October brings the start of holiday sales. It’s a time when retailers want to move out their remaining summer inventory, as well as discount some new winter items. Here are a few of the best deals you can find in October. Warm winter clothing – Retailers… Read More