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Blog Tax Day is Here! posted on 4/11/2025 Tax Day is here! Use your refund to boost your financial goals—build savings, pay down debt, or work toward something meaningful. Let's make this tax season count! financial
Blog Celebrate Financial Literacy Month with C1st! posted on 3/27/2025 April is National Financial Literacy Month! At Community 1st Credit Union, we're committed to helping our members and their families achieve financial success. Financial wellness is just as important as physical health, and April is the perfect time to focus on strengthening your financial future. financial
Blog What is a Certificate Account? posted on 2/26/2025 A Certificate Account offers a secure way to grow your savings with a fixed interest rate over a set term. With different types available, it's a great option for those looking for predictable growth. financial
Blog Auto Loan Refinancing Made Simple posted on 1/27/2025 Auto loan refinancing can bring financial peace of mind, whether you want to lower payments or pay off your loan faster. Just a few simple steps—get started today! financial
Blog New Year, New You posted on 12/27/2024 Kickstart 2025 with Community 1st Credit Union's 52-Week Money Challenge, credit monitoring, and financial resources like Banzai. Together, we'll help you achieve your savings, credit, and financial goals this year. financial
Blog 52-Week Money Challenge posted on 12/26/2024 Find out how our 52-Week Money Challenges can help you save extra money this year! financial
Blog How to Introduce Financial Literacy to Children posted on 4/29/2024 April is financial literacy month and there's no better time to start talking to your children about finances. Teach your kids to have a healthy money mindset and understand the importance of financial responsibility and saving money with these easy-to-do tips. financial
Blog Navigating the Loan Approval Process at Credit Unions posted on 1/26/2024 Credit unions stand out in the financial world as member-centric financial institutions committed to serving their communities. If you're considering a loan, understanding the approval process at credit unions is crucial for a smooth financial journey. financial
Blog How Credit Unions Benefit Local Communities posted on 1/25/2024 Credit unions prioritize service and community impact, offering more than just a safe place to store money. In this article, we will explore how credit unions contribute to local communities in terms of financial literacy and their positive influence on the local economy. financial
Blog Sustainable Banking: Environmental and Social Responsibility posted on 12/29/2023 In the rapidly changing finance world, sustainable financing and environmental social responsibility have become critical drivers for financial institutions. As awareness of the ecological impact of human activities rises, financial institutions must prioritize sustainable and responsible practices. In this blog, we will discover why sustainable financing is considered the future of finance. financial
Blog Real Estate Investing: Opportunities and Considerations posted on 12/19/2023 Real estate investing presents a lucrative opportunity for individuals looking to diversify their investment portfolio and build long-term wealth. While location is often considered the most important factor, there are several other key considerations that can significantly impact the success of your investment. In this blog, we will explore the top factors to consider when venturing into this type of investing and highlight the opportunities that lie within this market. financial
Blog Financing Equipment and Machinery: Agricultural Loans for Farm Investments posted on 12/11/2023 When it comes to agricultural endeavors, success often hinges on properly utilizing equipment and machinery. These vital tools enhance productivity and significantly impact the efficiency and output of farming operations. However, acquiring or upgrading such equipment can be substantial, making financing an integral aspect of farm management. financial
Blog Ways a Checking Account Can Help You Navigate Your Finances posted on 11/30/2023 In the fast-paced world of personal finance, using a checking account stands out as a beacon of stability and convenience. Whether you're a seasoned budgeting pro or just starting to take control of your finances, incorporating a deposit account into your daily routine offers various benefits. financial
Blog Tips on Building a Strong Financial Foundation posted on 10/23/2023 Financial foundation refers to the basis of how you live your life and the way you control your finances. It involves a mixture of habits and practices that you do to establish your money and funds. If ignored, it can be tough to cover even your essential expenses. financial
Blog Small Business Banking Solutions: A Comprehensive Guide posted on 10/17/2023 Many entrepreneurs with small businesses use their personal bank accounts as a way to accept payments or spend money for their companies. While it can be quite convenient, it won't be a sustainable practice in the long run. Having a bank account separate from your personal account makes tracking your business expenditures and revenue a lot easier. It also keeps your personal funds safe and may even provide legal protection. financial
Blog Why Sustainable Investing Matters to Your Finances posted on 9/25/2023 In our modern world, investing is more than just making profits. We now have this investment philosophy called sustainable investing, also known as socially responsible investing (SRI) or responsible investing. It is an investment approach that considers environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors in addition to financial criteria when making investment decisions. financial
Blog Smart Money Management Tips for Young Professionals posted on 9/19/2023 Many young professionals today want to manage their finances properly. But with so many bills, debts, and expenses they have to pay for, being financially stable has become a challenge for most. Because financial literacy is not taught in schools thoroughly, young adults must take the initiative and educate themselves on money management. financial
Blog Various Types of Investments You Can Explore posted on 8/28/2023 Here are some common types of investments that you can try to grow your finances. Contact us at Community 1st Credit Union to learn more about our services. financial
Blog Financial Wellness: Achieving a Healthy Balance Between Money and Life posted on 8/21/2023 Here are some facts about financial wellness that you should know. If you want to achieve your financial goals in life, contact Community 1st Credit Union. financial
Blog Smart Tax Planning Tips You Can Follow To Maximize Deductions posted on 8/7/2023 Here are some tax planning tips you can follow to maximize your tax deductions. Contact us at Community 1st Credit Union today for more financial tips. financial
Blog Financial Planning for Major Life Events posted on 8/3/2023 Throughout our lives, we will encounter various major life events, like marriage, parenthood, etc. And even though these situations can bring significant changes in a person's life, it's important to remember the effect it has on your finances. financial
Blog Tips on How to Save for a Mortgage Down Payment posted on 6/20/2023 Mortgages are secured loans offered by financial institutions. They are taken from a property you own, whether it's your house, shop, or land. Your property will then be the collateral and stay in the lender's possession until you repay the loan in full. Mortgages are easily approved and can help build your credit score if paid on time. financial
Blog Best Budgeting Apps You Can Use posted on 6/16/2023 Downloading budgeting apps is a great way to control your spending and finances. These software applications can help you track the money you earn and spend by connecting to your financial accounts. Some may even have more advanced features like a credit score tracker. They're easy to download and install on your Apple or Android devices. financial
Blog Facts You Need To Know About Savings Bonds posted on 5/29/2023 If you're looking for an alternative way to save and invest your money, consider getting savings bonds. They are investments issued by the government to help fund federal spending and other projects required to manage the economy. They provide the investors with a modest return later on. financial
Blog Culture and Its Impact on Financial Literacy posted on 5/23/2023 Financial literacy is a person's ability to make sound decisions about their money. It's more than just budgeting. It also involves wealth management and finding ways to grow one's finances. Knowing and understanding how money works can help a person become more self-sufficient and financially stable. financial
Blog Understanding Good Debt vs Bad Debt posted on 4/25/2023 A lot of people today have a preconceived notion that all kinds of debt are bad, no matter what it's for. However, that's not the case in most instances. When it comes to debt management, it's best to know what differentiates the two so that you'll know what to do. To learn more about good debt vs bad debt, continue reading this blog. financial
Blog Spotting Tax Scams and How To Avoid Them posted on 4/20/2023 Every year, thousands of Americans fall victim to many of the tax scams going on. The good news is there are easy ways for you to spot them so you won't become a victim yourself. If you want to protect your identity and finances, here are some tips on how to avoid them: financial
Blog How To Manage Your Student Loan Debt posted on 3/13/2023 Here's how you can handle and manage your student loan debt. For more financial tips, contact us at Community 1st Credit Union and talk to a representative. financial
Blog How To Prepare an Emergency Fund posted on 3/10/2023 Before you ever need it, here are a few ways you can do to prepare an emergency fund. For more information, get in touch with us at Community 1st Credit Union. financial
Blog Should I Save or Invest My Money? posted on 2/20/2023 Here are some things you should think about if you're planning to save or invest your money. For financial tips, contact us at Community 1st Credit Union. financial
Blog Debt Consolidation and Its Impact on Your Finances posted on 2/17/2023 Here is how debt consolidation can affect your current credit score and finances. For more information, contact us at Community 1st Credit Union today. financial
Blog Passive Income Ideas That You Can Try Today posted on 1/30/2023 Here are a few passive income ideas that you can try right now. If you need financial help, our representatives at Community 1st Credit Union are here for you. financial
Blog Ways You Can Boost Your Retirement Savings posted on 1/25/2023 Read this blog if you want to learn about how to boost your retirement savings. For more financial tips, contact us at Community 1st Credit Union today. financial
Blog Ways Businesses Can Save Money posted on 12/26/2022 If you're looking for ways businesses can save money, read on to find out. Contact us at Community 1st Credit Union today for more financial tips and tricks. financial
Blog How To Teach Your Kids About Responsible Financing posted on 12/22/2022 Here are some ways how you can teach your children about responsible financing. For more finance tips, get in touch with us at Community 1st Credit Union. financial
Blog Signs That Tell You You're Ready To Buy a House posted on 11/24/2022 Here are some signs that signify if purchasing a home now is right for you. For more financial tips, get in touch with us at Community 1st Credit Union today. financial
Blog Tips on How You Can Manage Your Household Budget posted on 11/18/2022 Finding ways to manage your household finances can help you in the long run. financial
Blog Ways You Can Take Advantage of Your Home Equity posted on 10/8/2022 If you're looking for ways you can use your home equity, here are a few good suggestions. To learn more, talk to us at Community 1st Credit Union today. financial
Blog Applying for a Credit Card: Ways To Increase Credit posted on 10/4/2022 When used wisely, credit cards can help you achieve your financial goals in life. If you are currently applying for a credit card, some ways can help increase the credit you'll get and your chances of approval. Read on to learn more: financial
Blog Why Should You Consider Credit Unions? posted on 9/28/2022 Learn why you should consider using a credit union for personal finances. Contact us at Community 1st Credit Union to learn more about our offered services. financial
Blog Things You Should Know About Debit and Credit Cards posted on 9/20/2022 Read this blog about debit card vs credit card. Contact our professional representatives at Community 1st Credit Union for financial information and services. financial
Blog Questions To Ask Before Applying for RV Loans posted on 8/30/2022 If you're planning to spend more time with your family, consider buying a recreational vehicle. Also known as RVs, they're a hybrid of a vehicle and a home that allows you to explore the country without flying. They also allow you to have ready-to-use accommodation wherever you go. However, they often come at a hefty price. financial
Blog Mobile Check Deposit Tips posted on 8/29/2022 With Mobile Check Deposit from C1st, you can snap a pic, make a deposit and save yourself a trip to the branch or the mailbox. Here are some tips and tricks to help make each deposit a success! financial
Blog The Safety of Contactless Payments: Debunking Some Myths posted on 8/5/2022 Before you learn how to do contactless payments, here are a few facts about their security and safety. For more tips, contact Community 1st Credit Union today. financial
Blog Tips for Choosing Personal Loans for Emergencies posted on 7/25/2022 If you suddenly need a large amount of money to pay off a medical expense, car repair, or debt, emergency loans can come in handy. There are a few types of emergency loans, but one of the most commonly used types is personal loans. financial
Blog Financing a New Appliance: Why Loans are Better posted on 7/21/2022 Here are some of the benefits of using an appliance loan instead of a credit card. Contact us at Community 1st Credit Union to learn more about our loans. financial
Blog Why You Should Consider a Credit Union Emergency Loan posted on 6/27/2022 Here are a few reasons why getting a credit union emergency loan is a good idea. Talk to one of our representatives at Community 1st Credit Union to learn more. financial
Blog Facts About Owning Multiple Credit Cards posted on 6/1/2022 A credit card is a great way to purchase the products you need without using physical cash. Because of this, people tend to apply for more than one credit card. If you're a credit card holder, chances are you're planning on getting another one. Here are a few facts about how many credit cards you should own: financial
Blog Tips Before Getting a Mortgage as a First-Time Home Buyer posted on 5/21/2022 Most people tend to apply for a mortgage whenever they want to buy a house. With research and extensive planning, becoming a homeowner can be attainable. However, reaching this goal can be tough, especially for first-time buyers. To get the best out of your purchase, here are some tips you can follow before you get your first mortgage. financial
Blog Personal Loans and Where To Use Them posted on 5/15/2022 A personal loan is a money that you can borrow from a lender or financial institution that can be used for several purposes. This money has to be repaid over time with interest. Personal loans may or may not require you some type of collateral as a condition of borrowing. It's different from a personal line of credit that is a preset borrowing limit that can be used at any time until the lender has reached their limit. financial
Blog The Benefits of Credit Unions to Small Communities posted on 4/10/2022 Credit unions are financial cooperatives that can provide various services related to handling and managing your money. They can be small entities that offer their services in a local area or large organizations that can operate nationwide. financial
Blog Financial Literacy Skills That Teens Should Know posted on 4/5/2022 Financial literacy is the knowledge of various financial concepts and skills such as saving and investing. One can use these to make sound decisions when it comes to money. Unfortunately, many of our youth today aren't quite as familiar with these concepts because they do not have access to accurate information. financial
Blog Tips on Handling Your Small Business Finances posted on 3/25/2022 At the heart of your business lies sound financial management. No matter how big or small, the way you handle your small business finances can make or break your company. One mistake can ruin everything you've worked for in your business. Understanding your business' finances now can make a crucial impact on your company's long-term success. financial
Blog How To Recover Financially After Losing a Job posted on 3/19/2022 Whether you're a beginner in the workforce or an employee with decades of experience under your belt, losing your job can take a toll on your finances. Once you lose your source of income, you'll be forced to tap into whatever savings you have to keep yourself financially afloat. But that doesn't mean you won't be able to get yourself back on your feet. financial
Blog Simple Personal Budgeting Tips You Can Follow posted on 2/28/2022 A personal budget is essentially a summary of your finances that compares your income to your expenses for a specific amount of time, usually for a month. Having a personal budget lets you achieve your financial goals. financial
Blog Common Types of Consumer Fraud posted on 2/23/2022 Consumer fraud is any instance where an individual incurs a financial loss due to malicious means. It can be through unfair, deceptive, misleading, or false claims or practices. Activities of this nature target the naïve members of the population, such as the elderly or the youth who are inexperienced with handling their finances. financial
Blog How Big of a Personal Loan Can I Get? posted on 2/17/2022 A personal loan is a debt you acquire from a financial institution that you'll have to pay monthly. They can be used to pay for emergency costs, start up businesses, and other important expenses. They have higher interest rates than other types of loans and should only be taken if necessary. financial
Blog Should I Put My Funds in a Money Market Account? posted on 2/11/2022 Finding ways to store your money can be quite a challenge. As you consider different ways to deposit your money, you may encounter money market accounts while doing your research. If you are unaware of what they are and what they can do for you and your money, read on to learn more. financial
Blog Child Tax Credit - What You Need To Know posted on 1/27/2022 The child tax credit has grown to up to $3,600 for the 2021 tax year. Here's a recap on who qualifies, when to expect Letter 6419 and how to reconcile the advanced credit on your taxes. financial
Blog Opening a Small Business Checking Account posted on 12/24/2021 You may be tempted to just start your business and have all of your company expenses go through your personal accounts. However, having a separate checking account for your business allows you to easily manage your company's finances. A dedicated small business checking account protects not only your startup but also yourself. financial
Blog Common Commercial Real Estate Loans and Terms posted on 12/17/2021 Commercial real estate, or CRE, and commercial property are properties exclusively used for conducting business purposes, rather than residential. They include malls, shopping centers, and office spaces. They can also refer to large residential rental spaces and any land used to generate profit. financial
Blog What Can a Business Credit Card Do for You? posted on 11/7/2021 Having a small business requires you to make necessary purchases for the company. A low-interest business credit card ready at hand can simplify the purchasing process. It offers hassle-free payments for big purchases like office furniture and materials. It may seem similar to a regular personal credit card, but a business one works differently. Here are some things you need to know before getting one. financial
Blog Letters of Credit: Their Importance and Use posted on 11/2/2021 Sometimes, businesses must conduct international trade transactions and secure funding for big projects. There are certain risks involved with the payment and delivery of the goods. If you're dealing with another company from across the globe, there is also the chance of ineffective communication between the two parties. That's where a letter of credit comes in to help smoothen the transaction. Read on to learn what a letter of credit is and how necessary it is. financial
Blog Different Ways To Get Financing for a Tractor posted on 11/1/2021 Read on to discover how long tractor loans last and what you need to know about them. For more info about loans, contact us at Community 1st Credit Union. financial
Blog Facing a financial hardship? Here are the steps you can take! posted on 10/25/2021 Have you ever unexpectedly found out you're going to have less income? The best way to get through hard times is to put a plan together. Here are the steps you can take to minimize the effects of financial hardship! financial
Blog Benefits of Business Digital Banking posted on 10/15/2021 An important part of handling a small business is finding ways to properly manage money. With the rise and development of the internet, business digital banking has never been easier and more efficient. It has allowed the use of paperless checks, automated payrolls, and other faster ways of moving finances. Here are just some of the important benefits of using business digital banking. financial
Blog Choosing Between Credit Card Rewards: Cashback or Travel? posted on 7/30/2021 Credit card rewards offer multiple perks and benefits—from store discounts to paid holidays. The dilemma, however, lies in choosing between cashback or travel benefits. financial
Blog Protect Yourself From Mobile Check Deposit Scams posted on 6/21/2021 Safeguard yourself from mobile check deposit scams by avoiding the red flags. For safe and secured digital banking, reach out to Community 1st Credit Union! financial
Blog Agricultural Loan: What It Is and How to Qualify for One posted on 6/10/2021 With proper preparation, you can qualify better for an agricultural loan. Call Community 1st Credit Union to learn more about agricultural land loans and more! financial
Blog Dealerships vs Financial Institutions: Which Car Financing Option Is Better? posted on 5/17/2021 Purchasing a ride doesn't happen overnight. For an average individual, it can take years of hard work before they can finally buy their dream vehicle. This can change by financing through a dealership or directly taking out a loan from a financial institution. financial
Blog Credit Union Car Loan Application: Approval Time and Processing posted on 5/17/2021 Approval for a credit union car loan can range anywhere from a few minutes to several weeks. This depends on different factors like your chosen lender, loan amount, credit history, and qualification. To give you an idea, here's an overview of the entire process: financial
Blog Auto Loans for New Buyers: Financing Cars the Smart Way posted on 4/26/2021 Purchasing a car for the first time is a great milestone in life. However, it also entails a huge financial responsibility. If you've been planning to buy your first car but are slightly short on cash, consider applying for car loans. Be sure to check out these tips on how you can increase your chances of getting approved for one. financial
Blog Home Refinancing: When's the Best Time to Do It? posted on 4/22/2021 Home refinancing is the process of paying off your existing loan and replacing it with a new one. It can be used for a variety of purposes, including obtaining a lower interest rate and reducing monthly payments. financial
Blog 3 Different Ways You Can Use Your Home Equity Loan posted on 3/22/2021 If you need extra funding, you can tap into your home's equity and use it as collateral for taking out a loan. This type of financing is known as a home equity loan second mortgage. financial
Blog 3 Digital Banking Trends to Watch Out for This 2021 posted on 3/16/2021 With the onset of the pandemic came a significant change in the banking scene. Safety protocols like social distancing urged consumers to rely heavily on digital banking. financial
Blog Which Loan Is Best for a First-Time Home Buyer? posted on 3/14/2021 The right loan can get you one step closer to buying your dream house. Call Community 1st Credit Union to learn more about their First-Time Home Buyer Program! financial
Blog How Do I Choose a Digital Wallet? posted on 3/4/2021 When choosing a digital wallet, consider factors like features and security. Call Community 1st Credit Union to learn more about our mobile wallet options! financial
Blog 4 Ways You Can Form Better Spending Habits posted on 1/27/2021 Reach your financial goals with better spending habits. Community 1st Credit Union's, credit union savings account can help you achieve this. Call us now! financial
Blog A Step-by-Step Guide to Creating Your Own Financial Plan posted on 1/27/2021 Reach your money goals with a solid financial plan. Community 1st Credit Union has the right tools to help put your personal savings plan into action. Call us! financial
Blog 3 Ways to Bounce Back From This Year's Holiday Spending posted on 12/25/2020 You can recover from holiday spending with planning and discipline. Apply for Community 1st Credit Union's Christmas Club savings account to avoid overspending. financial
Blog 4 Budgeting Tips to Help You Save During the Holidays posted on 12/9/2020 Having a budget in place can help you save during the holidays. Contact Community 1st Credit Union to learn more about our Christmas Club savings account. financial
Blog 4 Reasons You Should Switch to Digital Banking posted on 11/20/2020 With digital banking, you can manage your account anytime and anywhere. Reach out to Community 1st Credit Union today to learn more about this service. financial
Blog 4 Ways You Can Succeed at No-Spend November posted on 11/13/2020 No-Spend November is a great way to cut back on costs. At Community 1st Credit Union, we can also help you better manage your savings. Call us to learn more. financial
Blog Personal Loans: What They Are and When to Get Them posted on 11/6/2020 A personal loan can be used in several ways, like paying for emergency expenses. Contact Community 1st Credit Union to apply for no-collateral funding. financial
Blog 4 Helpful Tips for Using Credit Cards Wisely posted on 10/28/2020 The strategic use of credit cards yields multiple benefits like low interest rates for loans. Reach out to Community 1st Credit Union today to apply for one. financial
Blog How to Effectively Manage Cash Flow for Small Businesses posted on 9/23/2020 Keep your business running by maintaining positive cash flow. At Community 1st Credit Union, we offer services to help you manage cash better. Call us now. financial
Blog Ways to Use a Business Credit Card for Your Start-Up posted on 9/23/2020 When used wisely, a business credit card can offer numerous benefits for your start-up. Contact Community 1st Credit Union and find out how to apply for one. financial
Blog Why You Should Start Investing at an Early Age posted on 8/25/2020 Attain financial stability by opting to invest at an early age. Find a strategy that works for you by calling a Community 1st Credit Union's financial expert. financial
Blog Helpful Tips for Getting a Car Loan as a Student posted on 8/25/2020 With financial assistance, you can get the car of your dreams as a student. Learn more about auto loans in Iowa by calling Community 1st Credit Union today. financial
Blog Things to Know About Private Student Loans posted on 7/27/2020 Don't let financial constraints ruin your chances of getting a good education. Call Community 1st Credit Union to see if you qualify for a private student loan. financial
Blog Helpful Tips for First-Time Home Buyers posted on 7/24/2020 Buying a house can be daunting, especially when it comes to finances. At Community 1st Credit Union, you can get a home loan at a competitive rate. Call us. financial
Blog Should You Roll Over Your 401(k)? posted on 6/29/2020 Are you considering rolling over your 401(k)?   If so, now is the time to meet with a financial professional. financial
Blog How An Agricultural Loan Can Help Your Business posted on 6/29/2020 Give your business a boost with proper funding. At Community 1st Credit Union, you can get an agricultural loan at a competitive rate. Call us now! financial
Blog 3 Reasons to Consider Applying for a Business Loan posted on 6/24/2020 Turn your business goals into a reality with proper funding. At Community 1st Credit Union, you can get a short-term business loan at a good rate. Call us now. financial
Blog How to Strengthen Your Home Loan Application posted on 5/29/2020 Most people dream of owning a house. At Community 1st Credit Union, we can help turn that into a reality with our home purchasing loan. Call us to learn more. financial
Blog Ways to Build a Good Credit Score posted on 5/29/2020 Having good credit is not without its many benefits. Reach out to Community 1st Credit Union today to find out if you qualify for our different cash loans. financial
Blog Roth IRA Conversion in the Era of COVID-19 posted on 5/27/2020 Difficult times, like we are in now, may open doors to new possibilities. Businesses are changing their ways of operating, and individuals are exploring new avenues for investment. It may be time for you to consider some opportunities, as well. financial
Blog Importance of Opening a Savings Account Today posted on 5/5/2020 Take a different path by choosing to open a savings account today. financial

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