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Feb 26, 2021

Why it Pays to Switch to a Credit Union

Credit unions are the way to go if you’re looking for a great financial partner for you and your community. Credit unions are member-owned, not-for-profit financial cooperatives that directly contribute to your hometown. 

Local banking makes a substantial economic impact (think loans and jobs).

A strong community requires a healthy economy. Hiring local employees is one way C.U.’s support local economies. Another is by helping local small businesses. Small businesses, the biggest job creators in the country, often turn to credit unions for loans. In addition to offering better rates and fewer fees, credit unions typically process loans locally. The process helps streamline applications and gives credit unions the ability to better understand a borrower’s unique situation before making a loan decision.

And, as local lenders, credit unions reinvest their deposit dollars back into the community. Open an account with a credit union, and you’re helping support businesses and families right near you.

Credit unions are involved in the community.

It’s not just the impact credit unions can have on the economy; it’s community development, too — the good they do for the people they serve in your community.

While many financial institutions give to charity, credit unions are unique. They primarily focus on causes and organizations that impact and are important to the members, industries, and communities they serve.

And, because no one is born knowing how to manage money, credit unions commit themselves to education. Showing and empowering you to save and manage your money wisely is a big part of what they do.

Customer service is still personal.

Personal service at a credit union isn’t just a cliché. It’s the difference between working with someone who understands your financial goals and a faceless, blanket conversation with no vision for the future. 

Local familiarity also factors into how credit unions make decisions. Sure, the math matters, but the person matters too.

Your local credit union has all the right securities.

Credit unions are insured like any other financial institution; the NCUA (National Credit Union Association) insures your deposits up to $250,000 if your C.U. faces trouble for any reason.

Credit unions are subject to federal security standards and safety protocols. Any financial institution has to meet rigorous compliance standards; we’re no exception. It’s our job and our privilege to guard and grow your money!

Credit unions like to say “thank you” in cash.

Your relationship means more, and your money goes further at a credit union. Trusted community service backed by free checking accounts, low-rate loans, and high-earning savings – you’ll be amazed at all your options. (Seriously, this list hardly scratches the surface).

Switching is easier than you think.

No doubt, switching financial institutions can be a hassle — but switching to a C.U. doesn’t have to be complicated! With personal service and a local representative to help you, the switch can be (dare we say it? Yes.) rewarding! 

If you’re ready to make the switch, getting help is as easy as picking up the phone. We’re prepared to help you get started! Let’s meet! 

(P.S. – If you’re more of a Social Media person, D.M. us on Facebook or Instagram, and we’ll personally set you up with someone perfect for you and your goals.)

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see what we’ve been up to @altana_fcu
Our 24th Street Branch Real Estate Lender, Richard Our 24th Street Branch Real Estate Lender, Richard Berry, shares why taking care of the basics early can open more doors (and better options) when you’re getting ready to buy a home.⁠
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This completes part one of our series, where lenders across Altana share their best tips to make the mortgage process more approachable and easier to navigate! ⁠
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Interested in learning more? Find the answers and tools you need to get started on our website at https://altanafcu.org/borrow/home/
Our Havre Real Estate Lender, Kristy Fox, is shari Our Havre Real Estate Lender, Kristy Fox, is sharing why a lender who knows your community can make all the difference in your homebuying journey. ⁠
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You’ll see more short, practical tips like this from Altana lenders over the next few weeks, all aimed at making the path to homeownership a little easier to navigate.⁠
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Big decisions feel better with local support! 💪⁠
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Learn more and find the right lender for you (the link is in our bio 🔗
We had a BLAST at Boulder Elementary this morning! We had a BLAST at Boulder Elementary this morning! Partnering with the United Way of Yellowstone, we got to hang out with students from kindergarten through third grade. 😁 ⁠
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We had 304 excited readers dive into "We Are Definitely Human" with us, and it was awesome to soak in all that fun energy while we were there! Big thanks to Boulder, our Partners in Education, for hosting us. 💚
Our Laurel Branch Real Estate Lender, Becca Dellan Our Laurel Branch Real Estate Lender, Becca Dellangelo, shares why getting pre-approved is one of the smartest first steps you can take in the homebuying process.⁠
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We've got one more tip in part one of our series from Altana lenders to help make your path to homeownership clearer and less stressful! Stay tuned. ⁠
Our Columbus Branch Manager & Real Estate Lender, Our Columbus Branch Manager & Real Estate Lender, Mark Hamilton, shares a practical reminder that a little upfront prep can go a long way toward a stress-free closing day.⁠
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We’ll keep rolling out more helpful tips from Altana lenders over the next week to make the home loan process clearer and easier to navigate!
Our Billings West End Real Estate Lender, AJ Erb, Our Billings West End Real Estate Lender, AJ Erb, shares a smart reminder: explore your loan options. Your down payment, first-time buyer status, and how long you plan to stay in the home all matter. And having the right lender makes navigating those choices a whole lot easier. 😉⁠
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This is part of our ongoing series of quick tips from Altana lenders, designed to make the home loan process feel clearer, more confident, and doable.
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