Join us for our Laurel Member Appreciation BBQ on Thurs, Aug 27 from 11AM - 2PM at our Laurel branch (220 First Ave)!

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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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Throwing it back to our Board of Directors, who've Throwing it back to our Board of Directors, who've always held it down behind the grill at our Laurel Member BBQ. 🍔🌭 Some things never change, including how grateful we are for our members.⁠
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Join us next Thursday, August 27, from 11 a.m.–2 p.m. for this year's Laurel Member BBQ! Whether you're stopping by for lunch or taking care of your banking, we'd love to see you and say thank you for being an Altana member. 💚
Back-to-school shopping usually means pencils, bac Back-to-school shopping usually means pencils, backpacks, and approximately 47 things your kid swears they need. 🫠⁠
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But there’s one thing worth putting on the list that doesn’t come from the school supply aisle: real-world money skills.⁠
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With Zing, kids and teens can start learning how to spend, save, and manage money with a parent or guardian right there alongside them.⁠
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New school year. New skills. More financial confidence.⁠
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Learn how Zing works at https://altanafcu.org/zing-banking-for-the-next-generation/
Have you made it to the fair yet?⁠ .⁠ We were pump Have you made it to the fair yet?⁠
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We were pumped to have given away 5,000 FREE fair tickets this year, and we hope lots of you got to enjoy them! While we’ve officially run out of free tickets (you all really said “I’ll take one!”), we’re still excited to see you for the final day of the fair with FREE treats from the Altana VW Bus!⁠
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A quick heads-up for Saturday: this year your Altana card won't get you free entry to the fair. However, if you picked up one of the 5,000 tickets, you’re good to go!⁠
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We’ll take the feedback and keep the free-ticket game strong for next year. In the meantime, come find us Saturday for a sweet treat! 2 PM - 6 PM. 🎡💚
Life feels better when the numbers make sense, whi Life feels better when the numbers make sense, which is why we don't gatekeep the math it takes to get you to your goals. ⁠
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Our website has every calculator you need to work out a budget for your next adventure or to estimate loan payments. They're free (and dare we say, fun) and take the guesswork out of your money decisions.⁠
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And we bet you can't guess how many times our calculators were used in 2025! Give it a guess in our stories. 🤭⁠
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Check them out on our website; the link is in our bio or pinned to our highlights📌
What if we told you one of your Altana member perk What if we told you one of your Altana member perks is free financial coaching? 👀⁠
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Through our partners at GreenPath, you have access to confidential, one-on-one financial coaching at no cost. And if you're the kind to run through your options before talking with someone else, we've also got you covered with our Coach Lea. She's there to talk whether you're creating a budget, paying down debt, improving your credit, or planning for what's next. ⁠
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Sometimes the smartest financial move is simply asking for guidance. 💚⁠
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Learn more on our blog; it's linked in our bio 🔗
Laurel Members: Mark your calendars for our Member Laurel Members: Mark your calendars for our Member BBQ on Thursday, August 27, from 11 AM - 2 PM!⁠
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Whether you're stopping by to take care of your banking or planning to stay and visit, we'd love to see you! Grab some lunch and celebrate with us. We always look forward to this day because it gives us the chance to connect with the community where our credit union got its start. 💚
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