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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
Putting the finishing touches on your color sheet? Putting the finishing touches on your color sheet? Bring it with you to Saturday Live!⁠
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Last week, elementary students took home a special Saturday Live coloring sheet, and we want to see those masterpieces at the event!!⁠
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Families, bring those completed coloring sheets to the Altana VW Bus booth at Saturday Live on October 3 for a chance to win a $50 gift card. 🤩⁠
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We can't wait to see you there!⁠
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MetraPark Arena⁠
Saturday, October 3⁠
10 AM–4 PM
Money-smart doesn’t mean your kid suddenly knows w Money-smart doesn’t mean your kid suddenly knows what a Roth IRA is. 😅⁠
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It starts with the little stuff: saving for something they really want, making their own purchases, figuring out where their money went, and learning that yes, those $5 purchases do add up (oops).⁠
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We rounded up a few simple ways your young savers can build money skills and how Zing can help them practice along the way!⁠
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Read 5 Ways Your Kid Becomes Money-Smart on our blog at https://altanafcu.org/zing-makes-kids-money-smart/⁠
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We are just ONE WEEK away from Saturday Live, the We are just ONE WEEK away from Saturday Live, the Education Foundation for Billings Public Schools’ biggest FUNdraiser of the year!⁠
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Over the years, Saturday Live has evolved, bringing new ways to have fun, come together, and raise money for our schools. This year, we’re excited to celebrate inside MetraPark Arena — and we can’t wait to see what’s in store!⁠
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As a proud sponsor for the second year of our three-year partnership, we’re especially excited to be part of a day that puts our students and schools at the center of the celebration. And we have to give a huge shoutout to the Education Foundation team for the work they continue to do to keep our students top of mind and find new ways to support them.⁠
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Saturday Live is happening Saturday, October 3, at MetraPark Arena. Enjoy an afternoon of food, drinks, entertainment, games, and plenty of ways to support Billings Public Schools! 💚⁠
Havre really brought the fun to our Member BBQ! . Havre really brought the fun to our Member BBQ!
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Huge thanks to all who came to enjoy dinner at @parkersbbq406 and brought their friends and fam to enjoy our Kids Zone, too! Our teammates Mercettes and Brittany do an amazing job of coordinating the Kids Zone and including our littlest members in the phone. This year, we couldn’t make it happen without the Havre High school cheer team bringing their skills to the face painting station, thank you for all your help!
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We’re grateful for the trust and community we’ve built here on the hi-line and look forward to continuing to serve you! We’ll see you next year at our Member BBQ but until then, come say ‘hi’ at the Steve Heil Memorial Car Show tonight and catch a popsicle from us in the parade tomorrow morning.
Our branches will be closed on Monday, September 7 Our branches will be closed on Monday, September 7, for Labor Day, but you can still bank with our app wherever your weekend takes you.⁠
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Online & mobile banking are available 24/7, whether you’re at home, on the road, or even at Ryan’s favorite spot in the forest.⁠
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Enjoy your long weekend! We’ll be back on Tuesday for regular business hours.
🚨 Scam alert! 🚨⁠ .⁠ Scammers are getting creative, 🚨 Scam alert! 🚨⁠
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Scammers are getting creative, and we want to help you stay one step ahead.⁠
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If you get a suspicious call, don’t share personal or account information. Hang up and call us directly using our official number to make sure you’re talking to us.⁠
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When it comes to your information, it’s always better to be safe than sorry. Stay alert, and as always, we’re here if you need us!⁠
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