Finance

Now is the Best Time to Buy a New Car

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Did you know that December is the best time to buy a new car? Specifically speaking, the closer to the end of December, the better. However, before we go all in on the subject, there are a few things you will need to know. In fact, those who are familiar with the car buying process are the ones that benefit the most from the experience. So, if you're one of those people who were looking for that final push, here is your sign. Continue reading to learn why now is the best time to buy a new vehicle; as well as, how to do it....
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The 2016 Way to Save on Holiday Travel

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Last year, roughly 47 million Americans traveled for Thanksgiving. In addition, that number is set to increase for this year. With friends and family as the biggest reasons for our holiday journeys, one can't help but anticipate the expense. I mean, face it, you can't exactly say no to the big family dinner on Turkey Day. However, even though majority of us will go more than 50 miles to feast on the big bird, there's still hope for your pocket book. The following article contains all the very 2016 ways to save on holiday travel. Save on holiday travel using Facebook. There are tons of Facebook pages dedicated to...
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Membership Makes a Difference!

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When you jump online to make sure your car payment was released as scheduled, or drop by a branch to use the ATM, consider the reasons WHY you trust Achieva with your financial transactions. Why did you choose a Credit Union instead of a traditional banking institution? “It’s close to my house” “My mother banks there” “They had the best loan rates” All of those are good reasons, but Credit Unions represent so much more than convenience and great rates. Credit Unions are not-for-profit, member-owned financial cooperatives that are governed by 9 specific principles that make an authentic difference in...
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Penny Pinching Reasons to Love Trader Joe’s

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If you’ve ever shopped at a Trader Joe’s market you are probably already a fan. What’s not to like about their laid back, tropical vibe, complete with palm trees, tikis and the ubiquitous aloha shirt? Their dedication to offering top quality products is unparalleled, and TJ buyers go out of their way to introduce new and exotic tastes to the American public. The quarterly “Fearless Flyer”, with its tongue-in-cheek Victorian cartoons, is a catalogue of TJ’s latest finds. But did you know that in addition to the fun of exploring the shelves, Trader Joe’s has some of the lowest prices...
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Everything You Need to Know About Renters Insurance

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Renters insurance (or HO-4) is an insurance policy where the tenant’s personal property is covered against power surges, water damage, vandalism, lightning, hail, windstorms, explosions, civil commotions, riots, smoke, volcanic eruptions, falling objects, damages caused by vehicles, damages caused by aircraft, damages caused by the weight of snow or sleet or ice, malicious mischief, thefts, and fires. It does not cover the actual structure. The owner, not the renter, is responsible for insurance on the actual building but is not in any way responsible for what is inside a tenant’s residence. Some landlords may even require that the renter purchase...
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Do I Really Need a Credit Card?

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The merits of the credit card have been hotly debated since the first universal card debuted in 1950. And once debit cards became popular in the late 1980s, many experts opined that credit cards were no longer necessary. This is not exactly true; while the debit card serves many of the same functions as a traditional credit card it lacks some of the credit card’s key advantages. In short, the answer is YES, you do need a credit card. Here’s why: Protection In today’s digital world, it pays to be cautious. Using a credit card instead of a debit card...
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Five Tactics to Avoid Unnecessary Student Loan Debt

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Americans owe nearly $1.3 trillion in student loan debt, with the average class of 2016 student graduating with an indebtedness of $37,172.  What once was a minor inconvenience to graduates has grown into one of the greatest financial epidemics of our time. While it’s hard to dispute the value of having a college education, it’s difficult to defend the insane dollar amount associated with earning a degree. If you are currently enrolled in, or are planning to attend college, take a moment to step back and look at your current situation. What you do, how you act, and what you...
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Using Home Equity Loans the Right Way

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It’s no secret that the values of the homes we all live in have improved over the past few years. While the Great Recession presented several financial challenges, decreasing values of our biggest asset created the most anxiety and uncertainty. As home values rise, the best advice I can give our members is to be very diligent in how you decide to leverage the value of your home. Please remember that history tends to repeat itself and if market values shift unexpectedly, borrowers may become upside down on the amount they owe and the value of their home. Keep in...
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Sharing the GOOD

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Our members are always on the go, and we understand that. It may be for different reasons – business meetings, soccer games, leisure travel - but there's one thing you all have in common: membership at Achieva Credit Union. And you want access to your accounts – even when you can't get to one of our branches. In fact, when you’re on the go, we’re right there with you, with convenient locations across town, around Florida — even nationwide! These are called CO-OP Shared Branches. Achieva Credit Union’s participation in the CO-OP Shared Branch network means convenience when, where and...
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Build the Perfect Budget in 15 Minutes!

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Ah, the dreaded “B” word, “BUDGET”. Is it said out loud in your household? If not, it may be time to start allowing it! Properly discussing and implementing a monthly budget is a great way to track and manage your finances. In fact, once you correctly set and follow a budget, you’ll most likely feel like you received a pay raise, when in fact you are bringing home the same paycheck as your previous no-budgeting self. Budgeting is a continual process, so don’t get discouraged if it doesn’t seem to work for you right away. It will take a few...
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