Blog

As business owners, we tend to think that the roles and qualities of leaders and managers are the same, but they are very different.  By analyzing the qualities of each, we hope to bridge…

The SBA (Small Business Administration) is a great resource if you are thinking of starting a small business. Their website can be found at   https://www.sba.gov/  

Financial Scams cost victims almost 40 billion dollars a year.  Unfortunately many of the victims are the elderly and vulnerable adults of all ages.  According to the FTC, 20% of the elderly will fall…

Vacations might be tight this year. Maybe people are thinking about avoiding travel all together. But there’s nothing like a good road trip. In a time where we may not want to get on a plane, going…

Our lobbies (except the Ft. Huachuca Branch) are open for regular business hours! For a complete list of branch locations and hours, visit https://ascu.org/locations/  The Ft. Huachuca Branch has limited hours of 11 AM…

It’s that time.  We all hate it, but we have to do it.  Going to the car dealership is a stressful time.  It should be fun to shop for a new or newer car…

It's easy to participate in the 2020 Census.  If you didn't get the papers in the mail, you can go online and do everything there. It only takes about 10 minutes to complete! Just…

Although getting mail in your physical mailbox is less common now, the chances of encountering a scam lottery or scam sweepstakes either in your US Mail box or in your digital mailbox is still…

It's important to connect with friends and family in this strange time we call a “pandemic” . But how do we do that when everything costs money and we are supposed to be “distancing”?…

Many people dream of opening a business and thriving with employees to do a lot of the work while they relax and do administrative tasks.  (This is a bit misguided as an entrepreneur works…

Finding funding for a business venture can be really hard.  Sometimes taking out a personal loan seems like the only option.  But taking out a personal loan to fund something that may or may…

The only thing certain about today’s economy is that it is uncertain. No one can guarantee what the next few years will bring.  Fortunately, you don’t have to give up on the home of…

I want to increase the value of my home this summer. What can I do? Regular home maintenance is essential to protecting your largest investment. Before you worry about luxury amenities like a swimming…

Q: I'd like to take out a loan against my home's equity, but I've heard that interest rates are expected to climb soon. What are the differences between a home equity line of credit…

Are you a swiper or a dipper? Chances are, you have at least one EMV chip-enabled card in your wallet. EMV, which stands for Europay, Mastercard and Visa, and has been used for years…

Your portfolio is diversified and you've developed an asset allocation strategy that you're comfortable with. All is well. Then, at the end of the year, you find that the weighting of each asset class…

Planning ahead for college is not just a matter of getting good grades and accumulating a list of extracurricular activities and awards. It’s also a process of understanding how to pay for tuition and…

Early in their careers, people tend to focus on the here and now while ignoring the future. As you climb the ladder of success, you might think raises and promotions will never end and…

Q: I've heard that the Vantage Score system is getting an overhaul. What kind of changes are being made and how will this affect the way my score is calculated? A: The Vantage Score,…

Tax season means a paperwork blizzard. Often, someone loses a copy of an important document and needs it to be re-issued. Naturally, everyone's too busy to verify the authenticity of each request. That's what…

We all want to show our dads that we care on Father’s Day. Many people panic and run straight for the ties. But unless your father is a necktie aficionado and you can land…

When you’re making improvements to your home, you’re not just making your life better in the short term.  You’re also making an investment in your future. Ideally, the increase in the value of your…

It's that time of year again! Get ready to break out the calculator and pencils; dig out the enormous pile of receipts, tax forms, and pay stubs, and get to work. Whether you choose…

Counting back change scares a lot of people.  Just remember that the total price of the sale  + the change you give your customer, should always equal the amount of cash they gave you…

Bring back an old family tradition, the trip to the library, to save money and help your kids achieve. With time alone during COVID-19 Quarantine, I've been reflecting on memories. Although we can't go…

Cook Your Way to Wealth As an American, I love to eat.  I love to go to restaurants and try new dishes with friends.  But the fact is, if you have limited funds, learning…

Reading is usually a part of an everyday routine with kids. But what about saving as an activity? Saving money is a habit.  And developing that habit at an early age is crucial.  Here's…

The FTC is alerting all consumers that scams involving COVID-19 are on the rise.  They have created an interactive gave for people to do on Facebook.  Find the game and play at:  https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/blog/2020/03/now-more-ever-spot-scams-ftcscambingo

While we are spending some unexpected time at home, it can be a time for the whole family to learn money saving skills and to have some extra time for family bonding.  I’ve put…

American Southwest Credit Union wants to remind everyone to beware of scams involving COVID-19. Scammers are already out there trying to pass off fake assistance checks from the government.  During the process, these scammers…

When it comes to cheap eats, nothing beats eating at home.  But eating at home can add up if you indulge in gourmet cheeses and pre-seasoned meats.  Here are a few simple favorites to…

Are you thinking of the RV Lifestyle when you retire? Or maybe an extended road trip? It can be a wonderful experience, but it can be more expensive than you think! It's important to be realistic…

For those of us with teens preparing to graduate from high school, it might be difficult to accept that perhaps college is not in their future, even though we have saved for years to…

Street Tacos This recipe is a cheap and fun way to eat. Chop up toppings –a tomato, a small onion, and some cilantro. Spray a cast iron skillet with olive oil.  Plop 6” flour…

Lottery Scams bombard our mail, email, pop-up windows on our computers, and our internet searches.  Just when you think "they" (whoever "they" are) have given up, another one lands in your in-box.  The idea…

Episode 001   Sierra Vista Chamber of Commerce: Can it help you? Behind the Scenes Podcast with Melany Edwards-Barton, CEO of the Sierra Vista Area Chamber of Commerce.  Are you a business owner looking for…

I remember my mom asking me several years ago why I liked a minimalist lifestyle. She loves to surround herself with beautiful antiques and glassware, beautifully crafted baskets, interesting knickknacks, and wonderful quilts that…

Did you know that if you are self-employed you can set up a solo 401k program for yourself? Yes, that’s right!  You don’t have to be employed by an employer who has set up…

Automobiles are a constant drain on our resources but most people consider an auto a necessity, unless you live in a large metro area with a lot of public transportation options.  As our cars…

Did you have an idea for a business but don’t know where to start?   Right in Cochise County we have a wealth of information and resources for the self-employed, small business owners, and entrepreneurs. …

As a small business owner, I know it is overwhelming to do everything.  Advertising and marketing, accounting, product development, selling, taxes, payroll,employee training and HR issues, customer service, shop clean-up and maintenance, computer repairs…

More and more scammers are out there with a story to trick you.  Be aware of the latest scams and what to do about them.  Check on the Arizona Attorney General's Office website for…

Have you ever come home from a needed shopping excursion only to find that you didn’t come home with the things you set out to buy?  Or worse yet, you bought something that doesn’t…

Have you ever wondered how to teach your kids financial responsibility?  How do we prepare our kids to save for the future and to budget, without scaring them with our own problems?  Financial independence…

Now you can OPT-OUT of many solicitations of mail, email and phone calls.  De-clutter your life using the links below. To cut down on credit card and insurance offers in your mailbox, go to …

It is the new year and often times we make resolutions we think will improve our lives.  But only a fraction of people actually achieve the goals they set.  Why is it that so…

Over the last century or so, society has made tremendous strides toward gender equality on every level — and this includes basic money management. Today’s culture has further narrowed the gap between the sexes,…

What is a home loan? A home loan, or a mortgage, enables you to purchase a home without having to foot all the cash out of your pocket when purchasing. You will, however, need…

Vacations might be tight this year.  Maybe people are thinking about avoiding travel all together.  But there’s nothing like a good road trip with friends or family.  In a time where we may not…

Smart money management is always important, but it can take on more urgency for those who are without a partner. Whether you’re divorced, widowed, or single by choice, single parenting brings unique budgeting challenges.…

LoanLiner CC rates April 2020

“Grandma? Is that you?” “What’s the matter, honey?” “Grandma, you gotta help me! They’re going to arrest me if I don’t pay the fine – and I lost my wallet! I don’t have a…

Nothing beats the excitement and novelty of your very first real job. With your long-awaited degree in hand, the world is at your fingertips! You can do it all – and you will. But…

Q: I know it’s important to have my financial affairs in order, especially when approaching an advanced age, but it is all so overwhelming. How do I go about this task? A: No one…

Several economic studies have confirmed the existence of a so-called “pink tax,” an inflated price attached to goods and services specifically marketed to women. While theories abound to explain the pricing discrepancy, its existence…

In advice for his trustee to follow upon his passing, investing genius Warren Buffett says: “Put 10% of the cash in short-term government bonds and 90% in a very low-cost S&P 500 index fund.”…

Holiday shopping season is upon us and your (not-so) friendly neighborhood porch pirates are gearing up to pilfer the holiday treasures being delivered to your doorstep. We’ve all seen the familiar footage from a…

Q: My husband and I have been renting an apartment since we got married. We recently decided to buy our first home. Some friends of ours had lots of trouble with the process, and wound…

Do you find that the distractions of the internet are taking over your life?  Are you constantly pushing off tasks so you can check your Facebook page or see what’s new on Pinterest for…

American Southwest Credit Union, in partnership with the Annual Cochise County Sheriff’s Charity Ride was a huge success this year!  Together we were able to raise $30,000 for local Cochise County charities.  The 2019…

American Southwest Credit Union loves to see smart shoppers using their money wisely!  Below are a few retail sales advertising techniques to be aware of before you start hunting out gifts for loved ones…

Q: What is the prime rate and why does it matter? A: The prime rate, or prime, is the current interest rate that financial institutions in the U.S. charge their best customers. How is…

Tips for Buying a Used Car But buying a previously owned vehicle can be a great way to save big on one of your most valuable possessions.  You do have to do your homework…

Our 2019 Cochise County Sheriff's Charity Ride is coming up next weekend, Saturday November 2nd.  Registration begins at 8:00 am at American Southwest Credit Union. Our charities this year are:  Border Animal Rescue, Civil…

Halloween is coming — and so is the fun! Everyone wants to win the prize for creepiest costume and the most frightening yard decor in the neighborhood. But all that spookiness comes with a…

You’ve already perfected your monthly shopping schedule to get the best possible prices throughout the year: linens in January; luggage in March; household appliances in May; patio furniture in September and wedding dresses in…

Be More with Less: Look around your home, your room and your life. How much useless stuff is crammed into every available corner and taking up your valuable space, time and money? More importantly,…

In the 2019 real estate market, home-flipping has become more popular than ever. Flipping houses is a basic real estate investment concept that involves purchasing a rundown or undervalued home at the lowest possible…

Our dependence on energy increases daily.  With energy-dependent technology driving our lives, ecologists continue to search for ways to save our environment.  Focusing on energy-efficient appliances is one way to do that. Your monthly…

If you feel like the middle-class squeeze is getting tighter, you are not alone.  The numbers don’t lie: Life really is a more expensive than it used to be. Let’s look at what life…

Did you know the average American household carries $6,358 in credit card debt? If that isn’t alarming, consider this: A debt of $5,000 with an average interest rate of 24.99% where only the monthly…

Experts recommend allocating 15% of your monthly income toward retirement. Before you start exploring your options, though, you will need to set a goal, or a target number.  This number will represent how much…

Grocery shopping is an inevitable part of life. Whether you choose to do your shopping at the corner grocery, Whole Foods or your local supermarket, remembering what you need and trying to stick to…

Keep your credit cards safe. Store your cards in a secure wallet or purse. After making a purchase, immediately return your card to that place. Don’t allow websites to “remember” your card number. Only…

It's the number one question that separates the super-achievers in college from the party animals: Are you here to earn good grades and learn valuable lifelong skills, or are you here for the active…

A million dollars. For many people, it’s the pinnacle of financial success. For others, it’s just the first stepping stone toward their outrageous dreams. But how long does it take to actually reach that…

Is it possible for me to buy a house while I’m still paying off a student loan? Yes, you can buy a house and have a student loan you are still paying off.   If…

Q: My summertime electric bills are sky-high. For this reason, I’m really thinking about having solar panels installed on my roof. I figure it’s gotta help me save on energy costs, but I hear…

Savings accounts are always talked about.  But what about our checking accounts?   You might read up on financial experts who recommend keeping three to six months worth of living expenses in your savings account,…

6 Money Myths We Need to Stop Believing We all grow up hearing the same financial advice: Spend less, save more and invest early. While most of these words of wisdom ring true, there…

American Southwest Credit Union's Southern Arizona Podcast Episode 002  Mindful Messages Therapy explores the importance of financial health in marriage. [audio mp3="https://ascu.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Mindful-Messages-3_mixdown-Final.mp3"][/audio] Podcast interviews are meant to provide support and inspiration for our community…

American Southwest Credit Union's Southern Arizona Podcast Episode 001 [audio mp3="https://ascu.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Chamber-of-Commerce-with-Music-Final_mixdown.mp3"][/audio] Podcast interviews are meant to provide support and inspiration for our community members and business owners.  They are not pre-written scripts and do…

Q: Is there any way to get through the back-to-school season without spending a small fortune? A: Back-to-school time is the second largest shopping season of the year. If all that spending makes your…

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