Bobbie Chokenea

New or Used Vehicle? What’s Right for You?

Smart money decisions make a difference. You might want the shiny new car, but at what expense? You might want the used vehicle to save some money, but at what expense? What is right for you?
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Staying Local, Staying Strong

If you read the headlines, and we all do, then you know we are in the middle of a financial storm. At least it feels that way. But we are here to serve the local community and we are lowering interest rates because we can.
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Knowledge is Power!

In this day and age, knowledge can open doors. With tools like Google search and AI options, knowledge is abundant. What you need to know is what questions to ask when considering options and alternatives to banks.
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What’s That Car Cost?

Owning a car is awesome! A car says something about who we are when we pull up to the curb. It helps you get things done. It gives you freedom. But there are expenses other than just the car loan you should prepare for.
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Jumping Off the Big Bank Bus

How long have you been a customer at your bank? Five years? Ten to fifteen years? Forever? For most people, it is a long-term commitment. It's easier to switch banks or join a credit union than you think.
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Banking Terms Made Easy

All you want to do is the right thing with your money. But big banks can make it so hard. This article explains the banking terms you need to know.
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Credit Unions: People Helping People

You may not be familiar with the concept of a credit union. And if you think they’re the same as a bank, you may be missing out on something great. There is a real difference, and it starts from the very beginning.
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“Shrinkflation” and More Not-So-Obvious Price Hikes

We hear about inflation a lot lately.  Gas prices are up.  Electricity is up.  And there isn’t much we can do about it.  If we need it, we need it.  Most folks adjust the budget accordingly to make those mandatory items affordable.  But that means less money for everything else.
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Credit Unions or Banks: What’s the Difference?

There are differences between Credit Unions and Traditional Banks. Since we are the Ashland Community Credit Union, we may be biased. Still, we honor the truth and think that everyone deserves it, not just a version of it. So here is a list of key differentiators, the way we see them.
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The Evolution of Savings Rates

It may be hard to know if it makes sense to take advantage of an advertised interest rate. We did a historical study to look at trends. This article tells you what you need to know about today's rates.
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Savings Options to Improve Cash Flow

We spend a lot of time trying to figure out how to stretch a dollar. Saving more money is a great way to make money! Learn how here.
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And the Winner is...YOU!

It used to be that election cycles were once every four years. Now they never seem to start or end. It can affect you financially, and here's how to make the most of a trying time.
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Saving Money at the Grocery Store

Here are five ways you can create your own sales at the supermarket, saving money on purpose every time you shop.
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Navigating Inflation for the Lower to Middle Class

Inflation is a natural part of any economy. It is always there. This helpful article talks about how you can better navigate high prices and stretch your budget farther, even if you have a lower credit score.
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Debt Consolidation vs Credit Counseling or Debt Settlement

The economy is roiling, jobs are becoming scarce, and inflation is high. All of these things can impact your ability to take care of your family and pay your bills on time. Sometimes, paying bills comes last. Debt Consolidation, Credit Counseling and Debt Settlement are options to consider.
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A Debt Problem or A Debt Solution

It may seem counterintuitive that taking on debt can increase your credit score. In truth, it can be one of the best ways to do so. Alas, getting a loan with a low credit score is often difficult, depending on where you apply.
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Unlocking Financial Freedom from High Interest Debt

Credit Cards make it very easy to buy things. Especially things you otherwise might not be able to otherwise afford. Debt Consolidation Loans can help you get out of debt.
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Dig out of that hole with a debt consolidation loan

With rising inflation and stagnant wages, cash doesn’t seem to flow as far as it used to.  You may be finding yourself a little short each month. If you have multiple credit card and loan payments, it’s possible that a debt consolidation loan can help you out.
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Battling Higher Expenses, with a Low Credit Score

Inflation, college loan repayment and higher interest rates are making everything more expensive. Thats hard on your budgeting process. If you have a low credit score, it may make it harder to generate cash flow to cover your monthly expenses, which makes your problem even worse. This article provides potential action steps you can take to solve this problem.
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The Never-Ending Spiral of a Poor Credit Score

In this blog post, we explore the far-reaching consequences of rejecting loan applicants solely based on their credit scores. While it's a fact that low credit scores pose challenges in securing affordable credit, the real issue lies with those who indiscriminately decline loans based solely on this number. Discover how this practice can have detrimental effects, not just on individuals but on society as a whole, potentially setting off a negative chain reaction. Learn why it's essential to rethink our approach to credit decisions and consider the broader implications of a simple "no."
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Spruce Up your Financial Future

So you got into a little jam and your credit score took a tumble. It happens. Here are five things you should try to remove negative items from your credit score
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Sign and Drive…and Pay Big Money!

New cars are exciting! Even buying used cars is getting something new to you. But accepting dealer financing can be an expensive way to end your car buying experience
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Overlooked Ways to Raise Your Credit Score

Things happen. Bad things happen to good people all of the time. Health care expenses, job loss, broken down cars and more can all lead to bills getting put on the back burner. Here's how to raise your damaged credit score back up.
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Your Credit Score Story

We keep saying that you are not a credit score number. You are a real, live, human being. You have a past and a future, and you have a story that you are living right now. You have a story to tell, and people should not judge you solely on your credit score number
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Overcoming the Uphill Climb

Numbers are a fact of life. We each have one. People can, and do, define you by your number. Whatever your number, here is what you need to know to make it work in your favor
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Who Cares about Higher Interest Rates

Interest rates continue to climb. Whether that continues is anyones guess. Regardless, it makes sense to plan for the potential of higher interest rates hanging out for the foreseeable future.
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Five Ways a Lower Interest Rate matters

Even a couple of points can make a bad deal better. No one wants to pay more than you should for anything. Yet, if your auto loan is even a couple of interest points higher than it should be, then you are leaving money on the table.
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Low Credit Myths and Misconceptions

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Your car loan interest rate matters

Remember buying your car? The assumption was that you got a great deal. But did you?
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Credit Scores Don't Tell the Whole Story

A low credit score doesn't tell the whole story
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Getting Out of Debt

In debt too deep is always a problem. The solution? Debt Consolidation
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Buying Cars with a Poor Credit Score

If you have a low credit score, sometimes it feels like there are no options, lost in the middle of a lonely road with nowhere to turn.  The truth is, you have many options. It’s important that you know what they are, and make smart decisions. 
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Predatory Lending is a trap, and you need to stay out of it.

If you have less than perfect credit (scratch that. Call it what it is). If you have bad credit, then you may think you have no choices.
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The Good, The Bad and The Happy

Life is Hard. Sometimes bad things happen to good people. If your credit score is low, here are some tips on getting through the hard stuff!
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