kstate CREDIT UNION is known for essential products and services like checking and savings accounts, loans, and online banking services. But we also offer a plethora of other financial tools to boost your financial health. Here’s what you need to know.
Certificates of Deposit and Share Certificates
CDs and Share Certificates are an ideal compromise when you want to earn higher-than-savings-account rates but don’t want your money tied up in longer-term investments. These tools are great for short- to medium-term savings goals, like a down payment on a house, where you want a guaranteed return.
Key benefits
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Guaranteed fixed return
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Commitment to savings (money is locked down for a specific period; this is helpful if you struggle to keep money in savings accounts)
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Collateral for loan (especially when you want to build your credit history)
The Ladder Strategy
If you want a portion of your money accessible every few months, consider the Ladder Strategy. Open multiple CDs or Share Certificates with staggered maturity dates—for instance, one 6-month, one 1-year, one 18-months. You’ll get the higher rates these accounts are known for but still have the money accessible to you on a revolving basis.
Financial Literacy
kstate CREDIT UNION offers free financial literacy resources to all our members and the community—not just those with a high net-worth or in financial distress. This education can help you create a budget, develop a debt payoff strategy, plan for a major purchase and even plan for retirement.
One of the key benefits is the ELEARNING center on kstate CREDIT UNION’s website. These resources offer powerful tools that teach important financial topics. Utilize calculators, Coaches, articles, and more to learn about everything from avoiding identity theft to planning for retirement, and get customized next steps, too.
Automatic Savings “Roundup” Programs
Remove the mental effort required to save money by enrolling in our Round-up Savings Program. This works by rounding up any debit card purchase to the next whole dollar and depositing the difference into your savings account at the end of every day. These programs are especially great for people who are just learning how to save.
Key benefits
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Effortless saving
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Requires limited willpower
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Compounding consistency
Text Banking & E-alerts
Frequent, automatic reminders to assist you in knowing your account information. Enrolled members receive the following services:
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Members can text message requests and receive text message replies on the available balance on accounts of enrolled memberships. Find out more information on our text banking page on our website.
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Members can enroll in e-Alerts and select to have the alerts sent to them in the form of a text message.
Credit Card Features: Warranties, Purchase Protections & More
Cash back or rewards points get much of the hype when it comes to the benefits of using a credit card, but the built-in insurance and protection feature on many cards can be just as valuable. These are hidden safety nets that can protect you from accidents, theft, sudden changes in plans, and more. Not every card carries all these benefits, but many do. Check your Card Benefits overview or call customer service for the card for clarification.
Key benefits
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Extended warranty
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Purchase protection
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Travel insurance
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Rental car collision coverage
Part of being financially savvy is making the most of what you’ve got. That includes using financial tools you already have access to, thanks to your credit union. Take the time to learn more about the specific programs and services available to you and pick one tool to start with. Whether it’s setting up an automatic roundup program or calling your credit card company to ask about extended warranties, every step builds your financial foundation and can unlock significant value.