First Alliance Blog

When it comes to choosing where to stash your cash, you really only have two options: a bank or a credit union. Most people don’t seem to actually know what a credit union is or what the differences between banks and credit union are. Even worse, some people have a complete misunderstanding of the services and benefits a credit union provides. This article discusses the biggest myths around credit unions, and then shatters them! Get ready to have your mind blown, but in a warm and friendly way, because that’s how credit unions do it.

Life is short, and you understandably want to enjoy life on your own terms. Many people have a dream car that they would like to cruise around in regularly, and they keep their dream of ownership in the back of their mind for years. You could be included in this group of dreamers, or you could take practical steps to make it affordable to own the car that you really want.

The security of your personal and financial information is our highest priority. We have many processes and procedures in place to ensure that we are protecting your accounts. But there is one important step you can also take, to help us protect you better.  Adding a verbal password to your account. 

When you are struggling with large amounts of debts owed to multiple creditors, it’s understandable to want to ease the burdens and simplify your finances. There are a variety of debt management options out there and it’s important to understand your choices. Two very common solutions people consider when dealing with out of control debt are debt forgiveness plans or a debt consolidation loan. Here we review what debt forgiveness is and what a debt consolidation loan is, and then discuss their advantages and disadvantages.

When you lease a car, you only pay for a portion of the car’s actual cost while acquiring a new or used car. So, if you are leasing a car, then you only pay for that portion of the car that you have used over the years of your lease agreement. Many people choose to lease a new car, as it allows them to get a higher value car, while not being required to pay the whole price of the car.

Many people often ask, "Should I get a home equity loan?" An equity loan, whether it is a home equity loan or a line of credit, is similar to a second mortgage and offers a way to conveniently resolve financial setbacks. Although home equity loans and lines of credit are both are good options, each one has benefits and limitations. It is important to understand the difference between a home equity loan and line of credit before making a decision on using one or the other. 

Whether you're just getting started in your career or are already a seasoned pro, your first step in planning for retirement is estimating how much you need to save. 

Buying a home may signify different things for many different people. However, the most common of those things is the dream of owning a home, a place where memories are made. Of course the financial implications are perhaps the most obvious concern, the emotional side of buying a home is often overlooked. These six tips for buying your first home can help you manage the financial and emotional sides of buying your first home.  

Buying a car is both an exciting and daunting adventure, especially when you’re considering a used car. There is a lot of research you should do before you buy, to ensure you find a reliable vehicle that will meet your needs and your budget. However, thanks to the internet there is a plethora of resources available for finding a reliable used car or truck. Here are our recommendations for how to find a reliable used vehicle.

If you’ve never thought much about money or your finances before, it can be hard to know where to start. To help you gain control over your own financial future we have put together these eleven tips. Try out one at a time and see how you do. Then keep going with the ones that worked for you!