ATFCU blog

News, Events, Resources, Tools & Advice

rolled up money in a mouse trap

Don’t Get Caught Up in a Tax Return Scam!

Did you get an email from the IRS telling you something about your taxes? Get rid of it, because the IRS doesn’t do business that way! This is just one of the ways tax scammers prey on victims this time of year. Continue reading
Atm Safety Tips graphic

ATM Safety Tips

Using an ATM has become a routine event for most consumers. The familiarity of the task can cause people to lose the sense of caution that normally accompanies handling cash. Take a look at this blog post for some tips to keep you and your information safe. Continue reading
black Friday sign and a clock

4 Scams to Watch Out for This Black Friday

Thanks to supply chain issues, Black Friday will be a little different this year, but the scammers will still be around every corner. Find out how to spot them and steer clear. Stay Safe and Happy Holidays! Continue reading
boy holding credit card with concerned face

What is Credit Card Interest and How Does it Effect Me?

Several times a year, I have the privilege of presenting an Economic Reality Fair to high school seniors. For those that don’t know what a Reality Fair is, it is a hands-on simulation where students experience financial challenges they will face as they begin navigating life on their own in the “real world”.  The students get paired up to complete … Continue reading
White wooden signpost with four arrows - "advice", "support", "guidance", "assistance".

Helpful Hints for Debit Cards

Advice From the ATFCU Card Processing Team Did you know that the ATFCU card processing team works right here in Abilene?  At the Antilley Road branch, to be exact.  This hard-working group manages the tasks associated with more than 47,000 debit and credit cards.  When you have a card question, you will speak directly to one of these experienced team … Continue reading
Jigsaw puzzle illustrating how romance scams work

Online Romance or Heartbreaking Scam?

On September 10, 2024 the New York Times ran an article* about romance scams.  It described a ‘fraud farm’ in Southeast Asia that is set up for industrial-scale spamming and is controlled by an organized Chinese crime ring.  For 17 hours a day each fraudster trolls dating apps for fresh victims and celebrates loudly when someone is duped into sending … Continue reading
two pairs of legs hanging out a swimming pool

What to Buy and What to Skip in August

August is a big shopping season but not just for back-to-school supplies. What should you be buying and what should stay on the shelf until the prices come down? Check out my list of things to scoop up now at big savings and what you should wait a month or two to purchase. Spend wisely and save big! Continue reading
Clothes lined up on store rack

Spending Less

How is it that, whenever you need new clothes, they’re at their most expensive? Of course it’s not sale season when you’re desperately in need of an all-new summer wardrobe because you just experienced a random growth spurt and none of your clothes fit you anymore. Continue reading
dogs on a leash with overlay of learn from liz

Side Hustle

If you’ve got holes in your budget, a side hustle can fill them! Love animals? Well it just so happens to be National Professional Pet Sitter Week! Pet sitters and dog walkers are making great money these days! Plus, check out these other great ideas for a side hustle. There’s money out there … you just have to find it! Continue reading