Advia Financial Blog
Learn about advantages to help you navigate today's financial world.
Budgeting & Planning
Gifts, Vacation, a New Kitchen – Oh My! Which Loan Option Is Right for Me?
12/2024
The holiday season is an exciting time, yet it can also bring financial stress with some pretty costly expenses.
Understanding Credit Card Rewards: Maximizing Your Benefits
11/2024
Credit cards aren’t only for convenience —they’re powerful financial tools with the potential to enhance your everyday life through rewards.
Fraud & Identity Protection
October: Cybersecurity Awareness Month
10/2024
Did you know October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month? It’s the perfect time to take a moment and think about how secure your personal information really is online.
Budgeting & Planning
Pay Yourself First: Three Money-Saving Habits to Start Now
09/2024
Paying yourself first could make a big difference in your financial future. Let's dive in and discover how you can prioritize your financial well-being!
How to Choose the Right Home Loan
09/2024
Imagine you want to buy a house, but you don't have enough money to pay for it all at once. A mortgage is a loan that helps you buy a house when you don't have enough money to pay for it up front.
Fraud & Identity Protection
Five Remote Job Scams: How to Spot, Avoid
09/2024
Imagine this: you're browsing an online job board and stumble upon a fully remote position that seems perfect—flexible hours, great pay, and maybe even minimal effort required.
Home Loans & Homeownership
Unlocking Your Home’s Value with a HELOC
08/2024
Life can be full of unexpected expenses. Whether it's footing the bill for a wedding or handling home repairs like a burst pipe flooding your basement, financial challenges can arise unexpectedly.
Community Events & Involvement
Explore End-of-Summer Fun Across Midwest
08/2024
With the first day of fall arriving on September 22, 2024, there’s still plenty of time to enjoy the summer sun.
Fraud & Identity Protection
AI Voice Scams: How to Stay Safe
07/2024
Over the past few years, AI-powered voice impersonation has become a go-to tool for criminals, helping them pull off incredibly convincing scams.
Budgeting & Planning
Spring Cleaning: Three Easy Ways to Dust off Your Finances
05/2024
With spring here and in full bloom – pun intended – now is the perfect time to breathe new life into your financial health!
Fraud & Identity Protection
Preventing Elder Financial Abuse
05/2024
Scammers are always looking for ways to steal information and money. There is no demographic they won't attempt to exploit.
Fraud & Identity Protection
Online Payments vs. Mail: Benefits and Best Practices
04/2024
In today's digital world, almost everything can be done online, including paying bills and sending money to friends and family using Peer to Peer Payment services (P2P).
Prioritizing Financial Wellness
04/2024
April, designated as Financial Capability Month, is a great time to explore the importance of financial literacy and how to create and maintain financial wellness.
March is Women’s History Month
03/2024
At Advia, we are proud to celebrate women around the world.
Fraud & Identity Protection
Trending Scams: Tax Fraud, Corporate Transparency Act
02/2024
In an age dominated by digital transactions and virtual interactions, the proliferation of scams has reached unprecedented levels.
Community Events & Involvement
February is Black History Month
02/2024
To celebrate Black History Month, we would like to take a moment to celebrate and reflect on African-American leaders who have influenced the movement of credit unions.
Budgeting & Planning
Empowering Yourself with Student Loan Repayment
12/2023
Several months ago, a new chapter began for student loan borrowers as payments resumed following a three-year hiatus.
Holiday Spending Tips
11/2023
The holiday season is upon us, and with it comes the excitement of gift-giving, festive decorations, and, for most, holiday shopping.
Fraud & Identity Protection
International Fraud Awareness Week with Advia
11/2023
As we observe International Fraud Awareness Week (November 12-18), it presents an excellent opportunity to explore various prevalent scams and effective strategies for steering clear of them.
Fraud & Identity Protection
Stay Protected Against Card Skimmers
09/2023
We have been alerted to a potential card skimming scam underway in the Kalamazoo and Battle Creek areas of Michigan.
Fraud & Identity Protection
Ensuring Financial Security: The Importance of Having a Beneficiary
09/2023
When it comes to managing our finances, one often-overlooked task is designating a beneficiary.
Back-to-School Budgeting Tips
08/2023
It’s almost that time of year… back-to-school time!
For parents and guardians of school-aged children, while the transition from summer to a new school year can be exciting, it can also be overwhelming – especially when it comes to managing back-to-school related expenses.
Fraud & Identity Protection
Fraud Alert: Reports of Online Banking Impersonation Scams
08/2023
It's no secret that the digital age has given us some great tools, like online banking and P2P payment services such as Venmo and Zelle.
Fraud & Identity Protection
Beware of Sweepstake Scams
07/2023
Summer is in full swing and so are exciting events like vacations, concerts, and more. While the sunshine and warm weather create the ideal backdrop or the perfect getaway, unfortunately these are the same elements scammers may try to use against you or someone you care about in an attempt to steal your private information and hard-earned money.
Financial Tools & Technology
Latest iOS Update [June 27, 2023] – Re-Enrolling in Biometrics
06/2023
Your security is important to us! We’re constantly taking steps to further enhance the protection of your data during this time of increased fraud risk. That’s why Advia just updated our mobile app for iOS to meet new enhanced security measures.
Hit Reset On your Debt and Achieve Financial Freedom with an Advia Balance Transfer
06/2023
At Advia Credit Union, we understand that managing multiple debts can be a daunting task and put a strain on your financial well-being. That's why we are committed to helping our valued members regain control of their finances and achieve a debt-free future.
Fraud & Identity Protection
Combating Financial Related Fraud and Abuse for Senior Citizens
05/2023
Do you have a friend or family member over the age of 60? There’s a good chance they’ve already been targeted for some type of financially related fraud scheme.
Fraud & Identity Protection
Fraud Alert: Reports of Phishing Scams
05/2023
Recently, we have received reports of scammers impersonating us in an attempt to steal personal information. We are here for you to help ensure you do not fall victim to these types of schemes.
Your Money Safe and Secure
03/2023
As a member of Advia Credit Union, your savings are safe and secure. We are committed to providing timely and valuable messages to you regarding financial topics and issues of concern.
Fraud & Identity Protection
Tax Identity Scams are on the rise
03/2023
Tax season is already stressful enough for many, but to make matters worse, scammers tend to be extra active during this time of the year and have a variety of tactics to try to steal personal information.
Valentine’s Day on a budget
02/2023
Tips for enjoying a day you -and your wallet-will love.
Fraud & Identity Protection
Romance Scams
02/2023
With Valentine’s Day quickly approaching, there is no better time than now to discuss romance scams. Romance scams often occur on dating websites, apps, and social media platforms.
Budgeting & Planning
Budgeting Basics
01/2023
With the new year in full swing, have you considered what your financial goals are this year? One of the most efficient ways to make and stick to your goal is by creating a budget.
Financial Tools & Technology
Go green and paperless with Advia’s e-Services.
10/2022
Have you ever noticed all the clutter that can build up from junk mail, paper bills, receipts, and outdated paperwork? In addition to helping you get organized, reducing paper in your banking can be a great way to save time, energy and reduce opportunity for identify theft. Here are just a few tools we offer that can help you (and our Earth)!
Auto, RV & Boat
Should you have Guaranteed Asset Protection?
10/2022
f you have a vehicle or recreational loan, GAP may be right for you. GAP stands for Guaranteed Asset Protection which, in a nutshell, is extra insurance to cover a potential loss on your vehicle.
Auto, RV & Boat
Is Mechanical Breakdown Protection worth it?
10/2022
You’re on your way to work one morning and your check engine light comes on. Bummer! You find out there’s an issue with your transmission and it will cost you $1,500 to fix it.
Home Loans & Homeownership
Buying vs. building a home – four elements to consider.
10/2022
There can be so many decisions and questions. ‘What’s best for my family and lifestyle?’ ‘Is there one kind of mortgage?’ ‘Is building better than buying?’ The list can go on, but lucky for you, Advia can help sort it out.
Budgeting & Planning
Maximizing your money without cutting your budget.
10/2022
You can earn more on your money without adjusting your budget and cutting out Netflix, dining out, or buying new clothes. We’re talking about taking the extra money you have now and using it to make more money.
Investment & Savings
Get the basics of planning for retirement.
10/2022
You may have a very idealistic vision of retirement—doing all of the things that you never seem to have time to do now. But how do you pursue that vision? Social Security may be around when you retire, but the benefit that you get from Uncle Sam may not provide enough income for your retirement years.
Home Loans & Homeownership
Ready to buy a house? Five tips to make the mortgage process seamless.
10/2022
With proper preparation, your first-time home buying experience can be a lot less stressful, and even easy, by following these helpful tips:
Fraud & Identity Protection
Cryptocurrency scams are on the rise. Learn how to identify & avoid fraud.
10/2022
Virtual currency, or cryptocurrency, is a kind of electronic money that you purchase and transact with electronically. It’s important to note that cryptocurrency is not the same as regular money.
Fraud & Identity Protection
Why do I need to use a Secure Access Code?
10/2022
A Secure Access Code (SAC) is a randomly generated 6-digit code that will be sent to you by a method which only you can obtain (automated phone or text message) to confirm it’s actually you logging in to view and transact on your account.
Financial Assistance & Building Credit
Need financial help? Consider these Mortgage Assistance Programs.
10/2022
Prevents homeowner mortgage delinquencies, defaults, foreclosure, loss of utilities or home energy services, and displacements of homeowners...
Auto, RV & Boat
Buying a car made easy.
10/2022
Hey, if you have to get from point A to point B, you might as well go in style using cool, new features, right? Buying a new car at a price you can afford is definitely a win-win. But sometimes the thought of buying a new car can seem confusing or overwhelming with so many options. Well, we’re here to help.
Home Loans & Homeownership
10 tips for the first-time home buyer.
10/2022
Excited at the thought of buying your first home? Whether you’re considering being a part of the tiny house movement or have your sights set on a more elaborate homestead (complete with master bedroom suite), first time home buying can be both thrilling and a bit overwhelming at the same time.
Fraud & Identity Protection
Staying safe online.
08/2022
At Advia, we take fraud and identity theft seriously and want to protect our members and their money. Know that we will never contact you and ask for your Credit or Debit Card number, 3-digit code on the back of your card, full account number, or Digital Banking login ID.
Shopping & Subscriptions
Get rewarded: learn the benefits of a Rewards Credit Card.
08/2022
Do you like being rewarded? It’s easy! If your current credit card doesn’t offer you points or cash back, you may be missing out on a great opportunity to receive major rewards!
Financial Assistance & Building Credit
Take control of your credit score.
07/2022
Knowing your credit score is important. But why? What does your credit score really affect and how can it impact your day-to-day life? Your credit score has more power than you may realize and it can affect a range of areas in your life like buying your dream home, upgrading your vehicle, or landing your dream job.
Financial Tools & Technology
Understanding your balance: Actual vs. Available.
07/2022
Do you ever wonder why your account balance online shows an amount different than what you think it should be, or you see different balances as “actual” and “available”? It may be the result of a recent purchase made with your Debit Card, and how the transaction was processed.
Financial Tools & Technology
Welcome to SavvyMoney credit score.
03/2021
One way Advia provides security to our members is free credit monitoring through SavvyMoney. With SavvyMoney, our members can safely monitor their credit score, view their credit report, receive special offers, and be on the look out for fraudulent activity. This free tool can be accessed via smartphone or desktop using Advia's Digital Banking. Note:...