AmeriCU Savings Challenge: Kick Off Your 2026 Goals!

Tip #21 – Talk to a Financial Counselor

You don’t have to navigate your financial journey alone.

How to Get Started:

• Schedule a conversation with an AmeriCU Financial Counselor
• Review your current budget, savings, and financial goals
• Identify opportunities to save more and make your money work harder
• Create a personalized plan that fits your needs and priorities

Tip: Working with a Financial Counselor can help you gain confidence, build stronger financial habits, and take the next step toward your goals.

Tip #21 – Know How Much Equity You’ve Built

Your home is more than a place to live. It may also be one of your most valuable financial assets.
How to Get Started:

• Review your current mortgage balance
• Check your home’s estimated market value
• Calculate the difference to understand your equity position
• Revisit it annually to track your progress

Tip: Knowing how much equity you’ve built can help you better understand your overall financial picture and prepare for future opportunities.

Tip #20 – Set a Game-Day Budget Before You Go

Football season can be full of fun, but game-day expenses can add up quickly.
How to Get Started:

• Decide how much you can afford to spend before game day
• Include costs for food, drinks, parking, and transportation
• Bring snacks or a dish to share when possible
• Look for opportunities to split costs with friends

Tip: Planning ahead can help you enjoy every touchdown while keeping your savings goals on track.

Tip #19 – Explore Financing Promotions That Can Help You Keep More Cash on Hand When Buying a Vehicle

Buying a vehicle is a major purchase, but there are ways to make it more affordable.
Smart Ways to Save:

• Compare loan options before visiting a dealership
• Look for special financing offers and incentives
• Consider insurance, fuel, and maintenance costs
• Set a budget before shopping
• Save for a down payment when possible

AmeriCU Advantage
Qualified borrowers may be eligible for our 90-Day No Payment Auto Loan option, helping preserve cash for registration, insurance, and other upfront expenses.

Tip: Looking beyond the sticker price can help you save hundreds or even thousands over the life of your vehicle.

Tip #18 – Ask if Your Student, Military, Nursing, or Professional ID Qualifies for a Discount

You could be missing out on easy savings without even realizing it.
Many businesses offer discounts for:

• Students
• Military members and veterans
• Nurses and healthcare workers
• Teachers
• First responders

Where to Look for Savings:

• Restaurants and coffee shops
• Retail stores
• Travel and hotels
• Entertainment venues
• Technology and software purchases

Tip: Always ask about available discounts before making a purchase. Even small savings can add up significantly over time.

Tip #17 – Turn Summer Job Paychecks Into Savings Wins

A summer job is more than just extra spending money—it’s a chance for youth members to build savings habits that last.

How to Build Smart Habits:

1. Set aside a portion of each paycheck for savings before spending
2. Use direct deposit to automatically grow savings
3. Track income and expenses to understand where money is going

Tip: Even small, consistent savings from summer earnings can add up quickly. Encourage young earners to save early, build confidence with money, and make the most of every paycheck.

Tip #16 – Make the Most of Graduation Gifts

Did your graduate receive congratulatory cash from family and friends? Turning those gifts into smart savings now can set them up for success in their next chapter.

How to Get Started:

• Meet with a financial counselor to create a simple savings plan
• Open a share certificate to grow gift money with guaranteed returns
• Consider a rewards checking account for everyday spending on campus or wherever life takes them next

Tip: Graduation money is a great opportunity to build strong financial habits. A little planning now can help your graduate stretch their funds further and start their future with confidence.

Tip #15 – Planning for Closing Costs

Closing costs often surprise first-time buyers, but preparing early helps you stay on track and avoid last minute stress.

How to Prepare:

• Know what’s included – appraisal, inspection, title fees, taxes
• Add them to your savings goal for a full picture
• Match your savings pace to your homebuying timeline

Tip: Estimate closing costs early and utilize our savings tools and support to plan, save, and move toward homeownership with confidence and stability.

Tip #14 – Saving for a Down Payment

Saving for a home starts with setting a clear down payment goal. The right savings tools can help you build it faster and stay on track.

How to Start Saving:

• Set a savings target based on your ideal home price
• Use higher-yield accounts like certificates or money markets
• Begin with small, regular contributions

Tip: Grow your down payment fund with our certificates and money market solutions – steady earnings can help you reach your goal sooner.

Tip #13 – Review Your Subscriptions

Monthly subscriptions can quietly drain your budget. Take time to review and cancel what you don’t use:

• Streaming services
• Apps or memberships
• Subscription boxes

Small cuts can lead to big savings over time.

Tip: Set a reminder every few months to review subscriptions and keep only what you truly use.

Tip #12 – Grow Your Savings with a Share Certificate

Share certificates let you earn more by choosing a term and locking in a great rate – then watching your money grow.

How AmeriCU Helps You Grow: 

• Competitive share certificate rates
• Flexible term options to fit your goals
• Safe, insured savings with predictable growth

Tip: Pick a term that works for you, deposit your funds, and let time do the rest. It’s an easy, low-risk way to grow your savings.

Tip #11 – Teach Kids Smart Money Habits Early

Kids learn best by doing—and by watching you.

Try this at home:

• Compare prices together before making a purchase
• Talk through a simple savings goal and the steps to reach it
• Set an example by explaining how you save for something important

Tip: One small money conversation today can build confident savers tomorrow.

Tip #10 – Stick to Your List, Stick to Your Budget

We’re continuing the AmeriCU Savings Challenge and celebrating Credit Union Youth Month with an easy way to stay on budget.

Tip #9 – Build Confidence in Your Savings

We’re celebrating America Saves Week and Financial Literacy Month by highlighting the tools and support available to you at AmeriCU.

How AmeriCU Helps You Save:

• Free financial counseling
• Budgeting and savings tools
• Educational resources for all ages
• Accounts designed to support your goals

Small steps today can lead to big progress tomorrow. Explore our resources and start building a stronger financial future with AmeriCU.

Tip: Take advantage of free financial counseling to better understand your savings options and create a plan that works for you.

Tip #8 – Start Saving Early

Getting kids involved in saving early helps build smart money habits that last.

Tip #7 – Pack Your Lunch to Save More

Buying lunch at work adds up quickly—packing your own can make a big difference.

• Prep at Home: Homemade lunches cost less and help you save week after week
• Keep It Easy: Leftovers and simple meals make sticking to this habit easier.
• Small Savings Add Up: Saving just a few dollars a day can mean hundreds a year.

Tip: Prep lunches ahead of time to stay consistent and save more.

Tip #6 – Ease the Impact of Rising Gas Prices

With gas prices on the rise and inflation already tightening household budgets, we know many families are feeling the strain.

Here are some ideas to help reduce gas usage and keep more money in your pocket:

Tip #5 – Find Inspiration to Power Your Savings Goals

Looking for inspiration to stay motivated in your savings challenge? You’re not alone—everyone has a goal they’re working toward:

Tip #4 – Boost Your Savings with Your Tax Refund

Looking for a simple way to boost your savings this tax season? Your refund can help:

Tip #3 – Pay Down Debt to Save More Over Time

Managing multiple payments and want to pay down debt faster? Two popular strategies can help:

Tip #2 – Make Coffee at Home

Want to cut daily spending? Try making your coffee at home instead of buying it:

Tip #1 – Set Automatic Transfers

Want to make saving automatic? Set up internal transfers in Online & Mobile Banking:

1. Log in
2. Select ‘Move Money’
3. Choose your accounts
4. Confirm transfer

Tip: Schedule recurring transfers for consistency. It’s secure, convenient, and helps you stay on track!