Education

As your credit union, we want to do more than just offer you quality financial services. We want to provide you with important financial education! Being educated is one of the best ways to keep your money safe and watch it grow!

The eCO Savings Race:

Applications are now available for the Second Edition of the eCO Savings Race!

eCO Education Blogs:

Most Recent Blog:

Budgeting 101:
"Look at budgeting like learning to drive- it's tough at the start, but when you've mastered it you are definitely going places."
Put these four simple steps into practice to start your budget.

eCO

Credit and Loans

Savings

Budgeting

Other

From checking to loans, eCO is here to meet ALL of your needs!
With so many options available, sometimes it can hard to find the best place to have each of your unique financial needs met. We make it easy! With a wide array of products and services, we are here to meet all of your financial needs. Let us be your "one stop shop!"

Is Now the Time to Refinance?
Are you thinking about refinancing? Read this article for questions that you should ask yourself before starting the process.

Still want to know more? Watch this video!

America Saves Week 2012: Set Goals!
This week is America Saves week. The theme for the week is "Set Goals, Make a Plan, Save Automatically." Read this article to learn more about taking the first step... Setting goals! Click here if you want to write your goal on a poster and share it through social media.

Why Should You Have a Cash Flow Plan?
Budgeting is for stuffy, boring people, right? Wrong... If you want to control your money, instead of letting it control you, you need a Cash Flow Plan!

Need help getting started? This worksheet is a helpful tool to help make your first Cash Flow Plan: Monthly Cash Flow Plan.

Identity Theft 101
Do you know the ways that people seek to steal your identity? Have you ever had your identity stolen? Read this article to learn how to keep your personal information safe, and the steps to take if you fall victim to identity theft.

It's Dangerous When You Don't Know That You Don't Know.
eCO's CEO, Joey Hand, gives his opinion on the importance of financial education and pledges that eCO will step up and be your true financial partner in 2012.

Home Buying: Looking for Your First Home?
Thinking about buying your first home? If so, there are a lot of things you should know before you start looking for your dream home. Read this article for tips to make sure you are fully prepared.

America Saves Week 2012: Make a Plan.
As America Saves Week continues, it's time to make your plan. Read this article to learn more about the importance of a monthly plan or budget, where to start, and how to stick to your plan! Still need help? Your credit union branch manager is a great person to turn to!

Are Your Bad Money Habits Affecting Your Kids?
You never know who is watching your actions. Kids often mirror what their parents do. This is especially true in the financial realm. Break your bad habits for you and your kids' financial future.

Internet Security 101
Do you know how to protect your computer and personal information from scams, spyware, and viruses? Read this article to learn some simple steps you can take to help protect yourself while surfing the Internet.

Why eCO Credit Union?
Have you ever wondered why credit unions offer lower fees and better savings rates, or what makes us different than a bank? Read this article to learn more!

Credit Scores... Where Do the Magic Numbers Come From?
As 2012 approaches, have you thought about your short and long-term goals? Your credit score can be a pivotal part of meeting these goals. Read more to learn what factors are considered when determining credit scores.

America Saves Week 2012: Save Automatically.
Sticking to your savings plan can be a challenge. That's why it's important to set yourself up for financial success through saving automatically! Read this article for practical ways to help you on your road towards meeting your goals.

The Financial Twilight Zone...
Do you ever feel like your finances are caught in the twilight zone? Do you overspend each month? Read this article for helpful tips on how to avoid the vicious cycle of overspending.

Getting the Job: Interviewing Tips
In today's economy, the job hunt can be tough. Do you ever wonder what the person viewing your Resume or interviewing you is looking for? Read this article to learn more about how to prepare for an interview from the perspective of our Human Resources Manager.

A Better Way to Bank
McCalla Branch Manager, Emmett Colston, shares his thoughts about breaking the banking mold! Are you fed up with your bank? eCO Credit Union is here to change your banking experience.

Should You Refinance Your Auto Loan?
With rates at an all time low, NOW is the time to refinance your auto loan. Read this article to learn more about the benefits of refinancing your auto loan with eCO!

Building an Emergency Fund
What would you do if you and your family experienced an unexpected or unplanned major financial expense? You never know when an emergency can occur... take these easy steps to prepare yourself!

Bargaining on a Budget
Bargaining is a great way to get the things you want or need without wrecking your Cash Flow plan. This blog gives a few helpful tips to use when searching for the perfect bargain!

What is Private Mortgage Insurance?
With all the factors that go into purchasing a home, it's easy to get confused. Private Mortgage Insurance is one of these factors. Read this article to learn more about it what it is and if you should have it.

Are You Ready for a Change?
Are you carrying around a load of debt? Do you feel like you'll never be able to meet your savings goals?

It's time to make the change with the eCO Savings Race!

The Great Dilemma: Establishing Credit History
As a young adult- establishing credit can be tough. How can you establish credit when no one will offer it to you? Read this article to learn more about new products eCO is offering to help YOU establish credit!

National Credit Union Youth Week:
Do the youth in your life have savings account with eCO yet?

Read more about eCO's accounts designed for youth and reasons to start savings at an early age.
Healthy Spending Habits:
Do you ever wonder where all of your money goes each month? Put these healthy spending habits into practice to improve your financial future and know exactly where your money is going!

2012 Parent's Choice Award:
Why eCO? More Like- Why Not eCO?
eCO was recently honored to be selected as Birmingham Magazine's 2012 Parent's Choice Award Winner for Best Financial Institution. With accounts and services for members in every walk of life, why wouldn't you trust eCO to meet your financial needs?
In the market for a new set of wheels?
Tips for Buying a New or Used Vehicle
There are a lot of things to consider when purchasing a new vehicle. What needs does the vehicle need to meet? New or used? How should you finance the car? Read this article for car buying tips!
Make Your Savings Work for You!
Have you started building your savings? If you have, it's important to know where to put your money so it will grow and earn the best interest possible. Read this blog for practical ways to make your savings work for you! Back to School on a Budget
Sending the kids back to school can often be stressful for parents. From wanting the latest gadget to needing binders and books, back to school costs can add up quickly. Read this blog for useful tips for sending your kids back to school without breaking the bank.

Car Buying Tips: Surviving the Car Lot
Walking onto a car lot can be very intimidating. Make sure you are prepared to get the vehicle you want at a price you can afford. Read this blog for practical tips to make the car buying process a little easier. 10 Rules to Save Money on Everything:
Have you been trying to save money without success? Consider using a few simple practices, and watch your money grow! Budgeting 101:
"Look at budgeting like learning to drive- it's tough at the start, but when you've mastered it you are definitely going places."
Put these four simple steps into practice to start your budget.

Are Credit Cards a Good Thing?:
Credit cards often have a bad reputation because of the way many consumers use them. In actuality, credit cards have a lot of benefits and, when used responsibly, can be a great financial decision. Read this blog to learn more.

External Resources:

Budgeting:
Mint.com- a free service that puts all of your accounts into one place. It helps you budget, set goals, and manage your money in a streamlined way.

MSN My Money- allows you to track trends in your spending and compare it to the trends of others. It also allows you to calculate the future worth of your savings.

Savings on a Tight Budget- includes tips to help you save even when you are on a budget!

Credit:
Debt in Focus- is a free anonymous service that allows you to bring your debt into focus.

AnnualCreditReport.com- allows you to request a FREE copy of your credit report from each of the consumer credit reporting companies.

Retirement:
Ball Park E$timate- is an easy-to-use, two-page worksheet that helps you quickly identify approximately how much you need to save to fund a comfortable retirement.

AARP Online Calculator Tools- helps you determine your retirement's shortfall, what type of IRA is best for you, and how much of your retirement will come from your 401(K).

*These links direct you to external websites. eCO Credit Union does not operate these sites and is not responsible for the content. Privacy and security policies of these sites may differ from those practiced by eCO Credit Union.

eCO	Credit and Loans	Savings	Budgeting	Other
From checking to loans, eCO is here to meet ALL of your needs! With so many options available, sometimes it can hard to find the best place to have each of your unique financial needs met. We make it easy! With a wide array of products and services, we are here to meet all of your financial needs. Let us be your "one stop shop!"	Is Now the Time to Refinance? Are you thinking about refinancing? Read this article for questions that you should ask yourself before starting the process. Still want to know more? Watch this video!	America Saves Week 2012: Set Goals! This week is America Saves week. The theme for the week is "Set Goals, Make a Plan, Save Automatically." Read this article to learn more about taking the first step... Setting goals! Click here if you want to write your goal on a poster and share it through social media.	Why Should You Have a Cash Flow Plan? Budgeting is for stuffy, boring people, right? Wrong... If you want to control your money, instead of letting it control you, you need a Cash Flow Plan! Need help getting started? This worksheet is a helpful tool to help make your first Cash Flow Plan: Monthly Cash Flow Plan.	Identity Theft 101 Do you know the ways that people seek to steal your identity? Have you ever had your identity stolen? Read this article to learn how to keep your personal information safe, and the steps to take if you fall victim to identity theft.
It's Dangerous When You Don't Know That You Don't Know. eCO's CEO, Joey Hand, gives his opinion on the importance of financial education and pledges that eCO will step up and be your true financial partner in 2012.	Home Buying: Looking for Your First Home? Thinking about buying your first home? If so, there are a lot of things you should know before you start looking for your dream home. Read this article for tips to make sure you are fully prepared.	America Saves Week 2012: Make a Plan. As America Saves Week continues, it's time to make your plan. Read this article to learn more about the importance of a monthly plan or budget, where to start, and how to stick to your plan! Still need help? Your credit union branch manager is a great person to turn to!	Are Your Bad Money Habits Affecting Your Kids? You never know who is watching your actions. Kids often mirror what their parents do. This is especially true in the financial realm. Break your bad habits for you and your kids' financial future.	Internet Security 101 Do you know how to protect your computer and personal information from scams, spyware, and viruses? Read this article to learn some simple steps you can take to help protect yourself while surfing the Internet.
Why eCO Credit Union? Have you ever wondered why credit unions offer lower fees and better savings rates, or what makes us different than a bank? Read this article to learn more!	Credit Scores... Where Do the Magic Numbers Come From? As 2012 approaches, have you thought about your short and long-term goals? Your credit score can be a pivotal part of meeting these goals. Read more to learn what factors are considered when determining credit scores.	America Saves Week 2012: Save Automatically. Sticking to your savings plan can be a challenge. That's why it's important to set yourself up for financial success through saving automatically! Read this article for practical ways to help you on your road towards meeting your goals.	The Financial Twilight Zone... Do you ever feel like your finances are caught in the twilight zone? Do you overspend each month? Read this article for helpful tips on how to avoid the vicious cycle of overspending.	Getting the Job: Interviewing Tips In today's economy, the job hunt can be tough. Do you ever wonder what the person viewing your Resume or interviewing you is looking for? Read this article to learn more about how to prepare for an interview from the perspective of our Human Resources Manager.
A Better Way to Bank McCalla Branch Manager, Emmett Colston, shares his thoughts about breaking the banking mold! Are you fed up with your bank? eCO Credit Union is here to change your banking experience.	Should You Refinance Your Auto Loan? With rates at an all time low, NOW is the time to refinance your auto loan. Read this article to learn more about the benefits of refinancing your auto loan with eCO!	Building an Emergency Fund What would you do if you and your family experienced an unexpected or unplanned major financial expense? You never know when an emergency can occur... take these easy steps to prepare yourself!	Bargaining on a Budget Bargaining is a great way to get the things you want or need without wrecking your Cash Flow plan. This blog gives a few helpful tips to use when searching for the perfect bargain!	What is Private Mortgage Insurance? With all the factors that go into purchasing a home, it's easy to get confused. Private Mortgage Insurance is one of these factors. Read this article to learn more about it what it is and if you should have it.
Are You Ready for a Change? Are you carrying around a load of debt? Do you feel like you'll never be able to meet your savings goals? It's time to make the change with the eCO Savings Race!	The Great Dilemma: Establishing Credit History As a young adult- establishing credit can be tough. How can you establish credit when no one will offer it to you? Read this article to learn more about new products eCO is offering to help YOU establish credit!	National Credit Union Youth Week: Do the youth in your life have savings account with eCO yet? Read more about eCO's accounts designed for youth and reasons to start savings at an early age.	Healthy Spending Habits: Do you ever wonder where all of your money goes each month? Put these healthy spending habits into practice to improve your financial future and know exactly where your money is going!
2012 Parent's Choice Award: Why eCO? More Like- Why Not eCO? eCO was recently honored to be selected as Birmingham Magazine's 2012 Parent's Choice Award Winner for Best Financial Institution. With accounts and services for members in every walk of life, why wouldn't you trust eCO to meet your financial needs?	In the market for a new set of wheels? Tips for Buying a New or Used Vehicle There are a lot of things to consider when purchasing a new vehicle. What needs does the vehicle need to meet? New or used? How should you finance the car? Read this article for car buying tips!	Make Your Savings Work for You! Have you started building your savings? If you have, it's important to know where to put your money so it will grow and earn the best interest possible. Read this blog for practical ways to make your savings work for you!	Back to School on a Budget Sending the kids back to school can often be stressful for parents. From wanting the latest gadget to needing binders and books, back to school costs can add up quickly. Read this blog for useful tips for sending your kids back to school without breaking the bank.
	Car Buying Tips: Surviving the Car Lot Walking onto a car lot can be very intimidating. Make sure you are prepared to get the vehicle you want at a price you can afford. Read this blog for practical tips to make the car buying process a little easier.	10 Rules to Save Money on Everything: Have you been trying to save money without success? Consider using a few simple practices, and watch your money grow!	Budgeting 101: "Look at budgeting like learning to drive- it's tough at the start, but when you've mastered it you are definitely going places." Put these four simple steps into practice to start your budget.
	Are Credit Cards a Good Thing?: Credit cards often have a bad reputation because of the way many consumers use them. In actuality, credit cards have a lot of benefits and, when used responsibly, can be a great financial decision. Read this blog to learn more.