Advia Financial Blog
Learn about advantages to help you navigate today's financial world.
Investment & Savings
Take Control of Your Credit Score in 2026
08/2026
A practical guide to improving your credit score in 2026 through responsible financial habits, credit monitoring, debt management, and tools from Advia Credit Union.
Investment & Savings
How to Grow Your Savings Without Cutting Your Budget
08/2026
Learn how to grow your savings without cutting your budget by using automatic savings, savings accounts, and certificate accounts to make your money work harder.
Shopping & Subscriptions
Back-to-School Shopping on a Budget: Plan Smarter, Earn More Rewards
08/2026
Plan your back-to-school budget, maximize rewards on planned purchases, and use digital banking and mobile wallets to make shopping easier while supporting local students through Advia’s supply drive.
Home Loans & Homeownership
Buying a Home in 2026: Five Tips to Make the Mortgage Process Seamless
07/2026
Buying a home in 2026? Learn five practical tips to simplify the mortgage process, choose the right loan, and prepare for a smoother homebuying experience with guidance from Advia and Mortgage Center.
Fraud & Identity Protection
Stay Safe Online with These Identity Theft Prevention Tips
07/2026
Learn practical identity theft prevention tips, recognize common scams, and discover how Advia Credit Union helps keep your accounts and personal information secure.
Fraud & Identity Protection
Traffic Ticket Text Scams: How to Spot Them and Stay Safe
06/2026
Scammers are sending fake traffic and parking violation texts with QR codes that lead to fraudulent payment pages designed to steal your financial information. Avoid scanning codes or responding, and always verify through official sources.
Fraud & Identity Protection
Celebrating National Financial Capability Month
04/2026
April is National Financial Capability Month, a time to build financial knowledge and confidence, and Advia Credit Union supports this year-round with educational resources, practical tools, and personalized guidance. From budgeting tips and savings strategies to accessible banking products and fraud protection, Advia helps members at every stage take meaningful steps toward long-term financial wellbeing.
Budgeting & Planning
Celebrating Credit Education Month 2026
03/2026
Celebrate Credit Education Month by learning how credit works, what affects your score, and practical ways to build, protect, or rebuild your credit with tools and support from Advia Credit Union.
Budgeting & Planning
Advia & Mortgage Center Strengthen a Long‑Standing Partnership
03/2026
Advia Credit Union and Mortgage Center leaders discuss their 20-year partnership, highlighting collaborative strategies that expand affordable homeownership options and enhance the digital mortgage experience. The conversation explores innovations, member-focused programs, and future opportunities in mortgage lending.
Shopping & Subscriptions
How to Sweeten Your Valentine’s Date Night
02/2026
Advia Credit Union highlights simple ways to sweeten your Valentine’s Day, from earning rewards on dining and gifts to avoiding disruptions with overdraft protection. The blog also showcases flexible lending options and financial guidance to help you confidently plan your next big milestone together.
Fraud & Identity Protection
Stay Safe in 2026: Your Guide to Fraud & Identity Theft Protection
01/2026
Stay ahead of evolving fraud threats with Advia Credit Union’s guide to identity theft protection, covering AI-driven scams, phishing, and practical steps to keep your accounts secure. Learn how Advia helps protect your financial wellbeing with advanced monitoring tools and member-focused security tips.
Budgeting & Planning
How to Tackle Post-Holiday Debt Like a Pro
01/2026
Practical strategies to help you tackle post-holiday debt, from consolidating balances with fixed-rate loans and balance transfers to using Buy Now, Pay Later for added flexibility. The blog also introduces Digital Banking Savings Goals to help you rebuild momentum and start the new year with a smarter financial plan.
Financial Tools & Technology
Make Holiday Shopping Stress-Free with Advia’s Flexible Financing Options
12/2025
Advia Credit Union offers stress-free holiday financing options including 0% Visa® balance transfers, low-rate Signature Loans, and flexible Buy Now, Pay Later plans to help manage seasonal expenses. Enjoy affordable, convenient solutions that keep your budget on track while you focus on the holidays.
Financial Tools & Technology
More Flexibility, More Control with Buy Now, Pay Later
12/2025
Advia Credit Union’s new Buy Now, Pay Later program gives members a simple, flexible way to split purchases into predictable installments. Manage spending with confidence through seamless access in Digital Banking.
Penny Shortage 2025: Why Pennies Are Disappearing From Banks & Stores (And What It Means For You)
11/2025
Across the US, a penny shortage in 2025 is making exact change harder to find. The US Department of Treasury has stopped cranking out pennies.
Financial Tools & Technology
Save Smarter This Pumpkin Spice Season
10/2025
Skip the pumpkin spice latte and put your money to work this fall! Learn how small savings can grow with Advia Credit Union’s high-yield accounts, CDs, and smart spending strategies to boost your financial well-being.
Community Events & Involvement
International Credit Union Day®
10/2025
Advia Credit Union proudly celebrates International Credit Union Day® 2025 by honoring our members and highlighting our impact, including $1 million in community support and 4,600+ volunteer hours across Michigan, Illinois, and Wisconsin. As part of a global movement, we remain committed to providing real financial advantages and strengthening the communities we serve.
Fraud & Identity Protection
Secure Access Codes: What You Need to Know
10/2025
Learn how Secure Access Codes (SACs) help protect your accounts with multi-factor authentication and what steps to take if you receive one—especially if you didn’t request it. This article explains how SACs work, why they matter, and how to stay safe from fraud attempts.
Financial Assistance & Building Credit
Four Financial Tips for College
09/2025
Starting college or entering the workforce comes with big financial decisions—from budgeting and borrowing to managing debt and preparing for job uncertainty. Advia Credit Union shares four key money tips to help recent high school graduates build confidence and a strong financial foundation.
Financial Assistance & Building Credit
Five Facts You Didn’t Know About Credit Unions
08/2025
Advia Credit Union has been putting people first for over 90 years—offering member-owned banking, rewarding loyalty, and supporting local communities. From personalized service to real financial perks, these five facts show how credit unions like Advia go beyond traditional banking.
Fraud & Identity Protection
Fraudsters, Scams, AI – Oh My! Be Careful in 2025
08/2025
Scammers are using AI to create more convincing fraud, from fake voices and emails to deepfake videos and job scams. At Advia Credit Union, we’re committed to keeping your finances secure. Visit our Financial Security Hub for tips and report suspicious activity right away.
Fraud & Identity Protection
Stay Safe Online
06/2025
In light of recent events with cybersecurity and large-scale data breaches, your money is safe with Advia Credit Union. We wanted to take a moment to remind you of online best practices.
Auto, RV & Boat
Drive Off the Lot with Auto Advantage
05/2025
The Auto Advantage Program with Advia Credit Union is here to make your car buying or refinancing experience smoother and more accessible. With more approvals and less hassle, Auto Advantage is designed to help you get behind the wheel without jumping through endless hoops.
Fraud & Identity Protection
Spot the Skimmer: Protect Your Card from Sneaky Scams
05/2025
Heads up: there's a card skimming scam happening locally. Here are some tips on how to protect yourself from fraud.
Investment & Savings
Changing Market Conditions and the Impact on Financial Institutions
04/2025
In times of market ups and downs, it’s understandable that members can be unsure about their savings, especially when it comes to safety and soundness.
Budgeting & Planning
Manage Your Money with These Saving Tips and Tricks
04/2025
Managing your money can be a breeze with the right tools and strategies.
Financial Tools & Technology
Navigating Updates to Social Security – Including New Identification Validation
04/2025
There have been several recent updates that may impact Social Security benefits.
Investment & Savings
Your Funds Remain Safe Under NCUA Protections
02/2025
With all the conversations about potential changes in federal agencies, we at Advia Credit Union want to reassure you that your deposits are safe, secure, and fully insured under the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA).
Community Events & Involvement
February is Black History Month
02/2025
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, Financial Tools & Technology, Investment & Savings
Balance Transfers Explained: Save Money and Simplify Your Debt
01/2025
If high-interest credit card debt feels overwhelming, a balance transfer may be a smart solution for you.
Financial Tools & Technology
Financial Wellness Tips: Five Ways to Boost Your Savings in 2025
12/2024
The New Year is fantastic time for a fresh start — and your finances are no exception!
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.
Financial Tools & Technology
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.
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.