Capital Off the Cuff

Things you actually want to read. That's all we plan to put out here. Educational, informational, slightly silly... but always completely honest content that's relevant. New posts will be showing up regularly, so don't forget to check back!


Explore off the cuff

In for a bit of light reading? From business ownership to dog ownership (yup we write about that too), find the topics you're interested in with just a couple clicks. 
 

Lady on her laptop.
Checking
2024-02-27

How To Open a Checking Account Online

Discover the simple steps for opening a checking account online, and explore expert tips so you can find the best checking account for you. Get started today! ...

Child brushing paint on her moms nose.
Home
2024-02-23

How To Find the Best Home Equity Loan Rates in Wisconsin

Discover how to find the best home equity loan rates in Wisconsin with our comprehensive guide. Compare rates, assess your financial situation, and secure a great deal. ...

Vehicle
2024-02-13

Avoid Common Mistakes: How To Compare Wisconsin Auto Loan Offers

There is a lot to consider when comparing Wisconsin auto loan rates and offers. Explore the dos and don’ts so you can find the best deal for your new vehicle. ...

friends watching the Super Bowl game.
Personal Finance
2024-02-06

How to Host a Super Bowl Party on a Budget

Keys to hosting a Super Bowl Party on a budget: Don’t get too extravagant with the food options. Decorations are fun, but don’t go over the top. Plan ahead, make a budget and stick to it. Potluck style is a good option for everyone to contribute a little. ...

Happy women sitting on the couch, looking at laptop
Checking
2024-01-30

Earn More With a High-Interest Checking Account – Start Now!

You can save more with a high-interest checking account and reach your financial goals sooner. You work hard for your money, and a checking account is a great way to keep that money in reserve for easy access and day-to-day spending. However, what if your checking account could also earn...

Man and women high fiving.
Home
2024-01-25

Refinancing Your Way to Savings: Maximizing Benefits of Home Loan Refinance

Saving money is the best way to set yourself up for financial success. If you own a home, you may be wondering how to maximize the benefits of a home loan refinance. Lucky for you, helping our members save money is one of our favorite things to do. Capital Credit...

Person putting coin into emergency savings coin jar, with a calculator in the background.
Savings
2024-01-11

Emergency Funds 101: Why You Need a Savings Account

Maybe your car won’t start. Or the electricity goes out, requiring you to replace all the food in your refrigerator. Emergency funds can help with that. But first, you’ll have to build up those funds. It’s simple: just set up a traditional savings account and add to the balance regularly....

Man looking at a sheet, happy and surprised.
Personal Finance
2023-12-28

Maximize Savings With Certificates: Your Complete Guide

You have many options when it comes to home loan refinances. Discover what you need to know when it comes to leveraging the benefits of refinancing your home loan. ...

Two girl friends at a store, looking at phone.
Personal Finance
2023-12-28

24 Ways to Save in 2024

Even if saving isn’t one of your New Year’s resolutions, I think we can all benefit from taking a look at our spending habits. No, I’m not going to tell you to stop buying your $5 caramel macchiato every morning, because if it makes you happy and keeps you going...

Couple smiling, holding keys to new home.
Home
2023-12-19

Your Path to Homeownership: A Guide to Different Home Loan Options

There’s more than one way for you to reach your goal of homeownership. Explore the different home loan options available to you in northeast Wisconsin. ...

Man holding keys to new car with fist pump.
Vehicle
2023-12-14

Where Is the Best Place to Get a Car Loan?

Consider the different types of car loans, the pros and cons of each, and ultimately, which options might be the best place to get a car loan for you. ...

Lady with glasses looking at laptop and holding two sheets of paper.
Personal Finance
2023-12-05

Checking vs. Savings Accounts: Understanding the Differences and Benefits

When setting up your finances with a credit union, you will need to consider which account type will best suit your needs. The two most common types of accounts are checking accounts and savings accounts. While both accounts are ways to store your money, each has its own benefits and...

Handing money.
Checking
2023-11-30

How Does the Cha Ching Checking Account Compare to a High-Interest Savings Account?

Explore the advantages of a high-interest savings account in Wisconsin and compare it to the Cha Ching checking account. Achieve your savings goals without taking risks. ...

A young lady holding her phone and credit card sitting in front of a Christmas tree in a holiday sweater.
Personal Finance
2023-11-22

The Ultimate Guide to Holiday Budgeting and Online Shopping Security

'Tis the season of joy, celebration, and generosity! As we start embracing the holiday spirit, surrounded by festive ads and tempting deals, it's important to find balance between enjoying the festivities and being mindful of our finances. After all, no one wants to start the new year with unnecessary financial...

Elder couple outside of vacation home.
Home
2023-11-21

How To Use a Home Equity Loan to Buy a Second Home

If you’re in the market to buy a second home, you may be wondering how to finance the down payment if you’re not selling your current home. You may have built up equity in your existing home, for instance, but your cash reserves are a little low. If this sounds...

paper home on desk with person using calculator and writing in the back.
Home
2023-11-07

When Is a Good Time to Refinance Your Mortgage?

Unlock the benefits of mortgage refinance loans with expert advice on when to refinance your mortgage. Learn about the ideal timing and opportunities to save money. ...

An image of someone putting a debit card into an ATM.
Security
2023-11-03

How to Protect Yourself From Skimmers

Though easy and convenient, ATMs have become a common place for criminals to steal your information through skimming devices, which can turn one simple errand into a nightmare. Despite how deceiving they may be, there are still ways to catch a skimmer. ...

Young women holding her car keys sitting in the driver side of her new silver car.
Vehicle
2023-11-02

5 Insider Tips for First-Time Car Buyers

It’s exciting to buy your first car and finally have the independence to travel where you want to go and not depend on public transportation. Buying a new car is a big investment, so you want to do it right. That means more than just finding the right car; you...

Lady looking at her phone with excitement.
Checking
2023-10-24

What Will You Do With a Capital Cha Ching Checking Account This Year?

Opening a checking account is the first step toward successfully managing your finances. Learn how the Cha Ching Checking account can help you do more with your money. ...

Couple with a moving box, unpacking at new home.
Home
2023-10-19

How To Qualify for a First-Time Home Buyer Loan in Wisconsin

Few people have the cash on hand to purchase their first house outright. That’s why you have the option of qualifying for a first-time home buyer loan in Wisconsin. Learn more. ...

Middle aged man and woman looking at account comparisons on paper and laptop.
Savings
2023-10-12

Credit Union Money Market Account vs. Regular Savings Account

Saving your money is one of the best ways to feel financially empowered. If you have an emergency pop up unexpectedly, you can breathe easier knowing you have money saved to cover the cost. But when it comes to saving your money, does a credit union money market account or...

Lady holding credit card and looking at laptop screen.
Checking
2023-10-05

How Do I Open a Checking Account at a Credit Union?

Most people choose to store their money in a financial institution, rather than keeping it all at home. It’s both safer and more productive. You have some options when choosing a financial institution where you can open a savings or checking account, but many people choose to bank with a...

Happy Couple Smiling, next to a tree,  outside of a blue house.
Home
2023-09-26

Are you Ready to Buy a Home?

There are a few key factors to consider when deciding if it’s time to buy a home. Discover if you are ready to make the purchase with a northeast Wisconsin home loan. ...

Homeowner and dog by his work station.
Home
2023-09-21

5 Home Improvements to Make With a Home Equity Loan

Making improvements to a home is something many homeowners dream of doing and finding the money to do so is easier than you think. Large expenses like home improvements are made a reality for people when they choose to tap into their home equity. Home equity loans often come with...

Man in plaid shirt counting money.
Checking
2023-09-12

How Much Money Should I Keep in My Checking Account?

Have you ever wondered how much money you should keep in your checking account? We can help you figure that out. The team at Capital Credit Union helps members open and manage their checking accounts in Wisconsin every day. We’ll share some tips for knowing how much money to keep...

Puppy in car looking out the window.
Vehicle
2023-09-07

Should I Auto Finance With a Credit Union or Dealership?

Discover a world of options with Capital CU auto finance. Get low rates, convenience, and protection whether you choose credit union or dealership financing. ...

Happy couple and golden retriever inside of a new home with boxes surrounding them.
Personal Finance
2023-08-29

Credit Unions Have the Best Home Loan Rates in Northeast Wisconsin

A home is likely to be one of the most exciting purchases you’ll ever make. It’s also likely to be one of your largest investments. So why not try to save as much money as possible on your home loan purchase? ...

Women counting cash from the register.
Personal Finance
2023-08-24

How To Choose the Best Wisconsin Credit Union for Your Banking Needs

Looking for the perfect Wisconsin credit union? Discover how to make the right choice for your financial needs. Explore savings, loans, investments, and more. ...

Lady in glasses holding credit card and looking browsing digital banking app her phone
Checking
2023-08-15

What’s So Special About the Capital Cha Ching Account?

As kids, we all loved the sound of shiny new coins being dropped into our piggy banks. Cha Ching! Knowing that we had a little something to spend on candy or for a bigger toy or a special event, if we were saving up, gave us a sense of pride...

Lady smiling in new car.
Vehicle
2023-08-09

Is It Better to Get an Auto Loan With a Private Lender?

Discover whether a private lender is right for your next auto loan or if there is a better option, such as a Capital auto loan from Capital Credit Union. ...

Man sitting in his new car holding the keys.
Vehicle
2023-08-01

5 Benefits of a Credit Union Auto Loan

A credit union auto loan is often the most cost-effective loan choice, as credit unions offer lower interest rates and fees and added benefits for members. ...

man in a red shirt looking at phone and credit card
Security
2023-07-13

You Might be Getting Catfished

If you don’t know what it means to be catfished then you’ve probably never had it happen to you - which is good news. Getting catfished means someone created a fake profile on one or more social media platforms or dating apps and filled in all the details to convince...

Capital Credit Union staff gathered together wearing t-shirts promoting mental health awareness
Community
2023-05-18

Let Your Inner Voice Out

Mental health is not talked about enough, it is something that is not voiced or expressed. When Capital Credit Union decided to partner with mental health organizations, we knew that we wanted to start the conversation about mental health and mental illness. We wanted to remove the stigma and encourage...

couple and blueprint.
Home
2023-05-14

5 Tips for Finding the Best HELOC Rates in Wisconsin

HELOCs allow homeowners to access the equity they’ve built up in their homes. Check out our expert tips for securing the best HELOC rates in Wisconsin. ...

couple budgeting
Personal Finance
2023-05-11

How to Create a Monthly Budget

To have a handle on your cash flow, you need to know how much money you have coming in and going out. Learn more about budgeting from your local Wisconsin credit union. ...

Couple on laptop.
Checking
2023-05-05

What Are My Options for Capital Credit Union Checking Accounts?

Having a Capital checking account comes with knowing your money is securely stored and insured and the benefits of an account that is member centered. Learn more. ...

couple in front of a new car holding keys.
Vehicle
2023-04-10

How Do You Find a Great Auto Loan in Northeast Wisconsin?

When shopping for a new car, start by researching financing. Explore different lenders and auto loan rates in Wisconsin so you can find the best rate. Learn more. ...

older coupe giving each other a high five.
Home
2023-04-10

What Can I Do With a Home Equity Loan in Northeast Wisconsin?

With a home equity loan in Wisconsin, you can finance a loan with lower interest rates and use that money however you need. Explore how this works. ...

College graduate holding diploma.
Checking
2023-04-10

What Bonuses Come With the Capital Cha Ching Checking Account?

If you’re in the market for a new checking account, you’ll be impressed when you learn more about the Cha Ching checking account and its bonus options. ...

couple shaking hands with a man in suit.
Personal Finance
2023-04-10

5 Reasons to Open an Account With a Credit Union in Northeast Wisconsin

Credit unions offer countless benefits and resources to members. Explore the benefits of opening an account with a credit union in northeast Wisconsin instead of a bank. ...

Woman playing with dog in home
Home
2023-03-28

Buying with Paws in Mind

From building equity, to having a place to make your own, or even finding space to bond with your furry friends. There are plenty of reasons we desire to buy a home. You may value being close to a park or avoiding an HOA. We consider many different factors when...

Male and female looking at paper
Security
2023-03-15

Your Deposits Remain Safe and Insured

Recent events within the financial industry can make us think about our financial institution's stability. Capital Credit Union is financially sound! ...

stressed man in santa hat
Security
2022-12-07

The Most Fraudulent Time of the Year

Ahh, the holiday season. A time when your inbox may be just as full of scammers as your stocking is with candy. If you’re reading this, chances are you’ve received some sort of fraudulent message recently. Whether it be an “iffy” text message, a questionable email, or even someone requesting...

Woman in santa hat holding her smartphone and credit card
Savings
2022-11-22

Season of Spending

“Gotta hurry to the sale!” No, you don’t. Fear Of Missing Out (FOMO) may cause you to feel a sense of urgency, a need to immediately respond to the “BIG SALE!” as you prepare for the holidays. But if my email inbox is any indication, there will be another one...

Middle aged female business owner opening door to her shop
Business
2022-09-27

All Work and No Play

Managing your own business has its perks. You’re the boss. The master of your own domain. The buck stops with you. It’s exhilarating... But also exhausting. So, like placing your own air mask before assisting others, it’s important to take care of YOU and find a healthy work/life balance. ...

Two middle aged men giving each other a friendly and  supportive hug
Career
2022-08-23

No Job, No Paycheck, Same Identity

Before you let the panic completely overwhelm you, consider letting someone who can give you a solid set of options look over your financial situation. It can be tough to get your bearings when your thoughts are running a million miles a minute, and having someone show you what directions...

Two middle aged women shaking hands and chatting with a smile
Personal Finance
2022-08-16

No Stupid Questions, No Stupid Answers

You and I would probably agree that no one can be an expert at everything in the world, and everyone looks to an expert for help or advice at some point in their lives. Yeah, you could turn to Google for an answer, and the internet is great for finding...

Young mother in sunglasses pushing a baby stroller in her sweatpants and casual wear outside
Personal Finance
2022-08-09

Sweatpants Welcome

Who knows where it started, but there’s a misconception that putting on a suit will make you more likely to get a loan. Movies show this all the time! Someone is in desperate need of cash, so they put on their Sunday best and head to the bank (or credit...

Middle aged mother and father hold their son's hands swinging him playfully as they go to the beach
Personal Finance
2022-08-02

That's a Whole Lot of... VALUE

If getting up every morning and hitting Starbucks on your way to work is important to you, then do it. If building a race car is your dream, and that’s what motivates you to go to work every day, then go for it. It boils down to what you personally...

Middle aged mother rubbing noses with giggling daughter at the kitchen table at home
Home
2022-07-26

The More You Know: Mortgages

When you hear the word “mortgage,” what sort of reaction do you have? For most people, it's panic or distraught. Me though? I love ‘em! That, however, is because I get to work with them every day. Well, I should say, I get to work with the people who work...

Young woman engaging in a conversation over her cellphone as she holds a pen in the other hand
Personal Finance
2022-04-28

Who's Really in Charge?

Somewhere, we lost sight of who is doing whom a favor. Financial institutions make money on interest… it’s their bread and butter. If you have average to good credit, you are doing them the favor, not the other way around. You have the right to ask questions and try to...

Young smiling woman fueling her car at the gas pump
Savings
2022-02-22

COSTS ON THE HORIZON

Even if you don’t follow the news or subscribe to a nifty podcast for your worldly updates, you have likely felt changes happening within your wallet. The chicken you’ve been ordering through the pick-up app at your local grocery store may have been your first tip. Some of our essentials...

Three young women posing for a group photo with a valentines day themed prop
Checking
2022-02-14

Paint it Pink

The truth is, you can go almost anywhere and find a checking account that will work for you. Some are fancier than others, and some have less fees than others, but overall… the financial institutions pretty much leveled the playing field in the checking account game. ...

Middle aged man giving wife a small box wrapped in red ribbon containing an expensive holiday gift
Savings
2021-12-20

Avoiding the Holiday Hangover

Ah, the holiday season. As soon as Thanksgiving ends you can’t go anywhere without hearing the familiar sound of classic carols and smelling a faint pine scent wafting from some undisclosed location. Is it a pine scented candle, or is it a real pine tree? Nobody knows and nobody cares...

Young woman peacefully relaxing at home and breathing deeply with a mug of soothing tea
Community
2021-09-30

The Reason We Should

Like so many in our community, our employees have stressed over getting sick at work. They’ve faced branch closings due to COVID cases, covered other locations to keep them open, watched co-workers struggle with COVID recovery, and quarantined when exposed to protect others. So, with gratitude and appreciation for all...

Young man talking on a cellphone with a smile while looking at documents on his desk
Online Services
2021-05-04

Virtual Sunshine Welcome

We believe in making the most out of each day and recognize that dealing with your finances, or coming into a branch, is often times the least exciting thing in your day. That doesn’t have to be the case, and we’re working on new ways to connect with you, as...

Middle aged woman opening oven door in her kitchen to check on what she's baking
Community
2020-12-08

We're a Lot Like Fruitcake

We know the holiday season of 2020 will be unlike anything we have experienced before. Whether you are visiting people or not, stress levels will be high. It will come with new questions: Should I get presents for Grandpa? Can we visit our aunt in Minnesota? Will I be allowed...

Person eating cup ramen at desk in front of laptop
Savings
2019-08-29

IT'S NOT DELIVERY, IT'S DE'STRUGGLE

There’s no doubt that broke jokes are pretty funny. It’s not uncommon to see jokes like these, laugh, and keep scrolling without putting much thought into it. Maybe you see one and think “I can relate.” A lot of times, though, they’re the kind of funny that makes you laugh...