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!
Featured Post
2025-04-14
5 Ways to Improve Your Financial Literacy
Boost your financial skills with free financial literacy classes, smart budgeting, credit tips, and more. Take control of your money and build a secure future. ...
Read This Article about 5 Ways to Improve Your Financial Literacy
Featured Post
2025-04-01
How Can I Use My Credit Union Business Loan?
Discover five ways to use your credit union business loan, from purchasing equipment to managing cash flow, expanding operations, and improving marketing efforts. ...
Read This Article about How Can I Use My Credit Union Business Loan?
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.
Checking
2025-03-21
5 Reasons to Open a ChaChing™ Checking Account this Year
If you’re looking for the easy access of a checking account with the earnings of a high-interest savings account, look no further than Capital Credit Union’s ChaChing™ checking account. Our high-yield checking account is designed to help your money grow with our highest dividend rate possible while offering the freedom...
Personal Finance
2025-03-21
Is a Health Savings Account at a Credit Union a Good Option for You?
Explore the benefits of a health savings account from a credit union for tax savings, investment options, and secure planning for medical emergencies. ...
Personal Finance
2025-03-11
Strategies for Managing Debt and Regaining Financial Independence
Create an effective debt repayment plan with strategies such as debt consolidation or the debt snowball and avalanche methods for repaying what you owe. ...
Investments
2025-02-26
Important Birthdays Over 50
Here's a look at several birthdays and “half-birthdays” that have implications regarding your retirement income. ...
Personal Finance
2025-02-18
How a Teen Checking Account Teaches Financial Literacy
A teen checking account fosters essential financial literacy skills, helping teenagers learn to budget, save, and make informed financial decisions for the future. ...
Home
2025-02-06
Is Using Home Equity for Home Renovations a Smart Financial Move?
Is using home equity for home renovations a good move? Explore the pros, cons, and key considerations to make informed decisions for your financial future. ...
Investments
2025-02-03
Understanding Marginal Income Tax Brackets
An inside look at how marginal income tax brackets work. ...
Investments
2025-02-01
Can I Create a Roth if I’m Over the Income Limit?
Use this article to start conversations about the “backdoor” Roth IRA strategy. ...
Personal Finance
2025-01-21
Which Capital Credit Union Credit Card Is Right for You?
Discover the benefits of each Capital Credit Union credit card and find the perfect fit for your lifestyle with rewards, travel points, cash back, and more. ...
Vehicle
2025-01-10
Tips for Securing the Best Car Loan Rates in Wisconsin
Find the best car loan rates in Wisconsin! Learn how to improve your credit, get pre-approved, and compare offers to secure the ideal auto loan. ...
Investments
2024-12-31
AI Tools Changing Retiree Entrepreneurship
By harnessing the power of AI, retirees can enhance their productivity, save time, and make their business endeavors more successful. ...
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Investments
2024-12-31
Emotional vs. Strategic Decisions
Information vs. instinct. Are your choices based on evidence of emotion? ...
Personal Finance
2024-12-16
What Is the Greenlight Card for Kids?
The Greenlight card for kids teaches budgeting, saving, and smart spending with parental controls, offering a safe way for kids to learn financial responsibility. ...
Investments
2024-11-26
How the Federal Reserve Works
Have you ever taken a close look at paper money? Each U.S. bill has the words "Federal Reserve Note" imprinted across the top. ...
Investments
2024-11-26
Social Security: The Elephant in the Room
As the growing wave of citizens approach retirement, questions and concerns abound. Is Social Security financially healthy? How much will my income benefit be? ...
Investments
2024-11-20
New Retirement Contribution Limits for 2025
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has released new limits for certain retirement accounts for the coming year. ...
Checking
2024-11-06
Traditional vs. High-Yield Checking Account: Which Is Right for You?
Compare the features, pros, and cons of traditional vs. high-yield checking accounts to determine which suits your financial needs and goals best. ...
Vehicle
2024-10-23
What Are the Benefits of a Credit Union Car Loan?
Discover the benefits of a credit union car loan, including lower interest rates, flexible terms, easier approval, first-time buyer programs, and personalized service. ...
Home
2024-10-10
How To Tap Into Your Home Equity: Options and Strategies
Unlock your home equity with options like credit union home equity loans, HELOCs, and cash-out refinancing. Discover strategies to meet your financial goals. ...
Vehicle
2024-09-23
How To Make the Most of Your Local Credit Union Auto Loan
Discover how to maximize your local credit union auto loan with tips on pre-approval, securing low rates, and leveraging member benefits for your next vehicle purchase. ...
Personal Finance
2024-09-23
How Debit Cards for Kids Can Help Build Money Management Skills
Learn how a debit card for kids can teach budgeting, saving, and responsible spending habits, helping them develop essential money management skills early on. ...
Investments
2024-09-20
Eight Mistakes That Can Upend Your Retirement
Pursuing your retirement dreams is challenging enough without making some common, and very avoidable, mistakes. Here are eight big mistakes to steer clear of, if possible. ...
Home
2024-09-10
When Is the Cost to Refinance a Mortgage Worth It?
Discover when the cost to refinance a mortgage is worth it. Learn about lower rates, break-even points, shorter loan terms, and switching to fixed-rate mortgages. ...
Home
2024-08-29
5 Ways to Use Your Home Equity Loan This Year
Your home is one of the biggest assets you have, especially if you’ve paid off a large portion of your mortgage. With so much equity sitting there, why not consider using a home equity loan for remodeling your home or investing in your other financial goals? ...
Vehicle
2024-08-13
Follow These Strategies to Get the Best Deal on a New Car
Discover how to secure the best deal on a new car with strategies like market research, pre-approved financing, and getting the best loan rates in Wisconsin. ...
Personal Finance
2024-08-01
Smart Budgeting in 2024: Essential Tips for Financial Stability & Growth
Create a budget and strong savings habits so you can build a more stable financial future. From pro tips to credit union savings ideas, take control of your budget. ...
Investments
2024-07-19
Saving Early & Letting Time Work For You
As a young investor, you have a powerful ally on your side: time. When you start investing in your twenties or thirties for retirement, you can put it to work for you. ...
Investments
2024-07-17
Retirement Seen Through Your Eyes
How do you picture your future? Some see retirement as a time to start a new career. Others see it as a time to travel. Still others plan to spend more time with family and friends. With that in mind, here are some things to consider. ...
Investments
2024-07-17
Pickleball in Retirement
Staying Active in RetirementOver the last couple of years doctors have made clear the benefits of regular physical activity, especially for older adults. In fact, adults 65 and older gain substantial health benefits from regular physical activity. Being physically active can increase mobility, lessen the chance of injury, and lead...
Investments
2024-07-17
Catch-Up Contributions
A recent survey found that 18% of workers are very confident about having enough money to live comfortably through their retirement years. At the same time, 36% are not confident.1 ...
Home
2024-07-02
Harness Your Home’s Value: Home Equity Loans Explained
Unlock the potential of your home equity with this comprehensive guide on home equity loans, tailored to help you make informed financial decisions. ...
Personal Finance
2024-06-18
5 Reasons to Choose a Wisconsin Credit Union for Your Banking Needs
Discover why choosing a Wisconsin credit union can offer community-focused, low-cost banking solutions that benefit both members and their communities. ...
Security
2024-06-06
2024 Guide to Cyber Security in Banking: Protecting Your Financial Data
Learn about cyber threats and scams that can endanger your finances and explore essential strategies for cyber security in banking to protect your financial data. ...
Investments
2024-05-21
Starting A Roth IRA For A Teen
This early financial decision could prove helpful over time. Want to give your child or grandchild a financial head start? A Roth IRA might be a choice to consider. Read on to learn more about how doing this may benefit both of you. ...
Investments
2024-05-16
What's So Great About A Rollover?
Making a career move requires tough decisions, not the least of which is what to do with the funds in your retirement plan. ...
Checking
2024-05-07
Are There High-Interest Checking Accounts?
Making money from your checking account is an idea that most people can get behind. We could all use a little extra money in the bank, and while standard checking accounts can sometimes offer you a small percentage of interest back on your balance, there may be other options available...
Savings
2024-05-02
5 Tips for Saving for a Large Expense
If you want to save money for a big expenditure, don’t let it intimidate you. Often, when people sit down and calculate exactly how much they need to save, they end up shying away from the plan since it seems out of reach. But we’re here to share with the...
Personal Finance
2024-04-23
How Can I Use a Capital CU Personal Loan?
Personal loans are a great way to achieve financial goals faster. Rather than slowly building up enough savings before pursuing your goals, be proactive with Capital CU personal loans. Apply for a personal loan to cover unexpected emergencies without stressing over where the money will come from or begin living...
Personal Finance
2024-04-18
Financial Wellness Starts Here: Explore Our Savings Options
At Capital Credit Union, we want our members to have the best possible financial future. We know how hard northeast Wisconsin residents work for their money. That’s why we offer a number of options, from traditional savings accounts to share certificates to HSAs, to help you save the most and...
Vehicle
2024-04-09
How To Get the Best Auto Loan Rates in Wisconsin
Discover how to secure the best auto loan rates in Wisconsin. Save on your vehicle purchase and start driving with confidence when you partner with a credit union. ...
Personal Finance
2024-04-04
Master Your Money: Tips for Living on a Budget
Determined to master your money in the new year? Smart idea! Staying on top of your finances begins with living within your means, which means you’ll need to create a budget and stick to it. Luckily for you, Capital Credit Union is here to help. We’ll show you how to...
Security
2024-03-28
What You Can Do to Better Protect Yourself from Fraud
Scams are on the rise this tax season. If you’re reading this, chances are you’ve received some sort of fraudulent communication recently. Whether it was an “iffy” text message, a phone call you weren’t expecting, or a questionable email – scams are more prevalent than ever. ...
Vehicle
2024-03-26
What Is the Capital CU Auto Loan Auto Deductible Reimbursement Option?
Want to get moving on your vehicle purchase and ensure you’re protected in case the unexpected happens? Capital Credit Union is your answer. Not only do Capital CU auto loans have great rates, but they also come with the option for auto deductible reimbursement. Read on to learn what auto...
Savings
2024-03-21
Earning More With Less Risk: The Benefits of Certificates
Having a savings plan is important for reaching your financial goals. What are you saving for? How can you maximize your savings to reach these goals sooner? You’ve worked hard for your money; now it’s time your money works hard for you. ...
Home
2024-03-12
What Is Private Mortgage Insurance?
What is private mortgage insurance? It is insurance that protects lenders when borrowers pay less than 20 percent down on a home. ...
Home
2024-03-07
Comparing Interest Rates and Terms: How to Secure the Best Home Loan Deal
Are you getting ready to buy a home? A mortgage is a major financial decision, but when you have the right tools, you can feel confident about the choices you make. So, before you start home loan shopping, figure out your priorities and do your research, and you’ll set yourself...
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! ...
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. ...
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. ...
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...
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...
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....
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. ...
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. ...
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. ...
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...
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...
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...
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. ...
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. ...
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...
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. ...
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...
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...
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. ...
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...
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...
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. ...
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? ...
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. ...
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. ...
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...
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. ...
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. ...
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. ...
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. ...
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. ...
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...
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! ...
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. ...
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...
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...
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...
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. ...