--- title: Excite Credit Union Blog (3) description: Helpful financial tips and community news from your local credit union – grow your knowledge and your savings. (3) --- Quick Links - [Apply for a Loan](https://app.loanspq.com/apply.aspx?lenderref=alliancecu072715&list=VLPLCCHECBST&__hstc=252540758.bfd648fb4d85804455d19f67175cec20.1607694245454.1614070041557.1614072156284.12&__hssc=252540758.1.1614072156284&__hsfp=1927552622&_ga=2.9158332.885728407.1614017764-121813073.1607694182) - [Become a Member](https://app.loanspq.com/apply.aspx?enc=Kw21Wblm1yxpjJabdoZaD0RL3d1qFbsgl3hCp93n027H1L7KzQZRI2Db4r0gTGgxv49ElHWJLJGUTrsAFeKZSpF43nMHP5vg6uO7xTE5xO8&_ga=2.1016631.788664191.1587659479-1211589023.1585243269&__hstc=252540758.bfd648fb4d85804455d19f67175cec20.1607694245454.1614070041557.1614072156284.12&__hssc=252540758.1.1614072156284&__hsfp=1927552622) - [Make a Payment](https://excitecu.org/payment-options) - [Make an Appointment](https://apps.excitecu.org/appointments) Locations/Hours% Rates Contact [![branding-excitecu-header](https://blog.excitecu.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Imported%20images/branding-excitecu-header.png?width=286&height=119&name=branding-excitecu-header.png "branding-excitecu-header")](https://excitecu.org/)   ### [Personal](https://www.excitecu.org/Personal) - 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[Privacy](https://www.excitecu.org/Learn/About-Us/Privacy) - [Give](https://www.excitecu.org/Give) - Community - [Community Events](https://www.excitecu.org/Give/Community/Events) - [Excite Cares](https://www.excitecu.org/Give/Community/ExciteCares) - [Apply for a Loan](https://app.loanspq.com/apply.aspx?lenderref=alliancecu072715&list=VLPLCCHECBST&__hstc=252540758.bfd648fb4d85804455d19f67175cec20.1607694245454.1614104306112.1614149210007.14&__hssc=252540758.1.1614149210007&__hsfp=1927552622) - [Become a Member](https://app.loanspq.com/apply.aspx?enc=Kw21Wblm1yxpjJabdoZaD0RL3d1qFbsgl3hCp93n027H1L7KzQZRI2Db4r0gTGgxv49ElHWJLJGUTrsAFeKZSpF43nMHP5vg6uO7xTE5xO8&_ga=2.1016631.788664191.1587659479-1211589023.1585243269&__hstc=252540758.bfd648fb4d85804455d19f67175cec20.1607694245454.1614104306112.1614149210007.14&__hssc=252540758.1.1614149210007&__hsfp=1927552622) - [Make a Payment](https://www.excitecu.org/Payment-Options) - [Make an Appointment](https://apps.excitecu.org/appointments) ## [10 Tips to Prepare for and Navigate Natural and Technological Disasters](https://blog.excitecu.org/10-tips-to-prepare-for-natural-and-technological-disasters?hsLang=en) [By Excite Credit Union](https://blog.excitecu.org/author/excite-credit-union?hsLang=en) February 06, 2025 [Talking About Money](https://blog.excitecu.org/topic/talking-about-money?hsLang=en), [Emergency](https://blog.excitecu.org/topic/emergency?hsLang=en), [Small Business](https://blog.excitecu.org/topic/small-business?hsLang=en) [![](https://blog.excitecu.org/hubfs/EXCITE_Feb2025_BusinessBlog_Square_final.jpg)](https://blog.excitecu.org/10-tips-to-prepare-for-natural-and-technological-disasters?hsLang=en) Hurricanes, fires, ransomware, data breaches—small businesses are vulnerable to any number of natural and technological disasters. However, you can ensure that your business is prepared and proactive no matter what happens! Check out these 10 tips: [Read More](https://blog.excitecu.org/10-tips-to-prepare-for-natural-and-technological-disasters?hsLang=en) --- ## [Budgeting 101: How to Take Control of Your Finances Without Feeling Overwhelmed](https://blog.excitecu.org/budgeting-101-how-to-take-control-of-your-finances?hsLang=en) [By Excite Credit Union](https://blog.excitecu.org/author/excite-credit-union?hsLang=en) January 29, 2025 [Budgeting](https://blog.excitecu.org/topic/budgeting?hsLang=en), [Savings](https://blog.excitecu.org/topic/savings?hsLang=en), [Talking About Money](https://blog.excitecu.org/topic/talking-about-money?hsLang=en), [Retirement](https://blog.excitecu.org/topic/retirement?hsLang=en), [Building Credit](https://blog.excitecu.org/topic/building-credit?hsLang=en) [![](https://blog.excitecu.org/hubfs/EXCITE_Jan2025_Blog_Square_final.jpg)](https://blog.excitecu.org/budgeting-101-how-to-take-control-of-your-finances?hsLang=en) Ready to improve your financial situation? Start with your monthly budget—a powerful tool that reflects your values, adapts to your circumstances, and helps you achieve your dreams. Creating a budget is simpler than you might think. You can use ... [Read More](https://blog.excitecu.org/budgeting-101-how-to-take-control-of-your-finances?hsLang=en) --- ## [Holiday Hoaxes: Protect Yourself from These Four Online Scams](https://blog.excitecu.org/protect-yourself-from-these-four-online-scams?hsLang=en) [By Excite Credit Union](https://blog.excitecu.org/author/excite-credit-union?hsLang=en) December 10, 2024 [Talking About Money](https://blog.excitecu.org/topic/talking-about-money?hsLang=en), [Security](https://blog.excitecu.org/topic/security?hsLang=en) [![](https://blog.excitecu.org/hubfs/EXCITE_December_Blog_Square_Final.jpg)](https://blog.excitecu.org/protect-yourself-from-these-four-online-scams?hsLang=en) It’s the most wonderful time of the year—a season of goodwill, generosity, and joy. Unfortunately, it’s also a prime time for online scammers to try and exploit good holiday feelings for their personal gain. Here are four online scams to watch out... [Read More](https://blog.excitecu.org/protect-yourself-from-these-four-online-scams?hsLang=en) --- ## [Lifting Others, Lifting Ourselves: 10 Benefits of Giving Back](https://blog.excitecu.org/10-benefits-of-giving-back?hsLang=en) [By Excite Credit Union](https://blog.excitecu.org/author/excite-credit-union?hsLang=en) December 10, 2024 [Talking About Money](https://blog.excitecu.org/topic/talking-about-money?hsLang=en), [Community Engagement](https://blog.excitecu.org/topic/community-engagement?hsLang=en) [![](https://blog.excitecu.org/hubfs/EXCITE_November_Blog_Square_Final.jpg)](https://blog.excitecu.org/10-benefits-of-giving-back?hsLang=en) Giving back, paying it forward, doing our part—no matter what we call it, we have the power to change our communities. Whether we volunteer for a local nonprofit, donate to a charity, or help our next-door neighbors, we’re making life better for... [Read More](https://blog.excitecu.org/10-benefits-of-giving-back?hsLang=en) --- ## [Steer Clear of Auto Loan Scams](https://blog.excitecu.org/steer-clear-of-auto-loan-scams?hsLang=en) [By Excite Credit Union](https://blog.excitecu.org/author/excite-credit-union?hsLang=en) November 18, 2024 [Talking About Money](https://blog.excitecu.org/topic/talking-about-money?hsLang=en), [Auto](https://blog.excitecu.org/topic/auto?hsLang=en) [![](https://blog.excitecu.org/hubfs/EXCITE_October_Blog_Square_Final.jpg)](https://blog.excitecu.org/steer-clear-of-auto-loan-scams?hsLang=en) Car shopping can be fun—comparing models, taking test drives, imagining future adventures. However, the whole experience can be ruined if you crash into an auto loan scam. Whether you’re buying a new or used vehicle, you need to watch out!The first... [Read More](https://blog.excitecu.org/steer-clear-of-auto-loan-scams?hsLang=en) --- ## [How Much Money Will You Need for Retirement?](https://blog.excitecu.org/how-much-money-will-you-need-for-retirement?hsLang=en) [By Excite Credit Union](https://blog.excitecu.org/author/excite-credit-union?hsLang=en) November 15, 2024 [Budgeting](https://blog.excitecu.org/topic/budgeting?hsLang=en), [Savings](https://blog.excitecu.org/topic/savings?hsLang=en), [Talking About Money](https://blog.excitecu.org/topic/talking-about-money?hsLang=en), [Retirement](https://blog.excitecu.org/topic/retirement?hsLang=en) [![](https://blog.excitecu.org/hubfs/EXCITE_Sept_Blog_Square_Final.jpg)](https://blog.excitecu.org/how-much-money-will-you-need-for-retirement?hsLang=en) How much money do you need to retire? Ask any financial expert: there is no one-size-fits-all response. It depends on your answers to a number of questions, including the following:At what age do you plan to retire? Although there are... [Read More](https://blog.excitecu.org/how-much-money-will-you-need-for-retirement?hsLang=en) --- ## [Thrift Shopping + Digital Technology = More Savings](https://blog.excitecu.org/thrift-shopping-digital-technology-more-savings?hsLang=en) [By Excite Credit Union](https://blog.excitecu.org/author/excite-credit-union?hsLang=en) September 04, 2024 [Budgeting](https://blog.excitecu.org/topic/budgeting?hsLang=en), [Savings](https://blog.excitecu.org/topic/savings?hsLang=en), [Talking About Money](https://blog.excitecu.org/topic/talking-about-money?hsLang=en) [![](https://blog.excitecu.org/hubfs/August_Blog_Square_Final.jpg)](https://blog.excitecu.org/thrift-shopping-digital-technology-more-savings?hsLang=en) During the past few decades, thrift shopping has undergone a transformation. Now—thanks to the internet and social media—it’s more convenient than ever to buy high-quality second-hand items for a fraction of what they are worth. It’s also simpler... [Read More](https://blog.excitecu.org/thrift-shopping-digital-technology-more-savings?hsLang=en) --- ## [College Packing 101: What Should You Bring?](https://blog.excitecu.org/college-packing-101-what-should-you-bring?hsLang=en) [By Excite Credit Union](https://blog.excitecu.org/author/excite-credit-union?hsLang=en) August 09, 2024 [Budgeting](https://blog.excitecu.org/topic/budgeting?hsLang=en), [Talking About Money](https://blog.excitecu.org/topic/talking-about-money?hsLang=en) [![](https://blog.excitecu.org/hubfs/July_Blog_Square.jpg)](https://blog.excitecu.org/college-packing-101-what-should-you-bring?hsLang=en) Going away to college for the first time? Besides your clothes and other essentials, you may be wondering what items you should bring for a successful college experience.Before you do anything else, consult your school’s website. Most colleges have... [Read More](https://blog.excitecu.org/college-packing-101-what-should-you-bring?hsLang=en) --- ## [As You Plan Your Summer Trip, Remember Travel Insurance](https://blog.excitecu.org/remember-travel-insurance?hsLang=en) [By Excite Credit Union](https://blog.excitecu.org/author/excite-credit-union?hsLang=en) July 17, 2024 [Savings](https://blog.excitecu.org/topic/savings?hsLang=en), [Talking About Money](https://blog.excitecu.org/topic/talking-about-money?hsLang=en), [Insurance](https://blog.excitecu.org/topic/insurance?hsLang=en) [![](https://blog.excitecu.org/hubfs/JULY_Blog_Square_Final.jpg)](https://blog.excitecu.org/remember-travel-insurance?hsLang=en) Did you know that you can get travel insurance for just about any kind of trip? If your vacation will include hang gliding or heli-skiing, you can purchase adventure travel insurance. If you plan to venture into a politically unstable area, you can... [Read More](https://blog.excitecu.org/remember-travel-insurance?hsLang=en) --- ## [How Much House Can I Afford?](https://blog.excitecu.org/how-much-house-can-i-afford?hsLang=en) [By Excite Credit Union](https://blog.excitecu.org/author/excite-credit-union?hsLang=en) June 17, 2024 [Talking About Money](https://blog.excitecu.org/topic/talking-about-money?hsLang=en), [Real Estate](https://blog.excitecu.org/topic/real-estate?hsLang=en) [![](https://blog.excitecu.org/hubfs/June_Blog_Square.jpg)](https://blog.excitecu.org/how-much-house-can-i-afford?hsLang=en) Buying a home is one of the most significant financial decisions you’ll make in your life. It’s exciting to think about owning your own place, but it’s crucial to understand how much house you can truly afford before you start house hunting. We’re... [Read More](https://blog.excitecu.org/how-much-house-can-i-afford?hsLang=en) --- - - ### Posts by Topic - [Talking About Money (50)](https://blog.excitecu.org/tag/talking-about-money?hsLang=en) - [Savings (27)](https://blog.excitecu.org/tag/savings?hsLang=en) - [Budgeting (22)](https://blog.excitecu.org/tag/budgeting?hsLang=en) - [Building Credit (12)](https://blog.excitecu.org/tag/building-credit?hsLang=en) - [Auto (10)](https://blog.excitecu.org/tag/auto?hsLang=en) - [Credit Unions are Different than Banks (6)](https://blog.excitecu.org/tag/credit-unions-are-different-than-banks?hsLang=en) - [Retirement (6)](https://blog.excitecu.org/tag/retirement?hsLang=en) - [Security (6)](https://blog.excitecu.org/tag/security?hsLang=en) - [Business Services (5)](https://blog.excitecu.org/tag/business-services?hsLang=en) - [Parenting (5)](https://blog.excitecu.org/tag/parenting?hsLang=en) - [Small Business (5)](https://blog.excitecu.org/tag/small-business?hsLang=en) - [Credit Cards (4)](https://blog.excitecu.org/tag/credit-cards?hsLang=en) - [Emergency (4)](https://blog.excitecu.org/tag/emergency?hsLang=en) - [Real Estate (4)](https://blog.excitecu.org/tag/real-estate?hsLang=en) - [Taxes (4)](https://blog.excitecu.org/tag/taxes?hsLang=en) - [Community Engagement (2)](https://blog.excitecu.org/tag/community-engagement?hsLang=en) - [Home Improvement (1)](https://blog.excitecu.org/tag/home-improvement?hsLang=en) - [Insurance (1)](https://blog.excitecu.org/tag/insurance?hsLang=en) - [Student Loans (1)](https://blog.excitecu.org/tag/student-loans?hsLang=en) see all ### About Excite - [About Us](https://excitecu.org/in-the-community/about-us/locations) - [Careers](https://excitecu.org/in-the-community/about-us/careers) - [Community](https://excitecu.org/in-the-community/community/excitecares) - [Legal](https://www.excitecu.org/Legal) - [**Phone: 800.232.8669**](tel:8002328669) - **Routing: 321176804** - **NMLS #477592** ### Resources - [Forms](https://www.excitecu.org/Learn/About-Us/Forms) - [Order Checks](https://www.deluxe.com/products-services/financial-checks-retail-linking.jsp) - [Opt Out](https://newapps.excitecu.org/MemberOptOuts/OptOutHome) - [Sitemap](https://www.excitecu.org/Sitemap) - [Privacy](https://excitecu.org/in-the-community/about-us/privacy) - [Make a Payment](https://www.excitecu.org/Payment-Options) - [Homeowner Hardship Assistance](https://www.excitecu.org/Personal/Borrow/Home-Loans/Home-Loan-Hardship-Assistance) ### Follow Us | [![Download on the App Store](https://www.excitecu.org/Content/Images/mobile-app-apple.png)](https://apps.apple.com/us/app/excite-mobile-banking/id441879558) | [![Get it on Google Play](https://www.excitecu.org/Content/Images/mobile-app-google.png)](https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.ifs.banking.fiid5230) | | --- | --- | Equal Housing Opportunity Federally Insured by NCUA © 2021 **Excite Credit Union**. 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