Resources

Empower Your Finances with iQ Credit Union's Resource Center

Home Buying & Mortgages

Mortgages 101

Knowledge Base

Mortgages 101

Homeownership continues to be a big part of the American Dream. Many people strive to have the security and sense of pride that comes with owning their own home, but the path to homeownership can be challenging. Once you have saved enough to make a down payment on a house ...

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Mortgage Paperwork Checklist

Checklist

Mortgage Paperwork Checklist

Purchasing a house is one of the biggest decisions you'll make—and everyone knows, there's no shortage of paperwork involved. This checklist provides a list of the documents you should prepare up front so that when you're ready to buy a house, you're not waiting on paperwork.

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A Guide for First-Time Homebuyers in the Pacific Northwest

Ebook

A Guide for First-Time Homebuyers in the Pacific Northwest

Getting ready to purchase your first home in the Pacific Northwest? You’ve come to the right place for guidance. By understanding the step-by-step process of buying a house, you’ll know what to expect and what to keep an eye out for, from start to finish.

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Mortgages

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Mortgages

For a majority of people in the U.S., buying a home is a big part of the American Dream. But how many years would it take to save up the lump sum you’d need to pay for a house in full? That’s where a mortgage comes in. A mortgage is a loan that can allow you to buy a home, and you pay it back over many years with interest.
 

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Buying a Home

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Buying a Home

Congratulations! You’ve decided to purchase a home. Now it's time to prepare yourself to make the right decisions by learning about the process, the people who can assist you, and the associated costs.

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Mortgage Relief

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Mortgage Relief

Seventy-eight percent of Americans live paycheck to paycheck, including 10% of people earning $100,000 or more per year. If you are having trouble making mortgage payments or are worried that your payment will be late in the future, you are not alone.

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Understanding Credit: the Good, the Bad, and the Ugly

KNOWLEDGE BASE

Understanding Credit: the Good, the Bad, and the Ugly

Credit is an integral part of everyone's finances, whether we like it or not. Everyone has some kind of credit history, and understanding how to establish and manage your credit is important, even if you don’t plan to borrow money. 

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Budgeting & Saving

A Comprehensive Guide to Credit Cards for Young Adults

Knowledge Base

A Comprehensive Guide to Credit Cards for Young Adults

Credit cards are convenient and powerful financial tools. They offer cardholders a great way to earn perks and savings and are vital for building a strong credit history.

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Ultimate Guide to Simple Savings

Knowledge Base

Ultimate Guide to Simple Savings

Saving money is something we all should learn at an early age. Like brushing your teeth, setting aside money for the future should become a habit. While most people know it’s important to save money, the question of how to save money often goes unanswered.

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Budgeting Checklist

Checklist

Budgeting Checklist

The road to financial freedom is paved with wise money-management decisions. Build a strong financial future today by making and staying on a smart budget. Don’t know how to build a budget? No problem! Download this interactive budgeting template that will guide you in your efforts to secure financial independence.

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Budgeting Template

Template

Budgeting Template

The road to financial freedom is paved with wise money-management decisions. Build a strong financial future today by making and staying on a smart budget. Don’t know how to build a budget? No problem! 

Download the Template

The Ultimate Guide to Simple Savings

Ebook

The Ultimate Guide to Simple Savings

What are your financial goals? Saving money for retirement? College? A home? According to statistics, only 16% of Americans save 15% or more of their annual income, which is the minimum that most financial experts recommend, so there’s a good chance you’re not saving enough to meet your financial goals. 

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Emergency Planning Worksheet

Worksheet

Emergency Planning Worksheet

You can’t avoid unexpected disasters, but you can plan for them. Start planning ahead today to ensure you’re prepared for whatever tomorrow brings with iQ's Emergency Planning Worksheet.

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How to Create a Financial Emergency Plan

Article

How to Create a Financial Emergency Plan

You can never truly plan for an emergency. How many of us could have predicted the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic? However, when an emergency does occur, you want to be as prepared as possible—and that includes having a financial emergency plan in place.

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Debt Management

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Debt Management

One survey shows that approximately 80% of Americans are currently in debt. Whether it be from a credit card, student loan, or mortgage, understanding how debt works, knowing where to go for help, and making a plan are the keys to help you better manage your debt.

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Get a Fresh Start with Debt Consolidation

EBOOK

Get a Fresh Start with Debt Consolidation

If you find yourself searching for ways to pay off debt more quickly and easily, you’ve landed in the right place! Rest assured—you’re one of many looking to reduce payments and find their way to financial freedom. 

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How to Build Good Credit

ARTICLE

How to Build Good Credit

Credit scores, which have become an important metric in our society, are used for renting apartments, job applications, and other things beyond just qualifying for loans and credit cards. It’s important to understand how to build good credit and what you need to do to maintain your credit.

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How to Protect Your Credit Score During the Pandemic

ARTICLE

How to Protect Your Credit Score During the Pandemic

When there is a global crisis, you need to know how to protect your personal finances, including how to protect your credit. As your personal situation changes, your credit becomes more important, because you may need to use that credit until things return to normal.

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Retirement Planning

Retirement Strategies: Building a Successful and Secure Retirement

Ebook

Retirement Strategies: Building a Successful and Secure Retirement

Is retirement on your mind? Do you wonder if you’re on track to retire with the lifestyle you want? Are you new to retirement planning and want to build a strategy to ensure you’re adequately prepared for the future? No matter where you are in your retirement journey, iQ can help!

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Estate Planning

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Estate Planning

Estate planning isn’t only for the extremely wealthy. Anyone who has assets, dependents, or an interest in how they are cared for when they age should consider a form of estate planning. More than half of the population leaves no formal plan in place for their loved ones when they pass. Familiarizing yourself with the basics of estate planning can save you and your loved ones unnecessary grief during an already difficult time.
 

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401(k) Plans

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401(k) Plans

Saving money for retirement is one of the major financial milestones that everyone should carefully plan for in their lifetime. 401(k) plans are one type of savings plan that may help you to achieve your goals through saving, investing, and earning interest.

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Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs)

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Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs)

It’s never too early to start saving for retirement, and there are lots of great resources available to help you achieve your financial goals. One option to consider is an Individual Retirement Account, or IRA.

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Sustainable Investing

Module

Sustainable Investing

Sustainable investing is a great way for new or experienced investors to gain a voice and get involved in issues that are important to them, all while building a portfolio that may help them reach their financial goals.
 

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When to Collect Social Security

Module

When to Collect Social Security

Knowing the consequences of collecting Social Security at different moments throughout your life can help you plan your finances and ensure that you save enough for the retirement lifestyle you imagine.
 

Financial Education

Getting a Fresh Start with Debt Consolidation

Knowledge Base

Getting a Fresh Start with Debt Consolidation

Excited to simplify your personal finances? Debt consolidation just might be the solution you seek.

Auto Loan Roadmap

EBOOK

Auto Loan Roadmap

iQ Credit Union is here to walk you through the ins and outs of finding an auto loan that’s right for you with The Ultimate Auto Loan Roadmap. Our roadmap includes info that every car buyer should know!

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The ABC's of Loans

ARTICLE

The ABC's of Loans

There are going to be times when you will need to borrow money. When you need to borrow, it’s good to understand the pros and cons and terms and tiers of loans and loan applications. Here's everything you need to know.

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Financial Education Center

Financial Programs

Financial Education Center

Financial education, much like the Pacific Northwest, is a wilderness. We all need a guide, someone to help us along the trail. Since 1940, iQ Credit Union has been doing just that. Check out our personalized financial programs to keep you on the path to financial success.

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Financial Education Resources

Knowledge Base

Financial Education Resources

Our uniQue take on financial literacy helps students and adults attain financial success with engaging activities and videos that help build lifelong skills for a better financial future.

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Developing Healthy Financial Habits

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Developing Healthy Financial Habits

If you ever feel overwhelmed by your financial situation, you’re not alone. In fact, nearly half of all Americans live paycheck to paycheck—struggling to pay their bills or save for the future. But by adopting some important financial habits, you can feel more confident about your financial well-being.

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Mindful Living

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Mindful Living

Feeling stressed out? You’re not alone. In our daily lives, we experience many ups and downs. We may welcome a new family member, lose out on a dream job, travel to an exciting new location, or receive bad news about our health, all in one year.
The roller coaster of emotions we experience has a real effect on our bodies and on our minds.
 

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Family Conversations About Money

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Family Conversations About Money

According to a 2014 study, almost half of all Americans (44%) say money is the most difficult thing to talk about—more difficult even than death, politics, or religion. Although money concerns may put a strain on relationships and conversations about money can be stressful, having family conversations proactively may help.
 

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Mobile and Online Banking

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Mobile and Online Banking

Using your phone or your computer is probably part of your daily life, but are you using these devices to manage money? People are increasingly using online and mobile banking for monitoring account activity, paying bills, or even for making purchases like a morning coffee or daily lunch. Explore how to use online and mobile banking securely to improve your financial habits and simplify daily financial tasks.
 

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General

Financial Survival Guide

Ebook

Financial Survival Guide

Getting to a place where you’re financially comfortable takes years of hard work and dedication—but it’s important to start early. The first step is to gain a better understanding of key concepts, so that you can make well-informed decisions when it comes to your finances.

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Switch Kit Checklist

Checklist

Switch Kit Checklist

Are you looking to join a financial institution you can trust? You’ve come to the right place! When you join iQ Credit Union, you’re not just another customer; you’re a member of our family. Feel at ease knowing your money is secured in a place where it can grow ...

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Checking Account Comparison

Comparison

Checking Account Comparison

A checking account is a crucial tool that helps you manage your household budget and personal finances. However, not all checking accounts are created equal. Find your ideal checking account with the features and advantages that fit your specific needs ...

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Differences Between a Credit Union and a Bank

ARTICLE

Differences Between a Credit Union and a Bank

Credit unions offer a different approach to banking, including many benefits for members. Before deciding where to put your money, you should understand the operational and philosophical differences between credit unions and banks.

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4 Perks to Expect When Joining a Credit Union

ARTICLE

4 Perks to Expect When Joining a Credit Union

Unlike banks, which accept anyone as a customer, you need to qualify to join a credit union. There are usually certain conditions you have to meet to qualify, and as soon as you join, credit union membership offers a wide range of perks that will make you glad you chose to become a member.

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Insurance 101: Protecting Yourself By Understanding Insurance

EBOOK

Insurance 101: Protecting Yourself By Understanding Insurance

What kind of insurance do you need? How much should you pay? What does the insurance actually cover? These are all valid questions that you’ll find answers to in iQ’s Insurance 101: Protecting Yourself by Understanding Insurance.

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Business

Micro Loan Checklist

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Micro Loan Checklist

Information Needed for a Micro Loan Request.

What to Look for in a Bank Account for Your Business

BLOG

What to Look for in a Bank Account for Your Business

When you operate your own business, you don’t give much thought to business banking, especially your business checking account.

Business Banking: What You Need to Know

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Business Banking: What You Need to Know

Any business runs on cash, and that means you need business banking services you can rely on. To start your business, you might use funds from personal credit cards, friends, and family.