Financial Tools
We believe in empowering our members in their financial journey and providing knowledge to keep you financially strong. We provide an array of useful tips and planning resources free of charge.
Auto Loan
Calculator
Want to know how much your new auto loan will cost you? Curious if your budget can afford the new car you’ve been eyeing? Use our Auto Loan Calculator today!
BALANCE Financial Fitness
Access additional personal finance articles and tools through our partner program when you create a free Balance profile. You can also receive free financial counseling services through Balance by calling 888.456.2227.
Budget
Calculator
Making a budget and sticking to it is the number one step to having financial freedom. Use this calculator to help you create a monthly budget by entering your monthly take-home pay.
Financial Topics
Living Sustainably Saves Resources and Money
Each day, we see the consequences of a “throw-away” society and businesses putting short-term profits...
Read more about the article Discounts for Military Personnel and Veterans
Discounts for Military Personnel and Veterans There is no greater sacrifice than putting one’s own...
Read more about the article It’s Time to Winterize Your Home
Not surprisingly, energy costs will rise again this winter as consumers try to keep their...
Read more about the article Life Stages
Marrying Your Finances
You’re getting married! Congratulations! Before you say, “I do,” it’s a good idea for the...
Read more about the article Affording Your First Apartment
Getting your first apartment is one of the big milestones in a young adult’s life....
Read more about the article Elder Financial Exploitation
To con artists, down-on-their-luck relatives, or opportunistic acquaintances, they are gold mines. Individuals over the...
Read more about the article BALANCE Financial Fitness
Create a free Balance account to access additional personal finance articles and tools. AMOCO members can also receive free and confidential financial counseling through Balance by calling 888.456.2227.
Top Five Home Buying Myths Busted
Buying a home is the American dream, but for many people it’s one they fear...
Read more about the article Paying for College: Dealing With the Student Loan Crunch
Paying for College: Dealing With the Student Loan Crunch Student loan debt is at an...
Read more about the article Nine Ways to Master Your Money
1. Set S.M.A.R.T. Goals Saving tends to be easier when you have a certain purpose...
Read more about the article Anti Fraud Tips
- Never send money to people you have not met in person, especially if they ask you to use wire transfer, a prepaid debit card or a gift card.
- Don’t click on links or open attachments in unsolicited email. Links can download malware onto your computer and steal your identity.
- Don’t believe everything you see. Scammers are great at mimicking official seals, fonts and other details. Just because a website or email looks official, does not mean it is.
- When shopping online, make sure the website has “https” in the URL and a small lock icon on the address bar. Even then, read reviews about the quality of the merchandise to avoid buying counterfeit goods.
- Be extremely cautious when dealing with anyone you’ve met online. Scammers use dating websites, Craigslist, social media and many other sites to reach potential targets. They can quickly feel like a friend or a romantic partner, but that is part of the con.
- Never share personally identifiable information with someone who has contacted you unsolicited, whether it’s over the phone, by email, on social media or at your front door. This includes banking and credit card information, your birth date and your Social Security number.
- Don’t be pressured to act immediately. Scammers typically try to make you think something is scarce or a limited-time offer, but it’s never a good idea to make an important decision quickly.
- Use secure, traceable transactions when making payments for goods, services, taxes and debts. Do not pay by wire transfer, prepaid money card or gift card. Say no to cash-only deals, high-pressure sales tactics, high upfront payments, overpayments and handshake deals without a contract.
- Whenever possible, work with local businesses that have proper identification, licensing and insurance, especially contractors who will be coming into your home or anyone dealing with your money or sensitive information.
- Be cautious about what you share on social media and consider only connecting with people you already know. Be sure to use privacy settings on social media and online accounts.
