Alaska USA eJournal

In this issue

Welcome to the Alaska USA eJournal – your online member newsletter. The eJournal is updated monthly to provide you with information and tips about getting the most out of your membership at Alaska USA.

Read on for more information about new products and services as well as ways you can enhance the value and convenience Alaska USA membership offers.

Build good credit safely

A troubled economy has prompted many creditors to be more selective in who they grant credit to. But if you’re just starting out, or starting over, how do you build good credit in order to qualify for loans or credit cards in the first place?

A great way to do that is with an Alaska USA Secured Visa^® Platinum Credit Card. It works just like a regular credit card but is backed by funds on deposit in an Alaska USA savings account. The minimum amount required on deposit is $500 and your Secured Visa credit limit is equal to the amount you have on balance, with no maximum limit.

So, you build positive credit while enjoying the convenience of a credit card. With a Secured Visa, you also get platinum-level benefits, such as reward points for travel and brand name merchandise, a competitive, fixed rate, and worldwide purchasing power.

Plus, if you have an Alaska USA checking account, the card’s $50 annual fee is waived. What could be better – a free card with rewards!

Start building good credit today. Learn more about all the benefits of an Alaska USA Secured Visa Platinum Credit Card, including added security and zero liability for unauthorized purchases. Apply online, call the Member Service Center to apply over the phone, or visit any branch.

New Year's Resolution #4 - no more paying rent!

There are so many benefits to owning your own home: no landlord, no more paying someone else’s mortgage, and you’re free to paint the walls any color you choose! Perhaps one of the most rewarding benefits of homeownership is investing in something you can call your own.

If one of your goals in 2010 is to purchase a home in Alaska, California, or Washington, Alaska USA Mortgage Company is here to help. Whether you’re a first-time homebuyer, are looking to refinance, or are considering the purchase of a second property, Alaska USA Mortgage Company has a team of experienced professionals to find the right mortgage program based on your individual needs.

It’s not unusual to have questions and even feel overwhelmed at the thought of purchasing a home. Let Alaska USA provide you with the information you need to make an informed and confident decision. Contact Alaska USA Mortgage Company today for more information.

Online is "in" - join the club!

Don’t be left out in the cold. Join the more than 67,000 Alaska USA members that have switched to eStatements and are receiving account statements online through UltraBranch instead of in the mail. It’s convenient, secure, and free to sign up. Not to mention it’s good for the environment and helps eliminate one more envelope from the mail stack.

Sign up today by logging in to UltraBranch and click on the Account Services tab. If you’re not yet an UltraBranch user, it’s easy to sign up for that too. Just call the Member Service Center or visit any branch.

Roth IRA rules change in 2010

As of January 1, 2010, everyone is eligible to convert a Traditional IRA (Individual Retirement Account) into a Roth IRA. Prior to this date, a Roth IRA conversion was only allowed for those with a modified adjusted gross income below $100,000.

The change allows more people to take advantage of tax-free retirement savings.

There are many advantages to IRAs but it’s important to consult with a tax professional before opening or converting an account.

Learn more about Individual Retirement Accounts in Alaska USA’s IRA Resource Center and check out Alaska USA’s Home and Family Finance Resource Center for more information about converting a Traditional IRA to a Roth IRA.

If you’re interested in an IRA or have additional questions about which account type is best for you, contact Alaska USA’s Member Service Center for more details about the retirement products available.