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Insurance Check-up New Year Resolution

Make An Insurance Check-Up Your New Year’s Resolution!

Insurance is not a “buy it and forget it” product. An annual check-up on your current insurance policies can result in a healthier policy and a healthier pocketbook.

Regardless of which types of insurance you own now, your coverage will probably need some adjusting over the years. You may even have to purchase new types of insurance that you didn’t need before.

An annual insurance checkup is a smart idea! Considering what new types of coverage you might need and reviewing your current coverage once a year, even if you don’t think there have been any significant changes in your circumstances, will help ensure that you stay adequately protected and avoid any unpleasant surprises if you ever have to file a claim.

To stay on track, do your annual review around the same time each year.

In addition to your routine annual insurance review, you should re-evaluate your coverage any time there is a life event or significant change in your circumstances that either increases or decreases your risk—and, therefore, your need for protection.

Home, Auto, and Property Insurance:

This area of insurance changes frequently which means there could be opportunities to get more coverage and perhaps save money. It isn’t unrealistic to consider getting new bids for all your non-life policies every year to be certain you’re not spending too much or getting too little for your dollar. It is also a good time to make sure your home policy covers any upgrades or additions you’ve made to your home since its original purchase.

Life Insurance:

You might think you already did an in-depth review of your needs when you originally purchased your life insurance policy. At that time, you considered your family’s financial needs, took inflation into consideration, and decided on a coverage amount and term. Yet, every new year brings changes into our lives, such as weddings, births, divorces, new jobs, new roles, variations in salary, etc. These important events should be reflected in your life insurance policy to ensure it is keeping up with your expectations.

Available Insurance Offers and Products

AGCU Insurance offers over 20 different types of insurance. This includes traditional home and auto insurance but also includes other policies like pet and wedding insurance. Here are some of the most popular insurance policies currently offered:

  • Auto, Motorcycle, and Scooter
  • Boat, ATV, and Recreational Vehicle
  • Life
  • Home, Condo, and Vacation Homes
  • Wedding
  • Landlord Policies
  • Renters
  • Pet
  • Valuable Items
  • Flood, Sinkhole, and Disaster-related
  • Home Warranties

Reviewing your life insurance is not as complicated as you might think. All you have to do is consider the following points:

    • What’s changed in your life since the policy was purchased? Have you gotten married, divorced, or expanded your family? Does the original need the life insurance policy was intended to meet still hold true today?
    • Relationships and obligations change over time. Does your beneficiary selection need to be revisited? If so, call 866-508-2428 or 417-447-9356 or Email: insurance@agcu.org, and we will send you the appropriate form.
    • Have you changed addresses?
    • Your financial circumstances or lifestyle may have changed over the years. Have you acquired more debt or increased your income? For your loved ones’ sake, be sure your policy is keeping track with these changes.
    • Have you lost a significant amount of weight or quit smoking? Improving your health is not only good for your life, it might be good for your life insurance coverage. Call us to find out.
    • Check the expiration date on your term policy. It’s important to keep track of this so you can extend it if necessary.

Your AGCU insurance professional will be familiar with your current coverage and can provide valuable guidance regarding what you need to stay adequately protected and even how to save money on premiums.

Block out an hour, call an insurance agent, and get answers to these important questions.

What Type of Coverage Do I Have?

How Much Coverage Do I Really Need?

How Can I Lower My Premiums?

What are my deductibles and discounts?

The Best Coverage at the Right Price

In order to ensure that you’re getting the most bang for your buck, AGCU Insurance is dedicated to minimizing fees, loading on discounts, and offering competitive policies. There are a variety of discounts available. These include multi-car, multi-driver, new car, paperless, multi-policy, good student, and many others.

Additionally, AGCU Insurance offers free coverage checkups.

If you live in Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri, Oklahoma, or Texas, Fill out the Quote Request Form at the top of the page, or contact Sherrie and Dee today to obtain a quote!

Phone: 866-508-2428 or 417-447-9356

Email: insurance@agcu.org

If you live outside of those five states, visit the AGCU InsuranceAisle website or call 866-397-4086 for more information.

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Much more than a catchphrase, our tagline is our passion, our reason why we do what we do. This is the impact of your membership with AGCU. Learn More About Banking with a Purpose

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Components of a Car Payment

When you get a loan to buy a car, you’ll get a new set of keys — and a new monthly payment. You may be wondering how this payment is determined and calculated. 

So many questions, and we’ve got answers! Let’s break down the parts of a car payment, explain how monthly payments are calculated, and offer tips for managing your expenses well. 

Components of a Car Payment

1. Principal
This is the amount you borrow to purchase your car. For example, if the car costs $35,000 and you make a $5,000 down payment, your loan principal is $30,000. Each monthly payment chips away at this amount, with a portion dedicated to reducing your loan balance. Paying extra toward the principal can help you pay off the loan faster.

2. Interest
Interest is the cost of borrowing money and is calculated as a percentage of your principal. Your interest rate depends on factors like your credit score, loan term, and market conditions. The lower your rate, the less you’ll pay over time.

3. Loan Term
The loan term is how long you’ll take to repay your loan, typically expressed in months (e.g., 36, 60, or 72 months). A longer term means lower monthly payments but higher total interest costs over the life of the loan.

4. Taxes and Fees
If you roll upfront costs like taxes, registration, or fees into your loan, they’ll increase your principal and, consequently, your monthly payment.

5. Add-ons
Optional extras like extended warranties or gap insurance can also be financed, raising your monthly payment.


What’s Not in Your Payment (But Still Important)

Owning a car comes with additional costs that aren’t included in your loan payment but need to be part of your budget:

  • Insurance: Comprehensive and collision coverage are often required by lenders. Shop for the best rates to save money.
  • Maintenance: Budget for regular servicing to keep your car in good condition.
  • Fuel/Electricity: Whether gas-powered or electric, your car needs energy to get you from point A to point B.

How Car Loan Payments Are Calculated

When a lender calculates your monthly payment, they consider:

  • The price of the car, minus any down payment or trade-in value
  • The loan principal (including add-ons and rolled-in costs)
  • The interest rate
  • The loan term (number of months)

They then divide the total loan cost (principal + interest) by the number of months in the loan term to determine your monthly payment.


Tips for Managing Your Car Payment

1. Shop Around for the Best Loan
Get the vehicle you want at a rate you can afford with AGCU. Contact an AGCU lender to secure the best interest rate and terms. Even a slight difference in the rate can save you a lot over the life of the loan.

2. Make a Larger Down Payment
A bigger down payment reduces the amount you need to finance, lowering your monthly payments and the total interest paid.

3. Opt for a Shorter Loan Term
While shorter terms come with higher monthly payments, they also mean less interest over the life of the loan. If your budget allows, choosing a shorter term can save you money in the long run.

4. Set a Budget for Ownership Costs
Remember to account for insurance, maintenance, and fuel when calculating your total car expenses each month.


Final Thoughts

Understanding the anatomy of your car payment can empower you to make smarter decisions about financing and managing your loan. If you’re ready to take control, consider opening an interest-earning savings account to build your down payment or plan for unexpected costs.
Have a question or want to get started with an application? Connect with an AGCU Video Banking Representative or apply online today!

Or you can speak face-to-face with an AGCU Video Banking Representative from anywhere.
Give it a try today! Video Banking Hours (CST): Mon – Fri: 9:00 a.m.- 5:00 p.m.

Disclaimer: Always consult a financial advisor, accountant, or lawyer to discuss your specific situation.

Banking With A Purpose

Much more than a catchphrase, our tagline is our passion, our reason why we do what we do. This is the impact of your membership with AGCU.
Learn More About Banking with a Purpose

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