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8 smart habits Alaska Air Group employees can adopt to help boost credit scores

Healthcare Provider Update: Healthcare Provider for Alaska Air Group Alaska Air Group employees primarily receive their health insurance coverage through Premera Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alaska. Premera is the largest insurer in the state and offers various health plan options primarily through the individual marketplace. Potential Healthcare Cost Increases in 2026 As 2026 approaches, Alaska Air Group employees may experience significant increases in healthcare costs, driven by a confluence of factors. Without the continuation of enhanced federal premium subsidies, many individuals could face out-of-pocket premium rises of over 75%. The pressure on employers to shift more health expenses to employees is evident, with a recent survey indicating that 51% of large employers are likely to raise deductibles or out-of-pocket maximums. Coupled with broader trends of medical cost inflation and substantial rate increases requested by insurers, employees of Alaska Air Group should brace for potentially heightened financial burdens in their healthcare coverage. Click here to learn more

'Strong credit habits can give Alaska Air Group employees greater flexibility when preparing for major financial decisions, especially as they transition toward retirement,' says Michael Corgiat, a representative of The Retirement Group, a division of Wealth Enhancement.

'Alaska Air Group employees who build and maintain strong credit habits may position themselves for smoother financial decisions in the years leading up to retirement,' says Brent Wolf, a representative of The Retirement Group, a division of Wealth Enhancement.

In this article, we will discuss:

How strong credit can support borrowing for major purchases.
Eight habits that may positively influence your credit score.
Ways to monitor and maintain the accuracy of your credit report.

When borrowing for a major purchase, strong credit can make the process smoother and possibly less expensive. Like preparing for a long-term project at Alaska Air Group, progress comes from consistent effort over time—not rushing right before the deadline.

Here are eight habits that can support your credit score.

1. Make timely bill payments

Payment history is a major factor in credit scoring. Staying on top of due dates for loans and credit cards demonstrates reliability. Options like scheduled reminders or autopay can help keep everything flowing.

2. Maintain minimal credit balances

Using only a portion of your available credit—especially on revolving accounts like credit cards—can contribute to a stronger score. Credit utilization (how much of your borrowing limit you’re using) is a key consideration for lenders.

3. Keep older accounts open when it makes sense

The length of your credit history influences how strong your borrowing profile appears. Older accounts highlight more long-term behavior. However, if an account has high fees or encourages overspending, closing it may still be practical for some Alaska Air Group households.

4. Limit unnecessary new credit applications

Applying for credit can trigger hard inquiries that temporarily place slight downward pressure on your credit score. Multiple inquiries for the same type of loan—like mortgage rate shopping—typically count as one within a defined window. Checking your own credit does not affect your score.

5. Maintain a healthy mix of credit types

Responsibly managing a blend of installment loans and revolving accounts can demonstrate financial flexibility. This doesn’t mean taking on debt that isn’t needed. However, thoughtfully managing different forms of credit over time may help strengthen your profile as life evolves during and after a Alaska Air Group career.

6. Monitor your credit report regularly

You are entitled to free credit reports from the major bureaus—Equifax®, Experian®, and TransUnion®. Reviewing them can help identify errors, lingering balances, or signs of fraud. Staying proactive keeps your credit information accurate and up-to-date.

7. Dispute any reporting mistakes

If you find incorrect data on your report, you can file a dispute with the reporting bureau and contact the creditor at issue. Fixing errors can help make sure your score reflects your actual history.

8. Strengthen your overall financial picture

Budgeting, keeping debt manageable, and maintaining an emergency fund may make it easier to keep up with credit-related commitments. When finances stay organized, positive credit habits typically follow.

Need help planning for retirement?

A well-managed credit profile can be an important part of your overall financial life, including the transition into retirement. The Retirement Group can assist you as you prepare for your future. If you would like guidance, call (800) 900-5867 to speak with our team.

Need help planning for retirement?

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Sources:

1. Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. “How Do I Dispute an Error on My Credit Report?” CFPB , 18 Dec. 2024, www.consumerfinance.gov/ask-cfpb/how-do-i-dispute-an-error-on-my-credit-report-en-314/ . Accessed 27 Oct. 2025.

2. Experian Editorial Team. “Do Multiple Loan Inquiries Affect Your Credit Score?” Experian , 30 Aug. 2024, www.experian.com/blogs/ask-experian/do-multiple-loan-inquiries-affect-your-credit-score/ . Accessed 27 Oct. 2025.

3. FICO. “What’s in My FICO® Scores?” myFICO , n.d., www.myfico.com/credit-education/whats-in-your-credit-score . Accessed 27 Oct. 2025.

4. Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation. “Credit Reports.” FDIC , 1 Aug. 2023, www.fdic.gov/consumer-resource-center/credit-reports . Accessed 27 Oct. 2025.

5. Federal Trade Commission. “Free Credit Reports.” FTC Consumer Advice , 2023–2024, consumer.ftc.gov/free-credit-reports. Accessed 27 Oct. 2025.

What type of retirement savings plan does Alaska Air Group offer to its employees?

Alaska Air Group offers a 401(k) retirement savings plan to help employees save for their future.

Does Alaska Air Group match employee contributions to the 401(k) plan?

Yes, Alaska Air Group provides a matching contribution to employee 401(k) accounts, subject to certain limits.

What is the eligibility requirement for Alaska Air Group employees to participate in the 401(k) plan?

Employees of Alaska Air Group are generally eligible to participate in the 401(k) plan after completing a specific period of service, typically within their first year of employment.

Can Alaska Air Group employees choose how much to contribute to their 401(k) plan?

Yes, employees at Alaska Air Group can choose to contribute a percentage of their salary to their 401(k) plan, within the IRS contribution limits.

Are there investment options available for Alaska Air Group employees within the 401(k) plan?

Yes, Alaska Air Group offers a variety of investment options within the 401(k) plan, including mutual funds and other investment vehicles.

How often can Alaska Air Group employees change their 401(k) contribution amounts?

Employees at Alaska Air Group can change their contribution amounts during designated enrollment periods or at specific times throughout the year.

Does Alaska Air Group allow employees to take loans against their 401(k) savings?

Yes, Alaska Air Group allows employees to take loans against their 401(k) savings, subject to the plan’s terms and conditions.

What happens to an Alaska Air Group employee's 401(k) account if they leave the company?

If an Alaska Air Group employee leaves the company, they can choose to roll over their 401(k) balance to another retirement account or cash out, subject to taxes and penalties.

Is there a vesting schedule for the employer match in the Alaska Air Group 401(k) plan?

Yes, Alaska Air Group has a vesting schedule for the employer match, meaning employees must work for a certain period before they fully own the matched funds.

Can Alaska Air Group employees access their 401(k) savings before retirement?

Yes, employees at Alaska Air Group may access their 401(k) savings before retirement under certain circumstances, such as financial hardship or qualifying events.

With the current political climate we are in it is important to keep up with current news and remain knowledgeable about your benefits.

Alaska Air Group has announced a reduction in its workforce by 10% as part of a broader restructuring plan aimed at streamlining operations and cutting costs. This move includes a restructuring of employee benefits and changes to their pension plan.

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For more information you can reach the plan administrator for Alaska Air Group at 19300 International Boulevard Seattle, WA 98188; or by calling them at (206) 433-3200.