2026 PFD Tips to Invest in Your Future

Distribution for the the 2026 Alaska Permanent Fund Dividend will begin October 1. 

Here are ideas to use the funds to make progress toward your goals:

Invest in your financial security:

• Pay down debt: Put money toward credit card bills or high-interest debt. If you’re concerned that your credit card debt is getting out of hand, download this workbook by the Credit Financial Protection Bureau to learn specific tips to help you get on track. 
• Start or boost your emergency fund: Create a savings fund for unexpected expenses or emergencies.

AHFC Tip: Looking for help creating a budget? Download our Jumpstart family budgeting tool to get started.

Invest in your home:

• Contribute extra toward your mortgage: If you have a mortgage, making even one extra payment per year can reduce the term of your loan.
• Contribute to your homebuying fund: When you’re saving for homeownership, every extra bit of savings can help you get closer to your goal. While you’re saving, sign up for free homebuyer education.
• Set aside funds to offset utility costs: Keeping a home safe and comfortable can be expensive. The extra funds can be useful for paying your utility bills during the winter months ahead.  
• Make energy-efficient improvements: Get information to help you understand how your home uses energy and learn what improvements can save you money in the long term. 

AHFC Tip: HomeChoice™: Steps to Homeownership is a free online class that walks you through improving your credit, creating your homebuying budget, learning homebuying vocabulary and much more.

Invest in your education & career:

• Is there a new skill you’ve been wanting to master? Sign up for a certification or online class that will help advance in your career.
• Put money toward tuition, school supplies, or an Alaska 529 education savings plan.
• Save for large purchases: Whether it’s reliable transportation or technology like a computer or phone, some big purchases can make your life easier and open the door to other career opportunities.

AHFC tip: AHFC public housing tenants and voucher holders have access to financial literacy and money management tools through Jumpstart. The family self-sufficiency resource can help you stay on track toward your goals.