3 Things You Should and Should Not Do with Your Tax Refund

Tax season is well underway and it’s likely that you’ve already filed, and are patiently awaiting your tax return.

While having extra cash on hand can’t hurt anything, it’s definitely possible to make some good and not so good uses of it. Here’s a short list of do’s and don’ts that’ll hopefully be your compass leading to a good use of your return.

Do’s:

Pay Off Debt

Whether it’s student loans, credit card payments, a car loan, or any other sort of payment, it’s always a good idea to use what you can to reduce the principal amount. Minimum payments may not seem like a lot in the short term but definitely will cost more in the long run.

Boost Your Savings

You never know when you’re going to need to dip into your emergency fund, but you’d certainly feel better about it if you parked your tax return into that account. With the surprise expenses that life, cars, and owning a home can bring, it’ll be nicer to put that money into action without worrying as much.

Invest

We know money doesn’t grow on trees, but we also know of many other places money can grow. Whether it’s in the stock market, your retirement account, treasury bills, municipal bonds, or even shares of a local company, investing that extra handful of cash can bring more financial security down the road.

Another way to invest is in your own property. Using your tax return as a down payment on a house or mortgage is an investment in your future. If you’d like advice on purchasing a new home contact St. Cloud Federal Credit Union.

Don'ts:

Buy Lots of Small Things

It’s tempting to resist the urge to splurge. Maybe coffee every morning for a few weeks or entering a retailer and leaving with 12 additional items sounds good in the moment, but those little purchases can create a huge dent in your return. There’s a reason small buys seem to add up quickly, and that’s because we consider the purchases too small to make a difference.

Buy a New Car

That extra boost of cash may seem like the perfect time to upgrade your existing vehicle, but when you look at the size or your return and the overall cost, it’s pennies in the bucket. Modern cars often make it well past 200,000 miles if properly maintained, so consider whether or not the purchase is a want or need before heading to your dealership.

Spend it on Impulse

A night on the town with great food and drink is something most of us can appreciate, but not something our bank accounts will. A good rule of thumb is to ask yourself how long this purchase will benefit you. Whether it’s a round of golf, movie tickets, a cappuccino, or anything in between, the thrill only lasts as long as it takes to finish it.



Your tax return can be a great help and with a little effort, you’ll be thanking yourself later. We hope these tips will help you put your tax return to good use, and lead you to a pat on the back from your future self. Be sure to follow us on Facebook for more helpful tips, and put your tax return to good use!

3 Budgeting Tips for Newly-Independent College Students

College is expensive - this is well-known. The real price of college doesn’t really hit new students until they are in the middle of their first semester sitting in their dorm room eating ramen and selling old clothes and shoes to buy one last book.

The rising tuition costs, student loans, and the real world costs of living on your own can hit fast, so preparing yourself for college life will benefit you more than you realize. It may not seem like it, but the decisions you make with your finances while you are beginning and in college will have a significant effect on your financial future. Knowing how to budget your money wisely – especially if you are taking out student loans – will be very important in the long run.

Live Within Your Means

It’s okay to go out with your friends and to make late night runs to the grab-and-go now and then, but don’t make it a weekly event. Knowing how much extra spending money you have each week and not spending more than that said amount is vital to staying afloat financially. You don’t need to order Domino’s every week, no matter what your roommate tries to convince you. The Federal Student Aid website also lays out some guidelines about how to not get behind on your finances when you’re in college.

Don’t Overestimate Your Income

If you work a job where your paycheck is about the same every week, that can make budgeting a bit easier to determine. If you have a college job where you earn your wages on tips or commission, however, this can be tricky. Overestimating your income or your paycheck can really hurt you when you open the envelope and it isn’t what you expected. That is why underestimating your weekly income and spending less than what you think you have will help you save money in the long run.

Start a Budget That Works For You

Everyone has different priorities and everyone spends their money differently. If you are looking to start a budget that works for you, Pinterest has a ton of great ideas for college students from how to balance school, a job, and a social life to where to put your money and what to spend it on.


No matter what school you decide to attend or how you decide to spend your money while you’re there, putting money into savings for books, school supplies and other necessities is very important. Finding a bank that will help you save for your future is also something that can benefit you greatly. St. Cloud Federal Credit Union is focused on your future, let us help you prepare for some of the greatest years of your life!

International Credit Union Day

This Thursday, October 20th, is International Credit Union Day! This exciting day aims to raise awareness about the importance of credit unions and the many benefits they offer to members. This annual day is to embrace the features that make Credit Unions unique and to express gratitude to its members. Credit unions differ from other financial institutions based on the structure and principles they have and are recognized for being more community and member focused. Although both offer similar products and services Credit Unions are able to offer better rates and fewer fees due to them being not for profit.

St. Cloud Federal Credit Union set itself apart from other financial institutions by the member experience it provides and the commitment it makes to make a positive impact in the community. Our mission is to make a meaningful difference in the lives of our members and our communities. SCFCU is committed to providing its members with the best products and services to make saving easier and our rates are consistently ranked top 5 in the industry.

International Credit Union day is a special day to us and we want to thank all of our members for their loyalty. We want to celebrate our members on our upcoming “Member Appreciation Day” on October 28th. Join us as we celebrate YOU, with refreshments, lunch, and fun games!

When Should You Refinance Your Mortgage

When it comes to refinancing your mortgage, you need to determine the best possible plan and method of refinancing. At the St. Cloud Federal Credit Union, we can help you determine the most beneficial mortgage plan for you and your family.

What is Refinancing?

Refinancing a mortgage means paying off an existing loan and replacing it with a new one. Dependent on your financial situation, refinancing can save you money and give you flexibility. It can help shorten the term of your loan or help you build equity more efficiently.

When is the Best Time to Refinance?

People refinance their mortgage when you are buying a new home or property, financing a home addition, constructing a new home, or buying an investment property. People who wish to refinance their mortgages may also be looking for a lower interest rate, a shorter mortgage term, a fixed-rate mortgage (instead of an adjustable-rate mortgage), or debt consolidation.

The two most common types of refinancing include rate-and-term refinancing and cash-out financing. Understanding these two types of refinancing can help you determine if this is the best possible option for your finances. Learn more about the two most common types of refinancing in a blog by bankrate.com.

How Can I Get More Answers about Refinancing? Is it the Best Option for Me?

The New Vanishing Mortgage program offered by the St. Cloud Federal Credit Union was established to benefit members who are approaching the completion of their mortgage and for those who may not have taken advantage of historically low rates due to fees and the hassle of applying. The Vanishing Mortgage program is also open to those who have refinanced but want even lower rates.


Personalized assistance from the Mortgage Department can help you build confidence in your mortgage and loan terms. For more information on refinancing your mortgage and the Vanishing Mortgage program, reach out to representatives from the Mortgage Department at the St. Cloud Federal Credit Union to see if you qualify and to see if you will benefit from refinancing.

Why St. Cloud Federal Credit Union is a Great Option for Your Loan Needs

So, you’re looking to apply for a loan. Where do you go? Choosing a big name bank may seem easier at first, but is it the right choice for you? Looking into St. Cloud Federal Credit Union can prove to be a better fit for your needs, and here’s why:

It’s important to trust your lender. Big Banks are for-profit organizations, and can have many hidden fees. Shareholders will ultimately do what is right for the shareholders - they care about the bottom line. At SCFCU, we are not-for-profit and our owners are our members, so our main focus is and always will be you.

At St. Cloud Federal Credit Union, you can be assured that we are on your side. Through big banks, customers are many times approved for large loans they might not necessarily need, which they may take out because they think it’s what's best- If you’re approved for it, why not, right? Most often, employees of big name banks are required to sell as part of their job. SCFCU takes the time to really assess your options. We do what is right for our customers, NOT the bottom line.The people who work at our credit union are local people, meaning they live in our community, and can better understand your needs.

Big banks have many employees that are constantly revolving in and out and it can be impossible to get to know your loan officer on a personal basis. At St. Cloud Federal Credit union, we will take the time to explain every part of a loan with you. You want a face to face, personal relationship with your loan officer, and you can get that at a St. Cloud Federal Credit Union. We guide you through the whole process and answer every question you may have on the way.

If you have any questions about taking out a loan from a credit union, we encourage you to stop into St. Cloud Federal Credit Union and meet with us. We are happy to answer any questions you may have!

St. Cloud Federal Credit Union Matches Grant Funding for Sartell High School Financial Education and Micro-financing Initiative

St. Cloud Federal Credit is proud to announce a $2,500 grant submission to the Minnesota Credit Union Foundation on behalf of Sartell High School was awarded. The credit union also committed to matching the grant if it was awarded; the high school now has $5,000 to fund a financial education program focused on helping people in developing countries.

The social studies department of Sartell High School is now teaching Human Geography to create a lending curriculum to fund student led micro-financing to people in developing countries around the world. The 9th grade students will create development plans for different parts of the world which will be presented to a panel. Finalized plans will result in research for micro-lending opportunities in those areas of the world selected. In turn the students will partner with Kiva, a global non-profit organization that helps people around the world alleviate poverty through small loans.

Sartell High School Teacher Roy Snyder researched and launched the program. Since the project’s inception, he has seen the students gain an immediate increase in financial and world knowledge and issues surrounding poverty, “these are real life stories; the biggest thing I see is empathy and increasing understanding that helping is not about a handout but about a partnership. They are acquiring financial and world knowledge, confidence and skills to develop passion by having to present their findings that result in a real impact,” stated Snyder.

Jed A. Meyer, President and CEO of St. Cloud Federal Credit Union submitted the grant and committed to the matching funds. The credit union created a panel of experts that the students will present to in order to help determine which countries will receive the grant money. “We are really excited about this opportunity to help kids in our community! We care about improving financial education and this program accomplishes that for these 9th grade students. In addition to the students, this program is improving the lives of people around the world and is an awesome opportunity that we are extremely proud to be a part of,” stated Meyer.

Most of the loans granted will be between $50 and $100 and will help the students with lending and collection knowledge in addition to global knowledge of developing countries. The payback of the loans will create a self-perpetuating program to be used by students in future years.

Spooktacular Halloween Activities

Halloween- a perennial favorite for people of all ages. We’re going to assume you’re busy scheming up costume ideas, picking out your candy selection, and plotting a trick or treat route and (possibly) a party - so we’ve done a little research to help you find some cool, spooky central MN community events this month! Follow the links for all the info you need to make these events part of the fall fun!

MOLITOR’S HAUNTED ACRES
Chances are high you’ve either been to, or heard of this incredibly intricate and terrifying spectacle, presented by Molitor’s Grill and Bar in Sauk Rapids. Now in their 17th year, the folks at Molitors keep upping the scare factor each season. The trek includes a haunted woodsy hayride, followed with foot chases through the House of Horrors, the Quarry Asylum, The Storm Sewer, The Toxic Mineshaft, and finishes with what is arguably the scariest part of all - The Prison. And, since it is Molitor’s, you’re invited to hang out, have a beverage and enjoy a bonfire - whether or not you participate in the haunted jaunt.

HARVEST OF HORROR
This ghoulish attraction takes you a little ways out of town but it’s well-worth the trek. A fairly recent addition to the local Halloween circuit, Harvest of Horror is hayride loaded with shocks and scares. The trek begins with a ride through farmland, called the Field of Screams, before taking a turn into the thickly wooded Timbers of Terror. The event wraps up with Maze of Madness, populated by “creepy lifeforms.” So...yeah. This one isn’t for the faint. Rides are held on Friday and Saturday evenings until the 31st.

STEARNS HISTORY MUSEUM’S HALLOWEEN HISTORIA
Now, while this one has a slightly spooky name, the Stearns History Museum promises a non-scary, fun and educational offering. On October 25, you and the kids are invited to stroll through the museum’s seasonal exhibit, dress up for Trick or Treating, and even join in on a scavenger hunt! The fun runs from noon to 4pm, and admission is $4.

CROSSROADS CENTER TRICK OR TREATING
This is definitely a yearly favorite for folks all over central Minnesota. Get the kids in costume and dodge whatever mother nature throws our way by trick or treating in the comfort of the mall. You’ll know which stores are participating when you see a little pumpkin posted up at their doors. Hours are from 5-7pm...leaving plenty of time to hit your neighborhood for more treats afterward!

TRICK OR TREATING...WITH SCFCU!
You didn’t think we’d skip out on Halloween fun, did you? Come say hello to our team from SCFCU during the Pine Cone Marketplace’s pre-Halloween Trick Or Treat extravaganza. The event will be held on October 25th from 10am-1pm. We’ll be hanging out on the corner; bring your treat bag!

                                 

So, there’s a short list of some great ways to celebrate the season. Do you have any particular plans? Thinking about attending one of these? Leave us a comment and tell us about it!

A Message From Our New President/CEO

St. Cloud Federal Credit Union has a rich tradition of taking care of its members and making a difference in our community. I am both humbled and honored to have been named your next President and CEO and I look forward to serving our members, our employees, and our community for many years to come. Our credit union is a cooperative, and I want you – our members – to be proud to be a part of it. Our credit union was founded on the premise of “people helping people”, and I personally cannot think of a better job than to lead a company where people trump profit, where the profit is given back to the people, and where everything our organization generates stays right here in our local community rather than being shipped off to Minneapolis or San Francisco. I hope you are as proud to be a member of our cooperative as I am to be its new leader! So you may ask, what can we do to make our credit union stronger? Well, the answer to that is quite simple…

our members and their participation.

As a credit union, it is our job to relentlessly strive to offer products and services that will better your financial life. It is our hope that when we are successful with this, you – as a member and owner of this credit union – will participate with us and utilize us for all your financial needs. When you make the choice to invest in your credit union, you have my absolute commitment that you will be well taken care of. The stronger our credit union becomes, the more we can give back to you as members and the more we can give back to our communities.


I look forward to partnering with the membership and the staff to continue to make St. Cloud Federal Credit Union a great place for our members to bank, a great place for our employees to work, and a credit union we all can be proud of!

Sincerely,

Jed A. Meyer

President/CEO

March Madness Wellness Challenge #2

Week Two: 03/09---03/13 

One Point = 

• Drink 2 Glass of Milk 
• Eat 1 Serving, Your Choice of: Grapes, Pear 
• Eat 1 Serving, Your Choice of: Carrots, Potato 
• 10 Minutes of Leisure (relaxing) Time (LIMIT ONE PER DAY) 
• Save $2.00 

Two Point = 

Eat Breakfast (LIMIT ONE PER DAY) 

• Eat 2 Servings, Your Choice of: Grapefruit, Plum 
• Eat 2 Servings, Your Choice of: Asparagus, Broccoli 
• 10 Minutes of Quiet Time (LIMIT ONE PER DAY) 
• 15 Minutes of Stretching (LIMIT TWO PER DAY) 
• 20 Minutes of Reading (LIMIT TWO PER DAY) 

Three Point = Drink 3 Glasses of Water 

• Eat 1 Serving, Your Choice of: Star Fruit, Pineapple 
• Eat 1 Serving, Your Choice of: Beet, Avocado 
• 25 Minutes of Physical Activity (walking, running, biking, lifting, etc…) 

**Total Savings Points Capped at 200

'Call Me Fronk!'

Hi Everyone, Phoebe here! I wanted to introduce you all to my good friend, Frank… or as he says ‘Call me Fronk!’

I first met Frank a few years back when he moved to the United States from Germany – it has been fun to get to know him, and I always love teasing him about his accent… “vat accent?!”, as he would say. Frank and I have stayed in touch over the years and he is a super fun guy... not to mention he has pretty cool hair!

Since moving here, Frank has (admittedly) been captivated by fancy ‘gadgets’ and other luxurious items he didn't have back home, or didn't notice as a younger adult. Now that he has his own place and a job – he is very eager to spend, but spends big.  I've told Frank a lot about my new ‘gig’ at St. Cloud Federal Credit Union – helping Members and the Community learn more about becoming Financially Fit – and we joke that some might call him Not-So-Financially-Fit-Frank.  He cracks me up!

Frank means well, but really does get excited when he sees something new and shiny – which isn't always great for his Credit Cards.  He’s recently asked me to help him work toward becoming more Financially Fit, and I’m so excited!  I know it won’t happen over night, but the fact that Frank knows he’s a spender, and wants help managing expenses is a giant first step. 

I’ll be sure to keep you updated on my and Frank’s Financial Fitness adventures, and might even be asking for your help and advice.  I know that with the help of my friends at St. Cloud Federal Credit Union, we can support each other and make our financial dreams come true!

Here we go!

~Phoebe

Our New Look!

We've recently changed the look of our St. Cloud Federal Credit Union website; a makeover of sorts, if you will.  There are a couple of reasons for changing the look of our SCFCU site.

In a quickly digitizing world, we wanted to accommodate all our Members and website visitors who access our site from a mobile device, whether it be a smart phone or tablet.  With this remodel, our website will format to various screens and be much easier to navigate.  Another reason we decided it was time for our site to be re-vamped was to prepare for any future expansion. 

One main feature you’ll notice when you visit our new website is that you can access the Online Banking sign-on directly from our home page!  All our other online services can be found under the ‘E-Branch’ column on the right, or the 'Online Services' tab on the home page.

We are very excited to have a more updated and ‘modern’ site, and hope you like it as much as we do!  A special ‘thanks!’ goes out to our friends at Gaslight Creative in St. Cloud, for their beautiful and crafty work – we certainly couldn't have done the remodel without their help and expertise.

Happy browsing!

Our mission is to educate, support, and encourage our Members to become Financially Fit.


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Time Flies When You’re Having Fun: Thanks for 38 Years, Bill!

Our beloved CEO, Bill Winter was recently honored by the Minnesota Credit Union Foundation as a Credit Union Builder.  The Foundation created the Credit Union Builder Award in 2008 to allow credit unions and organizations to make contributions in honor of or in memory of a significant individual who has been instrumental in their success – of course Bill was a natural fit.

 

When Bill was hired in 1975, St. Cloud Federal Credit Union had only 1,600 Members, three Employees, and $1 million in assets.  By the time Bill retires as CEO later this year, after 38 years of service, SCFCU will have grown to almost 15,000 Members, 57 Employees, and over $100 million in assets.

His tireless efforts made significant and far-reaching contributions to the credit union movement.  Bill served on the boards of the Minnesota Item Processing Corporation, Minnesota League of Credit Unions, Minnesota Credit Union Network, Minnesota Corporate Federal Credit Union, and Network Service Corporation.  He was a long-standing member of MnCUN’s Political Involvement Committee, and he lobbied at both the state and federal levels for issues that affect the credit union industry.

In February of 2013, Bill was inducted into the Credit Union House Hall of Leaders in Washington, D.C., in recognition of his dedication and leadership.  Bill was also active in the St. Cloud community on the Rotary Club and as a board member, chair and government affairs committee contributor for the St. Cloud Area Chamber of Commerce.  In addition, Bill led countless SCFCU staff and volunteers who will ensure that his passion for Members and his philosophy to “do the right thing” will be his legacy for many years to come.

We can’t thank Bill enough for all he’s done.  He is a great leader and a true inspiration to all of us at SCFCU.  38 years, wow – time flies when you’re having fun! Thanks, Bill.




Our mission is to educate, support, and encourage our Members to become Financially Fit.

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