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!

St. Cloud Federal Credit Union Named One of the 2017 Top 150 Workplaces in Minnesota by the Star Tribune

Photo from left to right Sarah Mason (Chief Administrative Officer), Mark Douvier (Vice President of Lending, and Alyce Justin (Executive Vice President/COO)

  

St. Cloud, Minnesota: St. Cloud Federal Credit Union is proud to announce they have been named one of the 2017 Top 150 Workplaces in Minnesota by the Star Tribune. With over 15,000 Minnesota companies, this prestigious award is a tremendous honor as it is won as a result of employee feedback. The announcement was made official at a statewide luncheon hosted in Minneapolis on June 21, and will also be published in the Star Tribune Top Workplaces special section on Sunday, June 25. 

The rankings in the Star Tribune Top 150 Workplaces are based on survey information collected by WorkplaceDynamics, an independent company specializing in employee engagement and retention. Top Workplaces recognizes the most progressive companies in Minnesota based on employee opinions measuring engagement, organizational health, and satisfaction. The analysis included responses from over 69,000 employees at Minnesota public, private, and nonprofit organizations. 

Jed A. Meyer, President and CEO, and Sarah Mason, Chief Administrative Officer from St. Cloud Federal Credit Union are honored to receive the award. “Employees are the heart and soul of our organization. As a credit union, how our employees feel is so important to helping us achieve our mission to make a meaningful difference. I could not be happier they know and feel we value them as one united team!” stated Meyer. 

“Passion Matters” is our number one core value because it unites us together in a shared mission with common values. I am so proud of the team we’ve built and want to thank every employee for their great feedback which led to this award!” stated Mason.

Star Tribune Publisher Michael J. Klingensmith said, “The companies in the
Star Tribune Top 150 Workplaces deserve high praise for creating the very best work environments in the state of Minnesota. My congratulations to each of these exceptional companies.”  

About St. Cloud Federal Credit Union: St. Cloud Federal Credit Union is a not-for-profit financial cooperative founded in 1930. Currently with over 19,000 members and over $160 million in assets, the credit union is proud to serve members in Central Minnesota with branches in St. Cloud and Sartell. The organization prides itself on making a meaningful difference for members and their local communities. 

What Does a Meaningful Difference Mean to Me?

What Does a Meaningful Difference Mean to Me?

At St. Cloud Federal Credit Union, a part of our philosophy is to create a meaningful difference for our members and our community. One SCFCU employee – Kjersten Fisher – sought to answer the question, “What does a meaningful difference mean to me?” This is what she came up with:

When I first started at St. Cloud Federal Credit Union, I was asked to make a meaningful difference for at least two people. I was a little hesitant, what does that look like? How will I know who to choose? To me, good customer service was doing what the member asked, with a smile & maybe a little small talk.

I came across one member who was depositing some money into her sister’s account. Her sister was a little low that month and she was helping her out. In her words, “Because that’s what sister’s do.” I come from a background of 3 sisters, and while in college, we always helped the others out – whether getting lunch or spotting for a new item of clothing. I really connected with what this member was doing. So I decided I wanted to do something for her. I mailed her a gift card to the new Hobby Lobby store with a little note about how I related to her.

A couple weeks went by and then my boss called me into her office. “I want you to listen to this, as she played me a voicemail from the member. On the voicemail, the member was near tears saying how much she needed something like that and thanked me for my kindness.

It was at that moment that it hit me; it wasn’t because I had given her gift card or even the amount. It was the meaning behind it. She does so much for others that it surprised her when the favor was returned.

Working here is unlike any company I have worked under. We want to do better for our members; not just in product or services, but in life. Making a meaningful difference means going beyond “good customer service.” It is more, “How can I make sure you know you are valued as a member and a human being?”

I have done a couple of meaningful differences since then, but the impact my first one had on me is one that will always stick with me.

– Kjersten Fisher, Marketing Specialist

St. Cloud Federal Credit Union is owned and operated by our members. Our board of directors is made up of volunteers, not industry big-wigs. We want to focus on helping our members enjoy the banking experience in more than the traditional ways. That’s what making a meaningful difference means to us.

Celebrating National Bring Your Kids to Work Day with St. Cloud Federal Credit Union

This past April, St.Cloud Federal Credit Union celebrated National Bring Your Daughters and Sons to Work Day. As part of an activity, Sarah Mason gave each child $10 to make a difference in someone's life. We got some interesting stories back from the kids’ experiences, and we’d like to share a few with you.

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I took my kids out to eat for lunch at Waffle It. I was sitting at the table waiting for our food while the kids were playing at the play area and my daughter Jayla comes up to me to tell me she wants to give away her $10 to the elderly couple sitting in the other room. I told her she doesn't have to do it right away and it can be another day if she wants to wait. She insisted she wanted to make a difference right now. Then I asked her why she's choosing them, she just said, “Because, I just want to make a difference in their day today.”

We went over to the couple and I introduced us and explained that it was Take Your Kids to Work Day today & SCFCU wanted the kids to make a difference and that my daughter wanted to give them something.

Jayla laid the $10 on their table and it was THE BEST MOMENT for all of us. The couple's eyes started watering; the husband's lips were trembling and he was speechless. His wife put her fork down to touch her heart and Jayla's face was beaming with happiness! The wife asked, "What do we owe you?" I said, "Nothing. My daughter wanted you guys to have this so you can enjoy your next meal or outing."The wife was shocked and touched.

The husband came to our table before he left and said to Jayla, "I just wanted you to know how deeply touched we are by what you just did. We thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your kindness. From a Marine, you are a princess."She just smiled the whole time and said, "You're Welcome."

After he left, she said to me "I wish I could make a difference every day; it makes me feel happier." Of course, I told her she can make a difference as many times a day she wants and as long as she wants.

Thank you SCFCU for giving us the opportunity to show my daughter her new passion.

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As we were pulling into Red Robin, we saw an older gentleman. We pulled up alongside him while he was on the sidewalk. Bethany started a conversation, explaining who we were and what we were doing. Nicholas happened to be on the passenger side of the car, and gave the man his $10. He was speechless, he could not believe it. He even asked a few times, is this for real? He was so grateful, and surprised. He thanked us several times, and said “God Bless You” to us. As we drove away, he just stood there watching in disbelief.

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There was such an amazing, wonderful and warm feeling inside the vehicle of happiness, excitement, and pride. I just want to say a HUGE thank you Jed, Sarah, Alyce, Jordan, Rebekah and everyone who had helped to make this wonderful day happen. It meant so much to myself, and my son Brent, to share the day and the experience together. I asked Brent if there was anything he would change, and the last 2 years, he has the same answer, “I wish it was more than once a year!"

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I just received a call from a member asking if we were the credit union giving away $10.00 dollars. I told him yes and explained that it was take your kids to work day and that we wanted each child to make a difference with the money they were given.

He continued to say that he was surprised and wanted to say thank you so much, that was the nicest thing to receive and very proud of what we were teaching the younger generation.

He said “You are my Credit Union too”!!"

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Beckett had waited to give away her $10 and she did it this morning at Coborns. She gave it an older gentleman that was waiting in line to pay. He was almost to tears and first tried to give it back to her and she said he couldn’t. Then he asked if he could give her a hug and she did. The cutest thing was when we got in the car, I asked her how that felt. She said at first she wanted to keep the money but after she gave it away she felt “gooder”!

Thanks for the opportunity to have our kids experience that feeling!"



As a company, it feels great to get to know one another better though our children, it also feels great to teach our children about the effects of helping others and share our stories with one another. That is also why we would like to share our experiences with our members! If you’re looking to start teaching your children about saving money, doing the right thing, and giving back to others, let the experts at St. Cloud Federal Credit Union help get you started!

Grey Face Rescue Drive

We are having a supply drive for Grey Face Rescue & Retirement from May 16th-29th! Listed below are the supplies needed during the drive. We appreciate any all the contributions. All three branches will be excepting donations.

• Grooming supplies (brushes, combs, shampoo) 
• A variety of dog tags with "Grey Face Foster - greyfacerescue@gmail.com" on them 
• A variety of dog tags with "Adopted from Grey Face Rescue" on them 
• Flea & Tick and Heartworm Preventative (All Sizes) 
• Ink (HP 62) 
• Plastic Storage Tubs 
• Gas Gift Cards 
• Fast Food Gift Cards ($5 increments for Hospice Dogs) 
• Incentive Gift Cards ($15 increments, Target, Walmart, etc.) 
• Stamps 
• Self-Seal Envelopes 
• Shipping Tape 
• Senior Dog Food (including Hills J/D Joint Care or sensitive skin formulas) 
• Senior Wet Dog Food 
• Orthopedic Dog Beds (All Sizes) 
• Multi-Vitamins and Supplements 
• Dental Bones 
• Toys, Kongs 
• Treats 
• Kennels (All Sizes) 
• Leashes

St. Cloud Federal Credit Union Launches Second Annual Community Recognition Program

ChangeMakers: Giving back to those who make a difference. 

St. Cloud Federal Credit Union is proud to announce the second annual launch of a community recognition program: ChangeMakers: Giving back to those who make a difference. This partnership with St. Cloud Times Media is intended to highlight people who may get little recognition while doing great things in the community. 

For 6 weeks, one person will be selected to receive the recognition which includes a news story and $500. This program was created for people who help to improve the local community on their own initiative, demonstrating they put others before themselves while showing service efforts are ongoing.

“Our second year is off to another great start in finding people in our community who don’t even know the difference they make on others. We have the unique opportunity to recognize them and I am proud we sponsor such a meaningful program!” stated Alyce Justin, Chief Operation Officer/Executive Vice President of St. Cloud Federal Credit Union. The credit union is funding the program and was proud to award the first winner, Ray Tuholsky of St. Anna, MN. Mr. Tuholsky has spent years making and donating various items while befriending the many people he comes into contact with. 

“The people who work to make changes for the better in our community are sometimes locally famous, but just as often do their work humbly in the background. So, it’s an honor to shine a light on the great people who are doing noteworthy work for their neighbors, without widespread notice. It’s even better knowing they’re getting some financial help for their cause from St. Cloud Federal Credit Union,” stated Lisa Schwarz, News Director for St. Cloud Times Media. 

More information with video of the first winner can be found here.
Nomination forms can be found here.

About St. Cloud Federal Credit Union: St. Cloud Federal Credit Union is a not-for-profit financial cooperative founded in 1930. Currently with over 19,000 members and over $160 million in assets, the credit union is proud to serve members in Central Minnesota with branches in St. Cloud and Sartell. The organization prides itself on making a meaningful difference for members and their local communities.  

Teaching Your Children to Control Their Finances

April is National Youth Savings Month, which is a good time to show that we value each of our members–especially the children! If you haven’t already, now is a good time to teach your kids about the value of a dollar and the power of financial control. Show them that they can invest, manage and grow their money as they grow, too. We’ve gathered easy ways children can build their savings and learn to be financially secure.

Set Up a Savings Account

To get started, set up a Youth Savings Account at St. Cloud Federal Credit Union. We provide youth savings accounts from birth to age 16. Valuable benefits come along with all youth accounts. Special incentives are given to children who make a deposit and prizes are awarded when a new youth account is opened! Our savings accounts are designed to make financial sense to youth and young teens–not just their parents.

Use Birthdays and Special Occasions as a Learning Opportunity

Children are given a number of gifts every year for their birthdays and holidays. Most of the gifts and cash they receive gets forgotten and rarely makes an impact on the child’s future. Next time your child receives cash for a gift, teach them that setting aside a percentage for later will be valuable for their future. Encourage them to save up for a big-ticket item instead of asking for one for gifts. This way, not only will your child get what they want, but they will understand the means it takes to get it.

Set Chores Around the House

According to The Center for Parenting Education, “Research indicates that those children who have a set of chores have higher self-esteem, are more responsible, and are better able to deal with frustration and delay gratification...” Not only can your children earn small rewards for doing their chores, they are becoming financially fit without realizing it!

Encourage Your Kids to Become Mini Entrepreneurs

The next sunny summer day, make some lemonade with your children and help them set up a stand. They will begin to understand the value of working for the money you earn and exposes them to the idea of success. They’ll better understand finance by making change and saving their profits.

Babysitting

Babysitting teaches responsibility and will help young teens prepare for the future. Babysitting is common for young kids to put on their first job applications. The quality lessons they’ve learned will better prepare them for future jobs. The cash they earned can be put into savings for the future, too!

These are just a few of the ways you can get your kids involved in saving and becoming more financially savvy. For more ideas, follow St. Cloud Federal Credit Union on Facebook, or visit our website.

Planning for a Spring Home Project Without Going into Debt

If you haven’t already begun, now is the perfect time to begin planning for your spring home projects! Whether you are looking to tackle an expansion or to update your furniture, you will have to face the question of “how am I going to pay for this?” With careful planning, a spring home project should not put you into significant debt. Take a look at our best tips on budgeting for a home project.

1. Have a Realistic Vision

Will that new home trend you have your eye on stand the test of time? Can you justify spending thousands of dollars on an outdoor kitchen if you only grill once or twice a summer? Set realistic expectations for your design to stay on budget.

2. Shop Around and Do Your Research

When you are hiring professionals, consider a few factors. Take a look at certifications, licensing, pricing, reputation, and customer testimonials. Get advice from experts and referrals from friends who have gone through home renovation experiences. Be thorough in your research in order to get an idea of the scope, price, return on investment, and how your renovations would contribute to the property value of your home.

If you are looking for projects to get the most bang for your buck, choose projects that are simple, energy-efficient, and low-maintenance as well as fitting in with the property value of similar homes in your neighborhood. Find inspiration in the following popular home improvement projects:

• Wood deck upgrades
• Re-roofing the house
• Vinyl or foam-backed vinyl siding replacement
• Adding an extension
• Kitchen updates
• Bathroom remodel
• Basement remodel
• Energy-efficient lighting and appliance upgrades
• Landscaping the front yard

3. Plan it Out

Every successful project starts with a considerable amount of planning. Be sure to map out the details of your project in order to maximize efficiency and minimize stress. Organize a timeline and budget for your project. This planning phase of your project could potentially save you tons of money.

4. Seek the Help of a Professional

DIY home improvements can feel rewarding, but if done poorly, it could cost you even more in time and money to have work redone. Consider if the project is worth your time and effort. Do you have the necessary equipment and expertise to complete the project properly? Additionally, there are projects that should definitely be left to professionals, such as electrical, plumbing, and gas work. If you decide to seek the help of a professional, read these tips for hiring a home improvement contractor.

5. Search for Financing Options

To help keep your budget under control, seek out financing options. St. Cloud Federal Credit Union offers a Home Equity Line of Credit. The Home Equity Line of Credit is a form of revolving credit that allows you to withdraw money when you need it using the equity of your home as collateral. Currently, St. Cloud Federal Credit Union is offering an introductory rate of 2.99% and no closing costs.

*2.99% is an introductory rate for 24 months. After the introductory period, rates will go into standard pricing (Prime Rate + 1%). Available for a limited time only to qualified borrowers on approved credit.

Whether making spring cleaning changes or complete renovations, get started with a realistic goal, plenty of research, a well-thought plan, professional assistance, and financial help from St. Cloud Federal Credit Union.

New Year’s Resolutions for Financial Health

Next to physical health, financial health is at the center of many Americans’ New Year’s resolutions. If you’ve resolved to finally get your finances in check this year, use these tips to save more, spend less, and make this your year!

Like other lofty goals, taking small, manageable steps in the right direction is going to be the key to actually succeeding. And just like other improvements in one’s life, deciding to make a change is the biggest hurdle to making a difference.

1. Save Wherever You Can

A person’s financial health depends on many factors, not the least of which is their ability to pay for emergencies out of savings rather than cash flow. So how do you boost your savings on regular basis?

First, decide on the portion of your tax return, bonus, or financial windfall that will go to your savings account and what will go toward paying off any debt you may be carrying. Second, slide some of your income into savings before it even gets into your hands. Use payroll deductions from St. Cloud Federal Credit Union to put a portion of your paycheck directly into savings.

2. Get on the Same Page as Your Spouse

According to a study by SunTrust banks, nearly half of all respondents have different spending habits than their partners, which is why this made our list. It is difficult to reach financial goals as a couple if you don’t agree on the goals or how to get there. Not to mention that financial stress is the number one cause of marital stress for those who indicated stress in their relationship.

Sit down together and take stock of where your finances are. Make the following decisions together:

• Decide what you’d like to accomplish in the next year, whether it’s paying down debt, opening a college savings fund, or just keeping monthly spending to a specific and firm budget. 
• Decide who is best to manage your finances. If the current arrangement isn’t working, think about having the other person step in.
• Set your budget and make a plan to stick to it. That brings us to the next suggestion.

3. Watch Those Little Purchases

Whether you’re single or attached, make a budget. Look carefully at your monthly and yearly income, and where it was spent last year. Are you happy with what you see? Is it what you expected?

Setting a weekly and monthly budget with spending caps can help you reach your year-end goals. Watch those little purchases that may have made up more of your spending than you thought, such a parking, eating out, coffeehouse visits, or traffic tickets. Although they seem small at the time, adding these small tickets to your burden every single week or month will end up creating a big hole in your financial plan.

4. Watch Those Big Purchases

Ah, the splurge. Whether it was a Christmas gift or a mid-winter vacation, one large purchase outside the scope of your budget can throw things off for months. Discuss these big ticket items with a financial advisor to proactively set a plan for achieving it. Americans often have a habit of buying first and thinking about it later, which is a sure way to rack up debt. Shop around, compare prices, check your impulses, and remember that it’s ok to say no to yourself in favor of your greater goals of financial freedom.

5. Check Interest Rates

If reducing your debt is one of your goals—and if you have debt, it should be—look at the interest rates you’re paying. Get rid of the balances that carry the highest rate, and work down from there. If you’re not sure where to start, this is one strategy for tackling debt.

Similarly, compare interest rates for savings accounts and money market accounts. Talk with a representative at St. Cloud Federal Credit Union to determine if the money you’re saving could be earning you more.

6. Plan for Retirement

According to the 2016 Financial Literacy Survey, one-quarter of Americans don’t save any of their annual income toward retirement. Lauren Brouhard, Senior Vice President of Retirement at Fidelity Investments, recommends saving 15% of your income to ensure a comfortable retirement.

If you haven’t opened your 401k retirement plan or checked in on its performance, do that immediately. If your employer offers a matching contribution to your 401k, be sure to take advantage.


For assistance with any of these tactics, we encourage you to let St. Cloud Federal Credit Union help you maintain this year’s New Year’s resolutions!

St. Cloud Federal Credit Union: Banking on a Meaningful Difference

Core values and mission statements are often well meaning, but sometimes get left behind as a company gets on with its business. Not at St. Cloud Federal Credit Union. We put great emphasis on living our core values and making them evident in our interactions with our members. (We even had a lovely plaque framed to remind us!)

Our motto is Banking on a meaningful difference. Our banking services are top notch, but what sets us apart is that meaningful difference, both in the lives of our employees and our members. It may seem a lofty goal but we are committed to this every day, and we’ll show you how.

It comes down to fulfilling our motto with purpose.

To us, PURPOSE stands for:

P - Passion Matters. We enjoy what we do, and we enjoy making a difference in the lives we touch.
U - United We Make a Difference. St. Cloud Federal Credit Union is a team, and our community is a team, and together we can do great things.
R- Reach for More Every Day. Inspiring our employees shows that we believe in all we can accomplish, which gets passed along to our members.
P - People are Trustworthy and Unique. Our culture is alive and dynamic thanks to the people and the energy within it.
O - Operational Excellence. Quality services and advice, authentic relationships, and genuine trust make our goals possible.
S - Service Above Self with Balance. Striving for improvement and excellence often means putting others first.
E - Embrace Change and Creativity. And wonderful things can happen!

Want to see our motto in action?

We couldn’t be more proud to be a part of the St. Cloud community, and here are some of the ways we’ve found to make a meaningful difference.

St. Cloud Federal Credit Union Annual Community Day

In October, we close our branches for one day in order to go out into the community to volunteer together at several local organizations. Our members got involved too, by suggesting the places where we could make an impact with our work, and it remains one of our favorite initiatives.

ChangeMakers Community Recognition Program

Part of making a meaningful difference is highlighting and thanking those in our community who are giving of their time and their hearts to make other people’s lives better. Read more about the 2016 winner, Fawn Wright of Project Linus, and you’ll be as inspired as we were!

Sartell High School Grant for Financial Education

We recently matched a financial grant awarded to Sartell High School to help fund Financial Education and a Micro-Financing Initiative for its students. A win-win-win, this program educates students about global poverty and human geography, while spurring small loans to those in developing countries and giving us a perfect opportunity to make a difference.

At St. Cloud Federal Credit Union, we will continue bringing these core values into our work and into our relationships with our members in everything we do.

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!

Being a Member From Abroad—Ashley’s SCFCU Experience

At St. Cloud Federal Credit Union, we pride ourselves in taking care of our members. Whatever your current situation, wherever life takes you, we want to be there to help. One member, Ashley, tells us about her experience with SCFCU while she traveled abroad in her own words:

StSt. Cloud Federal Credit Union is a place that has always been familiar to me growing up, as it still is today- with both of my parents being members there for over 20 years. When I decided to travel to Europe, I turned to my parents for advice on where I should set up my accounts before I leave. I needed a bank account and a debit card that would work for overseas for 3 months, have the features I desired and still be convenient for my family to make deposits. After discussing this with my parents, they suggested I stop into their credit union to learn more.

The next day I went to the St. Cloud Federal Credit Union to discuss my Europe trip and my plans for gaining access to my money while abroad. The staff at SCFCU made me feel valued and respected during all stages of my visit—from inquiry to new membership. They eagerly helped find the best product for me and also took the time to set everything up. I was surprised by all the benefits and features of their accounts—all of which fulfilled my financial needs abroad. 

The employees at the SCFCU understood that I would be away for several months and wanted to make my experience with them as smooth as possible. The staff showed me how to utilize my online banking account and even helped me download and sign into the SCFCU mobile banking apps. I realized that, to SCFCU, it was more than just setting up another checking and savings account, rather it was a new relationship being established with a valued member. This made me realize the clear difference between banks and credit unions.


Throughout my trip,I had no troubles with my checking or savings account, and my parents were able to deposit money into my accounts, which saved me in a couple emergency situations. I knew that if something did occur with my accounts while abroad that the staff at St. Cloud Federal Credit Union would take good care of me. As I am a member now, I see how the staff go the extra mile to ensure their members are taken care of and feel valued.


Thank you for the kind words, Ashley. We are happy to help. If you are heading overseas on vacation, on a study abroad program, or for any other reason and are curious about finances, contact St. Cloud Federal Credit Union.

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.

Purchasing a Home: Financial Preparation Planning

According to Gallup’s annual Economy and Personal Finance survey, 56 percent of Americans own a home and 25 percent plan to purchase one in the next 10 years. Experts say you should begin planning to buy your home a year before actually making the purchase. Having a game plan set up ahead of time may save you tons of extra time and money. Here's how you can prepare your credit and finances for your future home investment:

Start with Your Credit Score

Start with knowing where you stand and how lenders will look at you financially. Credit reports will show lenders whether you are routinely late with payments and whether you have run into serious credit problems in the past. Doing this first will give you time to work on building your credit score if necessary. Make sure you use an actual FICO score, as this is what most lenders see. Credit reports are kept by the three major agencies; Experian, Equifax, and the TransUnion. You can get a free copy of your credit reports annually from AnnualCreditReport.com.

Convert to a Conservative Budget

Downsize your current living expenses to put towards your new home purchase. Determine your budget with the amount you can afford to repay now in mind, not the maximum you're allowed to borrow. Keep in mind that life changes may come and careers might change down the road. Children, cars, and travel plans are just a few additional costs that can cut into savings, so make sure you have room for these costs in your budget.

Crush Your Debt

It breaks down to this: when you owe less money, you have more disposable income. As you begin to think about shopping for a house, think about other potential debts you have accumulated. Take the added income you have from budgeting and put it toward paying off your debt. Once you owe less on other debts, you’ll have more money to put toward your home (not to mention the boost you’ll see in your credit score). Another piece of advice while you’re getting ready for a mortgage is staying away from new debts, such as car loans or anything larger than $10,000.

Getting prepared to take out a mortgage may seem like a lot of work, but early preparation makes the entire process run much more smoothly. The American dream of owning your own home can turn into a nightmare quick if you aren’t prepared.


At St. Cloud Federal Credit Union, we can help you get that dream house and a real estate investment. Contact us today to talk with our mortgage department and find an approach that works with your lifestyle.

Preparing Your Finances for College

A college education can be one of life’s biggest expenses, but an education is one of life’s most rewarding experiences. Don’t let the financial burden of school deter your child. Help them learn to be financially conscious and prepared for college. Learn how you can help below:

1. Be Financially ConsciousIf you haven’t had much education in saving and spending money, now is the time to start. There are online courses, community courses, and a wealth of resources online available. This article from Dailyfinance.com can help you learn to be financially savvy. Learn how to budget, how to prioritize expenses, how to save, how to use debit and credit cards, how to use online transactions safely, and more. This can be overwhelming to the student learning to budget money for the first time, but laying down the groundwork will make the transition to college and adulthood that much easier. There are also tons of excellent phone apps to help you keep track of your spending and saving habits.

2. Save Early

Have a serious conversation about who is paying for college. Make it an expectation for your child to contribute to their education. Encourage them to get a part-time job throughout high school and college to help contribute to the cost. This can help your child develop a strong work ethic, become more disciplined with their finances, as well as help them gain professional experience and develop skills.

3. Learn How to Open and Use A Bank AccountIf your child doesn’t have a checking and savings account, teach them how to open and use each one. Learn how to use ATMs associated with your credit union or bank in order to withdraw fee-free.

4. Credit Card or No Credit Card?
It seems like the second students graduate high school, your mailbox gets inundated with credit card offers. If your child chooses to get a credit card, help them look for the best possible offer. Encourage them to sign up for a secured credit card, which helps establish a credit limit. Remind your child to use a credit card as a way of building credit, not as a way of spending money. Teach them to live within their means and use a credit card for expenses like gas or groceries - expenses which they can easily pay back each month.

5. Learn About the Financial Aid Process

Help your student complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) as soon as possible to help you and your child make financial decisions for college. Once completed, your family will receive information in the form of a Student Aid Report (SAR), an Expected Family Contribution (EFC), and a Data Release Number (DRN).

6. Research and Apply for Grants and Scholarships
Based on financial aid and/or merit scholarships, grants and scholarships are widely available and can help fund a major part of the college cost. Look for them at the national and state level in your community, through your high school, and more. There’s a treasure trove of money for higher education, you just have to put in a little elbow grease to find it.

7. Apply for Loans
The loan process can be tricky to navigate, but learn about the two federal student loan programs, the William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan program which offers four types of loans, and the Federal Perkins Loan Program, a school-based program for students with “exceptional financial need.” Although they are often associated with higher interest rates, explore the options of private student loans. Many institutions offer them, but explore your options carefully before choosing.

Picking a loan from a credit union rather than a major institution has many benefits. With a loan from a credit union, you can enjoy lower interest rates, flexible payment plans, and much more. Visit our student loan page to learn more and to get started.

A college education can be expensive, but far from impossible, and St. Cloud Federal Credit Union can help along the way. Plan accordingly and learn early on about how your family can best prepare for the financial expenses of college.

Save for the Future: High School to College

While in high school, saving money is not the top concern for many students. High school students don’t have to worry about bills, tuition, or other expenses that are sprung upon them once they enter college. Learning about financing and budgeting at an early age will come in handy when you are advancing in your life and career. Even if you are starting late, it is a good idea to make a budget and keep track of your finances, even if you are still in high school.

Get The App
A good budgeting app can help you keep track of finances and help find areas where you can cut back. Some of the most popular apps include:

• Mint - Mint connects your bank account and automatically inputs purchases. This feature helps you spend less time entering every purchase, which is one of the hardest parts of keeping a budget.
• Toshl - Toshl Finance is an app that makes banking simple with setting up a monthly budget. Toshl’s budgeting section has you set a max line for the month, that will give you a great view of how close you are coming to going over your set budget for the month.
• Left to Spend - Left to Spend is as simple as it gets when it comes to a budget for the month. All you need to do is set a budget and then simply subtract from there.

Learn the Tricks
College is all about adapting to your new surroundings, learning on the fly, and stretching your budget. To stretch your dollar a little further, try some of these simple tricks:

• Rent textbooks or sell them back at the end of the semester
• Walk, use public transportation or ride a bike instead of using your car. Protip: Many college students ride public transportation for free with their student ID cards
• Check your favorite stores for student discounts - many offer them
• Look into a campus gym versus a gym in town
• When planning meals, make dinner with friends and split the cost of groceries
• Don’t buy unnecessary school supplies. Why buy notebooks when you can type on your laptop
• Wait to get a pet until after college – a pet can become very expensive
• Don’t borrow more than you need. Most often, the amount you qualify for is more than you will spend in a semester - if you’re responsible

Invest Wisely
Even the best budgeting habits sometimes aren’t enough to pay for the mountain of expenses that come with attending college, and many need to take out student loans. A good choice for students is St. Cloud Federal Credit Union’s student loans. Loans from a credit union like St. Cloud Federal offer students lower interest rates, flexible payment plans, no organization fees, more. Students can qualify for lower rates based on their grades - the better the grades the lower the rate! And if ten percent of the loan is repaid within the repayment period, the interest rate will be reduced by one percent.

Need a cosigner? Most students do. But once you graduate and make 24 consecutive payments on the principle balance, you have the option to release your cosigner, which is good news for them and helps you build your credit. You can borrow as little $2,000, or up to $120,000 for undergraduate loans - up to $160,000 for graduate loans.

Check out our Q&A page for more information, or get started on the loan process through St. Cloud Federal Credit Union.

Saving or your college career might seem like an impossible feat. It’s not impossible, you just might need a little help to get you started. That’s exactly what we like to do - help people realize their dreams.

Teaching Your Child About Banking and Saving

April is National Youth Credit Union Month, making this is an excellent time to teach your child about personal banking and the importance of savings. This could mean walking a child through their first steps of personal financial awareness or it could mean reiterating the importance of savings habits with teens. Here are some tips to teach your child about banking and savings:

Help Them Practice Safe Money Habits
Teaching kids how to budget at a young age can mean a great deal of difference in their personal financial habits. Encourage younger children to make a list of things they want in the order of how badly they want each item. This way they can learn to prioritize and save. Let them help budget for a grocery trip or an upcoming trip. Modeling excellent financial habits can be the most effective way to teach your kids how to practice safe money habits.

Create a Budget Together
Since your child has now identified what they want to save their money for, create a budget with how much they will have to save each week or month to achieve their goals. Using envelopes or jars to separate allowances or earnings into different categories of savings is a great way for young children to understand budgeting. Have your child draw on each envelope or jar the item that they are saving for. Create long-term and short-term saving containers to help your children understand that some things take longer to save for than others.

Set up a Youth Checking Account.
Setting up a youth checking account helps teens learn financial concepts and gives them the opportunity to practice responsible financial habits in a safe environment. Parents can also view the account, set up limits and restrictions, and monitor account activity. Encourage your child to deposit money from their allowances, birthday, holidays, and part-time jobs. At St. Cloud Federal Credit Union, we will deposit the first five dollars as an added bonus to young savers!

Use Tech-savviness to Their Advantage
It’s a simple fact that teens spend nearly 24/7 on their phones. Teach them to use their phones, tablets, and laptops for financial good. They can benefit greatly from online services such as free direct deposit, mobile banking, e-statements, and more.

Address Privacy and Security
With so many modern features and advantages, remind them to be mindful of financial privacy and security. Teach them the importance of never sharing information pertaining to passwords and financial privacy with others. Reiterate the importance of using privacy measures when shopping and with online transactions to prevent identity theft.

Teaching and reiterating to your children about the importance of safe banking and savings habits can set them up for financial success down the road.

For more information, read Teaching Your Child Money Habits for Life, and talk to a Member Advisor at the St. Cloud Federal Credit Union for more information on youth checking and savings.

We Asked Employees Their Tips and Tricks For Saving Money..... This is What They Have to hare:

Looking for ways to SAVE MONEY??? 

We asked employees their tips and tricks...this is what they have to share:

"I shop at Aldi! The produce is excellent and so cheap! We are staying in our budget, spending less than we ever have at the grocery store, and eating healthier than we ever have before. Win-win-win! I try to avoid going to the store. I use as much as I can of what is already in my cupboard/closets before going out and buying more. Then I buy what is on sale when I need it."

"I shop the clearance aisles. I generally don’t buy clothes unless they’re 50-75% off. A good trick for kids is to buy at the end of the season for the following year. The Children’s Place will have their t-shirts on clearance for $1.99 and then they generally have 25%-30% off coupon plus an additional 5% off for using their store card. This brings the price of a brand new shirt down to less than $1.50! That’s less than what it would cost at a used clothing store."

"I share my kids’ clothes with friends and family. Kids outgrow clothes very quickly and generally they’re in excellent condition. I have a network of people who pass clothing to me and I continue passing clothes along the line. This takes some organization, but it’s amazing how old nuisance clothes can be an amazing help to the other families. This is a HUGE money saver!"

"I use my credit card! I buy most things using my credit card and write each purchase down in my check book register, just like as if I were using my debit card. When the statement comes at the end of the month, I have all of the money sitting in my checking account and pay the bill in full. Once I reach 10,000 points on my credit card, I get a $100 statement credit. That is FREE money! I don’t pay interest on the balance on the credit card and you don’t have to pay taxes on the statement credit. I call it taking advantage of the credit card companies and not letting them take advantage of me! This also lets money sit longer in my checking account accruing interest, so I am making money on both sides of the equation."

"I am a super planner. I plan my bills/shopping/entertainment/groceries out in advance to make sure I am saving as much as I can. I keep what I need in checking and the rest goes to savings—I have specific sub savings to organize my funds for future bills, vacations, and long term. Out of sight, out of mind! When I run out in checking, I try my best to wait until my next paycheck."

"I have another savings elsewhere that comes out the day after I get paid- out of sight, out of mind! I also did our WINcentive account for us and both kids and club savings accounts here.. And one other thing I did was start saving for both my kids when I found out I was pregnant with them and continue to put money in each of their accounts with my payroll checks. This way when we have big expenses- vehicles, insurance, college or whatever- we have funds tucked away. The other thing, it pushes my kids to put money in their savings- what’s not to like about that!"

"My money saving tip is.... Shop at ALDI!! I love that place and it's amazing the price difference there really is between other grocery stores! If you haven't been there... Check it out!"

"Use the Club Savings accounts to save for specific, individual goals or sporadic expenses. It makes it easier to see your progress for each goal. If all your savings is lumped into one savings account, it seems like your balance is high, but you’re actually falling short of your needs for each individual expense."

Is Debt Consolidation the Best Choice for My Finances?

For many, debt consolidation can be beneficial when it comes to refinancing loans and paying out debt. For others, debt consolidation can help very little in their goals of becoming free of the financial and emotional burdens of debt.

While it may sound tantalizing to consolidate all of your loans into one place, there’s much more to consider when choosing to consolidate your loans. It may be true that consolidating multiple credit accounts into one principle loan with a single payment can help lower your overall monthly expenses and eliminate the stress of multiple payments each month, but it could be possible that you would lose certain benefits, increase your time spent in debt, face higher interest, and more.

Remember that consolidation works best as part of a larger plan to become free of debt, not as a way to postpone repayment. Before you seriously consider consolidating your loans, ask yourself the following questions:

• Is my debt load manageable?
• Is my credit level advantageous for debt consolidation?
• Am I serious about becoming debt-free?
• Is a personal loan the best option for my finances?
• Will it help me face my student loans more efficiently?
• Once I am debt-free, will I be able to stay debt-free?

It may be to your benefit to talk to a Member Advisor at St. Cloud Federal Credit Union to answer the questions above and more to help you determine if debt consolidation is best for you.

St. Cloud Federal Credit Union offers another easy way to help determine whether debt consolidation is right for you. The St. Cloud Federal Credit Union Personal Debt Consolidation Calculator offers a simple method of self-calculating your credit cards, auto loans, and other loans and installment debt. The St. Cloud Federal Credit Union also offers a comprehensive glossary of loans terms for transparency and for those new to the process. To learn more, check out our Personal Debt Consolidation Calculator.

Debt repayment and credit counseling programs can further help you repay your loans more efficiently. Whichever method you pursue in consolidating your debts, know that the experts at St. Cloud Federal Credit Union can help you get your finances in order and can help you on your way to becoming debt-free.