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

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.

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.

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.

Financial Fitness Resolutions

With 2014 at a close, it’s time to set your New Year’s Financial Fitness resolution. Setting a financial goal for 2015 will develop a rewarding habit that will continue for many years to come. Whether you are spending less money on the morning coffee, or setting aside a higher percentage of your paycheck for retirement, it’s time to start thinking about your financials, and we are here to help. The following are four easy tips to start your year off right.


Start envelope budgeting- Envelope budgeting is putting cash aside every month for your spending. You can start by dividing your money into certain categories. These can include taxes, rent, child expenses, groceries, date night and more. Assign each category to an envelope and budget your money to each category. Use the money as needed for each category. This will help you decide whether you need to spend the money, or if you can leave it for another time.

Pay down debt- Write down all your cards, their balance, and what the interest rate is on each. Increase payments on the card with the highest rate. If you aren’t already, try paying off the most expensive debt first, and try paying more than the minimum balance on it. Paying only a small percentage of the balance only prolongs the payoff.

Save more for retirement- Start saving, and keep saving! You will reward yourself in the long run if you continue to put 10 to 15 percent of your paycheck in a retirement fund. Make sure you know your retirement needs. Every individual’s retirement needs are different. Determine your needs ahead of time so you can prepare yourself- and your money- for the long haul.

Meet with a financial advisor- These men and women have the knowledge and expertise to guide you through financial decisions. They offer realistic goals that you can reach with their help. Invest in a good advisor and you can get started towards retirement in the right direction.


The best New Year’s resolution you can make is one to develop your own financial fitness. St. Cloud Federal Credit Union is here to answer all your questions you may have about getting yourself “in shape” for 2015. Give us a call at 320-252-2634 for more information. Have a very happy Holiday season and New Year!

5 REASONS TO GO GREEN WITH YOUR GREEN

Hey everyone it’s Financial Fitness Phoebe here! Forget about those (possibly failed) New Year’s resolutions; it’s springtime, and a new chance for self-improvement. When it comes to spring-cleaning your finances, consider a host of paperless, earth-friendly account management programs. The days of printed and mailed bank statements, mailed account alerts and newsletters are quickly coming to an end, and more people are choosing to automate their finances with online, mobile and e-mail features. Here are four things I do to “go green” and these things might make you consider ditching the paper trail, too.

1) PAPERLESS ACCOUNT MANAGEMENT IS QUICKER

One pitfall of paper is that it’s not very speedy. So, most credit unions and banks now offer completely safe, reliable and free ways to keep tabs on your money, without ever opening an envelope.

Online statements: you can check up on your current account balances any time you like; it’s also a great daily tool for seeing where your money’s going, and using that info to build or maintain a responsible budget.

With electronic account alerts, you’ll hear via e-mail or phone about any transactions or other events attached to your accounts.

Scheduled transfers cut out the bill-paying middle man; just choose what day you need to have money leave your account in order to pay a recurring bill, and then forget about it. You can also hook up a series of money-management reminders - email or text - to keep you on your toes, too.

2) DON’T HAVE TIME TO HIT THE CREDIT UNION? NO PROBLEM.

Apps. They’re not just before dinner anymore. They’re key pieces of keeping tabs on your finances and mobile deposits. Mobile banking allows any smartphone or tablet user can take their bank anywhere, and access their accounts anywhere, anytime.

Why choose mobile banking? It’s ultra current. By relying only on online statements, you are seeing just the transactions and balances as of a particular cut-off date. Through Online Banking or Mobile Banking, you will see your transactions reflected on your account as soon as they occur, which gives you the most recent balance available.

One of the newer mobile device features - mobile deposits. It’s pretty much exactly what you’re picturing; with the app, you can select “make a deposit,” enter the amount, and then use your device to take photos - front and back - of the check you wish to deposit and then send away.

And in case you were going to cheekily inquire, no - this deposit feature DOESN’T work with cash. :)

You can also take advantage of person-to-person transactions through the Online Banking login – for example, our members can send money electronically to people, even if they bank elsewhere.

Additionally, through an Account to Account payment system (also in Online Banking) members who have bank accounts elsewhere can access their money at those other financial institutions to - for example, make payments electronically on their credit union loans.

These two services traditionally would have required sending checks through the mail, paying cash in person, etc.

3) EMAILS > SNAIL-MAIL

A good financial institution doesn’t have time to spam you with unnecessary information - they’ll simply keep you up to date on banking changes, security topics and other important information for members. And, you’ll get that information much more efficiently than through snail-mail.

4) WEBSITES AND SOCIAL MEDIA KEEP YOU CONNECTED

Websites - like ours - are now quite intricate, and thanks to the juggernaut that is the world of social media, you have lots of ways to keep up with everything happening at your credit union. Check out the top of the home page to see how many platforms we’re using, and find the ones you’re most comfortable with.  Note: St. Cloud Federal Credit Union is updating its website, and it should be completed by mid May.

5) IT SAVES TREES. LOTS OF TREES.

Mother nature smiles every time a customer goes paperless. And, considering Earth Day is just a few weeks away, it’s a great time to make the leap.

Of course, a credit union’s website is always a great place to learn about paperless/mobile features - and we’re here to help you anytime you like!

xo,

~Phoebe

Pammy’s Sugar Cookies

Our next SCFCU holiday recipe comes from Jackie.  Jackie got this recipe many years ago from a dear friend, Pam, and has been using it ever since.  She claims this recipe is the best, most delicious one out there – and by the looks of the ingredients, she might be right!  With the help of fun and festive cookie cutters, Jackie makes these sugar cookies for all kinds of occasions – Thanksgiving, Christmas, the Superbowl, etc. YUM!

Cookie Ingredients:

2 c. Sugar

1 c. Butter – Really Softened, No Substitutes

2 Eggs

1 c. Sour Cream

1 tsp. Baking Soda

2 tsp. Lemon Extract

½ tsp. Salt

Add flour, enough to make a soft dough roll
(about 4-5 cups total).

Baking:

Roll out dough on floured surface, then cut out shapes with cookie cutters. Bake cookies at 350 degrees for about 10 minutes, or until the bottom is golden brown.

Frosting Ingredients:

½ pint Half & Half Cream

¼ c. butter

2-3 c. Powdered Sugar (adjust to taste preference)

Food Coloring (optional)

Instructions:

Melt half & half with butter, then add 2-3 cups powdered sugar.  Frosting may seem soupy at first, but will set overnight. *Tip: It is easiest to dip the top of cookies into frosting, for less mess.

These cookies are easy to make, and very festive…Jackie’s kids and family love them, and she hopes yours will too.  

- Jackie,  VP of Accounting

Watch for more delicious SCFCU Employee recipes to come this Holiday season!

Stress Less on Holiday Expenses

Headphones, clothing, spiffy shoes, video games… a Christmas list can go on and on!  While it’s true that this season is one of the most wonderful times of the year, it can also be one of the most stressful.  Many of us feel the pressure to find the perfect gift – which may come with a hefty price tag.

How do you pay for all the gadgets, gizmos, and gifts? Do you pull out the plastic and throw caution to the wayside, ignoring the guilt and financial pressure? Well, we’re here to tell you there’s a way to spend this Holiday season without the buyer’s remorse!

Did you know the national average of interest rates on credit cards is a whopping 14.95%? YIKES. This is just one of the reasons we are excited to be offering our annual Holiday Loan with a low 1.99% annual percentage rate!

A few key details about the SCFCU Holiday Loan:
- Available now until December 31st, 2013
- Minimum loan is $500
- Maximum loan is $4,000
- 12 month term
- 1.99% APR (WOW!!!)
- Offer available to qualified borrowers on approved credit
- New money only
- No collateral required

We offer this special financing so you can buy gifts for the Holidays at a lower cost than credit cards or other loans. The term (AKA the loan payback period) may seem short, but this helps us encourage and remind our Members that part of being Financially Fit means not over-extending your debt.  In other words, we don’t want you to still be paying for the Holidays during next year’s Holiday season; after all, next Christmas rolls around just 12 months later!

If you’re looking for a way to stick to your budget, stay Financially Fit, and truly enjoy the Holidays, contact one of our Lenders at (320) 258-2190 today – you’ll be glad you did!

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Happy Holidays from all of us at St. Cloud Federal Credit Union, where our Mission is to educate, support and encourage our Members to be Financially Fit.

Jessi’s Cranberry Pear Stuffing

This yummy recipe comes from Jessi's kitchen... it sounds delicious ~ enjoy!

Ingredients:
2 ½ c –  Low Sodium Vegetable Broth
2/3 c –  Raw Wild Rice
1 ½  Tbsp –  Olive Oil
1 Medium Red Onion, Chopped
2 Large Celery Stalks, Diced
2 Medium Firm Pears, Cored and Diced
2 c – Finely Diced Whole Grain Bread
1/3  c – Dried Cranberries
1/4 c – Chopped Pecans
2 tsp – Salt-Free Seasoning (Spike, Mrs. Dash, etc.)
Salt and Freshly ground Pepper to Taste
1/2 c – Apple Cider
  
Directions:
1. Bring the broth to a simmer in a small saucepan.  Stir in the wild rice, then cover and simmer gently until the liquid is absorbed, about 35 minutes.

2. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees.

3.  Heat the oil in a medium-sized skillet.  Add the onion and sauté until translucent.  Add the celery and sauté over medium heat until both are golden.

4. Combine the onion-celery mixture with the cooked wild rice and all remaining ingredients, except the apple juice, in a mixing bowl.  Stir well to combine.  Drizzle the apple juice in slowly, stirring all the while, until the mixture is evenly moistened.

5. Transfer the mixture to a lightly oiled, large, shallow baking dish.  Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the tops beings to get slightly crusty.


Enjoy!

Jessi, SCFCU Lead Teller

Stay tuned for more Employee recipes throughout the Holiday season!

The Face (and Voice) of Financial Fitness!

Hi! I’m Financially Fit Phoebe - (my friends call me Phoebs). You might recognize my name from our fun and upbeat radio ads, and now you can put a face to the name and voice! I work with the folks at St. Cloud Federal Credit Union to educate, support, and encourage our Members to become Financially Fit.

I wanted to take a minute (in this case, a blog) to introduce myself and tell you a little bit about me!  As I said, my name is Phoebe, and I’ve been on the team at St. Cloud Federal Credit Union for just a couple months now, and I absolutely love it!  The people here are always so friendly and truly do have a passion for helping their Members.  I grew up in Minnesota and just graduated from college a few years back. 

When I first finished college, I wasn't so great at budgeting my money and saving for my future.  When I realized that by getting my finances in shape, my overall well-being would benefit too – I've had Financial Fitness on the brain!  I got myself into shape, and have never been happier.  I have a monthly budget set up, I contribute to my savings regularly, and I’m working on paying off all my loans to be debt-free.  From experience, I know it’s easier said than done – but with the support, patience, and help the folks at SCFCU give – you can become more Financially Fit too!

I’ll be posting blogs from time to time, so be sure to look for my signature.  I’m really excited to hang around at St. Cloud Federal Credit Union and help not just the Members, but the Employees too!  I know that together we can take the steps toward Financial Fitness, and make your financial dreams a reality!

xo,

~Phoebe

Start Saving Now, Thank Yourself Later!

For some of us, retirement might be next month, for others next year, and for others – it may seem a life time away.  Regardless of your age and retirement plan, it’s never too early to start saving.  No matter how old you are, where you work, or what your retirement goals are, there are ways you can start saving… today!

In Your 20’s:

• Starting early is the best way to save for your Retirement.  Consider starting to save where you work by taking advantage of any programs offered to you, such as a 401(k).  If your budget allows, try to contribute so that your employer matches your contribution – it’ll give you a 100% return on your ‘matched’ investment, which you won’t find many places.  If you don’t have the option of saving through work, consider seeing a financial advisor or looking into a Roth IRA.
• Create a do-able budget, and do your best to stick to it! At a young age, it can be hard to manage money with the stress of student loans, first time car purchases, and expenses of living on your own.  Finding a balance between being financially responsible and having fun.  Do your best to outline your expenses and determine how much you can save each month.

In Your 30’s:

• Review your budgeting by reassessing wants and needs– do you still need all those cable options? Can you cut the land-line  Are you spending too much on eating out? Can you get a better rate by refinancing a loan?  Looking at where you’re spending can help you see where you can cut costs.
• If your salary begins to increase, consider also gradually increasing the amount of each paycheck that you put away toward your retirement.  It may be a difficult adjustment at first, but if you ease into it, you’ll be glad you decided to start saving more of your income.

In Your 40’s:

• Now is a good time to review what you have saved for retirement so far, and how much more you need to save to reach your goals.  Even if it seems disheartening, try to calculate of how much money you need to be comfortable in retirement.
• Reassess any debts you have, and work toward getting them paid off as soon as possible! This will help with not only your finances, but your overall well-being.

In Your 50’s:

• Review all of your accounts to learn ‘where you sit’ in savings and with your retirement fund.  If needed, make changes to plans to assure you’re on track with your retirement plan.
• Consider ‘Catching Up’: After you turn 50, you can make “catch-up contributions” (an extra amount, beyond standard limits), or payments to tax-deferred retirement plans.  To learn more, click here.
• Begin to look at how much you may receive from Social Security to determine what age you should apply for these benefits.

In Your 60’s:

• Waiting to retire can sometimes add up to an increased Social Security payout.  Revisit your retirement plan and map out when you should start to receive social security benefits, and what your retirement goals are.
• Look over spending habits, and find ways you can reduce spending if possible.  This will help assure that you will be ready to live within your means during retirement.

Saving and planning for your retirement now, can ease the stress and financial burden later in life, and can help with your overall Financial Fitness!  It may be hard to save now, but someday you’ll be glad you did.

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

Service Upgrade: New & Improved Bill Payer

As a Member of St. Cloud Federal Credit Union, you have the opportunity to use our Bill Payer service, free of charge.  For those of you who don’t know, Bill Payer is a safe and secure way to pay your bills online through your checking account at SCFCU.  It’s a convenient alternative to writing out checks each month, or logging onto individual business websites.  An exciting upgrade is coming soon for Bill Payer service.

Effective August 14^th, we are converting to a new Bill Payer provider.  No worries, current users -  all of your Payees, Payment History, and Scheduled Payments will automatically convert to the new provider.  However, there are a few things we’d like to make you aware of.

• Payments that you set up prior to the upgrade, that had a process date after August 13^th, will now have a different ‘Send Date’.  The term ‘Process Date’ will now be used within Bill Payer instead of ‘Send Date’.  It is extremely important that you log in to your Bill Payer account after August 14^th and review your ‘Process Dates’ (The ‘Process Date’ is the date the funds are deducted from your checking account.) to assure things transferred over.
  
  

• All of your Payees will default to ‘Check Payment’ status at the time of the upgrade.  However, those Payees may convert to ‘Electronic Payment’ status when the first payment is processed with our new provider.
  
  

• The most exciting change is that Bill Payer will be available for your mobile device by the end of the first quarter in 2014.

If you have any questions or concerns about our Bill Payer upgrade, please feel free to contact Barb at (320)258-2150, or Karen at (320)258-2169.

To learn more about accessing Bill Payer, click here.  If you’d like help walking through setting up Bill Payer, check out this video.  Happy Bill Paying!

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

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