Generated by All in One SEO v4.9.7.2, this is an llms.txt file, used by LLMs to index the site. # Montana's Credit Union Supporting and serving credit unions and their members in Montana ## Sitemaps - [XML Sitemap](https://www.mcun.coop/sitemap.xml): Contains all public & indexable URLs for this website. ## Posts - [To Be (at the Meeting) or Not To Be](https://www.mcun.coop/to_be_or_not_to_be/) - By Donya Parrish, MCU VP–Risk Management The question comes up occasionally about who is able to attend credit union board meetings. The answer is pretty simple — elected board members. While it may be common or a long-standing tradition to have senior credit union staff or supervisory committee members attend the monthly meetings, their attendance - [Investing for Different Life Stages: Your 20s, 40s, and Retirement Years](https://www.mcun.coop/investing-for-different-life-stages/) - If investing were a road trip, your destination might stay the same, but the vehicle, route, and playlist would change dramatically along the way. Similarly, the investment strategy that makes sense to you at 25 is rarely the same one that works for you at 45 or 75. As life evolves, so should your portfolio. - [The Value of Personality Assessments in the Workplace](https://www.mcun.coop/the-value-of-personality-assessments-in-the-workplace/) - By Micah Bevans, Montana CU While personality assessments may seem unnecessary in a professional setting, understanding your personality can provide valuable insight into both your own behaviors and the ways you interact with others. It can also help you better understand your team members and strengthen workplace relationships. Although there are many personality assessments available, - [Can a POA Change Terms?](https://www.mcun.coop/can-a-poa-change-terms/) - By Donya Parrish, MCU VP- Risk Management One of the common questions to the compliance hotline is whether someone with a power of attorney (POA) — known as the agent — can change the terms of the principal's account. It makes credit union staff uncomfortable, so I am glad when they call or email for - [Investing Terms Decoded: 15 Words Every Beginner Should Know](https://www.mcun.coop/investing-terms-decoded/) - If the world of investing feels like it comes with its own secret language, you're not alone. Between financial news headlines and social media "experts," it's easy to feel like everyone else got the dictionary except you. The good news? Most investing terms are much simpler than they sound, and we’ve totally got your back. - [Advocacy Has No Off-Season](https://www.mcun.coop/advocacy-has-no-off-season/) - By Karen Smith, Senior VP, Chief Advocacy Officer When people think about advocacy, they often picture a legislative hearing, a vote on the House or Senate floor, or a packed day of meetings during Hike the Hill. Those moments are certainly important — but they're only part of the story. The reality is that advocacy - [Montana’s Credit Unions Announces Board Leadership Changes](https://www.mcun.coop/2026-board-leadership-changes/) - July 23, 2026 — Montana’s Credit Unions (MCU) announced a series of board leadership updates and transitions that reflect a thoughtful and strategic approach to succession planning and continued organizational growth. As part of this transition, Shiloh Smeltzer, CEO of Badlands FCU, has been appointed as a full member of the Board of Directors, stepping - [Celebrate 250 Years — Montana Style](https://www.mcun.coop/celebrate-250-years-montana-style/) - By Ally Songstad, Billings Federal Credit Union Photo credit: Ally's husband This summer isn’t just another Montana summer; it’s part of a once-in-a-generation celebration. This July, the United States marks its 250th anniversary, and communities across Montana are finding unique ways to bring history, culture, and connection to life. Here are a few ways you - [FOMC Mid-Year Update](https://www.mcun.coop/fomc-mid-year-update/) - By Cory Gleason, AIM Financial Analyst In January, the Fed faced a tough decision: cut interest rates to support jobs or pause to address inflation. Halfway through the year, we have a clearer-cut answer. The broader US economy has continued to expand at a steady pace, dispelling recession fears. Real GDP growth has held up - [An Overview of the Board Modernization Act](https://www.mcun.coop/an-overview-of-the-board-modernization-act/) - By Donya Parrish, MCU VP — Risk Management You may have read that the 21st Century Road to Housing Act became effective on July 11 without the President's signature. Did you know the Credit Union Board Modernization Act (CUBMA) was included in it and also became law? The bipartisan legislation had been in the works - [The Small Business Advantage: How Credit Unions Help Your Business Grow](https://www.mcun.coop/how-credit-unions-help-your-business-grow/) - Starting a business or striking out on your own in Montana comes with a unique mix of opportunity and challenge. From seasonal tourism in places like Missoula and Ennis to agriculture, trades, and rural entrepreneurship across the state, small businesses are the backbone of local communities. But access to capital, specialized guidance, and responsive service - [Summer Reading for Stronger Credit Union Governance](https://www.mcun.coop/summer-reading-for-stronger-credit-union-governance/) - By Donya Parrish, MCU VP - Risk Management Last week, we talked about some upcoming educational opportunities for you to consider. This week, I'd like to shift gears and share a few insightful articles that may interest you. These resources offer thoughtful, timely, and industry-relevant perspectives that may be just what your board needs to - [Handling Dormant Accounts in Montana](https://www.mcun.coop/handling-dormant-accounts-in-montana/) - By Donya Parrish, MCU VP- Risk Management A credit union can recognize certain actions or communications as evidence that a member (apparent owner) still has an interest in their account or property. These include: Written or oral communication from the member about their account or property — oral communication must be recorded and preserved with details of - [More Than a Job: Build a Career with Meaning at a Credit Union](https://www.mcun.coop/build-a-career-with-meaning-at-a-credit-union/) - If you’re looking for a career with meaning — not just a paycheck — credit unions offer something different. Rooted in the philosophy of people helping people, credit unions exist to serve their members, not shareholders. That purpose shapes everything — from how decisions are made to how employees show up for their communities every - [How Credit Unions are Good for Your Community](https://www.mcun.coop/why-credit-unions-are-good-for-your-community/) - Credit unions are powerful financial institutions, not just because of competitive rates, but because of their deep commitment to the communities they serve. As not-for-profit financial cooperatives, they are built around people, not profits, and that philosophy creates real, lasting benefits for entire communities. Here are five key ways credit unions strengthen and support local - [Beyond the Gavel: Next-Level Governance Education](https://www.mcun.coop/beyond-the-gavel-next-level-governance-education/) - By Donya Parrish, MCU VP- Risk Management Are you looking to improve your knowledge? Inspired to learn a few new tips and tricks to bring to the boardroom? We have a couple of exciting learning opportunities for you to hone your skills as a board member or supervisory committee member. A Governance Webinar: On - [#ILoveMyCreditUnion Day Is Almost Here (Yes, You Can Still Pull This Off)](https://www.mcun.coop/ilovemycreditunion-day-2026/) - The good news: you haven't missed it. #ILoveMyCreditUnion Day is happening Friday, July 31, and credit unions across the globe will be showing up online to celebrate what makes them different. Even better news? You do not need a big, complicated plan to participate. A simple post can go a long way. The 5-Minute - [Standing Guard: How Credit Unions Are Fighting Elder Financial Exploitation](https://www.mcun.coop/how-credit-unions-are-fighting-elder-financial-fraud/) - Each year, older adults lose billions of dollars to fraud and exploitation — and the methods scammers use are becoming increasingly sophisticated. From impersonation schemes to high-pressure investment pitches, these attacks often target not just finances, but trust. But in true "care for community" and "people over profit" style, credit unions suit up each day - [How Credit Unions Are Different From Banks](https://www.mcun.coop/how-credit-unions-are-different-from-banks/) - When choosing a financial institution, it's important to weigh the pros and cons of banks versus credit unions. While both offer similar services — such as checking and savings accounts, loans, and credit cards — the fundamental differences between these two types of institutions are significant. Here are a few of them. For-Profit vs. - [Time to Chime In](https://www.mcun.coop/time-to-chime-in/) - By Beth Satre, Membership Data Manager It’s Engagement Survey Time Three years ago, as part of our strategic planning process here at Montana's Credit Unions (MCU), we developed an annual engagement survey to gather information about how our member credit unions view and use our core programs and services. The first year, 2024, we surveyed - [Elder Fraud Horror Stories: 3 Scenarios of Elder Financial Exploitation](https://www.mcun.coop/elder-fraud-horror-stories/) - By Michelle Skinner, MCU Communications Director At Montana's Credit Unions, we're all about storytelling. And it may not be Halloween, but elder financial exploitation horror stories are always in season. Because the more you know, the more you can keep yourself and your family members safe. Like the most jaw-dropping plot twists, these stories don't - [Look to YOUR League First](https://www.mcun.coop/look-league-first/) - By Donya Parrish, MCU VP- Risk Management Do you know that Montana's Credit Unions is a trade association serving credit unions across the state of Montana? Did you realize that we are also here to support and offer assistance to credit union board members? We work with the management and staff at credit unions regularly, - [5 Common Scams Targeting Seniors (and How to Stay Safe)](https://www.mcun.coop/5-common-scams-targeting-seniors/) - June is Elder Abuse Awareness Month, and one of the most serious — and fastest-growing — threats facing older adults is elder financial exploitation. Older Americans report billions of dollars in fraud losses each year, and the numbers continue to rise as scams become more sophisticated and costly. Last week, we encouraged you to Pause. - [Look for Those Gold Nuggets](https://www.mcun.coop/look-for-those-gold-nuggets/) - By Donya Parrish, MCU VP- Risk Management Have you ever heard the saying, “There’s gold in them thar hills!”? Living in Helena, I am regularly exposed to gold rush lingo and the reminder that a gold strike not far from my home was life-changing for people. There are “nuggets” in gold prospecting that I see - [Reflections from the Power Up Roundtable](https://www.mcun.coop/reflections-from-the-power-up-roundtable/) - By Donya Parrish, MCU VP- Risk Management Each year during our annual Power Up, we try to get the attending board members together. Some years it is with a breakout session on a board topic; other years it is an informal gathering for discussion. This year was the latter. We had twelve board members pull - [Pause. Ask. Protect. Elder Financial Abuse Recognition](https://www.mcun.coop/pause-ask-protect-elder-financial-abuse-recognition/) - In recognition of Elder Abuse Awareness Month, we're sharing four blogs in June to help you Pause. Ask. Protect. to keep yourself and your family members safe. Elder financial abuse is more common than many people realize, and it’s often happening quietly — sometimes right in our own neighborhoods. Unfortunately, older adults are the primary - [2026 Awards](https://www.mcun.coop/2026-awards/) - UPDATE: Congratulations to this year's award winners! View the full media release for details. It's awards time! It’s time to submit your nominations for Montana’s 2026 annual credit union awards. We all know that employee retention is closely tied to recognition. In fact, a recent blog from awardco.com noted, "employees who feel appreciated are 2X - [Drum Roll, Please](https://www.mcun.coop/drum-roll-please/) - By Donya Parrish, MCU VP - Risk Management We had a terrific gathering at the Power Up in Helena last week! One of the best parts of it was seeing the award winners during our banquet Wednesday night, including the newly celebrated Mitch Reed Volunteer of the Year award winner — Con Malee, board chair - [Supporting the Next Generation of Members During Youth Month](https://www.mcun.coop/supporting-the-next-generation-of-members-during-youth-month/) - By Ally Songstad, Billings Federal Credit Union Financial confidence doesn’t just happen; it is built through early and ongoing conversations about money. Research shows that many core money habits are formed by age seven, making childhood an ideal time to begin teaching financial skills. Credit Union Youth Month in April is the perfect opportunity to - [Retirement Savings 101: How Much You Really Need — and How to Get There](https://www.mcun.coop/retirement-savings-101/) - In a perfect world, you would start saving for retirement with your very first paycheck and keep at it until the day you leave your job, some 40 years later. But we all know we're not living in a perfect world. The good news is that it’s never too late to get started on or - [Montana's Credit Unions Honors 2026 Award Winners](https://www.mcun.coop/2026-award-winners/) - May 20, 2026 — Montana's Credit Unions proudly recognized outstanding leaders from across the credit union movement during its annual Power Up conference, celebrating individuals who are helping ignite the future of the industry through leadership, innovation, and service. This year’s awards highlight professionals who embody the credit union philosophy of people helping people — - [Leading from the Inside Out: Why Emotional Intelligence Comes Before the Title](https://www.mcun.coop/leading-from-the-inside-out-why-emotional-intelligence-comes-before-the-title/) - by Jayne Haynie, Grasslands FCU A common myth about leadership is that it begins with a title, a promotion, a team, or a bigger office. But in reality, leadership starts long before that moment — quietly, internally, and often uncomfortably — with understanding yourself. For young professionals eager for that promotion, the competitive advantage isn’t - [You Won — Now What?](https://www.mcun.coop/you-won-now-what/) - By Donya Parrish, MCU VP- Risk Management You've been successfully appointed or voted onto the credit union board of directors. Congratulations! Now what? If your credit union has a board orientation program, that's fantastic. If not, here are a few suggestions for how you can get up to speed. Either way, it will take a - [Montana’s Credit Unions Partners with Level All to Help Montanans Take Control of Their Financial Future](https://www.mcun.coop/montanas-credit-unions-partners-with-level-all/) - December 10, 2025 — Montana’s Credit Unions (MCU) is excited to announce a new partnership with Level All, an innovative platform designed to provide personalized tools and resources for financial literacy, career planning, and life skills. This collaboration strengthens the collective credit union mission of “Financial Well-Being for All,” offering Montanans practical guidance to - [Four credit union professionals take home top awards](https://www.mcun.coop/four-credit-union-professionals-take-home-top-awards/) - May 24, 2024 — Four credit union professionals were recognized at Montana’s Credit Unions annual Power Up conference this week. The organization is proud to acknowledge the following individuals who demonstrate leadership beyond their credit unions, maintain unrelenting dedication to the credit union principles, and serve as mentors in their credit unions and communities: Professional - [Designing Your Dream Day Without Overspending](https://www.mcun.coop/designing-your-dream-day-without-overspending/) - By Michelle Skinner, Communications Director Did you get engaged? Congratulations! Planning your big day can be a lot of fun — and a lot of money. And since it's such an emotional time in your lives, it's easy for costs to skyrocket based on your algorithmically cultivated social media feeds and, new to me, AI-generated - [Keys to Your First Home: A Beginner’s Guide to Homeownership](https://www.mcun.coop/keys-to-your-first-home/) - For many people, buying a home is one of the biggest financial moves they will make in their entire lives. It's also one of the most complicated, especially since we're all becoming accustomed to doing the majority of our shopping online — even for vehicles. Navigating pre-approval, negotiating closing costs, and budgeting for the other - [How Much Does It Cost to Raise a Child? A Realistic Breakdown for Modern Parents](https://www.mcun.coop/how-much-does-it-cost-to-raise-a-child/) - Everyone knows that raising kids is expensive. Right? But my typical measurement of "how many trips to Starbucks does it cost?" doesn't even scratch the surface when we're talking about raising an actual human being. To get a more accurate representation of the real costs, let's spend a few minutes learning what you can plan - [A Blank Notebook: Helping New Graduates Build Credit the Smart Way](https://www.mcun.coop/a-blank-notebook/) - By Michelle Skinner, Communications Director There are few things I love more than a blank notebook. The smell of paper, the creaks it makes when you first open it, but most importantly, the endless possibilities waiting to fill it. High school graduation season is almost here, and if you’re a parent crying in the bathroom - [Do You Have a Minute?](https://www.mcun.coop/do-you-have-a-minute/) - By Donya Parrish, MCU VP - Risk Management Let's face it, we all have a minute, even on our busiest days. The question should be, do you have a minute to learn some great tips and perspectives on board governance? I recently discovered a podcast with thoughtful discussion, quick get-to-the-point conversation, and topics that are - [Can We Slow Credit Union Consolidation?](https://www.mcun.coop/can-we-slow-credit-union-consolidation/) - By Donya Parrish, MCU VP - Risk Management Let's face it, mergers across the credit union industry are continuing. This blog is not about offering my opinion on whether that is a positive or negative trend. Instead, I want to highlight some information that could be useful to you in your role as a CEO - [The Art of Smart Spending: Helping Teens Make Choices They Won’t Regret Later](https://www.mcun.coop/the-art-of-smart-spending/) - By Michelle Skinner, Communications Director Credit Union Youth Month is the perfect time to help teenagers turn their financial futures into money masterpieces — not discarded and forgotten hobby supplies created after an impulse spending spree. (Seriously, who hasn’t been there?) Plus, today’s teens are surrounded by consumer temptation and immediate gratification: limited‑edition sneakers, “must‑have” - [Your Financial Masterpiece Starts Here: How Credit Unions Help Youth Dream Bigger](https://www.mcun.coop/your-financial-story-starts-here/) - Your financial life is a blank canvas—see how credit unions and community support help you paint a bold, confident future with smart habits. - [Turn Extra Liquidity Into Earning Opportunity This Tax Season](https://www.mcun.coop/turn-extra-liquidity-into-earning-opportunity-this-tax-season/) - By Tanner Goertzen, Millennium Corporate Credit Union Senior Financial Analyst Tax season is in full swing, which means excess liquidity. Now is a great time to lock up yield and build out your investment ladder with offsetting maturities in the months when demand for liquidity will be higher. Through SimpliCD and CU Investment Solutions, Millennium - [Why Executive Sessions Matter: A Practical Guide for Credit Union Boards (Part 2)](https://www.mcun.coop/why-executive-sessions-matter-a-practical-guide-for-credit-union-boards-part-2/) - By Gerry Singleton, MCU President/CEO In last week's A Direct Line, I defined Executive Sessions and why our volunteer boards should use them. I also shared several benefits and obstacles to effective executive sessions and included ways to mitigate the obstacles. Today, I will share several best practices for using executive sessions well, along with - [Why Executive Sessions Matter: A Practical Guide for Credit Union Boards (Part 1)](https://www.mcun.coop/why-executive-sessions-matter-a-practical-guide-for-credit-union-boards-part-1/) - By Gerry Singleton, MCU President/CEO Serving on a credit union board is one of the most meaningful volunteer roles out there. You’re helping safeguard your members’ assets, shaping strategy, and ensuring your credit union stays true to its mission. With all that responsibility, it’s no surprise that board meetings cover a wide range of topics - [Just for Fun — Road Trip Ready](https://www.mcun.coop/just-for-fun-road-trip-ready/) - by Katelyn Kotka, Clearwater Credit Union Spring is here, and the urge to pack a bag and hit the road is real. So here’s the question: If you could visit three National Parks this year… where are you going? Here are options based on the geography you're looking for. Mountains & Wildlife Yellowstone National Park - [Montana Call Report Data — What do the numbers tell us?](https://www.mcun.coop/a-glimpse-at-montana/) - By Donya Parrish, MCU VP- Risk Management The NCUA releases call report data each quarter. It can be accessed through their website for comparison, analysis, and let's be honest, a little snooping on your peers. The latest release (year end 2025) numbers show some interesting trends that you might want to compare to your own - [The Gallery of Goals: How to Dream Big and Save Smart](https://www.mcun.coop/the-gallery-of-goals/) - by Michelle Skinner, Communications Director This one is for the dreamers out there — the creators and the makers. Think of this blog as a showcase of everything you want your future to hold — your first car, your dream college, a Mediterranean vacation, or simply the confidence that comes from being financially savvy. Every - [Abiding by the Bylaws](https://www.mcun.coop/abiding-by-the-bylaws/) - By Donya Parrish, MCU VP Risk Management As hard as it is to believe, annual meeting season is here for many of your credit unions. The meeting may feel like one of the most routine things your credit union does, so don't forget that there are timelines and guidelines to follow for notice of the - [What is a Permissible Purpose?](https://www.mcun.coop/what-is-a-permissible-purpose/) - By Donya Parrish, MCU VP- Risk Management An often-debated question in credit unions — frequently between the marketing and compliance departments — is what triggers allow a credit union to pull a credit report? The debate doesn't center so much on the use of vague or conflicting words in the regulation or court cases that - [People Helping People — By Fundraising](https://www.mcun.coop/people-helping-people-by-fundraising/) - By Micah Bevans, Montana Credit Union Supporting local nonprofits can be deeply rewarding for everyone involved, whether through small gestures or larger initiatives. One of the most impactful ways to contribute is by helping raise funds. While there are many fundraising strategies a credit union can pursue, one of the most engaging and effective options - [Piggy Banks to Paychecks: Age-by-Age Tips for Building a Money Masterpiece](https://www.mcun.coop/piggy-banks-to-paychecks/) - Turn everyday moments into money lessons! Find out how to teach children money skills at every age with fun ideas and credit union support. - [Stories Make an Impact](https://www.mcun.coop/stories-make-an-impact/) - By Donya Parrish, MCU VP Risk Management During the recent Governmental Affairs Conference (GAC) in Washington, D.C., one thing was clear — credit unions should focus on telling their stories. The discussion there was on how to help lawmakers understand the importance of your role in communities and how much your credit union's team does - [Dust Off Your Budget: How to Rebuild Your Spending Plan for Spring](https://www.mcun.coop/dust-off-your-budget/) - By Michelle Skinner, Communications Director Spring has finally arrived — that wonderful time when we feel the sudden urge to declutter our lives (physically... mentally... emotionally...) and make everything in our homes so fresh and so clean (clean). As long as you’re tossing college admissions fliers and pencils with no attached erasers, there’s one more - [Bringing Young Professionals On (the) Board](https://www.mcun.coop/bringing-young-professionals-on-the-board/) - By Donya Parrish, MCU VP-Risk Management I read an article recently that not only made some excellent points, but also offers a solution to the leadership void our industry will have in the future. The Triple Win of Young Professionals Serving as Board Members makes valid arguments to bring credit union young professionals onto your - [Is Your Board Looking Far Enough Forward?](https://www.mcun.coop/is-your-board-looking-far-enough-forward/) - By Donya Parrish, MCU VP- Risk Management Looking into the future, it is likely there will be fewer credit unions. Larger, more complex credit unions are succeeding in several comparative metrics right now. Does that mean there is no longer a place for small credit unions? Not at all! There are some common reasons that - [Credit Union Auditors](https://www.mcun.coop/credit-union-auditors/) - There are a variety of individuals and organizations providing audit services in Montana. Some offer a full suite of audits to choose from and other specialize in particular areas. There are also some providing remote options and other with options of in-person or a hybrid of remote and in-person. When you are looking, be sure - [The Future of Remote Audits](https://www.mcun.coop/future-of-remote-audits/) - By Donya Parrish, MCU VP- Risk Management Now that we seem to be moving away from the "year (plus) of COVID," it is a good time to look at what worked, what didn't, and some lessons we've learned. I think one of the things we found was that not all meetings have to be in - [Small Credit Union Report is Relevant](https://www.mcun.coop/small-credit-union-report-is-relevant/) - By Donya Parrish, MCU VP– Risk Management America's Small Credit Union Committee released a report in 2021 on The State of Small Credit Unions Today. Even if you are not a credit union with less than $100M in assets (their definition of "small"), the information in it is valuable and presented in a way that - [How Do You Rate?](https://www.mcun.coop/how-do-you-rate/) - By Donya Parrish, MCU VP- Risk Management Have you ever thought about what it means to be a "good" board member? Is it being present at every meeting? Asking the most questions? Reading the packet first? No matter how YOU rate "good," your metric might not line up with helping your credit union be as - [What Happens After Your Audit Report?](https://www.mcun.coop/what-happens-after-your-audit-report/) - By Donya Parrish, MCU VP- Risk Management If you are a supervisory committee member, you are part of the team responsible for hiring the annual audit of your credit union. Once the audit occurs, you might have a meeting with the auditor or audit team, you get a summary report, and then what? File it? - [Engaging the Next Generation](https://www.mcun.coop/engaging-the-next-generation/) - By Donya Parrish, MCU VP–Risk Management One of the ongoing themes of discussion in credit unions is where to find new board members when you have your next opening. That theme is followed closely by the conversation of how to engage the younger generation in credit unions. Yes, we want their ideas, energy, and tech-savvy - [A Little Known Secret](https://www.mcun.coop/a-little-known-secret/) - By Donya Parrish, MCU VP- Risk Management Most supervisory committee members know they have responsibility for the credit union's financial records and the internal controls to protect the assets at the organization. Many are not aware, however, of another power the committee holds — to remove board members if necessary! While not used often, or - [Bring a Culture of Success to Your Credit Union](https://www.mcun.coop/bring-a-culture-of-success-to-your-credit-union/) - by Jeff Rendel, Certified Speaking Professional An unexpected occurrence happened along the path of three decades serving credit unions and their business partners: the course widened to include helping many of the most recognized customer-centric companies in the country. After all, so many credit unions and their leaders have current and historical ties to these - [Don't Just Throw Them in the Deep End](https://www.mcun.coop/deep-end/) - By Donya Parrish, MCU VP- Risk Management Credit unions across the state are hosting annual membership meetings in the coming weeks. Along with an update on the financials and past year, that meeting often includes board elections. Whether you are adding new board members, or perhaps shuffling board officers, don't let the opportunity pass to - [Montana, the Way Forward Series](https://www.mcun.coop/montana-the-way-forward-risk-management/) - In the fall of 2020, we hosted a video series Ancin Cooley called Montana, the Way Forward. The sessions are still available for you at the links below. As founder and principal of Synergy Consulting, Ancin introduced you to our four-part series with his discussion on Governance in September, Strategic Planning in October, and Marketing & - [Can Too Many Experts Backfire?](https://www.mcun.coop/can-too-many-experts-backfire/) - By Donya Parrish, MCU VP- Risk Management At a recent conference, the speaker intrigued me when he mentioned the article "When Having Too Many Experts on the Board Backfires." To make sure I hadn't heard wrong, I had to look it up. After reading it, it seemed appropriate to share it with all of you. - [Is it Just Replacement Planning?](https://www.mcun.coop/is-it-just-replacement-planning/) - By Donya Parrish, MCU VP-Risk Management Most of you have probably discussed succession planning in your boardroom in recent years. Whether the reason is to plan for an executive retirement or to satisfy your regulator, it is an important discussion. Let me add another element to your discussion — are you simply planning for the - [Is it Time?](https://www.mcun.coop/is-it-time/) - By Donya Parrish, MCU VP-Risk Management Every now and then, the conversation comes up about whether there need to be term limits for credit union directors. The argument for term limits has pros and cons, but it usually stems from frustration with a specific situation or board member and not a systemic problem. In fact, - [The Board Chair's Guide to Zoom Meetings](https://www.mcun.coop/the-board-chairs-guide-to-zoom-meetings/) - By Donya Parrish, MCU VP- Risk Management With the continued threat of COVID in much of Montana and many credit unions keeping their lobbies closed, your board might be continuing to meet remotely. Whether you are using the phone or a technology like Zoom, there are some differences from meeting across the table. Kevin Smith - [5 Gauges Directors Should Watch](https://www.mcun.coop/5-gauges-directors-should-watch/) - Tim Harrington, Montana native and CPA & CEO/Founder of TEAM Resources, discusses key areas that credit union leaders need to be watching during a financial downturn. The latest in the series is 5 Gauges Directors Should Watch During a Financial Downturn. With the financial challenges that members are having, some additional oversight might be necessary in - [How a Board Can Help the CEO During a Crisis](https://www.mcun.coop/how-a-board-can-help-the-ceo-during-a-crisis/) - By Jeff Rendel, Strategic Facilitator The crisis management team is in place. Communications and media plans are in motion. State and local government recommendations and orders are being monitored and implemented. The Business Continuity Plan is providing structure and guidance. The Board has convened and met with the CEO several times and, most likely, via - [We Hope You'll Notice](https://www.mcun.coop/we-hope-youll-notice/) - By Donya Parrish, MCU VP- Risk Management For many years credit unions have boasted about both their democratic structure and the volunteer boards and committees run by members. That is great! But in reality, it is often like trying to find out someone's secret fishing spot to get the details on when the credit union's annual meeting - [Trust, But Verify](https://www.mcun.coop/trust-but-verify/) - By Donya Parrish, MCU VP- Risk Management The supervisory committee is charged with being the watchdog for the internal controls and financial records of your credit union. In reviewing their duties in the Montana Division of Banking administrative rules (2.59.415) or in the NCUA Supervisory Committee Audit Minimum Procedures Guide , the word "verify" is - [Eliminating Board Meeting Chaos](https://www.mcun.coop/eliminating-board-meeting-chaos/) - By Donya Parrish, MCU VP - Risk Management Have you ever come away from a meeting — whether it's a credit union board meeting or not — and felt like it was a waste of time? Maybe attendees were disengaged or unprepared, or perhaps those at the table were going through the motions, but really - [The Board's Role in Policy Approval](https://www.mcun.coop/the-boards-role-in-policy-approval/) - By Donya Parrish, MCU VP- Risk Management Should the board of directors approve all policies and policy changes for the credit union? The answer might be a bit like asking 'what came first -- the chicken or the egg?' There are some who feel strongly that the board is required to monitor certain policies so - [Supervisory Committee Guide Updated](https://www.mcun.coop/supervisory-committee-guide-updated/) - In October, we had a blog discussing proposed changes to the NCUA supervisory committee rules, including resources NCUA promised to update. Consider it a late holiday gift, or a preview of great things to come this year, but they updated their Supervisory Committee Guide! If you used the old one, you already know it had - [Is Your MRB Policy Just Blowing Smoke?](https://www.mcun.coop/just-blowing-smoke/) - By Donya Parrish, MCU VP- Risk Management A blog post last December discussed the importance of your credit union having a board-approved policy on serving the cannabis industry. The topic continues to come up with credit unions regularly, so I wanted to address a couple of additional issues and considerations. It is common for credit - [Onboarding New Board Members](https://www.mcun.coop/onboarding-new-board-members/) - By Donya Parrish, MCU VP- Risk Management How many years have you personally been on the credit union board of directors? If it's more than a few, you have a lot of institutional knowledge. What details do you think would be helpful to teach or share with a new board member when they start? Some - [Three Ways Boards Can Help Their CEOs](https://www.mcun.coop/three-ways-boards-can-help-their-ceos/) - By Jeff Rendel, Certified Speaking Professional The relationship between a board and its CEO is best described as a partnership. CEOs depend upon their boards for guidance and support, while boards rely upon their CEOs for focus and execution. How can your board continue to help your CEO deliver strategic results for your credit union - [Great Boards Ask Great Questions](https://www.mcun.coop/great-boards-ask-great-questions/) - By Jeff Rendel, Certified Speaking Professional “How do you oversee your credit union differently today than five to ten years ago?” a panel of board chairs from large credit unions was asked, referring to the pre-multi-billion dollar days of their credit unions. Unanimously, the chairs agreed that questions to their CEOs that focused on central strategies - [Cannabis and YOUR Credit Union](https://www.mcun.coop/cannabis-credit-union/) - By Donya Parrish, MCU VP- Risk Management Credit union staff across Montana complete a full-week email training on the Bank Secrecy Act each year. One of the new discussion included is on the topic of cannabis banking. As board members, it is critical to understand that even if your credit union chooses not to serve - [Thankfulness](https://www.mcun.coop/thankfulness/) - By Donya Parrish, MCU VP- Risk Management There is something about this time of year that seems magical. No, it is not the first dusting of snow or the realization that we have a few months of dark and cold days ahead. It is the gratitude that I see people expressing as Thanksgiving approaches and - [Meeting Minutes Revisited](https://www.mcun.coop/meeting-minutes-revisited/) - By Donya Parrish, MCU VP- Risk Management It might be due to reviewing notes from a few recent meetings, but I have minutes on the brain. My true confession is that I am a note taker at meetings. It is not just to go back to those written details to create a ‘to do’ list, - [Pay Attention to Fraud Stories](https://www.mcun.coop/pay-attention-fraud-stories/) - By Donya Parrish, VP-Risk Management Every now and then, a story comes along that really catches my attention. I read nearly every fraud article I see, so I can get a better understanding of what happened and how a credit union or business could have prevented it. Last week, a very new angle to a - [Filling Board Vacancies](https://www.mcun.coop/filling-board-vacancies/) - By Donya Parrish, VP- Risk Management Occasionally, an unexpected vacancy will occur on your board of directors. When that happens, it may be tempting to just leave it open until the next annual meeting and your regular nomination process. Your credit union bylaws provide specific guidance on how it must be handled though. Be sure - [Getting Out of the Way](https://www.mcun.coop/getting-out-of-the-way/) - By Donya Parrish, VP- Risk Management Kevin Smith from TEAM Resources had a message in his monthly blog that many of you don't want to hear, and some of you need to hear. His post, titled Board Members: Stop Trying to "Help" Your CEO, discusses how board members can, at times, get too involved and actually - [Understanding How Culture Drives Mission](https://www.mcun.coop/understanding-culture-drives-mission/) - By Donya Parrish, MCU VP- Risk Management A recent article by a SVP at the Banking Supervision Department of the Federal Reserve of Dallas could be a good read for credit union board members. While the message is geared toward banks, I think is just as relevant to credit unions, if not more so. Understanding - [What Did You Say?](https://www.mcun.coop/what-did-you-say/) - By Donya Parrish, VP- Risk Management Are you new to credit unions? Have you ever sat through a board meeting and felt like a foreign language is being spoken and you weren't give the secret decoder ring? One of the common challenges people mention when getting involved in our industry is all the acronyms we - [Make a Good Impression](https://www.mcun.coop/make-good-impression/) - By Donya Parrish, MCU VP- Risk Management You may see direct asks to contact your Senators or Congressman to ask them to advocate for or against a particular bill that has credit union implications. It is important for credit union voices, especially those of volunteer board members, to be heard when we are trying to - [Did Someone Say the M-Word?](https://www.mcun.coop/someone-say-m-word/) - By Donya Parrish, MCU VP- Risk Management We spend a lot of time in our industry talking about the future. As board members, that conversation can include ways to grow, thrive, and even to survive in this competitive financial landscape. In your role as a director for the credit union, talk of merging is bound - [Another Tool for Your Belt](https://www.mcun.coop/another-tool-belt/) - By Donya Parrish, MCU VP- Risk Management If you follow this blog regularly, you know that I have great respect for Tim Harrington and his TEAM Resources group. They do amazing work, which includes a regular blog, their recent book A Credit Union Guide to Strategic Governance, and more. TEAM Resources has another secret — they - [Training Tools for You](https://www.mcun.coop/training-tools-for-you/) - We recently made a change to ensure that the Director Training Tools page of our website is a one-stop-shop for the training needs of your role as a credit union volunteer. All our on-demand webinars, along with sessions provided by NCUA and America's Credit Unions can be found there. The format allows you and your - [Word of Mouth Still Effective](https://www.mcun.coop/word-mouth-still-effective/) - By Donya Parrish, MCU VP- Risk Management Have you ever spent a board meeting or planning session discussing how to grow the credit union and attract new members? If so, you are not alone. It has been a focus of many credit unions in recent years. According to the TruStage research report Insights from the - [Strategic Boards Succeed](https://www.mcun.coop/strategic-boards-succeed/) - By Donya Parrish, MCU VP- Risk Management Board members were treated to an engaging session at the MonDak Roundtable earlier this month. Scott Butterfield led a breakout session titled "Are you sinking, swimming, or just treading water?" During the discussion, he recommended that board members spend their meeting time discussing strategy -- topics such as - [Dog Days of Summer](https://www.mcun.coop/dog-days-summer/) - We are officially in the "dog days of summer" in Montana. You may have heard the expression and, like me, thought it referred to those days that are so hot, you just lay around and do nothing. According to this National Geographic article, that is not the case. The "dog days" are typically early July to - [We've Always Done It That Way](https://www.mcun.coop/weve-always-done-way/) - By Donya Parrish, MCU VP- Risk Management They say the most dangerous phrase you can hear is “We’ve always done it that way.” That can be especially true in a board room or meeting. Whether used defensively to resist change or to limit a proposal to implement a more efficient process, it has consequences. In - [Effective Board Meetings](https://www.mcun.coop/effective-board-meetings/) - A video series from the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA) uses role playing to demonstrate and discuss strategies to ensure board meetings are effective. Effective meetings are those where all directors engage in healthy discussion, inquiry, and deliberation, resulting in decisions that support the members and the safety and soundness of the credit union. The - [Fraud Mitigation is a Collaborative Effort](https://www.mcun.coop/fraud-mitigation-is-a-collaborative-effort/) - By Donya Parrish, MCU VP Risk Management Last week, the blog talked about the increased focus on fraud across Montana. This week, I wanted to share a little about some of the efforts we're making to be proactive and give you some tools to keep it on your radar in the boardroom. Taking steps - [Emergency Funds 101: The Key to Staying Debt Free & Sane](https://www.mcun.coop/emergency-funds-101/) - One of the most important pieces of financial advice is to have an emergency fund for whatever life throws at us. Saving for a future emergency may still seem like a distant dream for “one of these days” — but there are creative ways to start adding to your stash now that won’t impact your - [A Fresh Start for Your Savings: Spring Strategies to Grow Your Emergency Fund Fast](https://www.mcun.coop/a-fresh-start-for-your-savings/) - By Michelle Skinner, Communications Director Spring is about reinventing yourself — purging your closet of black to make room for pastel pink (thanks for the inspo, Megan Moroney) and assessing whether you'll ever need the mysterious tangle of chargers you haven’t used since 2014. (Just throw away the entire ball. It's cathartic.) But while you're - [Financial Decluttering: What to Keep, What to Shred, and What to Automate](https://www.mcun.coop/financial-decluttering-what-to-keep-what-to-shred-and-what-to-automate/) - By Michelle Skinner, Communications Director If your financial life feels like the “junk drawer” of adulthood — full of old receipts, 64 notebooks you promised you'd use, markers that no longer work, and stickers from 2017 — you’re overdue for a financial decluttering session. A cleaner financial life doesn’t just look good on the outside; - [The Ultimate Spring Financial Cleaning: 7 Money Habits to Refresh This Season](https://www.mcun.coop/the-ultimate-spring-financial-cleaning/) - by Michelle Skinner, Communications Director Spring is officially (okay, unofficially) here — which means it’s time to open the windows (until your heater kicks on), shake the mud off your rugs, and spring clean your finances before Q2 begins. If your money habits feel dusty or disorganized, a seasonal financial cleanse is the perfect way - [Love and Lies: How to Identify and Avoid Romance Scams](https://www.mcun.coop/how-to-identify-and-avoid-romance-scams/) - by Michelle Skinner, Communications Director February may be the month of love — roses, chocolates, and an alarming number of commercials featuring diamond rings — but it’s also prime season for something far less romantic: romance scams. While some people are finding their “forever,” others are finding that the person they’ve been texting for months - [Why Your Board Should Care About Fraud](https://www.mcun.coop/why-your-board-should-care-about-fraud/) - By Donya Parrish, MCU VP Risk Management Fraud has become a regular topic of conversation — in the news, during credit union staff meetings, and hopefully, in the board room too. In your role governing the organization, it is important for you to know the major factors that are impacting the credit union's bottom line, - [Revisiting Continuous Feedback: A Timely Leadership Refresh](https://www.mcun.coop/revisiting-continuous-feedback-a-timely-leadership-refresh/) - Earlier last year, Montana's Credit Unions offered performance management training webinars for directors that explored how effective feedback, clear expectations, and aligned goals support strong leadership and organizational performance. (See the CEO Performance Evaluation section here for the webinar links.) As part of that session, participants were introduced to The Leader’s Guide to Mastering Feedback, - [How Emergency Funds Work](https://www.mcun.coop/how-emergency-funds-work/) - If you depleted your emergency fund in the last year or so, don’t panic. We build up emergency funds so they’re there for us when we need them. And if you’ve never had an emergency fund, you absolutely need one to protect yourself if something unexpected happens. Because inevitably, it will. Here’s what you need - [5 Ways to Raise Financially Savvy Kids in an Instant Gratification World](https://www.mcun.coop/5-ways-to-raise-financially-savvy-kids-in-an-instant-gratification-world/) - Money may seem like a challenging topic to discuss with your children (especially when they are little) but it’s important to start having money conversations as soon as possible. There’s no better place to start than at home! The best part is, when you first start teaching kids about money, it doesn’t have to feel - [4 Ways to Maximize Your Kids’ Summer Job Earnings](https://www.mcun.coop/summer-job-earnings/) - The summer is coming to an end, and your kids have been working hard at their summer jobs. Whether they’re working to save for college, to make car payments, or stashing the cash for prom, your children may need some guidance on how to save or invest their earnings. We have some tips to stretch - [Make Going Back to School as an Adult Cheaper with these Tips](https://www.mcun.coop/cheaper-adult-education/) - Are you thinking about going back to school as an adult but worried about juggling school alongside work, children, family life, and, of course, bills? It’s no secret that college isn’t cheap, but going back into the lecture hall as an adult is an attainable goal; in fact, nearly 33% of college students are over - [Money Management Tips for Recent Graduates](https://www.mcun.coop/money-management-tips-for-recent-graduates/) - So you’ve just graduated — congratulations! Now what? The priority for most new grads is to find a job so that they can begin the task of paying back their student loans. While it can be scary to be faced with so many new and unexpected expenses after entering the “real world,” it just takes - [How to Steer Clear of Teen and Young Adult Fraud](https://www.mcun.coop/teen-fraud/) - It’s unfortunate, but in an age where technology is king, fraud should be top-of-mind for anyone who has a personal device like a cell phone, tablet, or laptop; anyone who has made an online purchase; or anyone who’s engaged in any other — even less technology-centric — forms of sharing information, especially financial information. Elder - [Why You Shouldn't Put Everything on a Credit Card, and How to Dig Yourself out of Debt](https://www.mcun.coop/why-you-shouldnt-put-everything-on-a-credit-card/) - So, you’ve run up a hefty balance on your credit card and you have no clue how you're going to pay it back. Maybe it doesn’t seem like a big deal to miss just one payment. After all, how much could one delinquency hurt? Ummmmm… It turns out even one late payment is a big - [Adopt a Can-Do Attitude](https://www.mcun.coop/adopt-a-can-do-attitude/) - By Donya Parrish, MCU VP Risk Management Do you ever feel like the list of things your credit union “needs to do” to be competitive grows faster than you can keep up with? Get the latest technology, attract younger members, upgrade your ATMs, train your employees on a new regulation, remodel your branch, implement the - [12 Ways to Teach Kids About Money](https://www.mcun.coop/teach-kids-about-money/) - It’s no secret that many people wish they were taught more about financial planning in school, having graduated being none the wiser about how to budget, save, or invest. Chances are, you learned the realities of managing your money right when financial independence was staring you in the face. How differently would you have planned - [What you need to know about paying for college](https://www.mcun.coop/what-you-need-to-know-about-paying-for-college/) - from our partnership with HerMoney/Filene With college costs soaring – and student loans readily available – it’s easy for young adults to graduate without understanding exactly how much they’ve borrowed or what their projected loan payments might be. Exhibit A: America’s current student loan debt crisis. In 2022, the average college grad took out $34,800 - [Student Debt 101](https://www.mcun.coop/student-debt/) - Student loans are a part of life for 43.5 million Americans — 13% of the population — to the tune of more than $1.75 trillion. There are countless reasons why. But the main one is that a college degree (or several!) is often the only pathway to pursuing our passions. For example, if you want - [NCUA Proposes Covering Dependent Care](https://www.mcun.coop/ncua-proposes-covering-dependent-care/) - By Donya Parrish, MCU VP Risk Management The NCUA recently took a step to reverse a long-standing stance and proposed allowing for the reimbursement of reasonable child care expenses for volunteer board members. In fact, the proposal not only includes child care — it includes care for all dependents. With so many people in the - [A Year of Momentum: Highlights from our 2025 Impact Report](https://www.mcun.coop/a-year-of-momentum-highlights-from-our-2025-impact-report/) - As we turn the page on another year, one thing is clear: 2025 was a big one. We’re excited to share a snapshot of what we accomplished — then invite you to dive deeper into the full 2025 Impact Report to see the full picture of progress, impact, and momentum heading into 2026. For board - [How Do We Talk About Money Without Fighting](https://www.mcun.coop/how-do-we-talk-about-money-without-fighting/) - Many couples find it challenging to discuss money without letting emotions get in the way. However, avoiding the topic only gives financial issues more space and power to grow and disrupt your relationship. The good news is that with a little effort, you can break the cycle and create a healthier dynamic around money conversations. - [Why Money Feels So Emotional (and How to Make Financial Decisions With Less Stress)](https://www.mcun.coop/why-money-feels-so-emotional/) - Money should be simple: earn it, spend it, save it, repeat. But if you’ve ever felt a wave of dread when checking your balance — or avoided checking altogether — you already know the truth: money isn’t just math; it’s personal. And you’re not imagining it. In a Bankrate/Psych Central study, 42% of U.S. adults - [Should we Combine our Finances or Keep Them Separate?](https://www.mcun.coop/should-we-combine-our-finances-or-keep-them-separate/) - Question: I just got married, and I’ve heard tons of mixed opinions on combining finances or keeping them separate… Is there a general rule of thumb I should follow? I am curious how my partner and I can make a decision that we both feel good about. Thank you! Answer: Congratulations on your marriage! Deciding - [The CEO Safety Zone](https://www.mcun.coop/ceo-safety-zone/) - Let's be honest, not every project your credit union embarks on will meet all expectations. That is the nature of business — sometimes you have to make adjustments, deal with unforeseen challenges, and find a way forward. How your CEO, as the leader of the credit union, deals with those setbacks can have a big - [How to Simplify Your Budget](https://www.mcun.coop/how-to-simplify-your-budget/) - A simple budget helps reduce stress, prioritize financial goals, and makes money management easier. Let us be your guide to putting together an effortless budget that will set you on course to achieving a successful financial future! - [Federal Government Shutdown Resources](https://www.mcun.coop/federal-government-shutdown-resources/) - During times of economic uncertainty, credit unions step up for your members — just as you have for the last 150+ years. We've compiled a few resources to help you communicate the effects of this year's shutdown with your teams and members. For Credit Unions: Five FAQs for your members Sample social media posts from - [The Basics of OFAC Compliance](https://www.mcun.coop/basics-of-ofac-compliance/) - By Donya Parrish, MCU VP Risk Management Many of you receive our annual BSA email training series. There is another aspect to your anti-money laundering policy — OFAC. Compliance with the Office of Foreign Assets Control has many similar components to your BSA policy, and much of it is handled by software. Because of the automated - [More OFAC Compliance](https://www.mcun.coop/more-ofac-compliance/) - By Donya Parrish, MCU VP Risk Management OFAC Compliance Basics Your OFAC policy should include several of the same elements as your Bank Secrecy Act policy — a risk assessment, internal controls, independent testing, training, a dedicated compliance officer, and reporting. For this reason, many credit unions have combined their OFAC and BSA policies into - [FOMC Rate Outlook for 2026: What It Means for Credit Unions](https://www.mcun.coop/fomc-rate-outlook-for-2026/) - By Tanner Pauls, AIM Financial Analyst After holding interest rates steady through the first five meetings of 2025, the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) shifted course, implementing three consecutive 25-basis-point rate cuts at its final meetings of the year. These cuts were designed to address rising unemployment while inflation remained relatively stable. As credit unions - [How to Choose a Good First Credit Card](https://www.mcun.coop/how-to-choose-a-good-first-credit-card/) - Getting your first credit card is a huge step towards financial independence, but if you didn’t grow up in a household that talked openly about money and personal finance, you may not know how to pick a good first credit card… or even why you should get one in the first place. But you’ll absolutely - [How Much Debt Is Too Much?](https://www.mcun.coop/how-much-debt-is-too-much/) - From the cost of housing to groceries, life is anything but cheap these days. For many of us, it can be easy to let debt creep up…. But exactly how much debt is too much? Knowing how much debt is too much You may have a nagging feeling that you’ve taken on too much debt - [NCUA Sets the 2026 Tone](https://www.mcun.coop/ncua-sets-the-2026-tone/) - By Donya Parrish, MCU VP Risk Management Last week, NCUA issued its annual Supervisory Priorities letter. That's important to you as board members because not only does the letter start "Dear Boards of Directors and CEOs," it also gives a glimpse into the topics that the NCUA believes will pose the highest risk to your - [Bank Secrecy Act Resources](https://www.mcun.coop/bank-secrecy-act-resources/) - BSA Email Series Resources: Email #1: NCUA BSA/AML Resources page FinCEN History of AML Laws Email #2: FFIEC BSA Manual Appendix F: Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing "Red Flags" LexisNexis What are the Stages of Money Laundering? Email #3: FFIEC BSA Manual Risk Assessment Montana Department of Commerce Data + Research FFIEC BSA Manual Appendix - [Frank Barnes Discusses Importance of Volunteers](https://www.mcun.coop/frank-barnes-discusses-importance-of-volunteers/) - By Donya Parrish, MCU VP Risk Management I recently had the opportunity to sit down with Frank Barnes, board chair at Whitefish CU. We discussed the importance of volunteer boards, his involvement in America's Credit Unions' Volunteer Leadership Community, and why he looks forward to The Roundtable every February. I hope you'll take the time - [How To Evaluate Your Financial Progress Over The Year](https://www.mcun.coop/how-to-evaluate-your-financial-progress/) - Many of us tend to set financial goals and then just sort of hope for the best. But the truth is, the only way to know whether you’re really getting closer to your goals is to track your progress and see how things are shaping up. Thankfully, it’s not hard to do. Here are seven - [Cannabis Banking in Montana](https://www.mcun.coop/cannabis-banking-in-montana/) - Credit unions of all sizes across Montana continue to have questions on how to handle requests for accounts and loans for those involved in the cannabis industry. Compliance officers are also finding their credit union may have unintentionally opened accounts serving the industry or related businesses. This information is intended to dispel myths, lay out - [Understanding the Beneficial Ownership Information Rule](https://www.mcun.coop/understanding-the-beneficial-ownership-information-rule/) - By Donya Parrish, MCU VP Risk Management FinCEN's Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI) rule helps identify the actual people behind corporations and entities, especially as some business structures get more complex. The rule requires credit unions to collect additional information on individuals when an entity opens a deposit account or applies for a loan. That information - [New Year, (Re)New Focus](https://www.mcun.coop/new-year-renew-focus/) - By Donya Parrish, MCU VP Risk Management Now that 2026 is upon us, I am curious — did you make a New Year's resolution? Pew Research reported in January 2024 that younger people were more likely to make them than older generations. Whether you make a formal resolution/goal or not, early in the year can - [How To Set Better Financial Goals for the New Year](https://www.mcun.coop/how-to-set-better-financial-goals/) - January always starts strong as we share resolutions and financial goals to get healthier and wealthier (and maybe wiser, too?). Then we watch as our good intentions melt away by mid-February… or certainly by March. Sound familiar? Here’s the thing: while the first of the year is a great time to make changes, it’s technically - [The New Rules of Grocery Buying That Will Help You Save Money](https://www.mcun.coop/the-new-rules-of-grocery-buying/) - No matter what’s happening in the world economy, stocking up your kitchen pantry to feed yourself (and your family, if you have one) is a necessary weekly ritual. While inflation has declined in recent years, prices for many goods remain elevated, which can impact your food and grocery budget. Even though we can’t do anything about - [How To “Trick” Yourself into Saving Even More](https://www.mcun.coop/how-to-trick-yourself-into-saving-even-more/) - With inflation high and money tight for so many of us, there’s never been a better time to re-examine how we’re managing our finances and to make some moves to save more. Some 62% of Americans are living paycheck-to-paycheck, and 13% of us are spending more than we earn. Not only is this causing us - [What to Expect in the BSA Email Series](https://www.mcun.coop/what-to-expect-in-the-bsa-email-series/) - Who Is Providing the Emails? The emails are a dues service through your credit union's affiliation with Montana's Credit Unions, an association supporting credit unions across the state. My name is Donya Parrish, and as the VP Risk Management at MCU, I cover our compliance hotline and host a monthly call with compliance officers. Those calls - [Get to Know Lisa Simons](https://www.mcun.coop/get-to-know-lisa-simons/) - Lisa Simons is an Account Executive with TruStage. She recently indulged us with a closer look into who she is and what motivates her. Check it out below! Tell us about your career journey to the role you have now. I began my career as a teenager at Farmers Insurance, learning the fundamentals of quoting - [The Ins and Outs of Gifting Money (It’s Trickier than it Seems)](https://www.mcun.coop/the-ins-and-outs-of-gifting-money/) - While exchanging presents at the holidays or gift cards on birthdays is always special, sometimes people can give more, in the form of a monetary gift. Not a $20 bill tucked in a birthday card (although those are nice, too) but the bigger sums the IRS categorizes as “financial gifts.” These gifts can be incredible, - [Your Voice to the NCUA Western Region Leadership](https://www.mcun.coop/your-voice-to-the-ncua-western-region-leadership/) - By Donya Parrish, MCU VP Risk Management At a recent in-person meeting with other credit union leagues, Karen Smith (MCU SVP and Chief Advocacy Officer) and I had a fantastic opportunity. We were able to spend half a day with NCUA Western Regional Director Julie Cayse and her three associate regional directors. It was an - [Get to Know Jeff Terry](https://www.mcun.coop/get-to-know-jeff-terry/) - We recently had the opportunity to catch up with TruStage Account Executive Jeff Terry. We thought you would enjoy getting to know his journey to his current role and learn a bit more about his passion for serving credit unions. What was your career journey up to this position? After college I worked for Farmers - [Montana’s Credit Unions Raised Over $27,500 for Shodair Children’s Hospital](https://www.mcun.coop/montanas-credit-unions-raised-over-27500-for-shodair-childrens-hospital/) - December 11, 2025 — Montana’s Credit Unions (MCU) is proud to announce that credit unions across the state cooperatively raised over $27,500 this year for Credit Unions for Kids (CU4Kids), our charity of choice. 100% of the profits will be donated to Shodair Children’s Hospital, Montana’s only Children’s Miracle Network hospital, to support their mission - [Succession Planning Q&A](https://www.mcun.coop/succession-planning-qa/) - By Donya Parrish, MCU VP Risk Management Q: Did NCUA finalize its succession planning rule? A: Yes, effective on January 1, 2026, federally insured credit unions (FICUs) will be required to have a written plan that includes specific information. The board will be required to review it every 24 months, at a minimum. The plan's - [Allowances 101: Should You Give Your Child An Allowance?](https://www.mcun.coop/allowances-101/) - In the digital and mobile age, it should come as no surprise that even something as old-fashioned as a child’s allowance has evolved. Here’s a look at the new rules for giving your child an allowance and what you need to know to navigate. Thankfully, more parents are talking to their kids about money today - [Cybersecurity: What Credit Union Boards Need to Know](https://www.mcun.coop/cybersecurity-credit-union-boards/) - Cyber threats are becoming increasingly frequent and sophisticated — and regulators are closely monitoring the situation. As a board director, your oversight sets the tone for how your credit union protects members and manages risk. Read our latest blog to see why cybersecurity is a shared responsibility and what steps boards should take now. Cybersecurity - [What it Means to be Part of a Co-op](https://www.mcun.coop/what-it-means-to-be-a-part-of-a-co-op/) - October was National Co-op Month. A month dedicated to raising awareness around these unique establishments that offer a trusted, proven way to do business and build communities. So, in case you missed it, let us shed some light on what it means to be a part of a cooperative. - [Know Your Credit Score: What Good Credit vs. Bad Credit Really Means](https://www.mcun.coop/what-good-credit-vs-bad-credit-really-means/) - Your credit score is like a bonsai tree: It requires careful tending and thoughtful behavior over time to produce the best results. Take good care of your credit — pay your bills on time and be a responsible borrower — and your credit score will help you qualify for the best terms on credit cards - [Montana’s Credit Unions Welcomes Two New Board Members](https://www.mcun.coop/montanas-credit-unions-welcomes-two-new-board-members/) - November 20, 2025 — Montana’s Credit Unions (MCU) is pleased to announce the addition of Jason Hagadone, President/CEO of Altana Federal Credit Union, and Shiloh Smeltzer, CEO of Badlands Federal Credit Union, to its Board of Directors. These accomplished leaders bring extensive experience and a strong dedication to the credit union philosophy of "people helping - [2025 Holiday Scams: Protect Your Wallet and Peace of Mind This Season](https://www.mcun.coop/2025-holiday-scams/) - by Michelle Skinner, MCU Communications Director, and a few of the best fraud fighters from across Montana Want to stop scammers in their tracks? Here are a few of the top scams out there this season, and what you can do to protect your money, your friends and family, and your holiday peace. 1. - [The Science Behind why Black Friday is Bad for Your Wallet](https://www.mcun.coop/the-science-behind-why-black-friday-is-bad-for-your-wallet/) - For even the strictest penny pincher, Black Friday usually offers sales that appear too good to resist. But our urge to spend is actually rooted in science — there’s a reason we’re driven to snag the best bargains. Here’s a look at why Black Friday is bad for your wallet…and how to be smarter about - [The Growth Mindset](https://www.mcun.coop/the-growth-mindset/) - By Donya Parrish, MCU VP- Risk Management (originally published September 2017 — what a timeless topic!) I recently came across an article about the "compliance mindset" that financial institutions have and how it either helps or hinders their ability to adapt to change. While reading the article, I was struck that the "mindset" idea applies not - [5 Ways To Give Back When You Don't Have Money To Donate](https://www.mcun.coop/5-ways-to-give-back-when-you-dont-have-money-to-donate/) - After the turkey is gone and the Black Friday and Cyber Monday shopping frenzies have subsided, here comes Giving Tuesday — a day that encourages us to give back to the communities and causes we care about. It’s a money-related holiday nobler than all the rest. But what if your wallet feels a little lighter - [How to Choose a Reputable Charity](https://www.mcun.coop/how-to-choose-a-reputable-charity-2/) - If you’re fortunate enough to have more than you need, it’s always nice to give back, especially around the holidays. But where should you give? There are so many charities that could do amazing things with your money — the challenge is determining where your gift will be best used to make the biggest impact. - [How to Build Back your Credit Score after Taking a Hit](https://www.mcun.coop/how-to-build-back-your-credit-score/) - Have you ever forgotten to pay a bill, only to unexpectedly watch your credit take a hit? It stinks. And unfortunately, it can take years to recover from a simple mistake. The journey to rebuilding your credit can seem daunting, but getting back to a score you can be proud of can be done — - [Every Credit Union Has a Story!](https://www.mcun.coop/every-credit-union-has-a-story/) - By Donya Parrish, MCU VP Risk Management If you completed our Montana Credit Union Philosophy Certification Program recently (and if you haven't — why not?), you learned a little credit union history. It may have sparked a need to know more about your own credit union's history — 0r you may have wondered "what ever - [What Should I Do If My Identity Is Stolen?](https://www.mcun.coop/what-should-i-do-if-my-identity-is-stolen/) - It all happened so fast. Maybe the person on the phone spoke with urgency and authority, and before you knew it, your Social Security number came flying from your lips. Or perhaps it was a slower grooming process — the scammer convinced you they were a real rep from a trusted financial institution, and you - [The Biggest Financial Mistakes During the Holidays and How to Avoid Them](https://www.mcun.coop/the-biggest-financial-mistakes-during-the-holidays-and-how-to-avoid-them/) - The holidays can be magical, but stress about money can ruin the spell. Here are the biggest mistakes people make when it comes to holiday finances—and how to avoid them. - [Scott Simpson: Passion at Every Level](https://www.mcun.coop/scott-simpson-passion-at-every-level/) - This week, find out more about the new CEO at our national association, America's Credit Unions, with this recent article and podcast. Incoming America’s Credit Unions President/CEO Scott Simpson loves the passion at every level of the credit union movement, and that is its greatest strength. Speaking on the Shared Accounts podcast, Simpson shares his journey - [How to Navigate Unemployment](https://www.mcun.coop/how-to-navigate-unemployment/) - As the federal government shutdown continues, uncertainty looms for thousands of workers across the country — including those furloughed from federal agencies and contractors caught in the crossfire. With non-essential services paused and paychecks delayed, many individuals are suddenly facing unemployment through no fault of their own. Whether you're a federal employee, contractor, or someone - [What Are the Risks of Peer-to-Peer Payment Platforms?](https://www.mcun.coop/what-are-the-risks-of-peer-to-peer-payment-platforms/) - So you’ve probably used Venmo, Zelle, Cash App, or PayPal — maybe even all of them. You’re not alone. More than 75% of U.S. adults have used some form of payment app, and that number climbs to 85% for consumers under 29, according to Pew Research Center. And we get it. These apps are convenient. - [Keeping Up with Economic News](https://www.mcun.coop/keeping-up-with-economic-news/) - By Donya Parrish, MCU VP Risk Management There are plenty of reasons for credit unions and board members to pay attention to the economy right now. News reports continue to predict a recession and now also mention that consumers are struggling with inflation and taking on more consumer debt than they may be able to - [Strengthen Your IRR Management](https://www.mcun.coop/irr-management/) - By Ian Trebilcock & the AIM Solutions Team As we emerge from a period of high interest rates, now is a great opportunity to strengthen how interest rate risk (IRR) is managed. While competitive pressures continue to influence profitability, proactive planning can help you remain resilient. By regularly assessing balance sheets and refining risk management - [What Are Common Red Flags for Investment Scams?](https://www.mcun.coop/what-are-common-red-flags-for-investment-scams/) - Picture this: you’re sipping your coffee and scrolling through your inbox, when you see an email that promises “Insider Secrets Wall Street Doesn’t Want You To Know” or a hot stock pick with projected returns of 3,000%. Sounds exciting, right? The idea that you could beat the markets and strike it rich with just a - [What to Do Without a Paycheck](https://www.mcun.coop/what-to-do-without-a-paycheck/) - During the previous government shutdown, many federal employees worked without pay, and others weren’t allowed to come to work at all. Though some received back pay once the shutdown ended, they still had to go nearly a month without a paycheck. It’s a difficult question that no one should have to ask: how do you - [Budgeting with a Limited Income](https://www.mcun.coop/limited-income-budget/) - Single-income and low-income families face unique challenges when it comes to budgeting, saving for the future, and setting aside money for emergencies. However, careful planning and sticking to a budget will go a long way toward helping you meet those goals. Create a Budget The first step to creating a family budget is to - [What Should My Child Know About Budgeting Before College?](https://www.mcun.coop/what-should-my-child-know-about-budgeting-before-college/) - Q: I'm sending my kid off to college soon, and I just want to make sure they know how to manage their money. What are the basics they should understand before they go? A: Let’s be real: College is expensive. We all know that, but what often gets lost in the planning is the basic - [5 Steps to Take After a Data Breach](https://www.mcun.coop/5-steps-to-take-after-a-data-breach/) - Follow these steps to protect your information after a large-scale data breach. - [How to Protect Yourself from Common Scams](https://www.mcun.coop/how-to-protect-yourself-from-common-scams/) - Scammers are lurking behind every corner waiting for the opportune time to attack. Unfortunately, times of crisis bring fear and uncertainty which can spike these fraudulent attempts. Don’t fall victim to their schemes – we have outlined several measures you can take to protect your personal information and finances. - [4 Ways to Protect Your Credit During the Holiday Season](https://www.mcun.coop/4-ways-to-protect-your-credit-during-the-holiday-season/) - As you navigate holiday sales, cross off items on your shopping list, and prepare for the joyful season ahead, don't forget to protect your credit along the way! Check out these quick tips to protect your credit this holiday season. - [Why You Should Stop Using Payment Apps To Store Cash](https://www.mcun.coop/stop-using-payment-apps-to-store-cash/) - Are you carrying a Venmo balance? How about Zelle? Cash App or PayPal? More than 75% of U.S. adults have used some form of payment app, and that number goes up to 85% for consumers under age 29, according to data from The Pew Research Center. We get how it happens. You go out for - [How to Choose a Reputable Charity](https://www.mcun.coop/how-to-choose-a-reputable-charity/) - If you’re fortunate enough to have more than you need, it’s always nice to give back. But where? So many charities could do amazing things with your money — the challenge is determining where your gift will be best used to make the biggest impact. One big decision to make off the bat is whether - [How to Spot a Scam and Protect your Money](https://www.mcun.coop/how-to-spot-a-scam-and-protect-your-money/) - Picture it: Your college-age granddaughter calls, distraught, scared, and begging you to wire money because she’s stuck in Mexico. You didn’t even realize she was abroad. You hang up and try to verify with her parents, but they’re at work and unavailable. Her voice didn’t sound quite right, but she was scared. You wire the - [What Should I Do If I Think I’ve Been Scammed?](https://www.mcun.coop/what-should-i-do-if-i-think-ive-been-scammed/) - Question: I’m terrified that I may have been scammed. I accidentally gave my personal information to someone I called, because they convinced me they were with my credit card company. I hung up as soon as I figured it out, but I had already given away valuable information. Help! What do I do? Answer: First, don’t - [How to Identify and Stop Elder Fraud](https://www.mcun.coop/stop-elder-fraud/) - As the population of people aged 65+ continues to increase exponentially each year and Baby Boomers enter their elder years, so too do the instances of financial exploitation and elder fraud. During the last census, the U.S. Census Bureau reported that around 17.7% of Montana’s population is over the age of 65, and that number - [Protecting Your Children from Fraud](https://www.mcun.coop/protecting-children-fraud/) - While many adults have educated themselves on identifying and protecting against identity fraud directed at young adults and elders, many don’t think that their younger children could also be at risk. Children are assigned a Social Security number at birth, and that number can be used by an identity thief to get credit cards, open - [Top 10 Fraud Alert Tips](https://www.mcun.coop/top-10-fraud-alert-tips/) - It's Holiday Season for the bad guys too! But not the way you might think. Black Friday and Cyber Monday are the busiest online shopping days and the bad guys are planning to get rich with your money. We've got the Top 10 Fraud Alert Tips you need to navigate the sales this year! - [How to Protect your Family from Fraud](https://www.mcun.coop/protecting-family-from-fraud/) - Identity theft is when someone uses your personal information, such as your Social Security number, to open new accounts, steal your tax return, or receive certain benefits. They could rent an apartment, apply for loans, or get a credit card in your name. And it can make your life difficult while you try to recover - [How Do I Avoid Phishing and Online Fraud?](https://www.mcun.coop/how-do-i-avoid-phishing-and-online-fraud/) - So, you just opened an email that looked almost exactly like one that could have come from your credit union or maybe even the IRS. You were about to click the link before you stopped yourself, asking: “How do I really know what’s safe?” It’s a good question. We live in a time when scammers - [What Is Disability Insurance, and Do I Need It?](https://www.mcun.coop/what-is-disability-insurance/) - Someone at work mentioned disability insurance, and now you’re wondering: “Do I actually need that?” Maybe. Because here’s the truth: Disability insurance sounds more complicated than it is. And the name doesn’t help — it makes you think it’s only for rare, dramatic events. At its core, disability insurance is really just income protection. It’s - [Is Meeting Attendance an Issue?](https://www.mcun.coop/is-meeting-attendance-an-issue/) - By Donya Parrish, MCU VP Risk Management Have you ever struggled with getting a board member to attend meetings? It is not unusual for someone to have an occasional conflict or an emergency that requires them to miss a monthly board meeting. But what about when that starts to become a regular occurrence? That can - [How Do I Financially Plan for Natural Disasters?](https://www.mcun.coop/how-do-i-financially-plan-for-natural-disasters/) - Let’s face it: When a natural disaster strikes — whether it’s a wildfire, hurricane, flood, or earthquake — you’re probably not going to be in the best frame of mind to make calm, rational decisions. That’s why the smartest financial move you can make isn’t waiting until the moment disaster hits. It’s preparing well before - [Practicing and Prioritizing Self-Care for Your Leaders](https://www.mcun.coop/practicing-and-prioritizing-self-care-for-your-leaders/) - The Illinois Credit Union League President wrote an article recently that should be required reading for all of us. Libby Calderone notes in Balance in the C-suite: Prioritizing self-care for optimal performance that "as leaders within the credit union movement, we are conscientious and diligent about supporting the members and communities we serve. How we - [How Can I Save on Health Care Costs?](https://www.mcun.coop/how-can-i-save-on-health-care-costs/) - Let’s face it: Health care in the U.S. is complicated, expensive, and often just plain overwhelming. And yet, it’s one of the most important parts of your financial life — because one unexpected diagnosis or injury can derail even the most carefully laid financial plans. So if you’re asking, “How can I save on health - [How to Welcome New Board Members With Ease](https://www.mcun.coop/welcome-new-board-members/) - By Donya Parrish, MCU VP Risk Management Think back to your own experience when you started in your current role within your credit union. Were you made to feel welcome and given the tools and information you needed to succeed, or were you shown the restrooms and coffee pot and promised more detail later? My - [How Much Should I Have in my Emergency Fund?](https://www.mcun.coop/how-much-should-i-have-in-my-emergency-fund/) - Let’s be real: Emergencies don’t RSVP. They show up unannounced — usually at the worst possible time — and demand your attention and your money. Maybe it’s a broken water heater, a fender-bender, or an unexpected vet bill. Whatever the curveball, your best defense is a well-stocked emergency fund — think of it as your - [Retirement Planning in Your 40s & 50s](https://www.mcun.coop/retirement-planning-40-50/) - It’s never too late to start planning for your retirement, but hopefully by the time you’ve reached your 40s and 50s, you already have some money invested for the future. These decades are a great time to take a look at your savings and make sure you’re on the right track. Make a Plan - [How to Read a Credit Report](https://www.mcun.coop/how-to-read-a-credit-report/) - If you don't know how to read a credit report or don’t know your credit score, raise your hand. First, the good news: you're not alone. According to a recent study from BadCredit.org, more than 30% of Americans have no idea what their credit score is. Next, the not-so-good news: being in the dark about - [What Are the Best Tips for Teaching Kids About Money?](https://www.mcun.coop/what-are-the-best-tips-for-teaching-kids-about-money/) - Q: I really want to help my kids learn how to be good with money, but I’m not sure where to start, especially since we don’t even count out dollars and cents at the cash register anymore! Are there any tricks that actually work? A: It’s not often that you hear kids say they want - [Addressing Conflicts of Interest](https://www.mcun.coop/addressing-conflicts-of-interest/) - By Donya Parrish, MCU VP Risk Management As a board member or employee of a credit union, each of you has the opportunity for influence. Knowing when to draw the line if it becomes a conflict of interest between your personal benefit and the best interest of the credit union is a critical ethics consideration. - [It's That Time of Year!](https://www.mcun.coop/its-that-time-of-year/) - By Donya Parrish, MCU VP Risk Management Believe it or not, fall is almost here. For many of your credit unions, that also signals the time for your board of directors and supervisory committee to complete their Bank Secrecy Act (BSA) training. We have good news and have provided the tools to help you accomplish - [Why Mentorship Matters](https://www.mcun.coop/why-mentorship-matters/) - This week, we are reminding credit unions of an important deadline. Friday, August 15, registration closes for our mentorship program. The Tristate Mentorship Match — a collaboration of the Minnesota Credit Union Network, Montana’s Credit Unions, and the Wisconsin Credit Union League — is accepting applications for the 2025-2026 program, and you’re invited to participate. - [How much allowance should I give my kids?](https://www.mcun.coop/how-much-allowance-should-i-give-my-kids/) - Q: I’m trying to figure out what’s normal when it comes to giving kids an allowance. How much is too much? How do most people decide what to give? In the age of digital and mobile everything, it should come as no surprise that even something as old-fashioned as a child’s allowance has evolved. Thankfully, - [How Do I Set Financial Boundaries with Family?](https://www.mcun.coop/how-do-i-set-financial-boundaries-with-family/) - Q: My family sometimes asks for money or help with things I didn’t plan for, and it’s starting to stress me out. How do I set boundaries without causing a fight? A: Let’s be honest: navigating money within your unique family dynamic can be trickier than splitting a dinner check 20 different ways. Whether it’s - [Payments Orientation for Credit Union Board Members](https://www.mcun.coop/payments-orientation-for-credit-union-board-members/) - By Merry Pateuk, SVP, Industry Engagement, Velera As a leader in the financial services industry, you understand how rapidly the payments landscape is evolving, driven by emerging technologies, shifting regulations, and increasing competition. We know credit unions are deeply engaged in navigating these changes. We also recognize that credit union board members, who bring diverse - [America's Credit Unions Has Volunteer Resources](https://www.mcun.coop/americas-credit-unions-has-volunteer-resources/) - By Rich Mohr, Director of Membership, America's Credit Unions As a volunteer at your credit union, you have many responsibilities to your fellow members. America’s Credit Unions has a wide variety of resources available to help you navigate this essential task. Here are several things we offer that you might find beneficial: Thought leadership - [How can I budget for a family vacation?](https://www.mcun.coop/how-can-i-budget-for-a-family-vacation/) - Q: We want to take the whole family on a big vacation in the next year or so, but with so many people, it’s going to be incredibly expensive. I have no idea how to budget for something that big. Where do I even start? A: If you’ve ever priced out a family trip to - [How do I plan for big expense?](https://www.mcun.coop/how-do-i-plan-for-big-expenses/) - Q: I’ve got a couple of major life events coming up — a wedding and then hopefully soon after, a baby! I’m intimidated even to begin to plan for expenses like these. How do you do it without blowing up your entire life budget? A: Let’s start with a universal truth: big life events come - [Why Every Credit Union Board Member Should Get Certified (Yes, Even You!)](https://www.mcun.coop/why-every-credit-union-board-member-should-get-certified/) - By Michelle Skinner, MCU Communications Director Whether you started your position on your credit union’s board a year ago or more-years-than-you-want-to-admit ago, you wanted the position for a reason — and we know it wasn’t for the pay. It’s called the credit union philosophy, and we have a newly refreshed program to test your philosophy - [Sky Federal Credit Union appoints new CEO](https://www.mcun.coop/sky-federal-credit-union-appoints-new-ceo/) - Dr. Daisy Romo Appointed CEO of SKY Federal Credit Union Livingston, MT — July 10, 2025 — Sky Federal Credit Union proudly announces the appointment of Dr. Daisy Romo as its new Chief Executive Officer (CEO). With over two decades of experience in the financial services sector, Dr. Romo brings a wealth of knowledge and - [Board Chairs, it's up to you!](https://www.mcun.coop/board-chairs-its-up-to-you/) - By Donya Parrish, MCU VP Risk Management Have you ever attended a board meeting and come away feeling like too few people were engaged in the discussions? It can be frustrating to wonder why some people never speak up or why others do all the talking. There are several factors that contribute to it, including - [How do I balance college savings with retirement planning?](https://www.mcun.coop/how-do-i-balance-college-savings-with-retirement-planning/) - Q: I’m trying to save for both my kids’ college and my retirement, and I honestly don’t know how to do both at the same time. What’s the smartest way to balance those two goals? A: Balancing college savings with retirement planning isn’t just a numbers game — it’s a high-stakes act of prioritization. For - [10 Ways to De-Stress During Tax Season](https://www.mcun.coop/10-ways-to-de-stress-during-tax-season/) - The thought of the impending tax season can stress out even the most organized person. - [Beginner's Guide to Auto Insurance](https://www.mcun.coop/auto-insurance/) - Could you give someone $3,000 right now and still afford your other expenses for the month? Rocky Mountain Insurance Information Association (RMIIA) says that in 2013, the average collision claim was $3,144 and without auto insurance This could be how much you owe if you get into an accident today. The majority of U.S. states - [Beginner's Guide to Home Insurance](https://www.mcun.coop/home-insurance/) - If a fire badly damaged your home today, would you be able to afford the repairs? Having home insurance helps you avoid being financially crippled in the event of damage or disaster — Fixr.com reported that the average cost of fire restoration can range from $3,000 – $40,000, with most homeowners spending between $2,500 to - [Beginner's Guide to Life Insurance](https://www.mcun.coop/life-insurance/) - If you were not here tomorrow, what or who would you want taken care of? Whether it’s to leave enough money to pay off your house, or to make sure your kids can pay for college, having life insurance can help to lift the burdens of life’s ‘what ifs’ and give your family a safety - [Beginner's Guide to Health Insurance](https://www.mcun.coop/health-insurance/) - How much money do you have in savings right now? If your answer was less than $10,000 then you’d be in big trouble if you or a family member broke a bone tomorrow… According to Obamacarefacts.com, surgical treatment for a broken arm typically costs $16,000 or more. If you don’t have health insurance then 100 percent of - [Beginner's Guide to Tax Credits](https://www.mcun.coop/tax-credits/) - Knowing the tax credits that apply to you and your tax return could mean saving hundreds, even thousands, of dollars. We’ve broken down the most common tax credits, with the general requirements for each of them, so you can see which apply to you and take the necessary steps to claim them on your tax - [Step-By-Step Guide to Filing Your Tax Return](https://www.mcun.coop/tax-return/) - The New Year is here, and that means it is also time to “ring in” a new Tax Season and do your dreaded tax return. Most people aren’t looking forward to this time of year, and Americans tend to procrastinate when it comes to doing their taxes (as evidenced by the overwhelming number of tax - [Free Tax Resources for Filing Procrastinators](https://www.mcun.coop/free-tax-resources/) - Tax Procrastinators, It’s Not Too Late With the April 18 tax deadline just around the corner, it can be intimidating to even start the filing process if you haven’t already. Americans tend to procrastinate filing their taxes, so you’re definitely not alone. In fact, more than halfway through the 2017 filing season, the U.S. Internal - [The Basics of Credit](https://www.mcun.coop/the-basics-of-credit/) - Credit is something that many people are not fully informed about, but critical to understand for future financial success. Learning about credit will help you become more aware of your financial situation, not to mention a better consumer and saver. What is credit? Let’s start with the basics. “Credit” is a contract in which - [How to Find the Best Personal Loan](https://www.mcun.coop/personal-loan/) - Are you looking to consolidate credit card debt, pay for medical bills, fund some home renovations, or cover moving expenses? If you are, a personal loan may be perfect for you. The world of loans and money lending can be daunting; but, don’t worry -- we’re here to help you get the resources you need - [Give Back with Montana’s Credit Unions](https://www.mcun.coop/give-back-montanas-credit-unions/) - Montana’s Credit Unions is celebrating International Credit Union Day (October 19) by giving back to Montana. Our credit union philosophy revolves around community involvement, and we have set a goal to give back through our Keep the Change, Give Your Time initiative. We want Montanans across the state to support their local credit union by - [Tips to Find the Best Auto Loan](https://www.mcun.coop/find-best-auto-loan/) - Are you looking to purchase a new a car? Forget the financial struggles and spend more time focusing on what really matters—your new purchase! You might be just starting to look at vehicles, or maybe you’re ready to drive your new car out of the dealership— whatever stage you’re at, finding the right auto loan - [Tips for an Affordable Holiday Season](https://www.mcun.coop/affordable-holiday-season/) - Have you started your holiday shopping yet? The season of giving is approaching fast, so you’re probably wishing for way to lighten the financial burden that buying for the whole family can bring Layaway plans can be a useful solution for this time of year, especially if you start now for next year. If you’ve - [4 Tips for Picking a Student Loan](https://www.mcun.coop/tips-picking-student-loan/) - Are you starting school and nervous about making it work financially? There are about 48 million Americans who hold $1.75 trillion in student loan debt in the United States. Taking on responsible debt and repaying it wisely is all about preparation, and we’ve gathered tips and tricks from experts to find the best loan for - [Making and Keeping Your 2018 Financial Resolutions](https://www.mcun.coop/financial-resolutions/) - With the holiday season in full swing, your financial focus is probably still on spending – buying that perfect present or a plane ticket for a quick trip to spend holidays with relatives and family. But what does the New Year hold in store for you financially? Whether you want 2018 to be the year - [The Economic Benefit that Montana Credit Unions Bring to our State](https://www.mcun.coop/cus-benefit-montana/) - By Tracie Kenyon If you belong to a credit union, you are probably aware of the benefit that your not-for-profit cooperative provides to members…but did you know that having credit unions in the marketplace also benefits non-members? Credit unions offer direct and indirect benefits CUNA Economics and Statistics estimated that, for the year ending June - [Married Financial Experts Give Real-life Money Advice for Couples](https://www.mcun.coop/finance-advice-couples/) - Money—it’s too often the elephant in the room and one of the most frustrating topics to discuss as a couple. How do couples cope? The key is to openly communicate about your finances and to make sure each partner understands their role in managing your money. More than anything, it’s vital to discuss your financial - [Higher Education Saving through MESA](https://www.mcun.coop/higher-education-saving/) - You do not have to look far to find someone who faces difficulties saving for higher education. That person may even be you. Whether it be rising rent prices, higher education costs, or lower wages overall, finding a way to save enough for your higher education and the future can be challenging. Since 2005, Montana’s - [The 32 Leading Women of Credit Unions in Montana](https://www.mcun.coop/female-ceos-montana/) - The credit union industry has long been a pioneer in championing women in leadership positions. CUNA reports that 57% of credit union CEOs overall are women which means that credit unions in the United States have a much higher percentage of female CEOs than other institutions and industries. In fact, according to Feigen Advisors' 2015 - [Taking on the Financial Challenges of Caring For Aging Parents](https://www.mcun.coop/caring-for-aging-parents/) - Despite the fact that a majority of people will find themselves helping their aging parents in some form or another, many are not prepared to deal with the challenges. Caring for elderly parents is an important and rewarding role to play in your family. It does, however, often lead to some complex and stressful situations - [What Does it Mean to Be Financially Literate?](https://www.mcun.coop/financial-literacy/) - Being financially literate is an important part of planning for your future. It goes far beyond just balancing your budget—it means having the skills and knowledge you need to make sound decisions with your finances. It’s a wide-ranging topic (one that can’t be covered entirely in a single post), but here are some general directions - [5 Things to Know Before Starting Your First Job](https://www.mcun.coop/first-job-advice/) - So you’ve found a job that seems like a good fit and you aced the interview. Congratulations! Now that they want to hire you, what’s next? Look at All of Your Options Unless you urgently need a paycheck, you don’t necessarily have to accept the first job offer you receive. Interviewing at a few - [Decoding Your First Paycheck](https://www.mcun.coop/understand-paycheck/) - Congratulations on earning your first paycheck! Hopefully, you’ve set up an automatic deposit so it goes straight into your checking account and saves you a trip to the bank. If you’re looking at the actual pay stub itself, you might see a whole lot of mysterious abbreviations and confusing numbers. Check out the definitions below - [The Millennial’s Guide to Retirement Savings](https://www.mcun.coop/millennials-guide-to-retirement/) - The age range for millennials changes depending on who you ask; but, if you’re in your twenties or thirties, these tips are a great way to build a base for your retirement. The basic advice, though, is the same for every generation: save as much as you can, as early as you can. Start - [Retirement Savings in Your 60s](https://www.mcun.coop/60s-retirement/) - Your 60s are probably the best decade of your life—you’re enjoying retirement (or you’re about to), you have time to spend with your children and grandchildren, and you’re still relatively young. There are just a few items to look into to make sure your finances are enough to take care of you throughout your - [It’s Co-op Awareness Month!](https://www.mcun.coop/co-op-awareness-month/) - October is co-op awareness month, so we’d love to take this opportunity to tell you all about the great values co-ops bring to your community. What are Co-ops? A co-op (short for cooperative) buys or sells products or services, but unlike other businesses, they are owned by their members and don’t have to answer to - [How to Start a Side Hustle](https://www.mcun.coop/how-to-start-a-side-hustle/) - Are you looking to make a little extra money without quitting your job? A side hustle might be just what you need—and you have a few options to consider before you get started. Work with Existing Companies The gig economy has yielded plenty of peer-to-peer companies that make it easy to pick up - [The Basics of Disaster Preparedness and Recovery](https://www.mcun.coop/basics-disaster-preparedness-recovery/) - Even if you evacuate before disasters such as the recent fires in California, these destructive forces can take away your entire home and many valuables in a single day. That’s why it’s important to do everything you can to be prepared, and to take the right steps after the disaster. Prepare Disasters are unpredictable, but - [Entrepreneur Savings: How to Plan for the Future of Your Business](https://www.mcun.coop/entrepreneur-savings-plan-future-business/) - You’re cultivating a successful business and starting to see it grow. In the beginning it may feel like profit margins are slim, but you might still have your eye on expansions, important events, or other ways to invest in your own success. This is where your business savings come in. Keep reading to see the - [How to Get Out of Debt](https://www.mcun.coop/how-to-get-out-of-debt/) - Debt is often a necessary part of being successful. It’s difficult to go through college without taking out student loans, and it’s nearly impossible to buy a house without a mortgage. In addition, many Americans carry a balance on their credit card every month and pay high interest rates for the privilege. Debt can feel - [Make a Life Plan for Your Finances](https://www.mcun.coop/make-life-plan-finances/) - A successful life is about more than just hard work and good luck—you also need a solid plan and a good base of financial knowledge. That’s why we’ve created several useful guides to help you get started. Begin at the Beginning When you’re about to graduate, you have an opportunity to get your finances - [The Impact of Internet Outages](https://www.mcun.coop/impact-internet-outages/) - It’s hard to imagine a world without the internet, but during an outage, it can become a reality—at least for a few hours or days at a time. You’ll need to overcome a number of challenges while you wait for the service providers to fix the problem, but at least you can be sure that - [Switching Things Up Without Blowing Your Budget](https://www.mcun.coop/switching-things-up-without-blowing-your-budget/) - Have you been rethinking your living space due to the increased time you’re spending at home? No need to stress, we have the guide to making some of your housing dreams come true while maintaining your budget and, perhaps, saving you money. - [Your Complete Guide to Tax Season](https://www.mcun.coop/complete-guide-tax-season/) - The deadline to submit your tax return is Monday, April 15. Whether this is your first tax season or your fortieth, it can feel a little overwhelming to file your return. Luckily, we’ve already written a few guides to getting through the tax process as painlessly as possible. Follow along and we’ll point you in - [5 Smart Uses for Your Tax Refund](https://www.mcun.coop/5595-2/) - There’s nothing like a tax refund to perk up a dull week. An extra chunk of change is full of possibilities—and these are our five top tips for spending it. Pay Off Debt Debt payments don’t sound very exciting, but getting closer to a debt-free life will hopefully help take some weight off your shoulders. - [Financial Literacy for Teens](https://www.mcun.coop/financial-literacy-teens/) - April is financial literacy month, and this year we’re focusing on creating a strong financial base early in life, because it’s never too soon to get started. Your teenagers are probably not yet financially literate, but they also have plenty of time to learn the basics. Here are a few lessons to help set them - [How Grads Can Get Their Finances Off to a Strong Start](https://www.mcun.coop/how-grads-can-get-their-finances-off-to-a-strong-start/) - Learn smart financial tips for recent college graduates, including setting up a 401k, the smart way to save, and more. - [How to Make the Most of Your First Job](https://www.mcun.coop/how-to-make-the-most-of-your-first-job/) - Understand your resources and learn how to save money when you start your first job. - [6 Ways to Make Extra Money](https://www.mcun.coop/6-ways-to-make-extra-money/) - Learn six great ways to earn extra income, including selling unnecessary items, renting out a room, making interest work for you, and more. - [Can You Benefit From a Credit Monitoring Service?](https://www.mcun.coop/can-you-benefit-from-a-credit-monitoring-service/) - Learn more about the Equifax data breach and why a credit monitoring service might be more worthwhile than the cash payout. - [3 Financial Tips For Moving in With Your Partner](https://www.mcun.coop/3-financial-tips-for-moving-in-with-your-partner/) - Combining your books and furniture is one thing—combining your bank accounts is another. Read on for our top three financial tips for couples moving in together. - [Managing Your Finances Post-Divorce](https://www.mcun.coop/managing-your-finances-post-divorce/) - Divorce can be gut-wrenching. But in order to heal, you have to take care of yourself—and that includes taking care of your finances. - [Step-By-Step Guide to Switch to a Credit Union](https://www.mcun.coop/step-by-step-guide-to-switch-to-a-credit-union/) - Congrats—you’ve decided to switch from your current financial institution to a credit union. But how do you actually make the move? Read on for our guide to how to switch in three easy steps. - [5 Experiences You Wouldn’t Have at a Bank](https://www.mcun.coop/5-experiences-you-wouldnt-have-at-a-bank/) - A credit union or a for-profit financial institution? Deciding which is right for you should come down to the overall experience. Read on to learn more about some experiences you just wouldn’t have at other financial institutions. - [5 Apps To Help With Holiday Finances](https://www.mcun.coop/5-apps-to-help-with-holiday-finances/) - Save money as you celebrate the holidays with these top apps for shopping and saving. - [Discovering FIRE, today’s hot early retirement strategy](https://www.mcun.coop/discovering-fire-todays-hot-early-retirement-strategy/) - Many people are adopting the radical strategy of early saving leading to early retirement. Will it work for you? - [Making and Keeping Your 2020 Financial Resolutions](https://www.mcun.coop/making-keeping-2019-financial-resolutions/) - New Year’s resolutions often include a long list of self-improvement goals—eating more vegetables, cutting down on caffeine, or making time for the gym. But what does the New Year hold in store for you financially? Whether you want 2020 to be the year you become debt-free, financially stable, or the year you become a homeowner, - [How to Roll Over Your 401(k) Into an IRA](https://www.mcun.coop/how-to-roll-over-your-401k-into-an-ira/) - Thinking of rolling over your 401(k)? We’ve got the tips and tricks you need for an easy transition. - [Tax Season: Be prepared!](https://www.mcun.coop/tax-season-be-prepared/) - No need to stress, tax season can be made easy by preparing ahead of time! - [Maximizing Your Tax Credits](https://www.mcun.coop/maximizing-your-tax-credits/) - Don’t miss out on the tax credits you deserve! Here are a few simple steps to make sure you are maximizing all of your credits. - [Save it Today, Have it Tomorrow](https://www.mcun.coop/save-it-today-have-it-tomorrow/) - The fine art of saving and how to get started today. - [What to Look for When Applying for a Credit Card](https://www.mcun.coop/what-to-look-for-when-applying-for-a-credit-card/) - If applying for a new credit card is on your to-do list, we’ve got a few thoughts that might prevent costly mistakes and help you get just the right credit card for your needs! - [Your Guide to Establishing Good Credit and Why it's Important](https://www.mcun.coop/your-guide-to-establishing-good-credit-and-why-its-important/) - Building credit can be tricky, but with these 5 tips, you can be on your way to securing a great credit score in no time! - [Cash vs. Card: The 4 Ways Going Cashless Can Benefit Your Financial Health  ](https://www.mcun.coop/cash-vs-card-the-4-ways-going-cashless-can-benefit-your-financial-health/) - A cashless society is a quickly approaching reality as opposed to a futuristic ideal. You don’t need to navigate this change alone. We have outlined ways of how going cashless can have a positive impact on your wallet. - [Economic Impact Payments – What Should Your Members Do With Them?](https://www.mcun.coop/economic-impact-payments-what-should-your-members-do-with-them/) - *The content below originally appeared on NCUF.coop As we all know, the US government is planning on sending out direct payments through a stimulus effort to help those affected by the coronavirus pandemic in the next week or so. The question for us as credit unions is – what should our members to do with - [How to Avoid Online Shopping Overspend](https://www.mcun.coop/how-to-avoid-online-shopping-overspend/) - Don’t let boredom get the best of you while staying and working at home or self-quarantining we are here to help you navigate the e-Commerce world while keeping your budget intact - [Making the Best Use of Your Economic Impact Check](https://www.mcun.coop/making-the-best-use-of-your-economic-impact-check/) - From assessing your financial health to putting your funds to good use, here is how you can get the most out of your stimulus payment. - [The Impact of Supporting Local Business During COVID-19](https://www.mcun.coop/the-impact-of-supporting-local-business-during-covid-19/) - Shopping locally plays a large role in many aspects of the community. See the difference you can make when you support your locally-owned businesses. - [Cheap Family Fun for a Socially-Distanced Summer](https://www.mcun.coop/cheap-family-fun-for-a-socially-distanced-summer/) - Has the pandemic thrown a wrench in your summer plans? No need to stress, we have the cheap and safe traveling alternatives you need to get your summer back on track! - [School's Out for Summer. Now What?](https://www.mcun.coop/schools-out-for-summer-now-what/) - As a working parent, finding childcare options while school is out can be expensive and challenging. Check out our tips on finding alternative childcare options! - [Discovering the Benefits of Refinancing Your Loans](https://www.mcun.coop/discovering-the-benefits-of-refinancing-your-loans/) - Whether you have a home loan, auto loan, or some other kind of loan, you can potentially improve your financial health and make your debt more manageable by refinancing. Learn more about refinancing and the benefits that it could trigger in this blog. - [Money Tips for College Newbies](https://www.mcun.coop/money-tips-for-college-newbies/) - From managing money to accessing additional funds—we’ve got the tips you need for a financially successful year ahead. - [5 Ways to Afford Living on Your Own](https://www.mcun.coop/5-ways-to-afford-living-on-your-own/) - If you’re getting the itch to move away from home or shed the roommates, we have 5 tips to help you afford this next chapter of living on your own! - [(Small and Achievable) Financial Goals for 2022](https://www.mcun.coop/small-and-achievable-financial-goals-for-2022/) - 2020 has been …a lot. Maybe the only goal you set on a given day was “Take a shower”—and that’s OK! The good news is that the year is almost over. Read on if you’re ready to think about setting some other goals—the money kind. - [New Year’s Resolutions (You’re Probably Doing Anyway)](https://www.mcun.coop/new-years-resolutions-youre-probably-doing-anyway/) - While we’re cautiously optimistic about 2021, the fact remains that the coronavirus is going to stick around just a bit longer. Add that to the disruption so many people faced in 2020, and you might not even be thinking about resolutions this year. That’s why we’re making our resolutions more about “keep doing what worked last year.” Read on to learn more. - [4 Holiday Scams to Avoid This Season](https://www.mcun.coop/4-holiday-scams-to-avoid-this-season/) - As you gear up for the holiday festivities, scammers prepare to take advantage of your cheerful disposition and panicked shopping trends. This season, be on the lookout for ‘Grinch’ like characters who try to steal your holiday funds and personal information through fraudulent pursuits. Read on to learn more about some of the most common holiday scams to be wary of. - [Uncovering 5 Hidden Holiday Costs](https://www.mcun.coop/uncovering-5-hidden-holiday-costs/) - You’ve probably already budgeted for gifts and grocery store items, but even the thriftiest planners forget to account for all holiday expenditures. From electricity to shipping fees, we’ve uncovered five hidden holiday costs you might have overlooked and, better yet, we have tips to avoid them! - [New Year's Money Resolutions](https://www.mcun.coop/new-years-money-resolutions/) - There is something about the dawn of a new year that brings out our willingness to kick old habits to the curb and start fresh. If you are ready to create impactful and effective financial resolutions that best serve you and your goals, it’s time to lean in. With a few tweaks, a little planning - [Why You Need a Budget: How Budgeting Can Help You Reach Your Long-Term Goals](https://www.mcun.coop/why-you-need-a-budget/) - Let’s be honest. A whole slew of Americans — almost two-thirds by several counts — have no idea how much money they spend in a month. They also have little idea where their money goes. Yes, taxes and other deductions take a chunk right off the top of their paychecks, but the rest seems to - [5 Easy Ways to Boost Your Local Economy This Winter](https://www.mcun.coop/5-easy-ways-to-boost-your-local-economy-this-winter/) - Small changes in how you spend and save your money can strengthen your community. This winter, support your local economy with these simple tips. - [Budgeting for Valentine’s Day](https://www.mcun.coop/budgeting-for-valentines-day/) - Love doesn’t have to cost a thing. Check out our top four tips for staying on budget this Valentine’s Day. - [Combining Finances and Talking to your Spouse About Money](https://www.mcun.coop/combining-finances-and-talking-to-your-spouse-about-money/) - Money can be a challenging subject to bring up with your life partner. But despite how uncomfortable talking about our finances may make us feel, the discussions eventually have to happen for you and your partner to build an honest and sustainable future together. We know this because arguing about money is the top predictor - [Parenthood: How Children Change Your Financial Picture](https://www.mcun.coop/parenthood-how-children-change-your-financial-picture/) - If you’re a new parent, congratulations! Becoming a new mom or dad means taking on many new responsibilities. Not only are you now in charge of another human’s financial wellbeing, you also have more expenses to plan and budget for. Also, how you spend and save money, and your overall attitude about your finances will - [How to Choose the Right Small Business Loan](https://www.mcun.coop/small-business-loan/) - Are you looking to start your own business or ready to refinance your endeavors? Understanding loans is something that can help every business owner or entrepreneur, so we’ve gathered a few tips to help you make the best decisions and secure the perfect loan for your business. Answer Some Questions Before you get started, you’ll - [What is your giving strategy?](https://www.mcun.coop/what-is-your-giving-strategy/) - Most everyone wants to help those in need. However, it’s not always easy to know the best way to go about giving back – that’s where we come in! Check out our tips for creating a giving strategy to get you on track to accomplishing your giving goals. - [Celebrating Women's History Month 2023](https://www.mcun.coop/celebrating-womens-history-month-2023/) - This month, we're visiting with credit union professionals across the state to find out how they're celebrating Women's History Month. Join us by following along all month and by submitting your own story. Q: How important is it for women to lift each other up and what does that look like to you? by - [How to Prepare For Next Year’s Tax Season Now](https://www.mcun.coop/how-to-prepare-for-next-years-tax-season/) - from our partnership with HerMoney/Filene Newsflash: Worrying about your taxes won’t make the annual process of gathering all of the necessary paperwork and filing on time any easier. What can actually help, though, is putting a simple plan in place now to make sure you are as prepared as possible for next year’s tax season. - [Financial Literacy Month: 6 Tips to Achieve Financial Wellness](https://www.mcun.coop/financial-literacy-month-6-tips-to-achieve-financial-wellness/) - Financial literacy is a crucial life skill. It improves your quality of life by letting you meet all your basic needs, which leads to a fulfilling and harmonious home life. Financial literacy even helps propel society forward, as it positions people to be better equipped to help each other and move forward without financial stress. - [How to “Trick” Yourself into Saving More](https://www.mcun.coop/how-to-trick-yourself-into-saving-more/) - from our partnership with HerMoney/Filene With inflation high and money tight for so many of us, there’s never been a better time to re-examine how we’re managing our finances and to make some moves to save more. Some 61% of Americans — 203 million people — are living paycheck-to-paycheck, and 13% of us are spending - [When Should You Take Social Security?](https://www.mcun.coop/when-should-you-take-social-security/) - from our partnership with HerMoney/Filene Filing for Social Security benefits as soon as you can — or shortly thereafter — a few years early may seem like a good idea at first. The money is there, for the taking, and it is likely a substantial addition to your monthly budget. But be careful: When you - [Annuities 101: How They Work and What They Can Do for You](https://www.mcun.coop/annuities-101/) - from our partnership with HerMoney/Filene Saving for retirement can be a daunting prospect — no one can be absolutely certain exactly how much money they’ll need, and market risk looms larger the closer you get to leaving the workforce. Diversifying your assets by having multiple income streams in addition to Social Security is one way - [Life Insurance: How Much Do You Need — And How To Get It](https://www.mcun.coop/life-insurance-how-much-do-you-need-and-how-to-get-it/) - from our partnership with HerMoney/Filene If the pandemic taught us anything, it’s that you can never be too prepared. We all need a protection plan in place, which includes a few essential elements: An emergency fund, health insurance, a basic estate plan and – for many of us – enough life insurance. Unfortunately, life insurance - [Why You Need An Estate Plan](https://www.mcun.coop/why-you-need-an-estate-plan/) - from our partnership with HerMoney/Filene Many people still believe that an estate plan is reserved for those with millions and mansions. This could be part of the reason why just 42% of adults in the U.S. have estate planning documents in place, including wills and powers of attorney. But here’s the thing: Anyone who cares - [Mortgages 101: Getting Started on the Path to Homeownership](https://www.mcun.coop/mortgages-101/) - from our partnership with HerMoney/Filene When you embark on the search for a new home, you may think you know the steps to take: Read the listings, visit some open houses, sign on with a Realtor, make an offer. In fact, there’s a biggie missing from that list — a step as important financially as - [Buying your First Car](https://www.mcun.coop/buying-your-first-car/) - from our partnership with HerMoney/Filene Ready for sticker shock? The average price of a new vehicle in the U.S. was $48,763 in April 2023, according to Kelley Blue Book — this marks nearly a 30% increase over 2020 prices, which averaged $37,851. And even if buying used is on your agenda, the average price of - [How to Invest In Your 401(k) or IRA](https://www.mcun.coop/how-to-invest-in-your-401k-or-ira/) - from our partnership with HerMoney/Filene If you already have a 401(k), IRA or other retirement account, congratulations! You’ve taken a huge step to securing tomorrow for “future you.” And, maybe you already know how important your 401(k) account is — but just in case you don’t, they’ve taken up residence as the key method Americans - [Index Funds vs. ETFs: What They Are and How They Work](https://www.mcun.coop/index-funds-vs-etfs/) - from our partnership with HerMoney/Filene Years ago, investors bought and sold stocks in individual companies, often trying to beat the market’s average return. Then, in the early 20th century, the mutual fund — a single fund that held positions in multiple securities (usually stocks) chosen by investment managers (usually men) was born. Times change, of - [What Does It Mean To Be Diversified? Here Are The Basics](https://www.mcun.coop/portfolio-diversification-primer/) - Most investors know they’re supposed to be diversified — to have their money spread out into multiple asset classes, so if one stock or industry takes a fall, you're able to weather the storm. If you aren't diversified, it means you're overly concentrated in a single asset class (stocks), a single sector (pharma, or retail) - [What’s the Difference between the Stock Market and the Economy?](https://www.mcun.coop/whats-the-difference-between-the-stock-market-and-the-economy/) - from our partnership with HerMoney/Filene Have you ever noticed that sometimes for months-long stretches, the stock market takes investors on a roller-coaster ride, when other economic indicators — like a steady jobs market or the GDP — seem fairly strong? Or, vice versa, the economy may look to be a bit of a downer, but - [HSAs vs. FSAs: The Similarities & Differences](https://www.mcun.coop/hsas-vs-fsas-the-similarities-differences/) - from our partnership with HerMoney/Filene HSAs vs. FSAs: The Similarities & Differences (And Which Is Best For You) As inflation touches nearly every facet of our lives, healthcare costs — as you can imagine — have been impacted in a big way. In the United States, spending on healthcare grew 2.7% in 2021, reaching $4.3 - [Surprising Ways to Use Your HSA: a guest blog from Rocky Mountain Credit Union](https://www.mcun.coop/surprising-ways-to-use-your-hsa-a-guest-blog-from-rocky-mountain-credit-union/) - A Health Savings Account (HSA) makes a brilliant addition to your savings roster. With a tax-advantaged account like this, you don’t need to pay taxes on the money you put into the account and use it for qualified purchases. To contribute to an HSA, you need to have a high-deductible insurance plan, which in 2022 - [Annuities as a DIY Pension: How They Actually Work in your Retirement](https://www.mcun.coop/annuities-as-a-diy-pension/) - from our partnership with HerMoney/Filene Once you take the leap into retirement, reliable income becomes paramount. Yes, Social Security often provides the base layer of financial stability — but it was never meant to be your sole source of support. For the rest, for decades, we had pensions — which replicated a paycheck you’d earn - [Are I-Bonds the right investment for you?](https://www.mcun.coop/are-i-bonds-the-right-investment-for-you/) - from our partnership with HerMoney/Filene With the stock market still shaky and inflation remaining higher than years past, I-Bonds (sometimes seen as iBonds or I bonds) from the United States Treasury have become a popular investment option because their interest rate rises when the inflation rate rises. But, who are they best for, exactly, and - [Exploring Alternative Investments: Crypto, Art, and NFTs](https://www.mcun.coop/exploring-alternative-investments/) - from our partnership with Filene/HerMoney Are you an investor? Chances are you’ve invested for retirement, in the form of a 401(k) or an IRA, or perhaps you own real estate or have a stock portfolio. Today, there are countless options for investing for your future, including some alternatives that while occasionally providing a greater return - [How to Know if You Need a Financial Planner](https://www.mcun.coop/how-to-know-if-you-need-a-financial-planner/) - If you have a job that offers a steady paycheck, are saving for retirement (and maybe some other goals) but want to be sure you’re on track to meet your goals, it could be time for a financial planner. If you’re 10(ish) years out from retirement and aren’t sure you’re saving enough or going to - [How to Find a Financial Planner](https://www.mcun.coop/how-to-find-a-financial-planner/) - Unless you already work in finance — and even if you do — you probably have some questions about the best moves to make when it comes to managing your money. Such as? How do you save for retirement and pay down debt simultaneously? Which investments or types of accounts could help you retire earlier? - [Financial Planners vs. Financial Coaches: What’s The Difference?](https://www.mcun.coop/financial-planners-vs-financial-coaches/) - While many of us could use some help when it comes to money, not everyone knows where to look for a trusted professional who can help us figure out our finances. Research shows that more than 71% of Gen Z (those aged 18 to 25) and 72% of Millennials (people aged 26 to 41) say - [Essential Questions to Ask a Financial Planner Before Hiring Them](https://www.mcun.coop/essential-questions-to-ask-a-financial-planner/) - So, you’ve decided to hire a financial advisor. First of all, congrats! We know that people who get professional money guidance generally make better decisions about their money on a host of factors — they’re also more likely to save for emergencies and less likely to struggle with this like credit card debt. But choosing - [Credit Card Debt: The Best Debt Repayment Methods](https://www.mcun.coop/credit-card-debt/) - Owning a credit card and using it to build credit and to rack up rewards like cash back and travel bonuses can be a wonderful thing. We often need credit cards to rent a car, stay in hotels, or do countless other things that afford us freedom and enjoyment in our lives. But problems arise - [How Mortgage Debt Impacts Your Credit](https://www.mcun.coop/how-mortgage-debt-impacts-your-credit/) - You may not exactly love paying your mortgage every month, but chances are you appreciate the value of home ownership — particularly if after spending time as a renter (and worrying about annual rent increases) you were eager to start building equity in an asset. In fact, home ownership can be an excellent path to - [How to Find the Best Deal On An Auto Loan](https://www.mcun.coop/how-to-find-the-best-deal-on-an-auto-loan/) - Aside from buying a home or perhaps paying for a college education, buying a car will most likely be your most expensive purchase as an adult. The average monthly new car payment in early 2023 was $725; the used car average was $516, according to Experian. In other words, your car payment can be an - [Save on Taxes by “Batching” your Charitable Donations](https://www.mcun.coop/save-on-taxes-by-batching-your-charitable-donations/) - You hear the word batch and you think — yep — cookies. At least we do. But, there’s another application of the word you should know. Why? Because it can save you money on your taxes. Here’s the deal: At year-end many people look to make the most of our charitable contributions — not only - [How To Donate Your Unwanted Items](https://www.mcun.coop/how-to-donate-your-unwanted-items/) - When we think of giving to charity, our minds may immediately go to monetary donations — 56% of Americans donated to a charitable organization in 2021, giving an average of $547. We can also give our time: many of us may volunteer with a local religious organization, soup kitchen, or animal shelter, and find our - [How to Handle Market Volatility](https://www.mcun.coop/how-to-handle-market-volatility/) - If you're relatively new to the investing world, you may have heard of market volatility, but you may not have experienced it firsthand. After all, the markets have been incredibly calm — and incredibly good (2022 notwithstanding) — for many years. Take the Standard & Poors 500, for example. The S&P 500 (also just called - [The Best Recession Moves to Make with Your Money](https://www.mcun.coop/the-best-recession-moves-to-make-with-your-money/) - Is a recession coming soon? It’s a question that many people have been asking lately, but on which there’s no solid consensus. One survey of economists has them projecting a 59% likelihood of a recession hitting by July 2024. And the experts aren’t the only ones pondering the question — in a recent survey by - [Bull Markets vs. Bear Markets: What You Should Know](https://www.mcun.coop/bull-markets-vs-bear-markets/) - The investing world is full of complex terminology, and some of it can be intimidating for those of us who are new to the stock market world. For example, you may have been warned that a “bear market” is coming — or you may have heard how lucky you are to be investing during a - [How to Create a Budget](https://www.mcun.coop/how-to-create-a-budget/) - Ready to create a budget — or get back on track with an updated spending plan? You have more than a few options to choose from. You can go old school and use notebooks or spreadsheets to stay organized, or you can grab your laptop, phone, or tablet and investigate the budgeting apps available on - [What Are Closing Costs and How Much Should I Expect?](https://www.mcun.coop/what-are-closing-costs-and-how-much-should-i-expect/) - Q: I keep hearing about “closing costs” when buying a house, but I’m not totally sure what they include. Is it just the down payment, or are there a bunch of other fees I should be budgeting for? How much money should I realistically expect to need for closing? A: So, you’re buying a home - [Tips for Budgeting, Saving Money, and Paying off Debt](https://www.mcun.coop/tips-for-budgeting-saving-money-and-paying-off-debt/) - a guest blog from Dustin Gregor, CCUFC, Daniels-Sheridan Federal Credit Union It's always good to have a few extra bucks in your pocket. Whether it's saving on fuel expenses, paying a little extra on your credit card bills, or planning dinners at home, every little bit counts. Here are some useful tips to help you - [The Best Money Moves To Make When Starting A New Job](https://www.mcun.coop/the-best-money-moves-to-make-when-starting-a-new-job/) - If you’ve just started a new job, or you’re new to earning an income, congrats! You may be intimidated by the idea of finally getting your finances in order — but you shouldn’t be. Starting a new job can be an incredibly exciting time, and the good money habits you establish today can put you - [Everything You Need to Know About Getting a Mortgage](https://www.mcun.coop/everything-you-need-to-know-about-getting-a-mortgage/) - When you start your search for a new home, you may think you know the steps to take: Read the listings, visit some open houses, sign on with a Realtor, and make an offer. There’s a biggie missing from that list — a step as important financially as the house you decide to buy itself: - [Your First Car Loan: Everything You Need To Know To Save](https://www.mcun.coop/your-first-car-loan/) - Aside from buying a home or perhaps paying for a college education, buying a car will most likely be your most expensive purchase as an adult. The average monthly new car payment at the end of 2023 was $726; the used car average was $533, according to Experian. In other words, your car payment can - [Should I Take Out A Student Loan?](https://www.mcun.coop/should-i-take-out-a-student-loan/) - If you’re planning on going to college, you’ve probably been doing some thinking about how you’re going to pay for it. And, you’ve likely been wondering, “Should I take out a student loan?” Before you answer that question, you need to know the basics. Here’s a rundown. What Is A Student Loan? A student - [Personal Loans 101: What Are They?](https://www.mcun.coop/personal-loans-101/) - Are you looking for a way to cover a big expense in your life? If so, you may have wondered: what are personal loans…and can they help you meet the financial needs you’re facing? These are great questions because when it comes to personal loans, there are important things to consider before you sign on - [8 Ways to Spend Smartly](https://www.mcun.coop/8-ways-to-spend-smartly/) - If you struggle to make ends meet, you’re not alone. More than half of Americans — 58% — live paycheck-to-paycheck, according to data from CNBC. If you’re among them, don’t despair. There are several ways you can spend smartly and create some breathing room in your budget so you can end that paycheck-to-paycheck cycle once - [7 Ways To Shop Smarter](https://www.mcun.coop/7-ways-to-shop-smarter/) - Ever feel like you’ve been on an online spending spree but don’t know how to stop? What about those in-store impulse buys that always seem to catch your attention at the checkout? These days, it’s all too easy for us to spend WAY too much, whether we mindlessly “add to cart” on our phones, or - [3 Ways Small Businesses Can Benefit From Using a Credit Union](https://www.mcun.coop/small-business-loan-credit-union/) - A record-breaking 5.5 million businesses were started in 2023. With more than 1 in 5 Americans starting or running a small business — not to mention the growth of side-gigs, the demand for financing is significant. Every business owner needs help to make their business a success, and much of it starts with the approval - [How To Save To Meet All Your Goals — Both Big And Small](https://www.mcun.coop/how-to-save-to-meet-all-your-goals/) - It’s no secret that money can be a source of stress — particularly when income is low and monthly bills are, well, higher. But what if the idea of trying to save something…anything…for the future is also a line item on your list? It can be intimidating to save for all of life’s competing priorities. - [How to Break Free from the Mental Blocks that Stop You from Saving Money](https://www.mcun.coop/how-to-break-free-from-the-money-mental-blocks/) - We all want to save more. After all, who wouldn’t want to be the best money saver (and savviest investor) they possibly could? But the truth is that saving money is hard, and many — if not most — of us struggle with it. A recent survey from NerdWallet shows that less than half (45%) - [How to Save Enough to Make Birthdays, Holidays, and Vacations Special](https://www.mcun.coop/how-to-save-enough-for-special-occasions/) - We all know that it’s important to save money for bigger life goals, like retirement or a new home — but it’s also essential to save enough to celebrate life’s little joys along the way. Unfortunately, all that celebrating can get really expensive, really fast. Americans spent close to $1,000 just on gifts during the - [Credit Card Debt: The Best Debt Repayment Methods](https://www.mcun.coop/the-best-debt-repayment-methods/) - Owning a credit card and using it to build credit and rack up rewards like cash back and travel bonuses can be a wonderful thing. We often need credit cards to rent a car, stay in hotels, or do countless other things that afford us freedom and enjoyment. But problems arise when we don’t pay - [Mortgage Debt and Your Credit](https://www.mcun.coop/mortgage-debt-and-your-credit/) - You may not exactly love paying your mortgage every month, but chances are you appreciate the value of home ownership — particularly if after spending time as a renter (and worrying about annual rent increases) you were eager to start building equity in an asset. In fact, home ownership can be an excellent path to - [What Does it Mean to Invest for Retirement?](https://www.mcun.coop/what-does-it-mean-to-invest-for-retirement/) - What does it mean to invest for retirement? To save for your future so that you can enjoy a stress-free (and fun!) life once you’re ready to stop working. In a perfect world, you would start saving for retirement with your very first paycheck and keep at it until the day you leave your job - [The Basics of Retirement Accounts](https://www.mcun.coop/the-basics-of-retirement-accounts/) - Have you ever felt overwhelmed by the menu in a diner? One that goes on and on for pages — offering you everything from breakfast to dinner, 24 hours a day? Retirement accounts aren’t all that different. While everyone knows (or should know) the importance of saving for retirement, the vast menu of retirement savings - [How to Open an IRA or 401(k) to Save for Retirement](https://www.mcun.coop/how-to-open-an-ira-or-401k-to-save-for-retirement/) - If you already have a 401(k), IRA, or other retirement account, congratulations! You’ve taken a huge step to securing tomorrow for “future you.” And, maybe you already know how important your 401(k) account is — but just in case you don’t, they’ve taken up residence as the key method Americans have for funding our futures - [How to Get a Cheap Rental Car](https://www.mcun.coop/how-to-get-a-cheap-rental-car/) - Odds are, you’ve been there. You plan a vacation — flights, accommodations, and an itinerary — then you go to book your on-the-road transportation only to find it's one of the most expensive parts of the trip. Read on for ideas on how to get a cheap rental car for your next getaway. Where - [How Much Insurance You Really Need to Protect Yourself and Your Family](https://www.mcun.coop/how-much-insurance-you-really-need-to-protect-yourself-and-your-family/) - Life teaches us that we can never be too prepared. We all need a protection plan in place, which includes a few essential elements: An emergency fund, health insurance, a basic estate plan, and – for many of us — enough life insurance. Unfortunately, life insurance is something many people – especially women, who are - [The Importance of Having a Will and Estate Plan](https://www.mcun.coop/the-importance-of-having-a-will-and-estate-plan/) - Many people still believe that an estate plan is reserved for those with millions and mansions. This could be part of the reason why just 42% of adults in the U.S. have estate planning documents in place, including wills and powers of attorney. But here’s the thing: Anyone who cares about what happens to a) - [How to Help Young Adult Children Achieve Financial Independence](https://www.mcun.coop/how-to-help-young-adult-children-achieve-financial-independence/) - Mastering financial independence — much like any other challenge someone is taking on for the first time — doesn’t happen all at once. Instead, it’s a “work in progress,” according to a report from the Pew Research Center which found that just 45% of young adults (age 18-34) say they’re completely financially independent from their - [How To Successfully Combine Your Finances With Your Partner](https://www.mcun.coop/how-to-successfully-combine-your-finances-with-your-partner/) - Money can be a challenging subject to bring up with your life partner. But despite how uncomfortable talking about our finances may make us feel, the discussions eventually have to happen for you and your partner to build an honest and sustainable future together. We know this because arguing about money is the top predictor - [Money Fights & How to Avoid Them](https://www.mcun.coop/money-fights-how-to-avoid-them/) - If we’re honest, we don’t need research to tell us what we already know deep in our bones: We don’t always agree with our partners on money matters. Often, fights about spending or saving with a spouse can drive us to the edge. But it doesn’t have to be this way. It’s possible to stop - [Marrying Someone with Debt: How to Share Debt with your Partner](https://www.mcun.coop/marrying-someone-with-debt-how-to-share-debt-with-your-partner/) - We all want to believe that love conquers all — but debt is still very real and can have a huge impact on our relationships. According to a recent Credit Karma survey, the majority of Gen Z and Millennials fight about money with their partners, and nearly a third have ended a relationship for financial - [International Credit Union Day](https://www.mcun.coop/international-credit-union-day/) - To celebrate International Credit Union Day we've shared a list of things to consider when assessing your financial wellbeing. Although the future can seem uncertain, we’re here to help you be financially prepared to take on whatever life throws at you. Read on for 6 things to consider when evaluating your financial health. - [How to Help Aging Parents Financially (and Whether or not You Should!)](https://www.mcun.coop/how-to-help-aging-parents-financially-and-whether-or-not-you-should/) - Our parents cared for us for (at least) the first couple decades of our lives. But does this mean we need to take care of them for the last few decades of theirs? As the Baby Boomer generation prepares to exit the workforce in record numbers, it’s a question more and more people are asking. - [How To Make Charitable Donations in 2024: Get the Most Bang for Your Buck](https://www.mcun.coop/how-to-make-charitable-donations-in-2024/) - As the year winds down, many of us will look to maximize our charitable contributions — not only to support the causes closest to our hearts but also to reap some benefits come tax season. Donating to a qualified 501(c)(3) non-profit organization can potentially earn you a tax deduction. But how exactly does the process - [The Best Places To Donate Your Unwanted Goods](https://www.mcun.coop/the-best-places-to-donate-your-unwanted-goods/) - When we think of giving to charity, our minds often drift to the idea of clicking the “donate” button online. However, giving back can take many different forms, and some of the most impactful donations don’t involve money at all. Donating our gently-used items can make a difference. You’ve likely donated items before — maybe - [Credit Union or Bank: Which One Should You Choose?](https://www.mcun.coop/credit-union-or-bank-which-one-should-you-choose/) - Everyone needs a safe place to put their money. Maybe you’ve never had an account at a bank or credit union before, or perhaps you've recently moved, started a new job, or just want to find an institution that actually cares about you and your money. You may be deciding between a bank vs. a - [Why Do Credit Unions Have Better Rates?](https://www.mcun.coop/why-do-credit-unions-have-better-rates/) - If you’ve recently been shopping for a car loan or mortgage, chances are good that you’ve been comparing interest rates and investigating what’s available at banks, credit unions, and online institutions. If so, you’ve probably noticed better rates from your local credit union. That’s not a fluke. According to the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA), - [What It Means to be "Not-For-Profit" in the Banking World](https://www.mcun.coop/what-it-means-to-be-not-for-profit-in-the-banking-world/) - Are credit unions not-for-profit? The answer is yes, but they differ in several important ways from your typical not-for-profit charity. For starters, a charity’s not-for-profit status is rooted in its mission, which is to raise funds for a specific cause. Alternatively, a credit union’s not-for-profit status comes from the fact that credit unions are member-owned. - [The Best End-Of-Year Money Moves To Make](https://www.mcun.coop/the-best-end-of-year-money-moves-to-make/) - As 2024 draws to a close, it’s time to get our financial lives ready for the New Year so we can kick-start 2024 with as little financial stress as possible — and set some money goals for ourselves that we can reach. Annual financial check-ins allow us to review the progress we made in the - [Why You Need a Budget](https://www.mcun.coop/why-you-need-a-budget-2/) - Let’s be honest. The majority of Americans — 60% — don’t know how much money they spend in a month. They also have little idea where their money goes. Yes, taxes and other deductions take a chunk right off the top of their paychecks, but the rest seems to just slip through our fingers without - [What Are the Best Tools for Tracking Financial Goals?](https://www.mcun.coop/what-are-the-best-tools-for-tracking-financial-goals/) - Question: “I’ve got big financial goals but no idea how to keep track of them! What are the best tools to help me stay organized and actually make progress?” Answer: Saving for a big financial goal — or even a small one? Love to hear it! Thankfully, the right tools can make it manageable — - [How to Hit the Retirement Benchmarks](https://www.mcun.coop/how-to-hit-the-retirement-benchmarks/) - Question: “I’m trying to figure out how to hit those retirement savings benchmarks I keep hearing about. What should I do so that I can hit the goals recommended in my 20s, 30s, 40s, 50s, and beyond?” Answer: The most commonly cited retirement savings benchmarks (at least by us) suggest saving 1x your income by - [How Do I Prioritize Debt Repayment vs. Saving for the Future?](https://www.mcun.coop/how-do-i-prioritize-debt-repayment-vs-saving-for-the-future/) - Question: “I have so many competing financial priorities, and I’m torn! Should I focus on paying off debt or saving for the future? How do I figure out the right balance without feeling like I’m falling behind on both?" Answer: You’re feeling what so many of us feel: there are only so many dollars to - [How to Handle Financial Infidelity in a Relationship](https://www.mcun.coop/how-to-handle-financial-infidelity-in-a-relationship/) - Question: I am struggling with financial infidelity in my relationship. My partner and I have both told “little white lies” about our spending over the years, but now I have serious questions about his money habits, and I’m worried he’s not being honest with me about major purchases. How can we get to a better place - [How to Plan for Retirement as a Couple](https://www.mcun.coop/how-to-plan-for-retirement-as-a-couple/) - Question: My husband and I got married later in life and we never combined our finances. I trust him to manage his money, he trusts me to manage mine, and we’re happy that way… But as we get closer to retirement, I’m more aware that we need to think about our shared financial goals. So, - [What Steps Should I Take to Simplify My Budget?](https://www.mcun.coop/what-steps-should-i-take-to-simplify-my-budget/) - Question: What steps should I take to simplify my budget? I’ve never been very “money-minded,” and because I find budgeting difficult (and frankly NOT fun), I’ve never had a budget for longer than a few weeks. But looking back, I think my problem was always that my budget was just too complicated. What are your - [What Documents Are Essential for Estate Planning?](https://www.mcun.coop/what-documents-are-essential-for-estate-planning/) - Question: I just had my first baby, and I know I need a will to make sure she’s taken care of if something happens to me. But this got me thinking about bigger-picture needs with estate planning, which is something I’ve honestly never thought about before. What documents do I really need? Answer: First of - [How Do I Build an Emergency Fund While Paying Off Debt?](https://www.mcun.coop/how-do-i-build-an-emergency-fund-while-paying-off-debt/) - Question: I know that having an emergency fund is important, and I’ve been trying to build up more than $200 or so, but debt always seems to eat away at what I can save. How can I do both things without sacrificing my goal of becoming debt-free? Is an emergency fund really that important? Answer: - [How Can I Reduce My Taxable Income?](https://www.mcun.coop/how-can-i-reduce-my-taxable-income/) - Question: I always hear about tax deductions and ways to reduce your taxable income, but every year when I look at my taxes, it just doesn't seem like there are ways for me to save. I’m wondering if I’m missing something. What are the best ways to reduce your taxable income? Answer: Ahh, filing taxes - [How to Teach Kids to be Smart with Money](https://www.mcun.coop/how-to-teach-kids-to-be-smart-with-money/) - Money may seem challenging to discuss with your children (especially when they are little) but it’s important to get the ball rolling as soon as possible. And there’s no better place to start than at home, with parents, grandparents, and other close relatives leading the charge. The best part is, when you first start teaching - [Lessons to Develop Good Money Habits](https://www.mcun.coop/lessons-to-develop-good-money-habits/) - The key to helping your little ones understand the way money works is to talk about money and finances often. Ideally, you’ll get started before age 8. Why? A study from Cambridge University shows that financial habits tend to be pretty engrained by age 7. In other words, by the time your child lands in - [Investing for Beginners](https://www.mcun.coop/investing-for-beginners/) - Question: I know I need to be investing for my future, but it sounds complicated and risky! How does it work, and where should I even start? Answer: At first blush, investing may seem inaccessible and confusing, especially for beginners. But it’s a fairly simple concept. Here’s the gist: Investors (like you) buy a piece - [How much should I save vs. invest?](https://www.mcun.coop/how-much-should-i-save-vs-invest/) - Question: I’m trying to be smart with my money, but I’m not sure how much I should be saving versus investing. How do I figure that out? Answer: It’s a tough question — but a common one. Income is a limited resource, which means we don’t live in a world where it’s possible to max - [What Are The Best Strategies for Retirement Investing?](https://www.mcun.coop/what-are-the-best-strategies-for-retirement-investing/) - Question: I know I should be saving for retirement, but with so many options out there — 401(k)s, IRAs, stocks, bonds — it all feels a little overwhelming. What are the smartest strategies for investing for retirement, especially if I want to make sure I’m setting myself up for a comfortable future? Answer: When it - [What Are the Tax Implications of Investing?](https://www.mcun.coop/what-are-the-tax-implications-of-investing/) - Question: I’m starting to invest for the first time, and I keep hearing people talk about taxes on investing… What do I need to know about paying taxes if I invest in the stock market and make money? Answer: Many first-time investors want to know: Do I have to pay taxes on the money I - [How Much House Can I Afford?](https://www.mcun.coop/how-much-house-can-i-afford/) - Q: I'm finally ready to buy a house after saving for years to get enough together for a down payment. Now that I'm officially shopping for a home, I'm wondering exactly how much I should spend. I don't want to be "house poor," and not be able to afford anything else, but I also don't - [What is private mortgage insurance?](https://www.mcun.coop/what-is-private-mortgage-insurance/) - Q: I’ve been seeing the term “PMI” pop up while researching mortgages, but I’m still not totally clear on what it actually is. Why do some people have to pay for private mortgage insurance, and is it something you can get out of? A: So, you found a home and you’ve started looking into the - [What should I know about property taxes?](https://www.mcun.coop/what-should-i-know-about-property-taxes/) - Q: I know that when you buy a home, you have to pay property taxes, but I don’t really understand how they work. Who decides how much I owe, and how do I budget for this? A: From saving for a down payment to calculating closing costs, there are a lot of costs to consider - [Should I pay for my child's education?](https://www.mcun.coop/should-i-pay-for-my-childs-education/) - Q: When it comes to college, should I be trying to pay for it all myself — or is it okay to have my kid take out some loans? I don’t want to saddle them with debt, but I also need to protect my own future. A: It’s one of the most emotionally charged and - [The Three C's of Summer](https://www.mcun.coop/the-three-cs-of-summer/) - By Donya Parrish, MCU VP Risk Management You've probably heard of the three C's of credit, so what are the three C's of summer? They are just a few things I thought you might want to be aware of as resources for your continued learning and development as credit union board members. 1. Credit Risk - [Financial Education Starts Early at Ravalli County Credit Union](https://www.mcun.coop/financial-education-starts-early-at-ravalli-county-credit-union/) - Recently, we spotted Ravalli CU's Laci Rose sharing financial education and the #CUDifference with 1st grade students. As you would imagine, it wasn't your typical reality fair concept. Here's what she had to say about her experience. At the credit union, we believe financial education is important, no matter what age you are. When I - [Need Succession Planning Help? We have a Solution!](https://www.mcun.coop/need-succession-planning-help-we-have-a-solution/) - With the NCUA’s succession planning rule taking effect January 1, 2026, and many state examiners already requesting plans during exams, it’s more important than ever for credit unions to be prepared. Over the past 13 years, our partners at SUCCESSIONapp® have helped medium and large credit unions build succession plans. Now, they’re proud to introduce a - [Interest Rate Risk of "Wait and See" Approach](https://www.mcun.coop/interest-rate-risk-of-wait-and-see-approach/) - By Ian Trebilcock, AIM Financial Analyst In 2025, credit unions are facing a tough balancing act: managing interest rate risk while striving to grow interest income. With FOMC Chairman Jerome Powell’s “wait and see” approach, the Fed has kept rates steady, resulting in loan, share, and investment rates holding higher than anticipated. This prolonged rate - [NCUA Data Resources](https://www.mcun.coop/ncua-data-resources/) - By Donya Parrish, MCU VP Risk Management Are you a numbers nerd? Have you ever wanted to find more detail on your credit union and didn't want to bug your CEO or management team for it? This short video walks through the basics of how to access data on the NCUA website, including for your - [Learning From Others](https://www.mcun.coop/learning-from-others/) - By Donya Parrish, MCU VP Risk Management One of the greatest strengths of this industry is its willingness to help one another and share experiences. During our Power Up conference a couple of weeks ago, a group of credit union board members met for breakfast and dialogue. They had a fantastic conversation, and I thought - [Your Opinion Matters!](https://www.mcun.coop/your-opinion-matters/) - We need your help... and your input As part of our strategic planning process here at Montana's Credit Unions, we've developed an annual engagement survey to gather more information about how our member credit unions view and use our core programs and services. Last year, we surveyed credit union staff and learned a lot from their feedback. This - [Montana’s Credit Unions Celebrate Three Outstanding Leaders](https://www.mcun.coop/montanas-credit-unions-celebrate-three-outstanding-leaders/) - May 22, 2025 — At this year’s Annual Power Up conference, Montana’s Credit Unions proudly honored three exceptional individuals whose dedication, leadership, and passion have made a lasting impact on their credit unions and communities. Rex Gaustad, Vice President and Senior Loan Officer at Daniels Sheridan Federal Credit Union, received the Philosophy in Action Award for his - [Your North Star](https://www.mcun.coop/your-north-star/) - Just after I sent last week's blog, Times of Uncertainty, I received a newsletter from Mary Byers, a respected author and voice in the association world. Her message seemed like a perfect follow-up to last week's message and includes some good pointers for navigating these unknown times. By Mary Byers, MaryByers.com Is it fair to - [Times of Uncertainty](https://www.mcun.coop/times-of-uncertainty/) - By Donya Parrish, MCU VP Risk Management If you have been following the news over the last few months, you know this is a time of change. With that comes uncertainty. What is the future of the CFPB business loan data collection rule? Does that agency continue to exist, and if so, in what capacity? - [Are You Ready for (More) Reg CC Changes?](https://www.mcun.coop/are-you-ready-for-reg-cc-changes/) - Changes to Regulation CC, which implements the Expedited Funds Availability Act become effective July 1, 2025. Also known as the “how long can I hold a check before giving the member the funds” regulation, your credit union should be planning to implement the changes and provide timely notice to your membership. In summary, these changes - [Marketing Compliance Makes No Sense](https://www.mcun.coop/marketing-compliance-makes-no-sense/) - By Donya Parrish, VP- Risk Management Those of you working in lending and operations already know there are a lot of regulatory requirements to comply with in serving your members. That doesn't change when you visit the world of creativity and fun that is the marketing department. One of the difficulties in trying to explain - [Is the Sky Really Falling?](https://www.mcun.coop/is-the-sky-really-falling/) - We are living in a time of great uncertainty. The economy may be headed for a recession, jobs and federal programs and funds are at risk, and families are stretching their budgets well past their comfort zones. As a leader, Kevin Smith of TEAM Resources suggests that board members and management at your credit union - [Board Members and Marketing: a match made in heaven](https://www.mcun.coop/board-members-and-marketing-a-match-made-in-heaven/) - By Michelle Skinner, MCU Communications Director I attended a webinar a few weeks ago, and I haven’t stopped thinking about the keynote speaker's words. I’ve been pondering what he said, rolling it around in my brain like a rock tumbler, and making a mental pros/cons list about the merits. I’ve remembered what he said several - [Don't Tax My Credit Union Montana Resources](https://www.mcun.coop/dont-tax-my-credit-union-montana-resources/) - Credit unions have a unique tax status that exempts them from federal income tax. This status is rooted in their structure as member-owned, not-for-profit cooperative financial institutions. Preserving the tax status of credit unions is essential to maintaining their ability to serve members effectively, support local economies, and provide financial services to those who need - [Relief for Growing Pains](https://www.mcun.coop/relief-for-growing-pains/) - By Donya Parrish, MCU VP Risk Management Credit union growth is generally regarded as a positive. Examiners want to see it, management cheers it, and it is the heart of many strategic plans. Growth provides you the opportunity to serve more individuals in your communities and gain some economies of scale. As you hire more - [You'll Keep Coming Back](https://www.mcun.coop/youll-keep-coming-back/) - By Donya Parrish, MCU VP Risk Management If you have ever been to our annual convention, you know it is a premier, can't-miss event. This year will be no exception, and I really hope you'll join us! Credit unions from across the state will gather on May 21-22 at Fairmont Hot Springs for Power Up - [Cut Down That Net!](https://www.mcun.coop/cut-down-that-net/) - By Donya Parrish, MCU VP- Risk Management If you've been enjoying March Madness, it might be that your team is still in the tournament. Or it could mean you just love a few weeks of great, competitive basketball with pride, friendly bets, and trophies on the line. [Personally, I love rooting for the underdogs who - [AI and the Credit Union Edge: Transforming Member Engagement and Growth](https://www.mcun.coop/ai-and-the-credit-union-edge-transforming-member-engagement-and-growth/) - by Jeff Rendel, Certified Speaking Professional In the rapidly evolving landscape of retail and financial services, artificial intelligence (AI) is no longer just a buzzword; it is a transformative tool shaping how organizations engage with their audiences. For credit union marketing executives and CEOs, understanding AI's potential is crucial to staying competitive and fostering member - [Credit Union State of the State](https://www.mcun.coop/state-of-the-state/) - By Donya Parrish, MCU VP Risk Management NCUA just released Call Report data from year-end 2024. In releasing the fourth quarter 2024 results, newly designated NCUA Chairman Kyle S. Hauptman stated, “The growth in assets and insured shares is good news and reflects the strength and resiliency of the credit union system when operating within - [Navigating Turbulent Times](https://www.mcun.coop/navigating-turbulent-times/) - "Being a credit union board member in today’s financial landscape is a bit like being the captain of a ship caught in a hurricane – except the hurricane never ends, the maps are outdated, and the crew occasionally votes to change course mid-storm." Kevin Smith, TEAM Resources, noted this in his recent blog Navigating VUCA: - [Transmittal Deadline Brings a Frenzied Week at the Montana Legislature](https://www.mcun.coop/transmittal-deadline-brings-a-frenzied-week-at-the-montana-legislature/) - The 69th Montana Legislature has officially reached its halfway point, bringing with it one of the most intense and fast-paced periods of the session: the transmittal deadline. As committees wrapped up their pre-transmittal work, attention shifted to the House and Senate floors, where nearly 250 bills were debated in the final days before the deadline. - [Montana Legislative Update: The Countdown to Transmittal Begins](https://www.mcun.coop/montana-legislative-update-the-countdown-to-transmittal-begins/) - By Karen Smith, MCU SVP & Chief Advocacy Officer As the Montana Legislature nears the halfway point, lawmakers are focused on fulfilling their primary constitutional responsibility: producing a balanced budget. This requirement dictates that spending cannot exceed projected income, plus any reserves carried over from previous years. To meet this goal, the joint subcommittees of - [It Happened in Vegas](https://www.mcun.coop/it-happened-in-vegas/) - By Donya Parrish, MCU VP Risk Management Yes, I am sure you've heard — "What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas!" Except that doesn't apply when great ideas are discussed during our annual roundtable meeting for credit union CEOs and board members. This year's Roundtable was no exception to past excellence, so I thought I - [Mile High FCU makes Emotional Contribution to St. James Cancer Center](https://www.mcun.coop/mile-high-fcu-makes-emotional-contribution-to-st-james-cancer-center/) - February 14, 2025 — This is the perfect #CUDifference story to show credit unions' LOVE for their communities. “Mile High FCU ran a fundraiser last October where we asked for donations from our members and in return, they got a pink breast cancer awareness pin to show their support. At the end of the month, - [Strengthening Your Credit Union Through ALM: Insights on 2025 NCUA Priorities](https://www.mcun.coop/strengthening-your-credit-union-through-alm-insights-on-2025-ncua-priorities/) - By Ian Trebilcock, AIM Financial Analyst Earlier this month, the NCUA released its supervisory priorities for 2025. Balance sheet management and risk to earnings and net worth were included as some of their highest priorities. This guidance comes as rising rates have driven up deposit costs faster than loans and investments. This pressure on the - [Valley CU supports HRDC Warming Center](https://www.mcun.coop/valley-cu-supports-hrdc-warming-center/) - January 31, 2025 — Recently, we visited with Sean Paulauskis, VP of Community Engagement with Valley CU, to learn about his involvement with Gallatin Valley Connect and the #CUDifference they recently made with the HRDC Warming Center. Here's what he had to say. "Valley Credit Union empowers me to support our community however possible and - [Montana Legislative Session Update: Month One Recap](https://www.mcun.coop/montana-legislative-session-update-month-one-recap/) - As we wrap up the first month of the 2025 Montana Legislative Session, there has been a noticeable contrast in activity between the two chambers. While the Senate has had a slow start, the House wasted no time diving into committee hearings for several bills. With over 4,350 bill placeholders currently in the system and - [Only the Paranoid CEOs Survive](https://www.mcun.coop/only-the-paranoid-ceos-survive/) - By Jeff Rendel, Certified Speaking Professional So said the CEO of one of the nation’s most prosperous credit unions when appraising growth, market share, profitability and return to members. Suspecting a new area of focus would become part of the executive leadership program tailored to this credit union’s unique requirements, interest piqued, followed by the - [Rocky Mountain Credit Union Names Cyrus Malkin as New President and CEO](https://www.mcun.coop/rocky-mountain-credit-union-names-cyrus-malkin-as-new-president-and-ceo/) - January 27, 2025 – Rocky Mountain Credit Union (RMCU) is pleased to announce the appointment of Cyrus Malkin as its new President and Chief Executive Officer, effective immediately. Malkin brings over 20 years of leadership experience in the credit union and financial services industry, and his vision for the future of RMCU aligns with the - [Bring Board Education to Your Monthly Meetings](https://www.mcun.coop/bring-board-education-to-your-monthly-meetings/) - Our vendor partner, Credit Union Webinar Network, announced a new series of training sessions just for credit union board members. This selection of bite-sized topics is perfect for use during board meetings! Each of the nine modules is 20-40 minutes. The topics are timeless and necessary knowledge for all directors, and you can get the - [Save the Date: Training on the CEO Performance Process](https://www.mcun.coop/save-the-date-training-on-ceo-performance-process/) - We are offering a two-part webinar series next month to help your board support your most valuable employee — the credit union CEO! Nina Lund, founder/owner of Next Generation HR, and Bryan Fox, retired Commanding General for the Montana Air National Guard and long-time credit union board member, are teaming up to share their knowledge - [2025 NCUA Supervisory Priorities](https://www.mcun.coop/2025-ncua-supervisory-priorities/) - For those of us working in compliance and risk management, it's a bit like another Christmas when the NCUA releases its annual list for supervision and exams in January, except of course, there are no gifts involved. It is generally a pretty accurate list of where they expect examiners will be focusing attention and topics - [What is a Credit Union League?](https://www.mcun.coop/credit-union-league/) - You may have wondered through the years, "What is the credit union league?" We currently use the public name "Montana's Credit Unions" and are formally known as the Montana Credit Union League. The CEO of the Pennsylvania and New Jersey area league wrote a recent article that does a fantastic job of explaining both what - [Montana's Credit Unions Year in Review](https://www.mcun.coop/mcu-year-in-review/) - A message from our President/CEO, Gerry Singleton The end of 2024 is fast approaching, and as I reflect on the year, I am reminded of four lenses: the rearview mirror, the microscope, the telescope, and the kaleidoscope. Montana’s Credit Unions exists to promote and enhance a thriving credit union community. We do this through advocacy, - [Succession Planning Final Rule Approved](https://www.mcun.coop/succession-planning-final-rule-approved/) - From NCUA Press Release The NCUA Board met yesterday and unanimously approved a final rule that will require federally insured credit union boards of directors to establish succession planning processes for key positions. The effective date of the final rule is January 1, 2026. Said Chairman Harper, “We know that the failure to plan for management - [Assumptions are Dangerous Things](https://www.mcun.coop/assumptions-are-dangerous-things/) - By Donya Parrish, MCU VP Risk Management Agatha Christie is credited with that title statement on making assumptions. It seems relevant when looking at adding new directors to your board. Regardless of a person's level of knowledge and experience, there is a learning curve as a new board member. Assuming the person is up to - [Credit Union Trends October 2024](https://www.mcun.coop/credit-union-trends-october-2024/) - The Credit Union Trends Report is a monthly "pulse check" on the state of the credit union marketplace, often placed in a historical context. The report includes data from two months prior and is published and distributed by TruStage Chief Economist Steven Rick. Their October 2024 Credit Union Trends Report is now available and highlights - [Get to Know Deb Yurecko](https://www.mcun.coop/get-to-know-deb-yurecko/) - I took some time recently to talk to Deb Yurecko — you may have known her as Deb Clarke. She has been supporting Montana credit unions for many years, and earlier this year took on the role of Account Representative at TruStage. In that role, she supports several of the smaller credit unions across our - [Montana’s Credit Unions kicks off its award-winning annual fundraiser for Shodair Children’s Hospital](https://www.mcun.coop/montanas-credit-unions-kicks-off-its-award-winning-annual-fundraiser-for-shodair-childrens-hospital/) - November 1 — Once again united under our favorite rivalry — the Cat/Griz football game — credit unions across Montana are raising funds for Shodair Children’s Hospital (Shodair) through our annual Credit Unions for Kids (CU4Kids) Brawl of the Wild fundraiser. Leading up to the football game, credit unions across Montana will be selling $1 - [National Strategy for Financial Inclusion](https://www.mcun.coop/national-strategy-for-financial-inclusion/) - By Donya Parrish, MCU VP Risk Management The U.S. Treasury released an interesting Fact Sheet last week, and it's one that I think points directly to credit unions as a solution on multiple fronts. The National Strategy on Financial Inclusion in the United States includes five objectives focused on their primary belief that the "ability - [Board Engagement in Cybersecurity Oversight](https://www.mcun.coop/board-engagement-in-cybersecurity-oversight/) - NCUA reminded credit union boards of directors last week of your obligation with protecting member data and the ongoing and very real threat of cyber incidents. Between September 1, 2023 (when the NCUA cyber incident notification rule became effective) and August 31, 2024, the agency saw over 1,000 cyber incidents reported. As the letter to - [Board Governance Report](https://www.mcun.coop/board-governance-report/) - By Donya Parrish, MCU VP Risk Management The Filene Research Center for Leadership, Strategy & Governance just released a report that proves to be timely and valuable. Credit Union Governance Landscape is not just pages and pages of words for you to read and decipher in your spare time. Instead, author Amy Hillman, a professor - [Are You Attracting Attention or Funds?](https://www.mcun.coop/are-you-attracting-attention-or-funds/) - By Donya Parrish, MCU VP- Risk Management As a consumer, it is obvious to me that credit unions are in a different situation than you have been in previous years. As a compliance person, you are sure getting my attention. Why? There are ads on nearly every billboard, reader board, and in local publications advertising - [But the Will Says...](https://www.mcun.coop/but-the-will-says/) - By Donya Parrish, MCU VP- Risk Management An all too common conversation on the compliance hotline starts with, "our account cards say... but the family brought in a will." That is the point that I generally interrupt by saying, "you don't care!" Now that might seem harsh, but it is an important distinction. The credit - [Death of a Member and a Joint Account](https://www.mcun.coop/death-of-a-member-and-a-joint-account/) - By Donya Parrish, MCU VP- Risk Management Should we require a death certificate when a member dies if there is a surviving joint owner? It depends. For the surviving joint to transact? Generally no. As a joint owner, the surviving owner has a right to transact on the account whether the other owner is alive - [Holiday Closure Myths](https://www.mcun.coop/holiday-closure-myths/) - By Donya Parrish, MCU VP Risk Management As the holidays roll around each year, a common question gets repeated -- are we allowed to close the credit union on a holiday that the Federal Reserve Bank doesn't observe? Despite rumors to the contrary, yes you are! (Who started that myth anyway?) Now, there are a - [A Credit Union Challenge for You](https://www.mcun.coop/a-credit-union-challenge-for-you/) - By Donya Parrish, MCU VP Risk Management Tomorrow is a special day — it's International Credit Union Day! We celebrate credit unions around the world the third Thursday of every October. This year, how about a challenge to take your celebration up a notch? This is based around the 2024 theme of One World Through - [Are Board Member Perks Allowed?](https://www.mcun.coop/are-board-member-perks-allowed/) - By Donya Parrish, MCU VP Risk Management There is no doubt that credit unions appreciate all the hard work their volunteer board members do. On occasion the question comes up about offering benefits or perks to board members. Both NCUA and the state credit union act are clear that compensation to directors is very limited - [How Will the FOMC's 50 Basis Point Cut Affect Your Credit Union?](https://www.mcun.coop/how-will-the-fomcs-50-basis-point-cut-affect-your-credit-union/) - By Ian Trebilcock, AIM Financial Analyst The Federal Open Market Committee's (FOMC) decision to implement a 50-basis point rate (BPS) cut has significant implications for credit unions. This cut will reduce the cost of borrowing for members, potentially increasing demand for loans. With lower interest rates, borrowers may be more inclined to finance major purchases - [Member Inspection Rights](https://www.mcun.coop/member-inspection-rights/) - By Donya Parrish, MCU VP- Risk Management Have you ever had a request from a member (or a former employee or a competitor...) for a copy of your board minutes? As an owner/member of your financial cooperative, are they entitled to see them? The answer might surprise you. That answer also varies depending on the - [Say Cheese!](https://www.mcun.coop/say-cheese/) - This blog was originally posted in July 2015, and yet, still seems relevant today. Have you seen the cute little movie Who Moved My Cheese? It is one of the greatest examples of work life and interaction I have seen; all told in a comical, animated short (the real key!) style. It discusses change management - [Perform or Transform: A Strategic Discussion](https://www.mcun.coop/perform-or-transform-a-strategic-discussion/) - By Jeff Rendel, Certified Speaking Professional The title says it all, and it’s a question posed to executives and directors during strategic and business planning sessions. Often, it’s easy to think tactically during planning sessions and discuss change around incremental improvements to current operations. In the dynamic landscape of financial services, particularly within credit unions, - [Co-op Academy Coming Soon!](https://www.mcun.coop/co-op-academy-coming-soon/) - Plan now to attend the first Montana Cooperative Academy in Great Falls October 9-11. This year's academy is focused on co-op frontline employees and board members. Learn from other co-ops across all sectors, get creative, problem solve, and learn more about cooperatives in Montana. There will be plenty of time to network and connect, too. As - [Are You All In with AI?](https://www.mcun.coop/are-you-all-in-with-ai/) - By Donya Parrish, MCU VP Risk Management If you use a computer every day, you may have noticed that many programs and websites have added an artificial intelligence (AI) feature. Judging by the reaction I have seen with industry colleagues and friends when AI is discussed, many are afraid of it without knowing what it - [Great Falls Credit Unions Work Collaboratively to Fill Local Food Bank](https://www.mcun.coop/great-falls-credit-unions-work-collaboratively-to-fill-local-food-bank/) - Four credit unions in Great Falls are working cooperatively to collect food donations. 1st Liberty FCU, Family First FCU, Horizon CU, and Montana CU are once again participating in the Great Falls Community Food Bank “Bank Challenge." In the last 15 years, the event has collected more than 125,000 pounds of food to help feed - [Rocky Mountain CU Supports Inspire Academy](https://www.mcun.coop/rocky-mountain-credit-union-supports-inspire-academy/) - Former Montana Tech wide receiver Dion Williams Jr. started Inspire Academy in 2022 to provide quality sports training to youth in Butte. His goal isn’t just to produce athletes, but to provide kids with a positive outlet, encourage strong work ethic, and instill a sense of belonging. Inspire Academy hosts a variety of sport and - [NCUA Board Proposes Succession Planning Requirement](https://www.mcun.coop/ncua-board-proposes-succession-planning-requirement/) - Adapted from the NCUA board meeting summary memo At their July meeting, the NCUA Board approved a proposed rule that requires boards of directors at federally insured credit unions to establish and adhere to processes for succession planning. This new proposed rule modifies the 2022 proposal based on the public comments received and upon further consideration of the - [Reach Higher Externship at Park Side Credit Union](https://www.mcun.coop/reach-higher-externship-at-park-side-credit-union/) - When Reach Higher contacted Park Side CU to host an educator externship, the credit union was happy to help one lucky educator learn about the #CUDifference in the community. SVP HR & Employee Development Maureen Bryan connected with JoAnne Strong, a business teacher at Linderman Education Center in Kalispell, to learn Joann’s interests, then organized - [Board Members As Credit Union Advocates](https://www.mcun.coop/board-members-as-credit-union-advocates/) - By Donya Parrish, MCU VP - Risk Management My colleague shared an article with me recently on 5 ways to turn your board members into your biggest advocates. As someone who is always on the hunt for qualify content to share with all of you, this one checked several boxes. First, it lays out some - [Handling ID Theft Victim Requests](https://www.mcun.coop/handling-id-theft-victim-requests/) - By Donya Parrish, MCU VP Risk Management Q: If a consumer contacts us to say they are a victim of ID theft and there is a loan from our credit union on their credit report fraudulently, are we required to do anything about it? A: Yes! Under the FACT Act Section 151, your credit union - [Russell Country FCU goes big in first year of Cascade 4-H sponsorship](https://www.mcun.coop/russell-country-fcu-goes-big-in-first-year-of-cascade-4-h-sponsorship/) - July 18, 2024 — This is Russell Country FCU's first year sponsoring Cascade County 4-H at their fair, and they started BIG! It all started with a new product specifically designed for 4-H participants called the 4-H Suite. After developing the product, they decided they wanted to sponsor more in 4-H, as it complements the - [#ILoveMyCreditUnion is Right Around the Corner](https://www.mcun.coop/ilovemycreditunion-is-right-around-the-corner/) - By Michelle Skinner, MCU Communications Director The year's largest credit union social media blitz is Friday, July 26. On that day, credit union advocates take to social media to share text, images, and videos of why they love working at, doing business alongside, and banking with their credit union. You have nine days to plan - [Whitefish Credit Union Breaks Ground on New Branch in Missoula](https://www.mcun.coop/whitefish-credit-union-breaks-ground-on-new-branch-in-missoula/) - July 9, 2024 — Whitefish Credit Union is pleased to announce the recent groundbreaking of its newest branch in Missoula, marking its first location in the city. This significant milestone represents a key step in Whitefish Credit Union's ongoing commitment to expanding its reach and providing exceptional financial services to communities across Montana. The new - [For Every Rise, There is a Fall](https://www.mcun.coop/for-every-rise-there-is-a-fall/) - By Ian Trebilcock, AIM Financial Analyst Well, we have experienced the rise in interest rates… Are you ready for the fall? The question does not seem to be if, but when the Federal Reserve will start to cut interest rates. As of June 7, interest rate traders assigned a 47% probability to the Fed making - [CUCollaborate: An Evolving Partnership](https://www.mcun.coop/cucollaborate-an-evolving-partnership/) - By Beth Satre, MCU Membership Data Manager When Sam Brownell founded CUCollaborate 10 years ago, he had an idea for a company that could help credit unions grow. By pulling together, analyzing, and mapping credit union data, CUCollaborate could do two things: Make it easier for consumers and organizations to find, join, and borrow from - [The Engagement Letter](https://www.mcun.coop/the-engagement-letter/) - By Donya Parrish, MCU VP- Risk Management When your supervisory committee looks to enter into a relationship with an external party for audits, there is an important and necessary step in the process — the engagement letter! Whether it is annually, or every few years, having the basic expectations laid out before the start of - [Lincoln County Credit Union makes huge donation to Troy Chamber of Commerce](https://www.mcun.coop/lincoln-county-credit-union-makes-huge-donation-to-troy-chamber-of-commerce/) - May 21, 2024 — After years of providing local businesses with guidance and visibility, the Troy Chamber of Commerce has now asked local businesses for help. Mike Lidgett, Troy Chamber President, believes the city of Troy could use economic stimulus. Beginning in 2025, the Troy Chamber hopes to deliver various productions including a summertime concert - [The Importance of Credit Union Advocacy: Engaging for a Stronger Future](https://www.mcun.coop/the-importance-of-credit-union-advocacy-engaging-for-a-stronger-future/) - By Karen Smith, MCU SVP, Chief Advocacy Officer As directors of Montana’s credit unions, you understand the vital role we play in our communities. Our mission goes beyond financial services; it’s about people helping people. To continue this mission and ensure a thriving future, active participation in advocacy is essential. The Value of Engaging in - [How Do You Know When It's Time to Go?](https://www.mcun.coop/time-to-go/) - By Donya Parrish, MCU VP- Risk Management How often does your board step back and look at your own performance? Do you have goals and standards you hold yourself accountable to? If not, you are not alone. It is common that board members just show up for the monthly meeting, get through the packet and - [Announcing Our Volunteer of the Year Winner](https://www.mcun.coop/announcing-our-volunteer-of-the-year-winner/) - Montana Credit Union is proud to announce Paul Dockter as the recipient of the 2024 Mitch Reed Volunteer of the Year award from Montana’s Credit Unions. Paul is the current board chair at Montana Credit Union in Great Falls. Paul has been an integral part of the credit union's board for nearly three decades, serving - [Ready for (Almost) Anything](https://www.mcun.coop/ready-for-almost-anything/) - By Donya Parrish, MCU VP Risk Management It's hard to believe, but it has already been four years since we were in the middle of COVID. One thing about that time is that it was a good test of your credit union business continuity plans, even if it was not something any of those plans - [Fire Up the Shredder!](https://www.mcun.coop/fire-up-the-shredder/) - By Donya Parrish, MCU VP Risk Management If you've ever been part of a discussion at your credit union on record retention, you know there is frustration with some of the timeframes in NCUA's guidelines. "Permanent" sounds reasonable until you start to think about some of our credit unions having been open for almost 90 - [What on Earth?](https://www.mcun.coop/what-on-earth/) - By Donya Parrish, MCU VP- Risk Management My work anniversary falls on Earth Day (April 22) each year. This year, it (finally) struck me that there is a parallel between my role at Montana's Credit Unions and the overall environmental policy goal of "Reduce, Reuse, Recycle." Let me explain. Reduce Supporting credit union compliance efforts - [Why Do You Serve?](https://www.mcun.coop/why-do-you-serve/) - By Donya Parrish, MCU VP- Risk Management Credit unions are being encouraged to focus more time and energy on succession planning, including for the board itself. One idea for recruiting board members is to think about your own experience and what brought you to the table, as well as, why you've stayed. The session Next - [Cue the Confetti](https://www.mcun.coop/cue-the-confetti/) - We are busy planning for our annual convention, Power Up, in May. That means we are also prepping to recognize some worthy individuals who give so much to their credit union and community throughout the year. Our annual awards don't come with a big cash prize, but they do provide an opportunity to let a - [Succession Beyond the CEO](https://www.mcun.coop/succession-beyond-the-ceo/) - By Donya Parrish, MCU VP Risk Management Earlier this month, the Washington State Department of Financial Institutions (DFI) released a bulletin that might be worth your time to read. Why? They don't have oversight of Montana credit unions, but it does a good job of explaining that regulatory agencies, including NCUA, have real concerns about - [Such a Simple Idea](https://www.mcun.coop/such-a-simple-idea/) - By Donya Parrish, MCU VP- Risk Management During a recent session I attended on the topic of board governance, the speaker made a comment that every board should consider using a board calendar. He suggested it is an efficient way to get dates planned for things like the executive's annual performance review, elections, meetings, events, - [Hooray for Volunteers!](https://www.mcun.coop/hooray-for-volunteers/) - “Being good is commendable, but only when it is combined with doing good is it useful.” – Author Unknown The month of April celebrates National Volunteer Month. Many of you spend time supporting organizations in your community and within your work life. Those are wonderful deeds, too, but at Montana's Credit Unions, we are especially - [Stories of Credit Union Success](https://www.mcun.coop/stories-credit-union-success/) - By Donya Parrish, MCU VP Risk Management As a voracious reader, the stack of books I plan to get to "soon" is rarely shorter than five or six novels. I confess, though, that I prefer to be entertained during my reading time and, it is very rare that I ever finish (or even pick up, - [Richland Federal Credit Union Declares/Distributes Special Dividend](https://www.mcun.coop/richland-federal-credit-union-declares-distributes-special-dividend/) - March 15, 2024 — The Richland Federal Credit Union (FCU) board of directors has declared a special dividend of $300,000 to be distributed in mid-March to its share account holders equaling a 0.50% interest payment on 2023 average share account (savings) balances. While direct payments to members are relatively rare in the financial industry, this - [Russell Country FCU’s Bryan Fox inducted into the Credit Union House Hall of Leaders](https://www.mcun.coop/russell-country-fcus-bryan-fox-inducted-into-the-credit-union-house-hall-of-leaders/) - March 13, 2024 — Russell Country Federal Credit Union retired board member, Bryan Fox, has been inducted into the Credit Union House Hall of Leaders in honor of his significant contributions to the credit union industry. The ceremony took place at the Marriott Marquis on Sunday, March 3. Members of the Hall of Leaders are - [What a Week!](https://www.mcun.coop/what-a-week/) - By Donya Parrish, MCU VP Risk Management Last week, I had the opportunity to attend the Governmental Affairs Conference — GAC as it is affectionately called. To say it was inspiring to spend four days in Washington, D.C. in the company of over 5,000 credit union advocates is an understatement! With the variety of meetings - [Designing Personalized Benefits Packages as Unique as Your Executives](https://www.mcun.coop/designing-personalized-benefits-packages-as-unique-as-your-executives/) - By Danielle Scodellaro, Executive Benefits Specialist with CUNA Mutual Group Executive Benefit Solutions Forever people-centered, the credit union industry is no stranger to strategic empathy. We dedicate vast resources to getting inside the minds of members so we can serve them better. Imagine the possibilities if we committed the same energy to understanding credit union - [Introducing Personify Leadership Training](https://www.mcun.coop/introducing-personify-leadership-training/) - We could spend an entire blog telling you how important leadership development is to your credit union’s success, but you likely already know. If not, let us know, and we’ll tell you just how much it affects your recruitment, retention, and workplace culture efforts. You know it’s important, we know it’s important, but honestly, who - [Richland FCU celebrates retirement, welcomes two hires](https://www.mcun.coop/richland-fcu-celebrates-retirement-welcomes-two-hires/) - February 23, 2024 — Richland Federal Credit Union (RFCU), with branches in Sidney and Culbertson, has recently announced two outstanding hires. Nancy Verschoot recently retired from her role as Senior Loan Officer. During her tenure, RFCU saw much growth in serving the borrowing needs of its field of membership. It was also a period of - [Montana’s Credit Unions Introduces Personify Leadership Training for Credit Union Leaders](https://www.mcun.coop/montanas-credit-unions-introduces-personify-leadership-training-for-credit-union-leaders/) - February 22, 2024 — Montana’s Credit Unions (MCU) is partnering with the award-winning Personify Leadership® program to present a credit union-specific model for training leaders – and up-and-coming leaders. Personify Leadership® is a fun, experiential, two-day program focusing on the eight core body-focused competencies of a leader: heart, mind, ears, voice, hands, feet, spine, and - [NCUA Updates Supervisory Committee Audit Guide](https://www.mcun.coop/ncua-updates-supervisory-committee-audit-guide/) - The Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) announced a new accounting standard in 2016, the current expected credit loss (CECL) methodology for estimating allowances for credit losses. NCUA recently released an addendum to its Other Supervisory Committee Audit, Minimum Procedures Guide to incorporate CECL, which became effective for most federally insured credit unions on January 1, - [Opening Benefit Accounts](https://www.mcun.coop/opening-benefit-accounts/) - By Donya Parrish, MCU VP- Risk Management When a member becomes ill, community members and friends often step up to help. That might involve a request at your credit union to open a benefit account. Those can tough because the people setting it up have good intentions, but those accounts can also be ripe for - [Conversation Hearts and Credit Unions](https://www.mcun.coop/conversation-hearts-credit-unions/) - By Donya Parrish, MCU VP- Risk Management This blog originally published in 2018, but is being dusted off today in honor of the February 14 holiday. Valentine's Day is a holiday to lavish flowers and chocolates upon your significant other or crush. Years ago in grade school, we decorated shoe boxes and provided every classmate an identical mass-produced valentine. - [Elevating Credit Union Advocacy: MCU's Strategic Approach](https://www.mcun.coop/elevating-credit-union-advocacy-mcus-strategic-approach/) - By Karen Smith, MCU SVP and Chief Advocacy Officer Advocacy is the cornerstone of Montana's Credit Unions (MCU), serving as a powerful tool to champion credit union interests and foster positive statewide change. In this blog post, we explore the significance of advocacy and delve into MCU's strategic initiatives aimed at amplifying the CU Difference. - [Tristate Collaboration, LLC Formalized to Create Value for Member Credit Unions](https://www.mcun.coop/tristate-collaboration-llc-formalized-to-create-value-for-member-credit-unions/) - January 26, 2024 by Julia Miller, Minnesota Credit Union Network The Minnesota Credit Union Network, Montana’s Credit Unions, and the Wisconsin Credit Union League have formalized their partnership, Tristate Collaborative, LLC, which jointly forms strategic endorsement relationships with partners to help their credit unions best serve their members. The mission of Tristate is to provide - [Your Secret Decoder is Here!](https://www.mcun.coop/your-secret-decoder-is-here/) - By Donya Parrish, MCU VP- Risk Management If you've been reading this blog for awhile, you know I am all about finding and sharing great resources. There is no need to reinvent the wheel if someone else has done a good job and is willing to share. With understanding financial reports and trends being such - [Advisory on Liquidity Risk Management](https://www.mcun.coop/advisory-on-liquidity-risk-management/) - From NCUA January 2024 Advisory Over the last year, the credit union system’s performance has been stable and resilient overall. The NCUA, however, continues to see growing liquidity stresses within the system. For those credit unions experiencing lower share growth, high loan growth, and declining levels of available liquidity as a result, liquidity management needs - [Hope for the Best, Prepare for the Worst](https://www.mcun.coop/hope-for-the-best-prepare-for-the-worst/) - By Donya Parrish, MCU VP- Risk Management As a financial institution, your credit union has something hackers and cyber criminals want — members' personal financial information. Your only option is to be aggressive and proactive in protecting it; putting your head in the sand in this area can harm the whole financial system's reputation. So - [Family First FCU selects next President/CEO](https://www.mcun.coop/family-first-fcu-selects-next-president-ceo/) - January 8, 2024 — The Board of Directors of Family First Federal Credit Union in Great Falls, Montana, is pleased to announce that Kyeanna Scharberg will be stepping into the position of President/CEO effective April 1, 2024. Scharberg will succeed Kathy Briggs who has held that leadership role for 38 years. Briggs noted, “Kyeanna Scharberg - [20 Montana Credit Union Professionals Obtain FiCEP Certification](https://www.mcun.coop/20-montana-credit-union-professionals-obtain-ficep-certification/) - December 21, 2023 — Twenty credit union professionals from eight credit unions across Montana recently received their Certified Credit Union Financial Counselor (CCUFC) designation by completing the Enhanced Financial Counseling Certification Program (FiCEP) through Montana’s Credit Unions. FiCEP provides comprehensive training for credit union staff to enhance their ability to assist members with financial counseling. - [Should We Blame the Messenger?](https://www.mcun.coop/should-we-blame-the-messenger/) - By Donya Parrish, MCU VP Risk Management Have you heard the rumors that artificial intelligence (AI) is going to take over our lives? When I was a kid, there was excitement about computers and what they could possibly do. We dreamed that "someday" they would do our homework for us, and we watched The Jetsons - [Key Performance Indicators](https://www.mcun.coop/key-performance-indicators/) - By Donya Parrish, MCU VP Risk Management I hope some of you had the opportunity to hear Dr. Elliot Eisenberg's economic update session, hosted by Millennium Corporate Credit Union last week. He shared an update similar to what many others are predicting — that the economy is stronger than it was expected to be for - [The Economy in 2023: The Pause & The Pivot](https://www.mcun.coop/the-economy-in-2023-the-pause-the-pivot/) - If you haven't had the pleasure of hearing the Bowtie Economist speak, you are in for a treat! Millennium Corporate Credit Union is hosting Dr. Elliot Eisenberg, the Bowtie Economist, for a virtual session on Dec. 14 at 10:00 MST. You can register here to attend at no cost. You'll hear his thoughts on how - [Making a Difference](https://www.mcun.coop/making-a-difference/) - The letter below from MCU President/CEO, Gerry Singleton, accompanied our dues invoices that were sent recently. We thought it was important for you, as board members, to see the message about the importance of affiliation and partnership. Feel free to contact Gerry if you have any questions, comments, or concerns. As we approach the close of - [Throwing the Challenge Flag](https://www.mcun.coop/throwing-the-challenge-flag/) - By Donya Parrish, MCU VP Risk Management You may have heard — it's Cat/Griz week in Montana! The Brawl of the Wild, the biggest week of college football in our state, and this year, also a showdown with two top-five teams, is almost here! Wow, that must be hard for people to understand who haven't - [Where Does the Time Go?](https://www.mcun.coop/where-does-the-time-go/) - By Donya Parrish, MCU VP Risk Management A few days ago, we went through that semi-annual ritual of changing our clocks and convincing ourselves we had just "gained an hour" of time. After congressional action that was close to ending it last year, daylight saving time is a bit like the Mark Twain quote that - [Something for Everyone](https://www.mcun.coop/something-for-everyone/) - By Donya Parrish, MCU VP Risk Management We had a fantastic few days at the Be Fearless Conference in Kalispell last week. In fact, one of your fellow board members tossed his way to the final round of our cornhole fundraiser. Congrats on your almost victory, Mark Lodine (Horizon CU)! It is always great to - [Dealing with the Junk Drawer](https://www.mcun.coop/dealing-with-the-junk-drawer/) - By Donya Parrish, MCU VP Risk Management Most of the time, I am a pretty tidy person, and at first glance, my house and office look organized. But even with that perception, I have a confession — I keep a junk drawer! It is for things I am not quite sure what to do with - [Don't Miss Out](https://www.mcun.coop/dont-miss-out/) - By Donya Parrish, MCU VP Risk Management You might know about some of the exciting things you can do through your affiliation with Montana's Credit Unions. But did you know that in addition to advocacy, compliance, and education support, we also have consumer resources you can use? Our weekly consumer blog looks at relevant financial - [Don't Forget About Dormant Accounts](https://www.mcun.coop/dont-forget-about-dormant-accounts/) - By Donya Parrish, MCU VP- Risk Management Credit unions have an obligation to turn over property when there has been no activity for a period of time (generally 5 years under Montana law). That includes deposit accounts and any funds within them. It can be tempting to wait until the deadline is near to start - [Commercial Lending SAR Filing](https://www.mcun.coop/commercial-lending-sar-filing/) - By Donya Parrish, MCU VP- Risk Management When our Montana Compliance Officer Community met last month, we had an engaging panel discussion with agents from the FBI and the IRS-CI local offices. They wanted to learn more about the tracking software credit unions use and your internal process for moving through an investigation and deciding - [Checking All the Boxes](https://www.mcun.coop/checking-all-the-boxes/) - By Donya Parrish, MCU VP- Risk Management While talking to credit unions and board members across the state, there are a couple of consistent themes that emerge. One is a need for assistance with succession planning (both for your management team and for the board itself) and another is ensuring you are compensating your CEO - [Top Trends of the Industry](https://www.mcun.coop/top-trends-of-the-industry/) - By Donya Parrish, MCU VP- Risk Management When I was a kid, waiting for the Sears Christmas catalog to arrive was a big deal. It was where we learned what the hot toys for the season were, how we built our wish list, and it also provided hours of entertainment. Now, depending on your own - [Shaping the Future of Credit Unions](https://www.mcun.coop/shaping-the-future-of-credit-unions/) - By Karen Smith, MCU SVP & Chief Advocacy Officer Join Me at the Montana Credit Union Advocacy Conference Are you a credit union volunteer who's ready to make a real impact on the future of credit unions and protect our shared interests? If so, now is the perfect time to step up your credit union - [Be the Change in Someone's Social Media Feed](https://www.mcun.coop/be-the-change-in-someones-social-media-feed/) - A guest blog by Michelle Skinner, MCU Director of Communications Social media gets a bad rap. And it deserves the lousy reputation if people only focus on the misinformative, disingenuous, and unkind posts that pepper each social media channel. And guess what? Just like making friends in kindergarten, like attracts like, so the social media - [One Strong and United Voice](https://www.mcun.coop/one-strong-and-united-voice/) - By Donya Parrish, MCU VP- Risk Management Last week, CUNA (Credit Union National Association) and NAFCU (National Association of Federally-Insured Credit Unions) announced their intention to merge into a single national association supporting credit unions. Their goal is to "form a single, powerful entity to serve credit unions more efficiently and effectively, without redundancies. America’s - [Are You "Taking an L"?](https://www.mcun.coop/are-you-taking-an-l/) - By Donya Parrish, MCU VP- Risk Management Depending on your generation, that may be a term you are not familiar with or using in casual conversation; I know it is not one you'll hear me use with any regularity. "Taking an L" is a slang term (often used by younger adults) that means taking a - [Fulfilling Your BSA Oversight Role](https://www.mcun.coop/fulfilling-your-bsa-oversight-role/) - By Donya Parrish, MCU VP- Risk Management Each year your whole board attends required Bank Secrecy Act (BSA) training in some format — with a speaker at a board meeting, a Zoom meeting, a pre-recorded webinar, or a session each board member watches individually. Whatever fits your preference and schedule, an updated option is now - [NCUA Provides Member Expulsion Rule](https://www.mcun.coop/ncua-provides-member-expulsion-rule/) - By Donya Parrish, MCU VP- Risk Management The NCUA Board met last week and approved the final version of a member expulsion rule for federal credit unions that will be effective around Sept. 1, 2023. NCUA was provided the authority for the change after Congress passed the Credit Union Board Modernization Act in March 2022. - [NCUA Member Expulsion Rule for FCUs](https://www.mcun.coop/ncua-member-expulsion-rule-for-fcus/) - By Donya Parrish, VP Risk Management, Montana's Credit Unions The NCUA Board met last week and approved the final version of a member expulsion rule for federal credit unions that will be effective around Sept. 1, 2023. NCUA was provided the authority for the change after Congress passed the Credit Union Board Modernization Act in - [Meet Gerry Singleton](https://www.mcun.coop/meet-gerry-singleton/) - By Donya Parrish, MCU VP- Risk Management Gerry Singleton started as the President/CEO of Montana's Credit Unions on July 5. He sat down with me this week for a conversation about who he is, his thoughts on the role, and his plans for his initial six months. Give it a listen to learn more about - [Here a Committee, There a Committee...](https://www.mcun.coop/here-a-committee-there-a-committee/) - By Donya Parrish, MCU VP- Risk Management How many committees does a credit union need? That is not the same as asking how many committees your credit union currently has, but committees come about for a variety of reasons, and some remain long past their intended purpose while others are required by statute or bylaws. - [Permissibility of Loans to Employees](https://www.mcun.coop/permissibility-of-loans-to-employees/) - By Donya Parrish, MCU VP- Risk Management On a recent call with CEOs, ideas were shared on how to attract and retain employees in this highly competitive environment. One of the benefits that a credit union reported is popular with their staff is reduced loan rates for employees. Whether you are a state or federally - [What's Up With This Economy?](https://www.mcun.coop/whats-up-with-this-economy/) - By Donya Parrish, MCU VP- Risk Management Many of you are watching the economy and wondering what's in store for the remainder of 2023. Predictions of a recession are quieting down, we are past the debt ceiling crisis, and the Federal Reserve just held rates steady at their last meeting; but, there are also reports - [The 80-20 Strategic Scorecard](https://www.mcun.coop/the-80-20-strategic-scorecard/) - Many of you had a chance to attend the session Jeff provided during our Power Up conference last month in Great Falls. Below he shares his thoughts on results-driven strategic plans. By Jeff Rendel, Certified Speaking Professional All of us are acquainted with the Pareto Principle, which says that, for many outcomes, roughly 80 percent - [Talking about the Credit Union Difference](https://www.mcun.coop/talking-about-the-credit-union-difference/) - By Donya Parrish, MCU VP- Risk Management Have you ever thought you knew the difference between a bank and a credit union, only to find it was difficult to articulate? It is one of those questions that might be asked out of the blue by an Uber driver, during a community function, or just randomly - [Three Credit Union Professionals Receive Statewide Recognition](https://www.mcun.coop/three-credit-union-professionals-receive-statewide-recognition/) - Helena, MT — Three credit union professionals were recognized at Montana’s Credit Unions (MCU) annual Power Up conference last week. The organization is proud to recognize the following individuals who demonstrate leadership beyond their own credit unions, maintain unrelenting dedication to the credit union principles, and serve as mentors in their credit unions and communities: Steve - [A Farewell Message from Tracie](https://www.mcun.coop/a-farewell-message-from-tracie/) - By Tracie Kenyon, MCU President/CEO Where did the last 22 years go? As I reach the end of my tenure as President/CEO of Montana’s Credit Unions (MCU), I find myself wanting to reflect on the “big things” (I have a list of those to share with you); however, when I stop and ask myself, “Did - [Introducing the Volunteer of the Year!](https://www.mcun.coop/introducing-the-volunteer-of-the-year/) - Last week, we had the honor of naming Lyle Phillips our 2023 Mitch Reed Volunteer of the Year! Lyle recently completed ten years as the board chair at Whitefish CU and 36 years as a dedicated board member. He continues to serve as a director for the credit union and was, "a driving force in - [Are You Guilty, Too?](https://www.mcun.coop/are-you-guilty-too/) - By Donya Parrish, MCU VP- Risk Management According to the World Health Organization, ageism "refers to the stereotypes (how we think), prejudice (how we feel) and discrimination (how we act) towards others or oneself based on age." After sitting through an excellent session on the topic at a conference last month, I came away realizing - [A Puzzle Worth Solving](https://www.mcun.coop/a-puzzle-worth-solving/) - "Small" credit unions are defined differently when you look at NCUA programs, CUNA's online peer community, and even our MCU education scholarship. Regardless of how you define "small" in discussing them, those credit unions are vitally important to their members and communities. According to a study released earlier this year by the Filene Research Institute - [Celebrating Volunteerism](https://www.mcun.coop/celebrating-volunteerism/) - By Donya Parrish, MCU VP - Risk Management As we close out National Volunteer Month, I hope you know how important volunteer board members and supervisory committee members are to our credit union movement. Greg Michlig, EVP/Chief Engagement Officer with the Credit Union National Association, said much of it in his article Volunteerism at the - [Check Your Adverse Action Notice](https://www.mcun.coop/check-your-adverse-action-notice/) - By Donya Parrish, MCU VP- Risk Management Do you have 30 seconds today to save your credit union some hassle? I bet you do! A common area of non-compliance is found on the back of the adverse action notice. The form includes your federal regulatory agency contact information as a way for consumers who receive - [Just the Fax Ma'am!](https://www.mcun.coop/just-the-fax-maam/) - By Donya Parrish, MCU VP- Risk Management We had a conversation during our weekly staff meeting recently that was entertaining. It also led me to think about credit union board meetings. What started with a discussion about our fax functionality being restored (after an IT issue) and an employee exclaiming, “we have a fax machine?”, - [Create a Board Career Path](https://www.mcun.coop/create-a-board-career-path/) - By Donya Parrish, MCU VP- Risk Management This week, I came across an article that I felt really hit on some key challenges facing credit union boards. Sean Galli, with On The Mark Strategies, suggested in Create a Board Career Path that the board "can be the institution's biggest asset... or its biggest liability." In - [The Four Keys to Credit Union Success](https://www.mcun.coop/the-four-keys-to-credit-union-success/) - By Gerry Singleton, Vice President CU System Relations for CUNA Mutual Group Having solid systems in place is core to any successful business. Equally important is the constant support these systems receive to stay up-to-date, agile, collaborative, and in-line with customer needs. The credit union system is no different. Cooperation among cooperatives is a crucial - [Montana's Credit Unions Appoints Gerry Singleton as President/CEO](https://www.mcun.coop/mcu-appoints-gerry-singleton-as-presidentceo/) - The Board of Directors of Montana’s Credit Unions is pleased to announce the selection of Gerry Singleton as the trade association’s new President/Chief Executive Officer. Mr. Singleton will succeed Ms. Tracie Kenyon, who has served in the role for nearly 22 years. “We are excited to have Gerry join Montana’s Credit Unions as our next - [25 Montana Credit Union Professionals Obtain Financial Counseling Designation](https://www.mcun.coop/25-montana-credit-union-professionals-obtain-ficep-designation/) - January 20, 2023 - Twenty-five credit union professionals from seven credit unions across Montana recently received their Certified Credit Union Financial Counselor (CCUFC) designation by completing the Enhanced Financial Counseling Certification Program (FiCEP) through Montana’s Credit Unions. FiCEP teaches credit union staff how to counsel members so they can budget better, save smartly, pay down debt, - [S 2155 is Right for Montana's Main Street Credit Unions](https://www.mcun.coop/s-2155-is-right-for-montanas-main-street-credit-unions/) - March 21, 2023 Helena, MT In Montana, credit unions help our communities thrive and our small businesses grow. In addition to providing financial accounts, loans, and mortgages to 464,865 members in Montana, credit unions work for the sustainable development of communities, valuing people over profit and treating community values as their own. Montanans rely on - [Worthy Nominees Needed](https://www.mcun.coop/worthy-nominees-needed/) - By Donya Parrish, MCU VP- Risk Management It is time to think about who on your board of directors or supervisory committee should be nominated for our annual Volunteer of the Year award. We will be awarding it during our annual Power Up meeting in Great Falls. This year, the timeline for the awards presentation - [We Have an Opportunity](https://www.mcun.coop/we-have-an-opportunity/) - By Donya Parrish, MCU VP - Risk Management It has been an interesting week, to say the least. The news of the failure of Silicon Valley Bank, and later Signature Bank, has exposed some public misperceptions and disagreements on the role of deposit insurance, regulations, and risk. But it also opened the door to what - [Smart, Kind, Important](https://www.mcun.coop/smart-kind-important/) - By Donya Parrish, MCU VP - Risk Management If any of you are familiar with the movie The Help, you might know the reference in the title. (If not, I highly recommend the movie!) Last week, I had the opportunity to watch several hours of the Montana legislative floor sessions. Every day in the news, - [Archive of Knowledge](https://www.mcun.coop/archive-of-knowledge/) - By Donya Parrish, MCU VP- Risk Management Q: I just subscribed to the A Direct Line blog and am enjoying the weekly emails. I would like to see what discussions I have missed in the past. What do you recommend? A: Great question! Being subscribed to this A Direct Line blog is a good start - [Planning for the Best Possible Board Meeting](https://www.mcun.coop/planning-for-the-best-possible-board-meeting/) - By Donya Parrish, MCU VP- Risk Management Last week some of you had the opportunity to hear David Reed speak at our MonDak Conference in Las Vegas. He had a simple message on Building the Best Possible Board Meeting — set expectations! His list of expectations for directors seems obvious and reasonable. For those of - [Expanding the Supervisory Committee](https://www.mcun.coop/expanding-the-supervisory-committee/) - By Donya Parrish, MCU VP- Risk Management Q: We would like to add a few additional members to our supervisory committee to assist with our branch communities. How do we do that? A: One thing that modern technology has offered is the opportunity to engage committee members who might not live in the same town. - [New Board Essentials Series Available](https://www.mcun.coop/new-board-essentials-series-available/) - Our partner, the CU Webinar Network, is offering an exciting new bundle starting today. Today's Board Essentials consists of six modules that are 20-40 minutes each on a variety of important categories -- Director Liability: Fiduciary Duty & Duty of Care Restrictions on Loans to Directors The Board’s Role with BSA/AML/OFAC Implementing a Compliance Management - [2023 U.S. Economic Outlook and How it Will Impact Credit Unions](https://www.mcun.coop/2023-u-s-economic-outlook-and-how-it-will-impact-credit-unions/) - By Steve Rick, Chief Economist for CUNA Mutual Group The latest economic and market data show a road to recovery, with slow growth in Quarter 1 through Quarter 2 of 2023. The U.S. economy is poised for a comeback next year, albeit rather slowly. 2023 Inflation and Interest Rate Predictions Inflation slowed to 7.7% year - [Richland Federal Credit Union appoints new Chief Executive Officer](https://www.mcun.coop/richland-federal-credit-union-appoints-new-chief-executive-officer/) - SIDNEY, MT — Richland Federal Credit Union will have a new Chief Executive Officer, Korey Hagan, effective Jan. 23. Hagan is a northeastern Montana native who grew up on a family ranch near Plentywood, according to a press release. He holds an MBA in Business Administration from St. Thomas University and a B.S. in Agricultural - [Tracie Kenyon, Montana’s Credit Unions President & CEO, Announces Retirement in May 2023](https://www.mcun.coop/tracie-kenyon-montanas-credit-unions-president-ceo-announces-retirement-in-may-2023/) - HELENA, MT — Montana’s Credit Unions (MCU), the state credit union trade association, is announcing Tracie Kenyon’s retirement as President and CEO next spring. At the time of her retirement, she will have served in the role nearly 22 years. During her tenure, MCU started two unique companies for Montana credit unions: Montana Credit Unions - [Common Themes Among High-Performing Credit Unions](https://www.mcun.coop/common-themes-among-high-performing-credit-unions/) - by Jeff Rendel, Certified Speaking Professional Over the past three years, engagements with more than 100 high-performing credit unions revealed several uncommon and common themes. Uncommon? Size, location, field of membership, and charter. No two credit unions were alike, a testament to the localized and unique superpowers of credit unions. In common? Read on. Defining - [Virtual Annual Meetings Ending Soon](https://www.mcun.coop/virtual-annual-meetings-ending-soon/) - By Donya Parrish, MCU VP- Risk Management If you are planning a fully virtual annual meeting for your credit union, you better hurry. The authority to do so expires at the end of the year. Last week, NCUA notified federal credit unions that the flexibility for virtual annual meetings they were given during COVID will - [What are The Cole Memos?](https://www.mcun.coop/what-are-the-cole-memos/) - By Donya Parrish, MCU VP- Risk Management In January 2018, then U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions rescinded The Cole Memos, which financial institutions and marijuana providers across the country had relied upon. As CNN Politics reported, he "rescinded a trio of memos from the Obama administration that had adopted a policy of non-interference with marijuana-friendly - [Building a Montana Fraud Network](https://www.mcun.coop/building-a-montana-fraud-network/) - By Donya Parrish, MCU VP- Risk Management There is no question that fraud of all kinds is impacting each of your credit unions, members, and communities. We believe one of the ways to combat the losses and toll that fraud is taking is to share — so we are building out a fraud network in - [Are Holiday Gifts to Board Members Allowed?](https://www.mcun.coop/are-holiday-gifts-to-board-members-allowed/) - By Donya Parrish, MCU VP- Risk Management Q: Are holiday gifts to board members allowed? A: Maybe! While compensating your volunteer board members is generally not allowed, there are a few exceptions. In this 1993 Legal Opinion Letter, NCUA noted that the Federal Credit Union Act states, "No member of the board or of any - [What Happens in Vegas Does NOT Always Stay There](https://www.mcun.coop/what-happens-in-vegas-does-not-always-stay-there/) - By Donya Parrish, MCU VP- Risk Management The new year is already right around the corner! That means it's time to plan for travel, board education, and maybe a break from the Montana snow and cold. Why not get all three in one event? Registration just opened for the MonDak Roundtable. This conference is a - [Combatting the Great Resignation](https://www.mcun.coop/combatting-the-great-resignation/) - By Donya Parrish, MCU VP- Risk Management The most recent issue of CUNA's Director's Newsletter had an excellent article that discussed six ways to combat the great resignation among executives. According to the article, the 2022-2023 CUNA CEO Total Compensation Report "offers six ways to meet this challenge: 1. Review succession plans and demands. Make sure - [Can We Press Record?](https://www.mcun.coop/can-we-press-record/) - By Donya Parrish, MCU VP-Risk Management Q: Our board and management team would like to record our exit exam meeting with our examiners in case there is anything we don't agree with. Is that allowed? A: Maybe, but you could have a few steps to take to do it in a compliant manner. NCUA noted - [It's YOUR Day Today- Celebrate!](https://www.mcun.coop/its-your-day-today-celebrate/) - Today, we celebrate International Credit Union Day! ICU Day exists to raise awareness and celebrate what makes credit unions unique. One of the things that makes credit unions special is that they are governed by a volunteer board of directors. Thank you for your role in that and all you do for your credit union! - [Monthly Economic News](https://www.mcun.coop/monthly-economic-news/) - By Donya Parrish, MCU VP- Risk Management Is the U.S. heading into an economic recession? Will the Federal Reserve continue to raise rates before the end of the year? What impacts will rates and demand have on the housing and auto loan markets? The economy is on the minds of consumers, including your credit union's - [Valley Credit Union opens new branch](https://www.mcun.coop/valley-credit-union-opens-new-branch/) - Billings, MT - Valley Credit Union is opening a new branch, located at 3100 2nd Ave. N. in downtown Billings, This 10th location is a full-service branch, complete with a drive thru and private parking lot for ease and convenience. Lobby hours will be Monday – Thursday, 9 a.m. 4 p.m., Friday , 9 a.m. – - [Looking Back While Peering Ahead](https://www.mcun.coop/looking-back-peering-ahead/) - By Donya Parrish, MCU VP- Risk Management There is a lot of discussion in the news about inflation, rising rates, and their economic impact while we are still recovering from the pandemic. What does it mean for your credit union and the planning you are doing? The mid-year 2022 NCUA data for federally insured credit - [Dormant Accounts Might Need Your Review](https://www.mcun.coop/dormant-accounts-might-need-your-review/) - By Donya Parrish, MCU VP- Risk Management If you are on the supervisory committee for your credit union, dormant account reviews should be on your "to do" list. What is a dormant account? It is generally a deposit account that has had no deposit or withdrawal activity for a long enough period that the credit - [Events & Learning Opportunities](https://www.mcun.coop/events-learning-opportunities/) - Our national association (CUNA) shared a great list last week in their Board of Directors Community and it might be of interest to your credit union. There are sessions for both boards of directors and supervisory committees included and even a couple that are Montana-specific for you to consider. Events: Certified Credit Union Board Member - [Better Board Financial Conversations](https://www.mcun.coop/better-board-financial-conversations/) - By Donya Parrish, MCU VP- Risk Management An article in the Fall 2022 Credit Union Magazine offered some great advice for credit union boards of directors: "[C]heck your rear-view mirror but focus on what’s ahead to find the best route to your credit union’s future financial goals." As board members, you already volunteer your time for - [It's Time for Succession Planning](https://www.mcun.coop/its-time-for-succession-planning/) - By Donya Parrish, MCU VP- Risk Management The topic of succession planning continues to be an important one for credit union boards of directors. New stories continue of the "great resignation" and the burnout many workers are feeling after COVID. Couple that with the many senior staff and CEOs hitting retirement age, and it's a - [One Size Fits All Credit Unions](https://www.mcun.coop/one-size-fits/) - This blog originally appeared on March 1, 2017, but remains relevant today! By Donya Parrish, MCU VP- Risk Management Watching the Grammys recently was an experience, but not one I want to go through again anytime soon. Don’t get me wrong -- there were a lot of talented people performing and being honored – but - [Danielle Kopp Named President/CEO of SEG Federal Credit Union](https://www.mcun.coop/danielle-kopp-named-president-ceo-of-seg-federal-credit-union/) - Laurel, MT–August 18, 2022 — SEG Federal Credit Union’s Board of Directors is pleased to announce Danielle Kopp has been promoted to the position of President/CEO, replacing Janice Lehman who retired the end of June. Kopp started working at SEG in 1996 and has served in numerous roles at the credit union during that time, - [Board Governance Policy](https://www.mcun.coop/board-governance-policy/) - By Donya Parrish, MCU VP- Risk Management Every now and then, I come across a real nugget of governance gold when working on blog content. This week, it was while searching to see what was going on at the Montana Nonprofit Association (MNA). That organization has a dynamic leader and constantly sets the bar high - [Honing in on Board Effectiveness](https://www.mcun.coop/board-effectiveness/) - By Donya Parrish, MCU VP- Risk Management Effectiveness is defined as "the degree to which something is successful in producing a desired result." As the board for a credit union, how do you measure success? You might have financial ratios and growth plans for the credit union that are being tracked regularly. It might include - [Here We Go Again!](https://www.mcun.coop/here-we-go-again/) - By Donya Parrish, MCU VP Risk Management Does it feel like you just completed your Bank Secrecy Act (BSA) training and it's already time to do it again? This somewhat dull topic has to be repeated every year for your credit union to stay compliant, so it might feel like a chore to go through - [Managing Board Leaks](https://www.mcun.coop/manage-board-leaks/) - Note: This blog was originally published in September 2017, but the information remains relevant. Bob Harris is an expert and speaker on the topic of association boards and governance. His 2017 article, How to Manage Board Leaks, still hits on a topic important to the credit union industry — confidentiality in the boardroom. He notes, - [Do These Ties Bind You?](https://www.mcun.coop/do-these-ties-bind-you/) - By Donya Parrish, MCU VP Risk Management This week, an article by Scott Butterfield with Your Credit Union Partner really resonated with me. I have heard a lot of the "ties" he discusses when visiting with credit unions across Montana. Sometimes they are valid concerns and other times they are perceived hurdles that continue for - [Announcing Our 2022 Volunteer of the Year](https://www.mcun.coop/announcing-our-2022-volunteer-of-the-year/) - Our 2022 Volunteer of the Year was awarded during the Power Up meeting in Billings in May, and then kept quiet until the credit union's annual meeting in late June when she could be presented the award in person. Nancy Metzger is a business owner, engaged grandparent, and “boomerang credit union volunteer” for SEG FCU - [Advice From the Chair](https://www.mcun.coop/advice-from-the-chair/) - By Donya Parrish, MCU VP- Risk Management Last month, our blog, Tag, You're It! discussed being a new board chair and offered some suggestions for learning the role. Two Montana credit union chairmen were gracious enough to offer some additional advice on how they feel the role can be approached for success. Patrick Erger, Billings FCU - [How You Can Stop Elder Fraud](https://www.mcun.coop/how-you-can-stop-elder-fraud/) - By Donya Parrish, MCU VP- Risk Management Next week on June 15, World Elder Abuse Awareness Day is promoted. Notice I didn't say "celebrated" as no one is cheering that older persons continue to be taken advantage of, right in our own communities. Financial exploitation continues to be a problem, but there are some tools - [Getting Up to Speed](https://www.mcun.coop/getting-up-to-speed/) - By Donya Parrish, MCU VP- Risk Management There are a variety of ways to gain knowledge as a credit union board member. How often you do so might depend on your experience level, the amount of time you have had on the credit union board, and your own level of curiosity. Today's blog highlights some - [These are a Few of My Favorite Things (Blogs)](https://www.mcun.coop/these-are-a-few-of-my-favorite-things-blogs/) - By Donya Parrish, VP - Risk Management Did you know this blog started in March 2014? The intention was to have a venue to communicate with volunteer board members and share valuable resources and information relevant to your role and to save you time keeping up on industry issues. None of that has changed. The - [Member Expulsion Rule Coming, Eventually](https://www.mcun.coop/member-expulsion-rule-coming-eventually/) - By Donya Parrish, MCU VP- Risk Management When the Credit Union Governance Modernization Act was signed into law in March, there was rejoicing in its provision that allows federal credit unions to expel certain members, especially those who exhibit abusive behaviors to your credit union's employees. If you are wondering how you do that and - [Tag, You're It!](https://www.mcun.coop/tag-youre-it/) - By Donya Parrish, MCU VP-Risk Management The headline might have made you think of a children's game. We played it in my neighborhood, and everyone seemed to know the rules of whatever version of tag we played despite there never being a rules committee convened or explanation provided. The reference here, though, is more about - [More From Ancin, Yes Please!](https://www.mcun.coop/more-from-ancin-yes-please/) - By Ranel Smith, MCU VP-Relationship Management Montana’s Credit Unions has forged a strong collaboration with Ancin Cooley of Synergy Credit Union Consulting. You may have heard him present in the virtual series Montana, the Way Forward we offered through the blog in late 2020, at the 2021 Directors' Conference in Lewistown, or during the Feb. 2022 - [Complaints and the Supervisory Committee Role](https://www.mcun.coop/complaints-and-the-supervisory-committee-role/) - By Donya Parrish, MCU VP- Risk Management We had a great discussion on the monthly compliance officers call recently. It revolved around the complaint process — who manages it? what is a "complaint"? when do you involve the supervisory committee? As you can see, there are a lot of facets to the topic, and no - [Carefully Consider Your Nominations and Re-Nominations](https://www.mcun.coop/carefully-consider-your-nominations-and-re-nominations/) - As a follow-up to our discussion last week on the importance of your credit union bylaws for the annual meeting and election process, this blog by Kevin Smith of TEAM Resources touches on another part of the process — the nomination of board members. Give it a read and don't forget that we have his - [What Do Your Bylaws Say?](https://www.mcun.coop/what-do-your-bylaws-say/) - By Donya Parrish, MCU VP- Risk Management As democratic organizations, credit unions are owned by your members and governed by a volunteer board of directors, but you also have an important document that controls much of that process -- your bylaws! While much of the language in that document is standard, there are places that - [A Great Way to Say 'Thank You'!](https://www.mcun.coop/a-great-way-to-say-thank-you/) - It's time for our annual meeting and convention, and that means it is also time to think about recognizing an outstanding Montana credit union volunteer. Why not one of yours? We know board members and supervisory committee members devote countless hours and energy every year to your credit union. This is a chance to tell - [Small Credit Union Talent Strategy Guide](https://www.mcun.coop/small-credit-union-talent-strategy-guide/) - By Donya Parrish, MCU VP- Risk Management An important resource was unveiled recently and it's worth highlighting a few key takeaways. CUNA's Small Credit Union Committee released a Small Credit Union Talent Strategy Guide. As we continue to hear about the "Great Resignation" and the pending retirement of many of the long-time CEOs in credit - [Succession Planning: Special Challenges for Today's Boards of Directors](https://www.mcun.coop/succession-planning-special-challenges/) - By Donya Parrish, MCU VP- Risk Management One of the benefits of this community is that we are able to bring you discussions on timely and relevant topics. On April 4 at 3:oo pm, we are hosting a free webinar for you with an industry expert on Succession Planning: Special Challenges for Today's Boards of - [We're Hosting a Tim Talk!](https://www.mcun.coop/we-are-hosting-a-tim-talk/) - By Donya Parrish, MCU VP - Risk Management We are really excited about our May Power Up annual conference, and you should be too! Why? Well, in addition to the regular lineup of great speakers, networking, and awesomeness, we also have Tim Harrington with TEAM Resources coming to present both a general session and a - [You Had to Be There](https://www.mcun.coop/you-had-to-be-there/) - By Donya Parrish, MCU VP- Risk Management Growing up as a much-picked-on little sister, those words still make me cringe. "You had to be there" was a childish taunt that basically meant someone experienced something you were not part of and now you don't get all their inside jokes, laughs, and discussions about it. Being - [NCUA Makes Anti-Merger Move](https://www.mcun.coop/ncua-makes-anti-merger-move/) - By Donya Parrish, MCU VP- Risk Management Did that get your attention? The NCUA Board made a move at last week's board meeting that impacts federal credit unions, but should be on the radar of all credit unions... they proposed a rule to require boards of directors to "establish and adhere to processes for succession planning." - [Is It Groundhog Day at Your Credit Union?](https://www.mcun.coop/is-it-groundhog-day-at-your-credit-union/) - By Donya Parrish, MCU VP- Risk Management I know, you already answered "yes" to the question above based on the date on the calendar. It IS officially the day when we get excited for a large rodent to tell us whether we have six more weeks of winter or spring is just around the corner. - [An Eye on Employee Accounts](https://www.mcun.coop/an-eye-on-employee-accounts/) - By Donya Parrish, MCU VP- Risk Management A few weeks ago, the blog discussed the board's role in reviewing loans to officials. Today, we'll turn to another important check and balance for your credit union — audits on employees' accounts. Whether this role resides with management, the supervisory committee, or both, likely depends on the - [The Numbers Tell a Story](https://www.mcun.coop/the-numbers-tell-a-story/) - By Donya Parrish, MCU VP- Risk Management Somehow I missed doing a "state of the [credit] union" update in 2021. Maybe it was the fatigue of COVID dragging on into last year, or possibly my memory is not what it was on the "other" side of the hill. Either way, it's time to get back - [Opening Campaign Accounts](https://www.mcun.coop/opening-campaign-accounts/) - By Donya Parrish, MCU VP- Risk Management You may have noticed that 2022 is an election year. If you haven't, you will soon as ads and candidate promotions start. That means your credit union may also be getting requests to open campaign accounts. It is a good time to review your procedures with staff so - [Some Action Steps to Consider in 2022](https://www.mcun.coop/action-steps-to-consider-in-2022/) - By Donya Parrish, MCU VP- Risk Management NCUA put out two important communications last month that have good action steps to consider in the new year. Whether you are the CEO or a board or supervisory committee member, they should be of interest to you and worth a conversation or two at your credit union. - [Board Involvement with Loans to Officials](https://www.mcun.coop/board-involvement-with-loans-to-officials/) - By Donya Parrish, MCU VP- Risk Management Have you ever wondered why loans to other board members or credit union officials are reported to your board during the monthly meeting? Both federal and state-chartered credit unions have an obligation to report (and, for some, to approve or deny) loans to "officials" that exceed $20,000 to - [Levies and Business Accounts](https://www.mcun.coop/levies-and-business-accounts/) - By Donya Parrish, MCU VP- Risk Management Recently, the same question has been asked by credit unions across the state, so a summary of some business account basics might be helpful and timely. The question -- Can we turn over funds from the personal account of an individual who is a signer on a business - [Even Holidays Have Compliance Issues](https://www.mcun.coop/even-holidays-have-compliance-issues/) - By Donya Parrish, MCU VP- Risk Management You might be thinking that this blog is going to be a lecture about saying "Happy Holidays" rather than "Merry Christmas" to be politically correct. Nope! I consider that to be a personal preference and also have no intention to wade into controversial subjects today. Instead, I thought - [Duties and Responsibilities, Oh My!](https://www.mcun.coop/duties-and-responsibilities-oh-my/) - By Donya Parrish, MCU- VP Risk Management Last week I had the opportunity to attend CUNA's Supervisory Committee and Internal Audit Conference. My goal was to learn more about the supervisory committee duties and bring additional blogs, resources, and training to those of you in that role. The speakers were helpful, the conversations were enlightening - [Navigating the FOM Alphabet Soup](https://www.mcun.coop/navigating-the-fom-alphabet-soup/) - By Donya Parrish, MCU VP–Risk Management Have you considered expanding your credit union's field of membership and been unsure if regulators would approve it? Our partner CU Collaborate recently published the blog post How do Underserved Areas, LIDs and CDFI Certifications Differ? It does a great job of explaining the various designations that a credit - [Valley Credit Union Donates $25,000 to Local Children's Museum](https://www.mcun.coop/valley-credit-union-donates-25000-to-local-childrens-museum/) - Valley Credit Union recently donated $25,000 to Wise Wonders Science and Discovery Museum (Wise Wonders) to assist with the museum’s latest expansion. These funds will be used to support the local organization in its efforts to build an updated grocery store exhibit for young learners. Read the full articles from CU Insight, CU Social Good, - [Whitefish Credit Union Achieves $2 Billion in Assets](https://www.mcun.coop/whitefish-credit-union-achieves-2-billion-in-assets/) - Whitefish Credit Union (Whitefish CU) announced that it reached a new milestone, exceeding $2 billion in total assets earlier this summer. This achievement for Montana’s largest credit union comes during its 87th year of service. Read the full articles from CU Insight, CU Today, Daily Inter Lake, Lake County Ledger, and the Whitefish Pilot. - [Embark CU Rewards Member with $1,000 Through WINcentive Savings Program](https://www.mcun.coop/embark-cu-rewards-member-with-1000-through-wincentive-savings-program/) - Embark Credit Union recently awarded one member $1,000 through WINcentive™, its prize-linked savings program. This is the fourth win for this lucky member through the credit union’s innovative program, as they have previously won the monthly $100 cash prize three times Read the full articles at CU Social Good, CU Insight, and CU Today. - [Grasslands FCU Receives COVID-19 Relief Funds to Help Community](https://www.mcun.coop/grasslands-fcu-receives-covid-19-relief-funds-to-help-community/) - Grasslands Federal Credit Union is one of three Montana financial institutions to receive COVID-19 relief funds to help local community development from the U.S. Department of Trea­sury. The Circle-based credit union has been granted $1.8 million through the Treasury’s CDFI Rapid Response Program (RRP). This funding will sup­port the credit union in responding to economic - [Vocal CU Receives ServeMontana Award](https://www.mcun.coop/servemontana-awards-vocal-cu-for-covid-19-relief-efforts/) - The ServeMontana Award recognizes outstanding Montanans and volunteer organizations for their service to Montana through volunteerism, innovation, and community leadership. The U.S. Department of Treasury recently announced that Vocal Credit Union will receive $1.8 million in COVID-19 relief funds for use by community development financial institutions. This funding will support the credit union in responding - [Clearwater CU donates $25,000 to CFAC Double SNAP Dollars](https://www.mcun.coop/clearwater-cu-donates-25000-to-cfac-double-snap-dollars/) - Clearwater Credit Union announced a $25,000 donation to the Community Food and Agriculture Coalition (CFAC) during its 2021 annual member meeting in June. Clearwater is Montana’s largest Community Development Financial Institution. The event marked the credit union’s 65th year in operation and was a celebration of its mission to be a force for good in - [Valley Credit Union Presents $20,000 Sponsorship to Local Theater](https://www.mcun.coop/valley-credit-union-presents-20000-sponsorship-to-local-theater/) - Valley Credit Union announces the 10th consecutive renewal of its $20,000 sponsorship of Alberta Bair Theater’s Student Matinee Series for its upcoming 2021-22 season. This sponsorship helps the theater bring in top talent to perform as a part of the education program for students of all grade levels throughout the region. Read the full articles - [Park Side Credit Union Employee Receives MCU's 2021 Philosophy in Action Award](https://www.mcun.coop/park-side-credit-union-employee-receives-mcus-2021-philosophy-in-action-award/) - Noreen Cady, the business development and community outreach coordinator at Park Side Credit Union, recently received Montana’s Credit Unions 2021 Philosophy in Action Award. She was recognized for her dedication to the credit union philosophy of “People Helping People.” The award recognizes one individual for their outstanding commitment to exemplifying the credit union philosophy in - [Ravalli County FCU Employee Named MCU’s Young Professional of the Year](https://www.mcun.coop/ravalli-county-fcu-laci-rose-named-mcus-young-professional-of-the-year/) - Laci Rose, chief finance officer of Ravalli County Federal Credit Union (RCFCU), has been awarded the 2020 Young Professional of the Year by Montana’s Credit Unions (MCU). The award celebrates the young leaders within the credit union industry who are transforming the future of the credit union experience for future generations. Read the full articles from the - [SKY FCU Sponsors Game of Life](https://www.mcun.coop/sky-fcu-sponsors-game-of-life/) - SKY Federal Credit Union (SKY FCU) and Montana DECA recently partnered to host the first annual Virtual Game-Of-Life, a virtual financial reality fair that was free for all high-school students in the state. There were 2,547 high school students from 93 schools that participated in the inaugural event. Read the full articles from CU Insight, CU - [NCUA Extends Meeting Flexibility Again](https://www.mcun.coop/ncua-extends-meeting-flexibility-again/) - By Donya Parrish, MCU VP–Risk Management We shared a blog last December discussing the flexibility that regulators were providing for membership meetings due to COVID. While many things have been returning to normal since then, the threat of spreading infection still exists. To protect credit union staff and members, NCUA issued a Letter to Federal - [Join Us at MonDak in Vegas!](https://www.mcun.coop/join-us-at-mondak-in-vegas/) - Managers, CEOs, and board members are invited to join us in Las Vegas February 8-9. for an exciting and educational two-day conference. The MonDak Roundtable will be hosted by the Montana and Dakotas Credit Union Associations at the Flamingo Hotel. The agenda includes engaging sessions with speakers Jill Nowacki, Ancin Cooley, and Jason Boles, as - [Benefits of a CEO Contract](https://www.mcun.coop/benefits-of-a-ceo-contract/) - By Tracie Kenyon, MCU President/CEO One of the questions that I often hear from board members is, “should we offer our CEO a contract?” Before I answer that question, I need to provide a disclaimer: I am not a lawyer and cannot provide you legal advice; the comments in this blog are my opinion only. - [Pushing Back on the IRS Proposal](https://www.mcun.coop/pushing-back-on-the-irs-proposal/) - By Jim Nussle, Credit Union National Association CEO Credit unions have been hard at work pushing back against expanding Internal Revenue Service (IRS) reporting requirements. Our message is the same as it’s been since the beginning: this proposal is bad for consumers and the financial institutions they trust. Last week, we wrote to Congressional leaders—with - [2022 Education Opportunities for You](https://www.mcun.coop/2022-education-opportunities-for-you/) - By Donya Parrish, MCU VP- Risk Management The new year is almost here and with it comes opportunities for training. If you are like me, you might have intentions to go to something, but if you don't mark your calendar, it is easy to forget and end up with a conflict. We'll have additional details - [Whitefish Credit Union Announces New Chief Financial Officer](https://www.mcun.coop/whitefish-credit-union-announces-new-chief-financial-officer/) - Whitefish Credit Union recently announced the appointment of Scott Bolster as its Chief Financial Officer (CFO), effective as of May 3, 2021. As CFO, Bolster will direct and oversee the credit union’s finance and accounting functions and serve as a financial and strategic business advisor to the CEO and broader leadership. He will be instrumental - [Wading into Turbulent Waters](https://www.mcun.coop/wading-into-turbulent-waters/) - By Donya Parrish, MCU VP- Risk Management Last week we talked about some of the challenges of hiring and retaining staff. Now, let's shift the focus to an even more important aspect of that same topic – your CEO's salary! As your board's only employee, the CEO level of pay, incentives, and benefits is one - [Employment Market Insights](https://www.mcun.coop/employment-market-insights/) - By Donya Parrish, MCU VP- Risk Management As a board member, you keep a pulse on your community. In recent months, you may have noticed two new additions to many local establishments -- help wanted signs and reduced hours due to staffing shortages. There are varying theories as to the "why" of the worker shortage, - [The Importance of Advocacy for Credit Unions](https://www.mcun.coop/the-importance-of-advocacy-for-credit-unions/) - By Donya Parrish, MCU VP- Risk Management This week, the blog is a video interview I did with MCU's Chief Advocacy Officer, Karen Smith. We visited for about 10 minutes about the importance of credit union advocacy, the role of volunteer board members, and how you can get more involved if you would like. I hope you - [Getting to Know Shirley](https://www.mcun.coop/getting-to-know-shirley/) - By Donya Parrish, MCU VP–Risk Management When Shirley Chesterfield-Stanton hung up her whistle after teaching physical education and coaching track for years, she didn’t dream her new role as "potential whistleblower” would be as co-chair of a credit union supervisory committee. Going from the routine and busy schedule of teaching and coaching into retirement meant - [The Business Case for Diversity and Inclusion](https://www.mcun.coop/the-business-case-for-diversity-and-inclusion/) - Shared from the NCUA.gov website The Business Case for Credit Union Diversity and Inclusion The business case for diversity in credit unions is simple: diversity is a good investment. Credit unions were founded on the premise of people helping people. It makes good business sense to have board members, managers and employees reflect the community - [Time to Plan Ahead](https://www.mcun.coop/time-to-plan-ahead/) - By Donya Parrish, MCU VP- Risk Management Last month, we welcomed Ancin Cooley, founder and principal of Synergy Consulting, as the keynote speaker at our Directors' Conference. He spent several hours engaging the group on a variety of topics that were relevant and timely. As a bit of a throwback, I thought you might enjoy - [Are You Updated on BSA Training?](https://www.mcun.coop/are-you-updated-on-bsa-training/) - By Donya Parrish, MCU VP- Risk Management It's that time of year again -- school is starting, the smoke is clearing from the air, and... our BSA training modules are updated and ready for you to use! There is a pre-recorded webinar available for either your board or supervisory committee members on our website. We - [Promoting Friction in the Boardroom](https://www.mcun.coop/promoting-friction-in-the-boardroom/) - By Donya Parrish, MCU VP- Risk Management Do you come away from your board meetings wishing other board members had spoken up more? Is there a lack of robust discussion when big changes are planned and discussed? Kevin Smith with TEAM Resources does an excellent job in his blog Positive Friction in the Boardroom laying - [Community rallies behind credit unions’ effort to support the rebuilding of Kids’ Kingdom Playground](https://www.mcun.coop/community-rallies-behind-credit-unions-effort-to-support-the-rebuilding-of-kids-kingdom-playground/) - Midland Empire Chapter of Credit Unions recently hosted their ninth annual Shred-A-Thon, a community event benefiting the Kids’ Kingdom Playground restoration at Kiwanis Park in Laurel, Montana. Community members were invited to utilize free and secure onsite-shredding for paper waste, provided by Montana Mobile Document Shredding, and donate funds for the renovation of the residential - [Altana FCU board of directors appoints new President/CEO; Rhonda Diefenderfer retires after 20 years at the helm](https://www.mcun.coop/altana-fcu-board-of-directors-appoints-new-president-ceo-rhonda-diefenderfer-retires-after-20-years-at-the-helm/) - The Board of Directors of Altana Federal Credit Union is pleased to announce the appointment of Jason Hagadone of Billings, Montana as the credit union’s new President and CEO, replacing Rhonda Diefenderfer who is retiring in May after 30 years with the organization, and 20 years as its President/CEO. The Board of Directors welcomes Hagadone - [Twice As Nice](https://www.mcun.coop/twice-as-nice/) - By Donya Parrish, MCU VP- Risk Management We gathered in Missoula last week for our Power Up annual convention. It was wonderful to see people in the flesh, and even more special that we were able to finally honor both the 2020 and 2021 volunteers of the year! The 2020 Volunteer of the Year was - [Volunteer of the Year Myths](https://www.mcun.coop/volunteer-of-the-year-myths/) - By Donya Parrish, MCU VP- Risk Management (Edited 3/24/21) Our 2020 annual meeting was postponed due to COVID, but we are planning an in person 2021 meeting May 19-20 in Missoula. One of the best parts of that meeting is recognizing our professional, volunteer, and young professional of the year. Rather than just encourage nominations - [Valley Credit Union announces title sponsorship of Billings graduation celebrations](https://www.mcun.coop/valley-credit-union-announces-title-sponsorship-of-billings-graduation-celebrations/) - Valley Credit Union is thrilled to announce their $15,000 title sponsorship of the Billings All High School graduation celebrations. Each local high school (Senior, West, and Skyview) has received $5,000 from the credit union to ensure graduating seniors get the traditional high school sendoff they deserve during each school’s all-night drug and alcohol-free parties following - [Park Side Credit Union wins MemberXP 2021 best of the best award](https://www.mcun.coop/park-side-credit-union-wins-memberxp-2021-best-of-the-best-award/) - MemberXP, a member experience solution from CU Solutions Group, has named Park Side Credit Union one of their 2021 Best of the Best award winners. The coveted Best of the Best award is given each year to credit unions that have consistently provided exceptional member service, as reported by their own members. Only the highest-performing - [SEG FCU Awards Local Educators with Annual Classroom Connection Grants](https://www.mcun.coop/seg-fcu-awards-local-educators-with-annual-classroom-connection-grants/) - SEG Federal Credit Union recently announced the local educators in the Laurel School District receiving the credit union's annual Classroom Connection Grants. These funds help with the purchasing of various needed school supplies and materials. Since 2007, the credit union has given out four $150 grants each year to decrease the financial burden placed on school - [Billings FCU Launches QCash Small Dollar Loans](https://www.mcun.coop/billings-fcu-launches-qcash-small-dollar-loans/) - Billings Federal Credit Union launched a new small-dollar loan product on November 30th, 2020. QCash is a short-term loan ranging from $250 to $1,000 that helps members deal with unexpected cash needs in an easy-to-use, mobile application process. Read the full articles from CUInsight and CU Today here. - [Park Side Partner Program – Credit Union Highlights Nonprofits](https://www.mcun.coop/park-side-partner-program-credit-union-highlights-nonprofits/) - Park Side Credit Union is proud to announce the exclusive group of nonprofit organizations the credit union will be working with for their 2021 Park Side Partner Program. Through these strategic partnerships, each organization will receive cross-promotion, shared advertising, and a donation of $5,000 from the credit union. Read the full articles from Missoulian, CUInsight, CU - [Fergus FCU donates $3,000 to assist in giving back to frontline workers](https://www.mcun.coop/fergus-fcu-donates-3000-to-assist-in-giving-back-to-frontline-workers/) - Fergus Federal Credit Union recently donated $3,000 to the Hometown Heroes Organization to support in the delivery of lunches and coffee to hospital staff and to the staff in all the schools in Lewistown, Montana. This act of kindness is an effort to boost the morale and spirits of the incredible frontline workers in Lewistown who - [Gun Bill Passage Impacts Credit Unions](https://www.mcun.coop/gun-bill-passage-impacts-credit-unions/) - By Donya Parrish, MCU VP Risk Management With Governor Gianforte signing HB 102 on Feb. 18, concealed weapons are no longer expressly prohibited in credit unions in Montana. That does not leave your branches without options to prohibit members from bringing in guns and other weapons. Verbiage in the bill outlines that a "person with - [The Year in Review](https://www.mcun.coop/year-in-review/) - By Donya Parrish, MCU VP- Risk Management This crazy year is (finally) almost over! We are all anxious to see 2020 in the rearview mirror; but before we do, let's reflect on some positives that came out of the pandemic. These are a few things I heard about credit unions across Montana these past months - [Montana Credit Union Young Saver Gives Back at Holidays](https://www.mcun.coop/montana-credit-union-young-saver-gives-back-at-holidays/) - Montana Credit Union member Benjamin Brown is a member of Montana Credit Union’s Pee Wee Penguin Young Savers Program. The program allows him to earn points for every $5 he deposits into his savings account. That small change adds up to earn him savings points that he has kept for several years. MCU young savers - [Montana’s Credit Unions recognized by Montana SBA for PPP lending assistance](https://www.mcun.coop/montanas-credit-unions-recognized-by-montana-sba-for-ppp-lending-assistance/) - Montana SBA recently recognized Montana’s Credit Unions alongside two other Montana lending associations for their efforts in sustaining small businesses by helping them access the vital funds offered through the Paycheck Protection Program. In total, MCU was able to provide more than $24.4 million in forgivable PPP loans to local businesses in need. Read the - [2021 NCUA Supervision Priorities](https://www.mcun.coop/2021-ncua-supervision-priorities/) - By Donya Parrish, MCU VP- Risk Management NCUA just released their Letter to Credit Unions with the list of “hot topics” for exams in the 2021 year. The list contains some topics we have seen regularly — Bank Secrecy Act, Credit Risk, Cybersecurity, and Liquidity. It also adds a few like the CARES Act (COVID relief) and - [Montana Credit Union Young Saver Gives Back During the Holidays](https://www.mcun.coop/montana-credit-union-young-saver-gives-back-during-the-holidays/) - As a member of Montana Credit Union’s Pee Wee Penguin Young Savers Program, 10 year old Benjamin Brown, earns points for every $5 he deposits into his savings account. That small change from the family ice cream truck adds up to earn him savings points that he has kept for several years. MCU young savers - [Embark Credit Union stepped up to support local nonprofits through impactful financial donations](https://www.mcun.coop/embark-credit-union-steps-up-to-support-local-nonprofits-through-impactful-financial-donations/) - After witnessing the immense toll COVID-19 has had in the Great Falls region, Embark Credit Union stepped up to provide relief by donating $5,000 to Toby’s House Crisis Nursery and $5,000 to United Way of Cascade County, two organizations working to offer ongoing vital services to the community. Read the full articles from CU Social - [Horizon Credit Union Go-Givers Bring Good Cheer to Local Seniors](https://www.mcun.coop/horizon-credit-union-go-givers-bring-good-cheer-to-local-seniors/) - Horizon Credit Union closed for the afternoon on Tuesday, September 29 for the third annual Go. Give. Grow. company-wide community service event. At Horizon's largest community outreach event of the year, employees ventured out to bring cheer to local seniors at 25 different assisted care facilities in Washington, Idaho, Montana and Oregon. Together, over 300 - [Welcome 2021!](https://www.mcun.coop/welcome-2021/) - As I was trying to find the right message to kick off the year, this article came across my desk. Sandra does a perfect job of conveying what I was trying to say. The article below is posted with her permission. Have a wonderful year, I look forward to working with you! ~Donya By Sandra - [Valley Credit Union’s CEO has Announced her Retirement After Over a Decade Working With the Organization](https://www.mcun.coop/valley-credit-unions-ceo-has-announced-her-retirement-after-over-a-decade-working-with-the-organization/) - With appreciation, Valley Credit Union has announced the retirement of Chief Executive Officer, Darla Card. Card’s decision to retire will bring to close a remarkable career of over a decade of service with the credit union. Casey Klein, Senior Vice President of Branch Administration at Valley, will succeed Card as the new CEO effective January 16, 2021. - [Clearwater Credit Union donates $25,000 to All Nations Health Center’s building campaign](https://www.mcun.coop/clearwater-credit-union-donates-25000-to-all-nations-health-centers-building-campaign/) - Clearwater Credit Union announced a $25,000 donation to the Building Campaign of the All Nations Health Center – currently celebrating 50 years of service to Native Americans in Missoula and surrounding communities. Established in 1970, All Nations Health Center is the only Indian Health Service (IHS)-funded clinic serving Missoula and Ravalli counties. All Nations is - [Park Side Credit Union recognized as community leader with Circle of Excellence Award](https://www.mcun.coop/park-side-credit-union-recognized-as-community-leader-with-circle-of-excellence-award/) - Park Side Credit Union is honored to accept the Missoula Area Chamber of Commerce’s 2020 Circle of Excellence Award. First presented in 1997, following the long tradition of a former award called the Champion Award, the Circle of Excellence award is presented to a local business that meets a high standard of community involvement and - [Valley Credit Union Donates Ford F-150 to ZooMontana After Break-in and Robbery](https://www.mcun.coop/valley-credit-union-donates-ford-f-150-to-zoomontana-after-break-in-and-robbery/) - In the spirit of the credit union philosophy of “People Helping People,” Valley Credit Union has stepped up to provide a new piece of equipment for the local zoo after the nonprofit fell victim to a break-in and robbery. The donated Ford F-150 will allow ZooMontana’s staff to properly and efficiently care for the animals - [Whitefish Credit Union recognized by Forbes](https://www.mcun.coop/whitefish-credit-union-recognized-by-forbes/) - Whitefish Credit Union was recently recognized by Forbes as the No. 1 credit union in the state of Montana. Forbes partnered with Statista and surveyed more than 25,000 customers across the U.S. on their opinions of their current and former banking relationships to determine what credit unions have gone above and beyond to provide first-class - [RESPA's Anti-Kickback Provision Review](https://www.mcun.coop/respas-anti-kickback-provision-review/) - By Whitney Nicholas, Credit Union National Association Where I live, the fall real estate market seems to be booming. When I take a walk around my neighborhood, I am seeing more “for sale” signs than usual for this time of year. Perhaps this is because COVID-19 forced the spring market to a grinding halt. Or - [We Can Do This!](https://www.mcun.coop/we-can-do-this/) - By Donya Parrish, MCU VP-Risk Management I heard some good advice this week that I thought it was worth passing along. It's pretty simple and might not be that easy to put into practice; but, it could make all the difference in this stressful and divisive time. What is it? Practice empathy! As credit union - [Grasslands Federal Credit Union to donate over $25,000 to local non-profits](https://www.mcun.coop/grasslands-federal-credit-union-to-donate-over-25000-to-local-non-profits/) - In the coming week, Grasslands Federal Credit Union (Grasslands FCU) will be distributing over $25,000 to more than 20 local non-profit organizations. The global COVID-19 pandemic has wreaked havoc on many small businesses and organizations. Grasslands FCU has supported 54 Montana businesses by providing business loans through the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), a federal program - [Clearwater Credit Union donates $25,000 to Montana Food Bank Network](https://www.mcun.coop/clearwater-credit-union-donates-25000-to-montana-food-bank-network/) - Clearwater Credit Union announced a $25,000 donation to the Montana Food Bank Network during their 2020 Annual Member meeting on Tuesday, June 23, 2020. Clearwater’s Board of Directors authorized the donation in response to the increased demand for food assistance brought on by COVID-19. Read the full articles from CUInsight, Missoulian, and Missoula Current here. - [Register for ACH Network](https://www.mcun.coop/register-for-ach-network/) - Register on Nacha's Risk Management Portal Today! Help Yourself. Someday you’re going to need to find the right person at another financial institution to help you. Registering promptly for the ACH Contact Registry gives you access to all the other financial institution contacts that have registered. Help Others. Someday someone at another financial institution might - [Butte Community Federal Credit Union is approved for a rural field of membership expansion](https://www.mcun.coop/butte-community-federal-credit-union-is-approved-for-a-rural-field-of-membership-expansion/) - Butte Community FCU has been approved by NCUA to expand its field of membership. The expansion allows the credit union to serve anyone who lives, works, worships, studies, and businesses in Silver Bow, Beaverhead, Madison, Deer Lodge, Powell, or Jefferson counties in Montana. The expansion increases the credit union’s potential field of membership by 81,361 potential - [Grasslands Federal Credit Union receives $10,000 grant to feed local students](https://www.mcun.coop/grasslands-federal-credit-union-receives-10000-grant-to-feed-local-students/) - Grasslands Federal Credit Union was awarded a $10,000 COVID-19 Emergency Fund award from the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA) to fund its Emergency Grant Project. Schools have lost funds due to the cancellation of activities and the increased cost of attempting to provide curriculum virtually. The credit union’s goal is to lighten the schools’ financial - [Park Side Credit Union Boosts Community Support](https://www.mcun.coop/park-side-cu-boosts-community-support/) - Park Side Credit Union is stepping up to support its communities with monetary donations, volunteer work, and COVID-19 stimulus packages. The Credit Union is reporting it has doubled down on its community support during the coronavirus pandemic. Collectively, marketing and operations staff at the credit union came together with key community partners to focus on - [Remittance Threshold to Increase](https://www.mcun.coop/remittance-threshold-to-increase/) - A (non-COVID) regulatory amendment came along this week that you should be aware of, if only to decide it may not change anything operationally at your credit union. The CFPB finalized a rule to amend the remittance transfer rule and increase the safe harbor threshold for compliance from 100 remittances annually up to 500. When - [Improving Virtual Meetings](https://www.mcun.coop/improving-virtual-meetings/) - By Donya Parrish, MCU VP- Risk Management Recently, many of you held your monthly board meetings remotely. Maybe that was new for your credit union, or you might have been doing them that way for awhile. As we all get more used to connecting through technology, it's a good time to step back and ask - [The Status of Mortgage Late Fees](https://www.mcun.coop/the-status-of-mortgage-late-fees/) - By Donya Parrish, MCU VP- Risk Management With all the information and news over the last ten weeks, you may be wondering what the status of charging mortgage late fees is in Montana today. It's a valid question, and one that takes a little digging to understand. Governor Bullock issued an initial directive prohibiting mortgage - [What to Expect with EIP Starting](https://www.mcun.coop/what-to-expect-with-eip-starting/) - By Donya Parrish, MCU VP- Risk Management In an April 6 Ask the Fed webinar, officials from Treasury, Fiscal Services, and FRB Cash Services discussed the upcoming Economic Impact Payments (EIP). They shared that the primary goal is getting funds to consumers as quickly as possible and it could present some operational challenges. Credit unions are - [Park Side Credit Union provides free online course for students](https://www.mcun.coop/park-side-credit-union-provides-free-online-course-for-students/) - COVID-19 has transformed the living room into the classroom for most students, and to help with this remote learning Park Side Credit Union has provided an online financial literacy course to students at 19 schools in the valley. Read the full articles from Whitefish Pilot and Daily Inter Lake here. - [You Can Count on Your Credit Union](https://www.mcun.coop/you-can-count-on-your-credit-union/) - We want to assure you that Montana’s credit unions remain essential, safe, and secure. At this point, it is unknown how long these circumstances will last or what the future looks like. However, one thing is for certain—Montana’s not-for-profit credit unions are committed to providing you support and fulfilling your financial needs as the situation - [Protect yourself from COVID-19 scammers](https://www.mcun.coop/protect-yourself-from-covid-19-scammers/) - At a time when everyone is impacted by this pandemic crisis, it’s hard to imagine that anyone would want to cause additional harm. Yet, right now there are thieves who want to bilk you out of your COVID-19 recovery checks. Be advised: you will not be directly contacted by your financial institution or the federal - [Appraisal Rules Adjusted](https://www.mcun.coop/appraisal-rules-adjusted/) - The NCUA Board met on April 16 via live webcast. They followed other federal agencies (who acted earlier that week) and approved two rules affecting appraisals. The first, an interim final rule waives the appraisal requirement until 120 days after loan closure, will allow real estate loans to proceed without the need to enter homes - [Lincoln County Credit Union stands strong to support its local communities](https://www.mcun.coop/lincoln-county-credit-union-stands-strong-to-support-its-local-communities/) - Due to the growing concern and uncertainty that everyone may be experiencing surrounding the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) and its progression, Lincoln County Credit Union (Lincoln County CU) has initiated alternative, financial programs and is doing their part to support its local communities and relieve financial stress. Read the full articles from CUInsight and CU Today - ["Crashing" the GAC in 2020](https://www.mcun.coop/crashing-the-gac-in-2020/) - Daizey Kinn, branch manager at the Valley CU branch in Roundup, was Montana's 2020 Crasher at the GAC. Now that she's back and full of knowledge, we asked her a few questions about her experience. How did you go about doing your video applications? Were you creative or did you stick to the basics? My - [Credit Unions Support Continued Education Throughout Montana](https://www.mcun.coop/credit-unions-support-continued-education-throughout-montana/) - Park Side Credit Union, Valley Credit Union, and the Midland Empire Chapter of Credit Unions have generously offered scholarships to outstanding students around the state. Read full articles from Cody Enterprise and KGHL here. Articles were also published in the Laurel Outlook, Belgrade News, Daily Interlake, and Big Fork Eagle. - [Whitefish Credit Union boosts school spirit with $11,000 donation to local high schools](https://www.mcun.coop/whitefish-credit-union-boosts-school-spirit-with-11000-donation-to-local-high-schools/) - Through Whitefish Credit Union’s innovative School Spirit Debit Card campaign, the credit union is giving $11,410 to local high schools. Each high school spends the donations based on their unique needs, and in the past, these funds have been put towards supporting STEM programs, athletic teams, and classroom materials. Read full articles from CUInsight, CU - [Park Side CU Names 2020 Nonprofit Partners](https://www.mcun.coop/park-side-cu-names-2020-nonprofit-partners/) - Park Side Credit Union is proud to announce the exclusive group of 2020 Partners and is already working to increase exposure and awareness of some of the critical nonprofit organizations in our local communities through strategic philanthropy. Each participating organization will receive cross-promotion, shared advertising, and a significant donation from Park Side. Read full articles from CUInsight, CU - [DoD Tweaks MLA Again](https://www.mcun.coop/dod-tweaks-mla-again/) - On Feb. 28, the Department of Defense (DoD) finally pulled back a problematic question they had tried to clarify in guidance in 2017. This is great news for credit unions and auto dealers, but most of all for members of the armed forced and their families. They are now able to purchase GAP and other - [Being Intentional](https://www.mcun.coop/being-intentional/) - By Donya Parrish, MCU VP- Risk Management If you haven't heard, the MonDak Conference in Vegas a few weeks ago was terrific! As a meeting for board members and CEOs from Montana and the Dakotas, the event offered a chance to devote dedicated time to what a board should focus on, how they struggle with - [Montana Loan Late Fees](https://www.mcun.coop/montana-loan-late-fees/) - A credit union in our state recently had an NCUA examiner tell them that their consumer loan late fees were out of compliance with Montana law. They were not, but it is easy to see why the mistaken assumption was made. It also feels like a good time to review a couple basics in case - [The Board and Strategy: Gaining the Most Value](https://www.mcun.coop/the-board-and-strategy-gaining-the-most-value/) - By Jeff Rendel, Certified Speaking Professional It’s a question that permeates convention halls and breakout sessions: "What is the proper role of the Board with respect to credit union strategy?" Where one board feels a “hands-on” approach is best, another board looks, first, to its CEO. How are credit unions getting this process right? How - [Member at Ravalli County Federal Credit Union wins $1,000 through WINcentive™ Savings Program](https://www.mcun.coop/member-at-ravalli-county-federal-credit-union-wins-1000-through-wincentive-savings-program/) - A member of Ravalli County FCU has won $1,000 through the credit union's participation in the WINcentive Savings Program. The credit union has been offering WINcentive accounts for just over a year and has given away a total of $1,600. Read the full articles from CUInsight and CU Today here. - [Whitefish Credit Union announces December 2019 semi-annual dividend](https://www.mcun.coop/whitefish-credit-union-announces-december-2019-semi-annual-dividend/) - Whitefish Credit Union announced a 1.50% dividend for the six-month period ending on December 31, 2019. This dividend is well above the average national savings account rate of 0.09% and represents the Credit Union delivering on its commitment in providing substantial value to its members. Whitefish Credit Union paid over $20 million in dividends to - [Richland FCU Helps Put the 'I' in KIND](https://www.mcun.coop/richland-fcu-helps-put-the-i-in-kind/) - Richland FCU’s Culbertson Branch helped to support students at Culbertson High School involved in Jobs for Montana Graduates program. When the students heard about the nonpartisan grassroots initiative “Keep it Kind 2020,” they jumped on it. The initiative asks that schools, students, and adults focus more on the word "kind" and how being kind can change lives. Inside - [McCone County Federal Credit Union Announces New Name](https://www.mcun.coop/mccone-county-federal-credit-union-announces-new-name/) - After 63 years in business, McCone County Federal Credit Union announced its new name – Grasslands Federal Credit Union, effective as of November 15, 2019. After officially merging with the former Fallon County Federal Credit Union on October 1, 2019, the decision was made to find a name that could connect all members of the many - [Bridging Volunteers and Millennials](https://www.mcun.coop/bridging-volunteers-and-millennials/) - There is a lot of talk about the need for credit unions to attract "younger members" and combat aging memberships who are moving out of their lending years. But, how do you do that? While many might think adding youth accounts or expanding technology services is the key, Mark Arnold offers some suggestions for understanding - [Valley Federal Credit Union benefits Toys for Tots](https://www.mcun.coop/valley-credit-union-benefits-toys-for-tots/) - Valley Federal Credit Union held its third annual holiday toy drive Saturday, November 30, which provided toys for the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve's annual Toys 4 Tots program. The branch gave out hot dogs, snacks, and fresh coffee, and anyone who brought a toy got a free picture with Santa Clause. Read the full articles - [Local Credit Unions Come Together to Support Watson Children’s Shelter](https://www.mcun.coop/local-credit-unions-come-together-to-support-watson-childrens-shelter/) - Harnessing Young Professional Energy, the official young professional's group of Montana’s Credit Unions — presented a $2,506 check to the Watson Children’s Shelter in Missoula. The funds were raised at MCU’s annual fall conference, which was in Missoula this year. Read the full article from CUInsight here. - [Montana credit unions volunteer more than 4,200 hours in October](https://www.mcun.coop/montana-credit-unions-volunteer-more-than-4200-hours-in-october/) - Credit unions across Montana came together to give back to their communities by volunteering more than 4,200 hours of service throughout the month of October as part of the Giving Time Campaign. Read the full articles from CUNA News and CUInsight here. - [Ravalli County FCU Celebrates New Branch](https://www.mcun.coop/ravalli-county-fcu-celebrates-new-branch/) - Ravalli County Federal Credit Union celebrated the grand opening of its new branch located in Florence on Wednesday, November 6. Residents of Florence and the surrounding areas will now have access to the unique services that RCFCU offers thanks to this new branch. Read the full articles from CUInsight and CUToday here. - [Whitefish Credit Union celebrates $1.5 billion in assets](https://www.mcun.coop/whitefish-credit-union-celebrates-1-5-billion-in-assets/) - Whitefish Credit Union (Whitefish CU) has announced it has surpassed $1.5 billion in total assets. The Credit Union reached this milestone in early August of this year and continues to see robust growth across all product lines. Read the full articles from Credit Union Journal, CUInsight, CU Today, and Creditunions.com here. - [Embark Credit Union Recognized for Outstanding Community Commitment](https://www.mcun.coop/embark-credit-union-recognized-for-outstanding-community-commitment/) - After giving time, dedication and service to their community for more than 80 years, Embark Credit Union has been recognized by badcredit.org with the Editor’s Choice™ Award for Community Commitment. Read the full articles from CUInsight and CU Today here. - [Fergus Federal Credit Union spreads Halloween spirit to the local elderly](https://www.mcun.coop/fergus-federal-credit-union-spreads-halloween-spirit-to-the-local-elderly/) - In the spooky spirit of Halloween, Fergus Federal Credit Union delivered pumpkins to residents at Valle Vista Manor, Eagles Manor, Shepards Way Assisted Living, and Caslen Living Centers to decorate as a Halloween activity. Read the full articles from Lewistown News-Argus, CUInsight, CU Today, and the Credit Union Journal here. - [RMCU Named as One of the Best Credit Unions to Work For](https://www.mcun.coop/rmcu-named-one-of-best-to-workplaces/) - Rocky Mountain Credit Union has been named one of the 2019 Best Credit Unions to Work For. The award is given by Credit Union Journal to identify credit unions that have excelled in creating quality workplaces for employees. Read the full article from the Helena Independent Record here. - [Clearwater Credit Union Donation to Spark Giving for Veteran Student Scholarships](https://www.mcun.coop/clearwater-credit-union-donation-to-spark-giving-for-veteran-student-scholarships/) - Clearwater Credit Union donated $10,000 to the University of Montana's Veterans Scholarship Fund, which helps ensure student success by reducing financial barriers and improving veteran access to higher education at UM. Read the full press release here. - [Evolving Board Representation](https://www.mcun.coop/evolving-board-representation/) - By Donya Parrish, MCU VP- Risk Management One of the first questions people ask me about the credit union industry in Montana is "how many credit unions are there?" While a valid question, I feel like a simple number (47 by the way...) doesn't truly represent the trend of what is going on across our - [New Tools for Combating Elder Exploitation](https://www.mcun.coop/new-tools-for-combating-elder-exploitation/) - By Donya Parrish, MCU VP- Risk Management It's October 1, and that means SB 311 is effective. Why is that a big deal? The Montana legislature passed that bill earlier this year to provide financial institutions, including credit unions, the ability to feel more comfortable investigating and reporting elder financial exploitation. A few of the - [Montana’s credit unions bring the credit union philosophy into classrooms](https://www.mcun.coop/montanas-cus-bring-cu-philosophy-into-classrooms/) - Every year, credit unions from across Montana participate in a variety of initiatives to support their communities and promote education for back-to-school and beyond. The credit unions remain steadfast in their dedication to provide Montana students with resources to make them successful students and pave their way to a healthy financial future. Read the full - [Lincoln County Credit Union makes donation to keep after school program alive](https://www.mcun.coop/lincoln-county-credit-union-makes-donation-to-keep-after-school-program-alive/) - The Lincoln County Credit Union has provided a $15,000 donation to help kick start the Troy Public Schools After School Program for another school year. The after-school program learned that they would not be receiving a federal grant for the upcoming school year, leaving them $30,000 short. The program started reaching out to local community - [New NCUA Bylaw Option](https://www.mcun.coop/new-ncua-bylaw-option/) - By the end of 2019, federal credit unions will have another option for updating your bylaws. NCUA recently approved a new version that adds flexibility for the credit union and board and transparency for members as it incorporates several legal opinions into the bylaws. The NCUA Board made it clear that members should be given - [Horizon Credit Union Employees Volunteer 1,000 Hours to Fight Hunger](https://www.mcun.coop/horizon-credit-union-employees-volunteer-1000-hours-to-fight-hunger/) - Horizon Credit Union employees set out for an afternoon of giving, volunteering at 13 local non-profits. In total, the team contributed 1,000 volunteer hours and a $1,000 donation was delivered to each volunteer location. Read the full press release here. - [Little Book of Best Practices](https://www.mcun.coop/little-book-of-best-practices/) - I am always looking for good resources that I feel really "speak" to some of the issues credit union boards are facing. It is even more exiting when I find one and it's FREE! Tim Harrington and his crew at TEAM Resources have a whole page of free downloads which includes some commonly-requested forms and - [Fidelity Bond Rule Change](https://www.mcun.coop/fidelity_bond/) - NCUA finalized changes to their fidelity bond rule at their July meeting with an effective date of October 22, 2019. The Federal Credit Union Act requires that certain credit union employees and elected officials have fidelity bond coverage. For natural person federally insured credit unions, the rule generally expands credit union board of director oversight of fidelity - [The Role of Incentives in CEO Compensation](https://www.mcun.coop/the-role-of-incentives-in-ceo-compensation/) - From CUNA's Credit Union Directors Newsletter Credit unions use these performance-based awards to attract and retain talent, but they come with risks. What role do incentives play in CEO compensation? Incentive pay—which is tied to preset performance criteria—may be a useful tool to attract and retain talent. But research indicates incentives sometimes fail to work as intended, - [President and CEO of Fergus Federal Credit Union announces retirement](https://www.mcun.coop/president-and-ceo-of-fergus-federal-credit-union-announces-retirement/) - President and CEO of Fergus Federal Credit Union (Fergus FCU), Bob Bjelland, has announced his retirement after 35 years with the credit union. His retirement will go into effect at the closing of this year. Bjelland has led the institution for more than 30 years, helping it grow from roughly $4 million in assets to more - [Garage Sale For Good proceeds will help the Low Vision Reader Project](https://www.mcun.coop/garage-sale-for-good-proceeds-will-help-the-low-vision-reader-project/) - The Giant Springs Chapter of Credit Unions hosted their annual Garage Sale For Good on Saturday, August 10. Every year, Garage Sale For Good proceeds are donated to a cause in the community. This year, all proceeds will benefit the Montana School for the Deaf & Blind (MSDB) and the Montana Lions Club Low Vision - [Shelby Community Federal Credit Union votes to merge with 1st Liberty Federal Credit Union](https://www.mcun.coop/shelby-community-federal-credit-union-votes-to-merge-with-1st-liberty-federal-credit-union/) - Shelby Community Federal Credit Union recently held a special membership meeting July 9 to vote on merging with 1st Liberty Federal Credit Union. The vote was 279-11 to approve the merger. The merger date is planned for the end of August to open for business Tuesday, Sept. 3. Read the full articles from CUInsight, Credit - [Whitefish Credit Union honored with prestigious Best of Show award](https://www.mcun.coop/whitefish-credit-union-honored-with-prestigious-best-of-show-award/) - Whitefish Credit Union (WCU) has been honored with the MACQUEE Best of Show Award along with seven other awards from the Marketing Association of Credit Unions (MAC). The MACQUEE Best of Show is the highest honor offered at the MAC awards. Read the full articles from CU Insight and Daily Inter Lake here. - [Montana’s Credit Unions Hold Charity Event to Support Homeless Veterans](https://www.mcun.coop/montanas-credit-unions-hold-charity-event-to-support-homeless-veterans/) - Left: Event organizers Mark Lynch and Lois Kitsch pose in front of all the "apartment boxes." Right: Desiree Bain, director and manager of operations, shares a bit about Willis Cruse House and thanks the crowd. Helena, MT–June 11, 2019— At Montana’s Credit Unions’ recent Power Up conference, the credit unions joined together in support of - [Janice Lehman named 2019 Credit Union Professional of the Year](https://www.mcun.coop/janice-lehman-named-2019-credit-union-professional-of-the-year/) - Janice Lehman, president and CEO of SFG Federal Credit Union has been named the 2019 Montana's Credit Unions Professional of the Year, recognizing her more than 38 years of credit union advocacy in Montana. Read the full articles from CU Today and Laurel Outlook here. Janice was asked to share a bit of her credit union - [Credit Unions Support & Spread Kindness Throughout Their Communities](https://www.mcun.coop/lincoln-county-cu-helps-kids-roar/) - A “Kind is the New Cool” program aimed at kids here and launched by a survivor of the 2017 mass shooting at the Route 91 Festival in Las Vegas has received support from Lincoln County Credit Union. Read the full article from CU Today here. - [House Bill 731 Effective July 1](https://www.mcun.coop/house-bill-731-effective-july-1/) - By Donya Parrish, MCU VP- Risk Management State chartered credit unions in Montana have new provisions to comply with as of July 1, 2019. HB 731 was passed during the recent legislative session to amend the Montana Credit Union Act at Title 32, chapter 3. The details of HB 731 provide that the Division of Banking - [Carl Thomas Receives Montana Credit Union Volunteer of the Year Award](https://www.mcun.coop/carl-thomas-receives-montana-credit-union-volunteer-of-the-year-award/) - Carl Thomas received the Montana Credit Union Volunteer of the Year Award, recognizing more than 20 years of dedication to his credit union, Park Side Credit Union, and the Montana credit union movement. Read the full article from CU Today here. - [Park Side Credit Union supports community’s summer adventures with second annual Park Side Days promotion](https://www.mcun.coop/park-side-credit-union-supports-communitys-summer-adventures-with-second-annual-park-side-days-promotion/) - Park Side Credit Union recently wrapped up its second annual Park Side Days promotion. PSCU offered lower loan rates and higher deposit rates during the six-week promotion to encourage summer activities in local community. Read the full article from CU Insight here. - [Park Side Credit Union Rewards Students with Unique Scholarships](https://www.mcun.coop/park-side-credit-union-rewards-students-with-unique-scholarships/) - Park Side Credit Union developed an annual scholarship program last year that rewards high school students who "show excellence as unique individuals" and are Park Side members. This scholarship is different than most in that the seven students who receive the $1,000 scholarships each year don't have to use it for traditional college, they are able - [Rocky Mountain Credit Union Honored with Diamond Award](https://www.mcun.coop/rocky-mountain-credit-union-honored-with-diamond-award/) - Rocky Mountain Credit Union has been honored with a diamond award from the Credit Union National Association. The diamond award recognizes the businesses' outstanding marketing and business development achievements in the credit union industry. Read full articles from Helena Independent Record, Bozeman Daily Chronicle, and Belegrade News here. - [Park Side Credit Union Opens New Branch in Bigfork](https://www.mcun.coop/park-side-credit-union-opens-new-branch-in-bigfork/) - Residents of Bigfork will now have access to the services of a credit union thanks to a new branch opening from Park Side Credit Union. This opening marks PSCU’s eighth branch, with others occupying the surrounding Flathead Valley and Missoula area, serving 26,000 members. Read the full article from Flathead Beacon here. - [When Board Members Gather](https://www.mcun.coop/when-board-members-gather/) - By Donya Parrish, MCU VP- Risk Management We had a fantastic opportunity in Butte two weeks ago during the Power Up conference for a small group discussion with some board volunteers. The group met over breakfast on our last day and talked about their concerns, challenges, and what's on their minds. Some of the discussion - [Meet our Mitch Reed Volunteer of the Year!](https://www.mcun.coop/meet-our-mitch-reed-volunteer-of-the-year/) - Congratulations to Carl Thomas, Park Side Credit Union's board chair and the MCU 2019 Mitch Reed Volunteer of the Year. (He is shown at left with Park Side CU CEO Jeremy Presta after the award presentation at Power Up last week.) Carl has notched 22 years of experience as a credit union volunteer and chaired - [Board Governance Resources](https://www.mcun.coop/board-governance-resources/) - NCUA continues to build out the training and resources available in the Board Governance section of their online Learning Management Service. These short (2-5 minutes) videos are not only free, but they address relevant topics board members need. Currently, your learning path has nine subject channels and a total of 36 videos to choose from. - [Great Falls Resident Wins $5,000 Through Credit Union Savings Program](https://www.mcun.coop/great-falls-wincentive-winner/) - Great Falls, MT–January 25, 2019–One lucky member of Embark Credit Union in Great Falls has won $5,000 in this year’s grand prize drawing of the WINcentive Savings Program. The program offers a new type of savings account that makes saving fun by entering savers into monthly, quarterly and annual prize drawings each time they increase - [Meet Montana's Credit Union Bureau Chief](https://www.mcun.coop/meet-montanas-credit-union-bureau-chief/) - Rick Christianson is the Credit Union Bureau Chief for the Montana Division of Banking and Financial Institutions. In that role, he and his team serve as the regulator for our nine state-chartered credit unions (which account for over half our state's assets!) Here is a snapshot of Rick to get to know him on a - [Local credit unions help furloughed workers during shutdown](https://www.mcun.coop/montana-families-feel-financial-strain-government-shutdown-drags/) - The government shutdown has left nearly 800,000 federal workers without pay. Some local credit unions are offering special initiatives to help these furloughed workers during a financial strain. Montana Credit Unions, a statewide trade group, announced its member institutions are launching new programs to help, including payment skips and extensions and fee waivers. Read more - [Federal employees in Missoula gear up for extended shutdown](https://www.mcun.coop/federal-employees-missoula-gear-extended-shutdown/) - On Tuesday, the Missoula Federal Credit Union, the state’s second largest credit union with more than 50,000 members, rolled out an emergency loan plan for federal employees and said its loan servicing teams are “showing maximum sensitivity and flexibility” when collecting payments. Read full article in the Missoulian here. - [Richland FCU Announces Dividends](https://www.mcun.coop/richland-fcu-announces-dividends/) - Richland Federal Credit Union continues to give back with the distribution of a $250,000 dividend to its members and owners at the end of 2018. Read full article in The Searchlight. - [Ravalli County Federal Credit Union rewards members with dividend](https://www.mcun.coop/ravalli-county-federal-credit-union-rewards-members-dividend/) - For the first time in its 61 years of business, Ravalli County Federal Credit Union (RCFCU) disbursed a $50,000 patronage dividend to its 4,900 members on Dec. 4. Read full articles from the Ravalli Republic and CUToday.com here. - [Toys for Tots collects at Valley Credit Union](https://www.mcun.coop/toys-tots-collects-valley-credit-union/) - Valley Credit Union on King Avenue West held its second annual toy drive on Saturday. The branch and other businesses will collect for Toys for Tots until December 8th. The toys go to less fortunate families. Those involved say it’s great to work with the U.S. Marine Corps and be a part of the toy drive. Read - [CU Staff in Montana Donate 4,000 Hours of Time](https://www.mcun.coop/cu-staff-montana-donate-4000-hours-time/) - Credit union staff and members around Montana have given almost 4,000 hours of volunteer time to the communities they serve in the month of October, as part of their annual Giving Time challenge. Read full articles from CU Today and CreditUnions.com here. - [8 Ways To Give Back Beyond #GivingTuesday](https://www.mcun.coop/8-ways-give-back-beyond-givingtuesday/) - For the credit union movement — and its history of community volunteerism and charitable give back — any day can be Giving Tuesday. #GivingTuesday has joined Black Friday and Cyber Monday as post-Thanksgiving traditions, but in contrast to those shopping days, this one is about the holiday spirit that extends beyond spending. Read full article from - [Gift from credit union helps ZooMontana build bison exhibit](https://www.mcun.coop/gift-credit-union-helps-zoomontana-build-bison-exhibit/) - ZooMontana is wrapping up construction on the new Valley Credit Union Bison Exhibit and plans to unveil it, and its residents, to a select few who have sponsored the exhibit. A grand opening to the public will be planned for the end of November. Read full articles from the Billings Gazette, YourBigSky.com, Helena Independent Record - [Local Credit Unions Merge To Bring Greater Service Offerings To Baker And Circle Communities](https://www.mcun.coop/mccone-merger/) - Fallon County Federal Credit Union in Baker, MT, has merged with Circle, MT-based McCone County Federal Credit Union Read full articles at CreditUnions.com, CU Journal, CU Today and Fallon County Times. - [Get To Know Montana Commissioner of Banking](https://www.mcun.coop/get-know-montana-commissioner-banking/) - Melanie Hall is Montana's Commissioner of Banking and Financial Institutions. In that role, she oversees our state-chartered credit unions, as well as state banks, mortgage brokers, consumer loan companies, and more. Find out more about the Division on their website. Mel was a good sport about this "beyond the resume" interview to help you get - [MFCU shines light on ethical banking, Missoula’s growing refugee community](https://www.mcun.coop/mfcu-shines-light-ethical-banking-missoulas-growing-refugee-community/) - With a refugee population firmly established, and in a nod of confidence, Missoula Federal Credit Union put its money behind its values by donating $20,000 to Soft Landing Missoula and the International Rescue Committee. Read full articles from the Missoula Current and Missoulian here. - [Park Side Named One of Best Credit Unions to Work for](https://www.mcun.coop/park-side-named-one-best-credit-unions-work/) - Credit Union Journal has named Park Side Credit Union as one of the 2018 “Best Credit Unions to Work For. Read full article from the Flathead Beacon. - [Horizon CU Closes Locations So Staff Can Volunteer](https://www.mcun.coop/horizon-volunteers/) - Horizon Credit Union closed all locations at noon on Wednesday, Sept. 19 for a company-wide community service event, “Go. Give. Grow.” More than 225 employees volunteered for a total of over 675 hours of volunteer time at 13 local nonprofits in Montana, Washington, and Idaho. Read full articles from CU Today and CU Journal. - [Cooperative Impact Week underway in Hamilton](https://www.mcun.coop/cooperative-impact-week-hamilton/) - The Montana Cooperative Development Center and the Ravalli County Economic Development Authority are presenting the cooperative business model in the Bitterroot Valley with activities, dialogues, tours and presentations through Saturday. Read the full article from the Ravalli Republic. - [Montana's CUs Partner to Help Food Bank](https://www.mcun.coop/montanas-cus-partner-help-food-bank/) - Montana's Credit Unions partnered with Dinners Done Right to help the Friendship Center fill its freezer. The Friendship Center helps people who have experienced domestic violence or sexual assault. Read the full article from CU Today. - [Credit Union Pro's, Volunteers In Maine, Montana Are Honored](https://www.mcun.coop/credit-union-pros-volunteers-maine-montana-honored/) - Credit union professionals and volunteers in two states have been honored by their respective peers. Read the full article from CU Today. - [Sky FCU's DeYoung Named Montana Professional of the Year](https://www.mcun.coop/sky-fcus-deyoung-named-montana-professional-year/) - Annamarie DeYoung, president and CEO of Sky Federal Credit Union, has been named as the Professional of the Year by Montana’s Credit Unions. DeYoung received the award at a banquet in Great Fall, Mont. Read full article from CU Today. - [Hamilton-based credit union celebrates 50 years of service](https://www.mcun.coop/hamilton-based-credit-union-celebrates-50-years-service/) - In 1968 a gallon of gasoline was 60 cents cheaper than a gallon of milk, and while Montana congresswoman, Jeannette Rankin, led 5,000 women on a march in Washington, D.C., to protest the Vietnam War, a man named Ken Fortney, from Hamilton began his journey to helping thousands of Ravalli County residents. Read full article - [Horizon Donates Time and Money to Local Food Bank](https://www.mcun.coop/horizon-donates-time-money-local-food-bank/) - Horizon CU closed all of its branches at noon for a day of giving, which translated into 675 hours of volunteer time. Read full article at Bonner County Daily Bee. - [Why Jon Tester did the right thing for Montanans](https://www.mcun.coop/jon-tester-right-thing-montanans/) - Opinion piece from Tom Boos, Tom Christnacht, and Rex Phipps. Read the full article from the following outlets: Helena IR Billings Gazette - [How to Start Saving](https://www.mcun.coop/how-to-start-saving/) - In a perfect world, everyone would have a healthy amount of money put away, but unfortunately the majority of people in the US have less than $1000 in savings. Your savings will come in handy in case of emergencies—because no matter how careful you are, emergencies will always pop up. Or you may want to - [The State of Montana Credit Unions](https://www.mcun.coop/state-montana-credit-unions/) - By Donya Parrish It is the season for addresses on the state of the union, state of the state, state of the city, but what is the state of credit unions in Montana? Credit unions are doing well financially across the country. Loan growth continues its upward momentum, membership growth has been strong, and net worth keeps improving. - [Boards That Risk](https://www.mcun.coop/boards-that-risk/) - By Jeff Rendel “Let’s get back into the business of taking risks,” said one credit union CEO as he described his petition to his board while discussing ways to grow the top line. “Our members – our owners – deserve a balance of service (read, taking risks on their behalf) and safety and soundness. We’ve - [Growth Trends in Montana](https://www.mcun.coop/growth-trends-montana/) - By Donya Parrish If you have seen any of the national trade publications in recent months, you probably know that credit unions are doing well financially across the country. Loan growth has taken off and membership growth has been strong. In addition, net worth continues to improve. That is great news for all of you, - [Board Roles and Responsibilities](https://www.mcun.coop/board-roles-responsibilities/) - The National Council of Nonprofits has one of the most comprehensive and useful resource pages available on the board of director's role and responsibilities. It contains links to numerous sub-topics, such as compensation, orientation, how to have difficult conversations, policies to consider, and more. While credit unions are not technically "non profits," the information is - [Five to Thrive](https://www.mcun.coop/five-to-thrive/) - Every now and then, a resource comes along that feels like it was meant for Montana's credit unions. The CUNA Small Credit Union Committee whitepaper titled Five to Thrive is one such publication. It contains actionable items to consider, interviews with real CEOs, and ways your board can think about the future of your credit union -- - [Board Recruitment Ideas](https://www.mcun.coop/board-recruitment-ideas/) - By Donya Parrish A couple weeks ago, I mentioned the great discussion that was held during the director forum at Power Up. The ideas on new board member recruitment really impressed me, and I wanted to share them in case they could be helpful to your credit union in your own process. The best advice - [What's On Your Mind?](https://www.mcun.coop/whats-on-your-mind/) - By Donya Parrish Last week during the Power Up conference, credit union directors had an open forum session. After introductions, they broke into groups of three and spent about 30 minutes talking about what keeps them up at night. The most interesting part of the day was that several groups seemed to have had the - [The Envelope Please- Nominate Today](https://www.mcun.coop/envelope-please-nominate/) - It is that time of year! March Madness? Spring has sprung? Well, yes, but also important is to take the time to recognize the talent and dedication of the individuals in our credit unions in Montana. We will be awarding the Professional of the Year and Volunteer of the Year at our Power Up convention - [New Year, New Start](https://www.mcun.coop/new-year-new-start/) - by Donya Parrish It's finally 2017! Did you make any resolutions? More importantly, are you still on track with any of them? It is easy to start with the obvious ones each January -- eat healthier, get in shape, be kind, pay off debt, etc. This year, I would challenge each of you to think - [NCUA Exam Modernization](https://www.mcun.coop/ncua-exam-modernization/) - By Donya Parrish Ever since the NCUA announced an exam modernization initiative in early 2016, I have heard a common statement from credit unions— “aren’t we moving to an 18-month exam cycle?” While longer exam cycles for some credit unions are part of NCUA's plan, there is more to it, and not all of it ## Pages - [Community](https://www.mcun.coop/) - Based in Helena, Montana, Montana’s Credit Unions exists to promote and enhance a thriving credit union community. - [Fraud Resource Center](https://www.mcun.coop/fraud-resource-center/) - Check Yourself: Stop Check Fraud Before It Starts Check fraud may sound like an old problem, but it’s still one of the fastest-growing types of financial fraud, and it can affect anyone. While many payments now happen online, millions of people still use paper checks to pay rent, send gifts, make business payments, or cover bills. And any time money is moving, fraudsters - [Credit Union Jobs](https://www.mcun.coop/credit-union-jobs/) - We are excited that you may be choosing to make credit unions your career. See current credit union career and employment opportunities below (they are listed chronologically by the date they were posted). POST YOUR CAREER OPPORTUNITIES WITH MCU You may submit a request to post your career opportunity to our site by contacting Beth Satre at (406) - [ISWM Biometric Screenings](https://www.mcun.coop/members/health-benefit-trust/iswm-biometric-screenings/) - If you want to make more informed, strategic health plan decisions, you need to know your health data. We partner with It Starts With Me (ISWM) to give our plan participants the chance to get an annual biometric screening. ISWM sends a friendly, professional crew around the state each year so you can get a - [Harnessing YP Energy (The HYPE)](https://www.mcun.coop/members/professional-development/young-professionals/) - Harnessing Young Professional Energy MCU’s official young professionals group is called HYPE (Harnessing Young Professional Energy). This active community comprises professionals around 40ish or younger and employed by a credit union in Montana. Led by the HYPE Committee, the group is working to build momentum and increase the engagement of and professional development opportunities for - [President's Report](https://www.mcun.coop/communication/prez-report/) - The President's Report is an internal publication of Montana's Credit Unions intended for our affiliated credit unions and their official family. It's emailed to our list of subscribers each Friday morning, and a link to the archived email is posted here after it becomes available. If you'd like to subscribe, complete this sign-up form or - [Be Aware Presenters](https://www.mcun.coop/be-aware-presenters/) - Register for Be Aware this fall, you'll have the opportunity to explore some valuable education sessions and learn from a great lineup of speakers. Take a look below to discover more … - [Solutions Directory](https://www.mcun.coop/members/business-partners/solutions-directory/) - Find the right partner for your business needs. Scroll down to view our preferred service providers, they're organized by the solution they offer. - [Strategic Alliances](https://www.mcun.coop/members/business-partners/strategic-alliances/) - Montana's Credit Unions (MCU) and the League Service Group (LSG) form strategic endorsement relationships with various vendors to help credit unions compete in today’s financial environment. Strategic Alliances are structured relationships and consist of individual, personalized agreements. For additional information, Strategic Alliance criteria, and an application form, email Kris Jacobsen. CURRENT STRATEGIC ALLIANCES CUNA Strategic - [Business Partners](https://www.mcun.coop/members/business-partners/) - PROVIDING QUALITY BUSINESS SERVICES FOR MONTANA'S CREDIT UNIONS. We value our business partners and the quality of service each of them offers the credit unions in Montana. Visit their individual pages for news and information on their products and services, or use the links below for the latest news and events. A featured partner is - [Resources](https://www.mcun.coop/members/credit-union-directors/resources/) - Credit unions are member-owned and governed by a volunteer board of directors who are elected democratically from within the membership. Volunteers play a huge role in our industry and take on a lot of responsibility when they are elected to a seat on their credit union's board of directors. Setting policies and the direction of - [Be Aware](https://www.mcun.coop/members/professional-development/be-aware/) - Meet us in Great Falls for Be Aware October 27–29, 2026 Holiday Inn | Great Falls, Montana Join credit union leaders and staff from across Montana for the Be Aware Conference. This engaging event will focus on the evolving threat of fraud and the tools, strategies, and awareness needed to help protect your credit union - [Our Members](https://www.mcun.coop/members/) - [Personal Finance Resources](https://www.mcun.coop/personal-finance-resources/) - Financial Well-Being for All Credit unions are dedicated to financial well-being for all. Whether you're just starting your financial journey or looking to fine-tune your money management skills, understanding the core pillars of personal finance is essential. Explore the key areas that form the foundation of financial well-being below. Each section offers bite-sized blogs to - [Bases Covered Auditing](https://www.mcun.coop/members/business-partners/strategic-alliances/bases-covered-auditing/) - Bases Covered Auditing (BCA) is an audit firm that specializes in credit union compliance located in Sioux Falls, SD. Their team is knowledgeable and are experts in Internal Audit, Compliance, and Risk Management. In additional to a wide array of audits, BCA also offers the following services. Quarterly newsletter about regulation changes and what the - [Personify Leadership Training](https://www.mcun.coop/personify-leadership-training/) - Personify Leadership® believes that leadership is not a quality reserved for a few elites, but something we all have within us. The program makes it easy to access and apply leadership skills and competencies through a body part model that breaks down eight specific categories. Available now in a credit union-specific model through Montana's Credit - [Staff](https://www.mcun.coop/staff/) - [The Credit Union Difference](https://www.mcun.coop/community/the-credit-union-difference/) - [Boards & Committees](https://www.mcun.coop/boards-committees/) - The League Board sets the general policy and direction of the activities for the Montana Credit Union League, League Service Group (LSG), and Montana Credit Unions for Community Development (MCUCD). We currently have two other committees that assist our board and staff when it comes to Government Relations and HYPE (Young Professionals). In addition, we have two - [Credit Union Chapters](https://www.mcun.coop/credit-union-chapters/) - Chapters are comprised of local area credit unions. Credit union official family members (professionals and volunteers) use the chapter forum to get together for common purposes, including education/training, social projects, and networking. They are an extension of Montana's Credit Unions and an integral part of the credit union system. Montana has 10 credit union chapters and determines - [TruStage](https://www.mcun.coop/members/business-partners/strategic-alliances/trustage/) - Please Note: TruStage recently identified a cybersecurity incident affecting its environment. The company is working diligently to restore systems and network functionality and determine the scope and impact of the incident. They have compiled two information hubs to communicate information. The credit union hub can be found here: www.trustage.com/outage/business/credit-union The credit union member hub - [Tristate Mentorship Match](https://www.mcun.coop/members/professional-development/tristate-mentor-match/) - About the Program The Tristate Mentorship Match is a 12-month program designed to build, grow, support, and inspire credit union professionals in their careers and commitment to the credit union movement. It envisions relationships based upon commitment, common goals and expectations, and mutual trust and respect … relationships that allow both the mentee and mentor - [Vendor Involvement Program](https://www.mcun.coop/members/business-partners/vendor-involvement-program/) - Participation in the MCU Vendor Involvement Program (VIP) is the perfect way to showcase your company to credit unions across the state. V.I.P. participants receive advertising opportunities and increased exposure at MCU events, all while providing professional service, quality product lines, and competitive pricing to credit unions in Montana. Take a look at the program's - [Communication](https://www.mcun.coop/communication/) - Help Us Share Your Story At the heart of every credit union is a story worth telling — and we want to help tell yours. The continued strength and visibility of credit unions across Montana depend on raising awareness of the incredible work you do in your communities. That’s why we’re committed to showcasing the - [PR Support](https://www.mcun.coop/members/pr-support/) - Tell Your Story: It Adds Up! Montana’s Credit Unions is here to support our credit unions' public relations efforts. These efforts directly affect your credit union's awareness within the community and the credit union industry as a whole. Every credit union practices the #CUDifference. Imagine the awareness you can build by telling your story. Help - [Director Training Tools](https://www.mcun.coop/members/credit-union-directors/director-training/) - Ongoing learning for credit union board and committee members is important to the health and future of your credit union. Most of the training webinars below are free (to our affiliated credit unions) and developed as a quick overview of issues for credit union boards and supervisory committee members. On-Demand Webinars - [First Call](https://www.mcun.coop/members/business-partners/strategic-alliances/first-call/) - First Call Computer Solutions has been providing Montana IT Services for over 20 years. Founded in 1998, we have expanded our technology services from simple technology offerings and phone systems, to complex IT solutions, cloud-computing, and security options for Montana businesses large and small. First Call focuses on the human - [Take The Lead](https://www.mcun.coop/members/professional-development/take-the-lead/) - Take the Lead MCU’s leadership program is an interactive, contemporary leadership training program designed to test, challenge, update, and enhance the leadership skills of experienced and up-and-coming new leaders so they can inspire, motivate, guide, and shape the future. It's also how you join MCU's Take the Lead Community. Stay connected with other motivated professionals - [Millennium Corporate Credit Union](https://www.mcun.coop/members/business-partners/strategic-alliances/millennium-corporate-credit-union/) - Millennium Corporate was chartered in 1951 by credit union leaders to harness the collective strength of members for the mutual benefit of credit unions. The financial services industry has changed many times over these past 65 years, yet this ideology remains, still today. Millennium Corporate, like natural-person credit unions, is member-driven. Governed by a volunteer - [Compliance Training Tools](https://www.mcun.coop/members/risk-management/compliance-training-tools/) - Compliance with state and federal regulations is a big job for one person and making sure all staff are aware of the details within the credit union is an even bigger challenge. The training webinars below were developed as a quick overview of issues common in credit union day-to-day operations. If you have any questions - [Government Relations Committee](https://www.mcun.coop/boards-committees/government-relations-committee/) - The Government Relations Committee members are credit union professionals from around Montana and the President/CEO of Montana's Credit Unions. They act as consultants to MCU staff on political issues at the state and federal levels that could potentially impact credit unions. The committee meets three to four times a year, but members communicate more regularly - [InfoSight360](https://www.mcun.coop/members/risk-management/credit-union-policy/) - InfoSight360 is a platform designed to integrate the power of two industry-leading products: InfoSight and CU PolicyPro. While each product retains its unique functionalities, InfoSight360 provides access to related content from across the platform, offering a comprehensive overview of compliance requirements. A single sign-on eliminates the hassle of toggling between different systems and ensures no - [Envisant](https://www.mcun.coop/members/business-partners/strategic-alliances/league-service-corporation-lsc/) - Envisant (formerly LSC®) helps credit unions achieve their vision through a combination of experience and incomparable expertise. Envisant’s forward-thinking product strategy features credit and debit programs, CUMONEY® Prepaid Visa® reloadable and gift card programs (both plastic and virtual), agent credit card programs, ATM services, and more! We support our credit union partners with in-house customer - [Screen Steps](https://www.mcun.coop/members/business-partners/strategic-alliances/screen-steps/) - ScreenSteps is the world’s first AI-powered Knowledge Operations Platform, designed to empower credit unions to quickly capture, share, and manage complex procedures with frontline staff. The Knowledge Ops Platform, paired with the Find & Follow Framework, helps credit unions get complex knowledge out of experts' heads and into knowledge resources that employees can easily find - [VIP Highlights](https://www.mcun.coop/members/business-partners/vendor-involvement-program/vip-highlights/) - Vendor Involvement Program Highlights When you become a V.I.P. participant, you receive the following benefits: Inclusion in the online credit union Solutions Directory Scrolling Ad: partner organizations' logos continuously rotate on the Business Partnership page of the MCU website. Logos are randomized and linked to company webpages. Discounted tradeshow registration and preferential booth placement if - [VIP Application](https://www.mcun.coop/vip-application/) - To be considered for MCU's Vendor Involvement Program, please read the program's Terms & Conditions and complete the form below. Once we have the chance to review it, we'll be in touch. - [Power Up - FUNdraisers for MCUCD](https://www.mcun.coop/power-up-fundraisers-for-mcucd/) - To have an additional chance to network with Montana credit union professionals, consider participating in one of the FUNdraisers that benefit MCUCD and its programs – there will be both a Golf and a Non-Golf option. Pricing for both of these fundraisers is $200 per person. To register, start the Power Up registration process. From - [Power Up](https://www.mcun.coop/members/professional-development/power-up/) - Montana's Credit Unions — Ignite the Future! May 19-20, 2026 | Helena, Montana Registration is closed Gear up and get ready to answer the call: Montana’s Credit Unions Power Up Conference & Expo is heading to Helena, and it’s time to ignite two days of learning, connection, and momentum. Join us May 19–20, 2026, as - [Power Up - Exhibitors/Sponsors Info](https://www.mcun.coop/power-up-exhibitors-sponsors/) - Montana's Credit Unions Ignite the Future Exhibitor Registration is Closed Montana's Credit Unions will "Ignite the Future" at this year's Annual Power Up Convention & Expo May 19-20, 2026, at the Helena Civic Center. Join us as we celebrate Montana's credit unions! Credit union leaders from across the state continue to strive for excellence and - [FiCEP](https://www.mcun.coop/members/professional-development/ficep/) - Enhanced FiCEP Certification Program This program is provided in partnership between America’s Credit Unions, CU Difference, and a collaboration with the Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Montana’s Credit Unions Foundations. FiCEP is designed for people who work in the member service, collections, and lending departments, as well as any other staff committed to helping members gain control - [Philosophical (MCUCD)](https://www.mcun.coop/members/credit-union-advocacy/philosophical-mcucd/) - Montana Credit Unions for Community Development Montana Credit Unions for Community Development (MCUCD) is a statewide nonprofit organization working together with Montana's credit unions to improve the social and economic well-being of all Montanans. We work closely with our parent organization, Montana’s Credit Unions, which has served as the state credit union trade association for over - [The HYPE](https://www.mcun.coop/boards-committees/young-professionals-committee/) - The HYPE is an active community of professionals who are around 40 or younger and working in one of our state’s credit unions. The group is working to build momentum and put a plan in place to increase engagement and professional development opportunities for younger credit union professionals. Below are the members of The HYPE - [Credit Union Youth Month](https://www.mcun.coop/credit-union-youth-month/) - Helping Kids Build Money Confidence — Together Credit Union Youth Month is the perfect chance to help kids spark smart money habits early on. It’s also a moment for all of us to show why credit unions are the go‑to choice for families who want a financial partner that actually cares. When credit unions celebrate - [About Us](https://www.mcun.coop/about-us/) - Based in Helena, Montana, Montana’s Credit Unions exists to promote and enhance a thriving credit union community. Its various entities support this mission. The Montana Credit Union League provides dues-supported services that protect, advocate, and inform. The League Service Group provides quality business services for Montana’s credit unions. Montana Credit Unions for Community Development implements programs through credit unions that improve - [MCUL Group Benefits Trust Board](https://www.mcun.coop/boards-committees/credit-union-group-benefit-trust/) - The Credit Union Group Benefits Trust was formed in 2007 with the idea of providing affordable employee health insurance and other group benefits to members of the Montana Credit Union League. Beginning January 1, 2012, the Credit Union Group Benefits Trust moved to a partially funded state-approved MEWA. The Trust is governed by a seven-member - [Credit Union FAQs](https://www.mcun.coop/community/the-credit-union-difference/credit-union-faqs/) - If you have a question that isn’t answered here, please contact us! - [Medical Plan Documents](https://www.mcun.coop/members/health-benefit-trust/medical-plan-documents/) - The information available below is for the credit unions that are members of the Trust. Some of the information is password protected. If you need access, please submit a request following the links on the screen. To receive a quote on insurance, contact Dara Anderson. Please direct all other questions to Mara Rayner. - [WINcentive Program](https://www.mcun.coop/wincentive-program/) - Montana’s Credit Unions has partnered with the Minnesota Credit Union Network to bring the WINcentive Savings to Montana. Saving money can be hard, but WINcentive makes it easier — and fun — by incentivizing consumers to save. WINcentive Savings offers prize drawing entries each time a WINcentive member increases their savings balance by $25 (up to - [Financial Wellbeing](https://www.mcun.coop/community/financial-wellbeing/) - Financial education is at the core of credit unions’ social mission and deeply embedded into our asset-building work. Financial capability is about motivating and supporting individuals to make sound financial decisions. Whether we are working with participants in matched savings account programs or students at a reality fair, we strive to help individuals achieve their - [Power Up-Presenters](https://www.mcun.coop/power-up-presenters/) - We're excited to offer a great lineup of speakers, valuable education sessions, and some excellent entertainment for this year's Power Up. Which are you most looking forward to? - [MCU Communities](https://www.mcun.coop/members/mcu-communities/) - Get Engaged! The credit union movement in Montana is a cooperative affair. We believe in sharing stories, best practices, and expertise to better serve members and all Montanans. To strengthen those ties and facilitate our working together, MCU has launched numerous communities to help credit union professionals and volunteers connect with their peers, solve problems, - [Risk Management](https://www.mcun.coop/members/risk-management/) - Keeping up with compliance challenges credit unions of all sizes. Affiliation with Montana's Credit Unions includes compliance support in the form of a compliance assistance, relevant resources, and training. Available compliance resources include our Tuesday morning Compliance Vault emails, Training Tools webinars, and access for your whole team to InfoSight360 (formerly InfoSight and CU PolicyPro). - [UMACHA](https://www.mcun.coop/members/business-partners/strategic-alliances/umacha/) - Upper Midwest Automated Clearinghouse Association UMACHA serves as the regional ACH association for financial institutions, affiliates, and partner organizations across Montana, North and South Dakota, Minnesota, and Wisconsin. It is the primary resource for ACH forms, training, and information and also presents a wide variety of educational sessions (in-person and via webinar and teleseminar) that - [Pee Wee and Friends](https://www.mcun.coop/members/business-partners/strategic-alliances/pee-wee-friends/) - The Pee Wee Penguin youth savers program is a great way to introduce kids to smart saving and spending habits and the value of being a member of a credit union. This fun and exciting program will help your credit union educate young members and will show them and their parents how your credit union - [First Class Mortgage](https://www.mcun.coop/members/business-partners/strategic-alliances/first-class-mortgage/) - When you send mortgage clients their way, First Class Mortgage represents you. They focus on the borrowers’ interest throughout the entire mortgage process and work to find an option that best fits their needs. Your members no longer need to shop around for a mortgage that suits their financial needs. Let First Class Mortgage do - [Douglas Wilson and Company, PC](https://www.mcun.coop/members/business-partners/strategic-alliances/douglas-wilson-company-pc/) - Serving Montana credit unions for the past thirty years. Douglas Wilson offers a wide range of services to their credit union clients while ensuring personalized, quality service that is beyond comparison. We are experienced with credit union regulations and look forward to assisting you as you manage your risk and compliance obligations. As the list - [DCI Credit Services](https://www.mcun.coop/members/business-partners/strategic-alliances/dci-credit-services/) - DCI Credit Services partners with thousands of businesses across the Midwest to deliver exceptional debt collection results. Their success is driven by cutting-edge technology and a commitment to legal compliance. The most up-to-date software and data analytics allow DCI to process large volumes of information rapidly and deliver collection rates 4-5 times the national industry - [CU Social Good](https://www.mcun.coop/members/business-partners/strategic-alliances/cu-social-good/) - Does your credit union give back to your community? Join the only online platform solely dedicated to sharing the positive impact credit unions have on people and their communities! Share how your credit union is giving back and provide data relevant to your activities for free. View aggregated data on your customizable profile on the - [CUMONT](https://www.mcun.coop/members/business-partners/strategic-alliances/cumont/) - CUMONT, LLC is a CUSO that provides mortgage loan services to Montana credit unions. We believe that by working together, we can improve lives and grow communities, and help your credit union thrive. An effective real estate loan processing solution allows you to do what you do best -- serve your members' needs and build - [Ascensus](https://www.mcun.coop/members/business-partners/strategic-alliances/ascensus/) - Ascensus is the largest independent retirement and college savings services provider in the United States, helping over 7 million Americans save for the future. With more than 35 years of experience, the firm partners with financial institutions to offer tailored solutions that meet the needs of financial professionals, employers, and individuals. Ascensus specializes in recordkeeping, - [American Share Insurance](https://www.mcun.coop/members/business-partners/strategic-alliances/american-share-insurance/) - American Share provides an alternative to federal deposit insurance. We cover up to $250,000 per account—not per member—with no limit to the number of accounts. Their purpose is to insure deposits at their credit unions—without adding regulatory burden. With American Share, you have a choice. Contact Don Gensler, call 951-808-2243, or email - [Vericast](https://www.mcun.coop/members/business-partners/strategic-alliances/vericast/) - Formerly Harland Clarke Holdings, Vericast is a leading marketing solutions company that helps businesses across many industry verticals connect with consumers through data, analytics, and a broad portfolio of digital and print solutions. They help businesses understand, engage, grow, and retain customers. Every day, they influence the consumer purchasing and transaction behavior of more than 120 - [Velera](https://www.mcun.coop/members/business-partners/strategic-alliances/velera/) - Formerly PSCU/Co-op Solutions, Velera is the nation’s premier payments CUSO and an integrated financial technology solutions provider. With over four decades of industry experience and a commitment to service excellence and innovation, the company serves more than 4,000 financial institutions throughout North America, operating with velocity to help its clients keep pace with the rapid - [Strategic Resource Management (SRM)](https://www.mcun.coop/members/business-partners/strategic-alliances/strategic-resource-management-srm/) - SRM (Strategic Resource Management) has helped over 1,000 financial institutions add more than $5 billion of value to their bottom line in areas such as payments, digital transformation, core processing, artificial intelligence, cryptocurrency, and overall operating efficiency. SRM – now in its 30th year in business – has lowered costs, created revenue opportunities, increased productivity, - [FIS](https://www.mcun.coop/members/business-partners/strategic-alliances/cscu/) - Working to deliver banking and payment technologies to credit unions worldwide, FIS and its sales and customer service partner, CSCU, together are the credit union industry's advocate, partner and leader in total payment solutions. Created by and for credit unions, CSCU is driven by the same principles that guide the industry. The company works exclusively - [Bankers Equipment Service](https://www.mcun.coop/members/business-partners/strategic-alliances/bankers-equipment-service/) - Bankers Equipment Service (BES) is a trusted provider of banking equipment and financial technology solutions for institutions across the Midwest. With nearly 90 years of experience, BES delivers reliable technology and expert support to help you enhance customer service, boost efficiency, reduce risk, and maintain compliance. Contact Paige Brooks Briggs, Marketing Director, call 952-808-4246 or - [Associated Employers](https://www.mcun.coop/members/business-partners/strategic-alliances/associated-employers/) - Outsourcing human resource needs can save you time, resources, and money. Let Associated Employers guide you on this road to success. Their professional staff provides expert advice, support, information, research, and training in a wide range of human resource and business administration areas. With Montana’s unique wrongful discharge laws, we encourage you to consider membership - [Professional Development](https://www.mcun.coop/members/professional-development/) - Montana’s Credit Unions offer a variety of education and training to help meet your credit union’s goals and needs. Choose from conferences, workshops, webinars, telephone conferences, and self-study programs, all of which provide convenient, cost-effective training for staff, managers, and volunteers. - [Take The Lead Committee](https://www.mcun.coop/boards-committees/take-the-lead-committee/) - Take the Lead is an interactive, contemporary leadership training program designed to test, challenge, update, and enhance the leadership skills of experienced and up-and-coming new leaders so they can inspire, motivate, guide, and shape the future. It's also how you join MCU's Take the Lead Community and stay connected with other motivated professionals working to - [Roles & Responsibilities](https://www.mcun.coop/members/credit-union-directors/roles-responsibilities/) - The Board of Directors is tasked with setting the overall direction of the credit union. This rarely requires direct involvement in the day-to-day operations since that job falls to the credit union manager or CEO that the board hires. The credit union staff implements the policies that their board sets. Generally speaking, the board's job - [Health Benefits Trust](https://www.mcun.coop/members/health-benefit-trust/) - Offering Affordable Health Insurance The Credit Union Group Benefits Trust was formed in 2007 to provide affordable employee health insurance and other group benefits to members of the Montana Credit Union League. In 2012, the Credit Union Group Benefits Trust moved to a partially funded state-approved MEWA. The Trust is governed by a seven-member board - [Take Action](https://www.mcun.coop/members/credit-union-advocacy/take-action/) - Interchange Works Several weeks ago, Senators Durbin (IL) and Marshall (KS) introduced a bill that would change the interchange system. Just this fall, the Representatives Welch (VT) and (TX) introduced their companion bill. This bill poses a serious threat to sensitive financial data for millions of consumers – including credit union members. Allowing retailers to - [Credit Union Advocacy](https://www.mcun.coop/members/credit-union-advocacy/) - One of Montana’s Credit Unions’ core objectives is to share the not-for-profit financial cooperative story and advocate for credit unions across the state. To communicate this unique mission effectively, we introduced the concept of the Three-Legged Advocacy Stool, which balances advocacy in three key areas: political, philosophical, and philanthropic. Montana credit unions actively engage in - [The Women's Community](https://www.mcun.coop/boards-committees/womens-community/) - Our Mission The community encourages and supports credit union women by providing a network to empower and celebrate women with intentions to improve their professional development and growth opportunities regardless of their career path within the credit union movement. Why the Women's Community This community provides opportunities to connect with one another support one another - [Reality Fairs](https://www.mcun.coop/community/financial-wellbeing/reality-fairs/) - Montana’s credit unions recognize the need to improve financial capability among all ages in our state. Reality Fairs provide a fun, hands‐on way for consumers to learn about managing personal finances or planning for retirement. Financial Reality Fairs The Financial Reality Fair is a 60 ­– 90-minute experiential learning activity where students get a feel - [Philanthropic (CU4Kids)](https://www.mcun.coop/members/credit-union-advocacy/philanthropic-cu4kids/) - Montana Credit Unions for Kids An essential part of the credit union philosophy is giving back to our community, including through charity. Montana's Credit Unions' charities of choice are Credit Unions for Kids and the Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals. In Montana, any money we raise goes to support Shodair Children’s Hospital, which is our state’s - [Ugly Christmas Sweater Day](https://www.mcun.coop/members/ugly-sweater-day/) - A FUNdraiser for MCUCD Save the date! This year’s Ugly Christmas Sweater Fundraiser is set for December 12. Each December, credit union professionals showcase their most festive, most unique, most dazzling holiday attire to raise funds for Montana Credit Unions for Community Development (MCUCD), a statewide nonprofit organization working with Montana’s credit unions to improve the - [Online Learning](https://www.mcun.coop/members/professional-development/online-learning/) - Affordable, professional training, when and where you choose. Webinars, online courses, and virtual workshops are the most popular, convenient, and cost-effective training method for credit unions today. You may train as many people as you like for one price in the comfort of your own office or training room. There are no travel expenses or - [MCUCD Fancy Feet Fundraiser](https://www.mcun.coop/members/fancy-feet-fundraiser/) - Fancy Footwear Fundraiser Save the date! This year's Fancy Footwear Fundraiser is set for July 10, 2026. Each July, credit union professionals sport their fanciest, funkiest, frilliest footwear to raise funds for Montana Credit Unions for Community Development (MCUCD), a statewide nonprofit organization working with Montana’s credit unions to improve the social and economic well-being - [CUCollaborate](https://www.mcun.coop/members/business-partners/strategic-alliances/cucollaborate/) - CUCollaborate is a data and analytics CUSO that helps credit unions maximize growth, impact, and performance. We empower credit unions to adapt and thrive by combining proprietary data and technology with deep subject matter expertise to drive smarter strategic decision-making. Our creative strategies, rooted in our unique technical approach powered by data-driven insights, enable credit unions - [Montana CUAC Board](https://www.mcun.coop/boards-committees/montana-cuac-board/) - The Montana Credit Union Advocacy Council or CUAC is our state political action committee (PAC) and registered with the State Commissioner of Political Practices. It is run by a board of trustees made up of the following credit union volunteers and professionals from all corners of Montana. Our political action page has more information about - [Directors](https://www.mcun.coop/members/credit-union-directors/) - Credit unions are member-owned and governed by a volunteer board of directors who are elected democratically by (and from) the membership. Volunteers play a huge role in our movement and acquire a lot of responsibility when they take a seat on their credit union's board of directors. Setting policies and the direction of a financial - [The Credit Union Cooperative Principles](https://www.mcun.coop/community/the-credit-union-difference/credit-union-cooperative-principles/) - Credit union members talk about “the credit union difference.” If you’ve only ever used banks as your financial institution, you may think they exaggerate. Still, many fundamental differences make credit unions a unique and preferred choice for members. We believe in people over profit, and that impacts the way we do business. From our overall - [Prime](https://www.mcun.coop/members/business-partners/strategic-alliances/prime/) - A full-service digital marketing agency, PRIME's small but mighty team, based in Bozeman, has partnered with credit unions for over a decade. In an industry of one-size-fits-all marketing, they replace generic approaches with targeted strategies that drive membership, engage younger audiences, and increase operational efficiency. They leverage data-driven insights and advanced tools to help you scale - [Bill Tracking 2025](https://www.mcun.coop/members/credit-union-advocacy/bill-tracking-2025/) - Bills being tracked: 02.24.2025 01.14.2025 If you have any questions about these materials or next steps, contact Karen. - [Trust Business Partners 2025](https://www.mcun.coop/members/health-benefit-trust/trust-business-partners-2025/) - We partner with some great businesses to provide health and wellness services to you. Check out the list of questions below to access the services and resources you need. If you have any questions about your health coverage and the benefits the Trust provides, contact Mara Rayner. - [CUNA Strategic Services (CSS)](https://www.mcun.coop/members/business-partners/strategic-alliances/cuna-strategic-services/) - From the newest products to tried-and-true solutions, CUNA Strategic Services (CSS) connects credit unions to innovative products and services. Through its alliance provider relationships, CSS focuses on helping credit unions drive membership, grow revenue, promote operational excellence and foster collaboration. CUNA Strategic Services vets all potential alliance providers to ensure their - [Reality Fair Materials](https://www.mcun.coop/community/financial-wellbeing/reality-fairs/reality-fair-materials/) - Below are materials that credit unions can use to organize and host a Financial Reality Fair for local high school students. MCU Reality Fair Toolkit If you have any questions about these materials or next steps, contact Karen. - [MemberClose](https://www.mcun.coop/members/business-partners/strategic-alliances/memberclose/) - The MemberClose Platform gives you access to best-in-class companies offering appraisals, credit reporting, flood insurance, document preparation, and closing services. With all these services in one convenient, easy-to-manage location, we're committed to providing you with an efficient, stress-free real estate experience. No long-term contracts. No set-up fees. No monthly service fees. To learn more, check - [CU DigiLend](https://www.mcun.coop/members/business-partners/strategic-alliances/cu-digilend/) - Known for its advanced technology and seamless user experience, CU DigiLend gives credit unions the ability to offer personal financing at the point of sale via customized, branded financing options. This allows them to maintain their unique identity while leveraging state-of-the-art technology. This service simplifies the loan application process and makes it easier for members - [Notary Public Training](https://www.mcun.coop/members/professional-development/notary-public-training/) - Notary Public Training Anyone applying to become a notary or renewing their notary commission in Montana is required to complete four hours of notary training. Our four-part webinar series is approved by the Montana Secretary of State's office to meet those requirements. The details about eligibility and the process of becoming a Montana Notary Public - [Motivosity](https://www.mcun.coop/members/business-partners/strategic-alliances/motivosity/) - Motivosity is an innovative employee recognition product that provides you with a seamless solution for fostering a vibrant culture and acknowledging the efforts of your credit union's employees. Contact: Carly MacLennan, Marketing Manager, call 801.758.7188 or email. - [The CU Difference Stories](https://www.mcun.coop/members/pr-support/cu-difference/) - Tell Us Your Story If we're going to truly highlight the difference that credit unions are making — we need stories to support those numbers. Stories that we can use for advocacy efforts and simply raising awareness of the #CUDifference. Do you have a story or situation you are willing to share with us? We'd - [Contact Us](https://www.mcun.coop/contact-us/) - We work hard to serve Montana’s credit unions and credit union members, and we’d love to hear how we’re doing! Below are a number of ways you can contact us or send us information. - [Instructors](https://www.mcun.coop/instructors/) - [Instructor](https://www.mcun.coop/instructor/) - [Federal](https://www.mcun.coop/members/credit-union-advocacy/federal/) - [Momentum onUp](https://www.mcun.coop/community/financial-wellbeing/momentum-on-up/) - Montana’s credit unions have partnered with Momentum onUp so that every step you take toward financial confidence is a step toward living a life well spent. A life where you spend less time worrying about money, and more time enjoying the moments that matter most to you. The goal of this program is to provide - [PAC Programs](https://www.mcun.coop/members/credit-union-advocacy/pac-programs/) - Montana credit union members, volunteers, and staff often engage in campaign-related activities that support the election or reelection of local, state, or federal candidates who support the goals of credit unions. Credit unions’ strength in the political arena is based primarily on our grassroots efforts. While we are a movement of volunteers, we also remember - [Setup Member Password](https://www.mcun.coop/setup-member-password/) - To reset your password, click here and follow the instructions. You'll get an email from mcun@mcun.coop (via weblinkinternational.com) with the subject "Password reset" with a link to choose a new password. If you have questions or don't get the email, contact Beth. Her email address and direct line are below. - [Compliance News & Views](https://www.mcun.coop/members/risk-management/compliance-news-views/) - Part of our role at Montana's Credit Unions is keeping you updated on anything impacting compliance or your lending and operations. Below are links to current news releases as well as compliance blogs written to address common questions. News: March Compliance Vault FinCEN Alert on Russian Sanctions FRB Updates Savings Bond Guide NCUA 2022 Supervisory Priorities Views: But - [Political](https://www.mcun.coop/members/credit-union-advocacy/political/) - Advocacy and action go hand in-hand in the credit union movement. We are actively working to build and strengthen relationships among state and federal policy makers, regulators, consumer groups, and credit unions. Montana’s Credit Unions strives to coordinate a variety of events and practices that help amplify the voice of credit union philosophy and principles - [Calendar](https://www.mcun.coop/members/professional-development/calendar/) - [MCU Event Policies](https://www.mcun.coop/members/professional-development/mcu-event-policies/) - Please Review Before Attending MCU Events Montana’s Credit Unions (MCU) holds live and virtual professional conferences and meetings to enable its members to receive continuing education, build professional networks, and discover new products and services for professional use. We want everyone’s event experience to be welcoming, respectful, and safe. Please help us — make sure - [Infosight](https://www.mcun.coop/infosight/) - WELCOME TO INFOSIGHT! Welcome to the Montana InfoSight. InfoSight is your online compliance manual, containing federal and Montana-specific content that is accurate, concise and detailed on a wide range of topics and issues. A comprehensive search feature is available for easy navigation and printing options are available within each section. There are easy-to-read compliance summaries, - [Momentum onUP Webinars](https://www.mcun.coop/community/financial-wellbeing/momentum-onup-webinars/) - Feel free to use these webinars as you see fit. Each provides an overview of the lessons learned in each pillar. Click on the links below to access the videos. Pillar 1 Pillar 2 Pillar 3 Pillar 4 Pillar 5 Pillar 6 Pillar 7 Pillar 8 For more information or staff training questions, contact Karen - [Checkout](https://www.mcun.coop/checkout/) - [Profile](https://www.mcun.coop/profile/) - [Co-op Campaign Academy](https://www.mcun.coop/coopcampaignacademy/) - Workshops Canceled Due to low registration, we have had to cancel the Co-op Campaign Academies scheduled for February. Interested in Campaign Training? As cooperatives, Montana’s Credit Unions and the Montana Electric Cooperatives’ Association are committed to supporting democratic ideals and representative government. We feel our campaign academies offer a great benefit to Montana's political landscape - [Member Login](https://www.mcun.coop/member-login/) - [membee_login /] - [ALICE Training Institute](https://www.mcun.coop/members/business-partners/strategic-alliances/alice-training-institute/) - ALICE is the #1 Active Shooter Civilian Response Training for all Organizations. ALICE Training Institute has created a certified training program to: Maximize Survival employees Provide Accountability by documenting completed training and preparation Reduce Liability by implementing and training in alignment with state and federal standards of care for violent intruder events ALICE (Alert, Lockdown, - [A Direct Line Blog](https://www.mcun.coop/members/credit-union-directors/a-direct-line-blog/) - [Directory](https://www.mcun.coop/directory/) ## Courses - [Notary Public Training](https://www.mcun.coop/courses/notary-public-training/) - Notary Public Training As of July 1, 2020, everyone either applying to become a new notary or renewing their expiring notary commission in Montana is required to complete four hours of notary training. This four-part training series has been approved by the Montana Secretary of State’s office to meet those requirements. The details about eligibility ## Lessons - [General Information & Becoming a Notary Public](https://www.mcun.coop/lessons/general-information-becoming-a-notary-public/) - [Notary Documents and the Notarial Process](https://www.mcun.coop/lessons/notary-documents-and-the-notarial-process/) - [Specialized Information](https://www.mcun.coop/lessons/specialized-information/) - [Types of Notarial Acts](https://www.mcun.coop/lessons/types-of-notarial-acts/) ## Quizzes - [Lesson 4 Completed](https://www.mcun.coop/quizzes/lesson-1-completed-copy-2/) - [Lesson 3 Completed](https://www.mcun.coop/quizzes/lesson-2-completed-copy/) - [Lesson 2 Completed](https://www.mcun.coop/quizzes/lesson-1-completed-copy/) - [Lesson 1 Completed](https://www.mcun.coop/quizzes/lesson-completed-copy/) - [Lesson Completed](https://www.mcun.coop/quizzes/notary-training-final-2/) ## Question Bank - [I watched the Webinar in Lesson 1 Copy](https://www.mcun.coop/questions/i-completed-the-webinar-in-lesson-1-copy-2/) - I confirm that I have completed the webinar in this lesson. - [I worked through the Webinar in Lesson 3](https://www.mcun.coop/questions/i-completed-the-webinar-in-lesson-2-copy/) - I confirm that I have completed the webinar in this lesson. - [I completed the Webinar in Lesson 2](https://www.mcun.coop/questions/i-completed-the-webinar-in-lesson-1-copy/) - I confirm that I have completed the webinar in this lesson. - [I completed the Webinar in Lesson 1](https://www.mcun.coop/questions/i-completed-the-training-in-this-lesson-copy/) - I confirm that I have completed the webinar in this lesson. - [I completed the Training in this Lesson](https://www.mcun.coop/questions/completed-the-training-2/) - I confirm that I have completed the webinar in this lesson. - [Completed the Training Copy](https://www.mcun.coop/questions/completed-the-training-copy/) - I confirm that I have completed all four Notary Public training webinars. - [Completed the Training](https://www.mcun.coop/questions/completed-the-training/) - I confirm that I have completed all four training webinars. ## Galleries - [Power Up 2022](https://www.mcun.coop/bwg_gallery/power-up-2022/) - [2022 Be Adventurous](https://www.mcun.coop/bwg_gallery/2022-be-adventurous/) - [Brawl of the Wild Icon Fundraiser](https://www.mcun.coop/bwg_gallery/brawl-of-the-wild-icon-fundraiser/) - [2021 Ugly Sweater Day](https://www.mcun.coop/bwg_gallery/2021-ugly-sweater-day/) - [2021 Be Resilient](https://www.mcun.coop/bwg_gallery/2021-be-resilient/) - [Power Up 2021](https://www.mcun.coop/bwg_gallery/power-up-2021/) - [2019 Ugly Sweater FUNdraiser](https://www.mcun.coop/bwg_gallery/2019-ugly-sweater-fundraiser/) ## Gallery Share - [Image](https://www.mcun.coop/bwg_share/image/) ## Categories - [Uncategorized - (Won't display on any feed)](https://www.mcun.coop/category/uncategorized/) - [A Direct Line](https://www.mcun.coop/category/a-direct-line/) - [Personal Finance](https://www.mcun.coop/category/personal-finance/) - [CU News](https://www.mcun.coop/category/news/) - [Compliance](https://www.mcun.coop/category/compliance/) - [Budgeting and Saving](https://www.mcun.coop/category/personal-finance/budgeting-and-saving/) - [Investing](https://www.mcun.coop/category/personal-finance/investing/) - [Debt Management](https://www.mcun.coop/category/personal-finance/debt-management/) - [Retirement and Financial Planning](https://www.mcun.coop/category/personal-finance/retirement-and-financial-planning/) - [Kids and Money](https://www.mcun.coop/category/personal-finance/kids-and-money/) - [Fraud and Scam Prevention](https://www.mcun.coop/category/personal-finance/scam-and-fraud-prevention/) - [Young Professionals Blog](https://www.mcun.coop/category/young-professionals-blog/) - [Advocacy](https://www.mcun.coop/category/advocacy/) - Advocacy updates ## Tags - [Health](https://www.mcun.coop/tag/health/) - [Taxes](https://www.mcun.coop/tag/taxes/) - [Tax Returns](https://www.mcun.coop/tag/tax-returns/) - [Personal Finance](https://www.mcun.coop/tag/personal-finance/) - [Credit Unions](https://www.mcun.coop/tag/credit-unions/) - 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[new job](https://www.mcun.coop/tag/new-job/) - [employer-sponsored retirement benefits](https://www.mcun.coop/tag/employer-sponsored-retirement-benefits/) - [why credit unions](https://www.mcun.coop/tag/why-credit-unions/) - [credit union philosophy](https://www.mcun.coop/tag/credit-union-philosophy/) - [cost of raising a family](https://www.mcun.coop/tag/cost-of-raising-a-family/) - [college savings](https://www.mcun.coop/tag/college-savings/) - [family and money](https://www.mcun.coop/tag/family-and-money/) - [budgeting for kids](https://www.mcun.coop/tag/budgeting-for-kids/) - [budgetinging for kids](https://www.mcun.coop/tag/budgetinging-for-kids/) - [Tristate collaborative](https://www.mcun.coop/tag/tristate-collaborative/) - [media relase](https://www.mcun.coop/tag/media-relase/) - [Minnesota credit unions](https://www.mcun.coop/tag/minnesota-credit-unions/) - [Wisconsin credit unions](https://www.mcun.coop/tag/wisconsin-credit-unions/) - [collaboration](https://www.mcun.coop/tag/collaboration/) - [allowances](https://www.mcun.coop/tag/allowances/) - [youth financial education](https://www.mcun.coop/tag/youth-financial-education/) - [Personify Leadership](https://www.mcun.coop/tag/personify-leadership/) - [leadership training](https://www.mcun.coop/tag/leadership-training/) - [professional development](https://www.mcun.coop/tag/professional-development/) - [#leadership](https://www.mcun.coop/tag/leadership/) - [debt](https://www.mcun.coop/tag/debt/) - [car loans](https://www.mcun.coop/tag/car-loans/) - [personal loans](https://www.mcun.coop/tag/personal-loans/) - [finding a loan](https://www.mcun.coop/tag/finding-a-loan/) - [Credit Union House Hall of Leaders](https://www.mcun.coop/tag/credit-union-house-hall-of-leaders/) - [Bryan Fox](https://www.mcun.coop/tag/bryan-fox/) - [credit union advocacy](https://www.mcun.coop/tag/credit-union-advocacy/) - [Richland FCU](https://www.mcun.coop/tag/richland-fcu/) - [special dividend](https://www.mcun.coop/tag/special-dividend/) - [benefits of a credit union](https://www.mcun.coop/tag/benefits-of-a-credit-union/) - [smart spending](https://www.mcun.coop/tag/smart-spending/) - [grocery shopping](https://www.mcun.coop/tag/grocery-shopping/) - [inflation](https://www.mcun.coop/tag/inflation/) - [shopping tips](https://www.mcun.coop/tag/shopping-tips/) - [how to save](https://www.mcun.coop/tag/how-to-save/) - [save more](https://www.mcun.coop/tag/save-more/) - [setting goals](https://www.mcun.coop/tag/setting-goals/) - [special occasions](https://www.mcun.coop/tag/special-occasions/) - [money beliefs](https://www.mcun.coop/tag/money-beliefs/) - [credit unions and business](https://www.mcun.coop/tag/credit-unions-and-business/) - [Jack Lawson](https://www.mcun.coop/tag/jack-lawson/) - [Erin Knerr](https://www.mcun.coop/tag/erin-knerr/) - [Paul Dockter](https://www.mcun.coop/tag/paul-dockter/) - [Kelly Fleiner](https://www.mcun.coop/tag/kelly-fleiner/) - [credit union awards](https://www.mcun.coop/tag/credit-union-awards/) - [credit report](https://www.mcun.coop/tag/credit-report/) - [credit card](https://www.mcun.coop/tag/credit-card/) - [credit utilization ratio](https://www.mcun.coop/tag/credit-utilization-ratio/) - [debt repayment](https://www.mcun.coop/tag/debt-repayment/) - [mortgage and credit](https://www.mcun.coop/tag/mortgage-and-credit/) - [Whitefish Credit Union](https://www.mcun.coop/tag/whitefish-credit-union/) - [new branch](https://www.mcun.coop/tag/new-branch/) - [ground opening](https://www.mcun.coop/tag/ground-opening/) - [Missoula credit unions](https://www.mcun.coop/tag/missoula-credit-unions/) - [4-H; youth support; Russell Country FCU](https://www.mcun.coop/tag/4-h-youth-support-russell-country-fcu/) - [planning for retirement](https://www.mcun.coop/tag/planning-for-retirement/) - [retirement accounts](https://www.mcun.coop/tag/retirement-accounts/) - [Park Side Credit Union](https://www.mcun.coop/tag/park-side-credit-union/) - [educator](https://www.mcun.coop/tag/educator/) - [externship](https://www.mcun.coop/tag/externship/) - [Reach Higher](https://www.mcun.coop/tag/reach-higher/) - [Montana Credit Union](https://www.mcun.coop/tag/montana-credit-union/) - [Horizon Credit Union](https://www.mcun.coop/tag/horizon-credit-union/) - [1st Liberty Federal Credit Union](https://www.mcun.coop/tag/1st-liberty-federal-credit-union/) - [Rocky Mountain Credit Union](https://www.mcun.coop/tag/rocky-mountain-credit-union/) - [Inspire Academy](https://www.mcun.coop/tag/inspire-academy/) - [community](https://www.mcun.coop/tag/community/) - [school supply drive](https://www.mcun.coop/tag/school-supply-drive/) - [Family First Federal Credit Union](https://www.mcun.coop/tag/family-first-federal-credit-union/) - [car rental](https://www.mcun.coop/tag/car-rental/) - [save money](https://www.mcun.coop/tag/save-money/) - [renting a car](https://www.mcun.coop/tag/renting-a-car/) - [term life insurance](https://www.mcun.coop/tag/term-life-insurance/) - [permanent life insurance](https://www.mcun.coop/tag/permanent-life-insurance/) - [having a will](https://www.mcun.coop/tag/having-a-will/) - [how to avoid scams](https://www.mcun.coop/tag/how-to-avoid-scams/) - [young adults and finances](https://www.mcun.coop/tag/young-adults-and-finances/) - [love and money](https://www.mcun.coop/tag/love-and-money/) - [combining finances](https://www.mcun.coop/tag/combining-finances/) - [marriage and money](https://www.mcun.coop/tag/marriage-and-money/) - [how to combine your finances](https://www.mcun.coop/tag/how-to-combine-your-finances/) - [international credit union day](https://www.mcun.coop/tag/international-credit-union-day/) - [older parents and finances](https://www.mcun.coop/tag/older-parents-and-finances/) - [charity](https://www.mcun.coop/tag/charity/) - [reputable charity](https://www.mcun.coop/tag/reputable-charity/) - [how to donate](https://www.mcun.coop/tag/how-to-donate/) - [Brawl of the Wild](https://www.mcun.coop/tag/brawl-of-the-wild/) - [Shodair Children's Hospital](https://www.mcun.coop/tag/shodair-childrens-hospital/) - [fundraiser](https://www.mcun.coop/tag/fundraiser/) - [CU4Kids](https://www.mcun.coop/tag/cu4kids/) - [charitable donations](https://www.mcun.coop/tag/charitable-donations/) - [how to give](https://www.mcun.coop/tag/how-to-give/) - [giving back](https://www.mcun.coop/tag/giving-back/) - [community support](https://www.mcun.coop/tag/community-support/) - [credit union or bank](https://www.mcun.coop/tag/credit-union-or-bank/) - [credit unions and banks](https://www.mcun.coop/tag/credit-unions-and-banks/) - [what are credit unions](https://www.mcun.coop/tag/what-are-credit-unions/) - [not-for-profit](https://www.mcun.coop/tag/not-for-profit/) - [credit union structure](https://www.mcun.coop/tag/credit-union-structure/) - [financial cooperative](https://www.mcun.coop/tag/financial-cooperative/) - [year-end](https://www.mcun.coop/tag/year-end/) - [tax preparation](https://www.mcun.coop/tag/tax-preparation/) - [finance goals](https://www.mcun.coop/tag/finance-goals/) - [30s retirement](https://www.mcun.coop/tag/30s-retirement/) - [love and money; finances when married](https://www.mcun.coop/tag/love-and-money-finances-when-married/) - [money fights](https://www.mcun.coop/tag/money-fights/) - [finances when married](https://www.mcun.coop/tag/finances-when-married/) - [Rocky Moutain Credit Union](https://www.mcun.coop/tag/rocky-moutain-credit-union/) - [Cyrus Malkin](https://www.mcun.coop/tag/cyrus-malkin/) - [CU Difference](https://www.mcun.coop/tag/cu-difference/) - [Valley Credit Union](https://www.mcun.coop/tag/valley-credit-union/) - [Mile High Federal Credit Union](https://www.mcun.coop/tag/mile-high-federal-credit-union/) - [Montana Legislative Update](https://www.mcun.coop/tag/montana-legislative-update/) - [SB 176](https://www.mcun.coop/tag/sb-176/) - [SB 240](https://www.mcun.coop/tag/sb-240/) - [2025 Montana Legislature](https://www.mcun.coop/tag/2025-montana-legislature/) - [Legislative Session](https://www.mcun.coop/tag/legislative-session/) - [debt-free](https://www.mcun.coop/tag/debt-free/) - [saving tips](https://www.mcun.coop/tag/saving-tips/) - [simplify your budget](https://www.mcun.coop/tag/simplify-your-budget/) - [budget types](https://www.mcun.coop/tag/budget-types/) - [scam](https://www.mcun.coop/tag/scam/) - [credit freeze](https://www.mcun.coop/tag/credit-freeze/) - [password management](https://www.mcun.coop/tag/password-management/) - [will](https://www.mcun.coop/tag/will/) - [Credit Union Youth Month](https://www.mcun.coop/tag/credit-union-youth-month/) - [budget tips for kids](https://www.mcun.coop/tag/budget-tips-for-kids/) - [don't tax my credit union](https://www.mcun.coop/tag/dont-tax-my-credit-union/) - [credit union tax status](https://www.mcun.coop/tag/credit-union-tax-status/) - [save on taxes](https://www.mcun.coop/tag/save-on-taxes/) - [taxable income](https://www.mcun.coop/tag/taxable-income/) - [Credit unions vs. Banks](https://www.mcun.coop/tag/credit-unions-vs-banks/) - [fraud prevention](https://www.mcun.coop/tag/fraud-prevention/) - [fraud awareness](https://www.mcun.coop/tag/fraud-awareness/) - [employee-sponsored retirement plans](https://www.mcun.coop/tag/employee-sponsored-retirement-plans/) - [how to invest](https://www.mcun.coop/tag/how-to-invest/) - [investing for retirement](https://www.mcun.coop/tag/investing-for-retirement/) - [home ownership](https://www.mcun.coop/tag/home-ownership/) - [how to buy a house](https://www.mcun.coop/tag/how-to-buy-a-house/) - [mortgages](https://www.mcun.coop/tag/mortgages/) - [home buying](https://www.mcun.coop/tag/home-buying/) - [closing costs](https://www.mcun.coop/tag/closing-costs/) - [mortgage insurance](https://www.mcun.coop/tag/mortgage-insurance/) - [how to buy a home](https://www.mcun.coop/tag/how-to-buy-a-home/) - [property taxes](https://www.mcun.coop/tag/property-taxes/) - [college debt](https://www.mcun.coop/tag/college-debt/) - [family vacation](https://www.mcun.coop/tag/family-vacation/) - [save for vacation](https://www.mcun.coop/tag/save-for-vacation/) - [big purchases](https://www.mcun.coop/tag/big-purchases/) - [debt management](https://www.mcun.coop/tag/debt-management/) - [debt managment](https://www.mcun.coop/tag/debt-managment/) - [holiday spending](https://www.mcun.coop/tag/holiday-spending/) - [family activities](https://www.mcun.coop/tag/family-activities/) - [small businesses](https://www.mcun.coop/tag/small-businesses/) - [support local businesses](https://www.mcun.coop/tag/support-local-businesses/) - [impact payment](https://www.mcun.coop/tag/impact-payment/) - [IRA](https://www.mcun.coop/tag/ira/) - [financial resolutions](https://www.mcun.coop/tag/financial-resolutions/) - [finances a divorce](https://www.mcun.coop/tag/finances-a-divorce/) - [moving in with your partner](https://www.mcun.coop/tag/moving-in-with-your-partner/) - [marriage and finances](https://www.mcun.coop/tag/marriage-and-finances/) - [stop a scam](https://www.mcun.coop/tag/stop-a-scam/) - [tax refund](https://www.mcun.coop/tag/tax-refund/) - [no paycheck](https://www.mcun.coop/tag/no-paycheck/) - [how to spend](https://www.mcun.coop/tag/how-to-spend/) - [life plan](https://www.mcun.coop/tag/life-plan/) - [entrepreneurship](https://www.mcun.coop/tag/entrepreneurship/) - [emergency savings](https://www.mcun.coop/tag/emergency-savings/) - [millennial](https://www.mcun.coop/tag/millennial/) - [retirement savings](https://www.mcun.coop/tag/retirement-savings/) - [aging parents](https://www.mcun.coop/tag/aging-parents/) - [financial challenges](https://www.mcun.coop/tag/financial-challenges/) - [spot a scam](https://www.mcun.coop/tag/spot-a-scam/) - [financial advice for couples](https://www.mcun.coop/tag/financial-advice-for-couples/) - [elder fraud](https://www.mcun.coop/tag/elder-fraud/) - [Montana credit unions](https://www.mcun.coop/tag/montana-credit-unions/) - [holiday shopping](https://www.mcun.coop/tag/holiday-shopping/) - [recent graduates](https://www.mcun.coop/tag/recent-graduates/) - [money tips](https://www.mcun.coop/tag/money-tips/) - [big expenses](https://www.mcun.coop/tag/big-expenses/) - [vacation](https://www.mcun.coop/tag/vacation/) - [loaning money to family](https://www.mcun.coop/tag/loaning-money-to-family/) - [financial boundaries](https://www.mcun.coop/tag/financial-boundaries/) - [teach about money](https://www.mcun.coop/tag/teach-about-money/) - [college budgeting](https://www.mcun.coop/tag/college-budgeting/) - [health costs](https://www.mcun.coop/tag/health-costs/) - [emergency planning](https://www.mcun.coop/tag/emergency-planning/) - [natural disaster](https://www.mcun.coop/tag/natural-disaster/) - [disability insurance](https://www.mcun.coop/tag/disability-insurance/) - [fighting fraud](https://www.mcun.coop/tag/fighting-fraud/) - [phishing](https://www.mcun.coop/tag/phishing/) - [investment scams](https://www.mcun.coop/tag/investment-scams/) - [scam prevention](https://www.mcun.coop/tag/scam-prevention/) - [government shutdown](https://www.mcun.coop/tag/government-shutdown/) - [financial cooperatives](https://www.mcun.coop/tag/financial-cooperatives/) - [peer to peer payments](https://www.mcun.coop/tag/peer-to-peer-payments/) - [identity theft](https://www.mcun.coop/tag/identity-theft/) - [stolen identity](https://www.mcun.coop/tag/stolen-identity/) - [holiday scams](https://www.mcun.coop/tag/holiday-scams/) - [Level All](https://www.mcun.coop/tag/level-all/) - [education partnership](https://www.mcun.coop/tag/education-partnership/) - [financial mindset](https://www.mcun.coop/tag/financial-mindset/) - [financial checkup](https://www.mcun.coop/tag/financial-checkup/) - [awards](https://www.mcun.coop/tag/awards/) - [romance scams](https://www.mcun.coop/tag/romance-scams/) - [talking about money](https://www.mcun.coop/tag/talking-about-money/) - [financial decluttering](https://www.mcun.coop/tag/financial-decluttering/) - [what documents to keep](https://www.mcun.coop/tag/what-documents-to-keep/) - [automation](https://www.mcun.coop/tag/automation/) - [documents to shred](https://www.mcun.coop/tag/documents-to-shred/) - [automate](https://www.mcun.coop/tag/automate/) - [spring cleaning](https://www.mcun.coop/tag/spring-cleaning/) - [youth month](https://www.mcun.coop/tag/youth-month/) - [money skills](https://www.mcun.coop/tag/money-skills/) - [money by age](https://www.mcun.coop/tag/money-by-age/) - [money how tos](https://www.mcun.coop/tag/money-how-tos/) - [teens and money](https://www.mcun.coop/tag/teens-and-money/) - [teenagers](https://www.mcun.coop/tag/teenagers/) - [young professionals](https://www.mcun.coop/tag/young-professionals/) - [emotional intelligence](https://www.mcun.coop/tag/emotional-intelligence/) - [2026 awards](https://www.mcun.coop/tag/2026-awards/) - [elder abuse](https://www.mcun.coop/tag/elder-abuse/) - [elder financial abuse](https://www.mcun.coop/tag/elder-financial-abuse/) - [financial exploitation](https://www.mcun.coop/tag/financial-exploitation/) - [elder financial exploitation awareness](https://www.mcun.coop/tag/elder-financial-exploitation-awareness/) - [business loans](https://www.mcun.coop/tag/business-loans/) - [credit union careers](https://www.mcun.coop/tag/credit-union-careers/) - [career with meaning](https://www.mcun.coop/tag/career-with-meaning/) - [ILoveMyCreditUnion](https://www.mcun.coop/tag/ilovemycreditunion/) - [social media campaign](https://www.mcun.coop/tag/social-media-campaign/) - [board of directors](https://www.mcun.coop/tag/board-of-directors/) - [Valley CU](https://www.mcun.coop/tag/valley-cu/) - [Badlands FCU](https://www.mcun.coop/tag/badlands-fcu/) - [Northwestern Energy Employees FCU](https://www.mcun.coop/tag/northwestern-energy-employees-fcu/) - [Montana summer](https://www.mcun.coop/tag/montana-summer/) - [just for fun](https://www.mcun.coop/tag/just-for-fun/) - [HYPE blog](https://www.mcun.coop/tag/hype-blog/) - [investing terms](https://www.mcun.coop/tag/investing-terms/) - [beginner investing](https://www.mcun.coop/tag/beginner-investing/) - [credit union mission](https://www.mcun.coop/tag/credit-union-mission/) - [personality assessments](https://www.mcun.coop/tag/personality-assessments/)