August 24, 2026
Categories: Reaching My Summit
By Laurie Baker, President and CEO
In my last blog, I shared a simple thought: community isn’t something we find, it’s something we build. The people we surround ourselves with shape how we grow, overcome challenges, and celebrate successes. The same is true when it comes to our financial lives.
Financial empowerment isn’t about having all the answers. It’s about building the confidence, knowledge, and support system that helps you make informed decisions throughout every stage of life.
As the CEO of The Summit and someone who has spent my career in the credit union movement, I’ve had the privilege of working alongside people who believe deeply in financial education. That perspective has influenced me professionally and personally, especially as a mom helping my own children build healthy financial habits.
One thing I’ve learned is that no one should have to figure it all out alone.
Take a moment to think about your financial circle. Who do you turn to for guidance? Who encourages you to set goals and plan for the future? Financial confidence isn’t built alone, it grows through trusted relationships.
At The Summit, we want to be part of that trusted circle.
Our role goes beyond offering products and services. We strive to be a partner, advocate, and educator as you navigate life’s opportunities and challenges. Whether you’re buying your first home, saving for retirement, or working through a financial setback, our goal is to help you feel empowered, not overwhelmed.
One of the most empowering things you can do is understand where you stand today.
Do you know your credit score? It’s one of the most important financial tools you have and one worth protecting. Do you have a clear picture of your savings, debt, and goals? When you know where you stand, you can create a plan that’s right for you. Financial journeys aren’t one-size-fits-all, and your plan shouldn’t be either.
Financial institutions play an important role, but they shouldn’t be your only source of guidance. Financial confidence grows when you build a trusted network of people and resources you can rely on. Sometimes you’re the one offering advice and other times, you’re the one asking questions. Both matter.
Building financial confidence is like building muscle. It doesn’t happen overnight. It takes consistent habits and the willingness to ask for help when you need it. Every step strengthens your financial future.
And if you feel like you’re behind, remember that everyone starts somewhere. Not everyone grows up with financial education, but it’s never too late to learn.
Seek out trusted experts, ask questions, and take advantage of resources like GreenPath Financial Wellness. The more you know, the more confident you’ll become, not just about your finances, but about the decisions that shape your future.
Financial education is a lifelong journey. Life changes, and so do our financial needs. That’s why having trusted relationships and reliable resources matters.
At The Summit, we believe our members are family. We’re proud to be part of your support system, not the only voice, but one that’s always here to educate, encourage, and empower.
Because we know that when we strengthen our financial knowledge and support one another, we build more confident, resilient communities together.