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Reaching My Summit

Welcome to Reaching My Summit, a new resource designed especially by The Summit Federal Credit Union to help teens, young adults and their parents figure out everything money. And not just boring financial stuff you find on other sites, but real life support based on what’s important to you. Whether your financial goals are big or small, they’re important to you.

We want you to reach your personal summit and your biggest dreams, whether you’re a parent trying to figure out how to talk to your kids about money, a teenager with your first job, or a college student or grad taking the next big step in your financial freedom. Reaching My Summit does just that — we’re here with helpful information, tips and expert advice on how to start managing your financial future today.

 

Reaching My Summit

The Procrastinator’s Guide to Holiday Travel Savings

By GreenPath Financial Wellness Holiday travel season is near, and peak prices already tell that story: nearly 75% of Hopper customers say that as they book travel this year, they plan to spend the same or more than what they shelled out last year. If this sounds uncomfortably familiar, don’t panic! Even if you’ve waited until […]

Reaching My Summit

Phone a Friend. Refer a Friend

How many times have you really enjoyed something, or found something works well for you? The first thing you want to do is tell someone, right? You want to share with friends and family so that they can enjoy those same things. Our members are our greatest ambassadors. Take this comment from a member, for […]

Financial Planning

You’ve thought about money FOR college. Now think about money AT college.

College costs money. But while you’re calculating the expense of tuition, room and board, you can sometimes overlook the fact that you’ll usually need additional funds for things like supplies, transportation, and personal items (and maybe pizza).

Financial Planning

Financial Tools to Set Up After College

You’ve just graduated from college. Congratulations! You are also embarking on a new chapter of your financial life. How you handle this next phase will determine your fiscal future in the long and short term. Here are three tools to add to your financial toolkit immediately.

Reaching My Summit

You’re Starting Your First “Real” Job! Now What?

Congratulations! You’ve just landed your first “real” job! You’re excited, thinking about having that first regular income and all the benefits that are included. Take a little time to bask in the joy of this accomplishment – you deserve it! As you are planning for that first day, there are a few things to keep in mind regarding your short and long-term financial goals.

Education & Security

Student Loan Repayment, Simplified

After a historical hiatus throughout the pandemic, borrowers now face federal student loan repayment. Evaluating your full financial picture and making a repayment plan goes a long way towards reducing stress and uncertainty.

Financial Planning

Certificates 101

If you have some extra savings and want to earn higher dividends than a regular savings or money market account, a share certificate might just be the perfect way.

Education & Security

Common Cents for Couples: How to Manage Money Together

For some couples, February might be a month for romantic connection – celebrating Valentine’s Day with dinner reservations or romantic gifting. For others, solidarity and closeness can be found in boycotting Cupid together. Regardless of whether you have a love or hate relationship with the cherubic matchmaker who wields heart-tipped arrows, one thing is certain: cohabitating couples will enjoy a more harmonious relationship when they align on money matters.

Education & Security

Set ‘Em and Forget ‘Em: 4 Financial Resolutions You Can Accomplish Now

New Year’s resolutions are a mixed bag for many of us. On the one hand: personal betterment! On the other hand: methodical auditing of our refrigerator, checking account, and various vices. On the cusp of a fresh calendar year, we feel compelled to immediately transform our lives, but—as is the case with most good things—change takes time. This is especially true when it comes to financial goals. And in the aftermath of steep holiday spending, our goalposts can feel…far away. If you want a few financial resolutions that you can achieve early into the new year (because who doesn’t love an easy to-do list??) here are some suggestions.

Education & Security

Creative Ways to Save in 2023

The New Year offers a great opportunity to make resolutions, whether it’s improving your physical or financial wellbeing. It’s a good time to take stock and make plans to save more cash. Here are some helpful tips!

Financial Planning

All in the Family

After over 80 years, The Summit is now serving the second, third, and fourth generation of members. Many of our members started their accounts when the credit union was still known as the Rochester Telephone Company Credit Union. Through subsequent mergers with other credit unions, The Summit grew. Like other family traditions, membership to The Summit can be something that just happens…naturally.

Financial Planning

Money Talk: 6 Family-Proof Financial Topics for Holiday Gatherings

Festive gatherings—intended to bring people together—can quickly become the backdrop for Grinchy behavior when money enters the conversation. But with some creative questions (and mindful boundary-setting), finance doesn’t have to be a polarizing subject. Here are six conversation starters you can safely steer towards if you don’t want your great uncle or next-door neighbor giving you the side-eye during dinner.