STCU

Meet Greg Templeton, our new VP and Director of Home Lending. Greg leads a team of lenders and dream makers. He knows the importance of deadlines and due diligence, but he also knows that a good real estate team has the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in borrowers’ lives by turning the dream of homeownership into a reality. Greg looks forward daily to working with his colleagues to make good on that mission. An EWU graduate, Greg has been in the mortgage business since 1997, along with a stint as a financial advisor. If he’s not spending time with his wife and four children out on the lake, he’s probably occupied with his mini Australian labradoodle, Moose. Connect with Greg here: https://bit.ly/4eqPKdX

We enjoyed attending the Home Builders Association of Tri-Cities' Parade of Homes this year! It was a fantastic opportunity to explore new builds, see the latest design trends, and gather fresh ideas for home improvement. If you haven’t checked it out yet, there’s still time! The final dates are September 14 & 15, from 9 am to 5 pm. Don't miss the chance to be inspired by some of the best homes in the Tri-Cities area!

Talking to your family and friends about scams can be difficult. With so many online scams, it can be hard to know how to start the conversation. Scams can fool anyone, but by knowing the warning signs, you can keep you and your loved ones safe from fraudsters. When talking about scams, keep discussions simple and avoid complex jargon for better understanding: Start with empathy: Let them know scams can trick anyone—even tech experts! This helps create a more open and supportive conversation. Use real-life examples: Share common scams, like phishing emails or fake phone calls. For instance, say, “Remember that email pretending to be from our bank? Total scam!” Make it interactive: Role-play different scam scenarios. Practice responding to a suspicious phone call or email to help the lessons stick. Repeat key points: Keep reinforcing the signs of a scam. The more you repeat, the more second nature they become. Learn more about how to stay safe from scams: https://bit.ly/3B05JAW

We all know how exciting it can be to have extra money in our wallet. While it's tempting to go on a mega shopping spree, beware of lifestyle inflation! A little splurge is fine, but don’t let it become a habit that empties your wallet. Here are some easy tips: - Update your budget: Look for any leaks! - Save with every paycheck: Aim for 3-6 months of living expenses in an emergency fund. - Tackle debts and save for retirement: If your employer offers 401(k) matching, make sure to use it! - Pay yourself first: Set up automatic transfers to your savings and retirement accounts. - Know wants vs. needs: Does your current phone still do the job? Maybe you don’t need that upgrade! - Use the 30-day rule: Wait 30 days before making big purchases—you might decide you don’t really need them. - Save to spend: Hold off on buying until you can pay in full. - Invest now for stability later. Learn more on how to budget better when your income grows: https://bit.ly/4ggoEYH

We’re thrilled to announce the opening of our very first branch in Moses Lake at Penn Plaza! We’re excited to join this amazing community and provide you with the exceptional service you deserve, now with even more convenience. Whether you need financial guidance, everyday banking, or just a friendly hello, we’re here for you!

Stay informed and connected with everything happening at your credit union by subscribing to STCU Member News – your go-to resource for the latest updates delivered directly to your inbox. Here’s what you’ll get: - Exclusive deals that help you save more - Community events that keep you engaged - Major announcements and exciting news - Security tips, rate updates, and much more It’s all delivered in one convenient email you can access anytime, anywhere – whether you’re on your phone, tablet, or desktop.

Attention educators! ?? Looking for a way to stock up your classroom without dipping into your own pocket? STCU is here to support you with our $200 classroom supply grants! We understand the dedication it takes to ensure your students have everything they need, and we want to help lighten the load. With $200, you could add 1,250 pencils, 2,880 crayons, 280 rulers, or 80 packs of markers to your classroom – and that’s just the beginning. From August 12 to September 13, you can enter to win one of these grants. The best part? You don’t have to be an STCU member to apply – it’s open to all educators. To enter, simply visit stcu.org/grants and submit your entry. Remember, it’s one entry per educator, and winners will be notified by October 7.

Our CEO, Ezra Eckhardt, was recently featured on the Elevating the Conversation podcast by the Spokane Journal of Business! In this episode, Ezra dives into the state of banking in the Inland Northwest, discussing key issues, challenges, and opportunities that matter most to our local business community. Elevating the Conversation is a podcast dedicated to being the perfect resource for staying informed about the latest trends and discussions in our region. You can listen to Ezra’s episode here: https://lnkd.in/gSfMUa7W

Today marks a significant milestone in STCU’s history – the 60th anniversary of our Main Branch, which opened its doors on August 24, 1964. Though construction wasn’t quite complete, our Main Branch quickly became the cornerstone of our credit union, serving as our only location for 23 years until the Valley Branch opened in 1987. ?? Here are a few highlights from our journey: Our Board of Directors personally selected every detail, from the off-white countertops to the green carpeting added in 1971. The Main Branch has been a hub for our community, hosting various local groups and organizations, as well as tenants like PEMCO Insurance and the Spokane Education Association. We introduced our first ATM at this location in 1988, and it quickly became a member favorite with 102 transactions in its first weekend! For six decades, the Main Branch has been more than just a building; it has been a vital part of our community and a key player in STCU’s growth and success. We are incredibly grateful for the continued trust and support of our members, and we look forward to serving you for many more years to come.

Hey, future homeowners! Thinking about buying your first place? That’s exciting! Here’s some advice from our home loan experts to help you out: 1?? Check your credit score – it’s important. 2?? Stick to your budget – don’t overdo it. 3?? Look into first-time buyer programs – they’re here to help. 4?? Get preapproved – so you’re ready to make a move. Why STCU? We’re local, experienced, and we’ll cut your loan fees by 50% for first-timers. Ready to get started? Future you is already holding the keys! ?? Check out our blog on more details about buying your first home. https://lnkd.in/gkUxGr64