The Summit Blog

Insights and tips to help you with your finances, plus information from The Summit’s community partners.

Jingle Bills: How to Avoid a Holiday Debt Hangover

December 19, 2024

By GreenPath Financial Wellness The holidays are here, bringing that familiar urge to spend a little extra on the people we love. It’s a good feeling…until the bills arrive. If you’ve ever found yourself dreading your January credit card statements, you’re not alone. With thoughtful planning, you can keep your holiday joy intact without taking […]

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Direct Deposit 101

December 9, 2024

By Dawn Kellogg Direct deposit exists to make your financial life easier. It’s also very popular! 93% of American workers get their paycheck via direct deposit, according to a 2022 survey by the American Payroll Association. 80% of taxpayers receive their federal tax refunds through direct deposit, and more than 99% of Social Security recipients […]

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Spending (and Saving) for the Holidays

December 5, 2024

By Dawn Kellogg One of the biggest causes of stress during the holidays can be money. No matter how much we have saved and budgeted, sometimes we still stress about it. Here are some tips to help you navigate through your holiday expenditures! Have a Spending Plan and Stick to It Make a list of […]

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The Procrastinator’s Guide to Holiday Travel Savings

November 13, 2024

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 […]

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Reasons to Use a Debit Card

Five (Really Good) Reasons You Should Use Your Debit Card

November 4, 2024

Is your debit card the one you use most for purchases? Here are five reasons it should be.

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happy couple receiving keys

How to Brace for Rising Home Costs: A Guide for Homeowners and Renters

October 3, 2024

Have you noticed your insurance bills skyrocketing lately? If so, you’re in good company. According to Policygenius, the average home insurance premium increased by 21% between May 2022 and May 2023. Combine this with rising housing costs, property taxes, and high interest rate debt, and it’s no wonder why so many Americans are struggling in […]

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Coping With Financial Stress

September 10, 2024

Life is expensive and it can be easy to get stressed about money. Here are some tips and tricks for handling the stress and taking back control of your finances.

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Phone a Friend. Refer a Friend

August 26, 2024

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 […]

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

August 21, 2024

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).

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Shared Branching – What It Is and How You Can Benefit

August 5, 2024

Shared Branching is unique to credit unions. Shared Branching is a national network of credit unions from all over the country that share facilities to give members thousands of convenient locations to perform financial transactions.

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The Power of Volunteerism

July 29, 2024

For many young people, volunteerism can play an important role in personal growth and skill development. It can offer a platform for discovering passions and interests, building social skills, and getting real-world experience. Gaining a sense of fulfillment while making a positive impact on the community can be very rewarding. Building friendships with like-minded individuals along the way is the icing on the cake. The power of camaraderie and collaboration is priceless.

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Tis the $eason (For a Mid-Year Money Checklist)

July 3, 2024

As summer hits its stride, the idea of financially preparing for the holidays might feel like overkill. July is an ideal month to assess your financial picture and make mid-year adjustments that will help you cruise into the holiday months with fewer concerns. To make planning easier, here is a seven-item checklist you can use as your guide:  

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