Reaching My Summit | The Summit Federal Credit Union

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.

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How to Build Good Credit in College

Going to college is one of the first steps of freedom as you transition from being at home with family to living independently as a young adult. With this transition comes a myriad of decisions to make about your education, housing arrangements, social life and money habits. Each decision helps to prepare for a future […]

How to Start Building Credit in High School and College

Why is your credit score important? Building and maintaining good credit is a smart step toward financial independence, and the earlier you start, the better. Having a solid credit rating is important for several big financial moves like buying your first car, applying for a loan, being screened for an apartment, and purchasing a home. […]

6 Critical Lessons for Your Teen’s First Credit Card

Starting at age 18, young adults can get their first credit card to start building their credit and working toward financial independence. Before they start using their new card, it is important to make sure they understand the key elements of using and paying with a credit card. Here are six important things your teen needs […]

Should I Get My Teen A Credit Card Right Now?

Are they ready for a credit card? How do you know when it is the right time to help your teen open a credit card? What are the options to consider before making this decision? What are the pros and cons for a teen to have their first credit card? These are all great questions […]

mother and daughter making purchase on tablet

Preparing for Your Child’s First Credit Card

One way to help your teen work toward financial independence is to encourage them to begin building good credit. The best way to do this is to help them open a first-time or student credit card with a relatively low spending limit that can be used for small purchases and paid off on time and […]

How to Explain Online Bank Accounts to Your Parent or Guardian

As you begin taking steps to become more financially independent, you may find that parents or family members are uncomfortable with relatively new ways of managing money, especially starting and handling financial accounts online. With open conversations and a trusted financial institution, this process doesn’t have to be a hurdle—in fact, it can be a […]

A young man holding cash and a smart phone

Why Your Child Wants to Open an Account Online

Digital financial accounts (ones that are opened and maintained fully online) are becoming more and more prevalent in today’s environment. Your kids may have shared information about opening a digital account, or you may have friends or family members who are managing the majority of their finances online. If you’re not yet familiar with online […]

What Is Financial Literacy and What Does It Mean for Your Generation?

Why is financial literacy important? You may have heard the term “financial literacy” before and wondered what that means—or more importantly, what it means for YOU. Put simply, financial literacy for teens, college students and young adults means having awareness about issues relating to money and building the ability to effectively manage your own financial […]

7 Good Financial Habits to Start This Fall

Staying aligned with healthy financial habits Seasons serve as great markers for changes and milestones. Prepping for going back to school in the fall, planning for a summer trip or making a New Year’s resolution are all ways to mark the change in seasons that gives you something to look forward to, and a chance […]

How to Prepare for Your First Big Purchase

There’s nothing like the feeling of excitement and independence as you drive off the lot in your own first car, walk onto campus on your first day of college, or turn the keys to enter your first home. Of course, the big “firsts” in life can come with some apprehension, too, but with the right […]