About this issue

Happy New Year!
and we wish you much success in achieving your 2008 goals. This issue of Smart Money Matters is devoted to attitudes, strategies and products that are helpful for saving what you need for long range goals, such as college education for your children and a comfortable retirement for yourself. These expenses are among the largest financial commitments any of us will ever make and your success depends on early planning and taking action. This issue presents tools to get you started and encourages you to arrange a free consultation to discuss your goals with one of our on-site financial consultants.

With the arrival of winter, it’s time to invite high school seniors to apply for a Mary Keith Duff Memorial Scholarship. We have awarded 56 $1,000 scholarships since the program started in 2004 as a demonstration of our commitment to education among our youth. The materials are available in all our branches and can be downloaded from our Web site.

Board Chair Curt Newland and President/CEO Patsy Van Ouwerkerk will keep you abreast of credit union news and developments as a regular feature of each issue this year. Their first 2008 column, “Membership Matters,” emphasizes the value credit union membership brings to your household.

In this spirit, we invite you to share your success stories with other members. If we publish your story because it could inspire others to meet a financial goal, you will receive $500 to help you achieve your next financial goal. Click here for details.

We hope your new year is filled with health, happiness and prosperity.