Senate Cents: A Financial Wellness Blog

How to Holiday Shop at the Last Minute

Published: December 15, 2021

Supply chain snags. Sold-out merchandise. Empty shelves. Hefty shipping fees. Inflation. There are plenty of complications working against you this holiday shopping season. And despite warnings to shop early because of pandemic-related delays, some of us didn't prioritize holiday shopping in October and November. But all hope isn't lost. Here's what to do if you still have gifts left to purchase this month.

6 Steps to Higher Net Worth: A Year-End Financial Checklist

Published: December 2, 2021

If you want to build momentum for your New Year's money resolutions, set some financial improvements into motion before the end of the year. Here are six easy-to-implement steps to help boost your net worth going into the new year.

How to Vet Holiday Deals and Avoid Scams

Published: November 12, 2021

Supply chain issues, shipping delays and lingering fears from the pandemic have injected a heightened level of stress and scarcity into this year's holiday shopping season. That could lead some consumers to fall for scam deals or buy products that aren't quite what they expected. Here's how to avoid a Black Friday deal that's too good to be true - and how to get the best real deals this holiday season.

Use It or Lose It: Take Advantage of Benefits Before Year-End

Published: November 3, 2021

Retirement plans, health insurance and other benefits you get through your employer often reset with (or near) the new year. How can you best take advantage of your employee benefits as the year winds down? Taking the following steps helps ensure you get the most from your benefits before the year ends.

The Power of Having Savings Goals

Published: October 26, 2021

You know you want to get ahead with your finances. Maybe you imagine this as feeling financially secure, as knowing that your family will always be taken care of, or as reaching a place where you feel like you can finally relax and enjoy your money. But if you dig a little deeper into this vision, what are the specific accomplishments that you see? Do you imagine owning your own home, or living completely debt-free? Maybe you picture helping a family member pay for college, or being able to afford a certain lifestyle in retirement.

Beat Your Summer 'Revenge Shopping' Debt

Published: October 12, 2021

The joy of shouting to your friends over the roar of a crowded bar, the giddiness of seeing the world rushing by below you from the seat of an airplane, the weirdly constricting sensation of wearing pants that aren't elastic - the summer of 2021 brought back many experiences we had forgone during the past year and a half of the pandemic. But this push to re-create a world that felt something like "normal" may have brought back another familiar feeling: the anxiety of racking up debt.

Members' Voice Testimonials

This credit union is the best, I love the customer service and you can't beat the interest rates. I'm happy to be a member of this great credit union.

- James · Locust Grove, GA

The branch manager introduced herself and was extremely helpful. She stated that if there is anything we ever need to please let her know. Very positive experience!

- Larry · Cumberland, MD

Greta was absolutely amazing - as always. She makes me and my parents feel valued and supported. We are forever grateful. [The Credit Union] has been hugely supportive over many years. And we feel known and cared for.

- Eliza · Washington, DC

Long as I have been with the credit union, I haven't had any problems. I also like the protection on my account.

- Charles · Upper Marlboro, MD

My overall experience at the credit union was exceptional. The staff was hospitable offering water, my service was timely and professional and the office was well lit and clean.

- Denise · Washington, DC

As a member for more than 40 years, i have always had great service from the USSFCU and know that they stand behind their great reputation.

- David · Silver Spring, MD

A top rate Credit Union, [I'm] privileged to be part of! Thank you for all you do for our family! USSFCU Credit Union was able to resolve our financial situation - vehicle, personal loans, customer service/recommendations, within 6 months. We belonged to another credit union for over 20 years, with results not even close to comparison. We switched ...

- Manuel · Bowie, MD

Your people and products are amazing. The recent [online banking] overhaul is phenomenal. [I've] been electronic banking since Tele action phone banking - paying bills with my push button landline decades ago. USSFCU is light years ahead of everyone else in terms of ease of use and client experience!

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I have been a member for more than 30 years. I no longer reside in the DC area but continue to bank with USSFCU because of the ease and the customer service.

- Tamra · Denver, CO

I have been a member for over 50 years, and I have always gotten good service with loans, when I had to have service at a branch, and when I needed to have money sent to me from my savings account. The personnel have always been friendly and treated me with respect.

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I especially appreciate being able to quickly speak with someone (not a robot) and that person has always been knowledgeable and helpful.

- Bernard · Richmond, VA

Excellent customer service streamlined and transparent process. The representatives are efficient, knowledgeable, and understanding of the type of loans offered by Credit Union.

- Erwin · Ellicott City, MD

The USSFCU behaves as a credit union ought to behave. The staff works with and for the members, not for a corporate board. Interest rates for a car loan, a home improvement loan, and a mortgage are low and terms are transparent.

- Ruth · Takoma Park, MD

Staff are courteous and friendly to work with. Very knowledgeable about services and products offered or available. Excellent follow-up with customers.

- Jacquelyn · Sanford, FL

I have appreciated USSFCU services for many years since I left my work on Capitol Hill. I have appreciated the occasional webinars on purchasing a home or retirement planning.

- Jamie · Washington, DC

I have been a member since 2006, and have always appreciated the customer service response to any concern or query. In addition, as I have traveled extensively, USSFCU has provided support and access.

- Kathleen · Ukiah, CA

I've had a credit union account for decades, even though I no longer work on Capitol Hill. I now have two accounts. I've been able to do all of our banking remotely, by app or by phone.

- Richard · Washington, DC

I have been a USSFCU member for almost 20 years. There is nowhere else I want my money to be. I always receive excellent service.

- Nicole · Alexandria, VA

I deeply appreciate the stellar service, the proficiency, the professionalism, and the kindness. I am truly honored and grateful to bank with a financial institution that treats customers like family.

- Angela · Alexandria, VA

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