Homebuying—
Homebuying Season in NEPA: What’s Changed Since Last Year?
Spring has a way of putting “For Sale” signs back into the landscape (and into conversation). Here in NEPA, this year’s homebuying season looks a...
Read the full storySpring has a way of putting “For Sale” signs back into the landscape (and into conversation). Here in NEPA, this year’s homebuying season looks a little different than last year’s fast-paced market. Inventory has inched up across the Wyoming Valley, giving buyers more choice and a bit more breathing room. Homes are still moving, but the frenzy has cooled into something more navigable.
Interest rates remain the big headline. While they’ve settled compared to recent peaks, affordability still hinges on preparation. That’s where local buyers are gaining an edge: getting pre-approved early, understanding true monthly costs and moving quickly when the right home appears.
A few practical tips for peak season:
- Start with a realistic budget—include taxes, insurance and utilities, not just the mortgage.
- Get pre-approved before shopping—it strengthens your offer instantly.
- Stay flexible—the right home may need minor updates, but offer long-term value.
At Cross Valley, we’re also making the math friendlier: qualified buyers can receive up to $500 off closing costs*, easing the final stretch to the finish line.
If 2024–2025 felt like a seller’s sprint, 2026 is shaping up to be a more balanced stride. And for prepared buyers, that can make all the difference between searching and finally landing a home.
*Up to a $500.00 closing cost credit will be applied at closing and will be reflected on the member’s closing disclosure. Offer applies to first mortgages through Cross Valley Federal Credit Union. No cash value. Offer void if transaction is rescinded. Subject to credit approval. Limited time offer, subject to change without notice. Federally insured by NCUA. Equal Housing Opportunity. NMLS 808487. Contact us at (570) 823-6836 for complete details.
Annual Meeting—
You’re Invited: 2026 Annual Meeting & Member Dinner!
It’s that time of year again: Annual Meeting season! And as a member, you’re not just invited...you’re an owner. Join us for a fun,...
It’s that time of year again: Annual Meeting season! And as a member, you’re not just invited...you’re an owner. Join us for a fun, feel-good evening with great food, exciting prizes, a look back at 2025 and what the future holds for your credit union.
We’ll gather on Monday, April 20 at 5:30pm at The Greens at Irem Clubhouse in Dallas. The night begins with a cocktail hour, followed by a short, engaging meeting and an optional dinner. Seating is limited to the first 150 members, so be sure to RSVP using the link below. Dinner tickets are also available at the same link.
Along the way, enjoy door prizes, gifts for all attendees and basket raffles benefiting Patriots Cove in Noxen, an incredible organization that supports veterans through fishing, hunting and outdoor retreats.
Come celebrate what makes your credit union special...because it’s yours.
Click the link below to RSVP or purchase dinner tickets.
Reflections—
What We Learned from International Women’s Day
International Women’s Day offers a moment to pause and reflect. Not just on progress made, but on the everyday leadership, mentorship and...
International Women’s Day offers a moment to pause and reflect. Not just on progress made, but on the everyday leadership, mentorship and collaboration that move communities forward. At Cross Valley, being a woman-led credit union means these values aren’t reserved for one day on the calendar; they’re part of how we serve, support and grow together year-round.
This year’s theme, “Give To Gain,” reminds us that when knowledge, encouragement,and opportunity are shared freely, everyone benefits. Below, members of Cross Valley’s all-female leadership team share personal reflections on leadership, generosity and what it means to help others succeed.
"Bob Marquette once told me: Great CEOs surround themselves with people smarter than they are. The best leaders build teams of experts, invite honest dialogue and empower bold thinking—creating smarter organizations, stronger cultures and long-term success for members, staff and community."
Traci Donahue, CEO
"One of my biggest lessons: You can’t always control your first thought, but you can choose your second. First reactions are instinctive and emotional, so give yourself grace. Character is built in that next moment, in how you choose to show up for yourself and others."
Karissa Yaron, CFO
"I have learned that people may forget what you said or did, but not how you made them feel."
Tara Biller, Human Resources Executive
"I’ve learned that passion is contagious. When you truly believe in your mission and become your team’s biggest cheerleader, you don’t just build success. You build confidence, courage and culture."
Jill McGlynn, CXO
I have learned that being passionate, is my strength and not my weakness.""
Kristina Mexiner, CCO
Tax Season—
Turn Your Tax Refund Into Momentum: Mid-Year Goal Planning
By the time spring rolls around, tax refunds have usually landed. And just as quickly, they can disappear. A little here, a little there and...
By the time spring rolls around, tax refunds have usually landed. And just as quickly, they can disappear. A little here, a little there and suddenly that extra boost feels more like a memory than momentum.
But here’s the good news: even if your refund has already arrived, it’s not too late to give it direction.
Think of your refund as a mid-year reset button. A portion can strengthen your savings cushion, helping future-you handle surprises without stress. Another slice might go toward paying down high-interest debt, freeing up monthly cash flow heading into summer. And yes, it’s perfectly reasonable to set some aside for warm-weather plans—vacations, home projects or family experiences that make the season memorable.
The key is intention. Assign each dollar a purpose before it quietly blends into everyday spending.
And you don’t have to figure it out alone. Cross Valley’s WealthWise team is available to members at no cost, offering financial tips, personalized guidance and one-on-one consultations whenever you need a sounding board or a plan. Sometimes a short conversation is all it takes to turn good intentions into real progress.
Your tax refund isn’t just extra money, it’s forward motion. Use it wisely now, and the rest of 2026 starts to feel a whole lot lighter.
Summer Plans—
Vacation Without the Debt Hangover: Smart Summer Spending Plans
A good vacation leaves you with memories, not a credit card balance that follows you home. Travel, weekend getaways, family outings…summer has...
A good vacation leaves you with memories, not a credit card balance that follows you home.
Travel, weekend getaways, family outings…summer has a way of filling the calendar quickly. And while experiences matter, the smartest trips start long before the suitcase comes out. A little planning now can mean enjoying your time away without financial stress waiting on the other side.
Start by setting a clear travel budget for transportation, lodging, meals and the “just because” moments that always pop up. Saving gradually instead of charging expenses helps keep the post-vacation reality just as relaxing as the trip itself.
That’s where Cross Valley’s Vacation Club Savings Account comes in. Designed specifically for short-term goals like travel, it makes setting money aside throughout the year simple and automatic. So when it’s time to go, your funds are already waiting.
And if planning feels overwhelming, Cross Valley’s WealthWise team is always available free of charge to help you map out savings strategies, spending plans or personalized financial guidance. Sometimes a quick conversation is all it takes to turn a wish list into a workable plan.
Community—
Why Credit Unions Matter in the Wyoming Valley
In places like Wilkes-Barre and the Wyoming Valley, community isn’t just a word. It’s something you recognize at the grocery store, the...
In places like Wilkes-Barre and the Wyoming Valley, community isn’t just a word. It’s something you recognize at the grocery store, the ballfield or walking around downtown. And that same local connection is exactly why credit unions matter.
Unlike big national banks, credit unions operate on a cooperative model. That means members aren’t customers. They’re owners. Deposits made here don’t disappear into distant markets. They’re reinvested locally, helping neighbors finance homes, small businesses expand and families manage everyday financial milestones.
In smaller cities and towns, especially, local circulation matters more than ever.
Access to fair lending, financial education and personalized service can directly shape economic stability. When local businesses grow, jobs follow. When families secure affordable loans, communities strengthen. It’s a ripple effect that starts with something as simple as where you choose to bank.
At Cross Valley, decisions are made by people who live and work right here in NEPA. That local perspective enables conversations rather than algorithms, and solutions built around real lives, not just numbers.
Credit unions thrive when their communities do, too. And in the Valley, that partnership helps keep opportunity close to home, where it belongs.
Know someone who might be interested in membership? You know where to send them.
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MEMBERS Financial Services*—
Roth or Regular?
Taking Advantage of a Roth Contribution Option Can Give You Some Flexibility in Retirement According to Vanguard’s “How America Saves...
Taking Advantage of a Roth Contribution Option Can Give You Some Flexibility in Retirement
According to Vanguard’s “How America Saves 2024,” 82% of employers offer a Roth 401(k) option in addition to a traditional, or regular, 401(k) option. However, just 17% of employees contribute to a Roth. If you have access to a Roth 401(k) option through your employer, it can add some diversity and flexibility to your retirement income and tax strategy. Roth or regular? Here’s what to consider:
Contributions
Contributions to a Roth 401(k) are made with after-tax dollars, unlike a traditional 401(k) where contributions are made with pre-tax dollars.
This means you pay taxes on the money before it goes into your Roth 401(k), but you don’t pay taxes on the money (including any earnings) when you withdraw it in retirement. With a traditional 401(k), you pay taxes on the money (including any earnings) when you withdraw it in retirement.
Both accounts share the same contribution limit. In 2025, you can contribute up to $23,500 ($31,000 if you’re 50 or older, $34,750 for those age 60-63-if your plan permits). You can contribute to both accounts in the same year, as long as you keep your total contributions under that cap. Please note that starting in 2026, if you make $145,000+ in wages, any catch-up contribution you wish to make must be designated as a Roth catch-up contribution. This mandate is part of the SECURE Act 2.0 provisions.
WithdrawalsWithdrawals of any contributions and earnings from a Roth 401(k) are tax-free, which can be beneficial if you expect to be in a higher tax bracket in retirement. However, certain criteria must be met:
- The Roth 401(k) account must have been held for at least five years.
- The withdrawal must have occurred when you reach at least age 59½.
- Tax-free withdrawals can also be taken due to disability, or by a beneficiary upon your death.
With a traditional 401(k), Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) must begin at age 73. However, starting in 2024, a Roth 401(k) does not require RMDs during the account holder’s lifetime. Each year you have the freedom to withdraw whatever amount you want from your Roth 401(k) and let the rest continue to potentially grow on a tax-deferred basis.
Employer Matching
If offered, an employer match is typically available to you whether you save through a Roth 401(k) or traditional 401(k). For details on how your plan handles employer-matching contributions, check with your plan administrator.
Diversifying Your Contributions
No one knows what the tax brackets will be in the future, so you could decide to diversify your contributions evenly between the traditional and Roth option. Depending on your circumstances, you can always decide to contribute more toward one or the other in the future. In any event, a Roth option gives you the flexibility to further customize your plan based on your unique needs.
Informational Sources: Vanguard: “How America Saves Report 2024”; Bankrate.com: “Roth 401(k) vs. 401(k): Which one is better for you?” (January 12, 2024).
This material is for general information only and is not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual. There is no assurance that the views or strategies discussed are suitable for all investors or will yield positive outcomes. Investing involves risks including possible loss of principal.
This material was prepared by LPL Financial, LLC.
*Securities and advisory services are offered through LPL Financial (LPL), a registered investment advisor and broker-dealer (member FINRA/SIPC). Insurance products are offered through LPL or its licensed affiliates. Cross Valley Federal Credit Union and MEMBERS Financial Services are not registered as a broker-dealer or investment advisor. Registered representatives of LPL offer products and services using MEMBERS Financial Services, and may also be employees of Cross Valley Federal Credit Union. These products and services are being offered through LPL or its affiliates, which are separate entities from, and not affiliates of, Cross Valley Federal Credit Union or MEMBERS Financial Services. Securities and insurance offered through LPL or its affiliates are:
| Not Insured by NCUA or Any Other Government Agency | Not Credit Union Guaranteed | Not Credit Union Deposits or Obligations | May Lose Value |
Cross Valley Federal Credit Union provides referrals to financial professionals of LPL Financial LLC ("LPL") pursuant to an agreement that allows LPL to pay Cross Valley Federal Credit Union for these referrals. This creates an incentive for Cross Valley Federal Credit Union to make these referrals, resulting in a conflict of interest. Cross Valley Federal Credit Union is not a current client of LPL for advisory services. Please click here for more information.
Fraud Protection—
Fraud Trends We’re Watching This Summer
If there’s one trend we wish wasn’t growing, it’s fraud. Across NEPA, we’ve seen a noticeable uptick in scams over the past year, and...
If there’s one trend we wish wasn’t growing, it’s fraud. Across NEPA, we’ve seen a noticeable uptick in scams over the past year, and unfortunately, they’re becoming more sophisticated by the season.
Summer tends to bring a few familiar favorites for scammers. Fake vacation rentals pop up online with deals that feel just a little too good to be true. Imposter contractors request large upfront payments after storms or home projects. Travel-related texts or emails claim there’s an issue with your booking, prompting you to “verify” personal information.
The common thread? Urgency. Scammers want quick decisions before you have time to question what’s happening.
A few simple protections go a long way:
- Never send deposits or payments without verifying businesses independently.
- Avoid clicking links in unexpected texts or emails.
- Be cautious with payment apps or wire transfers…once sent, funds are often unrecoverable.
- When in doubt, pause and call using a trusted number.
Please know this: Cross Valley is actively monitoring fraud trends and strengthening protections every single day. Our team is working behind the scenes—and alongside members—to help keep accounts safe.
The most powerful defense, though, is awareness. If something feels off, trust that instinct and reach out. We’d always rather check twice than see a member become the next target.
Auto Loans—
The Right Car Matters. The Right Car Payment Matters More.
Finding the right vehicle feels good. Finding the right payment? That’s what makes the ownership experience truly work. Many drivers focus on...
Finding the right vehicle feels good. Finding the right payment? That’s what makes the ownership experience truly work.
Many drivers focus on the car itself. The features, the mileage, how great it looks in the driveway. But over time, what really shapes your financial comfort is the monthly payment attached to it. And that’s where refinancing can make a meaningful difference.
If your auto loan came from the dealership or was financed when rates were higher—or before your credit improved—you may have an opportunity to lower your rate or reduce your monthly payment (or both!) simply by refinancing with Cross Valley.
Right now, refinancing or financing through Cross Valley also comes with no payments for 90 days¹, giving your budget immediate breathing room. Members also receive a free CARFAX® Vehicle History Report² for financed vehicles, plus the option to add GAP+ protection³ for extra peace of mind in the event of the unexpected.
The best part? You keep the car you already love, just with financing that fits your life a little better.
Because the goal isn’t just driving something reliable. It’s knowing your payment works as hard for you as your vehicle does every day.
¹ No payments for the first 90 days means your first payment is due 90 days after your loan is funded. Interest starts accruing immediately. All loans subject to credit approval. Offer subject to change without notice. Credit union membership required.
² Limited time offer. CARFAX Vehicle History Report™ offered free of charge with vehicle loans closed through Cross Valley Federal Credit Union during life of offer. Does not apply to existing Cross Valley Federal Credit Union vehicle loans. Offer subject to change without notice. Credit union membership required.
³ GAP Plus protection is optional and not required to obtain a loan. It helps cover the difference between your vehicle’s insurance settlement (actual cash value) and your remaining loan balance if your vehicle is declared a total loss due to theft or accident. GAP Plus protection does not replace auto insurance and may have coverage limits, exclusions, and maximum benefit amounts. Benefits may not apply to late payments, past-due amounts, extended warranties, service contracts, or carryover balances from a previous loan. Terms, eligibility, and benefits vary by state and provider—please review your contract for full details. Credit union membership required. Offer and availability subject to change without notice.
Graduation—
First Job, First Account: A Guide for Grads and Young Adults
Graduation season comes with a lot of firsts. First full-time job, first steady paycheck (hopefully!), maybe even the first taste of real...
Graduation season comes with a lot of firsts. First full-time job, first steady paycheck (hopefully!), maybe even the first taste of real financial independence. And one of the smartest early decisions? Choosing the right place to keep your money.
Your first account isn’t just somewhere your paycheck lands. It’s the foundation for everything that follows, like saving for an apartment, building credit, managing bills and learning how money moves in the real world.
For young adults entering the workforce, simplicity matters. Look for an account with easy digital access, low or no fees and tools that help track spending without feeling overwhelming. Youth Accounts from Cross Valley check all these boxes. Setting up direct deposit, automatic savings transfers and account alerts early can build strong habits with little effort.
This is also the perfect time to start small but consistent savings—even if it’s just a little from each paycheck. Those early habits tend to stick, and over time, they make a big difference.
Your first job is more than a paycheck. It’s the beginning of financial confidence, and having the right account helps you grow into it.
Member Perks—
1.00% APR* Off Your Next Loan Awaits…
At Cross Valley, membership has always meant more than just having an account. It means belonging. And with the Edge Loyalty Rewards Program, that...
At Cross Valley, membership has always meant more than just having an account. It means belonging. And with the Edge Loyalty Rewards Program, that relationship can actually help lower the cost of your next loan.
Here’s how it works: when members meet at least four simple relationship qualifications—things many already do every day—they can earn 1.00% APR* off their next eligible loan. That’s real savings, simply for making Cross Valley part of your regular financial routine.
Activities like direct deposit, active debit card use, eStatements or maintaining certain account relationships all help unlock Edge benefits. No complicated sign-ups. No points to track. Just smarter banking rewarded.
The idea behind Edge is simple: the more connected you are to Cross Valley, the more value you receive in return. And when it comes time for your next auto loan, personal loan or other borrowing need, that rate discount can make a noticeable difference in your monthly payment and over the life of the loan.
It’s one more way Cross Valley puts membership to work for you.
Because loyalty shouldn’t just feel good. It should pay off.
*1.00% loan discount available to qualifying members based on utilization of Cross Valley Federal Credit Union products and services. To qualify for the discount, a minimum of four accounts or activities must be met: (1) Have an existing Cross Valley loan or line of credit. This includes a loan refinance from another institution. (2) A minimum of 30 debit card transactions per quarter tied to a Share Draft Checking account. (3) An established direct deposit totaling more than $500.00 per month. (4) Enrolled in at least one auto pay. (5) At least one of the following: (a) Active Share Certificate. (b) Active Money Market Account. (c) Active Club Account (Vacation Club or Holiday Club). (6) eService use such as active Online Banking login, mobile app usage or enrollment in eStatements. Loan discount may not be combined with other loan discounts and applies to new, qualifying loans only. Partial discounts are not available. Rate discount not available for Cross Valley employees. Cross Valley may apply the rate discount once within six months of the loan closing date provided qualifying criteria is met. Offer subject to change without notice.
Upcoming Holiday Closings:
February 16th
