
5 Helpful Tips for Tax Season from the WealthWise Team
Tax season doesn’t have to be stressful! With a little preparation and organization, you can breeze through it—and maybe score a bigger refund....
Read the full storyTax season doesn’t have to be stressful! With a little preparation and organization, you can breeze through it—and maybe score a bigger refund. Here are five tips from the WealthWise team to help you get ready:
Gather Your Documents Early: Start collecting important documents like W-2s, 1099s and receipts for deductible expenses. Keeping them all in one place saves you from last-minute scrambling.
Know Your Deadlines: Mark April 15 (or this year’s filing deadline) on your calendar. If you think you’ll need extra time, consider filing for an extension before the deadline.
Maximize Your Deductions: Take advantage of deductions and credits you qualify for, such as student loan interest, childcare expenses or home office costs. Unsure what applies? A tax professional or software can help.
Contribute to Your IRA: You can still contribute to your IRA for the previous tax year until the tax filing deadline. These contributions could lower your taxable income while boosting your retirement savings.
Consider Direct Deposit: Want your refund faster? Set up direct deposit with your Cross Valley account—it’s quick, easy and secure.
Tax time doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With these tips, you’ll be better prepared to file and focus on what really matters—your financial future!
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Stay Warm and Save Big This Winter with a Home Efficiency Upgrade
Feeling the chill this winter? If your heating bills are climbing or your home’s insulation isn’t pulling its weight, it might be time for a...
Feeling the chill this winter? If your heating bills are climbing or your home’s insulation isn’t pulling its weight, it might be time for a home efficiency upgrade. From energy-efficient windows to a new HVAC system or improved insulation, these updates can do more than just keep you warm—they can also shrink your heating bills and boost your comfort all season long.
Cross Valley is here to help you turn those upgrades into reality without breaking the bank. A Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC) or Home Equity Loan is an affordable and flexible way to fund your home improvements. With competitive rates and a straightforward process, we make it easy to invest in your home’s comfort and value.

And let’s not forget the bonus: these upgrades often pay for themselves over time through lower energy bills and increased property value. So, why not let your home work harder for you?
Don’t let the cold keep you down—take the first step toward warmer, more affordable days. Stop by or give us a call to learn more about our HELOCs and Home Equity Loans. Together, we can make your winter upgrades a reality. Cross Valley FCU: Helping you live smarter, warmer and happier this season!

Smart Financial Planning for 2025: How a Personal Line of Credit Can Help
The holidays are full of joy, but let’s be real—sometimes they leave our wallets feeling the strain. If holiday spending has you looking for a...
The holidays are full of joy, but let’s be real—sometimes they leave our wallets feeling the strain. If holiday spending has you looking for a smart way to manage debt or plan ahead, let us introduce you to a helpful tool: a Personal Line of Credit (PLOC).
What’s a PLOC? Think of it as your financial safety net. It’s a revolving credit line you can tap into whenever you need extra funds—whether to pay off holiday expenses, cover unexpected bills or fund a big goal in 2025. You borrow only what you need, when you need it, and pay interest only on the amount you use. Plus, as you pay it off, those funds become available again.
Why is a PLOC a great option for tackling holiday debt? For starters, it typically comes with lower rates than credit cards, helping you save money on interest. It also offers flexibility to create a repayment plan that fits your budget while giving you peace of mind for the year ahead.
We’re here to help you make smart financial moves. Want to learn more? Stop by or give us a call—we’d love to help you kick off 2025 with confidence and clarity!

Holiday Magic Recap
This past year, thanks to member submissions and help from our community, Cross Valley was able to grant holiday wishes for ten...
This past year, thanks to member submissions and help from our community, Cross Valley was able to grant holiday wishes for ten individuals—totaling an amazing $4,700!
Whether it’s an extra something under the tree or helping a family with a needed winter vehicle repair, it’s small acts of kindness like this that truly add the magic to our Holiday Magic program. We’re so thankful for everyone who gave submissions and even more thankful for those we were able to help. Communities are great, but it’s the individuals that make them amazing.
Be on the lookout for the 2025 Holiday Magic later in the year where you’ll have the opportunity to submit requests for individuals or families in need.

Your Free Financial Checkup Awaits!
If you’re living (or at least trying) to live your best life now and in 2025, you probably do things like an annual checkup with your doctor,...
If you’re living (or at least trying) to live your best life now and in 2025, you probably do things like an annual checkup with your doctor, see the dentist a couple times a year (who reminds you to floss), exercise when you can and say you drink more water than you really do (don’t worry, we won’t tell).
But when was the last time you checked in on your finances? At Cross Valley, our WealthWise team offers a checkup for your money—all 100% free for you, your family or anyone living in your household.
The WealthWise team isn’t made up of just anyone; they’re our in-house squad of Certified Credit Union Financial Counselors™, ready to help you tackle everything from monthly budgeting to big-picture planning and more.
It’s such a good thing, we’ll say it again: The WealthWise financial checkup is 100% free for our members (that’s you), your family and anyone living in your household. Not only is the financial checkup free, but everything the WealthWise team offers is included with your membership at no additional cost!
Whether you’re dreaming of paying off debt, saving for a house or just getting a better handle on your money, WealthWise is here to help. No judgment, no pressure, no sales gimmicks—just friendly, professional guidance to get you where you want to be.
So, why not take advantage of this awesome member perk? Schedule your free checkup today and start feeling confident about your financial future. Call us or visit Cross Valley FCU to learn more. You’ve got this!

Reflecting on Our Online Banking Upgrade
As many of you know, we recently rolled out a new Online Banking platform. And while we’ve had amazing feedback from our members, we understand...
As many of you know, we recently rolled out a new Online Banking platform. And while we’ve had amazing feedback from our members, we understand there are some members who felt frustrated. I want to take a moment to address your concerns, share our perspective and explain why this change was necessary.
Why We Upgraded
The decision to move to a new platform was not taken lightly. Our previous system was reaching the end of its support lifecycle, meaning it could no longer meet our needs or yours. Beyond that, we saw an opportunity to improve your digital banking experience with an updated look, better user interface, greater functionality and features you’ve been asking for—like the ability to set travel notifications, update personal information, manage debit card transactions and perform external transfers, all in one place. Our goal was simple: give our members better security and make banking with Cross Valley easier, regardless of where you are.

Addressing Member Frustrations
Despite months of preparation and extensive outreach through social media, email, phone messages and in-branch notifications, we recognize this transition wasn’t as seamless as we had hoped. For that, I sincerely apologize. While we envisioned this change as a positive step forward, we understand that, for some members, it may not have felt that way.
Balancing Progress with Security
In today’s environment, protecting your data is one of our highest priorities. This new platform allows us to stay ahead of regulatory requirements and cyber threats while maintaining the hometown service you value. We take pride in offering personal service and a commitment to your financial well-being.
When frustrations arise, please remember our staff is here to help. We’re working tirelessly to address any and all issues our members are facing.
What We’ve Learned
This experience has been insightful and valuable. Here are a few key takeaways:
- Keeping Your Information Updated is Essential
Many members expressed frustration about updating your contact details. We understand it can feel like a hassle, but having up-to-date information is vital for us to protect your accounts, keep you informed and offer relevant services. If we don’t have accurate email addresses, or if you opt out of communications, it becomes difficult to reach you when changes happen. - Marketing Messages Need Improvement
We understand some members feel our communications could be better aligned with their preferences, including both frequency and content. We’d love to hear your thoughts on how you’d like to stay connected. With 18,000 unique members, finding the perfect balance is a challenge, but we’re always looking to improve. - Security Measures Can Be Frustrating
We know the extra layers of verification can be time-consuming. But with increasing fraud risks, these safeguards are necessary to protect your accounts. While they may feel inconvenient, they are designed with your security in mind. - Your Feedback Matters
Some of you have praised our incredible staff, while others have shared less positive experiences. Both types of feedback are invaluable. If something isn’t working for you, we want to know. If you have suggestions for improvement, please let us know. Our credit union exists to serve you, and we’ll do everything we can to make sure you have the best experience with each and every interaction.
Moving Forward Together
We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience this transition has caused and appreciate your patience as we work through these challenges. At the heart of it all, we are only as good as our partnership with you.
Your feedback is incredibly valuable, and we’re committed to resolving any remaining issues as quickly as possible. Your input helps us grow and improve so we can serve you better. Thank you for your patience and for being part of our credit union family.

Sincerely,
Traci Donahue
CEO, Cross Valley FCU

Three of our Favorite Things About the New Online Banking
In December of 2024, we launched a major upgrade to our online and mobile banking. Here are a few of our favorite features: The Look and...
In December of 2024, we launched a major upgrade to our online and mobile banking. Here are a few of our favorite features:
The Look and Feel: The user interface and overall experience of the new Online Banking is leaps and bounds better than what it used to be. Navigating our accounts, looking at transaction history and just using the app is so smooth and seamless. You can even personalize your dashboard’s colors!
Enhanced Security: In today’s world, any extra level of security, especially when it comes to your finances, is a great thing. And our new Online Banking has some serious sentries at the door. From two-factor authentication to biometric logins, it’s packed with enhanced security features that should make any intruder think twice.
Total Card Control: On top of security enhancements, the control you get over your accounts is amazing. Whether it’s updating your personal information, making transfers (internal or external), setting vacation notifications or requesting a new card—it can all be done from the app. With this much control at your fingertips, you might never need our call center again!

Making Leaps and Bounds
In case you missed it, we’ve been busy transforming your banking experience for the better. 2024 brought some exciting upgrades and...
In case you missed it, we’ve been busy transforming your banking experience for the better. 2024 brought some exciting upgrades and enhancements on the technology front—all designed with you in mind. Change and innovation can be exciting and sometimes a bit challenging, but every improvement is about one thing: creating a future where more Opportunity is within your reach.
First up, our brand-new website! Launched in April, it’s designed to be super user-friendly with an intuitive layout that makes finding what you need a breeze. It’s faster, works across all your devices and has a look that reflects our commitment to making your life easier.
We’ve also given our online and mobile banking platform a total makeover! With a sleek, modern design, enhanced security feature, and powerful card controls, the new platform offers tools you’ll love—like real-time transaction monitoring, customizable alerts and an easier-than-ever bill payment system.
Whether you’re at home or on the go, managing your money has never been this convenient.
“At Cross Valley, we’re always looking for ways to stay ahead and meet our members’ evolving needs,” says Cross Valley CEO Traci Donahue. “These updates are just the start of what’s to come.” Check out the new features and see how we’re making banking better for you. We’re here to keep moving forward—together!

The 2025 Fuel Economy Guide
Each year, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency...
Each year, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) team up to publish their annual Fuel Economy Guide.
In addition to the helpful guide, the DOE and EPA have also developed the fuel economy website which features updated fuel economy info and data for new vehicles on the market as well as previous vehicles dating back to 1984!
If 2025 is the year you upgrade your ride, having valuable information like this can go a long way at the pump and save you money over time.
Upcoming Holiday Closings:

February 17th