Hello Chaffey Members,
Welcome to fall! It is hard to believe that we are in the last few months of 2026. Like many of you, my children are now back at school and deep in the fall sports season. My oldest recently started high school, and I find myself reflecting on how quickly time passes while looking ahead to the exciting milestones still to come. With so much change on the horizon, I suppose it is natural to reflect on the past and consider what is next. The cooler weather of fall serves as a reminder that each season brings new opportunities for growth, fresh perspectives, and renewed focus on the goals that matter most.
As the calendar rolled into fall, the financial world saw a change as well. Following the most recent Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) decision to increase interest rates in September, many consumers are wondering what it means for them. While every financial situation is different, rate increases generally make borrowing more expensive while creating opportunities for stronger returns on savings. For some members, this may mean taking a closer look at existing debt and creating a plan to pay balances down more quickly. For others, it may be a reminder to revisit savings goals and ensure their money is working as effectively as possible. Whatever your financial goals may be, our team is here to help you navigate changing economic conditions with confidence.
Economic cycles will always change, but one principle remains constant: sound financial habits matter in every environment. Whether you are saving for a future goal, purchasing a home, paying down debt, or preparing for retirement, steady progress often matters more than trying to predict the next market move.
That idea of consistency connects perfectly with this October’s International Credit Union Day theme: “A Steady Signal in a Noisy World.”
It’s a fitting message for the times we live in. Every day we are bombarded by headlines, social media posts, advertisements, financial advice, and opinions. The volume of information can feel overwhelming. Technology continues to evolve, products become more complex, and the pace of change seems to accelerate each year.
Through all of that, we remain focused on a simple mission: serving our members.
For over 60 years, Chaffey FCU has provided a trusted place for members to save, borrow, and build financial stability. While products, technology, and economic conditions may change, our commitment to people has not. We believe that financial services should be personal. We believe members deserve honest guidance. And we believe our success is measured by the positive impact we have on the lives of those we serve.
As a parent watching one child enter high school, I am reminded of how quickly educational milestones arrive. That commitment to helping members through life’s changes is one reason we are especially excited to announce the launch of Chaffey FCU’s Private Student Loan Program.
Higher education continues to open doors to new opportunities, but many families face difficult questions about how to manage the cost. Our new private student loan program expands the options available to students and families as they pursue their educational goals. Whether you’re preparing for your first semester of college, completing a graduate degree, or helping a family member navigate the financial side of higher education, this program provides another tool to help bridge the gap between aspirations and affordability.
Education is one of the most important investments many people will ever make, and we are proud to offer a solution that supports our members as they work toward their future careers and dreams.
As we celebrate International Credit Union Day on October 15, I encourage you to reflect on what membership means to you. Credit unions were founded on the principle of “people helping people,” and that philosophy remains just as relevant today as it was when our movement began. In a world that often seems increasingly complicated, there is value in having a financial institution that knows your community, understands your needs, and is committed to your long-term success.
No matter what changes the future brings, Chaffey FCU will continue to be that steady signal you can count on, lighting the way to your financial goals.
Thank you for trusting Chaffey FCU, and as always, thank you for your membership!
Diane Kotlewski
Chaffey FCU CEO
Welcome to a Better Student Lending Program
Chaffey FCU is Proud to Announce the Launch of Our Student Lending Program!
Supporting education has been a core part of Chaffey FCU’s mission since our founding in 1964. Through this new lending and refinancing program, we aim to help students and families access the resources they need to pursue higher education. By bridging the gap between educational costs and available funding, the program provides affordable financing options designed to support academic achievement and empower future generations to reach their goals.
Student Loans
Affordable Options for Your Financial Goals
When scholarships, grants, and federal loans aren’t enough, Chaffey FCU can help fill the gap with our unique line of credit* option.
Student Refinance
Take Control of Your Student Loan Repayment
Every student loan situation is unique. Our Guide to Refinance can help you determine if refinancing could be the right fit for you.**
Borrow responsibly.
All applications subject to credit qualification and additional criteria, including graduating from an approved school. Approval not guaranteed.
Federally insured by NCUA. Equal opportunity lender.
*All loans subject to annual review and credit qualification. Must meet school’s Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) requirements.
**Federal student loans may qualify for payment and interest rate benefits that private student loans do not. Carefully consider your options before refinancing federal student loans, as they will no longer qualify for current and future federal benefits once refinanced with a private lender. For more information, visit studentaid.gov or contact your federal student loan servicer.
Hope Through Access to Financial Education
The beginning of a new school year means building new routines, friendships, and skills. At the start of the 2026-2027 school year, we teamed up with our friends at Hope Through Housing to play hands-on financial games with the kids in their after-school program.
Foundational financial skills begin to form early in life – early money habits are set as young as age 7! With help from My First Nest Egg, we practiced essential money skills with the Hope Through Housing program, such as needs vs wants, saving money, and scam defense.
The students joined us on a “shopping trip”, complete with budgeting for three meals for a family, choosing between toys and nutritious food, and planning around a set spending limit. Then we turned to a spooky-themed activity, designed to teach students how to detect “scam monsters” and choose the best method of protection against them!
Chaffey FCU is committed to providing access to activities and accounts that encourage healthy financial skills. Visit our My First Nest Egg resources to teach your family how to defend themselves against scam monsters!
Celebrating the Credit Union Movement
International Credit Union Day
October 15, 2026
Every day, our world continues to evolve at a pace that’s faster than most of us are ready for: more uncertainty to endure, more options to choose from, and more noise to sort through. To guide you, credit unions around the world work together to be a consistent, dependable resource that you can count on. International Credit Union Day celebrates the global credit union movement, our members, and our community.
Chaffey FCU aspires to promote the credit union movement and financial wellness within our local community.
People Over Profit. Chaffey FCU is a not-for-profit financial cooperative that is owned by our Members.
Economic Mobility. Through low rates, higher savings, and less fees than traditional banking, we strive to help our members achieve their financial goals.
Creating Opportunities. Our earnings are reinvested into our community and membership to create accessible services, improve member savings, and provide financial education.
Zelle? We’ve Done that For Years!
Send and Receive Money with Zelle® in minutes.*
👻 Beware of Payment Scams
How to Send Money with Zelle® Safely
Zelle® provides a fast, private, and easy way to send and receive money with people you trust, like your sibling, friend, babysitter, coworkers, fellow PTA mom, or your kid’s soccer coach. Whether you’re new to Zelle® or have been using it for a long time, these three tips will help keep your transactions safe.
Tip #1: Only send money to people you know and trust
Using Zelle®, money goes directly from account to account typically within minutes*, so it’s important you know and trust the people you’re sending money to. Why? Because you can’t cancel a payment once it’s been sent if the recipient is already enrolled with Zelle®. And if you send money to someone in advance for a product or service you don’t end up receiving, you may be able to get your money back.
Tip #2: Beware of payment scams
If someone calls you threatening a negative action, such as fraud on your account or utilities being shut off unless you make a payment with Zelle®, slow down. That is a red flag. Scammers use fear and urgency to get you to act on impulse rather than reason. Trust your gut. No one from Chaffey FCU will ever ask you to send money with Zelle® as a test or to avoid a fraud event.
Another common scam involves the purchase of event tickets. If a stranger offers you tickets at a price, especially if it seems too good to be true, and insists you pay with Zelle®, wait a moment. In these situations, people send money to buy the tickets and never receive them, and there’s no way to get your money back. Only use Zelle® with someone you personally know and trust. If you don’t know, say no.
Neither Chaffey FCU nor Zelle® offers purchase protection for payments made with Zelle®. For example, if you don’t receive the item you paid for, or the item is not as described or expected, Zelle payments won’t be covered by Chaffey FCU or Zelle®.
Tip #3: Treat Zelle® like cash
You wouldn’t hand over cash to a stranger, would you? Sending money to the wrong person with Zelle® could be like that. That’s why you should always confirm the email address and the U.S. mobile number of the person you’re sending money to. It’s not uncommon for people to change their email addresses or phone numbers—make sure it’s current and correct!
When using Zelle® in our app, ensure the contact information on the confirmation screen matches the intended recipient. When in doubt, contact the recipient to verify the email address or U.S. mobile number they used to enroll with Zelle® before you hit “Send.”
Remember, you can’t cancel a payment once it’s been sent if the recipient is already enrolled, so it’s important you get it right the first time—and every time!
For more information and videos on how to use Zelle® safely, visit “Paying it Safe: Digital Payment Education” or our Zelle Safety page.
*To send or receive money with Zelle®, both parties must have an eligible checking or savings account. Transactions between enrolled users typically occur in minutes.
Neither Chaffey FCU nor Zelle® offers purchase protection for payments made with Zelle®. For example, if you don’t receive the item you paid for, or the item is not as described or expected, Zelle payments won’t be covered by Chaffey FCU or Zelle®.
Zelle available for Chaffey FCU Members 18 years of age and over. New checking accounts less than 90 days old are not eligible for Zelle.
Zelle® and the Zelle® related marks are wholly owned by Early Warning Services, LLC and are used herein under license.
Chaffey FCU Blog
Are You Prepared to Take on the Cost of an Unexpected Emergency?
Why an Emergency Fund Matters – and How to Build One.
Life does not always give us time to prepare. A medical bill, a sudden job loss, or an urgent car repair can put pressure on your budget quickly, especially when the expense cannot wait. That is where an emergency savings fund can make a real difference.
An emergency fund acts as a safety net during difficult moments. In the event of an urgent and costly surprise, the fund can help you avoid acquiring new debt, build your long-term financial goals, and maintain your personal wellness.
HOW TO START BUILDING YOUR EMERGENCY SAVINGS FUND
Learn more about picking the right savings account for your emergency fund needs: