Winter Insights Newsletter

Looking for a better way to shop? Look no further than our Rewards Debit Card! With a Partner Colorado Debit Card, you’ll earn rewards points on your everyday purchases that you can redeem for airline tickets, cash back, gift cards, merchandise and more!^*

Plus, don’t forget to put everyone in your household on one rewards account to earn more rewards points faster!

You’re already spending the money, why not earn rewards while you’re at it?

Learn more at ScoreCardRewards.com/Browse

^{*Rewards points provided by ScoreCard® Bonus Point Program. Account holders earn one point for every three qualified dollars in net purchase using signature-based debit card transactions and for every five qualified dollars in net purchases using PIN-based debit card transactions. There is no limit to the number of points an account can earn in one year. Points will expire within 36 months.}

You’ve probably heard a lot of talk about the FICO^® Score and how it can impact your future. But what is a FICO Score, and how is it determined?

The term FICO Score is named for the Fair Isaac Corporation, the company that developed it. This score is an assessment of your credit risk, and it can determine how much you pay for car insurance, vehicle loans, mortgages, credit cards and more.

FICO Scores are calculated by compiling different credit data, including payment history, amount owed, length of credit history, new credit and types of credit. Each of these components is given a percentage, which is used to calculate your credit score.

Credit Data                                Percentage of Importance When Calculating Score
Length of credit history               15%
New credit                                       10%
Types of credit in use                   10%
Payment history                            35%
Amounts owed                              30%

Your calculated credit score is a number between 300 and 850, and creditors use it to assess your credit risk. The higher the number, the less of a risk you are—and the less you’ll pay for credit. In the United States, 85% of scores range from 600 to 850, with a median score of 723.

Want to view your credit score? At Partner Colorado, we make it easy! View your score through Online Banking or our Mobile Banking App.


^{FICO® SCORE TERMS: Your FICO® Score and key factors are based on data from Experian and may be different from other credit scores. This information is intended for and only provided to members who have an available score. Your score is provided in Online and Mobile Banking with key factors for individual and joint accounts. Partner Colorado uses the FICO® Score provided to you, along with other information, in credit decisions. This benefit may change or end in the future. FICO® is a registered trademark of the Fair Isaac Corporation in the United States and other countries. Partner Colorado and Fair Isaac are not credit repair organizations as defined under federal or state law, including the Credit Repair Organizations Act. Partner Colorado and Fair Isaac do not provide “credit repair” services or assistance regarding “rebuilding” or “improving” your credit record, credit history or credit rating.}

Earn 5.50% on your first $1,000!

Want to step up your savings game? Strengthen your finances and maximize your savings with a Power Savings Account. You’ll earn our highest rate of 5.50% APY* on your first $1,000—allowing you to earn more with a smaller balance than most standard savings accounts!

Plus, supercharge your savings with our round-up feature that allows you to automatically save money by rounding up your everyday purchases to the nearest dollar amount and placing the spare change into your Power Savings Account.

Enjoy simplified savings with the Power Savings Account today! Learn more and open an account here.


^{*APY=Annual Percentage Yield. Limit one Power Savings Account per member. The interest rate is applied to the average daily balance and is paid at tier rates on the balances within each tier. Dividends are compounded and credited monthly based on the average daily balance present in the Power Savings Account. Member eligibility is required. The APY for the Power Savings Account is current as of 01/01/25. Rates and terms are subject to change at any time without notice. Fees may reduce earnings on the account.}

You never know what the future might hold. The loss of a spouse, the start of a family business, retirement, divorce, increased travel…any significant event can impact your wealth, making it even more important to ensure your assets and loved ones are cared for after you’re gone.

Planning for the future can seem overwhelming, but at Partner Colorado, it doesn’t have to be! We offer a full array of estate planning products and services, providing you with affordable options and peace of mind.

Two Popular Estate Planning Options
Two popular packages we offer are our Will Package and our Revocable Living Trust Package. What’s the difference? A will, or last will and testament, is a legally binding document directing the courts on whom you have elected to assume ownership of your assets and property upon your death. A trust is a legal arrangement where you appoint a trustee who will manage and distribute your assets to your selected beneficiaries. Both a will and a trust are viable options for estate planning, but we recommend exploring each option thoroughly before committing. You can learn more about our different packages here.

Regularly Update Your Will or Trust
Once you’ve chosen the right option for you, you’ll want to make sure you regularly update your will or trust, consider tax implications and provide instructions on how you want digital assets like online accounts and social media handled upon your death, among other things. Check out these common mistakes to avoid when estate planning.

Learn More About Estate Planning
Choosing a trustee—or for wills, an executor—is also a big decision since that person will ensure your final wishes are carried out. It’s important to ensure they are trustworthy, organized and willing to take on the role. Check out our helpful blog to learn more.

Protecting what matters to you matters to us. Contact us to learn more about how estate planning can help protect you and your loved ones.


^{*The use of any product and/or service is not intended to be a substitution for the advice of an attorney. Partner Colorado is not a law firm, and our representatives are not attorneys. No legal advice will be provided.}

As a member of Partner Colorado, you have a voice in selecting the volunteer officials that help guide the credit union in the best interest of the membership. This year, we have two board positions and one audit committee seat open. We encourage interested members to apply.

Nominations closed December 1, 2024. Partner Colorado members interested in running for the Board of Directors may do so by petition only. Persons wishing to be nominated by petition may obtain the official petition forms from Billie Easter at 303.422.6221 x3264.

Such persons must be at least 18 years of age, must be a member in good standing and must complete all required forms including a biographical resume. Each petition must have 100 signatures of the Partner Colorado Credit Union membership (signatures cannot be solicited in any Partner Colorado branches). The Nominating Committee must receive completed petitions by February 28, 2025.

Whether you’re just starting your financial journey or looking to sharpen your money management skills, this webinar will equip you with practical tools and strategies to help you achieve your financial goals. Learn how to create a budget that works, understand the importance of emergency funds, explore different investment options and discover ways to reduce and manage debt effectively.

Dates:
Tuesday, January 7 @ 11:30 am – 12:30 pm
Thursday, January 16 @ 6:30 pm – 7:30 pm

Presented by: Balance

Passing down prosperity or generational wealth—money and assets passed down through families—is vital for a strong community. Join us for an insightful webinar where you will learn how to make decisions to invest in yourself and the future generation, to build a stronger financial future.

Date & Time: Wednesday, January 22 @ 1:00 pm

Presented by: GreenPath

Credit is a valuable financial tool, but knowing how it works is crucial to making it work for you. This session delves into the fundamental aspects of credit, including credit scores, credit reports and their effects on your financial well-being. Discover the various types of credit, the factors that shape your credit score, and effective strategies for building, maintaining or improving your credit.

There are two dates to choose from:
Tuesday, February 11 @ 11:30 am – 12:30 pm
Thursday, February 20 @ 6:30 pm – 7:30 pm

Presented by: Balance

Much like driving a car, understanding the rules and best practices of credit card use can significantly impact your financial journey. In this session, uncover the essentials of using credit cards wisely—from exploring various card types, interest rates and fees to finding the card that best suits your needs. Uncover practical strategies for budgeting and managing debt that empower you to use credit cards responsibly.

There are two dates to choose from:
Tuesday, March 11 @ 11:30 am – 12:30 pm
Thursday, March 20 @ 6:30 pm – 7:30 pm

Presented by: Balance

Partner Colorado updates our Privacy Policy annually during the month of January. You can find the most up-to-date Privacy Policy online or you can request a paper copy be mailed to you by calling 303.422.6221. 

We will be closed on the following days:
• New Year's Day—Wednesday, Jan. 1
• Martin Luther King Jr. Day—Monday, Jan. 20
• Presidents Day—Monday, Feb. 17

Annual Meeting Notice
When: Thursday, May 22, 2025 @ 5:30 pm
Where: Arvada Headquarters, 5269 W. 62nd Ave., Arvada, CO