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News & Events

Keep up with the latest from First Watch Credit Union.








As you may be aware, the federal government officially entered a shutdown on October 1, 2025, following a lapse in funding due to unresolved budget negotiations in Congress. This shutdown affects hundreds of thousands of federal employees and contractors, many of whom are facing furloughs and delayed paychecks.

We understand that this period of uncertainty may be causing financial stress for some of our members. At First Watch Credit Union, we are committed to standing by you during this time with compassion, flexibility, and support.

Will the credit union remain open, and will my money remain insured? 

Yes, we are a federal credit union whose shares are insured by NCUA, but we are not federal employees and are owned by our members, not the federal government. The National Credit Union Administration will remain open and individual accounts will remain federally insured during the federal government shutdown.

The NCUA is an independent agency of the federal government, and its operating budget comes from fees charged to federal credit unions and transfers from the National Credit Union Share Insurance Fund. Credit union members’ accounts will continue to be insured by the Share Insurance Fund.

How can we help?

  • Skip-a-Payment Options: Members impacted by the shutdown may be eligible to defer loan payments without penalty.
  • Personalized Financial Counseling: Our team is available to help you assess your financial situation and explore solutions tailored to your needs.

We remain committed to your financial well-being and thank you for being a valued member of First Watch Credit Union.

 

 


 



 


A new year often means a time to reflect on your personal finances, goals and budget moving forward.  Many of us will agree our wallets have been stretched thin this year.  The price of goods and services are on the rise and ultimately, we don’t have much control.  Inflation has our budgets out of wack, but it’s the perfect time to sit down and make a plan.

We know our wallets are stretched, but do we know exactly what spending categories are getting hit the hardest.  It’s time to dig a little deeper. Evaluate where you are overspending and what budget lines need to be adjusted due to increase in prices. According to the USDA, the average monthly cost of food for a family is around $1200.  Compared to previous times, it is apparent that we need to budget more for groceries.  Are you spending less on eating out because it’s no longer in your budget?  Maybe this category can be adjusted to better reflect your current lifestyle.  Studies reveal that American’s spending habits have changed due to increased prices. 

When inflation hits hard, we need to find ways to save.  We live in a fast-paced world, and it’s hard to change our habits, but cutting back on coffee runs, food delivery services, and combining errands to save on fuel are easy ways to save a little here and there. You may also find extra funds by reducing the number of streaming and music subscriptions you pay for monthly.  If you’re determined to save some money, shop around.  Spend some extra time evaluating the price you pay for monthly expenses like insurance, phone, and internet services. Remind yourself, this isn’t permanent, but some financial adjustments might just help get you through these difficult times and keep you out of debt. 

Take a month and find a rhythm of tracking your transactions.  Managing your money during a challenging environment, and adapting where needed isn’t always easy, but every decision you make affects your financial situation tomorrow.