Jury Duty Scams: What Solidarity Wants You to Know If you’ve ever been called for jury duty, you know it’s not something to ignore. Scammers know that too — and they’re using it to scare people into handing over money or personal information. Here’s how the scam usually works: You receive an unexpected call or email from someone claiming to be a law enforcement officer or U.S. Marshal. They say you missed jury duty and threaten fines, court action, or even arrest unless you pay immediately. The pressure feels real — but it isn’t. Courts don’t operate this way. This is a scam. How to Spot a Jury Duty Scam Fast Here’s how to spot it fast ⬇️✔️ Courts and government agencies will never demand payment over the phone or by email.✔️ Scammers often insist on unusual payment methods like gift cards, payment apps, cryptocurrency, or wire transfers (Western Union or MoneyGram).✔️ Courts do not ask for sensitive personal information—like your Social Security number or birthdate—over the phone.✔️ Paying a scammer does NOT clear you from real jury duty. Legitimate jury matters are handled directly through the court—not by surprise calls or emails. If something feels off, don’t respond or pay. When in doubt, contact the court directly using a number you trust or call Solidarity—we’re always here to help protect you. 💙 What To Do If You Get One of These Calls or Emails Don’t respond. Don’t send money. Don’t share personal or financial information. If you’re unsure whether a message is legitimate, contact the court directly using a phone number or website you know is real — not the one provided in the message. If You’ve Already Been Targeted If you’ve already paid money or shared personal information, take action right away. Report the scam at ReportFraud.ftc.gov and contact Solidarity so we can help you protect your accounts and next steps. At Solidarity, your financial safety matters. When in doubt, pause — and give us a call. We’re always here to help you sort out what’s real and what’s not. Click here for Solidarity’s contact info!

When Saving Finally Starts to Feel Possible For a lot of people, saving money doesn’t fail because of lack of effort—it fails because it doesn’t feel rewarding. You open a savings account, deposit what you can, and then… nothing. The balance grows slowly, the dividends barely move the needle, and it’s easy to lose motivation. When progress feels invisible, saving is often the first thing to fall off the priority list. That’s exactly the problem Rev Up Savings was designed to solve. Saving That Rewards the First Step At Solidarity Community Federal Credit Union, we know that building savings is a process. Most people don’t start with thousands of dollars—they start with intention. Rev Up Savings recognizes that by rewarding the first dollars you save, not just the biggest balances. Because Rev Up is a reverse tier savings account, the highest dividend rate applies to the lowest balance tier. That means your money works harder right away, even if you’re starting small. Instead of waiting to hit a certain balance before seeing meaningful growth, you see it from the beginning. Why It Matters Seeing early progress changes behavior. When members notice their savings growing sooner, they’re more likely to keep going—adding a little here, a little there, and sticking with the habit. Rev Up Savings works especially well for: Building an emergency fund Saving for short-term goals like vacations or back-to-school expenses Rebuilding savings after life throws a curveball Anyone who wants encouragement while they build momentum How Solidarity’s Rev Up Savings Account Works Solidarity’s Rev Up Savings Account is a reverse tier savings account specifically designed to help members grow their first dollars faster. Rev Up Savings Rate Structure (Example) $0–$2,500: Highest dividend rate $2,500–$5,000: Competitive middle tier Higher balances: Lower dividend rates apply This reverse tier structure makes Rev Up Savings ideal for: Members just starting to save Emergency fund builders Goal-based savers Teens and young adults Unlike many savings products, Rev Up Savings does not require a minimum balance to earn dividends. Flexible, Simple, and Member-Focused Rev Up Savings doesn’t lock your money away or require complicated rules. Your funds remain accessible, and you can add to your savings at your own pace. It’s designed to fit real life—not force you into unrealistic expectations. At its core, Rev Up Savings is about meeting members where they are and helping them build confidence along with their balance. A Different Way to Think About Saving Traditional savings accounts often reward people who already have money. Rev Up Savings rewards people who are working toward it. That difference matters—especially when building strong financial habits that last. Click here to start saving!

What Is a Reverse Tier Savings Account—and Why Solidarity’s Rev Up Savings Helps You Save Faster Two friends, Alex and Jamie, are both trying to be better about saving—but their needs look a little different. Alex is just getting started. He’s building an emergency fund from scratch and setting aside small amounts whenever he can. What motivates him most is seeing progress early on, even if his balance isn’t huge yet. Jamie, on the other hand, already has a solid savings cushion. She keeps a larger balance in her account and mainly wants a safe, dependable place to park her money and access it when needed. Both are doing the right thing—but they don’t need the same type of savings account. That’s where understanding the difference between Rev Up Savings and a traditional savings account can help you choose what works best for you. What Is a Reverse Tier Savings Account? A reverse tier savings account is a type of savings account that pays the highest interest rate on the lowest balance tiers. This is the opposite of a traditional tiered savings account, where higher balances earn higher rates. The goal of a reverse tier savings account is to help people build savings faster from the beginning, instead of only rewarding large balances. How Solidarity’s Rev Up Savings Account Works Solidarity’s Rev Up Savings Account is a reverse tier savings account specifically designed to help members grow their first dollars faster. Rev Up Savings Rate Structure (Example) $0–$2,500: Highest dividend rate $2,500–$5,000: Competitive middle tier Higher balances: Lower dividend rates apply This reverse tier structure makes Rev Up Savings ideal for: Members just starting to save Emergency fund builders Goal-based savers Teens and young adults Unlike many savings products, Rev Up Savings does not require a minimum balance to earn dividends. Why Reverse Tier Savings Accounts Are Gaining Popularity Saving money has become harder in recent years: Nearly 75% of Americans report saving less due to higher living costs Only about 55% of households have three months of expenses saved Many people struggle to save even small amounts consistently Reverse tier savings accounts address a major problem:👉 Traditional savings accounts don’t reward small balances enough to motivate saving. By offering higher returns on lower balances, reverse tier savings accounts: Create early momentum Encourage consistency Help build emergency savings faster Who Should Use a Reverse Tier Savings Account? A reverse tier savings account like Rev Up Savings is a strong fit if you: 👉🏿Are building an emergency fund Financial experts recommend saving 3–6 months of expenses, yet many households fall short. Rev Up helps your first dollars grow faster while you work toward that goal. 👉🏾Are new to saving If you’re just getting started, earning higher dividends early can be motivating and habit-forming. 👉🏽Are saving for a short-term goal Vacation, holiday expenses, back-to-school costs, or a large purchase—reverse tier savings works well for goal-based saving. 👉🏼Want a savings account with no minimum balance Rev Up Savings has no minimum balance requirement, removing a common barrier to entry. No matter where you are in your savings journey, the right account can make a difference. Whether you’re just getting started and want your first dollars to work harder with Rev Up Savings, or you’re maintaining a larger balance in a traditional savings account, Solidarity has an option designed to support your goals. The key is choosing what fits you—and sticking with it.

Breaking Down Your College Budget Most people start by asking, “How much does college cost?”—and that’s often the first misstep. While the question itself isn’t wrong, lumping college into one big price tag can be misleading. The true cost of earning a degree goes far beyond a single bill. Where you live, how you get around, and even how you budget for food and fun all play a role in what college really costs. Those smaller, everyday decisions can significantly impact your total expenses, which is why understanding them matters. The first step toward building a realistic and successful college budget is breaking expenses down into categories. Most college-related costs fall into one of two groups: fixed or variable. Once you understand the difference, budgeting becomes much more manageable. Fixed expenses are recurring costs that typically stay the same month to month. Because they don’t change often, you generally know what to expect when the bill arrives. Variable expenses, on the other hand, fluctuate. These costs can change from month to month, making it important to track spending closely and remain flexible as your needs shift. Let’s look at common examples of each and how they fit into a college budget. Fixed Expenses HousingRent is usually the largest fixed expense. When you sign a lease—say, for $800 a month—that amount is locked in for the term of the contract. Your landlord can’t change it mid-lease, which makes it predictable and easier to plan for. Tips:Choose housing that balances affordability and safety. Extremely low rent isn’t always worth the risk if the area isn’t secure. If rent feels out of reach, roommates can significantly reduce costs. Some colleges also offer work-study programs that help cover room and board, so it’s worth checking with your school’s financial aid office to explore available options. UtilitiesUtilities like gas, water, and electricity aren’t always included in rent. These costs may add $25 or more per month. For some students, utility costs are fairly consistent and can be treated as fixed expenses, though in some cases they may vary slightly month to month. TuitionTuition costs vary widely depending on where you attend school. Out-of-state tuition at public universities can be more than double in-state rates. On average, in-state tuition at public universities is around $9,308 per year, while out-of-state tuition averages $26,427. Private colleges are typically more expensive, averaging about $32,410 annually. In some cases, students may qualify for in-state tuition after establishing residency, which can significantly reduce costs. Tips:Paying for tuition can be one of the biggest challenges of college. Scholarships and financial aid, including FAFSA, should always be explored first—there are thousands of scholarships available that often go unclaimed. If additional funding is needed, student loans may help cover the gap, but they should be used carefully. Loans provide money now, but they come with long-term repayment obligations, so borrowing should be a last resort rather than a first choice.

Black History Month- Who Was Marie Van Brittan Brown? Did you know that one of the most influential home security innovations was created by a nurse looking for a safer way to protect her home and family? Throughout history, everyday challenges have inspired extraordinary solutions, and some of the technology we rely on today has roots in unexpected places. Before modern video doorbells and smart security systems existed, one woman’s idea helped change how people think about home safety. Let’s have some fun! Play trivia with us below!  https://youtu.be/oLLOKk9jBKw?si=RVJpyJ65x3G32k3B Who Was She?  Marie Van Brittan Brown was an American nurse, inventor, and pioneer in home security technology. Living in Queens, New York, in the 1960s, Brown became concerned about rising crime rates and slow emergency response times in her neighborhood. Because her work as a nurse often kept her away from home at unusual hours, she began thinking of ways to improve personal and home safety. Building Safety, Then and Now Marie Van Brittan Brown’s invention reminds us that home isn’t just a place—it’s where safety, stability, and peace of mind begin. Her idea was born from a desire to protect what mattered most, using the tools available to her at the time. Today, homeowners continue to invest in their homes for many of the same reasons: security, comfort, and confidence in the future. Whether it’s upgrading safety features, making repairs, or creating a space that truly feels like home, access to the right financial tools can make those improvements possible. At Solidarity Community Federal Credit Union, we’re proud to support members as they build and protect their homes through options like mortgage loans and home equity solutions. Just as innovation helped reshape home safety decades ago, smart financial decisions can help strengthen the place you call home today. Looking to buy, refinance, or invest in the place you call home? Our mortgage team is ready to help you find the right loan for your next step. Learn more or click to apply below! Apply Now!

Black History Month- Nobel Peace Prize Winner! Throughout history, a handful of leaders have changed the world not through force, but through courage, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to peace. One of them stands out as a symbol of nonviolence, justice, and lasting impact—earning one of the world’s most prestigious honors for peaceful change. But who was it? Before we reveal the answer, let’s take a moment to reflect on what true leadership and peace really look like. Let’s have some fun! Play trivia with us below!  https://youtu.be/2gnusHWfXyI Who Was He?  The answer is Martin Luther King Jr.. His legacy reminds us that progress is built through opportunity, dignity, and access—values that extend beyond civil rights and into everyday life. At Solidarity Community Federal Credit Union, we believe access to fair, transparent financial tools is essential for everyone. When people are empowered with the knowledge and resources to make informed financial decisions, stronger communities—and a more equitable future—can grow. Learn Financial Literacy Today!