NEWSLETTER
President's Message
Financial Advice I’d Give My Younger Self
Get an inside look at the financial tips our president and CEO would share with himself if he could travel back to his college days.
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Become a Clever Credit Card User
When used wisely, a credit card can be a powerful tool with many financial advantages. Don’t miss out on the benefits you might be overlooking!
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We’ll Mind Your Business
The personalized guidance you’ve come to depend on from Mountain America is also available to business owners. From payment processing and loans to payroll and insurance, explore our full suite of award-winning business services.
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Exclusive Member Discounts
Need ideas for summer fun? Whether you prefer theme parks and theater or ice skating and live music, make lasting memories—and save big—with special offers from our partners, including Get Away Today®.
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A Better Call Experience
Mountain America will soon be launching several updates to our automated phone system to streamline your service center experience. Find out how these enhancements will save you time and make transacting easier.
Announcement
Your Voice Was Heard
Get an update on the status of the credit union tax exemption as the budget reform bill passes through Congress.
Financial Advice I’d Give My Younger Self
Sterling Nielsen,
President/CEO
When I was a child, my father worked as a probation officer and my mother dedicated herself to managing our bustling household of seven children. I credit my younger years with helping me gain a pivotal understanding of hard work, perseverance and money management.
I knew if I wanted something, I had to earn it, so I took on multiple paper routes and regularly held a job throughout my teens. My college education majoring in accounting helped me have a good financial understanding, but I still had lessons to learn.
Here are five lessons I would have told my younger self.
Plan your budget, but brace for surprises
Before getting married, I meticulously crafted a budget, confident that living within our means would ensure financial stability. However, life had other plans. A few years after buying our home, my wife and I were reviewing our finances. To my dismay, I realized we wouldn't be able to cover our expenses the following year.
With three children and only a 1% pay increase, we were on the brink of financial trouble. I decided I needed to find a better job with improved benefits.
Lesson one—The best-laid plans need to account for life's unexpected twists and turns. Brace for the unexpected by setting a goal to have at least three months of expenses set aside.
By the way, the new job I found turned out to be a solid decision—it was my first role with Mountain America in 1995.
Beware of impulse buys
As our family began to grow, we decided it was time to purchase a minivan. Like many others on a shoestring budget, we opted for a used vehicle. We planned to stick to the base model to save, but when I saw the touring edition, I was captivated and chose the upgrades. This caused us to spend more than necessary and created some added financial strain and buyer’s remorse.
Whether it's a flashy car or an enticing ad on social media, giving in to these purchases can lead to unnecessary expenses.
Lesson two—Give yourself the gift of being disciplined.
Invest in your future sooner
I was in my 30s before I started to set aside retirement savings. If I had started at the age of 25 instead of 35, it would have made a substantial impact.
Look at how big the difference is if you start saving $5,000 annually at 25 versus 35:
- Age 25 until 65: With an average annual return of 7% in a retirement account, savings can grow to approximately $1,068,048.
- Age 35 until 65: The savings total would grow to approximately $505,365.
That is a $560,000 difference simply by starting 10 years earlier!
Lesson three—Start long-term savings sooner.
Use credit cards strategically
There is a lot to know about using a credit card that I wish I had learned sooner. Once you master this essential tool, it can be a great resource to manage your personal finances. A credit card can:
- Provide convenience and protect against unauthorized charges.
- Help build credit when you make consistent, on-time payments—consider autopay to stay on track.
- Offer rewards like cash back, gift cards and travel rebates.
- Include perks such as purchase protection, extended warranties and rental car insurance.
Lesson four—A credit card is a valuable financial resource if you pay it off every month to avoid interest charges.
Consult with a free financial guide
My final, and maybe most important, piece of advice for my younger self is to consult with a financial expert.
Even though I was an accountant, having a third party review my short- and long-term goals would have been invaluable to ensure I was on the right path. The only investment required is time, and the peace of mind you'll gain is priceless.
Lesson five—Establish a solid, personal financial plan.
I hope you can apply the lessons I've learned to your life. Don't forget, Mountain America is here to guide you forward. Thank you for being a valued member.
Sincerely,
Sterling Nielsen
Thank you to all of you who took action and contacted your representatives, urging them to protect the credit union tax exemption. Our current tax status ensures that our members receive lower rates on loans, higher dividends on savings and programs that benefit each of our communities. This exemption was preserved as the budget reform bill passed through the House and Senate.
We are grateful for your advocacy!
Become a Clever Credit Card User
A smart financial tool
Having a credit card can provide you with a valuable financial safety net. If an unexpected expense arises, your credit card can provide immediate access to necessary funds. When used thoughtfully, this financial tool can be a great asset. Just be sure to have a repayment plan to avoid long-term interest charges.
We’ll Mind Your Business
Mountain America has services to support your business
If you only use Mountain America for your personal finances, you might not realize that we also provide services and support for business owners. Get the same professional guidance and trusted support for your business that you already enjoy with your personal finances.
Whether you’re just starting out or growing your business to its next stage, Mountain America offers business services to help you on your path.
We also have the credentials to prove it.
Mountain America is:
Flip the tiles to explore our business services
Business banking
Business banking
Choose from a variety of checking and savings accounts, as well as certificates and business credit cards.
Cash management
Cash management
Streamline your financial operations with payment processing, ACH origination, online wires, remote deposit and fraud prevention services.
Merchant services
Merchant services
Accept more payment types, including credit cards, mobile wallets and online transactions.
Payroll and human resources
Payroll and human resources
Streamline mission-critical work for human resources, payroll, time and benefits—all from a single comprehensive platform.
Insurance
Insurance
Protect your business with policies from company auto and property coverage to workers compensation.
SBA loans
SBA loans
Commercial real estate
Commercial real estate
Purchase or refinance a commercial property—and fund new construction—with our commercial lending options.
Lines of credit
Lines of credit
Dedicated business team
Dedicated business team
Our business team can provide personalized guidance as your business grows and evolves.
All of these come with the same great service and member experiences you know and expect from Mountain America, including our competitive rates, low fees and member focus.
If you’re looking for a financial partner while starting or expanding your business, consider Mountain America’s business services. Talk to a member of our business team today.
Exclusive Member Discounts
Hoping to save on your yearly family vacation? Searching for low-cost summer fun in your community? Enjoy these discounted adventures and budget-friendly activities with some of Mountain America’s summer-fun-approved partners.
Go Big
You’ve got a friend in Get Away Today
This season Mountain America is partnering with Get Away Today® to provide our members with special offers on resort theme parks, cruises and beach destinations like Hawaii and Mexico. Plus, Get Away Today will donate to the Children’s Miracle Network through the Credit Unions for Kids program on your behalf!Enjoy these benefits when you book your trip.
- Peace of mind: Options for added flexibility to change or adjust your reservation.
- Expert travel info: Free access to a variety of support services.
- Stress-free guarantees: The best price and customer care—no matter what.
Go Home
Utah
Hale Centre Theatre: Mountain America Performing Arts Centre
Enjoy a 10% discount on tickets to this world-class theater when you call the box office and use your Mountain America debit or credit card. This summer, enjoy shows such as:- Twelve Angry Men: May 19–July 26
- Footloose the Musical: July 5–August 30
CenterPoint Legacy Theatre
Experience this charming community theater with 10% off tickets and concessions when you call the box office and use your Mountain America debit or credit card. Don’t miss:- Cats: June 13–July 15
- Catch Me if You Can: July 16–August 19
Arizona
Mountain America Community Iceplex
Escape the heat at the rink in Mullett Arena with this unique summer activity for the whole family.- Adults: $14
- Kids: $7
- Toddlers: FREE
- Skate rentals: $5
Little Free Libraries in Phoenix
Find a new adventure throughout the Phoenix Valley at one of the 15 Little Free Libraries installed courtesy of Mountain America Credit Union, the Phoenix Suns/Phoenix Mercury Foundation and Southwest Human Development.
Idaho
Mountain America Center
Choose from a variety of unforgettable summer events at the Mountain America Center in Boise, and score 10% off concessions with your Mountain America debit or credit card.Browse events
Don’t miss out on the free Summer Market Days July 25–26, featuring live music, local artisans and engaging activities for all ages.
Learn more
A Better Call Experience
At Mountain America, we are dedicated to continuously improving the member experience. As many of you have service needs that require a phone call, we understand the importance of making this a positive interaction. This is why we will soon be rolling out updates to our automated phone system to enhance the effectiveness of our call handling.
Here are some of the things you can look forward to:
Introduction of a new female voice
Improved call direction
Enhanced self-serve options
Introduction of a new female voice
Introduction of a new female voice
As part of our ongoing efforts to enhance your experience, we will be introducing a female persona to our automated phone system for both English and Spanish. This update is designed to create a welcoming, friendly and professional interaction each time you call.We recognize that many members are familiar with the current male voice. Because of this, hearing a different voice may initially feel unexpected. Please know that this change is intentional—and you’ve absolutely reached Mountain America. The new voice reflects our commitment to refreshing and improving your call experience, while maintaining the same reliable support you’ve come to expect.
Improved call direction
Improved call direction
To ensure each member is directed to the representative best equipped to assist with their needs, callers should expect to provide a reason for their call. This improvement helps to route calls more efficiently, significantly reducing call wait times and ensuring that inquiries are addressed promptly and accurately.Enhanced self-serve options
Enhanced self-serve options
Our automated phone system will soon offer quick options for tasks such as:- Checking balances
- Reviewing transactions
- Transferring funds
- Replacing cards
We want to hear from you
We are committed to continuously improving our services based on member feedback. Your input is essential in helping us identify areas for continued enhancement. We encourage you to share your experiences and suggestions with us. You play a crucial role in our ongoing efforts to provide the best possible service.
Support and assistance
Our representatives are ready to assist you as we implement this upgraded experience. If you have any questions, please contact our service center at 1-800-748-4302. We’re here to guide you forward.
Photograph © Melanie Burton (Havasu Falls, AZ) | 2025 Calendar Contest Winner, August
