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Throughout the winter months, you’re either saving up for holiday gifts or trying to recover from them. Financially, things might feel a bit tighter than usual, especially with ever-rising prices on just about everything. While winter gives you a good excuse to stay in and save money, it’s completely normal to feel bored and at a crossroads. Do you hibernate all winter to save cash, or do you splurge on $100 ski rentals at Boyne for one day of fun? Luckily, KCCU is here to remind you that finding cheap winter activities in Michigan doesn’t have to be stressful. Whether you’re looking for fun with the whole family or planning something with friends, there’s plenty to enjoy during the Mitten’s snowy season. 1. Peabody Ice Climbing - Looking for a chilling, adventurous experience that makes you feel like you’re on top of the world? Peabody Ice Climbing in Fenton, MI offers the chance to climb their 45-ft and 75-ft ice towers—perfect for both beginners and experienced climbers. It’s fun for the whole family, and day passes are $25 per person (rental gear not included). 2. Echo Valley - Get ready for a day full of excitement with Echo Valley’s snow tubing, tobogganing, and ice skating all for $25! Located in Kalamazoo, MI, you can experience sledding at a whole new level with quarter-mile toboggan runs that reach speeds of up to 60 miles per hour. If you’re looking for a longer ride, enjoy the tubing hill with a paved and heated walking path, or go ice skating throughout the park. No matter what you choose, you’re guaranteed to make warm winter memories. 3. Christkindl Market - From November 19th through December 23rd, Grand Rapids is hosting its third annual Christkindl Market. Explore a wide variety of delicious food, drinks, handmade gifts, and more, with 60+ vendors in attendance. Even if you’re not looking to buy anything, the Christkindl Market offers a warm, scenic, and festive environment to stroll through and enjoy. 4. Millennium Park - If you’re looking for an affordable place to ice skate, head to Millennium Park in Kalamazoo, MI. Admission is just $5, and skate rentals are $3. Enjoy being outdoors while taking in the city’s lively winter atmosphere. 5. Flurry of Fun - Held in Kalamazoo in February, Flurry of Fun is packed with winter activities at absolutely no cost. Enjoy a hot chocolate station, s’more station, mobile library, storytelling tent, winter golf, winter obstacle courses, snow toss, and more. It’s the perfect opportunity to bring your little ones for a magical day they won’t forget. More information on dates and pre-registration will be available in January. 6. Winter Wanderland - Downtown Battle Creek is hosting the Winter Wanderland event on December 6th from 2:00 p.m.–8:00 p.m. Explore the city while enjoying free horse-drawn wagon rides and a mini Polar Express train. You’ll also find holiday markets and artisan vendors throughout the event. 1. Crafting for Adults - If you’re searching for a warmer, lighthearted activity, Willard Library in Battle Creek, MI offers adult craft nights. They feature a variety of projects, one of them being a chunky-yarn snowman. Stay updated on their website as well as All Events – Battle Creek to see what’s happening throughout the winter. 2. Kalamazoo Institute of Arts (KIA) - Enjoy free general admission on Thursdays at the Kalamazoo Institute of Arts. Stop in to browse beautiful artwork ranging from paintings and ceramics to photographs, prints, and sculptures. 3. Improv Night - Get your giggles in this winter at Crawlspace Comedy Theatre in Kalamazoo, MI. On December 12th, Crawlspace is hosting an improv night for $15 per ticket. 4. Winter Book Swap - Visit Sit & Stay Winery on December 4th in Kalamazoo, MI for a cozy evening of reading, delicious wine and food, and friendly conversation. The winery offers a warm, welcoming environment—perfect for a low-cost night out. 5. Trivia Night - Test your knowledge for free at LFG Gaming Bar in Kalamazoo, MI. Trivia Night takes place every Wednesday at 7:00 p.m., making it the perfect mid-week pick-me-up. Bring friends or family to team up—or spark some friendly competition! 6. Marshall Indoor Flea Market - If you’re big into flea markets but not into cold weather, Marshall’s indoor winter flea market is calling your name! Browse local produce, baked goods, and artisan shops as a refreshing morning activity. Admission is free, so it’s entirely up to your budget how much you spend on goodies and gifts. No matter which activities you choose this season, KCCU hopes you—and your wallet—stay cozy all winter long. Happy holidays from KCCU! Kellogg Community Credit Union (KCCU) is proud to kick off our annual toy drive, bringing joy to children who might otherwise go without a gift during the holidays. Now in its 23rd year, KCCU continues this heartwarming tradition of collecting toys and gifts for local children in need. This year, all KCCU branches are excited to support local organizations dedicated to bringing holiday joy to children of all ages - from infants to teens. We invite our members and the community to join us by donating new toys and games for kids up to 17 years old. For our teenage recipients, gift cards make a wonderful choice, giving them the chance to choose something special from their own wish list. Donations can be dropped off at any KCCU branch from November 10th through December 13th, 2025. Please remember to keep the donated gifts unwrapped. By contributing a gift, you can help brighten a child's holiday and bring the joy of the season to families across West Michigan! "At KCCU, the holiday season is a time to reflect on the importance of generosity and community," shared Tracy Miller, CEO of KCCU. "We are honored to once again host our annual toy drive, helping to bring joy and hope to children and teens during this special time of year. We invite our members and the broader community to join us in making a meaningful difference - together, we can help ensure the season is brighter for those who need it most." ### Kellogg Community Credit Union, headquartered in Battle Creek, Michigan is a full-service financial institution serving people who live, work, worship, or attend school in the state of Michigan. With $925 million in assets, KCCU proudly serves over 54,000 members in Michigan, with branches in Battle Creek, Marshall, Kalamazoo, Portage, Richland, Grand Rapids, Schoolcraft, and Three Rivers. A community leader since 1941, KCCU consistently outperforms other financial institutions with outstanding service satisfaction ratings and a long history of growth. For more information, please visit www.kccu4u.org. Connect with KCCU on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
The temperature is dropping, the leaves are falling, and the snow is on its way. These are all tell-tale signs of fuzzy sweaters, hot cocoa, and most of all, the holidays. The holiday shopping season is close to being in full swing. If you’re wondering how you’re going to pay for this frenzy of shopping while keeping your checking account in the black, you’re not alone. The most important thing to remember is to plan ahead: Have a set spending amount for gifts, wrap, entertainment, donations, and travel. If your finances are tight you might have to evaluate your gift-recipient list to stay in budget this year. Once you trim your list, make a holiday treat or handmade token for those who got the cut. It really IS the thought that counts. Once you have your list complete, figure out a realistic amount to spend on each person. Jot down a couple of gift ideas in your price range for that person. Try a budgeting app like Mint to keep your spending in check. You can use Mint for regular monthly budgeting, but it also allows you to allocate more funds for holiday purchases. Using graphs and reports, it shows how much you’ve spent and how it will affect your budget in the months to come. The iSpending app uses charts to show your expenses and how much you have left to spend, while CashTrails allows you to separate your normal expenditures from special purchases like holidays and travel. Most people want to avoid crowds, so they may hit stores earlier in the season or shop online. Retailers are well aware of this trend and are offering pre-Black Friday sales and discounts. Spreading out your holiday shopping over several weeks also makes it easier on your budget. Always shop with a list and keep track of your spending. As you buy your gifts, subtract from your total budget. In addition to shopping the sales and collecting coupon codes for online purchases, know when to buy. December is the best time to buy cars, appliances, winter clothing, and electronics. Also, know how much items cost before a markdown to know if you’re really getting a deal. If you’re shopping online, order early and expect delays in shipping. Increased shopping during the holidays will affect already-strained delivery companies. To avoid shipping delays and higher shipping costs, shop at stores that offer “buy online, ship to store” service. This service is free at most retailers, some of which offer curbside pickup. Get the best deals on cards, decorations and gift wrap during the days right before and after Christmas. Discounts of up to 75% off can shave a lot off your holiday budget for next year. The best part about the holidays is getting together with your loved ones to enjoy each other’s company, which of course, can still be just as delightful when following a budget. If you’re hosting guests, keep costs down by asking everyone to bring their favorite side or dessert and include festive recipe cards with the chef’s name. Use DIY decor featuring natural items, like holly and pinecones. Gather the kids and go on a hike to find outdoor holiday decorations. Not only will it save you money, but it will also give you some stress-free outdoor time with your family. If you must travel home for the holidays, don’t forget to figure in other incidentals beyond gasoline and the cost of a plane ticket. If you’re traveling by car, gas prices have luckily seen a steady dip. Still the GasBuddy app can help you find the best prices for gasoline wherever you are. Don’t forget to figure in tolls and any emergency costs that may come up. If you’re flying, consider baggage fees, parking and shuttle costs and the expense of ground transportation once you arrive. And don’t forget Fluffy! You’ll need to pay someone to take care of your furry friends. The Rover app can help you find pet care options near your home. The holidays are a time for goodwill toward all. But if your budget cannot accommodate a monetary donation, volunteer your time. If you can make a financial donation, be sure to check that the charity you are supporting is legitimate. Keep your holiday dollars in check, and you may have some holiday spirit left over even after the last elf is packed away and the January bills start rolling in. We at KCCU wish you all a happy, healthy and stress-free holiday season! Kellogg Community Credit Union (KCCU) will kick off its annual coat drive on September 15 to help the members of the communities they serve stay warm this winter. The coat drive will run until October 31, and items can be dropped off in the lobby at any KCCU branch location. Financial hardship can make it difficult for some families and individuals to ensure they are dressed properly this fall and winter, making this annual coat drive especially timely. KCCU knows their team, members, and the community will come together and show support for this worthy cause, as they have done for many years past. KCCU is committed to helping provide cold-weather gear for those who may need assistance, so they are collecting new and gently used coats, snow pants, hats, mittens, and scarves that are clean and in good condition, in all sizes from adults to infants and everything in between. The items collected will be distributed to local families in need by community partners. "KCCU is deeply committed to supporting the communities we serve in every way possible," said KCCU's CEO, Tracy Miller. "With the colder months just around the corner, we want to make sure everyone in our community has access to warm clothing. Our annual Coat Drive is one of the many ways we strive to give back and embody our 'people helping people' philosophy. Together with our incredible community partners, we're honored to make a positive difference for families and individuals who may need a little extra help as the cold weather approaches. A heartfelt thank you to everyone who donates and helps us make a lasting impact!" KCCU's vision statement includes, "providing opportunity and lifelong value to our members and our community." KCCU takes this statement seriously, and for the past twenty-one years, they have hosted a Coat Drive in partnership with community-based organizations as part of their commitment to their vision. ### Kellogg Community Credit Union, headquartered in Battle Creek, Michigan is a full-service financial institution serving people who live, work, worship, or attend school in the state of Michigan. With $928 million in assets, KCCU proudly serves over 54,000 members in Michigan, with branches in Battle Creek, Marshall, Kalamazoo, Portage, Richland, Grand Rapids, and Three Rivers. A community leader since 1941, KCCU consistently outperforms other financial institutions with outstanding service satisfaction ratings and a long history of growth. For more information, please visit www.kccu4u.org. Connect with KCCU on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn. Juggling debt payments while balancing everyday expenses can be exhausting. With multiple loans and credit cards boasting different interest rates, payment amounts, and due dates, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by mounting financial obligations. The pressure can take a toll on your well-being, leaving you stressed – mentally and financially. But there’s a solution to simplify the repayment process while keeping more money in your wallet: debt consolidation. Debt consolidation combines multiple debts into one loan, often with a lower interest rate and a fixed repayment schedule. Consolidating debt makes handling monthly finances easier. Instead of trying to track numerous due dates and minimum payments, you focus on a single debt obligation. This helps you keep bills organized and reduces the chance of missed payments and the resulting late fees. Debt consolidation can help you secure a lower interest rate on outstanding balances. By replacing multiple high-interest debts with a single loan at a lower rate, you can save a substantial amount of money over time. With debt consolidation, you’ll have a stable repayment schedule. Knowing exactly when and what you need to pay can offer significant peace of mind. Plus, a fixed repayment term provides certainty, allowing you to budget more accurately and track financial milestones. If you consolidate your debts into a loan with a lower interest rate, more of each payment goes toward eliminating the principal balance. This accelerated repayment can help you become debt-free more quickly, saving you money on interest and providing a sense of accomplishment. Whether you want to save for a trip abroad or build a 6-month emergency fund, debt consolidation can provide the financial breathing room needed to hit your financial targets. The potential interest savings from a lower-rate loan means you can allocate more money toward savings each month, helping you achieve your financial dreams. Constant financial worry can negatively impact your quality of life. Debt consolidation reduces this mental strain by providing a single, manageable payment. Gaining control of your finances can positively impact your relationships, work performance, and overall happiness. Debt consolidation can positively impact your credit score by reducing your credit utilization rate - the amount of credit used compared to the total available credit. A higher credit score can open the doors to lower insurance premiums, certain employment opportunities, and expanded housing options. Jenny finds herself in a challenging financial situation with three credit cards carrying the following balances and interest rates: After researching her options, Jenny applies for a debt consolidation loan of $10,000 with an 11% APR and a 24-month repayment term. Upon approval, she uses this loan to pay off all three credit card balances, leaving her with a single monthly payment to manage. Before consolidation: After consolidation: Over two years, she will pay about $2,200 in interest This consolidation could save Jenny money on interest charges and simplify her debt repayment process, making it easier for her to manage her finances and pay off her debt more efficiently. NOTE: While debt consolidation offers numerous benefits, there is a risk of accruing new debt if the underlying reason for overspending is not addressed. Debt consolidation is a powerful money management strategy that can help you take control of your future. Ready to take the next step? KCCU is here to support you every step of the way. Visit us online, call us at 800.854.5421, or stop by a branch location to learn how debt consolidation can work for you. *This is a hypothetical situation provided for illustrative purposes only. Your results may differ. As technology continues to evolve at an astonishing pace, the need to prioritize cybersecurity has never been more critical. At the heart of this digital transformation is the protection of our most valuable asset - our privacy. Our Chief Technology Officer (CTO), Jason, takes a moment to talk about the importance of cybersecurity and shares how we can all play a role in safeguarding our personal information. In today's interconnected world, your digital presence is constantly at risk, and it's crucial to understand the steps we can take to protect ourselves. Whether you're an individual or part of a larger organization, the responsibility to secure your data starts with you. Let's explore why cybersecurity matters and how we can work together to create a safer online environment for everyone. Imagine this: an employee clicks a link in a seemingly urgent email from their CEO or you receive a personal email saying you have a past due bill that needs urgent attention and to click on the link. Within minutes, ransomware spreads through the organization's systems or your personal system, locking down critical data and costing thousands or millions in recovery and reputational damage. This isn't fiction—it's happening every day. Cybersecurity isn't just an IT function anymore; it's a shared responsibility. As threats become more sophisticated, the best defense is a proactive, informed workforce equipped with the right tools and practices. Let's explore what it takes to stay one step ahead. Over 80% of breaches result from human error, such as clicking on phishing links or using weak passwords. Cybercriminals rely on exploiting individual vulnerabilities to infiltrate organizations and individuals. The reality: Your security habits, both at work and at home, are part of the collective defense. Everyone's actions contribute to overall resilience. Passwords remain the frontline of defense—but poorly managed credentials are a hacker's dream. Advanced solutions like 1Password provide a simple yet powerful way to safeguard your accounts. Here's why: By using tools like 1Password, you minimize the risk of password-related breaches while simplifying your digital life. Phishing accounts for 36% of all breaches, making it one of the most persistent cyber threats. These scams often look convincing, but here's how to spot the telltale signs: Leverage tools like KnowBe4, a security awareness training platform used by organizations to strengthen their phishing defenses. Employees trained with KnowBe4 have been shown to reduce phishing click rates by over 50%. Cybersecurity isn't just about reacting to threats; it's about building proactive habits that minimize risk. Here's what you can do: As technology evolves, so do cyber threats. Emerging trends like AI-driven phishing attacks, deepfake scams, and passwordless authentication are reshaping the cybersecurity landscape. Individuals and organizations that adapt by implementing robust defense, like behavioral biometrics or AI-powered threat detection, will thrive. Cybersecurity isn't about fear—it's about empowerment. By adopting the right tools, staying educated, and for workplaces—fostering a culture of vigilance, you become a vital part of the solution. Explore resources like the NIST Cybersecurity Framework (NIST Cybersecurity) or the FTC Cybersecurity Tips (FTC Cybersecurity) to deepen your understanding. The future of cybersecurity is a shared responsibility. By staying vigilant, using tools like 1Password, and fostering a culture of awareness, we can collectively reduce the risk of breaches and build a safe digital environment for all. KCCU is thrilled to announced that it has been recognized as one of America’s Best Regional Banks and Credit Unions 2025 by Newsweek and Plant-A Insights Group for the second year in a row. Newsweek and Plant-A Insights Group recognized top regional banks and credit unions in the United States, by conducting a large-scale study based on the analysis of over 9,000 institutions, more than 70,000 customer surveys and millions of social media reviews. This award recognizes KCCU’s community impact and commitment to the company’s vision of “providing financial opportunity, choice, and lifelong value to our members and our community.” Multiple factors were analyzed when compiling the list of the region’s best banks and credit unions, including simplicity of account management, minimization of account holder risk, enhanced transaction experience, and staff interaction. "It is truly affirming to our dedicated team and loyal members to be recognized as a top credit union for the second year in a row,” stated Tracy Miller, KCCU’s CEO. “We strive to provide our members with the best value and services possible to support them in their financial journeys. We wouldn’t have been granted this honor if it wasn’t for our members!" Global Editor in Chief for Newsweek, Nancy Cooper said, “Regional banks and credit unions are the financial backbone of communities nationwide as they support small businesses, fund local projects, and ensure easy access to essential banking services.” Cooper added, “Newsweek and market-data research firm Plant-A Insights are proud to introduce ‘America’s Best Regional Banks and Credit Unions 2025’, highlighting companies utilizing a community- and customer-centric approach to make a big financial impact in their neighborhoods.” Readers of the Battle Creek Shopper and community members voted KCCU as the Best of the Best for: "We are truly humbled and honored to be recognized by our members and the community in three amazing categories; Best Credit Union, Best Bank, and Best Mortgage Lender" said Tracy Miller, CEO of KCCU. "At KCCU, we don't just work here, we live in the communities we serve. We're your neighbors, your friends, and your biggest financial cheerleaders," she continued. "We see this recognition as a testament to the dedication of our incredible team and the trust and support of our members. It's our pleasure to provide the best financial solutions to help enrich the communities we serve." The Morning Star and The Recorder newspapers cover Eastern Calhoun and Jackson County. Readers from these areas voted KCCU as the "Best Bank/Credit Union." "It has been an absolute honor to receive such meaningful and positive feedback from our members and the community" said Tracy Miller, CEO of KCCU. "Our members are at the heart of everything we do, and this recognition means the world to us as it comes directly from the communities we are proud to serve. This award is a reflection of the strong relationships we've built together, and we are so grateful for the trust and support you have placed in us." Photo caption: Pictured from L-R: SWMI First Chamber Director, Clarence Lloyd; KCCU CEO, Tracy Miller; KCCU CCO, Amber Mallernee; KCCU VP of HR, Jessica Bissenden; SWMI First Chamber Membership & Events Coordinator, Kevin Crittenden; Chamber Ambassador, Rex Simpson, Owner of Hobby-Sports Kellogg Community Credit Union is thrilled and honored to announce that we have received the Best Workplace award for 2022 by the Southwest Michigan First Chamber! The 2022 Chamber’s Choice awards exist to partner with our community to recognize and celebrate the businesses and leaders that are making a huge impact in Kalamazoo County. There are currently (8) Chamber’s Choice awards and (10) Best of Kalamazoo County awards. One of the Best of Kalamazoo County award categories is Best Workplace which recognizes an organization that is a leader in workplace employee happiness, engagement, culture, retention, and attraction. Based on this description and after the votes were tabulated, Kellogg Community Credit Union received the highest total number of votes in this category! “The Southwest Michigan First Chamber is honored to celebrate the team at Kellogg Community Credit Union as the winner for the Best of Kalamazoo County – Best Workplace award for 2022,” stated Clarence Lloyd, Director, Southwest Michigan First Chamber. “There has never been a more critical time for companies to focus on building world-class employee culture and serving their business mission by first serving their teams. Congratulations to the team at KCCU for being awarded this community recognition.” “We feel truly honored to receive Southwest Michigan First’s 2022 Best of Kalamazoo County Award for Best Workplace!” said Amber Mallernee, KCCU’s CCO. “KCCU was nominated and selected by public vote, based on our workplace culture and engagement. We are incredibly grateful for our team, our members, and the community!” Kellogg Community Credit Union was featured in a recent creditunions.com article. The article showcases KCCU's balance between loan growth and member impact, and how KCCU strives to provide greater value in the products and services offered to members. Want to learn more? Read the article here.
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Here are seven ways debt consolidation can help improve your finances and increase your savings:
1. Fewer Payments
2. Lower Interest Rates
3. Fixed Repayment Terms
4. Faster Debt Elimination
5. Increased Savings
6. Less Stress
7. Improved Credit Scores
Debt consolidation scenario*:
Credit Card
Balance
APR
Credit Card A
$5,000
22%
Credit Card B
$3,000
18%
Credit Card C
$2,000
20%
Jenny's total debt amounts to $10,000, and she's struggling with high interest rates on all three cards. To simplify her payments and potentially save money, Jenny decides to explore debt consolidation using a personal loan.
Cybersecurity is Everyone's Responsibility: A Vision for Safer Digital Practices
Why Everyone Matters in Cybersecurity
The Tools You Need to Secure Your Digital Life
The Ever-Present Threat: Phishing Attacks
Proactive Habits for a Secure Digital Environment
The Future of Cybersecurity
Take the First Step Today
Why This Matters
KCCU named as one of America's best credit unions
KCCU was named "Best of the Best" in three categories by the community (Feb 2025).
KCCU was named "Best of the Best" by The Morning Star and The Recorder newspaper readers (Aug 2025)
KCCU receives Best Workplace award
October 14, 2022
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