A High Yield Savings account can help your money grow faster—especially if you know how to use it well. Here are five simple ways to make the most of every dollar and every percentage point!

Max that cash: How to the get the most from your High Yield Savings

High Yield Savings Tips: You’ve made a smart move—now let’s make it even smarter.

 is a great way to grow your money faster with minimal risk. But just opening the account isn’t enough. To really maximize those returns, a few smart habits can go a long way.

Here’s how to make your HYSA work harder—for today, tomorrow, and your big dreams down the road.

Set it and forget it! Automating a regular deposit into your High Yield Savings—whether it’s $10 or $100 a week—helps build your balance consistently without having to 

. Even small, steady contributions can add up fast thanks to compound interest.

To see how easy it can be, try taking our 

. By starting out small and building from there, it’s designed to automatically save you $1,378 over the course of the challenge without breaking a sweat!

spare change from every debit card purchase

 directly into your High Yield Savings. It may not seem like much, but every penny you rescue from the couch cushions—and stash safely in your High Yield Savings account—adds up.

Beyond just a savings account, think of High Yield Savings as a springboard to even more.

 is special. It gives you a consistent 10% APY on your first $1,000. Plus, it offers a higher rate beyond your first thousand AND two ways to earn through both interest and a membership dividend.

That means it’s good for building cash fast and setting you on track for a nest egg that can generate even more earnings with higher-wealth accounts, like a Money Market or a CD.

How’s that math work? Generally, our High Yield is best to get you to about $8,000. At that point, transfer it to a 

 for even better returns and more flexibility.

4. Watch for fees that cancel out your gains

Not all savings accounts are created equal. Some accounts with “high” rates sneak in 

we believe your savings should actually save you money

Rates are great—but your goals matter more. If you’re a member, talk to one of our free financial advisors to align your savings strategy with what you want most. Whether that’s financial freedom, a new home, or just more peace of mind, we’re here to help you map it out.

Not a member yet? Open a High Yield Savings to 

You’ve got dreams. We’ve got the tools—and the 

 to match. Ready to make your money work harder? Let’s grow!

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Max that cash: How to get the most from your High Yield Savings

Our Student Run Credit Union members saved $47,782 in 2024! All while learning how to save, plan, and manage their money for an impossibly bright future. And that’s only the beginning...

The Power of Student Run Credit Unions

Student Run Credit Union

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Saved by the Student Run Credit Union members in 2024!

Molding a money savvy tomorrow for Michigan

We believe that setting kids up with financial skills from a young age is one of the strongest ways to build economic prosperity in our communities. We’re working to help students in 50+ schools across the state learn by doing through our Student Run Credit Union program. From marketing to operations, the kids run it all. Giving them hands-on experience and financial knowledge that’ll help them thrive into the future.

Celebrating a 30-year partnership with Northville schools

In celebration of over 30 years of growing financial wellness in Northville Schools, we partnered with the district and the Northville Education Foundation to launch a $20 Student Savings Starter program. For any kindergartener and fifth grader in the district who opened a CFCU account we’d deposit the first $20 on us! The extra boost for kids helped drive an overall 30% jump in SRCU membership across the state in 2024.

Beyond the experience gained, the impacts of the student credit unions truly add up with $47,782.39 saved among all students for an average account balance of $359.27 per student in 2024. At well over $300 bucks, that’s more than the median checking account balance in the lowest percentile of US households in 2022!* And a great start for the kids powering Michigan’s future.

Want to put your kid on the right track OR create a Student Run Credit Union at your school? 

Earning while learning at school

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Ignite their Impossible Dreams

Retirement might feel far away—but for Gen X, it’s closer than you think

, president & ceo, Tansley Stearns, is sharing insights on how Gen X can take charge of their financial future and realize their wild dreams.

70% of Gen Xers say they can't afford to retire—They're right if they don't do these 8 things - MSN

Retiring in 2026? 6 financial traps to avoid at all costs - Yahoo Finance

Why retirement planning feels tough for Gen X

Between raising kids, helping aging parents, and building careers, it’s easy to push retirement to the back burner. But planning for your future isn’t selfish—it’s essential. As Tansley shared, the right steps now can give you the freedom and flexibility you’ve always dreamed about later.

Here are a few takeaways from Tansley’s tips that can help get you get started today:

Automating savings means you won’t miss what you don’t see. A 

 savings tool or an automatic savings challenge, like our 

 can take the sting out of building savings by making it feel easy and routine.

Freeing up high-interest payments gives you more to save. If you're a member, you can take advantage of 

 to help boost your financial fitness and tackle debt that may be holding you back.

While banks are profit driven, local credit unions are not-for-profit financial institutions. That means that they put the needs and goals of their members first, which can lead to lower fees, higher rates, and friendly services better crafted to help you hit your personal 

Retirement isn’t just bills and budgets—it’s about creating the freedom to live the life you want. That's why we've partnered with 

 to help you dream even bigger and guide your growth with retirement planning, investment services, 401k rollover services, and more.

 can feel intimidating, but you don’t have to figure it out alone. As your Michigan-based, for-impact community credit union, we’re here to walk with you—helping you build a future where your 

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Gen X & Retirement: Keeping Your Wild Dreams Alive

With over $71k raised, it’s safe to say that the Relentless Care Foundation’s second annual Pickleball for Good Fundraiser has been a huge success! Thanks to our sponsors, donors, and pickle-ballers, bringing the community together means bringing housing within reach for more Michiganders!

Community Financial | $71k Raised at the 2025 Pickleball for Good Fundraiser!

 hosted our second annual Pickleball for Good Fundraiser—and we were blown away by the energy our community brought to the event! We’re thrilled that so many of you showed up, had a great time, and helped us raise over $71k for attainable housing in our communities—almost $11k more than last year!

The money that we’ve raised together will go directly to funding what the RCF set out to do from the start: to bring housing within reach for more Michiganders.

Every penny raised is another step toward overcoming one of our state’s most pressing economic issues, and another Michigander who has the chance to break out of a hard financial cycle.

Step by step, you’re helping to build a better Michigan! More accessible housing leads to a stronger workforce, more mobile communities, and positive impact that spreads across the state!

While there’s still a lot of work to do, you’ve helped to prove that change is possible when a community shows just how much they care.

We’d like to thank all of our sponsors, donors, and attendees for making the Pickleball for Good Fundraiser a massive success! You should be proud of what you’ve done, and we hope you had a wonderful time!

If you have pictures from the event, tag @communityfinancial on social media!

If you missed it, we hope to see you at our next event. You can stay up to date with the 

 by following us on social media, and you can donate at any time 

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Making the mitten state stronger, one connection at a time.

Your Donation helps Michigan!

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$71k Raised at the 2025 Pickleball for Good Fundraiser!

Tansley Stearns, president & ceo of Community Financial Credit Union, shares how and why the Backbone coalition is uniting credit unions to share their stories and create a better future for us all.

, a national coalition aimed at elevating the credit union story. What follows is an article from our president & ceo, Tansley Stearns, that originally appeared on 

Backbone Story Intro

From shared values to shared outcomes: Make 2025 the year of the credit union

I picked up my nearly 15-year-old daughter, MacKenzie, from her last camp of the summer on Sunday. 

In total, she was away for almost a month, attending three different camps. As we drove the three hours to pick her up, I thought about the experiences she had this summer. She attended Avid4Adventure in Colorado, where she spent ten days hiking, camping, rock climbing, and enjoying the beauty of the outdoors while facing physical challenges. She spent a week at Spire Track Camp in Ohio, where she trained with Olympic Athletes and learned how to focus on sharpening her athletic and running endeavors. Finally, she spent ten days at Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp in Michigan, where she majored in theater and minored in writing, honing her creative artistry.

I marvel at the diversity of these experiences and the passion she brings to all of them. After each camp, when I asked her which one was her favorite, she would rave about the most recent one and then reflect on how much she had enjoyed the other camps as well. She’s an outdoors enthusiast, a budding track athlete, and an actress who enjoys writing. The passion she has for one does not dim the enthusiasm she has for the others. As she grows into a young woman, having these multifaceted and unique passions makes her life fuller.

This range in my daughter’s life reminded me of the power of credit union collaboration. When we launched 

, our CUSO and coalition aimed at elevating the story of our movement through earned media; it was imperative that organizations, as varied as our communities and passions, were engaged. As we shape our stories and create a vastly more consistent drumbeat through storytelling, we know that different people will see themselves reflected across the spectrum of credit unions, which truly represent the fabric of our country.

Across the Backbone coalition, stories include:

 branch location in Skagway to ensure the Alaskan community has more financial choices.

Vantage West Credit Union protecting airmen from predatory lenders and ensuring trusted alternatives.

WEOKIE Federal Credit Union and nine other Oklahoma credit unions coming together to elevate joy and community connection, showcasing the power of collaboration in action.

Westerra Credit Union, Tarrant County’s Credit Union, and SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union illuminating the challenges of money dysmorphia and its implications for people who experience a distorted view of their financial situation.

Through ice storms, hurricanes, and wildfires, Community Financial Credit Union, FourLeaf Federal Credit Union, Redwood Credit Union, and SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union standing shoulder-to-shoulder with communities during natural disasters, from crisis response to rebuilding to shaping the future.

Ent Credit Union funding Colorado’s first ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) report, leading to investments in childcare, youth programs, and affordable housing.

Credit unions playing a role in elevating financial health and overall wellbeing to minimize the impacts of financial stress and loneliness.

Parents standing as a financial partner to their growing teens with credit unions as a resource.

With 23 organizations sharing their unique stories, what shines brightly is the unified purpose and values credit unions bring to life for Americans from New York to California, from Arizona to Alaska, and from Maine to Michigan. Credit unions with millions of members, those with hundreds, and credit unions with broad opportunities to serve people across the country, as well as those with closely knit fields of membership, all remain grounded in a shared commitment to wellbeing, enabled by the financial cooperative model. Like MacKenzie’s divergent passions, across credit unions, our products may differ, our strategies may vary, and yet a thread of connection remains, and we must strengthen that thread. And as financial cooperatives, collaboration is a gift that can ensure we thrive for years to come. That happens when we see the common bonds that unite us.

As credit unions continue to evolve and share our story, people may have more questions about our differences. That creates an opportunity to unite, stand as a movement, and collaborate. To activate our unity, below are six steps we might take to strengthen our cooperation amongst cooperatives:

As quickly as the world moves today, it can be easy to forget how much collaboration and cooperation have fundamentally shaped the success of credit unions. Organizations like 

 began as credit unions collaborating to address common challenges. Over time, these two organizations represent our movement leading in payments and lending. These examples illuminate how solving problems together can accelerate progress, provide solutions for scaling, and enhance the service delivery credit unions bring to life. Consider recommitting to strengthening a legacy collaboration you are already part of and pilot a new one in the month ahead.

Creating robust collaboration is complicated. It requires identifying problems to solve, codifying the kinds of organizations that would be the best partners, and committing time and resources to co-create. If collaboration is not documented and expected within a credit union’s strategy, it is unlikely to be prioritized. Additionally, as collaboration is prioritized, it may still take time to identify the best opportunity, find the right partners, and then act. Integrating cooperation into strategy will position it well to be part of the organization’s future for the long term. It will also help people across the organization to identify possibilities.

As your team develops a set of standards around ideal collaboration partners, creating time and space to grow relationships and explore possibilities is key. Annually, our Community Financial Credit Union team hosts or visits at least two credit unions nationwide. This allows us to learn, uncover potential opportunities, and build trust. The first visit may not immediately result in a significant project. However, over time, teams and individuals continue to connect, elevate endeavors for the organizations to undertake together, and assess how those endeavors might grow and expand over time.

One way to enhance our organizational performance through collaboration is to identify our top five areas where we would like to see improvement and consider how working with other credit unions might fill these gaps or support improvement. While we often consider support service options as top choices for collaboration, which can be powerful, different areas can create improved outcomes. It could be becoming a stronger marketer and storyteller. It could be enhancing human potential strategies. It might be generating more thought power and elevating resources around artificial intelligence. Imagine if, each year, your organization enhanced one area in need of higher performance by fostering greater collaboration. This could multiply your impact and accelerate the credit union’s performance.

While all our organizations have areas where we can improve, we also possess unique strengths. These can also be a powerful source for collaboration. Consider the things that your credit union does regularly and well and invite another credit union to join you to multiply the impacts. This creates an opportunity to support and strengthen other credit unions and our industry more broadly. It may also provide additional resources to amplify that strength even further and make it more impactful.

Collaboration can reveal the full potential of what we can accomplish. With history as a guide and the constraints of a highly regulated environment, we may unintentionally limit our thinking about strategy, vision, and potential. Working with others can build resources, grow opportunities, and reduce constraints. Picture a future where credit unions are the leading AI strategists, the most relevant option for the next generation, and improve the overall wellbeing of Americans, starting with financial wellbeing. We can change the world, and doing so will happen faster, more powerfully, and with greater impact if we do it together. Our time is now.

Across our country, credit unions are the backbone that helps Americans stand tall and have the strength they need to weather the dark times and the partner that supports and elevates the joyful seasons. These credit unions are different. Some are small. Some are large. Some stay focused on serving a unified group in a region. Some serve millions across the country. Some strategize with scale as a priority. Some believe staying closely connected to their roots and history is their strength.

Like my daughter MacKenzie, who loves the wilderness, track, and theater, her kindness, generosity, and sense of humor shine just as brightly on a trail, during sprinting drills, or while running theater lines. As credit unions, each of us has differences in strategy or style. Those differences should never define us because our values and cooperative structure unite us. We all believe that this collaborative approach to finance is the best choice for people. If we unite, come closer, and align cooperatively, we can be the answer to financial pain and ensure Americans have the financial partner they deserve.

Let’s collaborate to ensure 2025 is the year of the credit union.

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You can change everything

Making 2025 the year of the credit union

What is The Family Financial Circle? It’s key to igniting your family’s wild dreams.

Families are built on more than shared DNA. They’re built on stories, lessons, and the values we pass down—often around the kitchen table. Money is a part of that story, whether we talk about it openly or not.

 means inviting every generation into the conversation—from kids learning about saving, to parents juggling big life goals, to grandparents enjoying retirement. It’s not just about building wealth; it’s about 

sharing the knowledge that keeps those wild dreams alive

How to build your Family Financial Circle:

It can be tough talk about money. Especially with your parents or kids. Getting over that deep rooted hangup will set your family on the track to success. Be open. Be transparent. Ask questions. Share not only the “how” but the “why” behind financial decisions.

If you don’t know the answer, it’s ok! As your credit union, we’re here to help. Not only can we answer questions, members can get 

, chart your own path with Fin-Life digital financial planning, and even get paid for making good financial decisions with our friends at Debbie. Learn more about all the ways we can help you build your personal financial smarts and wellness 

Any pro will tell you, experience is the best teacher. To start off, it could be as easy as inviting the kids to help with budgeting for a family vacation or choosing a charity to support for your 

. And when they’re ready, give them the responsibility of their own debit card to start learning the ins and outs of earning and spending. For your peace-of-mind, the 

 kids debit card gives you total parental control. (Even better, it’s free for members!*) At over 50 schools across the state of Michigan, they can even earn while learning at a 

Because getting them comfortable handling money now will set them up for life on their own. (Even if, as parents, we never want to imagine that!)

Money carries on long after we’re gone. Even small steps like designating a beneficiary can make a difference for our children and heirs.

It’s not just about who to leave your money to, planning helps prepare the family to handle inheritance, debts, funeral costs, and divisive financial decisions, so they don’t feel further emotional distress. It also helps you ensure that the money you worked hard to earn goes where you want it as much as possible.

Knowing the discussion is tough, we’re stepping up to help. Members can 

 through our partners at Trust & Will to help craft a legacy that sets your family up for the future. And we can help support you with financial adjustments after the death of a loved one through our exclusive partnership with 

While planning for the dark moments that affect us all can be a hard step, it goes a long way toward keeping the Family Financial Circle, and your legacy, rolling forward.

Never skip a chance to party! Whether it’s paying off debt, buying a first car, your oldest graduating to a teen account, or a parent retiring, mark the moment together. Because when it comes to your money, every little bit counts. And life is meant to be celebrated with the ones we love!

The family the saves together grows together!

financial choices to our values and dreams

, we give the next generation the tools and confidence to write their own chapter—and keep the circle turning!

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If you’re struggling with common barriers to home ownership, we’re here to help break them down with our comprehensive credit union path to home ownership program.

h-Ope!™

h-Ope!™ Affordable Housing

We proudly partner with school districts all over Michigan to bring awesome, real-world financial education to 1st through 12th graders in 50+ schools and counting!

Student Run Credit Unions

The first program of its kind in the country, we’re working with Cancer Care Advocate Andy Janning to create compassionate and personalized support for those battling cancer.

Cancer Care Agents

Cancer Care Agent

In collaboration with the Local Impact Alliance, our Community Financial Scholarship Fund awards scholarships to college bound CFCU members each year!

Scholarships

Because You Are Enuff™, we’re here for you through all of life’s moments.

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*CFCU customers are eligible for the Greenlight SELECT plan at no cost when they connect their CFCU account as the Greenlight funding source for the entirety of the promotion. Subject to minimum balance requirements and identity verification. Upgrades will result in additional fees. Upon termination of promotion, customers will be responsible for associated monthly fees. See terms for details. Offer ends 2/19/2028. Offer subject to change and partner participation.

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The Family Financial Circle: Passing Wisdom, Wealth, and Wild Dreams Forward

Read about how CFCU has once again earned a top-ten spot in Forbes list of best credit unions in Michigan.

Forbes names CFCU one of the best credit unions for the second year in a row.

How we made the Forbes Best-in-State list for a second year in a row
(Spoiler: It’s all you)

 isn’t about having the fanciest app or the biggest billboard. It’s about trust. It’s about showing up for real people, in real communities, and making a real difference.

This award recognition was based on a nationwide survey of thousands of credit union members—folks who rated us on what actually matters: trust, service, transparency, advice, and that all-important human touch.

It also pulled in thousands of online reviews, showing how people 

Turns out, when you lead with heart and hustle, people notice.

This isn’t just about being the “best” credit union in Michigan

It’s about being our best for Michiganders like you, by…

Growing impact across Michigan—together

We believe in making Michigan stronger, better, and even more amazing through Belonging, and this honor is just more proof we’re on the right path. Let’s keep going!

See what a bear, a factory, and the iconic Daisy air rifle have to do with igniting Impossible Dreams.

History

Our History

Membership has its perks—see what’s in it for you. From great rates to exclusive rewards, being a member means more. Check out all the ways we’ve got your back!

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See all the communities we serve across our great state of Michigan.

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Back-to-Back Best-in-State? Yep. Thanks to you.

Crain’s Detroit Business honors Community Financial Credit Union’s president & ceo Tansley Stearns as a fearless force redefining what leadership in finance looks like.

Women Leading, Communities Thriving: Crain’s Names Tansley Stearns a Force in Finance

 Crain’s Detroit Business has named Tansley Stearns, president and ceo of Community Financial Credit Union (Community Financial), to its prestigious list of 2025 Notable Leaders in Finance. This recognition honors influential professionals who drive innovation in the financial sector while strengthening their communities.

Since stepping into her role, Stearns has redefined what it means to lead with both heart and strategy, championing initiatives that expand Community Financial’s positive impact across Michigan. Her people-first approach is visible in everything from groundbreaking financial tools to community programs that meet real needs.

Under her leadership, Stearns launched the 

campaign to support abuse survivors and introduced 

, a cashflow tool that has helped members save over $1 million. She has also led major fundraising efforts, raising $2 million for Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals through In the Cellar, established a financial relief program for cancer patients, and replaced roofs for families across Detroit. These initiatives reflect her commitment to building stronger communities—efforts that also contributed to Community Financial being recognized as one of America’s Best Credit Unions by Forbes.

“When the Community Financial Credit Union Board hired Tansley in June 2022, we were impressed by her vision for the potential of cooperative finance,” said Board Chairperson Teri Kuehn, “In three years, she has demonstrated a unique ability to dream and bring bold ideas to execution. We see even more potential for the future under her leadership. We welcome this opportunity to celebrate with her and the team and keep building toward even more impact together.”

Stearns’ commitment to purpose-driven leadership extends beyond her organization. She brought Crisis Text Line services to Northville Public Schools, expanded financial literacy efforts, and founded HERd, an annual event designed to amplify women's voices, financial health, and empowerment in the workplace. In 2024, her work earned her induction into the Herstory Exhibit at America’s Credit Union Museum, celebrating the contributions of women in the industry.

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Max that cash: How to get the most from your High Yield Savings

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The Power of Student Run Credit Unions

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Gen X & Retirement: Keeping Your Wild Dreams Alive

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$71k Raised at the 2025 Pickleball for Good Fundraiser!

Thought Leadership

Making 2025 the year of the credit union

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The Family Financial Circle: Passing Wisdom, Wealth, and Wild Dreams Forward

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Back-to-Back Best-in-State? Yep. Thanks to you.

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Women Leading, Communities Thriving: Crain’s Names Tansley Stearns a Force in Finance

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The 2nd Annual Pickleball for Good: Can You Beat $60K?

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Choose the Bear: Success Stories

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Big news: We’re official sponsors of Detroit Roller Derby!

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5 Reasons Why Parents Love Student-Run Credit Unions at School