Each January I start off the new year by setting goals for the next 12 months. I set goals in several categories…areas where I want to improve and progress.

In 2013, I’ve set goals related to my family, career, health, finances and spirituality. I’ve found that we don’t live our lives in silos…what happens in one aspect of your life can have an impact in other areas. You’ve likely found the same thing to be true.

Chances are your goals include reducing or restructuring your debt load in 2013. As you decrease debt, you’ll find the benefits far exceed the bottom line on your personal balance sheet.

With recent changes made by our elected officials in Washington D.C., many of our members will experience a payroll tax increase in 2013. Furthermore, healthcare costs will likely rise in the near future. Implementing a debt reduction plan now will help minimize the financial impact of less take-home pay in the future.

How can Goldenwest help you reduce debt?

Mortgage rates remain at record lows. If you haven’t refinanced your home in the last few years, I encourage you to contact our mortgage team to research your options.

Take a closer look at our Home Equity Lines of Credit to consolidate high-rate loans into a single, low-rate payment. With a home equity line, you will receive the added benefit of deducting interest payments for tax purposes.

Goldenwest stands ready to help you achieve goals in other aspects of your life as well.

We can help you get into a new home for a growing family. We can provide financing to send a child abroad for college or missionary service. Our commercial services department can provide help to start or expand a business. And, our MEMBERS FINANCIAL representatives are available to offer investment advice and strategy for retirement.

I’ve come to learn that the more challenging the quest, the greater the reward. Set goals that are within reach, but require significant effort. As you put together your strategy for success, include trusted partners such as Goldenwest to help you along the way. We’ll take care of you!

Tell me about your 2013 goals on this blog post, or send me a direct email at president@gwcu.org. For the latest news about our credit union, I invite you to follow me on Twitter @GoldenwestCUCEO.

Kerry H. Wahlen
President/CEO