Taking Time to Expand Minds

It’s been a long summer for most parents, starting with school closing before the actual end of the school year. Keeping children occupied has been a struggle for many. They can’t see their friends in person, and they need to let out that social energy somehow. Teachers have held classes online, which is harder for some ages to pay attention to. In Arizona, outside fun is already limited thanks to the summer heat, but now kids can’t even go to public pools, malls, bowling, or any other air-conditioned gathering place. Being stuck at home has parents and children alike getting frustrated. But never fear – there are many ways you can keep your kids engaged and learning at home.

If you haven’t already, sit down with your children and make a schedule. Depending on how old they are, this might be easier or harder with their input, but it’s still good to involve them in the process. A daily or weekly schedule will help everyone in the house stay on track and have something to refer to so you can keep yourselves accountable. Make sure to include time for learning, chores, and relaxing.

There are plenty of inexpensive ways to stay entertained at home. You can find free online games from PBS Kids or Seussville. For older kids, there are options like learning how to cook or creating science experiments using things commonly found around the house. Zoos and other wildlife organizations are offering livestreams of a myriad of animals 24/7. Teens can learn a new language through apps like Duolingo, helping them prepare for their language class requirement in high school, or simply giving them more ways to communicate with the world.

While it’s too hot to start planting, you can plan a garden with the kids. Together, figure out what materials you need, from the proper dirt to the area you want to plant. Pick what you want to grow: will you start with seeds, potted plants, or kitchen scraps? Next, find out when’s the best time of year to plant in Arizona. Fall isn’t far away for an outdoor garden, and if you’re starting something like an indoor herb garden, you can likely begin right away. Caring for plants and watching them grow is a fun, simple responsibility for kids of all ages.

When everyone has had to stay at home with no break from each other, tensions can run high. Kids can get bored more often, feeling like there are less options in how to spend their time. Yet there are still plenty of activities that they can do on their own or you can all do together as a family. Whether it’s practicing a new skill, relaxing with movies or games, creating something new, or something you’ve never considered before, there’s no reason for idle days. Show your family just how much there is to explore in the world.

What’s the Scoop?

We have all had our lives upturned by the COVID-19 pandemic, but small businesses have been hit harder than most. The mom-and-pop stores that rely on local customers to sustain them, that participate in neighborhood events, that support the community supporting them, struggled to continue business-as-usual operations while following social distancing guidelines. Even if their products and services could be sold online, their customers were likely unable to make their usual purchases due to their own financial hardships. In response, the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) was created.

The PPP loans are intended to provide a direct incentive for small businesses to keep their workers on the payroll. The Small Business Association will forgive the PPP loans if businesses follow the requirements in keeping their employees on the payroll and in how they use the money. Understandably, people flocked toward financial institutions to claim their loan so they could keep their company and staff afloat.

Unfortunately, the PPP loans process disappointed many small businesses when the program started. Nindi Wadhwa was one of these business owners seeking assistance. With his wife Carissa, he founded Scooptacular amid the housing crash 10 years ago. Nindi recalled, “Our vision was to be a beacon of hope to the community during that time. What also motivated me was to create a family-friendly place where I could take my kiddos on daddy dates.” While living in Laveen, they found there wasn’t much for families to do, and this was a great way to contribute to the neighborhood. They’ve grown a lot since then, becoming a staple in the small town, and anyone who walks in will feel at home.

Because Scooptacular relies heavily on their community, they needed to apply for a PPP loan to sustain their business. However, Scooptacular struggled to obtain a loan before the funding ran out. Yet Nindi and Carissa refused to give up, and were bolstered by the outpouring of support they received from their loyal customers. Once the next round of applications began, they applied again through SunWest, and “were finally able to secure funding through the PPP Program. After speaking with [SBA Arizona Deputy District Director] Shivani last week we reached out to SunWest Credit Union. I was amazed at how quickly they pulled it off. We filled out the application at 11:30 am. The very next morning we were approved.”

Our SunWest team was ready and willing to offer aid as soon as they could, and Nindi was extremely grateful. “I just wanted to give my kudos to Jay and Joseph for their help,” he said of their service. “I was able to call SunWest and speak to a human right away. They were awesome to work with.” Jay, our Direct Lending Manager, and Joe, our Director of Risk Management – and their dedicated teams – have been on fire assisting small business owners in successfully applying for the PPP loans. Scooptacular was no different.

We at SunWest view assisting local entrepreneurs like Nindi and Carissa to be not just our job, but our duty. Nindi’s gratitude hammered home just how important this work is. “Without you all, I don’t think we would have been able to pull this off. Thank you all for your help through this process,” he told us. As a financial institution that is from and for Arizona, SunWest Credit Union is proud to contribute stability to the community that, in turn, carries us forward through hard times like these.

Anyone who tastes the efforts of this family-run business is sure to be thrilled it has received the support it needed. Scooptacular is worth a trip whenever you’re in the Valley: “We make all of our ice cream in-house and have won blue ribbons from the national ice cream association!!! Currently we have our flagship store in Laveen. We also wholesale to several Valley restaurants like Lou Malnati’s Pizza and have a few dessert places that carry our ice cream! Tropical Sno Glendale, Tropical Sno Mesa and Scooptopia!” They have many unique flavors that are sure to delight adults and kids alike. Plus, you can enjoy your ice cream and stay safe by ordering online!

Not only was Nindi relieved to finally receive his PPP loan, he was also excited about our youth accounts. “My kids are 5, 10 and 12. We plan on coming in once the branches are open to have them open accounts!!!” he let us know. We can’t wait to be able to see and give prizes to our Pounce Accounts members again – but in the meantime, we still have fun, free, at-home activities to participate in!

From little kids to small business owners, SunWest is here for you when the big banks aren’t. Strengthening our community so we can all get through tough times together is our top priority. Nindi, Carissa, and their kids deserve to feel cared for during this time, and local Arizonan businesses deserve to survive. We will always believe that our members are more than just a number.

Creating A Sense of Community

Spending more of your time at home than you’re used to can be both boring and stressful. Whether or not you’re living alone, you probably miss friends and family you don’t get to meet up with like you used to. It can also be taxing to not be able to spend time at big events, malls, or even grocery stores in the same way as before. Luckily, there are a myriad of ways to spend your time without spending a lot of money.

You have likely already discovered the wonders of Netflix, but did you know there’s a Chrome extension called Netflix Party that allows you to sync up with friends so you can all watch at the same time? Watch or rewatch your favorite movies and shows together no matter where you are. While this doesn’t work with other streaming services, there is still an abundance of stories to get enveloped in no matter the site you choose. It may be tempting to subscribe to all of them, but instead save money by trying out their free trials and see which one or two have the most you’d like to watch.

Libraries have been offering more online options now that they have had to close their physical locations. Check out this list of ways to download and read free books for a great way to keep your mind active and maybe try some new genres you haven’t before. Rediscover other hobbies you may have gotten too busy for, but now have some time to attempt again. Sing some karaoke, start a podcast, learn an instrument. Cleaning up your home can feel productive – maybe redecorate some areas for fun! All of these cost little to nothing, depending on how seriously you get into them.

There are also a variety of video chatting options these days, that are of course being used more than ever. Check up on your friends. Set a day and time for a weekly family get-together. Make new friends by livestreaming on your Facebook or Instagram. Find apps that allow you to play with friends while video chatting. Have a game night with everyone in your household. Why not take this time of physical distancing to get closer to people emotionally?

Just because you’re getting tired of being at home, doesn’t mean you have to spend a wild amount of money to find entertaining activities. If none of the above activities have caught your attention, look up lists like these that will show you a world of possibilities. There are free classes for anything from exercising to playing guitar, free computer or physical games, free theater and music, and so much more. At a time when finances are becoming an issue for too many, save your money and connect with others, all in one go.

Together, We Are Stronger

Hard times can happen to anyone, but this year it feels like they’re happening to everyone we know. Thanks to the far-reaching effects of the coronavirus, many businesses have had to lay off employees. Whether it’s temporary or permanent, help is needed now. If you’re out of work or struggling to make ends meet in any way, here are some resources to help you out.

The Arizona Department of Economic Security is a great place to start. They are the main resource to apply to so that you can get unemployment insurance, which is a temporary source of income for those who lost their jobs when it wasn’t their fault. Normally, you would need to be “actively seeking work”, but they have suspended that requirement during this emergency. They also have a variety of links, phone numbers, and advice you can go through for more help.

Another major site to go to right away is Arizona Together. Along with links to financial assistance and where you can apply for a job, they have assistance for mortgage and rental eviction. You can also find ways to take care of your food needs, utilities, childcare, mental health, and so much more. Take advantage of these resources for yourself and your family now, so that your lives can be a little more stable.

Arizona Together has links for businesses, volunteers, and donations. You can also go directly to the Arizona Department of Revenue for business, individual, and/or tax relief. They describe different kinds of assistance that could be useful to you. Governor Doug Ducey’s news release also talks about unemployment assistance in a brief, simple-to-understand way.

While some of these resources are only to help during this COVID-19 emergency, many are good to keep on hand for the future. Having quick access to places you can apply to for help is always nice – back-up plans are never a waste of time. But right now, this information could help you or someone you know to last through the current pandemic issues. No one should have to worry about if they’ll have a place to live or food to eat while trying to keep themselves healthy. If we make the time to take care of each other now, we can all get through this together.

Economic Impact Payments

Good news! The Internal Revenue Service has sent out the first wave of economic impact payments. The direct deposits are expected to hit accounts on April 15th for those who already filed taxes for 2019 and have their bank account information on file with the IRS. This is great news and welcome assistance for many, but you may still be left wondering, what do I need to do to access the payment? What’s the best use of this money?

First, it’s important to remember that most taxpayers will not need to take any extra steps to receive their payment. If you’re not sure how much you should be getting, here’s a simple breakdown. If you do still need to file, there are some great resources available, including free electronic filing if your adjusted gross income is $69,000 or less. As you likely have heard by now, the deadline to file your taxes this year has been moved from April 15 to July 15. Even though the deadline has been extended, the sooner you file, the sooner you are able to receive your economic impact payment.

Once you receive your payment, your first thought may be to spend it on things to keep you busy during quarantine. While it’s easy to get a little carried away with spending when it comes to a large sum of money, be sure to prioritize your highest needs: food and shelter.  If you need even more relief from your financial obligations, contact the utility company, your auto loan provider, cell phone provider, and other companies you owe money to and see what they can do to lower your bills or waive fees. Most organizations are working with customers during these difficult times so don’t be afraid to ask for assistance! For a more visual guide regarding ways to use your stimulus payment, check out this excellent chart provided by the National Credit Union Foundation.

Talking with your credit union or other lenders can also help you determine the programs available to you that would provide the most financial relief right now. Setting aside a little money in your savings is another way to help you manage and plan for future obligations. Lastly, if you know you owe the government money to pay your taxes, set aside some money to ensure you have enough to cover that payment. The less debt you have now, the easier it will be to manage your finances once things return to normal.

One thing to keep in mind is that your money is safe with SunWest so there is no need to hoard cash once you receive your stimulus payment. We also want to remind you to be on the lookout for scams as we are seeing a rise in COVID-19 related fraud.

We know you are being bombarded with an overwhelming amount of information as guidelines and resources are constantly changing or being updated. Here’s a summary of the basics you need to know about the economic impact payments, including how to designate a direct deposit account and the garnishment process. If we can help to clarify any of the above information, or if you have any questions, you can ask us in the comments or call your nearest branch.

Your Money is Safe with Us

It’s easy to get swept up in panic during times of uncertainty. COVID-19 has left us with a lot of questions and anxiety. One thing is certain: your SunWest accounts are protected.

Our interests as a credit union revolve around what is best for our members. While it can be beneficial to keep small amounts of cash on hand for emergencies, experts strongly recommend against withdrawing large sums. It exposes you to major risk.

Hoarding cash only makes you a bigger target for those seeking to take advantage of the vulnerable during these stressful times. It’s much easier for a thief to grab your wallet or break into your home than it is for them to break into your account. As of March 19, Safewise.com reported 22% of Arizonans have experienced property crime, and 72% have no home security system. Once lost, cash cannot be recovered, whereas your credit union account is automatically insured through the NCUA of up to $250,000. With this insurance, you have one less thing to worry about.

Remember, “This is not a natural disaster like a hurricane or an earthquake where the electricity is out,” states Chief Financial Analyst of Bankrate.com, Greg McBride. You can still pay your bills – and even do your shopping – online. In fact, the more you do online the better, as it brings you into less contact with possible contamination. Digital payment technology is more widespread than ever, making it easier to quickly pay anything, whether it’s your mortgage or that friend you owe lunch to. Now is the time to keep your cash in the bank so you can put that tech to good use.

SunWest Credit Union is here for your financial needs and support. Our ATM and branch cash supply are continually replenished, and this will not change. We are honored to be your chosen financial institution. We’ve kept your accounts safe for over 83 years, and we will continue to protect your interests at every turn.

Refi For A Reason – COVID-19 Relief

Our Refinance for a Reason program has become a staple in our community and something our staff looks forward to every year. We enjoy supporting local organizations that better our community and know how much of an impact we can make in just a few short months. Our comprehensive refinance program has enabled us to give back to incredible organizations such as Phoenix Children’s Hospital, Special Olympics of Arizona, the Arizona Animal Welfare League, and others. This year, our donations are more important than ever.

The two organizations we have chosen to assist are The AZ Coronavirus Relief Fund and Valley of the Sun United Way. Each effort provides relief to the individuals most affected by COVID-19 as outlined below:

• The AZ Coronavirus Relief Fund supports organizations working to diminish the impact of COVID-19 here in Arizona. They fund personal protective equipment for medical employees, food banks, technology for low-income students, and more.
• The United for the Valley COVID-19 Fund was started to adapt to the emerging and fast-changing needs of health and human services organizations, schools, and the individuals and families they serve. Their support goes to child care, rent assistance, lost wages from business closures, and other pressing needs.

SunWest will make a contribution of $50 for every auto loan refinanced through the credit union. Once the program ends, we will donate half of the funds to the AZ Coronavirus Relief Fund, and half to Valley of the Sun United Way. We will also continue to do our part during these difficult times to protect both our members and our employees. From participating in social distancing to accounting for each person’s unique financial situation, SunWest wants you to know that we stand ready to help our community get through these challenging times with a little financial support and a whole lot of love.

Unfortunately, this pandemic has affected families and loved ones around the world, with many Arizonans facing adversity for the foreseeable future. As a local credit union, we know how critical it is to represent our communities as local people, which is why we are making it our mission to help those who need us the most right now. SunWest may just be another valley credit union, but our staff truly cares about our members, their neighbors, and the communities in which we serve.

Take this time to refinance your auto loan, save money, and give back to your community without leaving the comfort and safety of your own home. In addition to the donations being made, we are offering up to 90 days of no payments, great low rates, and the ability to save up to 2.00% off your current rate.

For more details, and to apply online, go to our website.

All I Want For Christmas Is…

The holiday season is in full swing – preparations for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and even New Year’s are already underway for many. Many stores have started playing Christmas music, decorations are being sold, coffee cups have holiday wishes on them. We at SunWest associate this time of year with a tradition close to our hearts: our toy drive.

Partnering with the Peoria Firefighters Charities, we collect toys at participating branches. After about a month, we give the firefighters everything that has been donated, and their volunteers sort through the toys that will be delivered to families in need on Christmas Eve. Being able to help the community by assisting the Peoria Firefighters in their mission is a source of pride and passion for us.

This is where you come in! From November 12 to December 12, four of our branches will be collecting unopened toys for ages 0-13. Bring in your donation to our Cactus, Arrowhead, Goodyear, Mesa, or Pantano branches to put in our toy drive box. For more information, check out our Events page here.

We’re sure to put smiles not only on the faces of the kids getting toys, but the parents knowing their children won’t feel left out of this tradition, and the firefighters who get to deliver these gifts of joy to the families. If you have any questions, stop by any of the four branches above, or message us on social media. Together, let’s spread some holiday cheer!

Being the Change We Want to See in AZ

Giving back to our community isn’t just some ploy to attract your attention—it’s ingrained in who we are. Here at SunWest, we have made it part of our mission to help those who need it most. And what better way to do that than through volunteering with organizations that directly affect our Arizonan community?

We want to go beyond helping just our members and work toward the betterment of the community our members live and work in. Volunteering allows us to uplift the community in different ways – at the Phoenix Children’s Hospital, we prepared goody bags for families staying with their child that might otherwise not get a chance to have fun snacks. We’ve walked and washed dogs at the Maricopa County Animal Shelter that have been cooped up waiting for love. We’ve gone around Lake Pleasant in kayaks, scooping up trash so the lake can be enjoyed by people and animals alike.

While we have enjoyed helping out how we can, the gratitude of the places we’ve volunteered at motivates us to do more and go even farther. At Andre House, both the people organizing everything and the people coming for the food service were so grateful, we knew we had to come back more often. At the Phoenix Children’s Hospital, helping out with the children’s crafts and seeing their excitement at being able to participate in a simple, fun activity warmed our hearts.

The smiles of those we’ve directly affected are worth so much more than all the time and money we put into these projects. Plus, being able to volunteer together brings SunWest employees closer to each other and to the community – at the Phoenix Zoo, we helped clear so many weeds as a team that we were able to get a choked-up stream to flow freely again, and completely changed the look of the whole area.

At the House of Refuge, a whole branch and their family members helped put on a barbecue and movie night for single moms on their kids. Everyone had a ton of fun, but one of our favorite stories was that “after the movie was over one of the moms came over to thank my sister and I, it was her son’s 2^nd Birthday and she really wanted to do something special for him but that she only had $15.00 to her name, so she decided to buy a cake for him, and then she said to have over 50 people singing happy birthday to him, the dinner, the movie, the glow sticks and the treat bags, she said he thinks that this “party” was for him. She said I know he’s too young to remember, but I needed you to know that I will be forever grateful, this will be one the most spectacular memories for me.”

These are the events that will affect not just our community – but us at SunWest. Our employees will keep these memories in their hearts forever. We have already volunteered more than 430 hours so far in 2019 – and can’t wait to expand our volunteer program in 2020. We’re ready to make more connections and improvements and continue to care for our neighbor – because we know that the more we can do for those in need, the better our community will be as a whole.