Mind Over Money
Understanding Your Spending Habits
The holiday season often leaves us with more than just warm memories—it can also leave us with lingering expenses. But have you ever wondered why we spend the way we do? The answer lies in psychology.
Why We Splurge
Shopping triggers a dopamine release in the brain, creating a sense of reward and pleasure. This “dopamine effect” can lead to impulse purchases, especially during high-emotion periods like holidays or sales events.
How to Make Smarter Choices
- Pause Before You Purchase: Try the 24-hour rule—wait a day before making non-essential purchases.
- Set Friction Points: Remove saved credit card info from online accounts to make buying less automatic.
- Track Your Spending: Use budgeting tools or apps to visualize where your money goes.
Interra Credit Union Can Help
Ready to stay on track this year? Head to interracu.com/tools for budgeting tools, tips, and resources designed to help you make confident financial decisions. By understanding the psychology behind spending, you’ll be empowered to make choices that truly align with your goals. Start today, your future self will thank you!
Financial Wellness
Your financial wellness checklist
- Start small and make it automatic
- Tackle debt head-on
- Strengthen your credit
- We’re here to help
Limited Pennies
As a result of the U.S. Treasury ending production of the penny, availability of pennies has changed. We have limited availability for penny withdrawals. However, we can still accept deposits with pennies at this time.
Looking Ahead
Financial Trends That Matter
The financial landscape is evolving rapidly. Here are three trends to watch in 2026 and how you can prepare:
- Digital Wallets on the Rise Mobile payments and digital wallets are becoming the norm. Make sure your Interra accounts are linked securely and explore our mobile banking options for convenience and safety.
- AI-Driven Budgeting Tools Artificial intelligence is making personal finance smarter. Expect tools that analyze your spending patterns and suggest ways to save. At Interra, we are always exploring new ways to bring our members the best solutions.
- Cybersecurity Matters More Than Ever As technology advances, so do cyber threats. Enable multi-factor authentication and stay informed about security best practices. At Interra, we’re committed to keeping your data safe.
Stay Ahead with Us
Interra is here to help you navigate these changes with confidence. Visit interracu.com/tools to explore helpful resources and get the latest updates on new tools and services designed to support your financial wellness.
To: Holders of Traditional IRA Accounts: Withholding Notice (Form 2317)
Payments from your IRA are subject to federal income tax withholding, unless you elect no withholding. You may change your withholding election at any time prior to receipt of a payment. To change your withholding election, complete the appropriate form provided by your credit union.
Withholding from IRA payments, when combined with other withholding, MAY relieve you from payment of estimated income taxes. However, your withholding election does not affect the amount of income tax you pay. You may incur penalties under the estimated tax rules if your withholding and estimated tax payments are insufficient. We recommend you seek the advice from a qualified tax advisor.
Financial Mythbusters
Let's Set the Record Straight
Myth: Making more money means I’ll automatically save more.
Truth: Not always! When income goes up, spending often does too—thanks to lifestyle creep. Saving isn’t about how much you make; it’s about planning and sticking to your goals.
Quick Tip: At Interra, you can automate your savings. Even a small amount each paycheck adds up over time—and you won’t even have to think about it.
Interra Call for Nominations & Annual Meeting
This Call for Nominations is a request for enthusiastic members interested in helping to build the credit union by overseeing the governance of our financial cooperative. Individuals will make a commitment to serve in a way that best represents the shared interest of all Interra members. Officials are elected by fellow members; however, experience in financial services or as a board member is not required.
To be eligible, the individual must:
- be an Interra member in good standing, meeting
qualification criteria; - submit the Board of Directors and Supervisory
Committee Application/Agreement; and - meet the requirements of the Board of Directors
or Supervisory Committee job description. - If you are interested in running for a position, please call Interra at 574.534.2506 ext. 7304, to obtain an application and related information. The deadline for delivery of all required information is at the end of the business day on Thursday, January 15, 2026.
In accordance with the Board of Directors Governance Manual and the Bylaws of Interra Credit Union, the Nominating Committee will review
applications and establish a slate for the 2026 ballot, holding the right to approve any and all names that will be placed on the ballot. The two-week voting
period will be conducted online from March 2-16, 2026. Members will be able to vote until the annual meeting begins.
The 94th Annual Meeting of Interra Credit Union is scheduled for Monday, March 16, 2026, at 5:30pm, at the Main office in Goshen. Members are invited to attend in-person. The program will consist of a short business session, focused on a review of the 2025 financial report, operations and election results.
Additional information about the election and the Annual Meeting will be provided in the future through in-branch materials, online and via email.
Holidays & Important Dates
January
1 – New Year’s Day – Closed
19 – Martin Luther King Jr. Day – Closed
February
16 – President’s Day – Closed
While Interra offices will be closed, our staff will be participating in our annual Vision Day for in-service learning and rejuvenation.
March
2-16 – Interra Board Elections (will end at the start of the annual meeting)
16 - Interra Annual Meeting @ 5:30 pm
Connect with us using Interra’s technology banking including our mobile app1, online banking and ATMs.
1Data carrier rates may apply.
Hometown Giving - 32 Years of Making a Difference
Thank you to everyone who supported and contributed to our Hometown Giving project in 2025! Because of your generosity, we were able to assist families and nonprofit agencies throughout our local communities.
This annual tradition—now in its 32nd year— continues to show the incredible impact we can make when we come together. From providing essential resources to supporting vital programs, your contributions truly brighten lives.
A heartfelt thank you to everyone who donated, volunteered, or helped spread the word. Your involvement makes a lasting difference!
At the time of publication, total funds raised were still being finalized. Watch Interra’s website and social media for the final amount.
For Hours & Locations:
- interracu.com/hours-locations
- 574.534.2506 or 888.432.2848
Get connected today!
NMLS: 623379
