Market Volatility and Your Savings: Smart Moves for Credit Union Members
Recent market swings have many Wausau residents wondering how to protect their hard-earned savings. With treasury yields fluctuating and economic uncertainty making headlines, now is the perfect time to revisit your financial strategy. At Public Service Credit Union, we're here to help you navigate these choppy financial waters with practical, local solutions.
Understanding Current Market Conditions
The financial markets have been on a rollercoaster ride lately. Recent announcements about new tariffs have triggered significant market reactions, with treasury yields experiencing notable volatility. This uncertainty affects everything from mortgage rates to retirement accounts.
For Central Wisconsin families, these national economic trends can have real impacts on daily financial decisions. But remember – market volatility is normal, and having a solid strategy can help you weather these temporary storms.
Emergency Funds: Your Financial Safety Net
When markets become unpredictable, having a robust emergency fund becomes even more crucial. Financial experts are currently recommending having 3-6 months of essential expenses readily available.
For utility workers and families here in Wausau, this might mean:
Keeping sufficient cash on hand for immediate needs
Maintaining a liquid savings account for unexpected expenses
Ensuring your emergency fund is easily accessible without penalties
Our Powerhouse Money Market accounts provide the perfect balance of accessibility and growth for your emergency funds, currently offering rates well above the national average.
Diversification: Don't Put All Your Eggs in One Basket
Market volatility reminds us of the importance of diversification. This means spreading your savings across different types of accounts and investments based on your goals and timeline.
Consider this practical approach:
Short-term needs (0-2 years): High-yield savings accounts, money market accounts
Medium-term goals (2-5 years): Share certificates (CDs) with varying maturity dates
Long-term growth (5+ years): Retirement accounts with appropriate investment allocations
At PSCU, we can help you create a diversification strategy that matches your specific situation as a member of our local community.
The Power of Share Certificates During Volatility
When markets are unpredictable, the guaranteed returns of share certificates (similar to CDs) can provide peace of mind. Current rates on our share certificates are competitive, offering a fixed return regardless of market fluctuations.
For many of our members working at WEC Energy Group and Wisconsin Public Service, laddering share certificates has proven to be an effective strategy. This involves purchasing certificates with staggered maturity dates, giving you:
Regular access to portions of your savings
Opportunity to reinvest at potentially higher rates
Protection against locking all your funds at a single rate
“At PSCU, we can help you create a diversification strategy that matches your specific situation as a member of our local community.”
Local Support for Local Challenges
Unlike big national banks, we understand the specific economic challenges facing Central Wisconsin. Our members – many of whom work in utilities – have unique financial needs, especially during uncertain economic times.
Our team is ready to provide personalized guidance:
For loan questions or refinancing options during rate changes, contact Bonnie at bgrayson@publicservicecu.org
For personalized savings strategies, Kyle can help at kturner@publicservicecu.org
For general account questions, reach Tanya at tanderson@publicservicecu.org
Take Action Today
Market volatility doesn't have to derail your financial goals. Take these simple steps to strengthen your financial position:
Review your emergency savings and ensure it meets current recommendations
Schedule a free financial check-up with a certified credit union financial counselor
Consider whether share certificates might help stabilize a portion of your savings
Evaluate your overall financial diversification strategy
At Public Service Credit Union, we're committed to helping our Wausau neighbors make smart financial moves, regardless of market conditions. Remember, steady, thoughtful planning typically outperforms reactive decisions based on market headlines.
Have questions about your savings strategy? Contact our member services team at info@publicservicecu.org or call (715) 842-9865. We're here to help you thrive financially, no matter what the markets are doing.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog post is for educational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Market conditions change, and strategies should be tailored to individual circumstances. PSCU is federally insured by the NCUA.